Live, Laugh, and Stamp with Karen

A Simple Card

2012-02-10T08:00:00.003-06:00

Hi! I have a very clean and simple card for you today! You can't see it too well, but the tiny little pearls add a nice little touch on each side of the sentiment.

The framed image is from Four Frames and the sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes. I used the Decorative Label Punch to punch out the frame. Colors are Soft Suede, Pool Party, and Very Vanilla.

I am looking forward to my stamp club gathering tonight!! I'll have some new stuff to share soon.

Enjoy your weekend!

Karen

a total CASE!

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hi!! My cards today were totally inspired by Beth McAlexander. You can see her cards HERE! As you will see, I did not mess too much with this card. I liked it just the way it was. Thanks Beth!!

I created 2 versions of this card...

I used Sincere Salutations for my sentiments. Colors are Early Espresso, More Mustard and Pool Party. DSP is Spice Cake which was in the Holiday Mini Catalog. If you have any other questions, please just let me know.

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

a Patterned Party Birthday card!

2012-02-06T08:00:00.005-06:00

Hi!! I think we created this card at my Tuesday morning stamp class in December. LOL!! Honestly, I can't remember, but I think this is where this card came from. It was during my blogging hiatus, so everything seems a little fuzzy back then. Anyway, I wanted to share it with you because I don't think you have seen this one before on my blog.

The stamp set is Patterned Party. Colors are Real Red, Tangerine Tango, and Tempting Turquoise. The little rhinestones on the gifts add a nice little touch.

Have fun!

Karen

Shadow Box Frame with metal sheets!

2012-02-04T08:00:00.002-06:00

I really couldn't get a decent picture of this shadow box. This picture just doesn't show it's elegance!! We created this shadow box at my Friday Night Stamp Club in January. I had 4 different colors of metal sheets for the girls to choose from. They all turned out so very nice!!

I ordered the metal sheets from Monica's website, Add a Little Dazzle. The inspiration for my shadow box frame also came from Monica's website. I just changed mine up a little and simplified it a bit.

After running the metal sheets threw the Big Shot in the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, I lightly sanded the raised images with a sanding block.

Like I said, the picture does not do it justice. It's really pretty in person.

Have a great weekend!
Karen

some exciting new products!

2012-02-02T08:00:00.004-06:00

Hi!! How is everyone today?? I hope it's a good day for you!! I have a card to share with you. We stamped this card at my Friday night stamp club in January. It's a fairly simple card, but uses a few new Stampin' Up! products!!

Card is Baja Breeze and the DSP is Twitterpated (have you ordered yours yet??). The decorative edge is created with the new Edgelits Dies! The coordinating dotted image is from the Bordering on Romance stamp set. And the sentiment is from Sincere Salutations. (What would I do without Sincere Salutations?!!). And how about the nice frame around the sentiment? Love it!! Those little frames are created with the new Framelit Dies!! Thank you Stampin' Up!

Would you like to place an order? You can always contact me at stampwithkaren@aol.com, or you can place an order on-line at Karen's Stampin' Up! website 24/7. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Have a happy day!
Karen

Cute & Simple Butterfly!

2012-01-31T08:00:00.003-06:00

Hi!! Today's card is the 3rd card that we created at my morning class this month. There was so much inspiration at Stampin' Up!'s Leadership Conference and Regional Seminar this month!! And the inspiration for this card is no exception. One of the Main Stage presenters was Dawn Olchefske. She is a very talented stamper. Make sure you stop by her blog for a visit. I changed up my card a bit, but it's very similar to Dawn's card that she presented.

The sentiment is from Happiest Birthday Wishes and the DSP is from the Twitterpated DSP Pack (Love it!!). I used the Postage Punch (Love it too!!) to punch out my squares. Colors are Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, and Crumb Cake.

Have a great week!
Karen

Wish big!

2012-01-29T08:00:00.001-06:00

Hi!! Here is the second card that we stamped at my morning 3-card class this month. If I had to do this card over again, I would probably add a bit of texture to the Whisper White Cardstock in the background. I might use the Argyle pattern from Stampin' Up!'s texture plates. This card just feels a little flat to me. I don't know. I do like it though for that masculine card that we struggle to create at times! My inspiration for this card came from a card that I saw in San Antonio last week on one of the display boards. Their sample was created in the brown color group though. I kind of like the gray/black look for my card.

Stamp set is Need for Speed and the sentiment came from the Pennant Parade stamp set. Colors are Basic Gray and Black. Images are stamped in Basic Gray. DSP is from the Neutrals DSP Paper Pack.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Karen

Oh so clever Balloons!!

2012-01-27T17:47:00.000-06:00

Hi! My Tuesday Morning Stampin' was held today. Yes, I know it's Friday, but my January was a little chaotic with work and such, and things needed to be shifted around. So I thank my stampin' friends who were able to stamp with me this morning. We stamped 3 different cards, and here is one of them! When I attended Stampin' Up!'s Leadership Conference and Regional Seminar last week, I saw a card with these balloons, and I thought "Brilliant!!! Who thinks of these things???". I used a 1" Circle Punch for the balloon and the feet from the Owl Punch for the tail! I used the Clean & Simple Sketch #174 for my card. I love how this turned out!! We will definitely be creating this card at my next stamp club too!!

Colors are Real Red, Tempting Turquoise and Tangerine Tango. Sentiment is from Petite Pairs (LOVE THIS SET!).

Don't forget... Sale-A-Bration is in full swing. Contact me if you would like to place an order to earn SAB rewards. Or you can always go to my website to place an order on-line 24/7!

Have a good weekend! I'll try to be back some time this weekend to share one of the other cards we stamped this morning!

Karen

Sale-A-Bration is here!!

2012-01-24T20:56:00.001-06:00

Hi!! I have 2 quick cards to share with you today. We stamped this card at my Tuesday morning stamping in December and again at my Friday night Stamp Club this month. I did change the colors for each card and I will show you both below. The first one uses some Designer Series Paper from Sale-A-Bration!! Did you know that SAB started today?? Yes, you can earn this gorgeous paper pack for FREE with a $50 order. I love this paper!! One of my favorites!! It's called Everyday Enchantment.

This next card uses the Beyond the Garden DSP.

The bow is separate from the ribbon, attached with Mini Glue Dots. And the tag is attached with Dimensionals and tucked under the bow. So easy!!

This is a great card to slip a gift card in for that special someone. I actually made this same card with some retired Christmas DSP for someone who bought a gift certificate from me at Christmas. I left it blank so that she could use it to put the gift certificate in for her friend. It turned out really cute!! Sorry I didn't get a picture of it!

Don't forget to place your Sale-A-Bration order!!! For every $50, you can choose one SAB reward! Such cute stuff! I know you will have fun picking something out for yourself! And if your order is $150, you will get an adorable tote bag, plus 3 SAB rewards!

See you soon!
Karen

Great experience at Leadership!

2012-01-23T19:31:00.001-06:00

Hi!! What a great time and experience at Stampin' Up!'s Leadership Conference and Regional Seminar!!! These events are full of excitement and inspiration! Stampin' Up! really knows how to put on a great event! It seems like they think of everything!

This year's theme for Leadership is "My Way". What a great theme! Shelli Gardner talked about how each demonstratorship is unique and different. She focused on how Stampin' Up! offers flexibility so that we can each build and lead our business our own way.

Rita (on the left) and me at the Opening Morning Session. Rita was my roommate too!

L to R: Sarah, Rita, Sally & Mary...my stampin' friends!! Sally & Mary are in my downline and Sarah, Rita, and myself all have the same upline (we are stampin' sisters!!). We had such a great time together! It was so much fun to go to San Antonio with these girls!! Have you ever played Pass the Pigs??? Fun!

I received an invitation to go to the Manager's Reception! We were treated to hor dourves and drinks before the entertainment that Stampin' Up! had planned for us.

The entertainment this year included an amazing show put on by the Chinese Acrobats! They were all phenominal! There were times that I had to tell myself to breathe!!

Sally won the first prize from the Prize Patrol! She was thrilled...we were all thrilled for her! Her prize was the NEW diagonal plate to go with Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scored Tool!!! Customers can begin ordering this accessory on March 1st. Demonstrators can preorder one beginning on February 20th!!

It's great to be a Demonstrator!

Look at ALL of this stuff!! Stampin' Up! was very generous with their give-aways!!! They just kept giving us more and more products, including stamp sets, DSP (full pack), buttons, ribbon...well just look at the picture!! You can see everything that we received!

I'm so glad I brought 2 suitcases with me so I could get all of this product home with me!!

This cute little box was waiting for each of us at our Make & Take session. The yummy treat inside is 3 different kinds of chocolate bark homemade by one of Stampin' Up! employees.

What a nice personal touch!...and yummy too!

This cute fabric portfolio was another gift from Stampin' Up! during our Make & Take session. Each tag was personally signed by Shelli! The fabric will be in the new Catalog starting June 1st. Yes, you heard that correctly. The new catalog will start on June 1st, instead of July 1st. Stampin' Up! introduced a new Catalog Schedule. I will share more on that soon.

Well, there you have it!! I have more pictures on my Stampin' Up! Facebook page. Just search for Karen Graff-Povis, Independent Demonstrator for Stampin' Up!

Hope you are doing well! See you soon!

Karen

Well hello!!

2012-01-14T16:33:00.000-06:00

Wow, I almost forgot how to login to add a post. Well, obviously its been awhile since I have visited you all here on my blog! For those of you who have come back, I thank you. I promise not to be gone for so long without warning. I have continued to stamp since I have last posted, so don't worry, I am still Demonstrator. I was a bit ill starting in August and through September, but all is better now. Blogging was not a priority at the end of the year. I had to let something go for awhile. But now I hope to visit a few times a week with you. So how about if I share my Holiday Stamp-A-Stack cards with you? I know...the Holidays are long gone, but maybe, just maybe I will bring a bit of stamping inspiration to you! I'm not going to go into details for these cards, so if you have any questions, please contact me and I will be happy to answer any of your questions.

Colors are Garden Green and Cherry Cobbler.

Dazzling Diamond Glitter Glue on the berries. Dawn Olchefske inspiration.

Colors are Real Red and Pear Pizzaz.

Tree is embossed with Pewter Embossing Powder. This stamp set just screams for embossing!!

Red and Silver Glimmer Paper!

Ok, there you have it!! Hope your Holidays were good!!

I'll be in San Antonio next week for Stampin' Up!'s Leadership Conference. If you happen to see me, stop and say Hi!

Karen

Happy Birthday gifts!!

2011-07-28T06:00:00.006-05:00

Hi!! I have 2 cute cards for you today!! Both are the same design, but different colors!! These were fun cards to create!!! I'm thinking this might be a good card for my Tuesday morning ladies next month!! :) What do you think???

I am loving the Happy Birthday sentiment!! Isn't it cool?

