Beautiful Butterflies from Not So Beautiful Caterpillars

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Beautiful Butterflies

The not so beautiful caterpillars morph into Beautiful Butterflies. Who would think that those creepy crawly caterpillars could turn out to be so beautiful.  In life there are many things that start off not so beautiful and to our surprise turn into Beautiful Butterflies.

The card uses the Butterfly Basics stamp set from the 2015 Occasions catalogue. The stamp set has 11 stamps that you can mix and match to create beautiful cards, scrapbook pages and/or home decor items.  Combine the stamp set with the Butterflies Thinlits Dies and the Painted Blooms DSP and you have a winning combination.

Purchase the stamp set and the thinlits as a bundle and save 15%.  Purchasing either the wood set or the clear set,will earn you a Free Product from the Sale-a-Bration catalogue.  The Butterfly Basics stamp set is also available in photopolymer, however, you would need to purchase another item to reach the $60.00 threshold.

You can purchase the Artisan Embellishment Kit along with the photopolymer stamp to reach the $60.00.  This kit is packed with beautiful embellishments to go along with your beautiful butterflies.

Beautiful ButterfliesRecipe

Stamps: Butterfly Basics.

Ink/Markers: Tuxedo Black, Rose Red, Wild Wasabi Blendabilities: Pink Pirouette, Wild Wasabi.

Paper: Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Blushing Bride, Vellum, Painted Blooms DSP.

Accessories: Big Shot, Butterflies Thinlits, Artisan Embellishment Kit.

Using the Butterflies Thinlits Dies:

These thinlits are intricate dies and have many little pieces that are cut from the main image.  As such, you need to be prepared to poke out a few of these tiny pieces when you release the die from the paper.

The method that I use is to put a piece of wax paper between the thinlit and the paper.  The wax paper helps the die release from the thinlit.  I also run the sandwich back and forth in the Big Shot about 3 times.

Butterfly:

The Beautiful Butterflies can be cut from Vellum to give them a translucent and delicate feel.  Before attaching to the card front, lightly sponge ink onto the vellum  Be careful though, so you don’t tear the butterfly.

 

 

Free Product When You Party with the 2015 Occasions Catalogue

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Free Product?  How? Where? When?

It’s that time of year again when you can earn FREE product with your purchase of $60.00. Along with the new 2015 Occasions Catalogue, Sale-A-Bration (SAB) is here.

Free ProductCheck below for a card I created using a SAB stamp set.

Let me tell you how this sale of the year works:

  • Order $60.00 (not including shipping and taxes) worth of product from any of the current catalogues (Annual Catalogue and 2015 Occasions Catalogue) and you will receive 1 Free product from the SAB brochure.  Easy.
  • These orders can come from classes, workshops, individual orders, clearance rack, downloads from MDS.
  • You can in touch with me and I will put your order through to Stampin’ up! or shop and order through my ONLINE STORE. 
  • For each $60.00 (not including shipping and taxes) you spend, you can select 1 FREE product. Example – spend $120.00 get 2 FREE products.

 Free ProductRecipe

Stamps: Big Day (SAB).

Ink/Markers: Tuxedo Black, Daffodil Delight Reinker,  Blendabilities: Daffodil Delight, Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie, Coastal Cabana.

Paper: Whisper White, Coastal Cabana, Baked Brown Sugar, Irresistibly Yours DSP (SAB), Silver Glimmer.

Accessories: Big Shot, Banner Framelits, Large Scallop Edgelit, Coastal Cabana Thick  Baker’s Twine, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, All Is Calm Washi Tape, Itty Bitty Festive Punch Pack, Stampin’ Spritzer.

A couple of items about this card:

  • The Irresistibly Yours paper has a white background and pattern, however, the pattern is glossy and when you color it using an array of techniques, the pattern comes to the surface.  For this card, the paper was spritzed using one of the Stampin’ Up!Spritzers and a mixture of Rubbing Alcohol and Daffodil Delight reinker.
  • The stars are recoloured Silver Glimmer Paper.  Before punching out the stars, I coloured bits of the Silver Glimmer paper with Coastal Cabana, Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie and Daffodil Delight Blendabilities.

