Friendships are so Important

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

 Simply Said Online Stamping Club Details!!

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

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

Watch the Video that will explain how you can benefit from the Simply Said Online Stamping Club

Faux Gold For a Unique Look

 It's Tuesday and that can only mean it's Tuesday Tips and Techniques.

Today I am going to show you how to get the Faux Gold Metal look using Versamark and Gold Embossing Powder.

One of the stamps sets that I am really intrigued with is the Clockworks.  I think that if you are looking for the Grunge look, then this stamp set is for you.  It would also be good for a vintage look as well.

  

Stamps: Clockworks (c – 127292, $21.95 w – 127290, $28.95 p. 105 2012-2013 AC), Elements of Style (c – 120045 $24.95 w – 118611, $33.95 p. 113 2012-2013 AC)

Paper: Naturals Ivory, Chocolate Chip, Lucky Limeade, International Bazaar DSP

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Lucky Limeade

Accessories: Big Shot, Argyle Emboss Folder, Gold Brad, Versamark, Gold Emboss Powder, 1/2” Circle Punch, 1-1/4” Circle Punch, Sponge

This card also features the new Argyle Emboss Folder, which can give a real masculine look to a card.

Try this fun technique.

Is your paper crafting wish list bigger than your bank account?
Do you live in an area where you don't have access to a stamping club?

Then, the Simply Said Online Stamping Club is for YOU!!

Until next time...

Mouthwatering Birthday

Could summer be here?  I hope so as I now have the deck clean, the patio furniture is out and the flowers are planted.  Bring it on!

The new 2012- 2013 Stampin' Up! catalogue will launch June 1st.  It is packed with new goodies, from stamps to papers, to punches to die cuts.  

Also the new style ink pads will be available for order on June 1st and these ink pads feature the foam pad and with very little effort, you can ink up your stamps.  These pads also come with sticky labels in different languages and I used the extras to attach to the front and inside so that you can quickly see what colour you are using.  

The ink takes a bit longer to dry that the ones we are currently using, so patience is the key!!  Give the ink a few minutes to dry.

My card for you today is for Brody and it certainly says "Summer". What would summer be without Watermelon and Ice Cream.   OK, it also says Happy Birthday. 

Stamps: Mouthwatering, On Your Birthday (w – 111664 $41.95 p. 163 2011-2012 IB&C)

Paper: Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse, Whisper White, Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip,  Comfort Café DSP

Ink: Midnight Muse

Accessories: Big Shot, Bitty Banners Framelits Die,  Markers: Real Red, Gumball Green, Primrose Petal, Soft Suede, Versamarker, Melon Scented Emboss Powder, Cherry Scented Emboss Powder, 2-1/2’ Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch.

The stamps were coloured using the markers, stamped on Whisper White and then coloured using the Versamarker.  I was then able to heat emboss with the Scented Emboss Powder.  The scent will last up to 2 weeks.

The watermelon stamp also fits nicely into the 2-1/2" Circle punch and the Scallop Punch makes it look like someone has taken a bit. 

The seeds are made using the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch.

Don't forget the retiring list!

On Your Birthday stamp set, the Versamarker, the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch will disappear on May 31st.  Check the lists out here.

Questions?  Email me Here

Until next time...

PP70 Challenge and Happy Birthday

Hi Everyone, I have no managed to play away 2 days this week and I sure am having fun!!!  Maybe tomorrow I will decide to clean out a few more drawers and maybe by tomorrow I will have changed my mind.

The card I am sharing to day is for the Paper Players' challenge "Anything Goes" with a Fall theme.  Actually, I cased this card from the December Stampin' Success magazine.  I just love this magazine with it's fabulous articles and project ideas.  I try and do at least 1 from each month. You too, could start receiving this magazine by becoming a Stampin' Up Demonstrator and guess what.... the Big Shot promotion is still on until November 11, 2011.  That's a $125 promotion available free when you sign up to become a demonstrator.

 It's as easy as 1..2..3.. Just visit my Stampin' Up! website


The article that peaked my interest this month is about Emboss Resist and challenging yourself to think more than one layer of embossing. 

Stamps: Warmest of Wishes (Hostess  - c – 122672 $12.00, w – 122670, $16.00 p. 5, 2011-2012 Holiday Mini), Petite Pairs (c – 122497 $25.95, w – 122495, $35.95 p. 164, 2011-2012 IB&C), En Français (w – 109521, $21.95 p. 151, 2011-2012 IB&C)

Paper: Ivory Naturals, River Rock, Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze, Well Worn DSP

Ink: Early Espresso, River Rock

Accessories: 1-1/4” Circle Punch, Ticket Corner Punch,  Versa Mark ink and pen , Clear Embossing Powder, Tango Tangerine Embossing Powder, Pewter Embossing Powder, Linen Thread, Vintage Trinkets, Spritzer

The En Français background image is stamped using versamark and embossed with clear embossing powder.

