Simply Said with Karen

Back to Christmas

2012-10-12T20:05:00.002-07:00

I have been working on Christmas again, with a few birthdays, anniversary and thank you cards thrown in.

Today's post is one of the Christmas cards.

Speaking of Christmas, you can still get in on the rest of the 12 Weeks of Christmas newsletter that goes out every week. Week 3 will be going out soon, so don't miss on on any more fabulous projects.

Sign up for my mailing list on the top right of my blog.

Make your life easier, all the thinking and designing is done for you and pictures and instructions are included.

Next weekend is the Christmas Stack-a-Stack and I will be featuring some of those cards for you this week and into next.

Fun times ahead.

EMAIL me for more details, as there are a few spots open for the Saturday session.

Stamps: Scentsational Season (c – 121190, w – 121026, p. 16 2012 Holiday Catalogue), Joyous Celebrations (c – 128069, w- 128066 p.7 2012 Holiday Catalogue), Greetings of the Season (c – 128033, w – 128030, p. 8 2012 Holiday Catalogue)

Paper: Whisper White, Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler, Snow Festival DSP

Ink: Gumball Green, Crumb Cake

Accessories: Big Shot, Holiday Collection Framelit Dies, Window Frames Collection, , Versa Mark, White Embossing Powder, Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip Markers

This card is somewhat CASEd from the Holiday Catalogue. Same design, different elements.

I just absolutely love The Snow Festival designer paper. It's so fun and bright.

Here's a tip!

After the mug was stamped with Gumball Green ink, I used the blender pen to remove the green from the liquid in the cup. Before stamping, I coloured in using a Chocolate Chip Marker. Much better than have green chocolate. Don't ya think?

Need supplies to make this card? SHOP MY ONLINE STORE.

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Karen

Thank You Cards

2012-10-10T14:15:00.003-07:00

Here is a change from the Christmas Cards that I have been displaying for the past couple of weeks on my blog.

I created Thank You cards for a couple of my customers and used a combination of the Gently Falling and French Foliage stamp sets. Love, Love these sets.

All the leaves and the acorn are embossed with various embossing powders and then sponged and crinkled. The technique is called Emboss Resist.

I hope they look a little real.

The Apothecary Label is stamped using the verbiage and water spot stamps from the French Foliage stamp set and the DSP is given some texture with the Houndstooth Embossing Folder. Texturizing DSP seems to bring out the best in the papers.

Stamps: Gently Falling (c – 123804, w – 123802, p. 86 2012/13 Annual Catalogue), French Foliage (c - 121166, w- 120845 p.86 2012/13 Annual Catalogue), Lacy and Lovely (c – 122887, w – 122885, p. 99 2012/13 Annual Catalogue)

Paper: Naturals White, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla, Comfort Café DSP

Ink: Cajun Craze, Lucky Limeade, Soft Suede, More Mustard

Accessories: Big Shot, Apothecary Framelit Dies, Houndstooth Embossing Folder, Versa Mark, Tangerine Tango, Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi, and Early Espresso Embossing Powders, Sponges, Sponge Daubers, Naturals Designer Button, Linen Thread

Tuesday Tips and Techniques has been missing over the past several weeks. It's been a little hectic in my life lately and hope to get back on track next Tuesday with some great techniques.

Also, if you are looking for Christmas card, gifts and tags, there is still time to get in on the 12 Weeks of Christmas Newsletter.

It's just so easy, sign up for my Mailing List.

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Karen

The Holiday Collection Framelit Dies

2012-10-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

For today's post, I used the Holiday Collection Framelit Dies in a new way...at least for me it is.

Rather than stamping the images from the Scentsational Season and then cutting with the framelits, I cut one of the layers using the framelits.

Doing this, makes the card look like a collage or a scene. I then backed the cutouts with scraps of Be of Good Cheer DSP. Another good way to use up those scraps and use your imagination for the cutouts.

I figure that the Candy Cane looks gourmetish (probably not a word, but it works) with the traditional red and white coming with a touch of green. The Christmas Tree is already decorated with baubles and the Gingerbread Man is sporting polka dots.

