July Stamp Club Project

It's been quite some time since I've posted on my blog. Ever since I started working full-time, my days are packed. I can't seem to get all that I need done - done in a day. I forgot what it was like to work full-time!

I've been stamping, but just haven't even had a chance to get pics taken, thus nothing to post.

Here is one of the cards we made at July Stamp Club. I used the card on pg. 188 of the catalog as our guide. I had to alter it a bit to what I had on hand.

Things to note:

-- The only stamping is the Happy Birthday
-- The white Uni-gel pen was used for the flower centers

Supplies:
Stamps: On Your Birthday
CS: Crumb Cake, Melon Mambo
Ink: Basic Black
Other: Top-Note Die, Modern Label Punch, Flower Punch (Itty Bitty Shapes Punch), White Gel Pen

Stop back by - I have 2 more cards to post from our July Stamp Club!

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Utah Divas Inspiration Challenge #97

Finally - I was able to get a challenge done and on time! Now when you see the picture that I used, you'll probably wonder how I ended up with what I did. It was simple though - since I haven't had a chance to stamp in awhile....I went really easy with this one. That is the best thing about challenges - you get to interpret how you want. :)

So, below is my card. I chose to go with 1 main color from the picture - hence the GREEN. Yes - my favorite color of all time, so like I said it was easy peasy!! We actually made this card at my Stamp Club this past Monday as well.

Things to Note:
-- I used the new Punch from the Punch Pack
-- The flower from the Itty Bitty Bits set fits perfectly over the flowers in this set

Below is the inspiration picture. Doesn't it just make you want to eat some fresh fruit!! I want a bowl of some fruit now so bad I can taste it!! Yum!!

So, what do you think? I know I haven't been a good blogger, but I'm really trying to do better! I have tons of cards to post - just finding the time has been the problem.

Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Thoughts & Prayers, Itty Bitty Bits (Summer Mini), Teeny Tiny Wishes
CS: Whisper White, Old Olive, Tall Tales DSP
Ink: Old Olive, So Saffron
Other: Scallop Punch from the Punch Pack (Summer Mini), Stamping Sponge, So Saffron Grosgrain Ribbon (Retired - from SAB)

Be sure to check out the other design team members and what they created - just head on over to the UDI Blog.

Thank you for stopping by! See you again soon!!

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Stampin' Up! Retired Sets For Sale

I'm trying to clean out and have TONS of retired sets I'd like to sell. I'd be willing to trade for current merchandise as well. If you are interested, but not sure on the price - make me an offer. You can email me directly at knk75@aol.com. I really need to clean out my stamp area - I keep finding things I forgot I had!!

Here are the status codes -
MS Minimal Staining
NS No staining
NU Mounted, never used
NUM Unmounted
PM Partially mounted
SS Slightly Stained
ST Stained
VS Very Stained


A Greeting for All Reasons $10.00 NUM
Alphadot Numbers $7.00 NU
Around the Block $5.00 NUM
Around the Block $3.00 NU SOLD
Best Friends Numbers $10.00 PM SOLD
Big Blossom $7.00 NUM
Big Pieces $10.00 NS
Birthay Best $3.00 NS
Brushstroke Alphabet Upper/Lower (some need to be reglued) $8.00 NS
Bud Basics $7.00 MS
Burst into Bloom $3.00 NS
Circle of Friendship $7.00 NS
Delightful Doodles $5.00 NUM
Festive Favorites $15.00 PM
Festive Four $3.00 NS
Groovy Lines BG $5.00 NU
Island Blossoms $20.00 MS
It's Your Birthday $12.00 MS SOLD
Itty Bitty Borders $3.00 SS
Merry $15.00 NUM
Mini Mates $10.00 MS
Mixed Greetings $5.00 NS
More Petal Prints $12.00 MS
Perfect Party $8.00 NS
Petal Prints $12.00 MS
Polka Dots & Paisley $10.00 MS
Polka Dots & Petals $8.00 MS
Polka-Dot Posies $10.00 NS
Quick & Cute $7.00 NUM
Riveting $7.00 NU
Sage Advice $12.00 NU SOLD
Season by Season $5.00 NS
Sketch a Party $10.00 NUM
Sketch It $12.00 SS
Snow Flurries $5.00 SS
Sparkling Summer $12.00 MS SOLD
Sweet & Simple $10.00 NUM
Taggers Dozen $10.00 NU
The Fine Print $7.00 NUM
Warmest Regards $7.00 NUM
Watercolor Garden II $10.00 SS
Words of Wisdom $12.00 NU SOLD
Bitty Bugs (Wheel - Standard) $2.00 SS
Daisies (Wheel - Standard) $2.00 SS
Snowflake (Wheel - Standard) $2.00 SS

Sympathy Card

Unfortunately - I've needed a couple sympathy cards. These are always hard for me to make because of the emotions behind the reason for them.

