Thank You Cards

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone:  As many of you know from reading my last blog post, I have now retired.  So over the past few days I have been making thank you cards for my co-workers who sent me off in fine fashion.
First, though, Stampin’ Up! is having a great promotion for all of you who like the great Designer Series Papers that you can purchase.  It’s a BUY 3 GET 1 FREE.  Who can resist? There are papers for everyone’s tastes and they will add that something special to your card and/or scrap booking page.  These papers are excellent for scrap booking as they measure 12″ x 12″.

To order any of the Designer Series Paper, visit my on-line store HERE or email me
Now on to my Thank You cards 

I would like to give credit to a convention swapper for the inspiration for this card.

Stamps: Just Believe (c-120453 $31.95, w-116948 $41.95 IB&C p 109

Paper: Naturals White, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Beyond the Garden DSP

Ink: Mellon Mambo

Accessories: Big Shot, Flower Garden Embossing Folder, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Scallop Square Punch, Postage Stamp Punch, Ribbon (other)

Stamps: Raining Flowers (c-122767 $35.95, w-122765 $48.95 IB&C p 111), Easy Events (c-123225 $30.95, w-116958 $40.95 IB&C p 57)

Paper: Naturals Ivory, Island Indigo, Early Espresso, Pumpkin Pie, Elegant Soiree DSP (retired)     

Ink: Very Vanilla Craft, Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Early Espresso

Accessories: Big Shot, Framed Tulip Embossing Folder, Petal Cone Die, Fancy Fan Letterpress Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon (retired), Pearls
This card features the Fancy Fan Letterpress Plate that is used with the Big Shot and you can create an inked debossed look by choosing your own ink colour to create cards invitations and pages.
So that’s it for now and until next time….
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Retirement is Here

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by


Hi Everyone:  Well, the day is finally here and I am officially retired.  I had a great send off by my co-workers and thank you to them all.  I was presented with a Memories Book that was done by members of my department and it was filled with wonderful pictures and words of congratulations.  A big THANK YOU to all of them.  I was wined and dined over the past week and today it was a walk about to say “so long” and not good bye. Today, I received a wrist corsage and thank goodness I wore something that matched.  It had beautiful roses, orchids and of course it wouldn’t have been complete without the bling bracelet.  How well they knew me. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at BCLC and will miss the people because over the years you have become my friends.  I will be staying in Kamloops and will see you from time to time.

I was also presented with a Memory Box filled with cards and well wishes as a number of items that will remind me of my years with BCLC as well as a beautiful charm bracelet with some charms to get me started and especially the friendship charm will be near and dear to me.  The reality of it all finally came when I had to turn in my badge for the last time.

I now have Thank You card to make, however I did manage to make a Thank You banner that I would like to share with all of you.

Stamps: Nature Walk (c-121997 $22.95, w-121925 $31.95 IB&C p 100), Broad street Alphabet (c-120585 $36.95, w-118724 $53.95 IB&C p 171)

Paper: Naturals White, Not Quite Navy, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Elegant Soiree DSP (retired)    

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist, Early Espresso, Old Olive

Accessories: Big Shot, Petal Cone Die, Scallop Circle #2 Die, 1-3/8” Circle Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Pearls, Dazzling Diamonds, Sponges, Victoria Crochet Trim, Linen Thread, Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon (retired), Colour Spritzer Tool, Early Espresso Market, Trinket Keys, Champagne Shimmer Paint, Vintage Trinkets, Brights Designer Buttons

So, until next time….

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Convention Goodies and Happy Birthday Cody

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Good Evening Everyone:  I have been absent from my Blog for a week now…still recovering from the Stampin’ Up! convention in Salt Lake City.  I must have had too much of a good time.  I think I am becoming human again and can manage to stay awake past 7:00.

First, I would like to show you a couple of pictures of the “free” Stampin’ Up! products that we received during convention.  Some of the products are hidden as they are from the 2011 Holiday Mini catalogue which can be in your hands by the end of August.  If you are interested in receiving a catalogue, please contact me HERE.  (Canadian addresses only.)

