We are responsible for, and, the guardians of,  living things on our planet.  I witnessed the debris in the ocean a few years ago while on a cruise through the Panama Canal. As we went further south, the volume of floating plastics was getting greater. Hopefully, people  will come to understand  the  important contribution  that the oceans makes in our lives.

Save Our Oceans Card Recipe

Stamp Set: Sea of Textures.

Ink: Night of Navy, Balmy Blue, Berry Burst, Tranquil Tide, Rich Razzleberry.,

Paper: Night of Navy, Whisper White, Tranquil Tide, Berry Burst, Silver Foil, Tranquil Textures Designer Series Paper

Accessories: Die Cutting Machine, Under the Sea Framelits, Stitched Rectangle Dies,  Night of Navy Medium Baker’s Twine, Sponge Daubers, Heat Tool, Aqua Painter, Stampin’ Spritzers, Night of Navy Stampin’ Write Marker, Tranquil Tide Stampin’ Write Marker, Glitter Enamel Dots, Paper Towel.

Commemorate Oceans Day with a Card

• Create a background for your creatures using the oxidized metal technique. Be prepared to get inky fingers!
• Die cut the weeds from Tranquil Tide cs, coral from Berry Burst,  Stamp coral on Whisper White with Berry Burst ink and die cut.
• Ink the Sponge Dauber with Night of Navy ink and sponge on the Octopus.  Don’t cover the whole stamp.  Now ink up another sponge  dauber in Rich Razzleberry ink and cover the remainder of the Octopus.  Make sure the whole stamp is covered. Stamp on Whisper White cardstock.
• Attach the various elements on the Oxidized Panel.
• Colour the “have a” and “adventure” words with Night of Navy marker and the “wonderful with the Tranquil Tide marker and stamp on Whisper White cardstock.  Wrap a length of Night of Navy Baker’s Twine behind the panel, attach and then attach to card front.
• Attach the Glitter Enamel Dots.

Watch for the technique video for the oxidize metal panel.

Know  someone who is graduating, or going on a travel trip?  Then, this greeting card will be great for them.

You can purchase the Sea of Textures stamp set and Under the Sea 

The post Save Our Oceans for the Creatures that Live There appeared first on Simply Said With Karen.

A new suite in the Annual Catalogue is the Floral Essence. When you see the suite, you may think of a certain artist called Monet.  Now, I do not have a lot of artist knowledge  but I am familiar with Monet’s style and  I am drawn to it.  The designer series paper is part of the Perennial Essence Suite and it features watercolor images and backgrounds much like Monet’s painting.  When you touch the paper, you can feel a texture which adds to its beauty.

The whole suite is beautiful and when I saw it, of course, I had to have it.  To create a Mother’s Day card, I used a Double Fold Fancy Fold  the Floral Essence stamp set and the Perennial Essence Designer series paper. The  best part…YOU CAN ORDER THIS SUITE STARTING JUNE 4, 2019.

Reminiscent of a Monet Painting

Perennial Essence Card Recipe

Stamp Set: FLoral Essence, Strong and Beautiful.

Ink: Rococo Rose, Mossy Meadow.

Paper: Rococo Rose, Whisper White, Old Olive, Perennial Essence Designer Series Paper.

Accessories: 3/8″ Metallic Edge Ribbon, Daffodil Stampin’ Blend Dark.

The fancy fold here, is called a Double Fold Card and it is easier to create than it looks. 

See measurements and the details for this type of  card HERE.

Did you notice the yellow ribbon?  I do not have yellow metallic edge satin ribbon, so I set out to create my own.   I cut off the length of ribbon that I needed and colored it with the Dark Daffodil Stampin’ Blend.  Using the blends, you an change an color of ribbon to match your other papers and embellishments.

Everything is Rosy Product Suite

Remember that the Everything is Rosy Product Suite is available until May 31st.. If you love to create cards, scrapbook pages and or 3-D items, then this set is for you!  The suite has everything you need, an I mean everything. 

