Just Believe Birthday Card

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

How do you decide which colours to use? Today, I used the Stampin’ Up!’s Color Coach for inspiration.
I knew I wanted to used Wisteria Wonder and the Color Coach suggested Cherry Cobbler and Pink Pirouette for the other 2 colours.  To me it’s an usual color combination and it worked for me.
Besides I wanted to use up some of my DSP that I have been hoarding for a year….when do I learn?  
 
How many of us do this with so many things.  We put them away to use for company or for some special occasion.
If you got it, use it.  What are you saving it for? Use it or lose it…and there are many more. 

Stamps: Just Believe – (c – 120459 $31.95 w – 116948, $41.95 p. 109 2011-2012 IB&C), Happiest Birthday Wishes Hostess(c – 122617, w – 122615, p. 5 2011-2012 IB&C)
Paper: Naturals White, Wisteria Wonder, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Flirtatious DSP, Regals DSP Stack (Cherry Cobbler)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Wisteria Wonder, Peach Parfait, Pink Pirouette
Accessories: Versamark, Cherry Cobbler Embossing Powder, Cherry Cobbler 1/2” Scallop Dots Ribbon, Pearls

I used some more of the Flirtatious DSP by creating a matching envelope using the Simply Scored Diagonal Tool.

After the image was embossed the Whisper White card stock was sponged with various colours to create a focal art piece.   – Emboss Resist technique.  After sponging the colours , the embossed image was wiped off with a soft cloth.


Don’t forget the Retirement Lists are now available…There are some great bargains.
Check HERE.
Have questions?  Contact me HERE


Until next time…


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Going, Going, Gone

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Going, Going Gone – May 31, 2012
Don’t Miss Out!

The Stampin’ Up! accessories retirement list is out and products will be available as quantities last. 


Stampin’ Up! is not changing out their colours for card stock, ink and markers, however these will be repackaged.
 
2010-2012 – In Colours products (card stock, ribbon, ink pads, markers) are retiring to make way for 2012-2014 In Colours – complete your set before they are gone.
Repackaged products:
  •  ink pads – same colours, different type and better ink pads
  • stamp and write markers  –  some will no longer be sold individually and only sold as a group, so if you have some missing from your collection, now is the time to bu
If you are a scrapbooker, check out these items:
  • 12 x 12 textured card stock will be  discontinued
  • some 12 x 12 smooth card stock will be discontinued
  • albums, page protectors
Visit my on-line store – HERE to ensure you get the products you want – because once they are gone, they are gone. 
 
If you have a small order, email me HERE  and I will group customer orders for pick up in Kamloops. 


Until next time…


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Bright Blossoms Birthday Card

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Good morning Everyone, I hope that it is a bright and sunny day where ever you are and what ever you are doing.  It’s supposed to go into the 70’s here today, so finally it’s getting warmer.  The leaves on the trees are breaking out, the birds are singing and the flowering plum next to my deck is almost in bloom.  
 
What could be better that to share a bright and sunny birthday card.
This card reminds me of summer with its red and white polka dots and the eyelet trim border.  This is a birthday card that I did for a friend’s birthday that we celebrated last evening.  
 
It’s clean and simple and oh so fresh.
Stamps: Bright Blossoms – (c – 125498, $15.95 w – 125495, $20.95 Summer Smooches April Promotion Paper: Naturals White, Whisper White, Real Red, Summer Smooches DSP
Ink: Real Red
Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Markers: Real Red, Lucky Limeade, 1/8” Real Red Taffeta Ribbon

That’s it for my post today.  Until next time…



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The Retiring Stamp List is Out

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by
Hi Everyone, Stampin’ Up! retiring stamp list is out!
Don’t miss out on any of your favorite stamps.  
There are close to 300 stamps on the list as Stampin’ Up! makes way for the new catalogue which will be out on June 1, 2012.
Visit my on-line store HERE or contact me HERE.
All these stamps will go away on May 31st.  
Stay tuned for the retired accessories and decorative items lists on April 25th


Until next time…



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Mojo Monday Challenge

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by
Hi Everyone:  Since returning from Japan, I have been struggling with my Mojo.  It’s probably the jet lag and it better be over soon.  What better way to help with the Mojo by making a card using the Mojo Monday challenge.



