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

Save Our Oceans Card Recipe

Stamp Set: Sea of Textures.

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

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

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

Commemorate Oceans Day with a Card

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

Watch for the technique video for the oxidize metal panel.

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

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

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

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

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

Reminiscent of a Monet Painting

Perennial Essence Card Recipe

Stamp Set: FLoral Essence, Strong and Beautiful.

Ink: Rococo Rose, Mossy Meadow.

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

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

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

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

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

Everything is Rosy Product Suite

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

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

Everything Is Rosy Product Medley [150059]

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

The Dies are beautiful too.  One of the dies has a screen on the side with petals cut into it so that you can have a decorative edge on your card . The circle die is cut out around the circle so that you cardstock has a decorative edge.  The paper is wonderful as well.  There are 6 sheets of printed Vellum which are beautiful.  In, fact, I layered a piece over Petal Pink cardstock for this card.

This stamp set and its dies are suitable for any type of occasion: birthday, anniversary, wedding, sympathy, thank you…and so many more.

Recipe for  Wonderful Romance Card

Stamp Sets: Wonderful Romance, Well Said, Itty Bitty Birthdays.

Ink: VersaMark, Petal Pink.

Paper:Petal Pink, Whisper White, Floral Romance Specialty Designer Paper, Vellum.

Accessories: Die Cut Machine, Wonderful Floral Framelits Dies,Well Written Framelit Dies, White Stampin’ Emboss Powder, Pearl Jewels, Petal Pink/ Whisper White 5/8″ Variegated Ribbon.

Details to recreate this card

1. Use the Embossing BUddy and wipe across the vellum before stamping the flower.  This step eliminates static so that the embossing powder doesn’t leave specks when you heat the embossing powder. Stamp the image with VersaMark, sprinkle with White Stampin’ Emboss Powder.  Heat with Tool Gun to melt the powder.
2. Attach the printed Vellum from the DSP pack on a Petal Pink panel.  I used Stampin’ Mini Glue Dots and attach them to the printed Vellum in places that would not show on the front. After die  cutting the flower and leaves, attach to the printed Vellum with Mini Glue Dots.
3. Wrap a piece of the Variegated Ribbon around the panel, tie a bow and attach to the card base.
4. With Whisper White cardstock, die cut the word “friend” from the Well Written Framelit Dies and attach to the top of the card.
5. For the inside, stamp “Happy Birthday” and “Awesome at any Age” from the Itty Bitty Birthdays stamp on a Whisper White panel using Petal Pink ink.  Attach to the inside of the card.
6. Dress up you envelope.

See the Tea TIme card for another suggestion for using the Petal Pink colours.

As the Floral Romance Suite is retiring and if you could use a stamp set that is great for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, thank you, etc.  I suggest that you get it before June 3rd.  This is the date that the 2019 Occasions Catalogue retires. You will find any of these products on  my ONLINE STORE.

The post The Wonderful Romance Stamp and Dies are Retiring – I Can’t Believe It appeared first on Simply Said With Karen.

Create a Froggy Birthday Card with the So Hoppy Together stamp set from the Sale-a-Bration Catalogue…coming January 3, 2019. Yes, Sale-a-Bration is on the horizon.  Just a few more days before you can order your Stampin’ Rewards, Earn Sale-a-Bration rewards by purchasing $60 CDN from any active catalogue and earn 1 reward from the Sale-a-Bration catalogue. If you purchase $120 CND from activie catalogues, earn 2 rewards or 1 reward with a minimum $120 CDN order.

LET SALE-A-BRATION BEGIN!!!!!

Recipe

Stamp Sets:Hoppy Together, Abstract Impressions, Lilypad Lake, Picture Perfect Birthday.

Ink:Granny Apple Green , Memento Tuxedo Black, Early Espresso, Blueberry Bushel, Crumb Cake.

Paper:Grapefruit Grove, Early Espresso, Whisper  White, Crumb Cake.

Accessories:Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Lakeside Framelits, Blends: Cajun Craze Light, Shaded Spruce Combo, Granny Apple Green 1/2″ Textured Weave Ribbon.