This particular card was for my neighbor whose husband passed away. He was quite young and left behind his wife and 3 kids. They have sinced moved back to where her family lives and we miss seeing them around.

Sorry for the photo quality - I couldn't get a good picture no matter what I tried.

I stamped the Upsy Daisy flowers in Almost Amethyst and gently tapped it in Elegant Eggplant. Somewhat of Rock-n-Roll, but not to the full extent. I gently sponged the Almost Amethyst around the edge of the stamped piece.

I have plenty to share with you - it is just finding the time to get the pictures loaded and corrected. So, be sure to check back because I may just surprise you with more regular posts!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Upsy Daisy, Thoughts and Prayers
CS: Almost Amethyst, Elegant Eggplant, WW
Ink: Almost Amethyst, Elegant Eggplant
Other: Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Square Bigz Die, Stamping Sponge

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you back again!!

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

UDI Inspiration Challenge #93

It's Thursday, so you know what that means...it's Inspiration Challenge over on the UDI Blog. Below is the bright inspirational picture we were to use. Well, of course, this is right up my alley with the flowers!

Pretty obvious what I used for my inspiration, but just in case....I went with FLOWERS! :) I also added the grass amongst my flowers.

Things to Note:
-- I sponged the olive on the bottom of the stamped flower piece to shade in some for grass
-- I sponged around the greeting
-- En Francais was stamped tone-on-tone (Crushed Curry on Crushed Curry)

So, wondering what set this is?? It is a brand new set that will be released in the new SU! catalog - Awash with Flowers. It is a two-step set floral set. It is available through the end of April for order. After the 30th, it won't be available again until July.

Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Awash with Flowers, Inspired by Nature, Teeny Tiny Wishes, En Francais Background
CS: WW, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry
Ink: Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry, Old Olive Black Stazon
Other: Stamping Sponge, Modern Label Punch, Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads (Yellow), Stampin' Dimensionals

Be sure to make a stop over at the UDI Blog to see what the other team members created!!

Thank you for stopping by my blog! Hope you enjoyed today's share and come back!!

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

UDI Inspiration Challenge #92

Sorry for the lack of posting lately. I started a new job and it has me drained by the time I get home. I love it and am having fun, but it is early and longer hours than I was working before.

Anyway - on to the good stuff! This week's challenge was a bright and fresh picture. Reminds me of a beach cottage room.

I went with the white and blue color scheme for my card. I actually CASEd this card from another stamper. I only changed the stamp set. When I saw the inspiration picture and was scanning for a sketch to use, I came across the card and knew it would be perfect!

The coloring is off in the picture, but where it looks like a 'tinted blue' - that is really Whisper White card stock.

Things to note:
-- stamped the image and greeting in Craft Black ink
-- embossed with Black Embossing Powder
-- the butterflies are up on dimensionals

Supplies:
Stamps: Upsy Daisy, Teeny Tiny Wishes
CS: WW, Basic Black, Bermuda Bay
Ink: Craft Black
Other: Black Embossing Powder, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Stampin' Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by!! Be sure to check out the UDI Blog to see what the other Inspiration Team Members came up with!

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Are You Convention Bound?

Going to Stampin' Up! Convention 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah? ... think about this :)

Prizes, prizes, and more prizes!!!!

Late Night Stampers... WANTS YOU!!!

If you are going to Stampin' Up! Convention this year, 2010, consider going early. Join the Late Night Stampers -- which is FREE! -- and join us at the following pre-Convention events. Love them!

Learn more about joining HERE or copy and paste: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/LNSDemoOnly/

Plan to attend Stampin Up Convention 2010 with us on July 21-24, 2010 at Salt Lake City, Utah!

OUR LNS events start on Monday July 19th and end on Saturday July 24th with Patsy's WOW
event after convention is over.

$180 gives you the "I want it all package"
or you can pick from the events below

Send your payment to istmpnv@aol.com using pay pal
or mail a check to
Sherrill Graff
605 Kendrick Place
Boulder City NV 89005
if you are sending a check e-mail me and let me know so I can hold your spot.