This is a great way to have fun.

Stamps: Scentsational Season (c – 121190, w – 121026, p. 16 2012 Holiday Catalogue), Joyous Celebrations (c - 128069, w- 128066 p.7 p. 3 2012 Holiday Catalogue)

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Daffodil Delight, Be of Good Cheer DSP

Ink: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Big Shot, Holiday Collection Framelit Dies, Petals a Plenty Emboss Folder, Pearl Jewels Cherry Cobbler Textured Ribbon (2011), 1-1/4” Circle Punch, Small Oval Punch

Stop by and leave me a comment telling me what you do with your scraps.

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Karen

World Card Making Day

2012-10-06T10:20:00.001-07:00

October 6th is World Card Making Day and it is a holiday to celebrate the creations of hand made cards and the special connections and relationships that these cards generate.

This day also signals the start of the card making season for all your holiday and Christmas cards.

So, for today, go to your happy place and create a special card for those that are special to you.

Happy Creating!!

In honour of World Card Making Day, I have a Christmas card for you.

Stamps: Ornament Keepsakes (c – 128051, w – 128048, p. 3 2012 Holiday Catalogue), Greetings of the Season (c - 128033, w- 128030 p.8 p. 3 2012 Holiday Catalogue)

Ink: Primrose Petals, Early Espresso

Paper: Very Vanilla, Candlelight Christmas DSP

Accessories: Big Shot, Labels Collection Framelit, Adhesive Sheets, Dazzling Diamonds, Primrose Petals 3/” Stitched Satin Ribbon

The ornament is stamped with Primrose Petals and then a piece of Adhesive Sheet was placed on top of the stamped image. Before peeling off the backing, the image is run through the Big Shot using the matching framelit from the Holiday Ornaments Framelit Die. This step saves you framelits from the glue.

After cutting, peel off the Adhesive backing and sprinkle with the Dazzling Diamonds. The Adhesive sheets make adding Dazzling Diamonds to an image so easy peasy.

The sentiment banner is hand snipped. These are great to use up your little strips of scraps.

How are you celebrating World Card Making Day?

Leave a comment and let me know

For all products, shop MY ONLINE STORE

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Karen

Christmas Decor Event

2012-10-05T08:36:00.000-07:00

First, I would like to wish all my Canadian friends, a HAPPY THANKSGIVING. Enjoy the weekend with your family and friends. And, of course, eat lots of turkey. Gobble, Gobble

I held my Christmas Decor Event last weekend, and the ladies that attended had a great time, chatting, gluing, and enjoying Stampin' Up! cookies all while covered in glitter.

Excuse me as I have been negligent in posting as I am up to my ears (yes, over my mouth) in other things. Not only that but I have not been able to spend time in my Play Room (aka stamping place) so consequently there has been little to no card making.

I will get back on track and be able to share what it is I love to do soon.

Here are a couple of pictures of the ladies with their fabulous creations.

Cathy behind her lovely Star

Jacquie with her lovely Stars -

So that's it for today and like I said, I will soon be able to get back to playing.

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Karen

Stampin' Up! and Single Rubber Stamps

2012-10-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

Stampin' Up! is trying something new!!

Stampin' Up! if offering the chance to buy single pieces from these select stamp sets: Word Play, Perfectly Penned, and Seasonal Sayings.

The offer will be available now through January 2, 2013.

These stamps are available on any order type-customer, workshop, or online.
You can find the stamp item numbers on the flyers.
The single stamps can be ordered in the online store.
These won't be sent to you in our typical cases or packaging; they'll be packaged in cello bags. If you'd like a case for your stamp, you can buy our Clear-Mount Stamp Cases that come in packs of four (item 119105).
This offer is available for clear-mount stamps only.
The stamps won't come with a Clear-Mount Block, and you'll need to buy a block separately if you don't already have one. The recommended block sizes can be found on the flyers.
There's no limit on how many pieces you can buy.
This offer is not available in Quebec.
Remember that this is a pilot program, so take advantage of it while you can!