Then it was, what colours do I want to use.  So, I took inspiration from the Summer Smooches collection.  
 
This collection will be in the new 2012-13 catalogue, but for you, Stampin’ Up! is having a preview and you can order this collection through the month of April.  
 
Stamps: Triple Treat Flower – (w – 122909, $10.95 p. 18 2011-2012 IB&C)
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Lucky Limeade, Summer Smooches DSP
Ink: Real Red, Lucky Limeade, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Big Shot, Lattice Embossing Folder, Punches: Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Fancy Flower, 5-Petal Flower, 1/2” Circle Punch
The Triple Treat Flower is a “a-la-carte” stamp which is very versatile and works well for a clean and simple card.  The flower was stamped 3 times with the different colour inks, punched out and layered for a dimensional look.  
Have a wonderful day.  The sun is shining here and I am going out to enjoy some company with a couple of friends.
 

Until next time…

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Happy Easter and aThank You Card and Purse

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone, Well, we are back from Japan and still trying to get rid of this jet lag.  It was a tough flight back…not must leg room on the 8 hour flight.  All in all, it was about 24 hours before I was able to get to bed and have a sleep and even today I was up at 3:30 am, so will see what today brings.
I still have some photos to share of our trip and will do that in later posts.  Today, I have another Thank You card and purse that I made for my Monthly Club Ladies.

Stamps: Elements of Style, (c – 120045, $24.95, w – 118611, $33.95 p. 134 2011/2012 IB&C
Paper: Textured and Smooth Whisper White, Soft Suede, Peach Parfait, Attic Boutique DSP
Accessories: Big Shot, Textured Impressions Embossing Folders, Adorning Accents Edgelit Die, Adorning Accents Embossing Folder, Petite Purse BigZ die, Markers: Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, 2012-13 In Colour Brad, Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon


Isn’t that little purse the cutest thing?  It is the new die that is available for the month of April…a sneak peek at a new product from the 2012-13 catalogue.  
 
Stampin’ Up! is changing the calendar dates for the catalogues.  The 2012-13 catalogue will be available June 1st, so that mean the current catalogue expires on May 31st.  I will have the dates for the retired items shortly. 
 
Now, I need to go to my stamping room to finish up my Easter cards and baskets.  
Until next time….


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More Photos from Japan

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by
Hi Everyone:  we have been busy on the road, so haven’t had time to post more photos.  We have been to Kyoto and Nari and then yesterday we went off to see Mt Fuji.  That is one impressive mountain. 
I have been working on my My Digital Studio photobook, and will share some of the pages, but I will also share some of my other photos.

 Now a few other photos

Kyoto – Visit to the Temples –

Geisha Girls

Rickshaw

Grandpa and Maya feeding the deer at Nari

World’s Largest Pagoda – 5 stories – built to with stand earthquakes

Standing in front of the shrine that houses the world’s largest Buddha

World’s largest Buddha – notice the people in front to get a perspective

The Shinkansen – Bullet Train

Standing in front of a shrine in Kyoto.

Under the Cherry Blossom Tree


Well, that’s it for today.  Hopefully, I will be able to share some more pictures with you in the next couple of days.
Until next time…



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PP88 Easter Card

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by
Hi Everyone:  Before I share a card today, business first…
Sale-a-Bration is almost over actually you have 4 more days  If you haven’t taken advantage of the sale, then you still have time.  With a $60 order, you can choose, 1 FREE product from the Sale-a-Bration catalogue.  You still have time to order through my on-line store – HERE.  Then select your FREE item HERE. 
 
 
Well, I actually have time to create a card for the Paper Player’s Challenge.  The challenge this week is a sketch done by Ann Schach.  If you haven’t seen Ann’s work, then you are missing out on some wonderful work.
This card was created using My Digital Studio.  A great way to still do card making and scrap-booking when you are far away from your supplies.

