Apothecary Art Sneak Peek

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by
Hi Everyone and welcome to my Apothecary Art sneak peek from the new Occasions Mini that will be available to order from on January 4, 2012.  This stamp is only one of the many fabulous products that will be available.
 
The Apothecary Art image is from MDS which I printed on Whisper White cs and then used my markers to colour and cut out the image to incorporate into my card.  I didn’t even have to wait for my pre-order to get here.  How great is that…!
This card is for my niece’s birthday 2 days before Christmas so I try not to use any Christmasy images, however, with a few tweaks and some other types of embellishments, I could see this image being used for a Christmas card. – Talk about versatility.

Apothecary Art Sneak Peek
Stamps: Apothecary Art – New Occasions Mini MDS Download, Language of Friendship (c-122752, $14.95, w-122750, $19.95, p. 101, 2011-2012 IB&C)

Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive, Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Flirtatious DSP

Ink: Old Olive,

Accessories: Various Markers: Poppy Parade, Old Olive, Aqua Painter, Punches: Corner, Boho Blossoms, Bird Builder, Lace Ribbon, Itty Bitty Shape, Scallop Trim Border, So Saffron Ribbon, Pearls
If you want this catalogue and don’t currently have a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, contact me HERE


Stay tuned for more of my Sneak Peeks throughout the month of December
Until next time….



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PPA 122 Christmas

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone:  Well, here I am with the second post of the day.  I wanted to share this card with you as it is a Hybrid card made using The Welcome Christmas stamp brush from My Digital Studio and the standard papers, accessories, etc that you would use on a regular hand stamped card.
I created the image and then printed it out on Very Vanilla card stock using my own colour printer.  This is a great method if you do not own the physical stamp and you want to make a card.  
 
Just download the digital image from Stampin’ Up! and voila, you have a image that you can re-size and or change the colour of the image, plus add other embellishments is you wish.


My Digital Studio images are also compatible with other types of digital imaging programs. 


The Pals Paper Art challenge is to use a combination of Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke and Very Vanilla.





Stamps: Welcome Christmas (My Digital Studio), Pines and Poinsettias (c – 123764, $17.95 w – 123762, $24.95 p. 21, 2011-2012 Holiday Mini)

Paper: Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Deck the Halls DSP (retired)

Ink: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Big Shot, Vintage Wall Paper Embossing Folder, Versa-mark, Clear Embossing Powder, Always Artichoke Seam Binding Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler Quilted Ribbon, Crochet Trim, Pearls


The Always Artichoke CS was run through the Big Shot using the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, but before I did that, I covered the embossing folder with versa-mark ink so that I could heat emboss using  Clear Embossing Powder.  The edges of the Cherry Cobbler CS were distressed and then sponged with the Cherry Cobbler ink.


To finish off the card, I added a floret made with the Crochet trim and made the leaves from Always Artichoke Seam Binding ribbon and who can resist adding a Pearl…I can’t.
Off I go now to post my card so I don’t miss the deadline.
Until next time….


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Tangled Up in Creativity Challenge

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone:  Well, it’s time again for another Tangled Up in Creativity challenge.  This month our Hostess is Julie, a very talented and creative lady.  Her creations are amazing and if you have a moment, check out her blog.


Her challenge is to use up some of the bits and pieces that linger after working on projects.  I just finished up some Christmas cards, so had a lot of bits and pieces.  
I made matchboxes and decorated them with current and retired papers, punch art, rosettes, ribbon and whatever else was near by. 
 
My friends and I had our annual Christmas get together last night, and I thought that little boxes with a couple of Gheredelli chocolates inside would be a great after dinner treat – and they were.  Actually I brought home the Gheredelli chocolates from San Fransico and they fit perfectly in the matchboxes.

These are so easy to make, however, I am not sure that I decreased the size of my scrap pile very much.

Until next time……



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More About the Panama Cruise

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone.  It’s been a busy week since my last post.  The Christmas decorating is all done, the last batch of Christmas bread just came out of the oven (smells so good), the Christmas shopping is nearly done…only a couple of more things to buy and then the wrapping starts.  
 
I have been working on my Panama Cruise album and have now finished it and can send it away to be printed.  You just gotta love My Digital Studio from Stampin’ Up!.  It is so easy to use, and if you want a new stamp, or another embellishment or maybe its some different DSP, then all you have to do is go order, download and install.  This takes about 5 minutes compared to the time it takes to get the physical goods in your hand. 
 