Visit MY ONLINE STORE TO SEE THE SINGLE STAMPS THAT ARE AVAILABLE

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Do you live in an area where you don't have access to a stamping club?

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Karen

Stampin Up Christmas Present For You

2012-10-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

Stampin' Claus has a an October special that will help you with your Christmas cards, scrapbooking and decor products.

This special is valid from October 1 - 31. Don't miss out

EMAIL me to order or order ONLINE

This special qualifies for SMILE REWARDS

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Karen

Lovely as a Tree for Christmas

2012-09-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

One of my most favorite stamps is the Lovely as a Tree set. In this year's catalogue, Stampin' Up! has now made this set as a clear-mount. Now you can decide which one you would like to stamp with.

For this card, I decided to try out a new technique that is in this month's Stampin' Success magazine. This is a great magazine for demonstrators and is one of the perks of being a demonstrator. Every month it is packed full of ideas, new techniques or helping you to build your business.

Becoming a demonstrator is so easy and so rewarding. It's about the people that you meet along the way. Establishing relationships in itself is rewarding. It's your customers who become your friends, your downline that you can mentor and the coaching you receive from your upline.

Give it a try. For only $125, the kit to get you started will be yours. Maybe you would like to be a hobbyist, and that is ok too. Join the Fun and become a demonstrator. Try it out and if it's not for you that's ok too.

Check out "Join the Fun"

So on with the card.

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree (c-127793, w-115026, p.84, 2012/2013 Annual Catalogue), Chock Full of Cheer (c – 126717, w – 126715 p. 10 2012/13 Holiday Catalogue)

Paper: Natural White, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Candlelight Christmas DSP

Ink: Lucky Limeade

Accessories: Platinum Shimmer Paint, Sponge Dauber, Early Espresso Marker, Spritzer, Versa Mark, Gold Emboss Powder, Early Espresso 1/8” Taffeta Ribbon, Glimmer Brad, Stamp-a-ma-jig

The technique I used on this card is an overlay of Platinum Shimmer Paint. There are also 2 other Shimmer Paints, Frost White and Champagne Mist. All the paints will give a different effect.

The Platinum Shimmer Paint gives a sharp, crisp look , Frost White adds softness and shine and Champagne Mist adds warmth and a slightly vintage fell. All of the shimmer paints can be apply to the stamp with a dauber, or your card stock and it also can be painted on your stamped image with an Aqua Painter.

For this card, I used the Platinum Shimmer. First I stamped the image, applied the paint to the stamp with a dauber, and then using the Stamp-a-jig, stamped over the original image. It's difficult to see the shimmer in the picture, but is is there adding dimension.

Want a refresher on how to use the Stamp-a-ma-jig? Check out my video in this Tuesday Tips and Techniques post.

A word of caution, a little bit goes a long way, and you can get messy fingers.

Give it a try and have fun!!

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Karen

12 Weeks of Christmas

2012-09-26T13:00:00.000-07:00

Breaking News

The 12 Weeks of Christmas newsletters starts going out next Wednesday, October 3rd.

Don't miss out. Sign up for my email.

Lots of ideas for cards, gifts, bag, tags and wraps.

If, I'm going to start with the announcement on the 12 Weeds of Christmas newsletter, then I need to show you a Christmas card to get you in the mood.

It's really hard to think Christmas I know, especially if you are having beautiful warm weather like we continue to have.

But, did you know that yesterday, was the 3 months till Christmas song? Like it or not, here it comes.

The card today uses the Scentsational Season stamp set and the matching Framelits Dies. You can pick these up as a bundle and save 15 % off the cost of purchasing them separately. That is a $7.95 savings for the clear-mount set. And, you save on shipping and taxes. BONUS.

Stamps: Scentsational Season(c-121190, w-121026, p.16, 2012 Holiday Catalogue), Greetings of the Season (c-128033, w-128030, p.8, 2012 Holiday Catalogue)

Paper: Naturals White, Cherry Cobbler, Be of Good DSP

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight

Accessories: Big Shot, Holiday Collection Framelits Dies, Window Frames Collection, Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder

My Tip for the Day

When embossing and using the Framelits or even the Die cuts, I would suggest that you cut your paper with the Framelits or Dies before embossing. This will preserve the embossed look and not flatten it out.

