More Pictures From the Panama Cruise

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone and welcome to Wednesday.  I have been working away on my Panama Cruise album and have completed some more pages.  I am enjoying Stampin’ Up! MDS (My Digital Studio) as it is intuitive and  those who are not computer literate can work their way through the software.

Some of the pictures are taken around the ship and then our tour in Costa Rica – Eco-Jungle River Tour.  There is incredible wild life and the highlight, of  course, were the crocodiles.

So here you go and I hope you enjoy.

Until next time…

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It’s So Good to Be Home

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone, As much as my trip was fabulous, it is so good to be home and sleep in my own bed.  Yesterday and today it’s about the piles of laundry and then it will be the pile of ironing (yes, I hear some of you gasp) but there are somethings that I maintain.  Ok, I don’t iron sheets and towels, there is a limit LOL

It’s been awhile since a posted a card and I am getting itchy fingers to be back in my stamping room but first things first.  At least I could start with posting a card that I did last month.

This card is a sympathy card for one of my Stampin’ Up! ladies who lost her farther and her uncle on the same day and in 2 separate locations.  How tragic for her! It’s bad enough to loose 1 person you love let alone 2 you love.

Stamps: Just Believe (c – 120453, $31.95, w – 116948, $41.95, p. 109 2011-2012 IB&C ), Teeny Tiny Wishes (w – 115370 $45.95, p. 157 2011-2012 IB&C), En Français (w – 109521 $21.95, p151 2011-2012 IB&C)

Paper: White Naturals, Basic Grey, Marina Mist, Beau Chateau DSP

Ink: Basic Grey,

Accessories: Big Shot, Petals a Plenty Embossing Folder, Ovals Die, Designer Frames Embossing Folders Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Markers: Pear Pizzazz, Rose Red, Wild Wasabi, Versamark

Well, it’s time to get going, so until next time…..


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On Our Way Home

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone:  Well, it’s back to reality today.  We leave Fort Lauderdale in a couple of hours and wend our way back to Kamloops.  We are not looking forward to the 12 hour journey, however it will be nice to sleep in our own beds tonight. 

I am sharing some of the pages that I have done for my album.  I am only up to 14 pages and have not hit any of the various tours.  I will be working feverishly when I get home to get the rest of it finished.

I hope that you enjoy what I have so far.

So, I hope that you enjoy this small sampling of my pictures.  I will have more over the next  couple of weeks.
Until next time…

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Our Cruise is ending

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone:  we are ending our cruise tomorrow in Fort Lauderdale. 

I have to say it was fabulous and given the opportunity everyone should see the Panama Canal.  To think that it was built nearly 100 years ago and continues to operate much the same way is something given the technology back then. 

We have had some rain but mostly sun with high temperatures (90 degrees) with high humidity which makes it even hotter.  All of the countries we visited are beautiful in their own way and I will be posting pictures when I return home.  I have been working on my scrapbook so will share that with you as I go along.

I have been using MDS from Stampin’ Up! and have been making great progress.

Well it’s time to close off and until next time….





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Happy Dirtday

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone:  I have a real quick post for you today.  The 2011-12 IB&C has several new stamps for guys, little and big.  This card uses the I Dig You stamp set and comes with 3 different “mighty” machines.

The sky was done using a template to make the clouds.  I came across the template on  Gretchen Baron’s site called the Cloud Template.  Using this and sponging colour around the template makes the clouds look very lifelike. 

Stamps: I Dig You (c – 122722 $24.95, w – 122720, $33.95 p. 93, 2011-2012 IB&C)

Paper: White Naturals, Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Pool Party, Just Add Cake DSP

Ink: Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie


The backhoe was stamped twice, the first time using the Basic Black ink and the second time with the Pumpkin Pie ink.  The box  was cut out and added to the backhoe with dimensions.

I can’t believe that I didn’t use my Big Shot or any other accessories.  This would be a very quick card to make if you are short of time.

Enjoy your evening and until next time….



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Snowbuddy Christmas

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone.  I do hope you enjoyed your weekend and are ready to start another week.  I don’t know about you but I’m not looking forward to the shorter days of sunlight.  By 7:30 it’s dark here.  Oh well, grin and bear it and look forward to March. 

The first monthly Hostess Club was a success from all aspects.  Everyone had fun, lots of chatter (friends catching up after the summer) and the 3 cards and 3-D item that we created.  Yeh! for stamping.

The card this evening is a Christmas card (trying to get ahead of the game, if that is even possible).

The Snow Buddy stamp set is so cute and you will see him and his Snow Buddy in other posts.