While doing this project as well as a couple of others, I have learned so many new things that make my life easier when using this product.  Not only that, but you can upload your projects to Stampin’ Up! to have them professionally printed and delivered right to your door.  EASY PEASY!  
 
Contact me to learn how you can benefit from My Digital Studio.

I hope that you enjoy the pictures of Panama and our actual trip through the canal.  It was a great experience and I would recommend this cruise to anyone.  
My plan is to conduct some training in My Digital Studio in the New Year, so that you too can enjoy scrap booking using digital media.
At a later time, I will post more pictures, so be sure to check back to see those and hear more about my training sessions.
Until next time…..


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Christmas for the Paper Players

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by
Hi Everyone:  First, I would like to wish all my US stamping friends a Happy Thanksgiving and may you enjoy the holiday with your family and friends.  Even though it is not my Thanksgiving, I would like to say that I am very grateful for my cyber friends and the many comments that you leave on my Blog.
Even though this is a busy time of year with the baking, shopping, decorating, wrapping the gifts, I wanted to make a card for this week’s Paper Player’s challenge.  The challenge is to make a card using Night of Navy, Whisper White and Silver.  I love this colour combination because of it’s clean and crispness, so just couldn’t resist. 



Stamps: Bright Hopes (c – 122692 $21.95, w – 122690, $28.95 p. 32, 2011-2012 Holiday Mini)

Paper: Whisper White, Night of Navy, Silver Glimmer, Night of Navy DSP

Accessories: Versamark, Pearls, White Embossing Powder, Whisper White Organza Ribbon


For the silver, I used the Stampin’ Up! Silver Glimmer paper (just love it) and hopefully Stampin’ Up!will decide to bring out the Glimmer paper in more colours.  After all, there can’t be too much bling or then again maybe there is.


Just a reminder to check out Stampin’ Up!’s Holiday Extravaganza that is going on until November 30, 2011.
Go to my Online store Here
That’s it for today, so, until next time…

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Stampin’ Up! Extravaganza

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by
Hi Everyone:  It’s here, the Stampin’ Up! Extravaganza.  Hot Deals that will last until midnight November 21 and others that are available until November 30th.

Shop my ONLINE store or EMAIL me
Two new products, The Simply Scored tool and the Cookie Presses are discounted 20% until midnight November 21.
MDS Downloads available at up to 40% off
Fabrics discounted at 60%
Stamps (clear or wood) discounted at 40% and 50%


See a full list of the HOT DEALS


Happy Shopping and until next time…..




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Winter Wednesday Christmas Blog Hop

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by
Hi Everyone:  What better way to spend a cold blustery day than hunkering down in the stamp room and creating.  I just couldn’t force myself to even go for my walk today.  
I found a new site that does Blog Hops and anyone can join in.  Here are the few simple rules to join Shirley’s Christmas Blog Hop
Winter Wednesday Christmas Blog Hop… want to join the fun, here is all you have to do.
1. Add badge to post with link back to my blog.
2. Anything goes, it just has to be Christmas.
3. Has to be a new post.
4. Add the Hop to your Post
Shirley even provides the code so that everyone’s blog shows up on the blog list.  This is my first go round at this, so will see if I get it linked up ok.
So, here is my entry, and you can tell, I am thinking warm and toasty.  

What better way to stay warm than in front of a fire in a fireplace.  The flames were done using the wings from the Bird Builder punch and then sponged with Riding Hood Red.  The stockings were hung with Mini Silver Brads and whole thing was tied up in a Early Espresso bow.  The Well Worn DSP is great for making fireplaces and wood grain mantels.

Stamps: Stitched Stockings (c – 123784, $25.95 w – 123782, $33.95 p. 34, 2011-2012 Holiday Mini), Petite Pairs (c – 122497 $25.95, w – 122495, $35.95 p. 164, 2011-2012 IB&C),

Paper: Naturals Ivory, Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Well Worn DSP

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Island Indigo, While Wasabi

Accessories: Punches: Stocking Builder, Build A Bird, Word Window, Modern Label, Espresso 1/8” Taffeta Ribbon, Champagne Shimmer Mist Paint, Vanilla Velvet Ribbon, Versamark, Wild Wasabi Embossing Powder
If you have any questions on today’s post or require any products to make this card, please contact me HERE


So that’s it for today.  Maybe I will do some reading now.

