Happy Easter

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Well, it’s good to back on my blog.  I have been in Toronto for the past 2 weeks, not a holiday but for work, so I have itching to get  back and work on some cards to share.

The ones today are not exactly cards but Easter gifts for my grandchildren. 

These gifts I cased from Kim Lampone over at http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ and I also came across another idea on how to save paper using 12″ X 12″ cardstock when cutting the match box dies.  http://stampingwithlisa.com/paper-saver-template-for-matchbox-die  You can cut four match boxes using this paper saver template.

I so enjoyed making these gifts for my grandchildren….can you tell which one is for my granddaughter?

Recipe
Stamps: Loads of Love Accessories
Ink: Eggplant
Paper: Perfect Plum, Whisper White, DSP, Black, Ballet Blue, Brocade Blue, Garden Green, Regal Rose, So Saffron
Accessories: Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Circle Punches (13/4”, 3/4”, 1/2”), Butterfly Embosslit, Square Scallop Punch, Crop-o-dial, Ribbon (other), Scallop Punch, Big Shot Match Box die, Dimensionals, uni-ball Signo Gel Pen, archival black pen
Technique: Punch art


How To


1. Using the Match Box die, assemble 2 boxes and attach to each other using 2-sided tape. I used textured whisper white for the boxes.
2. For the boxes in brocade blue, cut the card stock 73/4” by 61/4”
3. Score the long edge 31/2” and 41/4”
4. Assemble bunnies
5. Cut the Garden Green CS 1/14” and scallop punch one edge
6. Cut the DP 2” and edge with decorative scissors
7. Attach to top of box
8. Attach the match boxes to the inside spacing evenly from the side and aligning the back of the match boxes with the ¾” space that was scored
9. Punch a hole in the top and bottom for the ribbon which will act as the closure
10. Assemble the bunny and attach using dimensionals.
11. Decorate with embossed butterflies and sentiment.
12. Fill the matchboxes with chocolate Easter eggs.
13. Insert the ribbon and tie.

Have a wonderful day.

Karen

Has Spring Arrived Early

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone:  Spring is definitely here, at least for now.  Today was a sunny18 degrees even though the calendar says Spring won’t be here for another few days.  Suprises do happen, so we shouldn’t get used to it.

Here is a couple of Mother’s Day cards that I have created.  The first one is based on MOJO Monday 129.

Mother’s Day Card 1

Recipe
Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Textured French Vanilla, DSP, Basic Grey, Bordering Blue
Ink: Bordering Blue, Versa Mark
Accessories: White Embossing Powder, Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Pearl Brad (other)
Technique: Emboss Resist

How To

Mother’s Day Card # 2

Recipe:

Stamps: Of the Earth (Hostess Set), Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: French Vanilla Textured, DSP, Bride Specialty Paper
Ink: Versa Mark, Bordering Blue, Brocade Blue
Accessories: Ribbon (other), Scallop Trim punch, Big Shot – Perfect Polka Dots, Dimensionals
Technique: Brayering, Emboss Resist

How To

This card was based on Saturday Sketch Challenge 142, another great choice for that stamper block.


I embossed the 2nd layer with the Perfect Polka Dots impressions folder and then layered the DSP, the brayered Bride specialty paper, trimmed the 5th layer with the scallop trim punch and stamped and emboss resist the sentiment. I then stamped the last layer with the bird from the Of the Earth stamp set and edged with Brocade Blue ink.

Now I have 2 Mother’s Day cards and will have to decide who will receive which one.

Resist Embossing

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Happy Monday Everyone.  This card was based on Mojo Monday 128.  One of these days, I will get to making the Mojo card in the right week instead of being a week late.  But that’s ok as Mojo Monday sketches are good source of inspiration.

I used the resist embossing technique for this card as it was a class that my demonstrator used for her March classes, so I thought I would practice.  I like the technique as it brings real focus to the stamp on the card. 

All supplies are Stampin Up unless otherwise noted

My Recipe

Stamps: Fifth Avenue, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Versa Ink, Always Artichoke
Paper: Creamy Carmel, Sweet Pea DP, Always Artichoke, So Saffron

I have a couple of more cards to showcase, but they will have to wait.

Until next time….

Karen

A Birthday Card fit for a Summer Drink

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Well, here we are, the first day of DST and I always find this day to go so fast, even if I turned the clocks ahead before I went to bed last night.  Lloyd and I just came back from visiting my parents in their new home.  Once the boxes all get unpacked, the pictures hung on the wall and with a little more organization, their new home will look and feel very comfortable. 