For the banner, the sentiment was stamped on a scrap piece of Naturals White card stock and then trimmed with a trimmer and the pointy parts cut with the Paper Snips. (Love those Snips)

PS - don't forget the sign up for the 12 Weeks of Christmas

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Karen

More Christmas

2012-09-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

Have you been wondering where I am? Sometimes me too.

Well, actually Lloyd and I and his sister and her husband took a couple of days and went down to Marysville (just north of Seattle Washington).

We just did the the R&R thing and spent time shopping at the Outlet Malls and a couple of other stores that we don't have in Canada.

Of course, we just had to do the Red Lobster. I just can't quite understand why there isn't one in BC. Good food and lots of it.

Then on our way home, we missed the Duty Free store...So much for that stop.

So here is my card and I think I have to give the Christmas cards a rest for awhile.

Stamps: Snowflake Soiree(c-127925, w-127922 p.5, 2012 Holiday Catalogue)

Paper: Whisper White, Naturals White, Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Candlelight Christmas DSP

Accessories: Versamark, Gold and Early Espresso Embossing Powder, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Pearl Jewels, Spritzer, Soft Suede Marker

I just love the new Candlelight Christmas DSP. It is so elegant and there are 2 sheets that are clear with red flocking design. So pretty for cards, or 3-D items...how about a box lid. Just found myself another idea.

So now, it's on with my day.

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Karen

Continuing with the Christmas Theme

2012-09-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

I have another Christmas card for you and then I have to go clean up my stamping area. I can no longer find anything.

But first, today is "Talk Like a Pirate Day". Where did this come from? September 19th was proclaimed "Talk Like a Pirate Day" in 1996 by John Baur and Mark Summers of Albany Oregon. It was born of a sports injury when pain with an outburst of "Aaarrr!", and the idea was born. It was in 2002 that the idea was promoted by Dave Berry, the noted humour columnist.

So, I have to leave you a joke

Question: What does a pirate use to measure his ship with?

Answer: A yarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrdstick!!!!!!

I know sick!!

Ok now onto more sane things.

Stamps: Joyous Celebrations(c-128069, w-128066, p.7, 2012 Holiday Catalogue)

Paper: Whisper White, Midnight Muse, Raspberry Ripple

Ink: Raspberry Ripple, Midnight Muse

Accessories: Big Shot, Delicate Designs Folder, Versamark, Silver Embossing Powder, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Silver Glimmer Paper, Ticket Duo Builder Punch, Label Punch(retired), Raspberry Ripple 3/8” Stitched Satin Ribbon.

I did sponge the embossed wreath with Champagne Shimmer Paint, but it really doesn't show in the picture. It's prettier in person.

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Karen

Tuesday Tips and Techniques - # 3 - Every Last Detail Video Series

2012-09-18T16:07:00.001-07:00

Did you know that today is National Cheese Lovers Day in the US? Each year in the US, on average, people consume 31 pounds of cheese. That's a lot of Cheeseburgers. However, in France, that consumption goes up to 50 pounds. There are more than 900 different cheese world wide. How about an "old" cheese. Cheese making has been around for 800 years.

So today, how about a cheese dish for supper.

On to another topic.
Today, I am featuring Video # 3 in the Every Last Detail Video Series from Stampin' Up!. This video series features Carrie Cudney from Stampin' Up showing how to put this project together. It would make a great gift.

I hope you enjoy.

http://youtu.be/PJi1S27Ff2o

Now, I'm off to clean up my stamping area. My eyes are buggy from working on this computer today..., so I should give them a rest.

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Karen

Christmas Cards on a Sunny Day

2012-09-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

Gosh, I just wonder how long this beautiful weather is going to last. It's like we are on borrowed time right now. The temperatures are into the low 80's some days and we haven't had frost yet. It would be so nice for this to last but I'm living in LaLa land.