Not only can your designer paper be any colour you want, so can the Silver Glimmer paper.

  • The All is Calm Washi tape was coloured with the Coastal Cabana Blendabilities and trimmed at an angle for the candle.

So now you have the scoop about SAB and how you can benefit.

Stay Up-to-Date with Latest Craft Information – Join My Mail List

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Stay Up-To-Date – Join My Mail List

Stay Up-To-DateMake sure you stay up-to-date with new ideas for paper crafting.  Fashion and decor trends come and go and so do paper crafting trend change.  With each season fashion and decor change, well, so does paper crafting.

Often the trends in paper crafting mimic the trends in fashion and decor.  Today, the 2015 Occasions catalogue goes live as does the Sale-a-Bration brochure. As you thumb through these two catalogues, I am sure that you will find many changes and trends.

Why not stay up-to-date with the trends and join The Simply Said with Karen mail list.

The Simply Said with Karen newsletter is published each month and contains class schedules, links to blog posts, projects, techniques, questions and answers.  Each of the projects (could be a card, scrapbook page or a 3-D item) come with supply lists as well as step by step instructions.  I also let you know about the any specials and/or promotions that Stampin’ Up! is offering.

You may receive other emails during the month (I like to keep these to a minimum), with information pertaining to crafting and/or opportunities that may come along.

For more information on the benefits of joining the Simply Said with Karen Mail List, here is the  LINK and SIGNUP FORM.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rock Star Birthday Card for a Rock Star

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Rock Star Birthday

I have a rock star – or at least I believe she is a rock star.  It’s likely because I am prejudiced as she is my granddaughter.

Before I get started telling you about the birthday card, I would like to wish you you a very Happy New Year.  May 2015 be a happy and prosperous year for you.

My granddaughter turned 8 in December. I simply don’t know where the time is gone and I am so fortunate to have her close by watching her grow and developing her personality.

Why do I think she is a Rock Star? She is a skier and is now learning how to snowboard.  I watched a video of her the first time she was on the snowboard and there was so much tenacity and determination about staying upright.  I watched her fall and get up several times.  Finally, she was able to go down the run for a little ways.  All the time I was watching the video, I cheered her on!!

Rock Star Birthday Card for a Rock StarRecipe

Stamps: Be The Star, Gorgeous Grunge, Good Greetings

Ink/Markers: Tangerine Tango, Soft Suede.

Paper: Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, Soft Suede, Gold Glimmer, Flower Pot DSP.

Accessories: Big Shot, Lucky Stars Embossing Folder, Star Framelits, Brights Candy Dots, Candy Dot Brad Bases.

The stamp set “Be The Star” could be used for anyone from young to not so young, male or female and could be used for just about any occasion.

Want to add this stamp set to your collection?  Click on any of the images below to go my Online Store.

 

 

Sale-a-Bration 2015 is on its Way January 6, 2015

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Sale-a-Bration 2015 Is On Its Way

Get ready for it!!! Sale-a-Bration 2015 is on its way along with the 2015 Occasions Catalogue.  Both catalogues are packed full of new and delightful goodies…be still my heart.

Some of the items you can look forward to are papers, stamps, new inks, along with stamps, dies and embellishments. Do I hear Chalk ink and Chalkboard paper?

Sale-a-Bration 2015 is on its way starting January 6, 2015 and runs to March 31, 2015.  That’s almost 3 full months.

So, this post today about whetting your appetite as to new products and what it is you can do with them.  You ready?

Sale-a-Bration 2015 Recipe

Stamps: Big Day.

Ink/Markers: Rose Red, Whisper White Craft Ink, Rose Coral ColorBox Chalk Ink Pads.

Paper: Whisper White, Chalkboard Paper, Irresistibly Yours DSP, Silver Stripes Fancy Velum, Silver Glimmer.

Accessories: Strawberry Slush Thick Baker’s Twine, Neutrals Candy Dots, Mini Metallic Clothespins.

