Monthly Archives: October 2013

Witches’ Brew Designer Series Paper Framed Art for Halloween

Witches' Brew Designer Series Paper Framed Art

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Happy Halloween!  Today is the day!  I can’t believe October 31st is here and with it, the end of all things crafty for Halloween!  I don’t think I got my fill of making cards and treats for Halloween. Today’s project is probably the easiest thing you can make with Stampin’ Up! designer paper!  Two of the sheets in the Witches’ Brew Designer Series Paper are this printed design with lots of Halloween treat words on it.  Just cut it apart and you can frame this top portion of the sheet!  It fits perfectly into a cheap frame.  If you have a larger frame, just use a larger piece of card stock or designer paper as a mat behind it.  You could also add some extra elements and embellishments to this sheet and even leave the glass off for a real 3D piece of framed Halloween art!

You can still order this Witches’ Brew paper and save it for next year! Go ahead and make the frame and you’ll have a pleasant surprise next year when you get out your Halloween decorations!

It’s probably going to be a wet and muggy Halloween night here in Houston! It is raining like crazy and supposed to keep up all day.  With our flat landscape, that’s not good for streets that flood easily.  But I hope it stops so I will have some trick-or-treaters at my door tonight!!  Usually I have quite a few!

Last Thank You Thursday Stampin’ Up! Deal

Thank You Thursday Chevron Ribbon Deal

 

Get these colors of Chevron Ribbon on sale, today only!

Basic Black, Calypso Coral, Crushed Curry, Island Indigo, Smoky Slate 

Place your order today before you get busy with Halloween! Don’t forget the Weekly Deals as well!

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

Are You Getting My “12 Weeks of Christmas” Emails?

Christmas Mailbox

Are you receiving my “12 Weeks of Christmas” emails every Wednesday with a new idea for a Christmas card, gift or wrap idea? If not, then you must not be on my mailing list!  This is a gift for my mailing list subscribers that I do every year. Although you have missed the first four weeks, if you sign up today you can receive the remaining eight emails! It’s fun and a surprise every week to help and inspire you with your holiday crafting!

Just fill out the Mailing List Sign up Form here on my blog or click this link:

http://forms.aweber.com/form/96/1174594296.htm

As one of my mailing list subscribers, you will also receive my free monthly email with stamping and papercrafting ideas and tips and all the latest Stampin’ Up! news and offers. You’ll also receive a short mid-month email with any new offers or reminders. PLUS there is the FREE GIFT you receive right away just for signing up in the first place!  Just be sure you watch for the Confirmation email that should come pretty quickly:  read it and click the link inside which confirms that we have your permission to send these emails. It’s a good practice to assure you are getting email you really want.

If you are already on my mailing list and receiving the 12 Weeks of Christmas emails, you don’t have to do anything! Please share with your friends if you know someone who would be interested! You can also click any of the social media links below!

Halloween Treat Bag Idea

Halloween Treat BagYes, it is almost Halloween!! Here is a Halloween treat bag idea that you could easily do!  Just grab a 4″ x 6″ Medium Cello Bag, decorate the outside, and fill with delicious Halloween candy! I applied some strips of Witches’ Brew Designer Washi Tape (so fun!) to the front of the bag and added a tag to the front.  The stamp is from the Halloween Bash stamp set. To get the multi-colors on the stamp, I inked up the border with my Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Write Marker and the words with Basic Black. Breathe on the stamp before you stamp on Very Vanilla card stock to remoisten. I cut out around the edge with my Paper Snips (on sale on the Weekly Deals this week until Monday!).  The black background is easy to cut out with the smallest of the Labels Collection Framelit Dies.  Just adhere with Mini Glue Dots. Tie the bag with some 1/8″ Pumpkin Pie Taffeta Ribbon and you are all set!  Easy to make for class parties, neighbor gifts, treats for your kids, etc.

Check out the Weekly Deals at my Stampin’ Up! Online Store!

 

 

 

 

New Weekly Deals from Stampin’ Up! for October 29

Hot off the press from the Stampin’ Up! Blog:

“Great news! During this festive week, there are no tricks here, only treats! Make sure you head over to the store to get your deals before they run out.”

Click on any of the images below to go to the shopping page!

Stampin' Up! Weekly Deal Oct. 29

Stampin' Up! Weekly Deal Oct. 29

Stampin' Up! Weekly Deal Oct. 29

Stampin' Up! Weekly Deal Oct. 29

There are two things on this list of the Weekly Deals for this week that I think you absolutely must have if you don’t already:  Paper Snips and the Stampin’ Pierce Mat.  I probably use my Paper Snips everyday, and I don’t know how you can papercraft without them!  You might think that if you have ANY scissors, you don’t need this little pair of sharp scissors, but you do!  They make such a difference when cutting out images or trimming around something. Ten dollars might have seemed like a big price to pay for a little pair of scissors, but now they are discounted so very worthwhile.