 

The card I have for you this evening is Cody’s Birthday card.  He turned 4 a week ago.  Happy Birthday Cody


 

Stamps: Lots of Bots (Retired)

Paper: Naturals White, Real Red, Pacific Point, Water Colour, Celebrations (Retired),        

Ink: Black Craft

Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note, Scallop Squares Duo, Boho Blossoms Punch, ¾” circle Punch, Various Stampin’ Up! Markers

The Lots of Bots stamp set is retired, however, I wanted to share the technique of adding a border on the scallop square.

  1. Cut a mask using the Big Shot and the Scallop Square Duo.
  2. Layer the mask on the scallop square that will go on your card.
  3. Move down until you have the size of the border that you would like.
  4. Using a marker, colour upwards from the mask to the scallop square.  Make sure that you do not go back and forth with your marker when colouring.  This may lead to bleed on your scallop square for your card.
  5. Continue around the remaining square.  You now have a border.

If you have any questions on convention or how might attend next year, please contact me.  Also check out the special promotion as you can join the fun at Stampin’ Up! for $119 CDN

So until next time…..


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Convention Day 2

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone:  It’s Day 2 of Stampin’ Up! convention here in Salt Lake City, and what a day it has been.  We kicked off the morning with a general session and I have never seen so many people in one place.  The ballroom was decorated in the “Grow” theme and it is about the +one campaign that has been going on for Stamping’ Up! since January. 

Main Stage

Making Our Debut as First Timers

As first timers to Convention, Tammy, Kendra, Tiffany and myself walked across the stage with a few hundred other first timers.





T
Tower at the Salt Lake Palace

This is one of the Towers at the Palace.  It is a huge place and takes up about 2 city blocks.  Needless to say, there is a lot of walking and tonight I am nursing a blister….yuck.,

One of the perks, and there are plenty , is that we got the first look at the new Holiday Mini and let me tell you tell you that there is plenty to drool over.  So that is it for this time and until next time…..

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From Salt Lake City – Convention Swap 2

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone from Salt Lake City.  We have arrived for the Stampin’ Up Convention, a few days early.  We did hit the Outlet stores yesterday and I am sure the sales persons were happy to see us.  Five women who all like to shop.

Shopping In Salt Lake City

I have another swap that I would like to share with you today.  This one uses the Upsy Daisy stamp, one of my favourites.  I used the stamp-off technique…stamp your image and without reinking the stamp, move slightly to the right and stamp again.  This technique gives a shadow effect.

Stamps: Upsy Daisy (w-111710 $22.95 IB&C p 116), Fabulous Phrases (c-117002 $46.95, w-117002 $46.95 IB&C p 107), Four Frames (c-123442 $19.95 w-123440 $25.95 IB&C p 141),
Paper: So Saffron, Whisper White, Night of Navy, Regals DSP Stack,         
Ink: So Saffron, Pool Party, Night of Navy
Accessories: Decorative Label Punch

I also took part in my first organized swap, making 16 cards with 16 other stampers…WHAT FUN and beautiful cards – actually WOW cards.

Tomorrow will be a busy day – taking in Memento Hall and a visit to the Riverton manufacturing plant where the Stampin’ Up! stamps are made.  I am looking forward to all the excitement.
So until next time…

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Convention Tag

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone:  I have a short post for you this evening. Packing is so exhausting….maybe if I wasn’t so indecisive about what clothes (or just in case clothes) to pack it would go faster.  Of course, it’s always about the weight of your bags for flying.

I made myself a tag for my bag of goodies that I will receive at the Stampin’ Up!Convention.  Everyone gets the same bag so it gets difficult to distinguish between your bag and another person’s bag.  I don’t think I would be very popular if I took someone’s bag

I used some leftovers from the swaps I made to take with me.  I didn’t make as many as I would have liked. I just ran out of time.

Paper: Concord Crush, Perfect Plum, Pear Pizzazz, Pocketful of Posies DSP

Ink: Concord Crush

Accessories: Big Shot, Tulip Embossing Folder, Top Note Die, Fun Flower Die, Pear Ribbon, Crop-o-Dile, Subtle Glimmer Brad
 

Before attaching all the parts of the flower, I curled up the petal edges using the Bone Folder and sponged them with Concord Crush ink.

Stay tuned for my open house in August.  I will be show casing the new goodies and of course there will be retired product for sale at reduced prices and door prizes.