Can you see the new products?  The Chalkboard paper has a very distinctive feel to it, so you will be able to identify the right side for stamping with the ColorBox Chalk ink.  It feels rather velvety. 

This paper works with the ColorBox Chalk ink which is a permanent ink creating a chalk effect.  The paper also works with the Chalk Marker and Craft Ink.  As well as the Rose Coral color, it also comes in Aquamarine and Yellow Citrus.  These products are in the 2015 Occasions Catalogue.

Now on to the divine Irresistibly Yours DSP.  You now can have any color DSP that you want.  This paper has a white background and pattern, however, the pattern is glossy and when you color it using an array of techniques, the pattern comes to the surface.  For this card, the paper which is covered with stars, was sponged using Rose Red ink.  The ink really brings out the stars.

Double Click on the picture to enlarge it and you can see the paper under the Fancy Velum paper.  I found that the Rose Red ink was rather bright for this card, so toned it down with the velum.

The rest of the card is pretty straight forward.  The main image is stamped with the Rose Coral chalk ink and the “celebrate” is stamped with Whisper White craft ink, fussy cut and popped up with dimensions.

So what will you be doing the Chalkboard paper and Chalk ink?

Don’t forget Sale-a-Bration 2015 is on its way!!

Thinking of My Friend and Reflection on Times Passed

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Thinking of My Friend

When my friend had some health issues, I made her a “Thinking of You” card to let her know how much she has meant to me over the years.

I spent some time thinking of my friend while I made her a “Thinking of You” card. Some of the things I thought about were:

  • how long I have known her
  • what she has done to support me
  • the fun times and laughs that we shared over the years
  • the tears we have shared over time.
  • the difficulties we both have been through
  • the no-nonsense talks and advice she gave me to pull me up by my boot straps.
  • the respect that we have for each other

This card was created using new products from the 2015 Spring Occasions and the 2015 Sale-a-Bration Catalogues – WaHooo!!!  Wait until you see these products and the other surprises inside the catalogues.

Thinking of My FriendRecipe For Thinking of My Friend Card

Stamps: Butterfly Basics, Crazy About You.

Ink/Markers: Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi, Blushing Bride, Blushing Bride Marker.

Paper: Whisper White, Soft Sky, Blushing Bride, Painted Blooms DSP, Vellum.

Accessories: Big Shot, Butterfly Thinlit Dies, Adorning Accent Framelits, Envelope Liner Framelits, Pearl Jewels, 5/8” Organza Ribbon.

  •  The butterfly is overlayed on a piece of vellum which is coloured using Blushing Bride Marker.  I traced the die onto the vellum and fussy cut.  I had to trim a few spots for the body.
  • The sentiment is made from various stamps from the Crazy About You stamp set.  I love these stamp sets that allow you to create your own sentiment by using different words and the photopolymer stamps make it so easy to do this.
  • The leaves are stamped using Wild Wasabi ink and stamped again beside the original image to create a shadow.  WHen using this technique, do not load up your stamp again with ink.

Use this stamp set for many different occasions such as birthdays, weddings, sympathy, and anniversary cards.  It is so versatile.

The 2015 Occasions Catalogue goes live January 6, 2015.

Because the catalogue has not gone “live”, I am unable to show you the products.

Check out the Year-End Closeouts Sale.  It end January 5, 2015 and some products are discounted by 80%.  Visit my ONLINE STORE to see what is available for purchase.  These products are on a “first come, first served” basis.  When they are gone, they’re gone.

ONLINE STORE

Thinking About My FriendKaren

 

Last Minute Gift Wrapping Ideas For Christmas

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Last Minute Gift Wrapping Ideas

Here are some last minute gift wrapping ideas as it seems we all have last minute gifts.

Speaking of last minute gifts.  Do you have someone that loves to craft and you haven’t been able to order Stampin’ Up! products.  Then I have the best solution for you!  A Gift Certificate.

Here is the link to the Gift Certificate where all the details are explained.  If you life locally to me, and you wish to pick up, I will include the Gift Certificate in a Santa Clause Gift Card Holder (see photo below) at no additional charge.