I have also been asked to do some work for the company that I worked for before retirement. At least they gave me a year to rest and relax before asking me. It's a short term contract and I will see how it turns out and then I will know for sure.

So, I carry on doing Christmas cards because I am not going to procrastinate this year like I have done in the past.

Stamps: Ornament Keepsakes (c – 128051, w – 128048 p. 3 2012 Holiday Catalogue), Greetings of the Season (c-128033, w-128030, p.8, 2012 Holiday Catalogue)

Paper: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Shimmer White

Ink: Bashful Blue, Marina Mist

Accessories: Big Shot, Holiday Ornaments Framelits Dies, Delicate Designs Folders Versamark, Silver Embossing Powder, Whisper White Bakers Twine, Whisper White 3/8” Taffeta Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewel

I love blue, white and silver together. It is so icy and it reminds be of those very cold and sunny days and you can hear the snow crackle when you walk on it.

So, there it is another card done.

Don't forget to sign up for the 12 Weeks of Christmas emails. Just use my sign up form on the top right of my blog.

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Karen

My Digital Studio Album Now Finished

2012-09-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

Well, the Japan album is finally finished and sent away to the printers. I did manage to take advantage of the extension on the 31% off that Stampin' Up! was offering.

And that makes me happy.

Sometimes, I just work better under a deadline...probably like a lot of people.

I did enjoy creating this album as it allowed me to use some of the new features in MDS2, like attaching text to curved lines, changing the colours of embellishments, painting stamp images different colours and sometimes using more than one colour on the stamp.

This page features a temple in Kyoto and the views were spectacular as the complex had been built on the top of the hill. Actually for the amount of people that were sight seeing that day, the mood was calming and relaxing.

On this page, there are 3 of the new features...filling a punch with photos,,,this is fun and the stamp "enjoy" is coloured with 2 different colours, and the butterfly (part of the embellishment group) colours have been changed.

These are a series of pictures as we got closer to Mt. Fuji. We were very lucky that it was such a clear day as we were able to see the top all covered with snow. It is a spectacular sight in person. It's hard to get a picture to do the mountain justice.

On this page I used the ability to add multiple colours to a stamp, add splatters, and attach the words to the curved line at the top of the page.

Download the MDS FREE TRIAL and you can try out the new features.

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Karen

More Christmas

2012-09-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

I am gearing up for those Christmas activities and getting ahead start on my Christmas cards.

Speaking of which, don't miss out on the 12 Weeks of Christmas coming soon.

Sign up for my email list and you won't miss a single week.

Here is another card in my series of Christmas cards. This card is warm and cuddly with the snowflakes coming down, and you won't loose your mittens.

To give the tree extra sparkle, I coloured one of the Rhinestone Jewels with a yellow Sharpie for the star on the top of the tree and the tree trim is Rhinestone Jewels coloured with a red Sharpie.

Did you know that the Pearl Jewels can also be coloured with Sharpies? Now you can have as many Rhinestones and Pearls as there are coloured Sharpies. Sharpies are not water based and so the colour stays on the jewels.

Stamps: Chock Full of Cheer (c – 126717, w – 126715 p. 10 2012/13 Holiday Catalogue), Joyous Celebrations(c-128069, w-128066, p.7, 2012 Holiday Catalogue)

Paper: Naturals White, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Real Red, Candlelight Christmas DSP

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Big Shot, Northern Flurry Emboss Folder, Gumball Green, Gumball Green, Daffodil Delight and Early Espresso Markers, Early Espresso 1/8” Taffeta Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewel (coloured with Sharpies)

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Karen

12 Weeks of Christmas is Coming and a Milestone Birthday

2012-09-13T08:31:00.001-07:00

Beginning the first week in October, I will be sending out emails once a week with hot projects to complete for your Christmas season. There will be projects for beautiful cards, gifts and wrapping those gifts ideas.

Don't miss out on the 12 Weeks of Christmas.

The sign up form is on the right top of my blog.

I do have a card to share with you today. It's a birthday marking a milestone...there are a lot of us marking milestone birthdays this year...Maybe I see it that way because it's happening to me as well.