To purchase this suite before time runs out, Click on the image below.

Everything Is Rosy Product Medley [150059]

The post Beautiful Papers Creates Beautiful Cards- Monet Inspired appeared first on Simply Said With Karen.

Hoppy Together Birthday Card Recipe

Stamp: So Hoppy Together, Around the Corner.

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Coastal Cabana.

Paper: Bermuda Bay, Whisper White, Share What You Love Specialty Designer Series Paper.

Accessories: Big Shot, Hop Around Framelit Dies, Rectangle Stitched Framelit Dies, Basic Adhesive Backed Sequins, Stampin” Blends: Bermuda Bay Duo, Old Olive Duo, Smoky Slate Duo, Poppy Parade Dark, Daffodil Delight Dark, Stamparatus.

Details:

• With the Stamparatuls, it is easy to stamp the “it’s your day” image in each of the corners.  Line up the stamp on your paper, ink up the stamp and stamp the image.  Now without taking the paper off the stamparatus, turn your paper 45 degrees, ink the stamp and stamp again.  Do this step 2 more times and you have an image in each corner.  How easy is that!!!!
• Stamp the frog, unicycle, bees and butterfly with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Whisper White cardstock. Color the images with your Stampin’ Blends. Stampin’ Write Markers , ink or Watercolor Pencils.  Stampin’ Up! has a variety of coloring methods and you will find the one you like and are most comfortable with.
• If you have the Hop Around Framelit Dies, use them to die cut the various images.
• Die cut the Bermuda Bay cardstock with the Rectangle Stitched Framelit Dies.  Adhere your colored images to the Bermuda Bay panel.
• To finish off the card, attach the DSP to the card base and the Bermuda Bay panel to the DSP.  Place a few sequins on the front of the card and you’re done.
• Remember to give the card to someone who is celebrating an event.  It’s sure to bring a smile to their face.

Click on this link to see another way to use the So Hoppy Together stamp set.

To purchase supplies to recreate this card, click on any image to go straight to my ONLINE STORE.

Product List

Stamparatus [146276]	So Hoppy Together Cling Stamp Set [149725]	Around The Corner Photopolymer Stamp Set [147464]	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708]	Coastal Cabana 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock [131297]	Bermuda Bay 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock [131197]
Share What You Love Specialty Designer Series Paper [146926]	Whisper White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock [100730]	Rectangle Stitched Framelits Dies [148551]	Basic Adhesive-Backed Sequins [146933]	Bermuda Bay Stampin’ Blends Markers Combo Pack [144600]	Old Olive Stampin’ Blends Markers Combo Pack [144597]
Smoky Slate Stampin’ Blends Markers Combo Pack [145058]	Dark Poppy Parade Stampin’ Blends Marker [146879]	Daffodil Delight Dark Stampin’ Blends Marker [144585]

The post Hoppy Together Birthday Use Your Blends to Color appeared first on Simply Said With Karen.

Stampin Convention 2018 is over.  And, what a great convention it was!

It was a blast with all the stamping and laughs along with lots of stamping.  Yes, the Stampin’ Up! staff stamped and showed various techniques, regular demonstrators also showed off their talents for stamping and techniques.

Stamper Types

Stampin’ Up! has identified 3 types of stampers.  Which one are you?

• Beginner Stamper 

  • has no or very little stamping knowledge, no supplies and don’t want to put a lot of money into the supplies.  So, we start with the basics.  Perhaps, just some cardstock, stamp and ink and maybe some embellishments.
  • Here is an example of a simple card. The card uses Note Cards & Envelopes.  2 butterflies and a sentiment are stamped.  The 3rd butterfly comes from a Sale-A-Bration item which will be available starting January 3, 2019.  This card is an example of #simplystamping, and is just right for beginners.

• Casual Stamper

  • stamps periodically, for example for a specific event, ie birthday, has little time to stamp, has some supplies.  So for this type of stamper, we can put a few more elements on a card.
  • This card sample uses  same stamp set above.  As a casual stamper, you know the basics.  The butterflies are colored with Watercolor Pencils and have some background elements such as ink to paper.  for this technique you drag the ink pad across your cardstock.  Still easy but elegant.