Don’t life local?  Then I can email the Gift Certificate to you!  Easy Peasy!!!!

The cute little curvy Box works as Gift Certificates holder or wrapping for smaller gifts.

last minute gift wrapping ideas

Recipe

Curvy Keepsake Box

Stamps: Cheerful Christmas.

Ink/Markers: Real Red.

Paper: Whisper White, Real Red.

Accessories: Big Shot, Curvy Keepsake Box Thinlits Die, Real Red 3/8” Satin Woven Ribbon, Whisper White Baker’s Twine.

Cut 2 pieces of Whisper White cardstock for the box.  When you stamp the image from the Cheerful Christmas stamp set, be sure to stamp on the opposite sides of the cut out so that you have all the images on the outside of the box when you put it together.

Use your Bone Folder to gently curve the sides of the box.

Tie a bow in the ribbon and attach to the surface of the box . This will allow you to open the box to remove the goodies and not destroy it. The tag is stamped, cut out and mounted on Whisper White which has been die cut with one of the tags from the Curvy Keepsake Box die.

Come back tomorrow for more ideas for last minute gift wrapping ideas.

Click on any of the products to purchase from my ONLINE STORE

 

A Special Birthday Celebration for A Special Lady

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A Special Birthday Needs to Be Celebrated

A special birthday is today for a very special lady.  And that lady is 90 Years young today.  Can you just imagine the changes in the world  that she has witnessed over the past 90 years?  The speed a which the world changes just seems to get faster.  Technology has made that possible but are we missing things because of way the time passes so quickly?  Sometimes I think we are!

That special lady is my Mom whom I love dearly and we as a family as so lucky to have her here.  We celebrated with a dinner and the family has grown over the years, so I was very hard pressed to get 13 people in my house for dinner.  But we made it.

One of the best parts is that my Mom is still full of life and very with it.  Albeit, a little more grey, a little tinier and a few more wrinkles but in our hearts she has not changed.

 A Special BirthdayRecipe

Stamps: You’re Wonderful, Skinny Mini Alphabet.

Ink/Markers: Tuxedo Black Memento, Calypso Coral Blendabilities, Night of Navy Blendabilities, Daffodil Delight Blendabilities, Rich Razzleberry Blendabilities, Old Olive Blendabilities.

Paper: Whisper White, Soft Sky, Gold Soiree DSP.

Accessories: Big Shot, Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder, Gold Sequin Trim, Gold Baker’s Twine, Pearl Jewels.

For this special birthday card, I decided to create my own background.  Various flower stamps from the You’re Wonderful stamp set were randomly stamped around the outside of the card in Tuxedo Black Memento ink.  The flowers were coloured and shaded using various Blendabilities.

The gold sequins were removed from the tread and placed randomly throughout and then a pearl jewel place on to of each one.

This is a special birthday card for my Mom and I so enjoyed creating it and giving it to her.  She is very much loved.

Girl Friend Birthday With Matching Gift Box

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Girl Friend Birthday Celebration

A girl friend is so important in the lives of women.  I have several very good girl friends and I consider myself very fortunate.  Some of  girl friends I have had for 50 years and we still get together and have wonderful times.  It’s always so nice to know that I have someone to laugh with, cry with and to spend time with.  Even though we don’t talk or see to each other every day, I know that they are there for me if I need them and vice-versa.

Over the past several years, we have lost some very dear friends to sickness and we still miss them and talk about the good times together.  Hold your girl friends close because you just never know what tomorrow will bring.

One of the things that brings us together is birthday celebrations.  This is the card and gift that I gave to one girl friend.  Our birthdays are four days apart so we feel like twins.

Do you have a special girl friend?  Hold her tight and support each other.

 

Girl Friend Birthday CelebrationRecipe

Stamps: Perfectly Penned.

Ink/Markers: Garden Green.

Paper: Whisper White, Calypso Coral, Garden Green, Gold Soiree DSP, Gold Glimmer.

Accessories: Big Shot, Lovely Lace Embossing Folder, Fun Flower Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Bird Builder Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Pearl Jewels, Gold Baker’s Twine.