Stamps: You’re Amazing (c – 126722, w – 126720 p. 33 2012/2013 Annual Catalogue

Paper: Naturals White, Whisper White, Basic Grey, Summer Starfruit, Watercolor, Patio Party DSP

Ink: Stazon Black, Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit

Accessories: Big Shot, Houndstooth Embossing Folder, Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse, Basic Grey, Baja Breeze Markers, Ticket Duo Punch

This is a guy card so what could you but use the Houndstooth Embossing Folder. I love all the new Embossing Folders that Stampin' Up! has added over the past 2 years. But then again, I love my Big Shot

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Christmas is Coming and How Do I Know

2012-09-10T19:00:00.002-07:00

Today's weather was a sure prelude to winter.

It was chilly with storms going through the region and yes, we had hail. We were lucky because in some areas of BC they actually had snow. It seems a bit early for this weather.

However, the weather person does say it will warm up. I sure hope so.

As it was storming, I was creating Christmas cards...how appropriate.

Stamps: Ornament Keepsakes (c – 128051, w – 128048 p. 3 2012 Holiday Catalogue), Greetings of the Season (c-128033, w-128030, p.8, 2012 Holiday Catalogue), Elements of Style (c-120045, w-118611, p.113, 2012-13 AC)

Paper: Naturals White, Very Vanilla, Gumball Green, Be of Good Cheer DSP

Ink: Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Big Shot, Holiday Ornaments Framelits Dies, Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler and Early Espresso Markers, Cherry Cobbler 1/2” Scallop Dots Ribbon

I did have fun with this and I sure do love the new framelits. There are so many that go with stamps.

Actually the Ornament Keepsakes stamp set and the Holiday Ornaments Framelits Dies come in a bundle and if you purchase them together, you save 15% off the cost of purchasing them separately.

Who doesn't like to save money?

Do You Like to Craft and just Don't Know Where to Start?

Just Can't Find the Time to Attend a Stamping Club?

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Friendships are so Important

2012-09-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

What would life be without friendships. Friends are there to support you, listen to you and yes, sometimes there are differences of opinions. Yet, with a friendship, you usually can overcome those difficulties. It's about nurturing relationships and becoming a better friend.

I am so lucky to have many friends, some that I have had since school. My friends have a special place in my heart.

I would like to share my card on friendship as I see the stamp image that I used as being comforting..."how about a cup of tea" .

Stamps: From My Heart (c – 126557, w – 126555 p. 139 2012-2013 AC)

Paper: Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White, International Bazaar DSP

Ink: Tangerine Tango, Lucky Limeade

Accessories: Big Shot, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Labels Framelits, Lacy Brocade Emboss Folder, Wisteria Wonder Marker, Wisteria Wonder 3/8” Ruffled Ribbon

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A Wedding Gift and Card for the Newly Weds

2012-09-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

Today, we are attending a Wedding Reception for my Nephew and his New Bride. They were married early in June in Jasper and now they are home for a visit so that everyone can meet and congratulate them.

When I was at Convention 2012 in July, Sara Douglas, presented a stamping demonstration around jars, and this was one of her creations. When I saw it, I immediately thought of a gift for the reception.

Although she didn't demonstrate it, I managed to get a picture and from there recreate what I saw.

I had so much fun with this and while it took some trial and error as I had no instructions has to how big everything was cut, in the end I am very pleased with the whole gift.

Stamps: Forever With You (c – 126727, w – 122890 p. 132 2012-2013 AC)

Paper: Very Vanilla, Summer Starfruit, Basic Grey, Basic Black, First Edition DSP, Howlstooth and Scaringbone DSP, Patio Party DSP

Ink: Stazon Black

Accessories: Big Shot, Oval Accent Bigz Clear Die, Designer Rosette Bigz XL Die, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Delicate Doilies Sizzlits L, Paper Doily Sizzlits L, Scallop Circle Big Z Die, Polka Dots Emboss Folder, Corner Punch, Small Heart Punch, 1-3/4” Scallop Circle Punch, Rhinestone Jewels, Silver Glimmer Paper, Chip Board, White Bakers Twine (Dyed with Basic Black Ink), Linen Thread, Crochet Trim, Other: Glass Jar, White Dowels, Strip of Plastic Bag, Candy

In this close up, you can see the butterfly, which I cut out using Chip Board and the Beautiful Butterflies Die and then cut out 2 pieces of the Patio Party DSP and glued them to the Chip Board. I filed the edges to make them smooth and then ran a Summer Starfruit marker around the edges.