I also used the new Very Vanilla Velvet Ribbon.  It is so soft and just says Christmas.  The card is also sprayed with the Champagne Shimmer Mist which is diluted with rubbing alcohol.

Stamps: Snow Much Fun (c – 122562 $24.95, w – 122560, $33.95 p. 35, 2011-2012 IB&C)

Paper: White Naturals, Rich Razzleberry, Marina Mist, Whisper White, Beau Chateau DSP

Ink: Basic Black Craft Ink, Marina Mist,

Accessories: Big Shot, Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, Northern Frost Strip Die, Markers:  Rich Razzleberry, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Basic Grey,  Aqua Painter, Velvet Stitched Ribbon, Pearls, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint

 
 I hope you enjoy the card and you are inspired to get started on the Christmas cards.

Until next time….


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Tangled Up in Creativity September 2011 Challenge

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone.  Well, it’s the 2nd Monday of the month and time for another Tangled Up in Creativity Blog Group Challenge. 

We all like new craft stuff and sometimes the craft supplies that we have had for a while get buried at the back of the shelf never to see the light of day for some time and in some cases never.  We simply forget that we have them.

So, my challenge for you is to make a card using both new and old supplies (something that you find on the .  back of the shelf)

My card is a Christmas card using new products out of the Holiday Mini.  The Stitched Stocking set is so cute and has many possibilities, the mini jingle bells, (how adorable), the Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin ribbon and finally the DSP, Holly Berry Bouquet.  The forgotten supply is the Champagne Glass Glitter, which I haven’t used since last Christmas.  The glitter is fabulous because over time it will tarnish leaving an aged look.  Perfect for all those vintage Christmas decorations.

Stamps: Stitched Stockings (c – 123784 $25.95 $, w – 123782, $33.95 $, 34. 5 Holiday Mini), Petite Pairs (c -122497 $25.95, w – 122495 $35.95, p. 164, 2011-2012 IB&C),

Paper: White Naturals, Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi, Very Vanilla, Holly Berry Bouquet DSP

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Die, Stocking Builder Punch, Word Window Punch, Modern Label  Punch, Dazzling Diamonds, Champagne Glass Glitter, Espresso Baker’s Twine, Mini Jingle Bells, Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin Ribbon

And the great thing, I have one Christmas card done.

I hope you enjoy the challenge and until next time…..


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Halloween and PPA110

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone.  Here I am again with another post…rather confirms the amount of time I have spent stamping.  Oh well, just having fun.

There was an earthquake off the coast of Vancouver Island today 6.4 magnitude.  There was no damage and no one was hurt but it was felt over a wide spread area – Washington State, Vancouver and the BC Interior.  Apparently it was felt in Kamloops but I did not personally feel it.  I have felt 2 in the past that have occurred in BC.  Hopefully this is not the sign of things to come.  BC is located on the “Ring of Fire” and reports indicate that we are long over do for a big one. 

Now on to more pleasant things, my Halloween card for the PPA110 challenge.  I experimented with a fancy fold for this card, namely the side-step card.  I used the tutorial that is located on Split Coast Stampers and it was very easy to follow.  What was really neat was the scoring.  I used the new Simply Scored from Stampin’ Up! and it makes those multiple score lines so easy. 



Stamps: Warmest of Wishes (c – 122672 $12.00 Hostess $, w – 122670, $16.00 Hostess $, p. 5 Holiday Mini), Wicked Cool (c -120600, $17.95, w – 118738 $24.95, p. 24, 2011-2012 IB&C),

Paper: White Naturals, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Old Olive, Brights DSP Stack

Ink: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories: Simply Scored, Big Shot, Spider Web Embossing Folder, Large Oval Punch, X-Large Oval Punch, 1-1/4″ Circle Punch, Round Tab  Punch, 2-Step Owl Punch, Markers: Pumpkin Pie, White Signo Gel Pen

Technique: Side Step Card

 
 
 I really had fun making this card.  The Side Step fold really lends itself to doing a scene.   The little ghosts were made using the body of the owl and his feet clipped off and then turned upside down.  The pumpkins were punched using the X-Large oval punch and the 1-1/4″ Circle Punch and then the edges sponged and attached together.  I hand cut the stem and did some curlycues from Old Olive card stock. 