Supplies:

Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess)
Ink: Poppy Parade
Paper: So Saffron, Poppy Parade, Wild Wasabi, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Just Add Cake DSP
Accessories: Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 1-1/4" & 1-3/8" Square Punch, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, Rhinestone Jewels, Dimensionals

Supplies:
Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess)
Ink: Markers - Poppy Parade, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight
Paper: Daffodil Delight, Poppy Parade, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Just Add Cake DSP
Accessories: Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 1-1/4" & 1-3/8" Square Punch, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, Rhinestone Jewels, Dimensionals

So what do you think??? You like that Happy Birthday sentiment, don't you??? Schedule your workshop with me to get your hands on it for free!!! It's on page 10 of the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.

Have some fun today and stamp!!

Karen

A Butterfly CASE from Angie's blog!

2011-07-26T15:26:00.000-05:00

Hi!! I was browsing some of my favorite stampin' blogs the other day, and I came across THESE cards on Angie Juda's Blog. They are so cute!!! I recreated her cards with the supplies that I had, and I'm very happy with how it turned out!! It's difficult to see in the picture, but for the butterfly, I stamped the solid butterfly image off in Wisteria Wonder to get a lighter tone. Then I stamped the polka dots on top.

Looks better in person!! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly, Happiest Birthday Wishes
Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush
Paper: Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush, Whisper White
Accessories: Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Scallop Circle #2 Die, Big Shot, Circle Cutter, Butterfly Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Rhinestone Jewels, Dimensionals

Until August 1st, I'm offering a 15% discount on a much-needed stamp set called Family Reunion. Contact me today to place your order!!!

FAMILY REUNION

See you soon!!!

Karen

A Deal for you...

2011-07-25T14:18:00.000-05:00

Hi!! My Dad's birthday is coming up next week, and I wanted to make him a special card! I really like how this one turned out! And I am in love with the stamp set, Family Reunion!!! OMG!!! This is a great set!! It's an all-word set with words like...Dad, Mom, Grandma, Grandpa, sister, brother, husband, nephew, niece...you get the idea! AND it also has some sentiments...happy birthday, merry christmas, congratulations. THIS A GREAT SET, FRIENDS!!!! And I want everyone to have it!!!! So I'm offering a 15% discount on this set if you place your order by August 1st (that's my Dad's birthday!!). Contact me today to let me know that you want this set!!! On-line orders do not apply for this discount. You will need to contact me to receive this special discount! Email me at stampwithkaren@aol.com.

Supplies:
Stamps: Need for Speed, Family Reunion
Ink: Basic Gray
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Basic Gray
Accessories: Background 1 Texturz Plates, Big Shot, Circle Cutter, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch

Here is the stamp set, Family Reunion...

FAMILY REUNION

122710 (W) $35.95

122712 (C) $25.95

And here is Need for Speed...another great set!

NEED FOR SPEED

122715 (W) $19.95

122717 (C) $14.95

Ok, so don't hesitate to contact me today. I will be placing the order on August 1st!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Happiest Wishes...clean and simple!

2011-07-23T16:39:00.000-05:00

Hi!! Here is a simple card for you!! Clean & Simple!! Colors are Melon Mambo and Lucky Limeade. And the greeting is from Happiest Birthday Wishes, a hostess set.

Supplies:
Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes
Ink: Melon Mambo
Paper: Melon Mambo, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White, Cheerful Treat DSP (hostess)
Accessories: Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plates, Big Shot, Corner Punch, Rhinestone Jewels, Melon Mambo Polka-Dot Ribbon (retired), Dimensionals

Are you staying cool??? It sure is HOT here in the Midwest!!! Just waiting for a break in these high temperatures.

Thanks for visiting!!
Karen

Soft & Pretty

2011-07-22T13:54:00.000-05:00

Hi!! I found a great card on Beth's blog, and I knew I wanted to attempt to recreate it with my own little touch!! So here you go...

Supplies:
Stamps: Sincere Salutations
Ink: Crumb Cake
Paper: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Woodland Walk DSP (retired)
Accessories: Flower Garden Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Scallop Oval Punch,Large Oval Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Frost White Shimmer Paint, Sponge Daubers, Dimensionals

So, how is your day going?? I hope it's going great!!! Stay cool!!

Karen

Trio of squares!

2011-07-20T06:00:00.002-05:00

Hi! Here is a card that my Tuesday morning Day-Timers stamped this month. Some time ago, I saved an idea, but did not write down who created the original idea for this card. I really liked it and thought I would tweak it a bit for my class. I searched through Stampin' Connection (on-line community for Demonstrators), but came up empty. So I'm sorry I can't give credit for this inspiration.

So pretty!!

Supplies:

Stamps: Just Believe, Sincere Salutations

Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso

Paper: Crumb Cake, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Pear Pizzazz Patterns DSP

Accessories: Scallop Border Punch, 1-1/4" & 1-3/8" Square Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Pearl Jewels, Early Espresso Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by!!! Hope you have been enjoying a bit of inspiration!

Karen

A Special Gift for a Special Someone!

2011-07-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

Hi!! A special friend of mine is celebrating a special milestone birthday. Her party was on Saturday, and she insisted on "no gifts", but I couldn't resist making her something!! So I made her a notepad holder with Stampin' Up's clear stamp storage cases. These are great to keep in your purse or even in your car, for when you need to jot down a little note or something. I also included some post-it notes on the inside front cover. These are so easy to create, and such a nice gift for that someone special!!!

Happy Birthday Carol!!

I also created a coordinating card for her!

Supplies:
Stamps: On Your Birthday
Ink: Markers: Wild Wasabi, Pacific Blue
Paper: Pacific Blue, Whisper White, Beyond the Garden DSP
Accessories: Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Big Shot, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Rhinestone Jewels

I love how this turned out! I also baked a little treat for her...Pie in a Jar!!!! I have been making these little pies like crazy!!! I have several in the freezer just waiting to be baked for when I get a little craving!! I love the peach ones!!! I warm mine up in the microwave, then add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top...heavenly! You can make your own pie crust and your own filling, but that's just not for me at this point in time. So I went with the refrigerated pie crust and canned pie filling and it was delicious!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Karen

Happy Birthday pennants!!

2011-07-18T06:00:00.003-05:00

Edited to add...Hi again!! I changed this card last night and I wanted to share with you a revised version. I wasn't "crazy" about the original card. It just "needed something". So I added a few flowers with some bling, and now I like it!!

Original post...

Hi!! Here is another pennant card for you. This one was created for my Stamp Club this month. This is a very simple card using the Pennant Parade stamp set and coordinating punch!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Pennant Parade, Create a Cupcake
Ink: Cool Calypso, So Saffron, Wisteria Wonder, Basic Black
Paper: Confetti White, Pool Party, Whisper White
Accessories: Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Petite Pennant Builder Punch, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals

See you soon!!

Karen

Pennants in Pink!

2011-07-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

Hi!! Here is a card that I created for my Tuesday morning class this month. I used a new punch called Petite Pennants Builder Pennant. So cute!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Pennant Parade
Ink: Melon Mambo
Paper: Confetti White, Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Cheerful Treat DSP (hostess)
Accessories: Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Petite Pennants Builder Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Rhinestone Jewels, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals

Take care and do a little stamping today!

Karen

peaceful Sail Away!

2011-07-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hi!! I just love this card!!! I saw this card on Krista Fenton's blog, and I just knew I had to create it for myself!! I didn't mess with her perfection, except that I changed the sentiment!!! It was pretty well perfect just the way it was!!! I love clean and simple style cards!! It was a great card for my swap card at my stamp club and a great card for my Day-Timers this month!!

You may not see it in the picture, but there is an Early Espresso Border at the bottom of the card.

Supplies:
Stamps: Sail Away, Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess)
Ink: Early Espresso, Pool Party (new In-Color), Marker-Early Espresso
Paper: Pool Party, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Block D, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Color Spritzer Tool, Dimensionals, Cutter Kit

Take care and have a great weekend!!

Karen

Make a Wish!!!

2011-07-15T01:19:00.001-05:00

Hi!!! Happy Friday to you!!! Here are 2 cards that we created at my Day-Time Stampin' Class and my Friday Night Stamp Club. The first card is one that my Stamp Club created last Friday at our stamp club party!!! We ended a round of stamp club, and in July, I give them a party, including dinner on me and a couple of stamping projects. I truly appreciate their dedication to stamp club this past year, and I wanted to show my appreciation to them! Thanks girls!!!

I just LOVE Wisteria Wonder!!!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Word Play
Ink: Markers-Wisteria Wonder and Melon Mambo
Paper: Wisteria Wonder, Melon Mambo, So Saffron, Whisper White, Cheerful Treat DSP (hostess)
Accessories: Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Bird Builder Punch, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewels, Dimensionals, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

This next card is one that my Day-Timers created in June.

So cheery!!!

Supplies:

Stamps: Word Play
Ink: Markers-Poppy Parade, Tempting Turquoise
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Whisper White, Pawsitively Prints DSP
Accessories: Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Bird Builder Punch, Whisper White Satin Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewels, Dimensionals

Aren't these cards cute???

Happy Friday!!

Karen

It's the Stampin' Up! New Year!!

2011-07-01T18:00:00.000-05:00

Hi!! And happy July 1st!!! Happy Stampin' Up! New Year!!! This is such an exciting time for Stampin' Up! customers, hostesses and Demonstrators!!! It's a new catalog year!!! Aren't you excited??

Click HERE to view the new 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog on-line!!

You can place an order ANY time by going to my Demonstrator Business Website. You can even order in your jammies!!! Click on "Shop Now". I appreciate your business!!

Here is a cute little card for you. We stamped this card at my Friday Night Stamp Club in June. This is pretty much a CASE from Lorri Heiling's Blog with a few tweaks here and there. The Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit turned into a strawberry!! How cute is that?!! Great summer card!

Supplies:

Stamps: Sincere Salutations

Ink: Real Red

Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Real Red, Certainly Celery

Accessories: Scalloped Heart of Heart Embosslit Die, Big Shot, 5-Petal Flower Punch, Bird Builder Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Brads, Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

Have a great Holiday weekend!!! See you soon!

Karen

Hello for Friday Night Stamp Club

2011-06-30T06:00:00.003-05:00

Hi!!! I have a bright, cheery card for you today!! We stamped this card at my June Stamp Club. We used markers to ink up the image. Another great stamp!! And it's only $7.95!! It's in the Summer Mini Catalog!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Hello Blossoms
Ink: Markers - Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive
Paper: Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals

Hope your day is bright!!

Karen

A Sail Away card for my Day-Timers!

2011-06-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

Hi! Here is a card that we created at my Tuesday morning stamp class in June. I love, love, love this stamp!!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Sail Away, All Holidays
Ink: Jet Black Staz-On, Cherry Cobbler, Not Quite Navy
Paper: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Not Quite Navy, Watercolor Paper
Accessories: Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Aquapainter, Dimensionals, Cutter Kit (for distressing cardstock)

Hope you are having a great week!!