  • The Avid Stamper

    The Avid Stamper stamp 2-3 times per week if not everyday. They love techniques and yes, they have to have it all.

  • Avid stampers like to create more detailed and intricate projects. This  3-D project and sample will get their crafting juices flowing.  The project uses the Mini Pizza Boxes, with a featured covering on the lit.  Did you notice, the new Gingham Galla 6″ x 6″ designer series paper stack?  Along with the designer paper on the lid, as small tag is created using the Butterfly Gala Stamp set.  THe demonstrator stamped the butterfly, added one of the Butterfly Elements, tied some ribbon around the box and tied the tag to the ribbon with Baker’s Twine.

So which stamper are you?  Beginner, Casual or Avid. Leave me a comment to let me know which one you are.  I offer classes for all types of crafters and I would love to teach you to love and to continue to love stamping.

So that wraps up the Stampin 2018 Convention.

If you would like to learn, grow your paper crafting techniques or need it all, contact me at karen@simplysaidwithkaren.com

The post Stampin Convention 2018 Is In The Bag—Well Over appeared first on Simply Said With Karen.

Today, I want you to know my top 3 reasons for becoming a stamping business owner!  They could also be your top 3 reasons to become a stamping business owner.

As you can see from the image, there are many reasons to become a stamping business owner, however my focus today is on 1:) creative, 2:) innovation and 3:) to inspire.

Creativity

Creativity is my number 1 reason.  Ever since I was little, I was creating.  It didn’t matter that I couldn’t draw, paint or sometimes even colour within the lines.  I was able to be creative with art in another way.  Remember the paper dolls that we would cut out and dress up?  Well, I had a fascination with fashion and as I got older started to sew my own clothing, even to running a successful business for many years.  So it was the ability to put my creativity in another area, i.e., greeting cards, stamping and scrapbooking.

Innovation

Innovation is the translation of an idea into something that will create value for my customers.  For example, I love to learn new things and in my stamping business that means developing interesting projects for them to reproduce in my in home and/or online classes. Do you love a great technique or another way to use a tool, or new folds for card?  These are a few of the reasons i like to try new methods in my stamping business.

Sharing

My last reason for joining Stampin’ Up! as a demonstrator is their idea of sharing with other what we love.  Needless to say, I love to do what I do. It is important the I share the love of stamping with others.  The Statement of the Heart  embodies the main reason for becoming a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator.

Before you jump in with both feet to become a stamping business owner, you need to thing about your reasons.  While this business can be fun, it is also hard work.  You have to think about what type of business you would like to have, think about where your customers will be and how to get them to hear about you.  There are many ways that you can get the coaching that you need for running your business.  That coach can be me, or a private coach and/or Stampin’ Up!.  But a business does not appear out of thin air.  It takes dedication and perseverance.

You can also check out some information HERE

I hope that my 3 top reasons to become a business owner has inspired you.  If you would like more information, please contact me at karen@simplysaidwithkaren.com. 

The post Top 3 Reasons For Becoming A Stamping Business Owner! appeared first on Simply Said With Karen.

Create simple Christmas cards this year.  It will help with the stress factor. First, you need to decide on a stamp set, colors, and papers.  The Rooted in Nature stamp set and the Nature’s Roots Framelits Dies is one that you can use for “simple”.

When I first saw this stamp set, Christmas is not what it said. But, after playing with various images and dies, it occured to me that there was the possibilities of christmas cards with this set!  Christmas trees in the forest is a scene that no one can resist.

Recipe

Stamps:Rooted in Nature

Ink:Tranquil Tide, Grapefruit Grove.

Paper: Whisper White, Tranquil Tide, Grapefruit Grove, Nature’s Poem Designer Series Paper.

Accessories:Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Nature’s Roots Framelits Dies, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Layering Squares Framelits, Linen Thread, Share What you Love Artisan Pearls.