I hope to get some blogging done next week so I can share some of what is happening at convention.  If you want to experience the Stampin’ Up! convention next year, join my team and take advantage of the $119 starter kit. 

So, until next time….

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New Rubber and Papers and PPA100

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone:  First, I want to say “Happy Canada Day” to my family and friends in Canada and “Happy July 4th” to my friends south of the border.  I hope that everyone is enjoying their long weekend.

I have a card for you today that uses the new In Colors from Stampin’ Up! and if you haven’t had a peek at these yet, visit my on-line store to check them out as well as all the other fabulous stamps, paper and accessories.

I love the new colours, they are vibrant and fun.

Stamps: Delicate Doilies (c – 122592, $20.95, w – 122590, $26.95, p. 127 2011-2012 IB&C)

Paper: Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White, Night of Navy, Blushing Bride, Flirtatious Specialty DSP

Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Blushing Bride, Whisper White Craft ink
Accessories: Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die, Perfect Pennants Bigz Die, Scallop Circle Punch, White Embossing Powder
Technique: Double Embossing

This card is also my entry for the PPA100 challenge.  All the designers are celebrating their 100th challenge.  Pay them a visit to see their wonderful work and wish them well.  The challenge is “What’s Your Technique” and I did mine using double embossing by running card stock through the Big Shot using the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, sponged Whisper White Craft Ink on the design and then embossed with White Embossing Powder and heat set.  What fun.

Well, that is my post today and until next time….


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It’s Here – the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalogue

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone:  It’s here….the 2011-12 Idea Book and Catalogue.  This book will be sure to delight you and get your creative juices flowing.  There are new stamps, new In Colours (beautiful), new punches, new dies, new paper….lots of new items for you to enjoy along your card making and scrap booking journeys.

You can join Stampin’ Up! and join my down line to start you business or hobby….the choice is yours.

Check out my PROMOTIONS page and JOIN THE FUN page.

The NEW HOSTESS BENEFITS PROGRAM starts today as well.

Follow the links, feel the excitement and get started.
Until next time…..

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Tangled Up in Creativity and the Paper Players Challenges

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

 Hi Everyone.  It’s Monday and what better way to start of the week than doing a little stamping.  Actually, I have been doing a lot of stamping as I am trying to get swaps done for the Stampin’ Up! convention in 10 days.  So I thought I would take a break from my swaps and do a card for the Tangled Up in Creativity Blog Group and the Paper Players challenges. 

Monica, one of the hosts for the Tangled Up in Creativity challenge this month sent everyone in the group pretty DSP to use on their card.  We were challenged to use both papers or at least one of the papers on our card. 

I also used the challenge sketch over at the Paper Players and they are also celebrating their One Year Anniversary.  Congrats Paper Players.

This card also uses one of the new Big Shot die cuts – Perfect Pennants which will be available in the new 2011 2012 Idea Book and Catalogue.  This new catalogue will be available on my website on July 1st.  How exciting…it’s like Christmas seeing all the new goodies.

 

Stamps: Artistic Etchings (c – 120573, $17.95 w – 118517, $22.95 2011 2012 IB&C p 125), En Français (w – 109521 – $21.95, p.142)

Paper:  Natural Ivory, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, DSP (other)

Ink:  Basic Grey Craft, So Saffron

Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Pennants BigZ Die (available July 1, 2011), Versa Mark, Clear Embossing Powder, Wild Wasabi Embossing Powder, Trinket Keys (available July 1, 2011, Corner Punch, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Hemp Twine, Pearl, Wild Wasabi Marker

Don’t forget, there is only 3 more days for the Say Good Bye items.  Check out my STORE and don’t miss out on those must haves before June 30th.

So that will be it for tonight and until next time….

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Nature’s Walk

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone.  In this post I will be sharing one of the stamp sets that made it from the Occasions Mini into the new Stampin’ Up! 2011 2012 Idea Book and Catalogue.  This new catalogue will be available to order from starting July 1st.  The catalogue is filled to the brim with soon to be new favourites and also some of the favourites from last year and the year before that.

My card is for the Tangled Up in Creativity challenge hosted by Lynn.  The challenge was to include torn paper somewhere on your card.  To me the torn paper ties in so nicely with the vintage look.