Until next time…


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A Christmas Card for PP72

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by
Hi Everyone:  The weekend is fast approaching and where has the time gone.  I thought it went fast before I retired, now it goes even faster.  It’s also snowed yesterday, which in my opinion, is a tad early for Kamloops which lies in a valley.  Why can’t it just stay in the hills?

The card I am sharing today is inspired by the Paper Players challenge #72.  The challenge is a colour challenge to use Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke and River Rock.  

 
The Riding Hood Red and Always Artichoke are  members of the Stampin’ Up! Regal Collection and the River Rock is part of the Neutral Collection.  One of the things that I like  about Stampin’ Up! products (and there are many things that I like) is that their products are all coordinated.  From their cardstock and ink, to markers, ribbons, DSP, and many other embellishments.  It is so easy to reach for a colour family and know that there won’t be any colour deviation from one product to another.
 
Now on to my card.


Stamps: Pines and Poinsettias (c – 123764, $17.95 w – 123762, $24.95  p. 21, 2011-2012 Holiday Mini), Paper: River Rock, Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke, Neutrals  DSP

Ink: River Rock, Riding Hood Red

Accessories: Big Shot, Dies: 3” Circle, Perfect Pennant, Versamark, Clear Embossing Powder, Sponge, Always Artichoke Seam Binding Ribbon, Pearls, Punches: Dotted Scallop Ribbon, Ornament, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint


The ribbon running down the center of the card is twisted and held in place with 2 sided sticky tape.  I sprayed the card with a mixture of 70% rubbing alcohol and the Champagne Mist Shimmer paint. I find that the 70% works the best. The camera actually picked up the shimmer on the card.


Well, that is my post for today.  Until next time….


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Hello Doily for FM32

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by
Hello Everyone:  Now that the weekend is over, I have been able to do some serious stamping.  Over the weekend, I had my grandchildren sleep over and while they are getting older, they still like to have Nan’s attention.  So, it is about getting something “good” to eat and keeping them entertained. 
I received a lovely birthday present from my niece, so I created and stamped her a thank you card.  This card is based on the Friday Mashup challenge, “Let’s Here It for the Girls”.  The challenge is:
  1. Make a project featuring “A Girly Theme”.
  2. Or Make a project using “Your Favorite Technique”.
  3. Or “Mash it Up” and create a “Girly project using your Favorite Technique”.


What could be more”girly” then a doily, crochet trim, roses and vintage.  And as for the technique, I used two of favourites, resist embossing and distressing.  After embossing the doily, I fussy cut it before attaching to the Morning Mocha DSP.  The idea for using Seam Binding Ribbon roses came from Ann Schach and the tutorial is HERE.  Thanks Ann.

Stamps: Hello Doily (w – 122845, $21.95 p. 127, 2011-2012 IB&C), Fabulous Phrases (c – 120501 $32.95, w – 117002, $46.95 p. 163, 2011-2012 IB&C)

Paper: Natural Ivory, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Mocha Morning DSP

Ink: Soft Suede

Accessories: Versamark, White Embossing Powder, Sponge, Victoria Crochet Trim, Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding Ribbon, Linen Thread, Vintage Brads, Pearls, Tiny Tag Punch, Distressing Tools


For any of the products used to make this card, please contact me HERE
 
 Until next time…


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25 & Counting At Last

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by
Hi Everyone.  It’s been over a week since my last post and sharing some of my thoughts and cards with you.  I spent 3 days on a girls’ get-a-way plus working on my 25 & Counting collage.  This was so much fun but it does take time as you design, cut, position and glue, embellish, etc.  Was it worth the time?  You bet it was!!! I am really pleased how the collage turned out.
But first, before I do my reveal, I would like to share a bit from the girls’ get-a-way.  We drove to Kelowna on Sunday(about a 3 hour drive from Kamloops) to stay at the Grand Hotel located on the Okanagan Lake. The drive was beautiful as the landscape is coloured in shades of oranges, browns and greens as the leaves change and fall to begin the winter. 

We had a 2 bedroom suite overlooking the lagoon so we could watch the ducks swimming and playing in the water.  It did snow a bit on Monday but stayed on the hillsides. (You can see the snow on the hills in the pictures) Thank goodness the roads were bare so we could still go shopping and out for dinner.  We were celebrating 2 birthdays…one being mine.  Of course there were the proverbial card games, a few trips to the casino, a few glasses of wine, snacks and lots of laughs.  Imagine this, 5 women using 1 bathroom…we made it work.

Overlooking the Lagoon
Here we are!!!