Karen

Shoebox Swap cards

2011-06-28T11:36:00.001-05:00

Hi!! Time flies, doesn't it??? I went on a Scrapbooking/Stampin' weekend retreat this past weekend!! What a great time!! It was an all-around crafting weekend. Some of us were scrapbooking and some of us were stamping!!! And some of us were doing both!! It was a great weekend to catch up on projects that were started and were just waiting to be completed. We are all stampers, so we decided to do a shoebox swap. And here are the cards that we created...

This one is mine...

We also stamped this card at my Tuesday morning class in June!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Flower Fest, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Blushing Bride, Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz
Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Blushing Bride, Blushing Bride In-Color Patterns Pack DSP
Accessories: 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Scallop Border Punch, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Pearl Jewels, Dimensionals

Here are the rest of the cards...

by Barbara...

by Sally...

by Kelly...

by Margaret...

by Alisha...

Aren't these great? We had so much fun. If you are in the St. Louis area, and would like a wonderful crafting get-away weekend, check out Memories on Marshall. The food and accommodations were way above our expectations!! We are definitely going back!!!

See you soon!!

Karen

another Triple Layer Punch creation!

2011-06-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hi!! Hope your week is going well for you! It's a tad warm here in the Midwest, with temperatures reaching mid 90's!!! But it makes for fun times at the pool or just running through the sprinkler!

Here is another idea for the Triple Layer Punch! I adhered all the punched pieces to the Designer Series Paper before running the Embossing Folder through the Big Shot. Great effect!! And something different using DSP instead of solid cardstock for this technique.

Supplies:

Stamps: On Your Birthday

Ink: Tempting Turquoise

Paper: Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, Pawsitively Prints II DSP

Accessories: Top Note Die, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, Rhinestone Jewels, Dimensionals

Enjoy your day!!

Karen

Come and Sail Away With Me! - Card 5

2011-06-09T07:00:00.003-05:00

Hi! You may have seen this card before in a previous post. I received a card from a swap that I hosted and I just loved it!! I knew it was going to be one of my cards for my Sail Away class. The swap card was created by Marsha Parsons. I have yet to see anything that she has created that I did not drool over!!! She is one talented stamper!! I didn't mess with perfection too much!! I changed the brads from silver to antique/vintage brads and I moved my sentiment to the left instead of the right. That's it!! I didn't want to mess with it! It was great just the way it was!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Sail Away
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Crumb Cake, Night of Navy, Very Vanilla, Nautical Expedition DSP
Accessories: Designer Label Punch, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Metallic Brads, Night of Navy Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Bakers Twine, Dimensionals

Yeah, I didn't have that Designer Label Punch until I saw this card!!! LOL! Thanks Marsha!! Love that element!

Have a great one!!

Karen

some cheery flowers!!

2011-06-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hi!! I have one more card to show you from my Sail Away class, but I thought we would take a little break to show you another card that I created for a Triple Layer Punch display board. Another inspiration from Mary Brown. You can see her card HERE! I absolutely love her card-making style!!! I was actually just browsing through her gallery and oooohing and aaaaahing over her talent and thinking that I have to case this one and that one and this one and that one!!! LOL!! So you might be seeing a few more cards from me that are inspired by Mary!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Bold Blossom
Ink: Old Olive, Basic Black
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Rhinestones Jewels, Real Red Satin Ribbon, Dimensionals

Have a great day!! And thanks for stopping by!!

Karen

Come Sail Away With Me! Card 4

2011-06-07T07:00:00.005-05:00

Hi! I'm here today to share with you Card #4 from my Sail Away class last week. This card uses the bleaching technique, which is very simple!! Just fill one of your Aquapainters with straight bleach and "paint" the areas you would like bleached out!!! Sometimes you get different colors when bleaching different colors of cardstock. Give it a try!! On this card shown below, I stamped the sail boat image in Night of Navy CRAFT ink, and embossed with Clear Embossing Powder. Embossing helps "contain" the bleach, so it doesn't bleed outside of your image. This is another one of those cards that looks better in person!

Supplies:
Stamps: Sail Away, Occasional Quotes (hostess Level 3)
Ink: Night of Navy CRAFT and CLASSIC
Paper: Whisper White, Night of Navy, Marina Mist
Accessories: Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Scallop Edge Punch, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Night of Navy Narrow Taffeta Ribbon, Clear Embossing Powder, Aquapainter, Dimensionals

So are you ready to give the bleaching technique a try???

Have a great Tuesday!!

Karen

Come Sail Away With Me! Card 3

2011-06-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

Hi!! Hope you are off to a great start to your week!! Here is another card from my Sail Away class that I held last week. It is very similar to a card created by Debbie Henderson on Stampin' Connection, an on-line community only for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators. One thing that I did different is that I stitched the Baker's Twine through the Not Quite Navy piece that I punched using my Ribbon Border Punch. Who would have thought of this??? I didn't, but I'm happy someone else did!! LOL! :) The girls in my class stitched theirs a little different, and I liked their stitching better than mine. Mine took a little time and patience, by my stampin' girls flew through it by skipping a stitch. So there was a space after each "X". Turned out great!! For the clouds, I used a scallop circle, a sponge and some ink. I cut out a set of extra sails and adhered them over the "clouded" sails. I even popped up the one sail to add a little dimension. I really like how this card turned out!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Sail Away, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Early Espresso, Not Quite Navy
Paper: Early Espresso, Not Quite Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Top Note Die, Square Lattice Embossing Folder Big Shot, Ribbon Border Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Sponge, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Dimensionals

I have 2 more Sail Aways cards to share with you this week!! Thanks for stopping by!!

Karen

Sweet card!

2011-06-05T07:00:00.005-05:00

Hi! Let's take a little break from the Sail Away cards, shall we? I will resume the Sail Away cards on Monday. Here is a sweet card that I created for a display board that I put together for a Demonstrator Get-Together back in May, showcasing the new Triple Layer Punches. It's really cute in person!!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Swirls & Curls Verses (Hostess Level 1)
Ink: Melon Mambo
Paper: Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Rhinestone Jewels, Dimensionals

Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch

122464

$23.95

Have a great Sunday!!!

Karen

Come Sail Away With Me! Card 2

2011-06-04T07:00:00.007-05:00

Hi! Happy Saturday to you!!! Here is another card that we created at my Sail Away class this past week. Don't you love it?? I pretty much cased this card from a very talented Mary Brown. You can see her cards HERE! I changed the sentiment and added some bling!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Sail Away, Word Play
Ink: Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Marina Mist Marker
Paper: Whisper White, Marina Mist
Accessories: Rhinestone Jewels, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Paper Snips, Sponges, Dimensionals (wouldn't be a project with them!!)

Don't you love the "white sails" in front of the beautiful sun?? Stamp your sail boat twice, once on the good cardstock and again on a piece of scrap. Cut out the sails and adhere to your "good" sail boat. And there you go...simple and your sun will glow behind your sails!!

Have a great Saturday!!

Karen

Come Sail Away With Me!! Card 1

2011-06-03T19:31:00.000-05:00

Hi!! Hope you are all doing well and thanks so much for visiting me today!! I held my Sail Away Class on Thursday night and I wanted to share one of the cards that we created. Each stamper received their own Sail Away stamp and created 5 different cards using their stamp. We had alot of fun!!! Here is the first card...

I have had this color combo in my head for a long time...Sahara Sand, Peach Parfait, Early Espresso, and Very Vanilla. I thought this color combo would be perfect for a Sail Away card. Such peaceful colors!

Supplies:
Stamps: Sail Away, Curly Cute
Ink: Early Espresso, Markers: Sahara Sand & Peach Parfait
Paper: Sahara Sand, Peach Parfait, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Peach Parfait Poly-Twill Ribbon, Dimensionals

Thanks for coming to visit!!

Karen

Pretty texture to DSP!

2011-05-19T06:30:00.000-05:00

Hi!! Here is a card that we stamped at my Friday night stamp club and my Tuesday morning class this month. I love the texture on this card! I adhered the 3 DSP (Designer Series Paper) pieces on the Garden Green cardstock with Stampin' Up's glue sticks because you want the entire DSP to adhere to the cardstock when you run it through the Big Shot with the embossing folder. Otherwise you might get an edge or corner that wants to turn up or something after you add the texture with the embossing folder, and that wouldn't look very pretty! :)

Supplies:

Stamps: Four Frames (available on July 1st), Teeny Tiny Wishes, Pocket Silhouettes

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Paper: Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, Naturals Ivory, Woodland Walk DSP

Accessories: Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Decorative Label Punch, Dimensionals, Anywhere Glue Sticks

Enjoy your day!!

Karen

Daffodil Delight!!!

2011-05-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hi! Daffodil Delight is really growing on me!! As first, I wasn't so sure about it, but now I'm beginning to like it!! I've gone through 2 packs of Daffodil Delight cardstock in the last month!! This card has been one popular card this month. I created about 30 of these to bring with me this past weekend for swapping at a Demonstrator get-together. Then I made 14 more to swap with the girls at my stamp club. And this is one of the cards that we stamped at my Tuesday morning class this month. I love the Daffodil Delight with the Black, but you can easily change out the colors...so versatile with colors!!! Check out Joyce Wieler on Stampin' Connection (if you are a Demonstrator), and see her variation of colors!! That's where I found the inspiration for my card!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Flowers Awash, Occasional Quotes (hostess)
Ink: Basic Black, Daddofil Delight, Certainly Celery
Paper: Daffodil Delight, Basic Black, Whisper White
Accessories: Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewels

Such a cheery card, don't you think??

Have a good one!
Karen

A pretty card...great for a wedding!

2011-05-17T12:00:00.001-05:00

Over the weekend, I attended a fabulous Demonstrator event hosted by Sally, one of my downline! Mary, another one of downline, was Sally's sidekick, and together they put together an amazing Demonstrator event which included some great Demonstrations, a little business talk, some fabulous make & takes, and a delicious lunch!!! Many thanks to Sally & Mary!

At this event, there were several of us who brought some displays which showcased some great ideas. My card today is one that was displayed by my stampin' friend and sideline (we have the same upline), Sarah. I changed the card a bit by turning the embossing folder, adding pearls, and using a different sentiment. I really like how it turned out!! This is going to make a very pretty wedding card for someone special!! Thanks Sarah for the inspiration!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Sincere Salutations
Ink: Crumb Cake
Paper: Very Vanilla
Accessories: Finial Press Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Pearl Jewels

So pretty!!!

Enjoy your day!!

Karen

Come Sail Away!

2011-05-16T22:03:00.000-05:00

Hi! I'm here today to share with you a card that we stamped at my monthly stamp club and my Tuesday morning class for May. I hosted a swap last month for the Summer Mini Catalog, and I received a great card idea from Linda Grames. You can see Linda's card in THIS post.