How To:

• Stamp the frog with Tuxedo Black ink on Whisper White. Color using the Shaded Spruce Blends Combo.  Using Paper Snips, cut out frog and set aside.
• To create the water, ink the wavy stamp from Abstract Impressions stamp set with Blueberry Bushel and stamp across the Whisper White panel. Stamp using the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generational stamping method to create light and dark water. Start stamping in the middle and continue down the panel.
• To create the land, Ink the wavy stamp with Early Espresso ink and stamp above the water.  Stamp off once on scrap paper before stamping on Whisper White panel.  Do this 2 times.
• To create the grass, stamp the leaves stamp with Granny Apple Green ink.  Stamp full strength and then stamp again without reinking stamp.
• Ink the “Hey” stamp with Crumb Cake ink and stamp on Whisper White scraps.  Cut a flag with the Paper Snips. Cut a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock to make a pole, and attach the “Hey” sign.
• Stamp the butterfly with Tuxedo Black ink and color using Blends.  Stamp the lilypad using the stamp from the Lilypad Lake stamp set with Tuxedo Black ink and color using Blends.  DIe cut and attach to water with Stampin’ Mini Dimensionals.
• Attach Granny Apple ribbon to the Whisper White Panel.  Layer the WHisper  White panel, Early Espresso pane, Grapefruit Grove panel to the Whisper White card base.
• Stamp “Happy Birthday” with Granny Apple Green ink.
• Use Stampin’ Mini Dimensionals to attach the frog, and the sign post.

Want the product used on this card?

With a $60 Cdn order you can earn the Hoppy Together stamp set and create you own Froggy Birthday Card. Check out the rest of the products used on this card by going to my ONLINE STORE. While you are on this page, remember the YEAR-END CLOSEOUT SALE.  This sale continues while items last or until January 2nd.

The post Froggy Birthday Card- Use Annual Catalogue Stamps and SAB Stamps appeared first on Simply Said With Karen.

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

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

Creativity

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

Innovation

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

Sharing

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

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

You can also check out some information HERE

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

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

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

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

Recipe

Stamps:Rooted in Nature

Ink:Tranquil Tide, Grapefruit Grove.

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

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

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

Recipe

Stamps:Rooted in Nature,Wishing You Well.

Ink:Shaded Spruce, Merry Merlot.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Use Brusho Crystals & Blended Seasons stamp set to create a fun background for a greeting card. What will make these cards unique.  When using Brusho Crystals, you never know how the background will look.  And, that is the fun of Brusho Crystals.

The Color Your Seasons Bundle is available during August 2018.  However, time is running out!  This bundle is available until August 31st and if you haven’t taken advantage of this set, you will not get a chance to own it or use it.  With this set, you will be able to create cards throughout the year and for many different occasions.

You can also purchase a set of watercolor pencils ( available this month).  However, Stampin’ Up! has indicated that they may be available in a later catalogue, but there is no guarantee.  So if you like to use pencils to color, then you need this set.

Recipe

Stamps:Blended Seasons.

Ink:Tuxedo Black Memento.

Paper: Very Vanilla, Mossy Meadow, Watercolor, Copper Foil, Share What You Love Specialty Designer Series Paper.

Accessories: Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Nature’s Roots Framelits Dies,  Brusho Crystals (Prussian Blue, Mossy, Yellow), Aqua Painter Brush, 5/8″ Burlap Ribbon, Aqua Painter Brush.

I created a video for you to view and follow along while I create a card using this set.  I did change it up by using Copper Emboss Powder and substituting a filigree die cut leave for the embossed leaf on this card.  You will also see that creating with Brusho Crystals is fun even if you plan to have the card look the same as the previous one.

To view the other greeting cards created with the Color Your Seaons bundle, click on these links.

Summer Treat New Release Color Your Seasons

Use Blended Seasons Stamps – Fall and Christmas

You can purchase this set on my ONLINE store or email me with your order and I can put it through for you.  Remember you have to order before August 31, 2018

The post Brusho Crystals & Blended Seasons Leaves to Create Unique Cards appeared first on Simply Said With Karen.

More of the beautiful Laser Cut paper and I have no regrets about the purchase. There are so many ways to use this paper and I have 2 more in addition to the ways in this POST.

Recipe

Stamps: Detailed With Love.

Inks: Blueberry Bushel.

Paper: Whisper White, Blueberry Bushel, Delightfully Detailed Laser Cut Specialty Paper.

Accessories: Detailed Trio Punch, Pretty Label Punch, 5/8″ Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon, 1/8″ Grosgrain Blueberry Bushel Ribbon.

This card is simple and easy to create and focuses on the Laser Cut Paper. Snip a  portion of the laser cut full page to obtain the flower pattern.  Adhere to a panel of Blueberry Bushel cardstock with the Fine-Tip Glue Pen.  The contrast between the cardstock and the flower panel really showcase the laser cut paper.