All images, embellishments, papers, etc are from My Digital Studio software.  
You can still download the software for FREE until March 31st.  Check out this LINK
Well, that’s it for today.  
Until next time…



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Ramblings and Thoughts from Japan

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by
Hi Everyone:  Well, we made it to Japan and to Iwata City with no major catastrophes.  Well, I guess, maybe 1 even before we left Kamloops.  There have been labour disputes happening at Air Canada for the past couple of weeks. I seem to remember there was one when we were on our cruise last fall as well.  Maybe it’s something about Lloyd and I traveling.   
Anyway, we were delayed flying out of Kamloops by a couple of hours.  First they said it would be about a 4 hour delay which meant that we would have missed our flight to Japan, but it  turned out to be only a couple of hours. 
Even though the flight was a long one – about 18 hours from beginning to end, Lloyd and I both survived and slept quite well on the plane.  By the time we got to Darryl’s place, we were ready for bed, so didn’t have too much time adjusting to the time different.  I hope that  it will be the same going home.


We spent the first couple of days getting our bearings and yesterday, Lloyd and I walked to the grocery store and then home again without getting lost.  Actually, it is easy to get around Iwata as it is very flat, lots of rice fields so it is easy to see landmarks and everything seems to be square and logically laid out.
We went to a mall the other day and was amazed to see so much in English and people are more than willing to help you out and try to get through the language barrier. Last night we had an elderly lady come up to us and start speaking in English to our surprise.  Of course, the usual fare was there, the Body Shop, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Kentucky Fried Chicken and a few others.
McDonald and kids fun park in the mall

Yesterday, we went on a steam train up into the mountains.  The mountain sides are covered with tea plants and they are meticulous manicured. Just rows and rows going up the mountain slopes.  It’s very cold here. Although the sun is bright and clear skies, the wind is howling and it’s very cold.  I am not sure that I brought enough clothes and may have to go shopping, aw…rats. 
Tea plantations in the mountains


OK back to yesterday.  we had reservations on a steam train to go into the mountains.  We traveled by car for about an hour and a half.  before we boarded the train, we paid a visit to the Tokaido trail.  this trail was used by the warlords to get back and forth between Kyoto and Tokyo. 

Cobblestones line the trail as they did in the days of the warlords Maya, Darryl and Scooby

Getting ready to leave the station  -Karen, Lloyd and Maya


Standing in front of the steam engine


Hako drove the car from the Kanaya station to Sensu and then her and Kian met us for lunch. 


From Sensu, we traveled back to Iwata over the very windy road and on the way stopped by an ancient castle that was refurbished after the war.
Ancient castle

Ninjas at the castle
The stairs were so steep, it was like going up and down a ladder.  I had to go down backwards.  Much easier not to see where you were going
 
 
The view from the top
 Well, that’s it for today.  I am having problems with my computer and it is causing me some frustration, so hopefully tomorrow will be better.
I hope you enjoy the pictures and the little bit of history that I had to share with you.
Until next time…



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Using the Language of Friendship

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by
Hi Everyone.  I have a basket for you today that I stamped and decorated using the Language of Friendship stamp that is available as a FREE stamp during Sale-a-Bration.  The countdown is on to the end of this fabulous Stampin’ Up! promotion … only 10 days left. 
 
If you order $60 of Stampin’ Up! product, you get to choose 1 item from the Sale-A-Bration catalogue.  
Check it out HERE
I am sharing a basket that we did for the March club which incorporates the Language of Friendship.
This basket would be great for an Easter treat or as a Thinking of You treat, or….  The possibilities are endless.

