Karen's Korner

You Party Animal!

2009-02-20T09:31:00.001-08:00

While I have never been a really big party-theme-decoration person I must admit that I had a blast preparing for my granddaughter's first birthday. My daughters, daughter in law and I make a good team!

We made the banner from Pink Pirouette and (retired) close to cocoa Patterns Designer Series Paper. We cut it so we got one whole and one pieced triangle from one sheet of paper. I could match the pattern for the pieced ones on all but one pattern.We stapled the pennants on Pink Pirouette striped grosgrain ribbon, overlapping the top corners slightly. We punched circles and scalloped circles from the same paper and used them to cover the staples and attached more scalloped circles with clear thread to the bottom of the pennants. Karen Brown let me use her Cricut to cut the letters - Thanks Karen!
We used the scalloped punch with the circle punch again to make pics to go in the cupcakes with "1"stamped on one side and "R" for Ruby stamped on the other. We used some retired DSP with the scallop punch and attached it to toothpics to go in the cupcakes.

It was really fun!
Happy birthday Ruby

PS Credit for all but one picture go to my son Christian,
and I had to include one of the birthday girl enjoying her cake.

Sale A Brate Good Times!

2009-02-14T16:05:00.001-08:00

Fun day playing with my Saleabration stuff:

This card was really fun. I used the top note die to cut the Raspberry Tart paper for another project and used the "extra" for this card. Also used is Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss markers with the stamp from the "Yummy" set and Summer Sun and Regal Rose watercolor crayons with Botannical Blooms. I misted some water on the solid stamps and colored directly on them. I masked the something special stamp with a post it pad . I used the butterfly from Kind Thoughts, stamped it on the card and on a post it pad. I cut out the post it pad and used it as a template for the butterfly, folded it in the middle and used a little crystal effects to glue it to the stamped one.

I cased this set of cards from Splitcoast with variations, of course though not too many. I used the new Texturz Plates (pg 203 of the new catalog) A different one for each note card.
And then used a retired envelope template and the SAB paper for the envelopes. I must admit that I likes this set much better than I thought I would from the mini. I also used a button from the Latte collection and a build a brad. (those are really fun if you haven't tried them yet.) And of course the matching punches and the scallop edge punch.

I thought this was a great card for a wedding now that Valentines is past.
Got the idea here. I love the softness of pink pirouette. Again I used the texturz plates. They are great in that you can emboss an area up to 5 1/2 x 6 but some of the plates do not emboss as deeply as the cuttle bug folders. All in all I like them and think they are a good deal. I heat embossed the hearts using the white craft pad on the pink and inking up the heart in versamark and then tapping it once on the pink piroutte pad and embossing it with clear on the white.
If that sounds like Greek to you let me know.
I also used my scallop envelope die and "Join the Cheer" Sizzlet strip using only the word "Love"
Don't forget the white taffeta ribbon... I love that stuff. Need to get the pink too.
It's really pretty in person where you can see all the textures. I need to figure out how to take better pictures so you can see that stuff.

Oh well, I better get my house cleaned up now... back to reality

New Catalog

2009-02-05T07:08:00.000-08:00

The new catalog has been out for almost two weeks now, I'm a little slow.

Here are some cards I've made:

Dream a Little - p 21
Level 3 Hostess set, Raspberry Tart paper

Petal pizzazz pg. 90
Cocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette,
Clear Rhinestone brads (p174), Half pearls from the pretties kit, Rubons from Small Talk

Just two of MANY cards I made with the Simply Scrapping kit "Best Ever" p 162
quick and easy

Just Buzzin' By p. 57

One more Petal Pizzazz with the rub on on the ribbon.

I will post a link to the new catalog as soon as I remember how to do it ;).
If you want one in hand let me know!

Valentines Bundle

2009-01-12T14:18:00.000-08:00

Yea! I got to play this weekend
with the Valentines Bundle that's on sale for a few more days.

Check out what I made:

A cut little box with my scalloped envelope die:

Filled with 6 mini valentines (3x3)

Made with the DSP, stamp set and punch that comes in the Valentines bundle
Riding Hood Red, Pirouette Pink and Close to Cocoa

Pillow boxes to fill with valentine treats

And Nugget boxes using the top note die and
lots of inspiration from Allison Ohran

Get your bundle while they are still on sale and watch for our upcoming Valentines class

Christmas tags

2008-12-15T11:29:00.001-08:00

Here are some Christmas tags we did recently using all kinds of punches.
This is not my original idea but I think I got it from Stampin' UP
they were designed by Mercedes Weber and altered slightly by me (of course)
The colors are Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Riding hood Red, close to cocoa, chocolate chip, Pumpkin pie, black, Blush blossom and for the penguin's scarf Bella Blooms? dsp.
I used a sizzix die in my cuttle bug to make the tags.