Stamp the 4 corners of the Whisper White panel with the scalloped and dot stamp.  Use the Detailed Trio punch  to punch the flower into the corner.  Place a piece of the Blueberry Bushel cardstock behind each punch out.

Before attaching the the BLueberry Bushel panel to the WHisper White panel, attach a piece of the Polka Dot Tulle ribbon and a piece of the Blueberry Bushel grosgrain ribbon behind the panel. Stamp the “Happy Birthday” and the swirl on Whisper White with Blueberry Bushel.  Punch with the Pretty Label Punch. Punch another label from Blueberry Bushel and cut in half lengthwise.  Attach each have to the Whisper White label so that the top and bottom are framed.

This card is very each to create as there is no stamps or ink used and very limited othersupplies.

Recipe

Paper:Whisper White, Petal Pink, Coastal Cabana, Share What You Love Designer Series Paper, Delightfully Detailed Laser-cut Specialty Paper.

Accessories: Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Celebrate You Thinlits,  Adhesive Paper, Pearl Jewels.

One side of the Laser Cut Specialty Paper is white and the other is ivory.  If you look at the previous Blog Post  you will find the card that was created using the laser cut paper as a stencil.  Use the flip side of this piece on the card.

FInally, attach a piece of the Adhesive Sheet to the Petal Pink cardstock and die cut “Amazing” and “You”.  Remove the backing from the Adhesive sheet and attach to the front of the card.

Don’t be afraid to to cut the flowers from the beautiful laser cut paper to make interesting cards.  You can find all the supplies to create these cards in my store.  Click on any of the images below to visit my store.

Product List

The post Beautiful Laser Cut Paper Simply No Regrets appeared first on Simply Said With Karen.

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

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

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

Recipe

Stamps: Touch of Texture.

Ink: StaZon Black, VersaMark .

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

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

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

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

Touch of Texture Product List

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

Another Version

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

Recipe

Stamps: Serene Garden, Labeler Alphabet.

Ink: StaZon Black, Mossy Meadow.

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

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

Live Love Laugh Product List

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

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

Do you know that you can easily add texture to your cards with a stamp set?  Yes you can, with the Touches of Texture stamp set.Choose from a variety of textures such as scattered dots, lace, smudges, and or mesh-like images. Depending on where you place the textures, your card is sure to stand out.

Recipe

Stamps: Touches of Texture, Rooted in Nature.

Ink:Soft Suede, Poppy Parade, Granny Apple Green,Gray Granite, Memento Tuxedo Black. 

Paper: Whisper White, Soft Suede, Poppy Parade.

Accessories: Linen Thread, Glitter Enamel Dots (Melon Mambo).

When adding texture with a stamp set, you can decide which colors you want to use, how much or how little stamping and which images to use. In fact, these types of stamp sets will make great collages too.

Details:

• For this card, I chose to use only 2 stamps to create the textured background.  Stamp the lace-looking stamp on the side of the Poppy Parade card base with Poppy Parade ink.  You may not be able to see the image, but it is there. Ink tHe scattered dots stamp with Soft Suede and randomly stamp on the Whisper White panel.
• Stamp the leaves and stem in Granny Apple Green ink.
• Stamp the flower line stamp in Poppy Parade, followed by the fuller flower stamp stamped in Poppy Parade.
• Now, add in the detailed stamps. Stamp the dragonfly with Grey Granite ink,and the bee with Tuxedo Black ink.
• To add even more texture, sponge the Whisper White panel with a sponge and Soft Suede ink.
• Adhere the Whisper White panel to the Soft Suede panel and finally add this panel to the Poppy Parade panel.
• Before attaching the above panel to the Whisper white card base, wrap Linen Thread around the panels and tie with a bow. To how the bow in place, add a glue dot under the knot.
• Attach one of the Glitter Enamel Dots to the knot.  I used Melon Mambo, however, doesn’t clash with the Poppy Parade color.
• Carry the texture through to the inside of the card by adding another stamp to provide the texture.

Stampin’ Up has a variety of stamp sets for easily adding texture to your cards. Now, you can easily add texture to your greeting cards. In addition to the Touches of Texture, the sets include: Gallery Grunge, Timeless Textures and any of the background stamps such as the Burlap, Post Script or Tree Rings.

Click on the links above to view the stamp sets available to purchase.

The post Easily Add Texture to Your Cards With a Stamp Set appeared first on Simply Said With Karen.