The first card shown below is one that we stamped at my stamp club. Love the colors!! Nevermind the retired ribbon! I did not have the striped ribbon that Linda used on her card, so I pulled out a full roll of retired ribbon, that worked perfectly for this card!!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Sail Away, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Basic Black, Marina Mist, Markers: Pumpkin Pie & Marina Mist
Cardstock: Marina Mist, Sahara Sand, Pumpkin Pie, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White
Accessories: Pumpkin Pie Striped Ribbon, Dimensionals

Ok, so I have my Tuesday morning stampin' class the Tuesday after my Friday night stamp club. I wanted to use this same card that we stamped at stamp club, but wanted to change the colors. I have a very nice stampin' friend who is in my stamp club and also comes stamp with me on Tuesday morning. So I thought if I changed the colors, it would be a little different from the card that she stamped at stamp club. I like how it turned out!! Take a look...

This is version #1

And here's version #2

Supplies:
Stamps: Sail Away, A Little Birthday Cheer (retired)
Ink: Night of Navy
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Night of Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso
Accessories: Modern Label Punch, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Dimensionals

Don't you just love Stampin' Up's Baker's Twine? Love it!!

So will you come sail away with me!!! You know that song by Styx??? Come sail away, come sail away, come and sail away with me, ooohh!! I have been singing it all day!!! Can't get it out of my head!!

Take care and have a great day!!

Karen

Happy Birthday Sarah!

2011-05-10T13:37:00.000-05:00

Hi! Along with Mother's Day this past weekend, we celebrated my niece's 10th birthday!! For her gift, I found a cute turquoise top and khaki shorts, then I found some flip flops with the colors turquoise and purple to match!! Then as I was walking around the store, I found the perfect gift bag to coordinate with her outfit and flip-flops! So I knew I had to go home and create the perfect card to coordinate as well!! I had to pull out some retired colors...Lovely Lilac and Green Galore, and I think it turned out so cute!!! I wish I would have taken a picture of the bag, but it didn't happen!! Anyway, here is the card...

Supplies:
Stamps: Eastern Blooms, All Holidays
Ink: Basic Black, Markers - Lovely Lilac, Tempting Turquoise, and Green Galore
Paper: Lovely Lilac, Green Galore, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White
Accessories: Top Note Die, Big Shot, Rhinestone Jewels, Dimensionals

I love this next picture of the birthday girl and RJ eyeing that cake!! RJ loves cake!!

Happy Birthday Sarah!!

Enjoy your day!!

Karen

Mother's Day!

2011-05-09T21:00:00.001-05:00

Hi!! Did you have a nice Mother's Day?? We had a great Mother's Day here!!! And we had beautiful weather too...icing on the cake!! Here is the Mother's Day card that I created for my mom. I was inspired by Heidi's card shown HERE. I changed it up just a bit. I added the Framed Tulip Embossing Folder, used Pearls instead of Rhinestones, and used a different pattern of DSP.

Thanks Sally for letting me use your stamp set!! ;)

inside of card...

Supplies:
Stamps: Bold Blossom, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Blushing Bride, Certainly Celery, Basic Black
Paper: Certainly Celery, Blushing Bride, Whisper White, In-Color Patterns Pack DSP
Accessories: Framed Tulip Embossing Folder, Top Note Die, Big Shot, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Blushing Bride Poly-twill ribbon, 3/4" Circle Punch, Pearl Jewels, Dimensionals

Here is one of my favorites pictures of me and my little boy on Mother's Day! He is such a joy to have in my life! I am so grateful that I am his Mom!

And here is my Mom with her Mother's Day card! Thanks Mom for all that you do!!! We all had a great day celebrating the moms in our family!!!

Have a great week!

Karen

Summer Mini Catalog Swaps - Day 6

2011-05-07T10:00:00.002-05:00

Hi! Happy Saturday to you!! I hope you have enjoyed all of the swaps that I have received, all featuring products from the new Summer Mini Catalog! The last 5 days were full of inspiration, wouldn't you agree??? I have already used a few of these swap cards for inspiration in creating my own cards. Here are the last of the Summer Mini Catalog Swaps...

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!! And to all the moms out there... Happy Mother's Day!!

Karen

Summer Mini Catalog Swap - Day 5

2011-05-06T20:13:00.000-05:00

Hi! Day 5 of swaps!! Hope you are enjoying these wonderful creations!! Here are some more...

Below...created by Pam. Check out her BLOG!!

Enjoy your weekend!!

Karen

Summer Mini Catalog Swaps - Day 4

2011-05-05T11:59:00.001-05:00

Hi!! Check out these beauties!!! All created by demonstrators in our local Demonstrator Group for the Summer Mini Catalog Swap that I hosted last month!! Enjoy!

I love this sailboat!! I'm SOOO glad I preordered it!!

(Below) created by Linda. Check out her blog HERE!!

Two more days of swaps!!!

Karen

Summer Mini Catalog Swaps - Day 3

2011-05-04T06:05:00.003-05:00

Hi! Today's swap cards feature Summer Splash and Summer Fun from the new Summer Mini Catalog. Very cute stamp sets!!! Great for cards and your scrapbooks!!

Sunny Fun

123040 (W) $19.95

123042 (C) $14.95

Summer Splash

123035 (W) $22.95

123037 (C) $16.95

Hope you are enjoying some Summer Mini Catalog inspiration!! We are only half way through. More to come tomorrow!!

Karen

Summer Mini Catalog Swaps - Day 2

2011-05-03T06:30:00.001-05:00

Beyond the Garden DSP

122342 $10.95

Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch

122465 $23.95

Fabulous Florets

123025 (W) $23.95

123027 (C) $17.95

Flower Garden Embossing Folder

123113 $7.95

Happy Greetings

123311 (W) $18.95

123313 (C) $14.95

Pretty Postage

123095 (W) $11.95

123097 (C) $8.95

More to come!!

Karen

Summer Mini Catalog Swaps - Day 1

2011-05-02T10:12:00.000-05:00

Hi!!! The Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog is in full swing!!! I hosted a Summer Mini Catalog swap with our local Demonstrator group at the end of April. And I'm here to share with you their creative cards using products from the Summer Mini Catalog!! I have 30 swaps to share with you, so I will be sharing 5 with you each day this week!! So hold onto your hats...you're in for a fun ride!!

Today's cards feature the "Land of the Free" stamp set and "Flower Fest stamp set.

LAND OF THE FREE

123100 (W) $8.95

FLOWER FEST

122278 (W) $27.95

122280 (C) $19.95

Ok, 25 more to go!!! Come back tomorrow!!

Karen

a pretty flower...clean and simple!

2011-04-25T11:14:00.000-05:00

Hi! Did everyone has a nice Easter??? We didn't get the Easter egg hunt in due to the rain and storms, but it was still nice. Did you hear about the tornados that ripped through areas in St. Louis? It's just awful. Please keep the families that were affected by this terrible freak of nature in your thoughts! There were no fatalities (Thank goodness!), but alot of people lost their homes. So alot of positive energy needs to be sent to those who are affected by the recent tornados. Keep them in your thoughts. My husband and I were actually on a date night at the movies when all of this was taking place. The movie was actually paused so that everyone could go out to the main corridor while the sirens were going off. A little scary!

Ok, let's get onto some card-making!!! Here is a very simple card for you. I need a couple of different swap cards coming up for a gathering and stamp club, so this may be a good candidate for one of them!

I visit Gretchen's Blog a couple times a week, and I really like her clean style! She inspires me to create my own cards with my Stampin' Up! products. Here is one of them!!! Check out Gretchen's card HERE!

Supplies:
Stamps: Bring on the Cake
Ink: Basic Black
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery, Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Little Leaves Die, Floral Fusion Die, Big Shot, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Rhinestone Jewels, Dimensionals

I leave you today with a picture of my handsome boy on Easter morning!! That silly Easter Bunny hid a basket for him in the shower!!

Take care and have a great week! I hope the sun makes an appearance some time this week!!

Karen

Stamp Club Swap

2011-04-22T15:17:00.000-05:00

Hi!! It's Friday!! Yay!! I'm having a little date night tonight with my husband!! It's been oh so long!! We are going to the movies and maybe a late dinner!...depends on how much theater popcorn we eat!! It's been a long time since we have had theater popcorn!! I'm excited!! My parents are keeping RJ overnight for us!! What a treat for us!

Here is a card that I created to swap with my stamp club. We swap cards every month, and it's so fun to see what everyone has created. I used a retired sentiment, but any sentiment will do!!

Supplies:Stamps: Well-Scripted (retired)
Ink: Poppy Parade
Paper: So Saffron, Poppy Parade, Whisper White, Pawsitively Prints DSP
Accessories: Floral Fusion Die, Little Leave Die, Big Shot, Pearl Jewels, Poppy Parade Stitched-Poly Ribbon, Dimensionals

Love the bright cheery colors on this one!!

Have a great weekend and a blessed Easter!

Karen

Day-Time Stampin' Card

2011-04-21T13:41:00.000-05:00

Hi! How is everyone today??? Hope you are all enjoying your day and getting a little stampin' in!! Here is a card that I created for my monthly Tuesday morning class. Although this card is a little different...I added a couple of butterflies. I just wasn't extremely happy with this card at my class. So after everyone left, I started fiddling around with it...it just seemed like it was missing something!! Unfortunately I didn't take a "before" picture. I still don't think I am happy with it!!! I have high standards!! LOL!!!

For the little tag, I printed a bunch of words like "For You", "Sister", "Mom", "Daughter", "Bride", "Grandma"...you get the idea, on Whisper White Cardstock, so that each stamper could pick what they wanted for their card.

Inspired by Mary Browns card. Check her card out HERE!

Supplies:
Stamps: Flowers Awash
Ink: Bashful Blue, Early Espresso, Pear Pizzaz
Paper: Whisper White, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Elegant Bouquet Emboss Folder, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Bashful Blue Satin Ribbon, Jewelry Tag Punch, Linen Thread, Dimensionals, Pearl Jewels

Here is a recap of the cards that we stamped at my Day-Time Stampin' Class in April...

Enjoy your day!!

Karen

another Day-Time & Stamp Club card

2011-04-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

Hi! Here is another card that we created at my monthly classes this month. You've seen this card already, but it had a Build-a-Brad in the center of the flower. I didn't have enough Build-A-Brads for everybody, so we simplified it a bit with a punched image in the center, and popped it up with a Dimensional. It would be really pretty with some Crystal Effects and/or Dazzling Diamonds Glitter!

To assemble the flower, use a 1-3/8" Circle behind the petals to support them. Load your circle up with adhesive, then place one petal at a time on the circle. You'll have 2 layers of petals...5 on the bottom and 5 on the top. Then top it off with the 1/2" punched circle to hide the "uglies"!! Isn't she pretty???

If you want to see the original post for this card, go HERE! The Build a Blossom stamp set and Blossom Petals Punch is in the Occasions Mini Catalog, which is good through April 30th. So don't hesitate to order these products if you like them! They may not be included with the carry-over products! You can go HERE to place your order! Oh, and do you like that sentiment and that embossing folder??? They are both products in the Occasions Mini Catalog too! So don't miss out and order today!