Paper: Vellum, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, So Saffron, Sahara Sand, Regal Rose


Accessories: Glue Dots. Dimensionals, Oval Punch, Cricut – Life’s a Beach, Dazzling Diamonds, 2 sided tape


Technique: Sponging, Cup Technique



The How Tos



I used the cup technique from the SCS found here: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/cup_card/

 I sponged the sand with Close to Cocoa, went over it lightly with Creamy Carmel and then sponged on Champagne Mist Glimmer Paint; the water was sponged in Taken with Teal and Brocade Blue and the sky sponged with Bordering blue. For the cup, I sponged on Cameo Coral, Creamy Carmel and Pumpkin Pie and then attached the 2-sided tape to the cup rim and dipped into the Dazzling Diamonds. I cut out the cherry, orange slice, umbrella and straw with the Cricut and attached with glue. I drew lines on the straw with the uni-ball Signo Gel pen. And vola, it looks like a delightful summer drink, just right for sipping on a beach somewhere where it’s warm and sunny.

Hope you have had a happy Sunday and until next time………….

Karen

The sun shines brightly

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

It seems so long between times that I can get to my blog.  The card that I did is a sympathy card based on Saturday Sketch Challenge 140.  You can see the different designs they send out and the beautiful cards that the designers have on the site for inspiration.  http://stamping411.blogspot.com/  Take a look, you cannot help but be inspired.

Card Recipe – all product are Stampin Up unless otherwise noted
Stamps – Of the Earth, Whimsical Words
Paper – Textured Whisper White, Regal Rose, Brocade Blue
Ink – Night of Navy, Versa Ink
Accessories – White Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Brads (other), Dimensionals, Curly Label Punch

I stamped the Brocade Blue with the Of the Earth stamp with the Versa Ink to make a subtle background.  For the ribbon, I used a craft knife and put two slits on other side of the main stamped image and then used the brads as stoppers.

We have had some wonderful sun over the past couple of days.  It gets very warm if you stand in it long enough.

Have a great day

Karen

Last Day for the Olympics

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Well, it’s the last day for the Olympics and what a ride it has been.  I don’t think I have heard the Canadian anthem sang so many times and spontaneously at that.  Canadians are usually so reserved when it comes to showing their patrioism.  I do hope this overwhelming pride for Canada continues.  Right now the US/Canada Gold Medal Hockey game is on and it’s tied and will be going to overtime.  Should I watch or should I not. How could I not watch.  Well, the hockey game is over and Canada has won the gold medal.  YEH Canada.  Congratulation to all the athletes who took part in the Olympics.  To be able to represent one’s country is a privlege and you all deserve to stand on a podium.

Well, I have had time to make two cards this week.  I am not sure how, but make them I did.  The first card is for a very special person in my life whose birthday is next month.  OK, if she reads the blog she will likely know who it is.  However, I want to share because I think it turned out beautiful.

Card Making Recipe – all products are Stampin Up unless otherwise noted

Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Vintage Labels, Hello
Paper: Whisper White Textured, Taken with Teal, Perfect Plum, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White
Ink: Perfect Plum, Taken with Teal
Accessories: New Scallop Edge Punch, Circle Punch – 13/4, Rhinestone Brads (other)
Technique: Layering, Easel Card

I stamped the Vintage Vogue stamp on the whisper white with perfect plum to make my own designer paper.  The link for the Easel Card Tutorial is http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/easelcard/

This card took be 3 trys as I didn’t read the instructions properly.  And it wasn’t the instruction’s fault either as they are easy to read.   Oh well, 3rd try lucky!!

The second card I did this week is a Sympathy Card for a co-worker whose Father passed away suddenly last week.  I just want her to know that I am thinking of her in this time of sorrow.

This card was to be for Mojo Monday 127 but again didn’t read instructions as it is supposed to be a square or a circle, mine turned out rectangle….oh well.

Card Making Recipe

Stamps: Asian Artistry, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Brocade Blue, So Saffron, Vellum, Whisper White Textured, DSP
Ink: Black, Stazon Black
Accessories: Gold Brads (other), Whisper White ribbon

Well, I have been quite lengthy today. 
One more thing though.  I have made a new friend from Split Coast Stampers, Sandi MacIver.  We started corresponding and Sandi is from Kamloops as well.  Her link is on my blog.  Take a visit, as Sandi does wonderful work.

Well, that’s it for today.  Take care.

Karen

Beautiful Day

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

I’t a beautiful day in the neighbourhood – a phrase coined by Mr. Rogers that many children have grown up on.  It’s simply gorgeous, people are out in their yards, walking the dogs, kids playing in the playground.  Not sights that you usually see in the middle of February in Kamloops. 

Just came back from visiting my youngest grandson Sagan and seeing the new puppy Bella for the first time.  Sure would be nice to have the energy that was being displayed by those two.

I have another card that I did for a friend’s birthday—lots of birthdays in February.

Card Recipe
Stamps:  Great Friends, Botanical Blooms, Upsy Daisy
Paper: Textured Whisper White, Whisper White, Old Olive, Perfect Plum
Ink: Summer Sun, Garden Green, Ruby Red, Black
Accessories: New Scallop Punch, Stamping Glitter, Delightful Decorations Punch, Scallop Oval Punch.

I used the 2 step stamping technique and stamped the butterfly in summer sun, outlined in black.  The red butterfly is cut out and layered on top of the yellow one.  I added the antenna in black. 