I sure do miss the Perfectly Penned stamp and so I use it on items that I don’t teach in my classes.  Why, oh, why did this one get retired.

This card is an example of how to mix patterns.

5 items to consider when mixing patterns are:

1. CONTROL yourself!

Stick to a suppliers paper line as the papers and colours are designed to coordinate with each other.  Following this will eliminate much of the guess work.  In this card, I use the Gold Soiree DSP.

2. DIFFERENCE is good!

When putting patterns together make sure that they are not too similar.  There needs to be enough colour difference so that the papers do not blend into obscurity.  Be bold!

3. ASSORTMENT is the spice of life!

Using an assortment of pattern is pleasing to the eye.  Here on this card, I have missed polka dots, with large floral and geometric prints.  What you don’t want if for the the patterns to blend together.  You want the patterns to stand on their own.

4. MODERATION is the key!

If you use lots of pattern, the area becomes overwhelming and your eye doesn’t know where to look.  You can be bold but hold back on the about of pattern you use.  On this card, I have used 3 strips of different designer papers and they can be seen as a group.

5. Border keeps it contained.!

Contain your patterns with a border of plain paper so that it won’t fight with your mixed patterns.  Usually the best colour to use is one that is in your patterned paper.  For this card, I used Calypso Coral card stock which is used in 2 of the patterned papers.

Experiment with this technique and before you know it, you will become comfortable at mixing patterns.

Girl Friend Birthday CelebrationRecipe

Stamps: Friendship Preserves.

Ink/Markers: Calypso Coral.

Paper: Whisper White, Calypso Coral, Gold Glimmer, Gold Soiree DSP.

Accessories: Big Shot, Window Frames Framelits, Tea Lace Doilies, Gold Sequin Trim, Gold Baker’s Twine, Tag a Bag Gift Boxes.

So, take time for your girl friend.

 

Christmas Eve Shakes That Ho-Ho-Ho – Can You Hear It?

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Christmas Eve – Guess Who Has His “Ho-Ho” On?

Christmas Eve is so magical for so many people!  What makes it so magical?  Is the anticipation of family, friends, gifts, great food?  Usually it’s the real possibility that the Man in the Red Suit will pay a visit!  After all, if you don’t believe, there are no gifts.  How many of you have told that to your children?  I know I did and managed to get away with it for many years.

The card today is a Shaker style card.  The Christmas Eve scene is placed behind window sheet.  I used double strips of foam tape around the scene, scooped in some Frosted Sequins, placed the Window Sheet to hold the sequins in and then framed it with a piece of Pool Party cut using the On Film Framelits Thinlits.

Christmas Eve Shaker CardThe background was created using the negative circle punched from the Post-It Note and sponged with Stazon White ink.  The moon was covered with the circle from the Post-It-Note and then the sky and ground were created with the Aqua Painter using Marina Mist, Pool Party and Basic Grey.  Santa and his “Ho-Ho-Ho” were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink.

Recipe

Stamps: Holiday Home, Good Greetings.

Ink/Markers: Tuxedo Black Memento, Basic Grey, Pool Party, Marina Mist, White Stazon, Smokey Slate.

Paper: Night of Navy, Pool Party, Whisper White, Basic Black, Basic Grey, All Is Calm DSP.

Accessories: Big Shot, Homemade Holiday Framelits, On Film Thinlits, 1-3/8” Circle Punch, Frosted Sequins, Aqua Painter, Window Sheets, Foam Tape, Night of Navy Taffeta Ribbon, Post It Notes.

So don’t forget to get your Christmas Eve “Ho-Ho” on.

 

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Specials

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Black Friday Etsy Store Specials

It’s Black Friday once again.  Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day in the US and today, the shopping frenzy begins.  In past years, Canadians flocked to south of the border if they lived close enough.  However, in their wisdom, retailers have decided that perhaps they need to keep the Canadians shopping in the stores on their side of the border.

So retailers in Canada have embraced the Black Friday specials. Each year the list of Canadian retailers gets bigger.  That is great!!!! Especially for the ones that live a long way from the border.