Monday July 19th will be a 8:30 AM stamp camp 8 great projects $90 FULL
we supply everything except adhesive
Monday Stamp Camp projects are the same on both days

Monday 2 PM shoe box swap $35 OPEN
please bring a project to share with 6 people and a finished project to enter into the contest

Monday Night 7 PM WOWevent by Tami $10 OPEN
we need 3 more wow demonstrators to show their stuff. please e-mail istmpnv@aol.com ASAP
bring your camera and a note pad
the WOW demonstrations are different on both days.
all at the Radisson

Tuesday July 20th will be a 8:30 AM stamp camp 8 great projects $90 OPEN

followed by a Tuesday 2 PM shoe box swap $35 FULL
please bring a project to share with 6 people and a finished project to enter into the contest

then the Tuesday Night 7 PM Reunion party 3 fun projects$35 FULL
we supply everything except adhesive all at the Radisson


Wednesday July 21 Anything New Swap 75+1 at the Radisson behind Convention on sign in day

Wednesday Sign In Day 2pm-4pm Shoe Box Swap Hosted by Mary and Brenda $35 OPEN
please bring a project to share with 6 people and a finished project to enter into the contest
at the Radisson

then a Saturday July 24th 6 PM WOW event by Patsy $10 OPEN
bring your camera and a note pad
at the Radisson
the WOW demonstrations are different on both days.

All events have prizes and give-a-ways.

Happy Stamping,
Karen

Stampin' Up!'s Color Renovation

Stampin' Up! is releasing 5 BRAND NEW COLORS and bringing BACK 10 of the retired In Colors!! I am really excited about this!!!!

As of July, (with the new catalog), here is what our color collection will be: These wonderful new color collections will be available to everyone with the new Stampin' Up! catalog in July .... AND if you are a DEMONSTRATOR you get to order them early!!!!! (not a demonstrator yet? Contact me TODAY to learn how you can join my team!)

For me, stamping is about color... so I am excited about having NEW COLORS to play with !!!

We will also get 5 new In Colors in the new catalog, too !!!!

5 NEW COLORS (see chart above): Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze and Early Espresso

10 RETURNING IN COLORS (see chart above): Baja Breeze, Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette, Rich Razzleberry, Riding Hood Red, River Rock, Soft Suede, Tangerine Tango and Wild Wasabi

While I'll miss some of the colors (Mellow Moss!!!!) - it'll be nice and refreshing to see some different color combinations. Below are the colors that will be bidding us farewell - so be sure to stock up before it's too late. You can contact me or go to my website to order direct HERE. Once there, click on the SHOP NOW link.

So - what do you think? Let me know!!

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

UDI Inspiration Challenge #89

Another challenge has been issued to us this week. Below is my take on it. I actually CASEd the layout of the card from another stamper (I apologize because I don't remember who). When I find out who - I'll edit my post.

Things to Note:
-- the bottom right piece is popped up on dimensionals
-- each stamped piece is layered on a square of Razzleberry Lemonade DSP

Here is the picture we were given for inspiration. I went with the flower aspect - I know easy way out. :)
Supplies:
Stamps: Fresh Cuts
CS: Melon Mambo, WW, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry
Other: 1/16" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, 1 1/4 Square Punch, 1 3/8 Square Punch, Flower Brad

Be sure to stop by the UDI Blog to see what the other design team created!!

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

UDI Inspiration Challenge #88

This week we had butterflies as our inspiration. Well, I knew right away what I wanted to do. I had seen a CAS (clean and simple) card that was perfect for this! It was posted on the LNStampers yahoo group and I saved it in my files. Glad I did because I went right to it for this card!

The original card was made my Julie Davison and was a birthday card. I went with a 'thanks' card because I had a few thank yous I wanted to send out to some people who have done some special things for us. So, while this card is definitely simple - it really packed a punch for me and was quick to mass produce.
Supplies:
Stamps: Thankful Thinking (earned Free through SAB)
CS: WW, Pixie Pink, Tempting Turquoise, Green Galore
Ink: Stazon Black
Other: Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die, Stampin' Dimensionals

Be sure to stop by the UDI Blog to see what the other team members created. While you are there, post a comment to let us know you stopped by!

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Card Scrap Challenge

I came across a sketch challenge over on Card Scraps. I needed cards for a swap as well, so I decided to play along. The sketch challenge is in honor of Brenda's birthday! So, if you are part of the RubberFriends group and participated in the swap and want to be surprised - don't look!

Here is a close up of part of the card. Supplies:
Stamps: Vintage Vogue
CS: Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, WW, Razzleberry Lemonade
Ink: Crushed Curry
Other: Melon Mambo & Crushed Curry Markers, Stamping Sponge, Melon Mambo Polka Dotted Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Scallop Edge Punch

You are welcome to play along too! The blog candy part of the challenge ends tonight, however, you can always play along at any time.