The Stampin’ Pierce Mat is so useful for poking holes in paper or poking holes and inserting brads or doing some paper piercing with the templates and the Paper Piercing Tool. Some people even like to stamp on the mat by placing their paper on top of the mat to provide a softer surface which makes it easier to stamp!

Just go to my Stampin’ Up! Online Store now and look over ALL the things Stampin’ Up! has available!  It is quite amazing! Wait until Thursday to order, if you wish, because the new deal for Thursday only will come out.  Contact me if you have any questions!

Go St. Louis Cardinals!

Go Cardinals

Images copyright Stampin’ Up! 2013

I thought it was time to play with My Digital Studio to make a quick promo for Game 3 of the World Series! This wasn’t my original idea but it’s what I came up with!  I found a cardinal in my content and was able to color the bird and branches Real Red.  Since I didn’t want too many berries and have it look like Christmas, I just colored the parts I didn’t want to show white to match the background!  Turned out great!

I may live in Houston, but since I grew up in St. Louis, I’ll always be a Cardinal fan in my heart! I went to my first baseball game in St. Louis with my Girl Scout troop about two or three stadiums ago.  I remember eating the most delicious hot dog at the ballgame. In junior high, if you got good grades you got free tickets to certain “straight A” ballgames.

We were lucky enough last Saturday to be traveling through the St. Louis airport to change planes and they had the new championship t-shirts right there!  No crowds, no sold-out merchandise! I hope you’ll be rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals tomorrow night!

To find out more about My Digital Studio from Stampin’ Up!, just click HERE.

 

 

Decorated Halloween Candy Tin

Halloween Candy Tin

What could be more fun than decorating some candy and a tin for Halloween? I had this tin with the clear window on top in my “stash” but if you couldn’t find an exact match, I’m sure any tin or container would do. I have always loved these tins because they make sure cute, quick and easy gifts to make up in minutes for someone. Of course you could use different types of candy or other contents in the tin, but this is just to give you some ideas!  I used Hershey Nuggets for my candy and wrapped each one with a 1″ x 3″ strip of designer series paper. You just want to be sure when using adhesive and candy that you don’t let the adhesive make contact with the candy. I just used a Mini Glue Dot to secure the strip of paper to itself so it is not attached to the candy piece.

To decorate the tin, I just took a strip of designer paper and wrapped it around the tin for a bellyband. You could also layer it on a strip of card stock if you wanted. For the flower on top, just use one of the flower punches to punch about three or more flowers or even one of the scallop punches. Crinkle up each layer of the flower if you like that look, then reopen and layer one on top of the other.  Secure in the center with a brad of some sort (looks like I used a retired one!). Adhere to the bellyband with Stampin’ Dimensionals or Mini Glue Dots.

The Witches’ Brew Designer Series Paper was used in this project. My friend I gave this gift to really liked the little skulls on the paper!

If you would like some Witches’ Brew paper for your Halloween projects and cards, now is the time to order some! Just go to my Stampin’ Up! Online Store here for all your stamping supplies!

***Don’t forget the 25% Off 25 Stamps Offer only available through October 28th!***

Stampin’ Up! Thank You Thursday Big Shot Accessories

It’s Thank You Thursday from Stampin’ Up! and here are the one day deals on Big Shot Accessories.

Thank You Thursday Framelit and Embossing Folder

Click to View

Envelope Liner Die and Alphabet Press Folder

Click to View

Window Framelit and Chalk Talk Framelit

Click to View

Here are some deals on some great accessories for your Big Shot and it is today only!!  You can combine these items and any of the special stamps on sale for a week HERE!

AND don’t forget, if you have an order (or workshop with your friends) of $250 or more, you will receive an EXTRA $25 in Hostess Dollars to spend on more Stampin’ Up! merchandise!  Only available until Oct. 31.

You can do all this wonderful and fun shopping online at my Stampin’ Up! Online Store HERE!  Or you are always welcome to email or call with your order and payment and I can put the order in for you.

And if you don’t have a Big Shot – well, it’s time to get one!!  HERE it is! It will help get you to that $250 level to get the EXTRA $25 Hostess Dollars on top of the $40 you will already receive!

Go to my Stampin’ Up! Online Store NOW and check out all these specials so you don’t miss anything!

 

 

Save Time with a New Stampin’ Up! Product!