The wreath image is stamped with versamark and embossed with tangerine tango embossing powder.

A few of the leaves are inked with the versamark pen and embossed with pewter embossing powder

The versamark pen and the spritzer are used to create splatters and embossed using clear embossing powder.

The wreath is sponged with River Rock ink.

The embossed images are the rubbed with a cloth to remove any ink from the embossed portions.

Before attaching the embossed art piece of the background card stock, punch a hole in the center of the wreath and center a stamped sentiment behind the wreath. 

Until next time.....

  

New Rubber and Papers and PPA100

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....

Tangled Up in Creativity Challenge

Hi Everyone:  As I sit here typing my post, the snow is falling at a good rate.  We are supposed to get 2 - 4 inches of today.  I guess I will have to get the shovel ready...Yuk!

Today my post is a card for the Tangled Up in Creativity challenge.  This one is hosted by Danie over at D-Dazzled Designs.  The challenge is to  incorporate the colours green and yellow into your card in honour of Australia Day.  Only use cardstock - no papers, no ribbon, no bling etc. You can emboss, distress and cut cardstock.


Here is my entry for this challenge:

Stamps: Awash with Flowers (w- 117062, $48.95, c - 120549, $33.95, IB&C p. 99) Teeny Tiny Wishes (w – 115370, $45.95 IB&C – p157

Paper: Whisper White (textured and Smooth), Poppy Parade, and Garden Green
Ink: So Saffron, Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot, Lattice Embossing Folder, Word Window Punch, Designer Label Large Punch

The Awash with Flowers stamp is a 2-step stamp, however using the clear stamps, makes the 2-step relatively easy if you don't want to have everything lined up exactly.  Once I stamped the images and attached the green and white, I then ran all of through the Big Shot using the Lattice Embossing Folder.  It gives that card some great texture.

Well that's it for today, so until next time...

Happy 1st Anniversary

Hi Everyone:  The card I am sharing today is for friends who are celebrating their 1st Anniversary.  I wish them happiness and love.

The inspiration for this card came from MOJO150 and Curtain Call Color Challenge Act 41

Stamps: Punch Potpourri (Hostess Gift Level 1), Whimsical Words (Retired)

Paper: Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Marina Mist, Night of Navy
Ink: Night of Navy, Marina Mist
Accessories: Scallop Edge Border Punch, Butterfly Punch, Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Basic Pearls

I used a new technique (at least new to me).  I sponged the Vintage Wallpaper EF with Night of Navy ink and used the Crumb Cake in the EF.  I do like how it turned out.

The basic pearls are new to the Stampin' Up! product line and add a bit of elegance. 

You too can have the Hostess Level 1 set by hosting a workshop and having $200 in sales (less taxes and shipping costs)

Vist HERE to find out all the details

The smoke from the fires is still with us.  Yesterday was very brutal, air quality is very low and you could hardly see the hills around the valley.  It is supposed to rain this weekend, however, we are also to get some thunderstorms with lightening and of course there is the possibility of more fires.  I am keeping my fingers crossed.

So until next time....

Karen

Tangled Up in Creativity #2

Hi All and what a weekend it has been and now it's almost over.  What with buying a new computer and rebuilding with my softward and files, it has taken almost 3 days to get back up and running with what I had last week.  I have a new found respect for the IT people when they say it takes 3 days to load everything.  Thank goodness I have a Clickfree device that I use to back up my files.  It has paid for itself in spades. 

This week, Paige over at She Who Must Stamp set up challenge # 2 for the Tangled Up in Creativity group.  We were to do a card using Red, White and Blue as the United States 4th of July is being celebrated this week.  The card didn't necessarily have to be a patriotic card.  Hope I am not late in getting to the challenge.

For those of us in Canada, we will celebrate July 1st , Canada Day.

Recipe


Stamps: Petal Pizzazz, Oval All
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Pacific Point
Ink: Real Red, Brocade Blue
Accessories: Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Big Shot, Lattice Texturized Impressions Folder, Versa Mark, Iridescent Embossing Powder, Oval Scallop Punch, Oval Punch, Flower Brad (other), Dimensionals.




Layer 1 is the standard card base in whisper white – 5 1/2” x 4 1/4”. The blue layer is embossed with the Lattice Texturized Impressions Folder (Summer Mini).


The large petal was stamped using Versa Mark and embossed with the Iridescent EP, the smaller petals were stamped using Brocade Blue ink, all were cut out and attached using dimensionals.


The sentiment was stamped in Real Red using the Oval All, punched out with the oval punch and attached to Real Red punched with the scallop oval punch. The blue flower brad was attached and the attached to the card.

Have a great week, hopefully I will get back here sooner than a week.  Until next time.....
 
Karen