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

UDI Inspiration Challenge #87

Sorry for my late post this week! It's been a rough week - this time 2 sick kids. I totally forgot about stamping and posting. I'm glad for the warmer weather - I've been airing out my house and spraying Lysol. I'm ready for a sick-free summer!!

This is the picture for us this week. Perfect for Spring!!
Here is my take on it. Sorry for the shadow on the card.

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Inspired by Nature
CS: WW, Crushed Curry, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink: Old Olive, Soft Suede
Other: Crushed Curry, Soft Suede, Old Olive Markers, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stamping Sponges, 1/16" Circle Punch, Fire Circle Rhinestone Brads

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!! Let the sun keep shining!!

Happy Stampin',

Karen

UDI Inspiration Challenge #86

This week our challenge was to use the clover image for inspiration. Definitely a perfect choice with St. Patrick's Day right around the corner!

Below is my take on the challenge. Not a whole lot of stamping, but nonetheless - still a great card!

Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Heard from the Heart
CS: Certainly Celery, Handsome Hunter, Crushed Curry
Ink: Handsome Hunter
Other: Simple Flower Sizzix Embosslit, Textured Impressions Elegant Bouquet, Silver Brads, 1/16" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals (used under each flower)

Sorry for the short post today. I'm tired from not enough sleep - another sick child in my house. This time, it's my oldest. We didn't get much sleep last night, she came home from school early today, and doesn't look like she'll make it tomorrow. She has what everyone else has had in our house at one point - the dreaded cough. Wouldn't be bad, but nothing seems to help.

Anyway - be sure to check out what the other design challenge team members created!! You can find links to their blogs at the UDI Blog.

Stampin' Hugs,

Karen

UDI Inspiration Challenge #85

This will be a quick post for now. I'm fighting a head cold and didn't get this post scheduled last night like I wanted to. So, I'm trying to get it done now before I take my son to preschool. I'll also apologize for the horrible picture - I can't figure out how to take a good picture of a mainly white card. Any help would be appreciated!!

On to the challenge - below is the picture we got to use. Doesn't it look YUMMY!!!

Below is my CAS (Clean and Simple) card. I went with the colors for my inspiraton. Since the ice cream cones were set against a white background - I used that as well for my card.

I stamped each of the squares with the coordinating color (ie: Chocolate Chip on Chocolate Chip CS). The only difference is the Vanilla CS piece - I stamped it with Creamy Caramel ink 2nd Generation (stamped off once). I put all of the squares and the flower on a Stampin' Dimensional. I really like how this card looks IRL. Too bad my photo stinks and doesn't show how cute it really is.

Thanks for stopping by!! Be sure to check out what the other challenge team members did - UDI Blog.

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Four Square (can be earned FREE through SAB)
CS: WW, VV, Rose Regal, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Rose Regal, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel

Other: Stampin' Dimensionals, Stitched Felt Sweet Pea

Happy Stampin',
Karen

UDI Inspiration Challenge #84

I go in spurts when doing challenges it seems. I love challenges because they can jumpstart your creativity. However, by the time I get a challenge accomplished - a new challenge has been posted (usually 2 or 3 really).

You may remember me posting a few months back for the UDI Inspiration Challenge. Well, with my laptop issues and such, I haven't participated in awhile. Happy to say that I am back and posting!

Below is the picture for our inspiration. Isn't it great - bold colors and the big flowers. Yep - it was great when my idea jumped right in my head for this one!

Here is my card. I went with both the colors and flowers. I used the SU Sizzlits Flower Blossom for the main flowers. The centers of each petal are actually 'cut' when running them through the Big Shot. So, I popped them out of each flower and then repositioned them into a different color flower to achieve the look from our inspiration picture. I used a flower from Eastern Blooms as a filler. I used a silver brad for the center of each Flower Blossom. The greeting is from the SAB set Whimsical Words. (Want to get this set for FREE? Be sure to contact me.)

Because the base of my card was black, I decorated the inside too. Just a little simple design, but definitely adds the right touch I think.


So, there you have it. Be sure to check out what the rest of the UDI Inspiration team did! You can get the links to their blogs by going to the UDI Blog. While you're there, check out the other challenges we have. Be sure to leave us a note to let us know you were there - we love to read your comments!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Eastern Blooms, Whimsical Words (SAB)
CS: Basic Black, Barely Banana, Real Red
Ink: Real Red
Other: Sizzlit Flower Blossom, Big Shot, Paper Piercer, Silver Brads

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Small Wonder

I needed a card for a co-worker who a had a baby girl recently. I don't have any baby stamps, so I went with flowers and a butterfly. I made this awhile ago, but I'm just now getting a chance to post it. I CASEd the layout from another stamper - Krista D - over on the Late Night Stampers group.