Cut and Ready Card Bases

Click image to read flyer. 

Do you know that November starts the end of next week?!  What happened to July??!  The holidays are fast approaching and Stampin’ Up! has a new time-saving product!  Card bases!

Through December 31, Stampin’ Up! is offering a new trial product – Cut & Ready Card Bases. These pre-scored, pre-cut card bases will make it easy for you to create a stack of cards in no time-or even just a card or two. Think of it . . . holiday cards, thank you cards, party invitations, and more in a snap!

These card bases will help you relax and enjoy the season!  You’ll save work and time not having to cut and score cards-even if you’re simply making a card or two.  You’ll be able to make multiples in no time. They are available in a variety of colors for any occasion or creative whim. The colors coordinate with the holiday catalog Designer Series Papers-to make it even easier to get those holiday cards done.

The Details

Each Card Base package contains:

  • 20 pre-scored, pre-cut cards in one color
  • Each card measures 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″-scored at 4-1/4″. Finished card size is 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″. (Card Bases are packaged flat.) 
Description Item Number Price
Whisper White Cut & Ready Card Bases 135804 $4.95
Very Vanilla Cut & Ready Card Bases 135805 $4.95
Crumb Cake Cut & Ready Card Bases 135806 $4.95
Smoky Slate Cut & Ready Card Bases 135807 $4.95
Cherry Cobbler Cut & Ready Card Bases 135808 $4.95
Old Olive Cut & Ready Card Bases 135809 $4.95
Pool Party Cut & Ready Card Bases 135810 $4.95

Coordinating Product

Don’t forget envelopes!!

Add a package of envelopes to your Card Bases order. Try any of these:

Just go to my Stampin’ Up! Online Store now to get a quick start on your holiday card making.

And while you are there, don’t forget about the stamp sale announced yesterday by Stampin’ Up!

 

 

25% off 25 Stampin’ Up! Stamp Sets

25% Off 25 Stamp Sets for Stampin' Up!'s Birthday!

Image copyright Stampin’ Up! 2013

Stampin’ Up! is celebrating their 25th anniversary all year long, but during the week of the actual date (October 25th to be exact) they thought we should pump up the party even more. So what better way than a sale on stamps, the very products that started it all!

Dates: October 22-28, 2013

Offer: Get 25 percent off 25 stamp sets.

Stamp Sale Flyer

Click Image to Download Flyer

There are some great stamp sets on this list!  Be sure to take a serious look!  Besides, you DO want to get in on the party, don’t you?! 25% off on these stamps!!

Here’s another list you can use: (without the foreign language choices)

Just click each link to view each stamp set! (these link to the clear-mount set just so you can see the image.  Most are also available in wood-mount also.)

A Dozen Thoughts    Reg. $18.95;  Sale $14.21

A Gift for You (Single Stamp)  Reg. $4.95;  Sale $3.71

Apothecary Art   Reg. $27.95;  Sale $20.96
Betsy’s Blossoms  Reg. $21.95;  Sale $16.46
Bright Blossoms  Reg $12.95;  Sale $9.71
Christmas Star (Single Stamp)   Reg. $9.95;  Sale $7.46
Crazy, Mixed-Up Love  Reg. $14.95;  Sale $11.21
Cuddles & Kisses  Reg. $18.95;  Sale $14.21
Gently Falling  Reg. $28.95;  Sale $21.71
Gifts of Kindness  Reg. $18.95;  Sale $14.21
Gorgeous Grunge  Reg. $17.95;  Sale $13.46
Happy Day  Reg. $16.95;  Sale $12.71
Hearts a Flutter  Reg. $18.95;  Sale 14.21
Hello Lovely  Reg. $24.95;  Sale $18.71
Itty Bitty Banners  Reg. $11.95;  Sale $8.96
Jewish Celebrations  Reg. $18.94;  Sale $14.21
Label Love  Reg. $17.95;  Sale $13.46
Lots of Thanks  Reg. $16.95;  Sale $12.71
Morning Post Alphabet   Reg. $34.95;  Sale $26.21
Oh, Hello   Reg. $18.95;  Sale $14.21
Ornament Keepsakes   Reg. $25.95;  Sale $19.46
Snowflake Soiree    Reg. $21.95;  Sale 16.46
That’s the Ticket  Reg. $16.95;  Sale $12.21
Yippee-Skippee!   Reg. $14.95;  Sale $11.21
Zoo Babies   Reg. $19.92;  Sale $14.96
What a deal!  Get your order in now!  Just go to my Stampin’ Up! Online Store and start partying with the stamp set sale! Of course you can add anything else you like on your order.