So, I am also having a Black Friday and Cyber Monday Etsy Store Special!!!  20% off the entire store!!!

Black FridaySimply With Heart

Use Code BLKFRI20 when checking out

 Here is a sample of one card that you will see in the store.

Black FridayThis is a side step card with Victorian Houses on Christmas Eve.

Black Friday

Recipe

Stamps: Holiday Home, More Merry Messages.

Ink/Markers: Tuxedo Black Memento, Garden Green, VersaMark

Paper: Pool Party, Strawberry Slush, Baked Brown Sugar, Whisper White, All is Calm DSP.

Accessories: Big Shot, Homemade Holiday Framelits, Lucky Stars Embossing Folder White Embossing Powder, Heat and Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds, Pool Party Cotton Ribbon.

Remember to check out the SIMPLY WITH HEART Etsy Store

#BlackFriday, #CyberMonday, #Thanksgiving

 

Fancy Christmas Cards – Double Dutch Doors

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Fancy Christmas Cards to Create

Fancy Christmas cards may take some time create, however, it’s worth it in the end.  I have been challenging myself to create fancy fold cards.  The one I am sharing today is a Double Dutch Door style fold.  The card may look difficult, however it just as a little bit more prepping and then it’s all about creating a great Christmas card.

Don’t’ have time to create this card?  You can purchase on the Simply with Heart Etsy Store.

Fancy Christmas CardsFancy Christmas CardsFancy Christmas Cards

Recipe

Stamps: Christmas Bauble, Bright and Beautiful.

Ink/Markers: Tuxedo Black Memento, Blendabilities: Coastal Cabana, Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, and VersaMark.

Paper: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Under the Tree DSP, Gold Foil.

Accessories: Big Shot, Circle Framelit Collection, Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, Linen Thread, Gold Basic Metal Buttons, Gold Embossing Powder.

Just a few points about this card:

  • the finished card measures 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ so it fits into a regular A4 card envelope.
  • the bottom doors are made using a piece of matching card stock – measures
  • the card base is    and scored at    .  This piece becomes the top door.
  • the Cherry Cobbler circle flap, keep the bottom doors closed.
  • the sentiment is from the Bright and Beautiful stamp set and is embossed in Gold Embossing Powder.

Challenge your creativity and create  Fancy Christmas Cards.

 

 

 

 

Graduations are So Important to Celebrate

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Graduations Are So Important

Graduations signify an ending of something and a beginning to something else.  One of my former colleague recently graduated from the Certified General Accountants programs after nearly 10 years devoted to studying.

Balancing usually a full-time job, studies and relationships or family is not an easy thing. Often students will take their classes through long distance and that is another strain.

Then it’s graduation, and all that hard work and dedication starts to pay off over the long term. The doors just open to many opportunities.

Here is the card that I sent to my friend, congratulating her on her graduation.

Graduation is important Recipe

Stamps: Starburst Sayings, Blue Ribbon, Gorgeous Grunge, Point and Click Project Life.

Ink/Markers: Blackberry Bliss, Hello Honey, Basic Grey, Lost Lagoon.

Paper: Lost Lagoon, Blackberry Bliss, Moonlight DSP, Gold Glimmer.

Accessories: Big Shot, Starburst Framelits, Circles Collection, Candy Dots, Hello Honey 3/8” Stitched Satin Ribbon.

This card was cased from Jan Tink.  Thank you Jan.

Some points about this card.

  • when stamping the stars, stamp off onto scraps before stamping on the paper.
  • The bottom Starburst is stamped on whisper white using black berry bliss and the  largest stamp in the set.  Die cut with the Starburst Framelits
  • Cut a circle using the Circle Collections Framelits and go up one size from the circle that fits inside of the Starburst.
  • Cut a Starburst circle using the one size smaller circle from the above step.
  • Finally stamp the hat and grad sentiment on Lost Lagoon, cut it out with the Circle Collection Framelits, sponge the edges with Blackberry Bliss and attah to the Blackberry Bliss circle from the previous step.
  • Stamp the stars and the water mark diagonally across the lighter DSP
  • Finish the card by stamping the other elements and die cutting with the framelits, and then layering the elements.  Tie a bow from the Hello Honey ribbon and attach to card.