I cut 2 strips of the First Edition DSP, so that the circle, when finished would be large and full enough. The size of the paper is 12" by 5-1/2" and this seemed to work. And yes, the Silicone Mat came in real handy for this project.

I managed to obtain a picture of the happy couple and made a slide card. This the first one I had ever made so there was some trial and error going on with this, however persevering really pays off. On one side of the slider, I put the congrats message and then on the other side, I attached a gift card.

Finally, I attached a Doily on each side of the jar, circled the jar with a strip of First Edition DSP, and tied the whole think up with Linen Thread.

Then the newly weds got their own pot of gold. I put a piece of oasis in the jar so that I could insert the dowels and they wouldn't fall over. The wrapped candy hides all the oasis and makes a nice pot of gold.

I hope you enjoy this, because I sure did while I was creating it.

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A Just Because Card for Grandparents' Day

2012-09-07T20:15:00.000-07:00

September 9th is Grandparents' Day and I just know every Grandparent would love to have their Grandchildren around them for the day. Well, I get to spend some time with mine tomorrow and for that I am very blessed.

Not all Grandparents have their Grandchildren close by and I know that I am very lucky.

This card, which uses the From My Heart stamp set reminds us that we need to enjoy life no matter what stage of life we are at.

Stamps: From My Heart (c – 126557, w – 126555 p. 139 2012-2013 AC)

Paper: Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White, International Bazaar DSP

Accessories: Big Shot, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Labels Framelits, Argyle Emboss Folder, Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, Lucky Limeade, Chocolate Chip, and Wisteria Wonder Markers.

It's a fun time spending the afternoon with Nan

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A Thank You with the Friendship Preserves

2012-09-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

Gosh, I just don't know where the time goes to. One day it's Monday and now tomorrow it is Friday already. Time sure didn't go that quickly when I was working.

Breaking News!!!

I will be doing a "Twelve Weeks of Christmas" event and sending out emails each week for twelve weeks with different card, gift, decor and tag ideas.

If you want to get in on the action, sign up for my EMAIL LIST. The sign up form is on the upper right hand side of my blog.

Now on to my Thank You card.

I'm still making Thank You cards as I want to build up my stash before I go full bore into Holiday cards and other decor and gift items.

I layered the Window Frames Collection (Framelit Dies) and used a piece of the International Bazaar DSP to frame the textured Wisteria Wonder card stock.

Stamps: Friendship Preserves (c – 127913, w – 127910, p. 30 2012 Holiday Catalogue)

Paper: Naturals Ivory, Midnight Muse, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White, International Bazaar DSP

Accessories: Big Shot, Lattice Emboss Folder, Window Frames Collection, Lucky Limeade Marker, Wisteria Wonder Marker, Perfect Plum Marker

And yes, I am on a roll with Wisteria Wonder and Lucky Limeade. I will be moving on to another colour combination, I promise.

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Thinking of You Card RAK and the Road to Self Improvement

2012-09-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

The card I have for you today is a thinking of you card for someone that is recovering the hospital from an extremely severe vehicle accident. The recovery process is long and slow so I am hoping that this card will help to lift her spirits.

Stamps: Papaya Collage (c – 126612, w – 126610 p. 75 2012-2013 AC), Loving Thoughts (c - 125845, w – 125843, p136, 2012-2013 AC)

Paper: Naturals Ivory, Midnight Muse, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White

Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Midnight Muse

Accessories: Big Shot, Window Frames Collection, Apothecary Accents Framelits, 3” Circle Die, Versa Mark, Black Emboss Powder, Crystal Effects Festive Paper Piercing Pack

I used 2 of the newer framelits for this card and then used a new tool, the Essential Paper Piercing Pack which coordinates with the Window Frames Collection Framelits Dies to add some interest.