Now, it’s off to do some more cards.  Have a great day.

Karen

Another Beautiful Day in BC

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Here we are in the middle of the Olympics and some places in the lower mainland are looking at 14 degree temperature or for those of you in fareinheit, its about 58 degrees.  Visitors will be coming home with sun tans, and Vancouver is so beautiful when it is sunny. 

Canada has finally gotten a gold medal at home, yeh for our athletes.

Now on to my card that I have created today following MOJO Monday 126.  I haven’t been able to get to my work area for over a week…again life getting in the way.

This is a birthday card that I have created for a very good friend.

Recipe:

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Flowers; Upsy Daisy
Ink: Basic Black;
Paper: Baha Blue; Textured White, Whisper White; Black, DSP
Accessories: Scallop Punch, Dazzling Diamonds

I hope you enjoy my card. 
Karen

Happy Valentine’s Day

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Happy Valentine’s Day!  I know that the day is almost over but thought I would get the thought out there.  We just came back from a weekend in Kelowna – just a nice relaxing weekend away from home, shopping, and sightseeing – kind of re-energizes the batteries..  However, when you play you have to pay, so it’s washing, grocery shopping, etc. to get ready for the work week. 

Hopefully, I will be able to get some creative things done over the next while, however, I am not being too optimistic as my parents will be soon moving into an assisted living facility.  How difficult for them as it means parting with their treasures and some that they have had for more than 60 years.  I certainly know how I would feel if it was me.

Hope your day was as great as mine.

Karen

Olympics

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Yeh it’s Friday.  And as I am writing this, the sun is streaming through the windows.  The weather has been so mild that it is hard to believe that the Winter Olympics start today in Vancouver.  Hopefully, the weather will not deter our visitors from having a wonder time.

So now it is “GO CANADA GO“

Have a happy day!

Karen

The Olympics are nearly here

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

It’s so spring like here that it is hard to believe that the Winter Olympics being held in Vancouver are only a week away.  Hopefully our visitors will enjoy themselves even though there is no snow on the ground… up in the mountains or at least some of the mountains.  Right now, trucks are hauling snow to one of the snow board venues so that the events can continue.  El Nino, who would have thought after last year’s heavy snowfall.  Even the flowers are poking their heads out of the ground welcoming Spring.

Here are two of my latest creations.
The Valentine Card for my grandchildren.  I am sure that they will enjoy the treats.
All supplies are Stamping Up unless otherwise notes

Valentine Recipe
Stamps: Something Sweet, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Sending Love Specialty DSP, Very Vanilla, Real Red, Bazzile Brown Textured
Ink: Chocolate Ship
Accessories: Cricut George Letters and Shapes, Sweet Cups, 13/4″ Punch

Mojo Monday 124

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Mojo Monday 125 Contest
This is my special valentine using the Mojo Sketch.  Thanks Julee for helping me with my creative juices.

All products are Stamping Up unless otherwise noted.

Recipe:
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Something Sweet
Ink: Close to Cocoa
Paper: Bazzile White, Close to Cocoa, Real Red, Sending Love Specialty Paper
Accessories: Neutral Brads, Cricut George and Shapes, Chocolate Chip Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch

Karen

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Have to do another blog …. technically challenged LOL  Here is another card that I did for my daughter-in laws birthday.  Hope you enjoy. 

All supplies are stamping up unless otherwise noted.

Recipe
Stamps: Enjoy Every Moment, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Delightful Decorations
Paper: Cameo Coral, Bride Specialty Paper. Bazzile Sand
Ink: Cameo Coral, Versa Mark, Sahara Sand
Accessories: Embossing Powder, Brad (unknown), Scallop Punch. Scallop Oval Punch, Oval Punch, SU Ribbon
Technique: Brayering, Embossing

I brayered the Specialty Paper and the design shows through…a real neat technique.

Have a super day.

Karen

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

I have just returned from volunteering for the Walk of Memories in Kamloops, a fund raiser for the BC Alzhiemer’s Society of BC.  Alzhiemers is such as dreadful disease, taking people’s memories and leaving families to deal with the effect on their loved one’s lives.  In BC, 70,000 people have been diagnosed with this disease and 10,000 of these people are under the age of 65. 
Scrapbooking is one way to keep the memories that we have of our loved ones, family and friends and for the generations to come.  It is the sharing of the times we celebrated together.  There is a saying out there, that “you only exist as long as someone remembers you”.  Keep those memories alive as it will have a profound effect on all those that come after us.

Have a great day.  Karen

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

My very first card to share with others.  We’ll see how it uploads and I can share on Split Coast Stampers webside.

This is a birthday card that I created for by grandson’s 6th birthday…how time flies. 
I did case this card from ghutton.

Recipe
Card Stock: SU real read, not quite navy, summer sun, close to cocoa
SU Corner Punch SU DP
Cricut: Everyday Paper Dolls and George and Shapes, Brads (unkown)

Yeh!!! I did it.  Have a great day