Stamps: Natures Walk (c – 121997, $22.95 w – 121925, $31.95 2011 2012 IB&C p 114), Happiest Birthday Wishes (2011/12 IB&C – Hostess )

Paper:  Natural Ivory, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler, Paisley Prints DSP

Ink:  Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Sponges, Scallop Circle Punch, Circle Punch Markers – Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Chantilly Crochet Trim

I used the markers to colour the flowers and the leaves on the stamp and then stamped once and stamped off again. This is a great way to make your own designer paper.  The Paisley Petals DSP is torn on the edges and sponged using Soft Suede ink.  This is another way in which to achieve the vintage look.

You can contact me to set up a Stampin’ Up! class and as a hostess, you will receive the new 2011 2012 Idea Book and Catalogue, plus there are new Hostess Benefits starting July 1st.  Contact me HERE to find out what the Hostess Benefits are all about…..EXCITING!!! 

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Lovely as a Tree – Inspired by Michelle Zindorf –

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

       Happy Saturday Everyone…I hope it’s bright and sunny where you are because it sure isn’t here…Where’s summer?  I have heard on the news that some areas of the southern US are experiencing drought conditions.  I sure wish that we could move some of that liquid sunshine from here to there.
I am sharing a card today that is inspired by Michelle Zindorf.  Michelle produces beautiful and very artistic work using the brayer technique and/or sponging technique.  I have admired her work for sometime and have attempted to use the sponging technique for this card.  This card also used the reflection technique and Michelle has a great trick using the plastic piece form the Stamp-a-ma-jig.  You can also use vellum to transfer your image to your card.
 

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree (w – 115026, $33.95 IB&C p 114), Vintage Vogue (c – 118598,$21.95 w – 117690 $29.95 – IB&C p 126,), Happiest Birthday Wishes (2011/12 IB&C – Hostess )
Paper:  Natural Ivory, Basic Black, River Rock, Very Vanilla, DSP (Retired)
Ink:  Basic Black, River Rock, Sahara Sand
Accessories: Big Shot, 3” Circle Die, Scallop Circle Die, Sponges, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Brads (other), Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Post-it-Notes

I was so happy that the Lovely as a Tree stamp was not on the retired list.  However, if any of your favourite stamps are on this list, please visit My Store or contact me to make sure that you don’t miss out.  Of course, there are embellishments and accessories as well as card stock on the list.  Don’t miss out, it all goes away June 30, 2011

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s out there….
Until next time….


 

Happy Birthday Sagan

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by




Hi Everyone:  A week has past since my last post and the time has flown by.  I had a busy weekend, what with taking care of my granddaughter on Friday, a family BBQ on Saturday and then Sagan’s 3rd birthday on Sunday and then it was back to work. 
Grandchildren are sooo much fun…On Friday, I took Sarah to her gymnastics’s class and then after she was done, I wanted to buy Sagan’s birthday present, so I asked her where we should go…answer was Toy RUs.  Why didn’t I think of that.  After we shopped (and she does love shopping), I asked where would she like to go for lunch.  Answer….Tim Horton’s.  Now this isn’t a typical kid request for lunch, so I asked her well what are you going to have….Bagel and Cream Cheese, Chocolate Milk and a Do-nut with sprinkles….This one is 4 going on 12. 
So…on with Sagan’s Birthday card.
Stamps: Beary Best Friends (w – 118052, $22.95 IB&C p 85), Beary Best Times, (w-118088 $19.95, IB&C p 85) Bring on the Cake  
Paper:  Naturals White, Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist, Celebrations DSP, Whisper White, Water color Paper
Ink:  Black Stazon, Real Red
Accessories: Various Markers, Aqua Brush, Bakers Twine, Postage Stamp Punch, XL Tag Punch, ½” Circle Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, eyelet (other).
Technique: Paper Piecing



Enjoy the remainder of your evening and until next time….

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Because I Care and SSC 206

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by








Good Evening everyone.  I have just a short post today as not so much is happening this week, so I will get right to my card.  I did this card for the Saturday Sketch Challenge over at Stamping 411 and I will make the deadline this week.
First, though I have to give credit to Sandi Mac Iver for her inspiration.  Sandi did her card in less than 10 minutes.  I likely tripled that time.