I also used the negative image from the Apothecary Framelits. So often we, just use the cut -out and then we have this perfect piece of card stock with either gets put away or thrown out.

I also made 2 beads for each of the butterfly's bodies and covered them in Crystal Effects to give them a shine. You can't really see this in the picture.

This is Self-Improvement week and what have you done for yourself? Maybe you learned a new technique, a new crafts or learned something that will make your life better and easier.

My passion is knowledge and I love to learn new things.

Knowledge is the key to turning something into something useful, in other words, it's taking ACTION.

The one thing that you have to remember though, is knowledge is not necessary wisdom.

Wisdom is hard to define, but people usually know when they encounter it. Wisdom usually integrates knowledge, experience and the ability to incorporate tolerance in our daily activities.

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Will It Embellish - It's back to Spool time

2012-09-03T19:00:00.000-07:00

It's Back to Spool Time with Stampin' Up!

Dates: September 1-30, 2012
Details: While the kids are heading back to school, Stampin' Up! is going back to 'spool'! For the month of September, get a FREE package of 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon-an $12.25 value-for every $50 you spend!

Choose from the following ribbons:

126848	Gumba1l Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon	$12.25
126847	Midnight Muse 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon	$12.25
126844	Primrose Petals 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon	$12.25
126845	Raspberry Ripple 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon	$12.25
126846	Summer Starfruit 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon	$12.25

The Scoop

Any order type qualifies for this promotion-customer, workshop, or online.
This promotion has no limits-for every $50 you spend, you'll get a free package of 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon. Go crazy!
Sorry-hostess dollars don't count toward this promotion.
Although we're pretty sure we're not going to run out of ribbon, if everyone orders the same color, like Summer Starfruit (you know how we love Summer Starfruit ), and we run the risk of going on backorder, we'll let you know via a current update and this web page. So, just like your mom always told you-be sure to check in once in awhile!
You need to take advantage of this deal before the following deadlines:
- Phone: Friday, September 28, 2012; 6:50 PM (MT)
- Online: Sunday, September 30, 2012; 11:50 PM (MT)

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Birthday

2012-09-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

I hope that everyone is enjoying their long weekend. Next week, it's back to school and routine. Even though the weather can still be beautiful in September, with the shorter days and cooler weather Fall is coming.

I did this Birthday card a while back and as it had to journey to Japan, I didn't put it on my blog so as not to spoil the surprise.

I wanted to make this a mailable card, so that there wouldn't be extra postage required.

I just love the framelits that Stampin' Up! has come out with. They are so versatile and give that extra added appeal to a card.

Stamps: Beautiful Birthday (w – 125562, p. 44, 2012-2013 AC), Language of Friendship ( c-122752, w-122750, p74, 2012-2013 AC)

Paper: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Basic Grey DSP Neutrals Stack

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive

Accessories: Big Shot, Lacy Brocade Emboss Folder, Labels Collections Framelit Stamp-Ma-Jig, Whisper White Organza Ribbon

I stamped and punched out an extra wing for the bird and so it makes him (or maybe it's a her) look like he is flying across the card.

Speaking of birds, it seems that they are getting ready for fall as well. There certainly a few hanging around in the bushes eating the berries. It's a great site to see except when they leave there welcoming sign on my deck.

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Christmas Heart

2012-09-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

One of the colour combos that I love at Christmas is red and white.

When I spotted the Heart of Christmas stamp set in the Holiday Catalogue, this colour combo was top of my mind.

Then to add a bit of texture, I used the Delicate Design Folders below the stamped image. Finally, I layered the ribbons and basically that is it...CLEAN AND SIMPLE

Stamps: Heart of Christmas (w – 128129, p. 15 2012 Holiday Catalogue

Paper: Whisper White

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Big Shot, Delicate Design Folders, Real Red 1/8” Taffeta Ribbon, Organza Ribbon

How easy would this be to recreate and it would even be a mailable card.

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