Hint - all small pieces were attached with liquid glue, place a dot of glue where you want it and use the tip of your scissors or a paper piercer to move the tiny dot into place

I made Rudolph into a topper for a bag.
I used the new large oval punch, boho blossoms punch, 1/2 inch circle, a standard hole punch, and 1/4 inch circle, boho blossoms punch, and large oval and 3/4 inch circle for the antlers.

Frosty used a 1 1/4" square, word window, 1 3/8"circle, double circle, large star (one point only) and the boho blossoms punch for the holly
hint- glue the leaves on first and then add the berries.

Three flowers or Boho blossoms works too, 1 3/8 circle punch, 1/2 " circle, word window, double circle, standard hole punch, scalloped square cut in half, pink for nose and cheeks using eraser.
Glitter as desired.

1 3/8" circle, older large and small ovals, 1" circle, Boho blossoms, double circle.

Can't leave well enough alone

2008-11-19T09:48:00.000-08:00

As I typed this title I realize that this saying probably reveals my age because I don't think it's used much any more.

While I was making these cards according this tutorial
I realized that I had two issues with the design of the card.
#1 I really like a card to "fit well" in the envelope (same general size and shape)
and #2 there is no place to write on the card.
Also I guess a sort of #3 is that I really like to enjoy both sides of double sided paper.

So... although many love these cards I "couldn't leave well enough alone"
I mounted my folded paper on a piece of cardstock 5 5/8 square
I attached the corners that are cut off and put a piece of coordinating cardstock
underneath the spring part to write a note to the recipient.

I realize these are not huge changes but they made me happy!
The stacked cupcakes have sparkles on the frosting and on the single cupcake
I added crystal effects to give it a cool glossy raised surface.

This last one is so much cooler in person.
The whole tree layer is covered in glitter.
If you enlarge the picture you can see it better.
I also realized that I don't have a sentiment on here...Oops

Details on how to do this one in class Nov. 20
Oh yea, I figured out a way to fold it with no measuring or scoring!

Wanna Swap?

2008-10-10T11:40:00.001-07:00

Are you in need of cards?
Swap with us.
We need at least one more person for this month's swap.
Make 10 of the same card and swap the out with others who have done the same thing.
Here are the cards we have so far:

We need to have them by the middle of next week. I would love to help you!
Just for fun I am going to pick a random person who leaves a comment on this post to get a full set of swap cards. (With the amount of comments I've gotten so far you have a really good chance to win.) Let me know if you want to swap with us!

World Cardmaking Day

2008-10-08T06:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm almost a week late for this one but at least my homework got done! This past Saturday was world cardmaking day and Stampin' UP is excited to celebrate this holiday the week of October 4-11. During this week, we are offering 20 percent off Simply Sent card kits and Simply Sent Card Elements. It's not too late - sorry I was slow.
The first picture is the three cards suggested to be made with Rock Star Simply Sent Card Elements and the second picture is an additional 9 different cards I made with the rest of the stuff. I even had a little left over. It's a great way to put together some quick cute cards.

Wrapping it up!

2008-10-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

It's the time of year for all kinds of treats all wrapped up in fun packaging! I got this great bag idea from Allison Ohran's blog. I altered the instructions a little and cut off an inch from the DSP (the 6 inch side) scalloped it and put it on the bottom of the bag instead of cardstock. I also changed the box base a little bit. Quick easy and so cute! Thanks Allison!
Here is a matching sour cream container. You can use them for Birthday or shower favors, fill it with Halloween treats, lists of things your thankful for and put them on your Thanksgiving table or do a countdown to Christmas opening one each day. So dust off your crimper and get going!

One of my favorite gifts is a gift card. Here's a great way to spice up the gift everyone loves to get!

And don't forget to add a little spice to that plain jane paper bag. You can quickly and easily decorate an inexpensive bag for any occasion and then watch it get passed around - they're too cute to throw away!

We'll be doing this class on Thursday October 16 from 12:30 to 3:00. If you can't join us then, contact me and I can schedule a class for you and your friends at your convenience. Be sure and reserve a spot.

Punched Pumpkins

2008-10-01T16:58:00.001-07:00

It's October 1st. I guess I need to let go of summer and embrace fall. I have been seeing punched pumpkins on splitcoast for sometime and finally decided to try it. What do you think?

Paper: Pumpkin pie (of course), Old olive.
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Old olive, Chocolate chip
Stamps: Baroque Motifs & Fresh Cuts
Other: Small and large oval punches, 1 1/4 circle punch, Chocolate chip taffeta ribbon. chocolate chip poly twill ribbon and sponge daubers

It Started with Frankie

2008-09-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

I cased this from my uplines' convention swap, I wish I knew who to give credit to. It's made almost all from punches. The colors are Kiwi Kiss and Perfect Plum. I couldn't stop there though. I needed a friend for him. I did a search on splitcoast and found this vampire, tweaked it a little and came up with this:
Edward would be proud. But I started to feel a little sexist and besides, three makes a better set. The witch took some work to get her to look right but here she is:

At this point I was pretty much done but then I remembered seeing a mummy and decided to see if I could make just one more:

Poor Karen Brown, she needed five cards so she could have one for each of her grandkids. We didn't want to exclude those who prefer Jacob over Edward so:
Here's our werewolf.
We will be doing these cards on October 2nd from 12:30 to 2:00
Let me know if I can reserve one (or a few) for you!