 

 

Remembrance Day – Lest We Forget – November 11, 2014

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Remembrance Day in Canada 2014

Remembrance Day in Canada will be a solemn event as the country as had a rude awakening over the last month.

We are Canadians, however, we are not protected from the evils of certain individuals. We have always had the thought that what happens in other places couldn’t possibly happen to use.  Well, it did!

Last month, 2 of our Service Men gave their lives because of radicalism.  Not on our soil you say? These 2 individual events will forever change our Canadian lives as we knew it.

I know I always felt safe in this country but now, only time will tell.  Patrice Vincent, a warrant officer, was run down in Quebec and Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was gunned down while standing guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa.  Patrice Vincent was run down by a car  and Cpl. Nathan Cirillo was gunned down in broad daylight. Both of these soldiers were killed by by young men who have been radicalized.

Both of these men gave their lives for our country and like many more before them.  We need to remember that we have our freedoms and way of life because of women and men who were called to serve their country.

My Father served in the Royal Canadian Navy and as a young child, I remember going to the cenotaph to take part in the Remembrance Day event.  We lived in Prince Rupert and I remember the rain, the cold, the hymns, the Last Post and above all the solemness of the day.  I learned at a very young age to respect those that have laid down their lives.

As my children grew up, they also learned what Remembrance Day was about and now today, they continue to share that with their children.

It is important that we continue to respect those in the military as they do a very important job for us…protecting our rights and freedoms!

I leave you with the poem,”In Flanders Field”.  This poem was written in 1915 during World Ware I by John McRae.

Remembrance Day 2014For more poems written for Remembrance Day, you can visit this LINK.

 

Take Care of Yourself – A Way To A Stress Free Holiday Period

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Take Care of Yourself During the Holiday Period

Now it’s time to take care of yourself during the holiday period – you deserve it.  In the past couple of posts, I have talked about gifts and entertaining and some ways to cut down on the stress during the holiday and Christmas period.

While we are busy shopping, decorating, baking, making meals, the one this we often forget is you!  We tend to meet others needs before we meet our own.  How do we prevent that?  You need to give yourself permission to take some time for yourself and then take it.

The time for yourself doesn’t need to be a huge chunk of time because often we don’t have that luxury.

Here are some suggestions:

  1.  Find a comfortable place, it could be your bedroom, and read a book for a half an hour.  Of course, if you have small children, then you need to make sure that someone is there for them, or if they take a nap, take the time then.
  2. For older children, make them understand that Mommy needs a “time out” and you are still there for them.
  3. How about a nice luxurious bath, complete with candles, nice relaxing bath products, and a book or music.  This can help relax you.
  4. Try a pedicure or manicure.  Sometimes we don’t have the luxury of going to a salon, but give yourself one of these at home.
  5. Last but not least, spend some time crafting.  Working with your hands and being creative can be a real stress reliever.

So if you find yourself getting stressed during the holidays, take care of yourself.

 Take Care of Yourself Recipe

Stamps: Mingle All The Way.

Ink/Markers: Lost Lagoon, Versa Mark.

Paper: Lost Lagoon, Pear Pizzazz, All Is Calm DSP, Silver Glimmer.

Accessories: Corner Rounder Punch, 2-3/8” Scallop Circle Punch, 2” Circle Punch, Clear Embossing Powder, Lost Lagoon Silky Taffeta Ribbon, Frosted Sequins.

One of the techniques I used was heat embossing.  However, Stampin’ Up! does not carry every colour of embossing powder.  So to get the effect that I wanted, I first inked my stamp with Versa Mark and inked with Lost Lagoon in.  Make sure that you don’t do it the other way around or you will contaminate the Versa Mark.  Sprinkle the stamped image with Clear Embossing powder, heat with heat gut and you have another colour of embossing.

Give it a try, it’s easy.

So, during this holiday season, take care of yourself.