Supplies:
Stamps: Build a Blossom, Bring on the Cake
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Bring on the Cake
Paper: Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Whisper White
Accessories: Framed Tulip, Big Shot (who doesn't have one??), Blossom Petals Punch, 1-3/8" & 1/2" Circle Punches, Dimensionals

See you later!
Karen

Day-Time & Stamp Club card

2011-04-18T11:52:00.001-05:00

Hi! How is everyone today??? Hope you are all doing great and enjoying your day! I'm here today to share with you a couple of cards that we stamped at my monthly class and stamp club. My good friend, Rita, inspired me!!! She did her card in Black/White, which is so elegant-looking!! I didn't have the Neutrals Designer Series Patterns Paper, so I went with what I had on hand...the Regals DSP. We did the Bravo Burgundy in my Tuesday morning Day-Time class and the Night of Navy in my stamp club. They are both created on Very Vanilla cardstock!! So classy, aren't they??

I hope you were able to get this stamp set for free!!! I got mine during Sale-A-Bration!!! If not, you can order it on-line HERE!! It's only $12.95!! It makes some classy cards!

Supplies:

Stamps: Engraved Greetings

Ink: Bravo Burgundy, (Night of Navy)

Paper: Very Vanilla, Bravo Burgundy, Regals DSP pack, (Night of Navy, Night of Navy DSP pack)

Accessories: Bravo Burgundy Grosgrain Ribbon, (Night of Navy Grosgrain Ribbon), Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Nice cards, don't you think? And so easy!

Take care and I'll return soon with some more to share!

Karen

A pretty Elizabeth!

2011-04-01T16:06:00.001-05:00

Hi! A simple card for you today! I saw a similar card on Stampin' Connection, an on-line community for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators. If you are a Demonstrator, you can look up Kathy's beautiful cards by searching K Kathy Baker. Funny thing...when I looked up Kathy's profile to give her credit for her cards, I thought...I know her from somewhere!!! We met each other at convention last year! Then we kept running into each other during convention and stayed at the same hotel!! We were even on the same flight from Salt Lake City to Texas. She is from Texas, and then I had to catch another flight to St. Louis. Now that I think about it, I think we met at the airport when we arrived in Salt Lake City, and rode on the same shuttle to our hotel!!! It's funny how we kept seeing each other during convention out of the several thousand Demonstrators that were there!! It's good to reconnect with you again, Kathy!! Supplies: Stamps: Elizabeth, Teeny Tiny Wishes Ink: Marina Mist, (Perfect Plum) Paper: Whisper White, Marina Mist, (Perfect Plum) Accessories: Large Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Pearl Rhinestones, Dimensionals
So simple...so pretty!!!
Have a great weekend!!
Karen

One layer card with some bling!

2011-03-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

Hi! Ok, so I totally stole this idea from Nichole Heady!! Such inspiration on her blog! I changed my card to be Stampin' Up! style!! I haven't inked up my Petal Pizzazz stamp set in quite a while, so I was happy to ink it up! Easy card! Supplies: Stamps: Petal Pizzazz, Curly Cute Ink: Melon Mambo, Basic Black Paper: Whisper White, Melom Mambo Accessories: Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker, Flower Trio Punch (retired), Rhinestone Jewels

A TIP FOR YOU!! Do you have problems getting a good solid image on some of your bolder rubber images?? Here is a tip...Use one of Stampin' Up's sanding blocks and lightly sand your rubber image before using it for the first time. The rubber is usually very smooth and there is nothing for the ink to grab onto, and sometimes the ink "pools" on the rubber and you don't get a good solid image on your cardstock. Sand it lightly in all directions to roughen it up a bit, and you should be good to go!!

Take care and have a great day!
Karen

Getting together to share something we love!

2011-03-29T08:00:00.002-05:00

Hi! I love getting together with my stampin' friends!!! That's one of the best rewards of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator...alot of friendships are made when we share what we love! Here we are at dinner last Thursday night!

from L to R...Sally, Linda, me, Lynn, and Sarah...

We did a little swapping among us and here are the beauties that I received...

from Linda (below)

check out Linda's blog HERE!!

from Sally (my downline!!) (below)

from Sarah (my sideline) (below)

Aren't these great??? Love them all!!!

Have a great day! Karen

Turn a cupcake into a purse??

2011-03-28T07:00:00.007-05:00

Hi! Good Monday Morning to you!!!! Hope you enjoyed your weekend! We had a great weekend with no obligations! So the weekend was all ours!! We took my son to see the CARS 2 Tour at the Transportation Museum, here in St. Louis. It was freezing, but alot of fun to see the characters life-size. I have some pictures below of RJ's favorite characters! But first let me show you a card that I created for a little swap with some of my Demonstrator friends! We met last Thursday for dinner and had such a great time visiting with each other! It was good to catch up! I'll share their swaps with you tomorrow! I saw a card on Stampin' Connection, an on-line community for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators. I changed the colors and used a different border punch. If you are a SU! Demonstrator, you can see Shannon's card on Stampin' Connection. Search for Shannon (no last name) under the Members section. Do you recognize the punched piece for the purses??? It's from the Build a Cupcake Punch!!! So many uses for this punch!! Supplies: Stamps: Bring on the Cake Ink: Basic Black Paper: Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Love Letter DSP Accessories: Polka Dot Emboss Folder, Big Shot, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon, Build a Cupcake Punch, 1/2" & 3/4" Circle Punches, Rhinestone Jewels, Dimensionals, Paper Snips

Ok, here are a couple of pictures that I took when my husband and I took RJ to see the CARS 2 Tour! CARS 2 is coming to theaters in June! We are so excited! These were life-size characters! So fun! Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater, and Finn McMissle were all there!

Here's my little guy!!...

RJ loves Mater!! Hope you are having a great start to your week!!

See you tomorrow!

Karen

Build a Blossom (Part 2)

2011-03-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

Hi! Happy Sunday to you!! Here are the last 3 cards that I created at my Demonstrator friend Rita's class!! Thanks so much Rita for letting me in on your class!! I love all the cards, and it was nice to just stamp for myself without having to prepare anything!!! You make me happy!!!

Like I said in the previous post, Rita was inspired by some of the cards that she saw on Splitcoaststampers. The gallery for Build A Blossom can be seen HERE.

So are you hooked??? All 6 cards are beautiful!!! See the previous post for the other 3 cards. Make sure you order the Build a Blossom stamp set and Blossom Petals punch on your next Stampin' Up! order! If you would like to place an order, please click HERE to order 24/7 at your convenience.

BUILD A BLOSSOM STAMP SET

121923 (W) $25.95

121994 (C) $18.95

BLOSSOM PETALS PUNCH

121808 $16.95

I hope you enjoyed these Build a Blossom cards! They were alot of fun to stamp!!!

Enjoy your day!

Karen

Build a Blossom (Part 1)

2011-03-26T19:39:00.003-05:00

Hi!! As promised, I wanted to show you the cards that I created at a class that I took from my Demonstrator friend, Rita!! She had a great class, and I loved making the cards that someone else prepared!!! As a Demonstrator, I don't get that luxury very often! The class was all about the Build a Blossom stamp set, and Blossom Petals Punch. I don't have either, so I was happy to take this class! But I will warn you now...if you don't have this stamp set or punch, you might want to reconsider after seeing these cards! I know I am!!! Enjoy!

Oh, Rita told me that she was inspired by the cards she saw on Splitcoaststampers under the Build a Blossom gallery. Check it out HERE!! (I hope that link works for you!)

Aren't these beautiful???? Contact me at stampwithkaren@aol.com to order your Build a Blossom stamp set and your Blossom Petals punch!! They are in the Occasions Mini Catalog, available until April 30th.

I'll be back tomorrow with 3 more samples for you. There were 6 cards that I got to create!!

Karen

Last week for Sale-a-brating!!

2011-03-24T14:31:00.003-05:00

Hi! Can you believe we are in our final week of SALE-A-BRATION??? I sure hope you are taking advantage of Sale-a-bration, and having fun with all of your free stuff!!! If you haven't, you have one week to contact your Demonstrator and place your order!!! It's so fun!! If you don't have a Demonstrator, you can contact me at stampwithkaren@aol.com or place your order HERE!! Click on "Shop Now".

How about joining Stampin' Up! with me??? Now is a great time to join if you ever thought about being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator! The Starter Kit is on sale for $148.75! You will get over $310 worth of products and business supplies!! The products alone are well worth the price of the starter kit! I'll let you in on a little secret...if your business doesn't work out, you get to keep everything in your starter kit...no questions asked!! It's a great deal!!! Oh, there is a BONUS too!!! You will receive a product bonus, just for joining during Sale-A-Bration!! And I have a little gift for you too, valued at $25 in products!! So add that to the value of your Starter Kit, all for a low price of $148.75 (Stampin' Up! will pay for your shipping costs!)

STARTER KITS

ON SALE NOW!!

PRODUCT BONUS

Contact me today if you are interested in joining me. Click HERE for alot more details! And don't forget...you customize your own Starter Kit, so you get what you want!!

Hope you are enjoying your day!!

Karen

Emboss Resist with Bliss

2011-03-19T10:21:00.003-05:00

Hi! Good Saturday Morning to you!!! Here is the final project that we created at my Friday Night Stamp Club and my Tuesday morning Day-Time Stampin' Class!! It was one of the favorites!! I have to give credit to the amazing Kimberly Van Diepen for this card. She has a great VIDEO TUTORIAL. Check it out!!! I changed my card up a bit, but it is so inspired by Kimberly!

This card uses the Emboss Resist technique. We embossed the main image from the Bliss stamp set in Clear Embossing Powder on Very Vanilla Cardstock. Then we sponged the Baja Breeze color over the image so that the embossed image resists the ink! We then stamped a background image over the entire thing. I used a retired stamp called Script. Remember that one??? I also had the Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel, which looked incredible! But of course I didn't get a picture of this one!! I'll try to create another one and take a picture of it, because it is so worth it!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Bliss (SAB 2011), Script (retired), Sincere Salutations
Ink: Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, Early Espresso (for some sponging)
Assessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Corner Rounder, Mini Glue Dots, Sponges, Dimensionals

FRIDAY NIGHT STAMP CLUB PROJECTS* FOR MARCH

TUESDAY MORNING DAY-TIME STAMPIN' CLASS* - MARCH

*Scroll down to see the details for these cards!

Ok, that's all for now. I took a class that my friend Rita was having on the Build a Blossom stamp set and Blossom Petals punch. Wow!!!! That's all I can say. I created 5 different cards using these items. They are soooooooooooo pretty!!! I can't wait to share them with you! Thanks Rita for letting me join you at your class!!! I love all the cards!!

Have a great weekend!!

Karen

Stamp Club project - Frame

2011-03-18T15:20:00.005-05:00

Hi! Happy Friday to you!!! Here is a project that we created in my Friday Night Stamp Club this month. I had 13 friends stamping at my Club this month, and can you believe I did not get one picture of any of the beautiful frames that they created!!! I could just kick myself!! They were all different!!! They selected from all the DSP that I had on hand to make it their very own. They all did a great job! Some were covered with one sheet of DSP, and others were half-and-half like the one I have shown below. I used Springtime Vintage DSP for my frame! The frames are from a local craft store, and they are very inexpensive. This would make a great gift for a special someone!