Pinwheel spinner tutorial

2008-09-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

In addition to your basic card supplies you will need the word window punch, 1/4 inch circle punch, stampin' dimensionals, and two pennies. Decorate the part the spinner will attach to. I found that 5 1/2 x 2 1/2 is a good size.

Measure about 1 inch from the left edge, push the punch all the way up and punch.
slide the punch about 1 inch from the right side and punch again.
This should leave you with a smooth track for the spinner to roll on. If there are rough edges in the middle you can punch once more to remove them.
Now for the pinwheel. Cut a 1 1/2 inch square from coordinating decorative paper
Fold on the diagonal and crease near the points but not the middle.
This will give you cutting lines.
Do this on all four corners.
Clip on your fold line but leave the center untouched.
On each side fold alternating corners to the middle to form your pinwheel.
Adhere a coordinating punched cardstock circle in the middle
of your pinwheel to hold it together.
Turn your pinwheel (or punched circle, flower or whatever you want spinning) over and firmly attach a penny, and then a stampin' dimensional.
With your spinner face down place the spinner track over the stampin' dimensional on the back of your penny. Remove the protective layer and attach another penny on top.
Add six more dimensionals as shown.
Now is the time to get spinning. You may have to turn the pinwheel by hand the first few times to round off the corners on the dimensional but it soon should be spinning freely when you tip it.
Remove the protective layers on the dimensionals and attach it to your card.
Spin away! If it does not spin freely your card base may be rubbing on the penny. Place something flat and straight between the layers (like the blades of scissors or a butter knife) and gently twist slightly to separate the base from the penny. It should work great!

Peek at cards we are doing today

2008-09-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

I know it's not winter yet but... Christmas is just around the corner
Stamps: Snow Swirled
Ink: White Stazon
Paper: Heavy wt. acetate, Bashful blue

Girl birthday spinner
Click here for spinner card tutorial.
Now that we have the word window punch you use it to create the opening for the spinner. Punch one side, then the other and use it to trim up the middle. I also adhere the penny to whatever is going to spin, put a dimensional in the middle, place it in the window and then attach the penny on the other side. You may have to roll it a few times by hand to round off the corners of the dimensional. Get it rolling well before you attach it to the card.

Maybe I'll post my own updated tutorial...

Paper: Riding Hood Red or Regal Rose, So saffron, Old olive
Washington apple or Georgia peach DSP
Accessories: 2 pennies per card, stampin dimensionals,
Word window punch

All simple, quick and fun!

Possible cards for class this week

2008-09-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

Masculine Birthday
Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Happy Everything,
Paper and Ink: Old olive, Kiwi Kiss and chocolate chip.
Pewter brads, sponges

Warm wishes pop up
Stamps: Perfect petals, background basics
Paper colors: Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Summer Sun, Yo yo Yellow, Creamy Carmel
Ink colors: Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, Creamy Carmel, Yo yo Yellow, Summer Sun
Accessories: Scallop punch, 1 1/4 " circle punch, corner rounder, word window punch,
pacific point striped ribbon, sticky tape.
Click here for a tutorial.

Celebrate daisy
Stamps: Inspired by Nature, curvy Verses
Paper: Pirouette Pink
Ink: Craft white, Kiwi kiss, Old olive, Pirouette Pink,
Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red, Chocolate chip.
Accessories: Small oval punch, Chocolate chip marker, Old Olive narrow grosgrain ribbon,
Sterling silver hodgepodge hardware, sponge

Long Pocket silhouettes
Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes, Canvas
Paper: So Saffron, Old Olive, Whisper White, More Mustard
Ink Colors: White craft, Chocolate chip, Close to Cocoa, versamark
Accessories: Stylized silver hodgepodge hardware, Scallop circle punch
stampin dimensionals. Note: fits legal size envp. (8x4)

Upsy Daisy
Stamps: Upsy Daisy
Paper colors: Pirouette Pink, Whisper white, Riding Hood Red
Ink colors: Pirouette Pink, Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red
Accessories: New large circle punch, large eyelet, Pink narrow grosgrain ribbon, Cropodile, sponge dauber
Eastern Booms Thank You
Stamps: Eastern Bloom
Paper: Baja Breeze, Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss
Ink colors: Baja Breeze, White craft, Versamark, Chocolate chip
Accessories: Trio flower punch, Pretty's kit, stampin dimensionals,
chocolate chip narrow grosgrain ribbon, crystal effects.
Happiness Always pop up
Click here for tutorial
Stamps: Happiness Always, Happy everything
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White
Ink colors: All the New In colors plus Chocolate chip
Accessories: Scallop punch, sticky strip, Chocolate chip grosgrain ribbon

test

2008-05-21T11:12:00.001-07:00

testing testing 123 this is only a test