Enjoy your weekend and until next time……
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Gently Falling Card and Matching Coasters

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone.  I hope that all of you are enjoying your long weekend.  The weather here is beautiful and we are now making up for the dreadful June and July.  The temperatures this week are in the low 90’s.  Hopefully summer will prevail for a little while longer.
Plans for the Hostess Club are well underway. We will be meeting once a month and making at least 3 cards and a 3-D item.  There is a 6 month commitment of a minimum order of $35 (not including tax and shipping).   This will be a fun evening with a great opportunity to build up those card and scrap booking supplies, learn new techniques and just get together with friends.  Check out my Calendar of Events for the details and make plans to attend.  For more information, please email me.
Now on to my card and coasters.  Ever since I saw the coasters in the June Stampin Success Magazine, I wanted to try out a set.  I chose to make a matching card using the Spice  Cake DSP.  This is brand new in the new Holiday Mini.  This catalogue is full of great products in time for Halloween, Christmas and Valentine’s Day, complete with new ribbons, new embellishments and that wonderful stamp set for the Advent Calendar.  Check out the new scoring tool Simply Scored to help make those multiple score lines soooo easy.



Stamps: Gently Falling (c – 123804 $35.95 , w – 123802 $48.95 p 16 Holiday Mini), French Foliage (c- 121166 $17.95 w – 120845 $24.95 IB&C p 115), Something to Celebrate (Occasions Mini)
Paper: Naturals White, River Rock, Old Mustard, Pool Party, Spice Cake DSP
Ink: Early Espresso, Pool Party, Old Mustard, Soft Suede,
Accessories: Brights Glimmer Brad, Round Tab Punch, Corner Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Spice Cake Fabric
 

Spice Cake Coasters
Stamps: Gently Falling (Holiday Mini), Just Believe (c- 120453 $31.95 w – 116948 $41.95 IB&C p 109),
Paper: Naturals White, Spice Cake DSP
Ink: Early Espresso, Pool Party, Old Mustard
Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Circle Die, Adhesive Sheets, Cork, Clear Sheets, Soft Suede, 1-1/4” Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Linen Thread, Crop-o-dile, Extra Large Oval Punch
June Stampin Success Magazine


 
 Enjoy the rest of your day and until next time…

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Tangled Up in Creativity and the Pals Paper Art Challenge 108

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone:  Well, I think I got it right this time and used vellum for the Tangled Up in Creativity challenge hosted by Tammy.  I have no idea where my brain was for the other card…in lala land somewhere.

While I was doing the card, I also thought that it would fit with the Pals Paper Art challenge for the week – the challenge is to Soften the Edges. 

The Baja Breeze card stock is stamped using Island Indigo with the swirls from the Creative Elements stamp set.  It is there but difficult to see.  I also used the new ruffled ribbon that is part of the 2011-2013 In Colors.

The flower elements were stamped 3 times using Wisteria Wonder, Perfect Plum and Rich Razzleberry inks and then cut out so that I would get 3 layers.  Before assembling, the edges were sponged with Perfect Plum ink to give some additional definition to the flowers.  The layers were then put together using dimensionals to provide even more definition.

Stamps: Creative Elements (c- 122647 $30.95 w – 122645 $40.95 IB&C p 137), Build A Blossom (c- 121994 $22.95 w – 121923 $31.95 IB&C p 112),

Paper: Naturals White, Baja Breeze. Certainly Celery, Whisper White

Ink: Island Indigo, Wisteria Wonder, Perfect Plum, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive,

Accessories: Vellum, Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon, Pearls, Blossom Petal Builder Punch


Hostess Club information starting in September will be featured in my next post.

Until next time…



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Tangled Up in Creativity Challenge

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone.  Well it’s Friday and what a beautiful morning here in Kamloops.  Right now the temperature is perfect and it will get hotter this afternoon, up into the mid 90s. 

Today, my post is for the Tangled Up in Creativity monthly challenge hosted by Tammy.  Well, at least I thought I was doing the challenge until I reread Tammy’s post.  It is a vellum challenge and I did a pocket card.  Oh well, I guess I will have to go back to the drawing card. Hopefully, I will make it in time before the challenge ends. Vellum…pocket? they don’t even sound the same.

It’s is my DD’s In-Laws 40th wedding anniversary celebration this weekend, and they won’t be getting vellum, they will be getting pocket.

Stamps: Gently Falling (Holiday Mini), Ain’t Love Grant (Hostess Stamp IB&C p 14), Teeny Tiny Wishes (w – 115370 $45.95 IB&C p 157), Swirls and Curls Verses (Hostess Stamp, Summer Mini, p 4)

Paper: Naturals White, Very Vanilla, River Rock, Pear Pizzazz, Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie, Spice Cake DSP

Ink: Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie, Pear Pizzazz

Accessories: Brights Buttons – Pumpkin Pie, Linen Thread, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Victoria Crochet Trim, Round Tab Punch, Corner Punch

Technique: Pocket Card.