I love  Crumb Cake and Whisper White together. First I used the Very Vintage wheel with Crumb Cake Basic ink and wheeled away on Whisper White cs. The flowers were stamped with Crumb Cake Craft Ink and then embossed with Clear Embossing Powder and cut out with the handy dandy Paper Snips.  These snips are so great at getting into the small places. I sponged every where and added the speckled look with the Spritzer Tool and Pearls were strategically placed on the card front.

 

Stamps: Fabulous Florets (c – 123027, $21.95, w – 123025, $28.95 Occasions Mini p 22, Because I Care (c – 120118, w – 118384 – IB&C p 11, Hostess Level ), Very Vintage Wheel, 117693 – $10.50, IB&C p 126)

Paper:  Natural Ivory, Crumb Cake Classic and Craft, Whisper White, Elegant Soiree DSP

Ink:  Crumb Cake

Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Big Shot, Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Color Spritzer Tool, Sponges, Paper Snips, Pearls, Scallop Trim Border Punch 

 I hope you enjoy and until next time….

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Flowers for you and PP 49 – Anything Goes

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone and we are getting closer to the weekend.  In a few posts back, I posted some cards that I had made using the Strength and Hope stamp.  I managed to sell all the cards that I had made and donated the proceeds to the Lotto Rippers to contribute to the Relay for Life.  Thank you to all who purchased the cards.  I appreciate your support. 

Now on to my next card.  This one was originally planned to Stamping 411 challenge, but again I missed the deadline….so I am entering it into the Anything Goes challenge over at the Paper Players.  This card is for my Aunt who underwent surgery last week and I hope it will brighten her day…hopefully she will get it as post office may be in a labour dispute by tomorrow morning… Sure glad I get my Stampin’ Up! orders via UPS, especially since it is sneak peek time for the new cattie.

Stamps: Fabulous Florets (c – 123027, $21.95, w – 123025, $28.95 Occasions Mini p 22, Just Believe (c – 120453, $31.95, w – 116948 – $41.95 IB&C p 109

Paper:  Night of Navy, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White

Ink:  Night of Navy

Accessories: White Embossing Powder, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Versa-mark, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Daffodil Delight 1/8” Ribbon


It’s also say Good bye time for some Stampin’ Up! products…stamps,  accessories and Definitely Decor. The new cattie due out July 1, 2011 will be jammed pack full of new goodies.   Check out my Promotions page to get the scoop on all the retired items.  Don’t miss out.  The accessories will be on a first come first serve basis, so if there is something you really want, please purchase through my on-line store.
So, enjoy your evening and until next time….


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Thinking of You and PPA 95

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by











Hello Everyone:  Here we are, and nearly the start of June and summer is where?  We can’t seem to get more that 2 days in a row of sunshine and even then it’s not that warm at least compared to what we are used to.
My card today is for the Pals Paper Arts challenge.  The challenge this week is “Elements of Style” with the brad featured.  Brads can be used in so many ways on a card, IE, flower center, attach layers together, hold a bow together.  I am sure that you can think of a few others.
PPA 95
Stamps: Elizabeth (w – 117120 – $11.95 IB&C p 18), En Français (w – 109521 $21.95 IB&C p 142)

Paper:  Naturals White, Very Vanilla, Real Red, Basic Black, Newsprint DSP

Ink: Basic Black Craft ink,

Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Antique Brad, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Scallop Circle Punch Versa-mark
The Antique Brad for this card forms the center of the flower.  The flower was cut from Real Red card stock and distressed by scrunching, spraying water on them and finally separating the layers of card stock.
 
I have wanted to use the Elizabeth stamp since I got it during Sale-a-bration.  I really struggled with this card as I wanted it elegant but simple.  Actually, I cut the image at least 3 times,  each time changing out the ink and the embossing powder. Finally I settled on the Basic Black Craft ink and the Clear Embossing Powder.    Then it was the layout…did I want portrait or landscape, which newspaper print did I want to use…. 
This card is going out to a friend and I would like to have her know that I am thinking about her at this time. So into the mail tomorrow and then it’s gone and I can’t agonize about it anymore.
Enjoy your evening and until next time….
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