Some tips...I used Stampin' Up's Glue Sticks to adhere the DSP to the frame. Corner round the corners before adhering the DSP to the frame. I only put Glue Stick on half of the wood frame. Once I had both sheets on the frame, I turned over the frame and used a hobby blade to cut out the center. Use a sanding block to smooth out any rough edges.

Have a great weekend!

Karen

Cute Cupcake!!

2011-03-17T10:00:00.002-05:00

Hi! I love to look through many different blogs for my stampin' inspiration!! I have a list of my favorites that I go to every day! While browsing though my favorite blogs, I came across THIS card on Angie Juda's blog. I loved it, and I knew it was going to be a card that I wanted my stampin' friends to create! I changed a couple of things on my card...I used Pear Pizzazz cardstock and DSP, and I used a bitty punched flower with a rhinestone on my card.

We created this card at my March Stamp Club and Day-Time Stampin' Class.

Supplies:
Stamps: Create a Cupcake
Ink: Rose Red
Paper: Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron, Whisper White, Subtles Patterns DSP, In-Colors Patterns DSP
Accessories: Scallop Squares Duo Bigz Die (carry-over from Holiday Mini Catalog), Big Shot, Build a Cupcake Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Rhinestone Jewels, Dimensionals

Enjoy your day!!

Karen

Stamp Club Swap and Day-Time Stampin'

2011-03-16T12:27:00.004-05:00

Hi! I'm back to share with you a cute card that I created to swap with my Friday Night Stamp Club!! We also stamped this card at my Day-Time Stampin' Class in March. I was inspired by the Fall-to-Layout #130 on the Clean & Simple Blog. I absolutely love their weekly sketches!!! They are great inspiration for me!!

Supplies:
Stamps: So Happy For You
Ink: Poppy Parade
Paper: Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, Sunny Garden DSP
Accessories: Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Big Shot, Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Rhinestones, Dimensionals

Sale-A-Bration is going on until the end of the month! Don't miss out!!!

Hope you are having a great week!!

Karen

Stamp-a-Stack Card #5

2011-03-13T06:00:00.001-05:00

Hi! Here is the final Stamp-A-Stack card!! I hope you enjoyed them! Were you inspired? I hope so!!

This card was probably the favorite!!! I love the look of this technique!! Before running your cardstock through the Big Shot with your embossing folder, adhere the punched circles to the cardstock. So simple!

Supplies:
Stamps: Punch Bunch
Ink: Pacific Blue
Paper: Real Red, Basic Black, Pacific Blue, Certainly Celery, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Square Scallop Punch, 3/4", 1", 1-3/8", 2-1/2" Circle Punches, Dimensionals

So that's all for the Stamp-A-Stack cards! I have a few more projects to show you this week, so please come back!!

Karen

Stamp-A-Stack Card #4 - Lovely as a Tree

2011-03-12T06:00:00.001-06:00

Hi! Happy Saturday to you!!! My Friday Night Stamp Club met last night! We had 13 stampers here last night!! How fun!!! It was a little crazy (but a good kind of crazy), but I think we all had a good time. I know I did!! I'll show you our stamp club projects next week! They turned out really nice, if I do say so myself!! :)

Here is Stamp-A-Stack Card #4...

Supplies:
Stamps: Lovely As a Tree, Something to Celebrate (Level 2 Hostess set in Occasions Mini Catalog)
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Crumb Cake, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Texture Plates Kit #4 Texturz Plates, Scallop Square Duo Bigz Die, Big Shot, Stampin' Pastels, Dimensionals

...a nice masculine card!!

Have a great weekend!!

Karen

Stamp-A-Stack Card #3 - Cupcake

2011-03-11T12:27:00.002-06:00

Hi!! Ready for the weekend???!!! Looking forward to stamping with my stamp club tonight!! Here is Card #3 that we stamped at my Stamp-A-Stack. Enjoy!

Supplies:
Stamps: Build a Cupcake
Ink: Melon Mambo, Peach Parfait
Paper: Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, Whisper White
Accessories: Scallop Squares Duo Bigz Die, Big Shot, Create a Cupcake Punch, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Rhinestones, Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals

There you have it...a bright cheery card!

Happy Friday!!

Karen

Stamp-A-Stack Card #2 - Just Believe

2011-03-10T06:00:00.003-06:00

Hi! Here is Card #2 from my Stamp-A-Stack. I was inspired by a card that I saw online that had the small punched flowers, as shown on my card. I changed my card up a bit with a different Embossing Folder and the Ribbon Punch. Unfortunately I cannot give credit to the person who gave me inspiration for this card, because I cannot find where I saw this card!! If I find it, I will make sure to post it.

ETA: I found it!! While I was searching my favorite blogs, I found the card that inspired me to create this card!! Yay!! Go check out Jackie's card HERE!

Supplies:
Stamp: Just Believe
Ink: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Finial Press Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Pearls, Dimensionals

I stamped the floral image twice, so that I could cut one of the rectangle sentiments out and pop it up on Dimensionals. Adds a little touch!

Hope you are having a great day!!

Karen

Stamp-A-Stack Card #1 - Bliss

2011-03-09T06:00:00.002-06:00

Hi! I hold a Stamp-A-Stack every year about this time. It was suppose to be held the first weekend of February, but we were hit with a good snow storm, so I rescheduled for later in the month. At my Stamp-A-Stack, everyone gets to create 2 each of 5 different cards. Here is Card #1 that we stamped. So pretty and simple!! I used a Happy Anniversary sentiment, but there are several other sentiments that will work for this card.

Supplies:
Stamps: Bliss (SAB), Something to Celebrate (Level 2 Hostess set in Occasions Mini Catalog)
Ink: Soft Suede
Paper: Soft Suede, Naturals Ivory
Accessories: Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Dimensionals

I think Pearls added to this card, would make it really pretty too!

I'll be back tomorrow for Card #2.

Take care,
Karen

Pretty Bliss & February Day-Time Stampin' Cards

2011-03-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

Hi! This is such a pretty card in person! It's created with Very Vanilla cardstock and it's so soft looking. I used my Bliss stamp set, which is a Sale-A-Bration reward that you can choose for FREE!!!! I stamped the flourish image in Crumb Cake, but stamped off on scrap paper, then "rocked and rolled" in the Crumb Cake ink pad to make the edges of the images a little darker than the main image.

To get the non-embossed cardstock in the center, I replaced one of my standard cutting pads with an unfinished wood oval frame when cranking it through the Big Shot. You can find these in your local craft store for $1!!! This allows the cardstock to only be embossed at the solid portion of the frame, and not at the oval opening in the frame. Who thinks of these things?!!!! I'm SOOOOO glad that they do!!

Supplies:

Stamps: Bliss (SAB), Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, Soft Suede

Paper: Very Vanilla

Accessories: Finial Press Embossing Folder, Big Shot (everyone needs one of these!!), Pearls, Glue Sticks

Here are the three cards that we stamped at my Tuesday morning Day-Time Stampin' Class in February. Please scroll down to see details of the other 2 cards shown here.

Have a great day!
Karen

Cute Owl!

2011-03-07T07:00:00.002-06:00

Hi! I created this card for a workshop that I had in February. We also stamped this card at my Tuesday morning Day-Time Stampin' Class in February, and I'm thinking it might be a card that we stamp at my Friday Night Stamp Club in March!! It's cute, isn't it??

It's difficult to see, but the owl's chest and heart have a little texture to it, using the Texture Plates Kit #4.

Supplies:
Stamps: Punch Bunch (SAB), So Happy for You (SAB), Woodgrain
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Paper: Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Cajun Craze, More Mustard
Accessories: Texture Plates Kit #4, Big Shot, Two-Step Owl Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Two-Step Bird Punch, Buttons, Linen Thread, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Cute, huh???

Have a great start to a new week!!

Karen

Card with a Hinge!

2011-03-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

Hi! Here is another project that we stamped at my Friday Night Stamp Club in February. I host a monthly Buddy Swap with other Demonstrators. And I received an adorable card from my friend, Rita. It was very similar to the project that I have shown here, but she did her card in Concord Crush/Whisper White with Concord Crush DSP. It was so cute! So I created my card with the supplies that I have on hand.

I found a great video tutorial showing how to create this gift card holder. You can see it HERE.

For the insert, I punched 2 slots using my slit punch for a gift card. But you can easily stamp and write your own message here, instead of a gift card.

Supplies:

Stamps: Punch Bunch

Ink: Poppy Parade and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers

Paper: Whisper White, So Saffron, Poppy Parade, Sunny Garden DSP
Accessories: Extra Large and Large Oval Punches, Round Tab Punch, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Brads

Here are the 3 projects that we stamped at my Friday Night Stamp Club in February.

Scroll on down if you would like to see details on the other 2 projects.

Have a great Sunday!

Karen

"Charming" For You

2011-03-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

Hi! Here is a card that we stamped at my Friday Night Stamp Club in February. We used Stampin' Write Markers in Marina Mist and Pear Pizzaz for the flower image. And what do you think about the Framed Tulip border? Isn't it just beautiful? Love it! This Embossing Folder can be found in the Occasions Mini Catalog!

The following was inspired by LeeAnn Greff. You can see her project HERE.

Supplies:
Stamps: Charming, All Holidays
Ink: Marnina Mist, Pear Pizzaz and Marina Mist Stampin' Write Markers
Paper: Pear Pizzaz, Marina Mist, Whisper White, Subtles Patterns DSP Stack
Accessories: Framed Tulip Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals

I'll be back tomorrow to share with you another stamp club project!!

Karen

JANUARY Day-Time Stampin' Cards

2011-03-04T18:41:00.004-06:00

Wow! It's been over a month since I last posted! So I'm sitting here tonight trying to organize and get some stuff together to share with you! I have quite a few projects that I have created for my stamp club and classes. So while I'm doing organizing, I just wanted to post the three projects that we stamped at my Tuesday Morning Day-Time Stampin' Class in January. You can see the projects in previous posts. I'll give you the links after the photo.

Cupcake card

Butterfly card

Present card

Ok, I'm going to schedule some posts for the next few days. I'm going to catch up!!!

Take care and have a nice weekend!

Karen

A Valentines inspired by Kristina!

2011-02-02T15:21:00.003-06:00

Hi! I needed to get my stampin' mojo going last night, and this card has been on my mind for quite some time. I saw a similar card on Kristina Werner's blog HERE, and I had something in my mind to make it Stampin' Up! style!! I just needed to get it out of my mind and into a creation!! So this is what I came up with!! The only think I'm not crazy about, is the faux stitching. My White Gel Pen was not being my friend!! I should say "Pens", because I had 3 of them that I was trying to work with!!! I guess if you don't use them alot, they dry out??? Not sure, but I love the effect!!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Fundamental Phrases
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Glitter Paper, Love Patterns DSP
Accessories: Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die, Big Shot, Full Heart Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Square Punch (for banner), Corner Rounder, White uni-ball Signo Gel Pen, Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots (to make the "wave" in the banner)

We still have a little snow coming down here in St. Louis today as I look out the window, but it's really light. Schools and some businesses were closed today! So it's another snow day! Hopefully my son will back in school on Friday!!