Things to note:
-- I sponged all edges (including the butterfly) with Chocolate Chip ink
-- the butterfly is popped up with dimensionals
-- the stamped flower piece is popped up with dimensionals

Both the Whimsical Words set and the Scallop Trim Border Punch are FREE right now through SAB. Want more details - ask me!!

Supplies:
Sets: Vintage Vogue, Whimsical Words (SAB)
CS: WW, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP, Melon Mambo
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Melon Mambo, Mellow Moss
Other: Scallop Trim Border Punch (SAB), Butterfly Punch, Felt Flowers, Stamping Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!!

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

WOW!! It's been awhile Butterfly!!

I didn't realize it's been so long, since I've last posted. I hate not having my laptop available to me!! I really need to either get it fixed or invest in a new one.

Anyway - I took part in a SNSS challenge over on SNR today. It was to use butterflies (hence the title on this post) on your project. I got the Beautiful Wings Embosslit the other day and thought this would be perfect to use it for. I've loved seeing all the different projects using this embosslit, so thought it was about time to break it in!

Things to note:
-- the Beautiful Wings Embosslit gives you 5 butterflies with variations in their embossing (all 5 shown here on this card)
-- the 2 largest butterflies have dimensionals to give them some depth
-- the DSP is the FREE SAB Welcome Neighbor pack (spend $50 and this great pack of DSP can be yours FREE)

Yes - this is a very simple card, but it took me hours to accomplish! I had to pick up my girls and get an oil change, so I finally finished it now. Whew!

Supplies:
Set: Hugs for Janessa (SNSS)
CS: WW, Melon Mambo, Welcome Neighbor DSP

Ink: Melon Mambo
Other: Beautiful Wings Embosslit (SU!), Melon Mambo Polka Dotted Ribbon, Stampin Dimensionals

Hopefully it won't be as long before I post again!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

Stampin' Up! and Haitian Disaster Relief

On January 12, 2010 a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, leaving in its wake devastation so overwhelming that the Haitian people and their leaders can only look for help from the outside to cope.

From now until February 28, 2010, $2 from every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set sold will be donated to the American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

Product Name Item # Price
I {Heart} Hearts – clear-mount (block D recommended) 118571 $18.95
I {Heart} Hearts – wood-mount 117010 $26.95

In the past, when terrorists attacked the Twin Towers, when a tsunami struck Indonesia, when a hurricane destroyed New Orleans, and when wildfires ravaged Australia, Stampin′ Up! demonstrators have stepped forward and showed their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. This time is no different.

Stampin′ Up! demonstrators share what they love. That’s how you make a difference. Please do everything you can to lend a hand to the people of Haiti.

If you would like to help in this effort, you can order directly from my website - http://www.stampinwithkaren.stampinup.net/ and click on shop now. This set is in the Occassions Mini Catalog. You can also email/call me to place your order if you wish.

Thank you for being a part of this joint effort!!

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen

November Stamp Club Projects

These were the cards that my stamp club made in November. I focused all the cards on the Cold & Cuddly set from the Holiday Mini. I also predesigned my cards in MDS, so that I had something to go by.

The first one is a monochromatic card using Bermuda Bay card stock, DSP, and ink.

The second card I chose to round the corners on the right hand side.

The third card is my favorite - probably the DSP....that is gorgeous paper!
Thanks for stopping by my blog when you had a chance this past year! Looking forward to a new and wonderful 2010! Hope you continue to stop by in 2010 as well!!

Happy New Year!!
Karen

UDI Inspiration Challenge #70

This is my long ago post that I haven't been able to post. Shortly after my last post, my laptop essentially died. Well, it is back - I use that term lightly though. As I type - my screen is flickering and I'm worried it will shut down again. I seriously need to get it checked out, but it needs to be on when I take it in because once it's off....it may not come back on.

Anyway - back to this post. The picture below was given to us to use as our inspiration. To see the Inpsiration Challenges (among others, such as Sketch Challenges) - go check out the UDI Blog for more ideas from other talented SU! demos.

Things to Note:
-- I went with the brown (sepia look) and the daisies for my inspiration
-- To 'color' the embossed flowers, I used Shimmer Paint

I made this for a friend/co-worker whose FIL passed away. I was really pleased with how it turned out. The flowers definitely 'shimmer'. This was the first time I've used the Shimmer Paints and will definitely use them more!!

Hopefully I'll have more to post and that my laptop will continue to work and I'll be able to get things posted.

Wishing everyone a wonderful and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Stampin' Hugs,
Karen