Stamps: Language of Friendship – (c – 122752, $14.95, w – 122750, $19.95 p. 101 2011/2012 IB&C)
Paper: Whisper White, Island Indigo, Old Olive, Pink Pirouette, Daffodil Delight, Beau Chateau DSP
Ink: Old Olive, Island Indigo
Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop, Circle Die, 3-1/2” Circle Die, Perfect Pennants Die, Bird Builder Punch, Boho Punch, Bright Brads, Old Olive Scallop Dots Ribbon, Simply Scored Tool.

Thanks for visiting my blog.
 
Enjoy today and until next time….

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Another March Club Card

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by
Hi Everyone:  I hope that the first 2 days of the week are going well for you.  I have been busy with getting things ready to do the dreaded tax thing.  Lloyd and I are leaving for Japan next week, so I would like to get as much done on preparing my taxes so that I won’t have too much to do when I get back.
We are going to visit Lloyd’s son and family for 2 weeks.  It’s a long flight, and I am not looking forward to that, however, once we get to Japan, I am sure that we will have a wonderful time.
I will be blogging and posting pictures of our adventures, so please keep checking in.  I plan to do another scrap book and will work on that as well.
The card today is another one that we did for the monthly club.  It is a simple, elegant and monochromatic card using the Elements of Style.  
Last month, I was talking about the masking technique and the ladies wanted to know what that was.  So this month, I decided we could do a card that incorporates this technique.  
 
The mask on this card is not complicated so it gave them an idea as to what was involved.  The butterfly was punched  from a post-it-note and placed on the card.  The large image from the Elements of Style was then stamped on the Very Vanilla card stock.  Vellum was used for the butterfly and the backing is another piece of Very Vanilla which was punched using the Butterfly punch.  The card was spritzed using the Soft Suede marker and the Spritzer tool.
 
Stamps: Elements of Style – (c – 120045, $24.95, w – 118611, $33.95 p. 134 2011/2012 IB&C)
Paper: Natural Ivory, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede
Ink: Soft Suede
Accessories: Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, Butterfly Punch, Corner Punch, Vellum, Pearls, Spritzer, Soft Suede Marker, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Crochet Ribbon.
 
Don’t forget:  Sale-a-Bration continues for the next 2 weeks and  at the stroke of 10 to midnight, disappears for another year.
Check this once a year bonanza HERE.  
 
Ordering a minimum of $60 will get you free product – some exclusive to Sale-a-Bration and some from the 2011/2012 Idea Book and Catalogue. 
 
Thanks for visiting today and until next time…

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To Blog or Craft – That is my Dilemma

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by
Hi Everyone, I have been missing from the Blogging land for the past week.  I finally painted the kitchen so the renos are finished and I just need to do a few other things.  I will have pictures at the end of this post. 
So when I say Blog or Craft…I decided to craft and hence the missing from Blogging Land.
The share today is a set of cards done with the Easy Events stamp set.  This is a versatile stamp set as it covers 8 different events.  The cards can be as easy or as difficult as you want.  I used the Note Card Set from Stampin’ Up!  This set comes with 20 5″ x 3-1/2″ cards and envelopes.  These are great to have on hand for a quick and easy card.
Stamps: Easy Events – (c – 123225, $30.95, w – 116958, $40.95 p. 57 2011-2012 IB&C
Paper: Note Cards,  Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight, Beyond the Garden DSP, Tempting Turquoise, Mellon Mambo DSP Stack, Baja Breeze, Poppy Parade, Bring on the Cake DSP, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder, Sweet Shop DSP, Pumpkin Pie, Island Indigo, Cherry Cobbler DSP Stack, Pumpkin Pie DSP Stack, Marina Mist, Crumb Cake DSP Stack, Real Red, Holly Berry DSP
Ink: Black Stazon, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Big Shot, Lattice Embossing Folder, Framlit Dies, Edgelit Dies, Adorning Accents Embossing Folder,  Various SU markers,  Punches: Itty Bitty, Eyelet Border, Pinking Hearts Border, Modern Label, Scallop Trim Border, Bird Builder Ribbons: Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo Scallop Dots, Poppy Parade Stitched, Blushing Bride Pleated, Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler Scallop Dots, Real Red Taffeta Ribbon, Pearls, Rhinestones, Dazzling Diamonds, 2012/13 In Colour Brad,
Whisper White Note Cards & Envelopes 107311
Price: $7.50
These pre-scored cards make creating unique cards a breeze! Each card is scored for easy folding, and the packet comes with 20 cards and matching envelopes.