Now, on with the 25 & Counting Collage.  This is a bit of work, but oh, how you can get creative.  I did case a great deal of the layout from the Holiday Mini, swapping out papers, embellishments and colours, etc to make it my own.  Notice Day 12…the pearls have been coloured with Sharpies and placed on the wreath to look like berries.  Some of the designs are hidden by the flaps on the Peekaboo Frames so I took some individual pictures so that you can see close up the stamped images.









Stamps: 25 & Counting (c – 123794 $40.95, w – 123792, $54.95 p. 37, 2011-2012 Holiday Mini)

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip (Smooth and Textured), Very Vanilla (Smooth and Textured), Whisper White (Smooth and Textured), Real Red (Smooth and Textured), Wild Wasabi, Holly Berry DSP, Brushed Gold, Subtles DSP, Neutrals DSP

Ink: Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Big Shot, Dies: Peekaboo Frames, Circles #2, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet, Stars #2,  Northern Frost, Embossing Folders: Snow Burst, Petals a Plenty, Perfect Polka Dots, Punches: Scallop Square, Scallop Circle, Boho Blossoms, Jewelry Tag, Scallop Edge Border, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Postage Stamp, 1-1/4” Square, 1” Square, ¾” Circle, 1” Circle, 1-1/4” Circle, Curly Label, Markers: Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi, Real Red, 1/4” Real Red Taffeta Ribbon, Whisper White 3/8” Ribbon, Baker’s Twine, Pearls, Rhinestones, Red Glimmer Paper, Metallic Brads, Subtles Glimmer Brads, Antique Brads, Mini Jingle Bells, Vintage Trinkets, Mini Clothespins, Neutral Buttons, Linen Thread, White Gel Pen


I will be offering a 25 & Counting Class this month.  The details of this class will follow.  If you are interested, please contact me via EMAIL


Enjoy your evening.  Until next time….



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PP70 Challenge and Happy Birthday

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone, I have no managed to play away 2 days this week and I sure am having fun!!!  Maybe tomorrow I will decide to clean out a few more drawers and maybe by tomorrow I will have changed my mind.

The card I am sharing to day is for the Paper Players’ challenge “Anything Goes” with a Fall theme.  Actually, I cased this card from the December Stampin’ Success magazine.  I just love this magazine with it’s fabulous articles and project ideas.  I try and do at least 1 from each month. You too, could start receiving this magazine by becoming a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and guess what…. the Big Shot promotion is still on until November 11, 2011.  That’s a $125 promotion available free when you sign up to become a demonstrator.

 It’s as easy as 1..2..3.. Just visit my Stampin’ Up! website

The article that peaked my interest this month is about Emboss Resist and challenging yourself to think more than one layer of embossing. 

Stamps: Warmest of Wishes (Hostess  – c – 122672 $12.00, w – 122670, $16.00 p. 5, 2011-2012 Holiday Mini), Petite Pairs (c – 122497 $25.95, w – 122495, $35.95 p. 164, 2011-2012 IB&C), En Français (w – 109521, $21.95 p. 151, 2011-2012 IB&C)

Paper: Ivory Naturals, River Rock, Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze, Well Worn DSP

Ink: Early Espresso, River Rock

Accessories: 1-1/4” Circle Punch, Ticket Corner Punch,  Versa Mark ink and pen , Clear Embossing Powder, Tango Tangerine Embossing Powder, Pewter Embossing Powder, Linen Thread, Vintage Trinkets, Spritzer


The En Français background image is stamped using versamark and embossed with clear embossing powder.
The wreath image is stamped with versamark and embossed with tangerine tango embossing powder.
A few of the leaves are inked with the versamark pen and embossed with pewter embossing powder
The versamark pen and the spritzer are used to create splatters and embossed using clear embossing powder.
The wreath is sponged with River Rock ink.
The embossed images are the rubbed with a cloth to remove any ink from the embossed portions.
Before attaching the embossed art piece of the background card stock, punch a hole in the center of the wreath and center a stamped sentiment behind the wreath. 
Until next time…..

 
 
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Snow Buddy Shaker for FM 30

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone and Happy Halloween.  I hope that it won’t be too scary out there for you today. 

We need to watch for all those little ghosts and goblins that will be out this evening scaring up their treats because we don’t want any tricks.

My card today is, yes, another Snow Buddy (they are so cute!!!).  I have wanted to do a shaker card and finally was able to do one over the weekend.