While this card doesn’t resemble a Christmas card, by changing the papers and embellishments, you can achieve the Christmas Card look.

Recipe

Stamps:Rooted in Nature,Wishing You Well.

Ink:Shaded Spruce, Merry Merlot.

Paper: Whisper White, Sahara Sand, Joyous Noel Specialty Designer Series Paper.

Accessories:Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Nature’s Roots Framelits Dies, Merry Merlot & Copper  5/8″ Reversible Ribbon,Shaded Spruce 1/8″ Ribbon.

Look closer at the 2 cards and it’s easy to see where the changes are.  I don’t think I can even say that it is a “step-it- up” card.

So, what did I do to make them different but the same? Besides the colors and the cardstock, here are the major changes:

• Christmas cardstock and ribbon,
• Designer  Series Paper,
• Layout,
• Ribbon treatment.

This year, with very little time and effort, you can create simple Christmas cards.

Looking for supplies to create these cards?  Look no further, shop my ONLINE STORE.

The post Create Simple Christmas Cards Eliminate the Stress appeared first on Simply Said With Karen.

The black ice card technique is one that you will want to try. It’s easy, fun and will make a WOW card.

A video is available further down in this post so that you can create your very own Black Ice Card. The video is “over the shoulder” so that you can follow along.

Don’t you think that the person receiving this card will go “WOW”? I can hear now “how did you do that”.

Recipe

Stamps: Touch of Texture.

Ink: StaZon Black, VersaMark .

Paper: Crumb Cake, Share What You Love Specialty Designer Paper, Copper Foil.

Accessories:Stamparatus,Clear Stampin’ Emboss Powder, 1/2″ Lace Trim, Basic Black Solid Baker’s Twine.

The Stamparatus is used to create the pattern on the Crumb Cake card.  The video show how you can move the panels to achieve even spacing when stamping in rows.

Watch the video to find out you can create this card.

Touch of Texture Product List

Click on any image to be taken to my ONLINE STORE where you will find the supplies to create the above Black Ice Card Technique.

Another Version

I created another version of this card using the same technique.  Instead of Copper FOil paper, I used Champagne Foil and switched out the stamp set.  In addition, try out the Gold and Silver Foil Papers are well.  JUST HAVE FUN!

Recipe

Stamps: Serene Garden, Labeler Alphabet.

Ink: StaZon Black, Mossy Meadow.

Paper:Mossy Meadow, Share What You Love Specialty Designer Paper, Champagne Foil.

Accessories: Clear Stampin’ Emboss Powder, Doily, Very Vanilla Ribbon.

Live Love Laugh Product List

Click on any image to be taken to my ONLINE STORE where you will find the supplies to create the above Black Ice Card Technique.

The post Black Ice Card Technique – Fun With Foil Papers appeared first on Simply Said With Karen.

Guess how many different cards you will get when add Waterfront stamp set to your next order. You can create cards with mountain scenes and/or beach scenes and they will look like watercolor masterpieces.

Recipe Waterfront Card

Stamps: Waterfront, Thoughtful Banners.

Inks: Soft Sky, Night of Navy, Memento Tuxedo Black, Bermuda Bay, Wisteria Wonder,  Whisper White Craft.

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Basic Gray, Watercolor, Vellum.

Accessories: Banner Triple punch, Gray Satin Ribbon.

There are several places to find inspiration for cards using the Waterfront stamp.  Amanda Bates inspired me to create this card. However, all you really need is a scenic picture and an eye for colour.

Achieve the Look

Use a combination of Night of Navy and Tuxedo Black to stamp the mountains on the cards right hand side. Also,  change the direction of the mountain stamp to achieve different textures and heights.  The mountains on the left are a combination of Tuxedo Black and Wisteria Wonder.  Use Wisteria Wonder ink and stamp off  to achieve a lighter color which makes the mountains appear further away.