■ 5″ x 3-1/2″ card (folded)                                      
 ■ 5-1/8″ x 3-5/8″ envelope
■ Whisper White
■ Exclusive Stampin’ Up! envelope flap design

To order the Easy Events stamp set and the Note Cards, visit my STORE.

You will notice on the right side of the picture, there appears to be an envelope, well, that is partly right.  It is an envelope box to hold the cards and envelops from the Easy Events set.  I will have the details in my next post. 
Now, on to my kitchen renos.

The counter tops are darker than they appear in the photos.  They reflect the light and this is what makes them appear lighter.

That’s it for today and until next time…

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Birthday Ensemble

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by
Hi Everyone, hope you are enjoying your Sunday.
Today, I have a Birthday Ensemble to share with you…a Memory Board, Birthday card and yes, Cupcakes and they all utilized various Stampin’ Up! products.  Oh what fun I had!
We celebrated a friend’s birthday today and her favorite flowers are pink roses, hence the rose theme in her Memory Board and Card.


First off is the Memory Board

Paper: Regal Rose, Pear Pizzazz, Crumb Cake Neutrals DSP Stack
Ink: Rose Red, Pear Pizzazz
Accessories: Big Shot, Paper Doily Die, Bird Builder punch, Fancy Flower Punch, , Spring Time Vintage Fabric,  Whisper White 5/8” Satin Ribbon,  Not Quite Navy 1-1/4” Grosgrain Ribbon, Cork, Hat Pins.  
Non-Stampin’ Up! –  White Foam Board, Batting, Decorative Tack Pins, Hot Glue Gun, White Poster Board
Next is the card

 

Stamps: Elementary Elegance Stamp Set  (2012 Sale-a-Bration), Fifth Avenue Floral(w-113734  $29.95 p. 110, 2011/2012 IB&C), 
Paper: Regal Rose, Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz, Subtles DSP Stack
Ink: Rose Red, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Big Shot, Paper Doily Die, Manhattan Rose Embossing Folder, Pearls, Punches: Blossoms, Markers – Regal Rose, Rose Red, Pink Pirouette  Regal Rose Seam Binding Ribbon, Vellum, Versa Mark, White Embossing Powder, Rosette, Pearl, Blushing Bride Mooch Spritz
The Manhattan Flower that is embossed on the Crumb Cake card stock is sponged with with Crumb Cake ink to highlight the design.  The vellum card stock is stamped with Versa-mark and embossed with White Embossing Powder.  Turn the velum over and colour using markers.  This gives a stained-glass effect to the flower.  The flower is fussy cut and then attached to Rose Red card stock.  The rose leaves are punched from Pear Pizzazz card stock with the Blossom punch from the Occasion Mini catalogue.  Don’t miss out on any of these wonderful products, because after April 30, 2012, some may be gone forever.
Finally, the FINALE
The cupcakes were decorated by incorporating the Outlined Expressions stamp set that is currently available FREE with a $60.00 order.  Check out the products that are available with SALE-A-BRATION until March 31, 2012. 




Stamps: Outlined Occasions Stamp Set  (2012 Sale-a-Bration), Fifth Avenue Floral(w-113734  $29.95 p. 110, 2011/2012 IB&C
Accessories: Big Shot, Paper Doily Die, Cake Fondant, Gel Colours for Icing, Aqua Brush, Vodka, Gold Waffle Paper, Red Velvet Cupcakes

Rubber Stamping meets the Baking World.
I had a great time making the decorations for these cupcakes. If you like to bake and stamp, you can now do these 2 things at the same time.
Deb Valder has an excellent video on how this is done.
So there you have it…the Birthday Ensemble
Until next time…..

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