Stay warm!

Karen

another Cupcake Birthday!

2011-02-01T17:34:00.003-06:00

Hi!! Are you staying warm??? We have very frigid temperatures here in St. Louis, with a Winter Storm Advisory!!! Half of the city was shut down today, even including the shopping malls!! I guess there is nobody who wants to shop!! LOL!!!

I wanted to hop on here to share with you a little card that I created for my stamp club, who will be meeting next Friday! I know...I never plan this early!!! I'm a last minute kind of gal!! But I'm trying to change my ways. ;) Actually, my friend Kelly challenged me that I wouldn't have this card prepped when we went on our scrapbooking weekend a couple of weeks ago! I love challenges like that!! So I designed it and prepped it to bring along with me when we went scrapbooking. I knew a break from scrapbooking would be welcomed with a little stamping!! So I created 14 of these cards to swap with my stamp club. Check!!...that's me checking off one thing on a very long list!!
The banner has a little "wave" to it! So cute!

Supplies:
Stamps: Create a Cupcake, Curly Cute
Ink: Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Real Red
Paper: Bashful Blue, Pacific Point, Real Red, Glitter Paper (love this!!), Whisper White
Accessories: Background I Texturz Plates, Big Shot, Create a Cupcake Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Square Punch (for banner), Ticket Corner Punch, Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals

My inspiration for this card came from Dawn McVey, and you can see her card HERE. It's her 3rd card in the post.

Lastly, here is a picture of my dear husband shoveling the driveway. You can see that it is very gloomy outside and the brunt of the storm is yet to come! It has been sleeting ALL day long, so he wanted to get the sleet shoveled before the snow comes. They are expecting up to 12 inches in our area tonight!! It will be another snow day tomorrow!! Great day to snuggle up with a warm blanket on the couch, wouldn't you say???

Stay warm!!! And enjoy the time off if you don't have to go anywhere!!

Karen

Three Little Words...

2011-01-23T12:01:00.001-06:00

Hi! I was inspired by Mercedes Weber to create this pretty card. I actually saw her card on Stampin' Connection (community for Stampin' Up! Demonstrators), but she does have a blog too! You can check her creations out HERE!! But HERE is the blog post showing her card that I was inspired from. Her card is beautiful!! She used fabric for the butterfly! I changed the colors, sentiment, and DSP.

Supplies:
Stamps: Three Little Words
Ink: Always Artichoke
Paper: Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Baja Breeze, Springtime Vintage DSP
Accessories: Top Note Die, Vintage Wallpaper Emboss Folder, Beautiful Wings Die, Big Shot, Very Vanilla Tafetta Ribbon, Dimensionals

For the butterfly, I used a glue stick to adhere the DSP on top of some cardstock. Then I ran it through the Big Shot with the Beautiful Wings Die. This gave it a little more thickness, so that I could easily wrap the ribbon around the cardstock.

Hope you are all staying warm this weekend!! We are expecting more snow on Sunday evening!! I sure hope the kids go back to school on Monday!!

Take care,
Karen

Presents on your Birthday!

2011-01-22T12:01:00.002-06:00

Hi! Happy Saturday to you!!! Here is a girly little card that we stamped at my Tuesday morning Day-Time Stampin' class this past week. I wasn't sure about the Daffodil Delight color with Pretty in Pink, but I think it turned out pretty cute!! I am happy with it!! Change the colors a bit, and you can create a beautiful bridal shower card or wedding card. I'm imagining this in Very Vanilla...oooohhh aaaahhhh!!

Supplies:
Stamps: On Your Birthday
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Love Patterns DSP
Accessories: Perfect Details Texturz Plates, Big Shot, Scallop Edge Border Punch, White Organza Ribbon, 1-3/8" Square Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Pearls Jewels, Dimensionals

Note: The present or cake (however you look at it!) is created with a 1-3/8" square on bottom, and a 1" square on top.

Stay warm!

Karen

January Stamp Club projects

2011-01-21T23:59:00.000-06:00

Hi! Just popping in to share with you a picture of the 3 projects we created at my January Stamp Club. It's more to keep me on track and be reminded of what we did each month. But if you want to see more details for each of these projects, please just scroll down.

Have a great weekend!!

Karen

a cute little Valentines box!

2011-01-21T13:01:00.000-06:00

Hi! I found this cute little box on Shelley Hopps Blog. You can find a tutorial HERE. Check out her blog. She has some great ideas!! Lots of inspiration there!! This little box fits those yummy Ghiradelli square chocolates in it. What a cute little Valentines treat!!! You can put any kind of chocolate in these boxes!! Hershey kisses or Dove chocolates (Yummmm!!!) would be cute too!!

Supplies:

Stamps: Filled with Love

Ink: Pretty in Pink

Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, Glimmer Paper, Love Impression Specialty DSP

Accessories: Full Heart Extra-Large Punch, Heart Small Punch, Sticky Tape, Ticket Corner Punch

Isn't that a fun project??? You can create one for any occasion!!!

Have a fun day!!

Karen

Happy Birthday Cupcake!!

2011-01-20T21:47:00.005-06:00

Hi!! Do you have snow in your neck of the woods???? We sure do! St. Louis got hit with a big winter storm on Wednesday evening! Schools were closed today AND they are all closed again tomorrow!!! I guess the cold temperatures are keeping the schools from opening their doors. The streets seem to be clear, but I'm sure they will be icy in the morning with the frigid temps!! Oh well, I guess we get to sleep a little later in the morning!!! And my son and I will not be going anywhere since my car is in the shop. Boo Hoo!!! Not that I would want to buddle up my son and go out in this weather, but just the point that I can't leave!!! It's driving me crazy! I hope my car gets fixed soon!!!

Ok, let's get to stamping, shall we?? Here is a card that I created for my stamp club. There are 2 versions to this card...one with a cherry on top and one with a sparkly heart. Love the new glimmer paper!! Isn't it pretty?

Supplies:
Stamps: Create a Cupcake

Ink: Real Red, Pear Pizzaz, Bashful Blue, Pear Pizzaz & Real Red markers for the cherry

Paper: Real Red, Pear Pizzaz, Bashful Blue, Pacific Point, Whisper White, Glimmer Paper

Accessories: Texture Plates Kit #4, Big Shot, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Build A Cupcake Punch, Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Crystal Effects, Rhinestone Jewels, Dimensionals

My plan is to schedule some blog posts for the next couple of days. So please come back and visit!!

Stay warm and take care!

Karen

a little Valentines treat for my stamp club!

2011-01-12T00:01:00.002-06:00

Hi!!! I have a little Valentines treat to share with you today! I made about a dozen of these to share with my Stamp Club on Friday evening. We usually swap cards, but I thought I would change it up a bit and make these to give to everybody! I "sandwiched" Peppermint Patties between scallop circles, then slid them into pretzel bags (can be found in the cake decorating aisle at your local craft store). The stamp set is Filled with Love from the Holiday Mini Catalog, but it is still available until January 24th.

There are so cute in person! I used my new Glimmer Paper for the punched circle behind " Be My Valentine". So sparkly!

Hope you are having a great week!!

Karen

Flowers Awash Day-Time card!

2011-01-11T00:01:00.002-06:00

Hi! Here is card #3 that we stamped at my Tuesday morning Day-Time Stampin' Class in December. This card was inspired by Cindy Jenkins, a fellow demonstrator, and you can see her blog HERE!! I just changed the colors and sentiment a bit!! Thanks Cindy!

Supplies:
Stamps: Flowers Awash, On Your Birthday
Ink: Peach Parfait, Old Olive, Pear Pizzaz
Paper: Whisper White, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzaz, Sunny Garden DSP
Accessories: 2-step Extra Large Bird Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Peach Parfait Stitched Poly Ribbon, Dimensionals

Here are the 3 cards that we stamped at my Tuesday morning Day-Time Stampin' Class! If you are in the St. Louis area, and have some free time on a Tuesday morning, come on by and stamp some cards!! Email me at stampwithkaren@aol.com if you are interested. We meet on the Tuesday morning after the 2nd Friday of each month!

Have a great day!!

Karen

Celebrate You!

2011-01-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hi!! Here is another card that I created for my Tuesday morning Day-Timers in December. I love the colors!! The DSP I used is retired, so you might have some in your stash!! If you don't, I'm sure another color combination will work just fine!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Party Hearty
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Rose Red, Whisper White
Accessories: 1-3/8" Square Punch, Corner Rounder, Scallop Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewels, Dimensionals

Have a great day!

Karen

Card for Day-Timers and Stamp Club

2011-01-09T12:26:00.003-06:00

Hi! Hope you all had a Happy New Year!! We are well into 2011, and I hope you all have had a great start to the New Year!!

Today, I wanted to share a card with you that I created for my Day-Timers in December. We also stamped this card at my stamp club this past Friday. The inspiration for this card came from Jen Sannes, and you can check out her blog HERE. Make sure you give her a visit! She also did this same card in Pear Pizzaz and Blushing Bride. So pretty!!! The only thing I changed on her card is the extra layer of Baja Breeze for the card. Oh, the sentiment is different too, but you can use any sentiment! The stamp set Sincere Salutations goes great with this card! In fact, I sent out this card several times last month! The finished card is a 4-1/4 x 4-1/4.

Supplies:
Stamps: Occasional Quotes (hostess set)
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Elegant Soiree DSP
Accessories: Scallop Rectangle Clearlit, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Big Shot, Pearl Jewels, Dimensionals

Hope all is well!!!

Karen

Shoebox Swap Batch #3

2010-12-30T20:33:00.003-06:00

Hi!! Hope you all had a very nice Holiday!!! With all the hustle and bustle of the Holidays, a bad cold, the stomach flu, there hasn't been much time for blogging!!! But I'm here tonight to share with you the last of the cards that we created at a shoebox swap for our Demonstrator Holiday gathering. Again, no details, but please don't hesitate to ask me any questions. So let's get to it, shall we?...

Aren't these great??? I just love getting together with our group! We have alot of talent!!

Happy New Year!!! I look forward to blogging with you in 2011!!!

Karen

Shoebox Swap Batch #2

2010-12-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

Hi! I'm back today to share with you Batch #2 from our shoebox swap at our Christmas Party. Enjoy!

Aren't these great? I have one last batch of cards to share with you tomorrow.

Hope you are having a great week!

Karen

Shoebox swap batch #1

2010-12-07T06:49:00.000-06:00

Hi! At our Demonstrator Christmas party on Friday evening, we did a shoebox swap. At a shoebox swap, everybody brings the prepared supplies for each person to create their card. They bring one finished sample of their card, then each person moves around to each table to create all the cards. Here are a few of the cards. I'll share a few more over the next 2 days or so. I'm not going to share any details, so please contact me if you have any questions...stampwithkaren@aol.com. Or you can always leave a comment here on the blog.