This card also is based on the challenge at Friday Mash Up.  The challenge was a sketch but also to REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE.   So I did just that.  I used only scraps and embellishments that were already opened. It’s a great way to use up those scraps and who doesn’t have some (in most cases probably allot). 

I would like to acknowledge Sage over at Stamping Madly for doing a great video on making a shaker card.  Thanks Sage.

Stamps: Snow Much Fun (c – 122562 $24.95, w – 122560, $33.95 p. 35, 2011-2012 IB&C), Delightful Decorations (w – 116517, $26.95 p. 40, 2011-2012 IB&C)

Paper: White Naturals, Textured and Smooth Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Holly Berry Bouquet DSP

Ink: Night of Navy, Black Craft,

Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Circle Die, Punches: 1-3/4” Circle, 2-1/2 Circle, Modern Label, Window Sheets, Rhinestone Jewels, Circle Cutter, Mica Flakes, Pastels, and Versamark

The rhinestones were coloured with a Sharpie pen.

Enjoy your day and until next time…



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PP 69 and CCMC 173 Challenges

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone:  Only one more day to the weekend and it’s time to kick back and enjoy.  This post today is for 2 challenges, PP69 and CCMC173.  PP69 is a sketch challenge with clean and simple lines and CCMC173 is a colour challenge using Island Indigo, Baja Breeze and Rich Razzleberry.  These colours were quite a challenge for me a it is unlikely that I would have chosen this combination.  But, I guess that is what challenges are all about… to step outside your comfort zone and with this one I was away outside of the boundaries.

This is also a birthday card for a very close friend and we are going to celebrate this evening.





Stamps: Language of Friendship (c – 122752 $14.95, w – 122750, $19.95 p. 101, 2011-2012 IB&C), Musical Notes (wheel– 120327 $7.95, p. 128, 2011-2012 IB&C), Best Friends Forever(c – 122807 $21.95, w – 122805, $28.95 p. 90, 2011-2012 IB&C),Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess $ p. 10, 2011-2012 IB&C)

Paper: White Naturals, Island Indigo, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White Textured, Baja Breeze, Pocketful of Posies DSP

Ink: Indigo Blue, Baja Breeze

Accessories: Punches: 2-Step Bird Builder, Boho Blossoms, Versa Mark

Now off to post these to the challenges.
 
Enjoy your evening and until next time….

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More Snowbuddy Christmas

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone and here I am with another Christmas post…Snow Buddies.  This stamp set is so cute, I just can’t resist it.

First though, I would like to welcome Cheryl Bux to the Stampin’ Up! family.  Cheryl took advantage of the October promotion which is a BIG SHOT for joining.  Who wouldn’t like a BIG SHOT!!! You can choose either the regular Start Up kit or the My Digital Studio kit when signing up…that’s $425 (does not include the value of the Big Shot) of product for $215.

Visit my Stampin’ Up! website to see the promotion or just take the plunge and JOIN.  Don’t wait too long though, the promotion ends October 31, 2011

I am finally getting organized and back into making cards, scrap booking, oh, and ironing, washing, doing some cooking…notice I said some. 

I must confess that I finally figured out how Heat and Stick powder worked.  I could never quite seem to get it.  The missing ingredient was the Versa mark and then covering the image with the Heat and Stick powder and then heating it.  Don’t ask me why I thought you could just heat the powder with nothing for it to adhere too.  But now I’m on a roll. lol

Stamps: Snow Much Fun (c – 122562 $24.95, w – 122560, $33.95 p. 35, 2011-2012 IB&C), Petite Pairs (c – 122497 $25.95, w – 122495, $35.95 p. 164, 2011-2012 IB&C)

Paper: Ivory Naturals, Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler, Holly Berry Bouquet DSP

Ink: Basic Black Craft Ink, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Big Shot, 3” Circle Die, Punches: Large Scallop Circle, 2-1/2” Circle, Modern Label, Word Window, Markers: Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, Aqua Painter, Cherry Cobbler Quilted Ribbon, Versa Mark, Heat and Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds

So, until next time….

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More Pictures From the Panama Cruise

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone and welcome to Wednesday.  I have been working away on my Panama Cruise album and have completed some more pages.  I am enjoying Stampin’ Up! MDS (My Digital Studio) as it is intuitive and  those who are not computer literate can work their way through the software.

Some of the pictures are taken around the ship and then our tour in Costa Rica – Eco-Jungle River Tour.  There is incredible wild life and the highlight, of  course, were the crocodiles.

So here you go and I hope you enjoy.

Until next time…

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