Well, I best be going now if I hope to get my vellum challenge card done.
Until next time….


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Celebration for 65 years of Marriage

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone:  We just returned from Prince George where Lloyd’s parents celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary.  It was a delightful weekend with family traveling from Victoria, Surrey and Kamloops.  For us, it was a 7 hour drive each way but well worth it.  65 years is a milestone not to be missed.  On Saturday afternoon we went out to the family cabin on Bednesti Lake for a hot dog roast.  The weather was great, not too hot, not too cold and the best part….no rain.  A good old fashioned hot dog roast with the sticks whittled by a grandson-in-law.  The cabin is awesome as Lloyd’s Dad built it out of logs from another property outside of Prince George. 

Great Grandson Brody and Granddaughter Kyla

Stairs to the loft Great Grandson Cody
Bride and Groom with their daughter, son-in-law and great grandson
Lloyd and Sister Karen



Now to my card I did for the anniversary.  I used the vintage technique with 2 cups of tea and only 1 chair, wink, wink, nod, nod
 

Stamps: Hello Doily (w –122845 $21.95 IB&C p127, Timeless Treasures (c – 120615 $19.95, w-118748 $25.95 IB&C p 135), Artistic Etchings (c-120573 $17.95, w – 118517 – $118517 IB&C p 129)

Paper: Naturals White, Whisper White, Early Espresso, Pool Party, Pocketful of Posies DSP

Ink: Early Espresso Craft Ink, So Saffron, Pool Party

Accessories: Versa Mark, Clear Embossing Powder, White Embossing Powder Sponge Daubers, Spritzer Tool, Marker, Distressing Essentials, Filigree Brad, Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon, Vintage Trinkets

Technique: Emboss.


Here’s to another 65 years
Until next time……


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Thank You SSC 216

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone:  Another post this week.  I am outdoing myself.  Actually I have been playing in my stamping spot this week and yesterday had to take a break and clean up..YUK.

First, though before I get to posting my card for this week’s Stamping 411 challenge, I would like to share  that I was a Pals Paper Arts challenge winner.  I am so pleased as this type of recognition really inspires me to create. 

Now, on to my card for the Stamping 411 challenge.  This is also a Thank You card for one of my lake girlfriends.

Stamps: Nature’s Pace (c – 122662 $21.95, w – 122660 $30.95 IB&C p129)

Paper: Naturals Ivory, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Mocha Morning DSP

Ink: Basic Black, Crumb Cake

Accessories: Big Shot, Designer Frames, Vintage Trinkets, Pearls, Distressing Essentials, Markers

Technique: Distressing, Embossing

I also used the one of the new Designer Frames which adds that special something to an image or sentiments.  You can either choose the side that is embossed or debossed depending upon the look you are trying to achieve.

So that’s it for today, now I better get up from this computer and go do something else.  Oh, the life of retirement.  Until next time….




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Thank You Card PPA 106 Challenge

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Hi Everyone.  I hope that your day went well.  I would like to say that my Open House was a success and thank you to all that made time to come and see what’s new for the 2011-2012 Stampin’ Up! year. 
I am enjoying this retirement thing.  The “girls” had a great weekend get-a-way at the lake and I was certainly spoiled.  I didn’t have to bring any food, cook any meals, do any dishes.  I could just enjoy the time we spent together and of course play cards.  I was treated to a very special weekend to celebrate my retirement.  My sister-in-law was given the same treatment as we were also celebrating her birthday.  Talk about being treated like princesses.  I could very easily get used to that.  The weather was incredible..hot, bright and sunny.  As we haven’t had great weather this summer the lake was a bit cold to swim in, so except for one, we admired it from the beach.
So needless to say, I am still making Thank You cards and the one tonight is for the Pals Paper Arts challenge.  The challenge was to Dress for Success by using 1 piece of designer series paper, 1 punch and 1 sentiment. 
I really enjoyed playing along with the challenge.  I also used the Split coast Stamper’s Sketch Challenge 345 as my inspiration.

Stamps: Fabulous Florets (c – 123027 $21.95, w – 123025 $28.95 IB&C p107)
Paper: Naturals Ivory, Whisper White (Textured and Smooth), Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, Beyond the Garden DSP
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch, White Gel Pen
To give the flowers some depth I sponged the outside of the petals with Daffodil Delight ink and added some definition to the middle of the flower with the White Gel Pen
I’m off to post this challenge.  I will have a couple more this week as I have been playing…isn’t that what I’m supposed to be doing?
Until next time….

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