Hope you enjoyed looking at these cards! There will be more tomorrow!

Karen

Hand Stamped Gift Exchange

2010-12-06T06:09:00.000-06:00

Hi! Our local Demonstrator group had a Christmas Party this past Friday evening. We did a "rob your neighbor" gift exchange, and a shoebox swap. I'll share the swaps with you soon, but today I wanted to share the gift that I created for the gift exchange.

I purchased an inexpensive unfinished wood frame at a local craft store. I covered it with Stampin' Up's Designer Series Paper and added a butterfly. I think it turned out pretty cute!! What do you think??

Supplies:

Stamps: none

Ink: none

Paper: Very Vanilaa, Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Elegant Soiree DSP

Accessories: Big Shot, Scallop Circle #2 die, Beautiful Butterflies Die, Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die, Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Pearl Jewels, Victoria Crochet Trim, Dimensionals

Have a great day!

Karen

Holiday Stamp-A-Stack cards

2010-12-05T15:46:00.002-06:00

Hi! I held my annual Holiday Stamp-A-Stack this past week and weekend, and I wanted to share my cards with you. You have seen a few of them in previous posts, but I wanted to get all 5 of them in one post. I'm not going to give a supply list, so please do not hesitate to contact me at stampwithkaren@aol.com if you would like any details. You can always leave a message here at my blog too!!

This first card uses Serene Snowflake and the Northern Frost Decorative Strip (from the Holiday Mini Catalog). And the sentiment is also from the Holiday Mini Catalog, called Bright Christmas.

This second card is one you have seen here a couple of times with different versions. Well, I updated it to be a Christmas card using current Designer Series Paper! By the way, I love the color Cherry Cobbler!!! Oh, and the sentiment is Curly Cute!!! One of my new favorites!

Ok, you have seen the following in previous posts...

Ok, that's it for my Holiday Stamp-A-Stack!! I want to thank all of my stampin' friends for attending this class. It was so much fun!!! I'm looking forward to my next Stamp-A-Stack and stamping with you again!!

Take care,
Karen

Stack of Presents - Christmas style!

2010-11-19T21:38:00.005-06:00

Hi! I'm back to share with you the Christmas version of this card in a previous post. I love it!!! And how I love this DSP!!! It's retired, so hopefully you have some in your stash!!! If not, I'm sure you can find something that will work as well!!! I will be changing this card to a current product version soon. This will definitely be a card in my upcoming Holiday Stamp-A-Stack!! And what about that sentiment??? Isn't it cute??? It's called Curly Cute!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Curly Cute
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Old Olive, Real Red, Very Vanilla, Dashing DSP (retired)
Accessories: Real Red Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

CURLY CUTE

#117014 (W) $19.95

#120510 (C) $14.95

Have a great weekend!! It's a girls day on Saturday! I'm shopping and eating all day with my cousin and sister, then meeting the rest of the girls in my family for dinner!!! Should be fun!!

Karen

Happy colors!

2010-11-17T09:47:00.001-06:00

Happy Wednesday to you!!! Here is a card that we created at my Day-Time Stampin' Class for November! Isn't it happy?!!! I had a crowd at my class yesterday, but I think everyone had a good time!! I know I did! I look forward to seeing my Day-Timers each month! And they even want to take time out of their busy schedules and come back in December!! I love it and look forward to creating some new cards for them in December!! Their enthusiasm makes me happy!! I hope you like this card!

Supplies:
Stamps: Occasional Quotes (hostess)
Ink:Poppy Parade
Paper:Whisper White, Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Build-A-Bear Workshop Pawsitively Prints II DSP
Accessories: Floral Fusion Sizzlet Die, Big Shot, Square Scallop Punch, 1-1/4" Square Punch, Poppy Parade Stitched-Poly Ribbon, Rhinestones, Dimensionals

Here are the 3 cards that we stamped in class this month! You can see details for the other 2 cards in previous posts.

Surprise someone and send them a hand-stamped card!!! They will love it!!

Take care,
Karen

Homemade Christmas Fudge & stamp club projects!

2010-11-16T21:35:00.003-06:00

Hi! Here is a project that we created at my Friday Night Stamp Club this past Friday! Such a fun project! I haven't created Christmas Fudge in such a long time!!! It's a giant candy bar!!!

Note: The DSP is retired Dashing DSP.

Ok, following are the 3 stamp club projects for November! You can see the cards in previous posts. My stamp club ladies are such fun!! We had a great time Friday night. My husband made some awesome chili, and my hostess, Kelly, brought the best decorated cookies!! It was a great evening! Thanks to all of my stamp club friends. I really do cherish your friendship!

Thanks for stopping by!! See you soon!

Karen

Stack of Presents!

2010-11-13T23:26:00.003-06:00

Hi! I have a couple of cards to share with you! I was inspired when I saw Allison's card shown HERE. I just changed the colors. We stamped this card at my stamp club on Friday evening, and we will also be stamping this card at my Tuesday morning Day-Time Stampin' Class. I think it's really cute!! Thanks Allison!

The only difference in these 2 cards is that the first one has a So Saffron base and the second one has a Crumb Cake base. I like them both! The DSP is Sunny Garden and it has Daffodil Delight in this pack. But I thought it would be too bright for my card base, so I used So Saffron to tone it down.

Supplies:

Stamps: All Holidays

Ink: Poppy Parade

Paper: So Saffron (or Crumb Cake on the 2nd one), Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, Sunny Garden DSP

Accessories: White Grosgrain Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals

I'm definitely going to create this card with a Christmas theme too!!

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Karen

Step it up!!!

2010-11-11T06:52:00.000-06:00

Hi! Remember this card?...

Well, I decided to step it up a bit and here is what I came up with...

Supplies:

Stamps: Best Yet (retired)

Ink: Real Red

Paper: Garden Green, Real Red, Whisper White

Accessories: Square Lattice Emboss Folder, Big Shot, 2-3/8" Scallop Circle Extra-Large Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Xmas Red Stickles (not SU!)

This will be my swap card that I will be giving to my Stamp Club girls Friday evening!! I'm excited for our gathering!!

Take care,
Karen

Which one do you like?

2010-11-10T10:28:00.004-06:00

Hi! I have 2 similar cards to share with you today! I can't decide which one I like better. Can you help me...white card or red card??? They both really shimmer too. Just difficult to see in the picture. :)

Supplies:

Stamps: Peaceful Season (Level 2 Hostess)

Ink: Real Red

Paper: Real Red, Whisper White

Accessories: Northern Flurry Emboss Folder, Big Shot, Rhinestones, Frost White Shimmer Paint (mixed with alcohol in misting bottle)

NORTHERN FLURRY EMBOSS FOLDER

#120902 $7.95

Hope you are having a good week!!!

Karen

Holly Jolly Christmas!

2010-11-08T16:22:00.004-06:00

Hi! I love how this card turned out!! It's simple, but yet elegant. And don't you just love the sentiment?? It has 2 other Christmas sentiments in this stamp set (scroll down)! It's in the Holiday Mini Catalog! So don't forget to order it before it's gone!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Peaceful Season (Level 2 Hostess), Bright Christmas
Ink: Cherry Cobbler pad, Always Artichoke & Cherry Cobbler markers
Paper: Very Vanilla, Deck the Hall DSP
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Eyelet Border Punch

BRIGHT CHRISTMAS

#121678 (W) $13.95

#121318 (C) $10.95

Thanks for stopping by!!

Karen

traditional Merry Christmas!

2010-11-07T20:49:00.005-06:00

Hi! Just popping in to share another Christmas card idea with you! I created this card based on a sketch challenge on the Clean & Simple Blog.

Supplies:
Stamps: Tags Til Christmas, Occasional Quotes
Ink: Real Red, Garden Green
Paper: Real Red, Garden Green, Whisper White
Accessories: Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, White Satin Ribbon, Rhinestones, Brights Glimmer Brad, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Tags Til Christmas

#120847 (W) $30.95

#121169 (C) $22.95

Glimmer Brads

#121006 Brights $4.95

Have you started on your Holiday cards?

Have a great day!!!

Karen

Pretty!

2010-11-05T00:45:00.006-05:00

Hi! Happy Friday to you!!! I have another Christmas card to share with you today. I used the Gifts of Christmas stamp set. It is really a pretty set!! And you can't see it well in the picture, but the Whisper White Cardstock with the Petals a Plenty embossed image really shimmers!! I sprayed it with a mixture of Frost White Shimmer Paint and alcohol. Just remember to use a good "misting" bottle and give it a good shake before misting your cardstock for best results!

When stamping my main image, I carefully inked the dove and flowers with a gold ink pad, then used my Real Red Marker to ink up the sentiment. This would make a great card to reproduce easily!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Gifts of Christmas
Ink: Gold pad, Real Red Marker Paper: Real Red, Whisper White
Accessories: Petals a Plenty Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Frost White Shimmer Paint, Dimensionals

Enjoy your Friday and have a great weekend!!

Karen

Christmas wreath

2010-11-04T06:21:00.002-05:00

Hi! I saw a card in a sales brochure from a local Scrapbooking company, and I knew I wanted to try to recreate it Stampin' Up! style! Well, I kind of like it!! The most challenging part of this card was to find a sentiment in my collection that fit inside a 1-3/8" circle!! I had to look through my retired stamps and I found the perfect greeting from the Best Yet stamp set.

Supplies:
Stamps: Best Yet (retired)
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Garden Green, Real Red, Whisper White
Accessories: Square Lattice Emboss Folder, Big Shot, 2-1/2" & 1-3/8" Circle Punches, Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

Ok, would love to hear your opinion on this card!! Do you like it?

Karen

Season's Greetings!

2010-11-03T06:03:00.002-05:00

Hi! How about a pretty Christmas card??? You should see this card in person!! It really shimmers! I "shimmered" the top Whisper White cardstock with a mixture of Frost White Shimmer Paint and Alcohol. Make sure you use a good misting bottle for best results, and shake it up well. I also used some Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter on the berries.

Supplies:
Stamps: Peaceful Season (Level 2 Hostess)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green & Cherry Cobbler Markers
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
Accessories: Frost White Shimmer Paint, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds, Dimensionals

Have you started on your Christmas cards???? Now is a great time! Please let me know if I can be of assistance.

Karen

a little bit of Autumn

2010-11-02T06:25:00.000-05:00

Hi!!! Here is another card that I created using the Leaves #2 Die. I like how this turned out! I was actually following an old Fall-To-Layout sketch on the Clean & Simple Blog. Love those sketches!!
Supplies:
Stamps: Occasional Quotes (Level 3 hostess set)
Ink: Early Espresso
Paper: Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze, Naturals Ivory, Autumn Spice Specialty DSP
Accessories: Leaves #2 Die, Texture Plates Kit #4, Big Shot, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Buttons, Linen Thread, Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Sponges

Have a great day!!!

Karen