The water is a combination of Tuxedo Black and Night of Navy.  Create the sky by adding Soft Sky ink to a block and stamp above where the horizon line appears. To accent the shoreline, leave a bit of white watercolor paper between the mountains and the water. Create a reflection of the mountains on the water.  Create the forest in the foreground, with the tree stamp and Tuxedo Black ink.  Stamp as many trees as you like to give the illusion of an old growth forest. Finally, ink the

Here is a picture that is very similar to the scene in this card. When you use a picture for inspiration, look for the various colors and the nuances.  For example, the mountains appear to have a dark gray or blue shades.  The smaller mountains look like the Pacific Point ink. Turning your stamps in different direction also add to the formation of the scene.

Add Waterfront stamp set to your next order and you will not be disappointed with the variety of cards you can create.

The post Why You Need to Add Waterfront Stamp Set To Your Next Order appeared first on Simply Said With Karen.

A new online stamping techniques class launches today.  It is great for all the celebrations that you may have throughout the year.  Hence, the name Celebrations Online Class.

What is the Celebrations Online Class?

• Craft on your own time.  Class is completely onlinee so that you can enjoy crafting anyplace at any time.
• Videos show you the project “how tos”.  Videos present each step in the project to give you  visual instructions to complete the projects.
• The class contains 4 projects –
  • “How to Construct a Mini Album” – techniques and tips along the way for decoration and making the album personal.
  • A decorated box for storing your album.
  • A whitewashed technique card.
  • A shaving cream technique card.

Features:

• Class is delivered immediately after payment.  Purchase the class using PayPal.
• All projects come with a PDF for you to print and itemizes the supplies required to complete the project.  Measurements for cardstock, papers and embellishments are provided.
• Put your own touches on your projects to make them uniquely yours.  Change up the colors, stamp sets, die cuts, and embellishments.  Use the class as a jumping off point for your paper crafting.

Learn more follow this LINK

You can always contact me if you have any questions regarding this class.

karen@simplysaidwithkaren.com

For other Online Technique Stamp classes, click on this LINK

The post Online Stamping Techniques Class Launches Get This Class Today appeared first on Simply Said With Karen.

The Beautiful You stamp set lends itself nicely to the paper piecing technique. While I added the words “Rainy Days and Mondays”, you can use this technique on a multitude of stamp sets.  Of course, if you don’t mind fussy cutting.

For this card, I use the technique by stamping the woman and her umbrella in Basic Black Archival ink on Whisper White cardstock and stamped the dress and umbrella on a pieces of Eastern Palace Specialty Designer Series Paper.  I used the Dapper Denim with the white spots and the Lemon Lime Twist with the white spots.  Love this paper. Then it was off to do the fussy cutting.  Stamp the dots from the Timeless Texture stamp set using Smoky Slate ink.

Once the fussy cutting is completed, attach the dress  with Multipurpose Liquid Glue and attach the umbrella with Stampin’ Dimensionals.   This adds dimension to the umbrella and stands out from the rest of the image.

Use the Oval Framelits Collection to cut the image and a mat from Dapper Denim cardstock.  Sponge the edges of the Dapper Denim cardstock using a a Sponge Dauber and Dapper Denim ink and Whisper White card stock with Smoky Slate and a Sponge Dauber.

Cut a piece of the Eastern Palace Specialty Designer Paper and form a banner.  You can do this by snipping up the middle of one end and then cutting from each corner to the end of the slit. Layer a piece of Dapper Denim Ruched ribbon across the banner and attach the focal image.

Recipe

Stamps: Beautiful You, Timeless Textures.

Ink/Marker: Basic Black Archival, Basic Gray, Smoky Slate.

Paper: Whisper White, Lemon Lime Twist, Dapper Denim, Eastern Palace Specialty Designer Series Paper.

Accessories: Big Shot, Oval Collection Framelits, Dapper Denim Ruched Ribbon (retired), Sponge Daubers, Dimensionals.

Give the paper piecing technique a try.  I am sure you will use it over and over.

Product List

Click on any image in the table below and you will be taken to my Online Store.

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