And it’s Tuesday…..so there are the new Weekly Deals!  Check out the Weekly Deal out today!

Weekly Deal Oct 22

Contact me if you need any help!  Otherwise, try out the new improved online shopping experience at the Stampin’ Up! Online Store!  Go there now and have fun shopping!

 

One Extra Day to Join Stampin’ Up!

Join Stampin' Up! for $25 One Extra Day!

Stampin’ Up! is looking for a few good new Demonstrators!  The ongoing special has just been extended another 24 hours, until October 22, 2013 at 11:50 pm MT.  If you are looking for a new business opportunity, there is no less expensive way to start your own business than this:

  • During this offer, only the special $25 starter kit will be available; the regular $99  starter kit will not be available. The $25 Starter Kit includes
    • $26.95 worth of Stampin’ Up! product (it must be more than $25, but not more than $26.95 before tax)
    • Business pack which includes
      • A box of annual catalogs
      • A package of the current seasonal catalog
      • Customer Order Forms
      • Customer postcards

As you can see, it’s not the usual Starter Kit, but it enables you to start your own business and then grow your supplies. Perhaps you are already a stamper and have current Stampin’ Up! supplies so you don’t need a lot more to get your business off the ground.

Stampin’ Up! has decided to extend this original very short offer an extra day for any of you who are already working in the crafting industry with another company (and of course to anyone who is interested!).

Stampin’ Up! is even making a limited exception to their competitive activities policy: Anyone who currently is involved in a directly competitive business who signs up between October 21-November 30, 2013 will not need to resign from their former business prior to signing up with Stampin’ Up! They will have until December 1, 2013 to decide which company they will represent and by that time will need to resign from one or the other.

If you have an interest in joining Stampin’ Up! under this Starter Kit or trying out a papercrafting business different from one you might currently be engaged in, please send me an email tonight or tomorrow to Karen@KarenStamps.com and I can answer any questions you may have or we can talk tomorrow. This is an unusual offer from Stampin’ Up! and unusual for them to extend the deadline of the offer.  If you feel this offer is speaking to you, then maybe it is the right thing on which you should take action.  Besides, everyone loves being a part of Stampin’ Up!

Halloween Framed Art for a Friend

Halloween Framed Art

We got back home Saturday from a wonderful fall vacation to Michigan! There has been no sign of fall here in Houston, Texas except for the date on the calendar, so to see REAL fall, with colored leaves beyond expectations, cooler (okay, sometimes COLD!) weather, that overcast fall look was just a wonderful change! The people up there decorate for fall, not just Halloween, because it IS fall there!  I saw so many pumpkin stands and corn shucks and fall flowers plus Halloween decorations. I loved it all!

The Halloween framed art above was a gift for my friend we were visiting. I happened to have a frame with a square opening of 10″ x 10″  so I was able to use 2″ squares for the “art”. As you can see, I made two elements 2″ x 4″ to fit into the design.  Some of the stamps were retired ( I couldn’t resist going through some of my “old” Halloween stamp sets) and some designs were ideas I got online or at least got me started on my own ideas.  It was fun to make and an easy project for anyone to make.  Make it as small or large as you want.  Check to see what picture frames you already have in your stash and start there.  You could do something with four squares or 16!  Whatever you like! There’s a glare because I did put the glass in the frame but you can also omit the glass, especially if you want to put a lot of 3D layers on your art.

I’ll tell you more about my trip when I get all the photos sorted out. The trees were unbelievably gorgeous – if they weren’t at “peak” color, I don’t know how they could be any more beautiful. A lot of my photos were shot through the car windshield or passenger window, sometimes through the windshield wiper and raindrops!  Here’s a sneak peek of some trees along the highway when we first arrived!  I just held my camera in my hands at all times as we were driving!

Fall trees in Michigan

Halloween Hello Washi Tape Card

Halloween Hello Washi Tape Card

We made this Halloween card at my recent stamp camp. I got the idea in a magazine and it was very easy to make. There are many ways you can vary the design too, even use it for other occasions. Just apply three strips of Washi Tape spaced out a little on the top card layer. Carefully stamp the images you like in between or randomly on the card. I used the Witches’ Brew Designer Washi Tape and the Halloween Hello Stamp Set on this card.  I also tied a piece of Baker’s Twine around the card.  Very simple and a fun design!

What can you make with a few pieces of Washi Tape?  Remember it is easy to tear and is repositionable!  No mistakes!

Get your washi tape and other fun embellishments at my Stampin’ Up! Online Store!  Click and shop today! Of course I am always happy to help you with your order.

Halloween Hello Candy Card

Halloween Hello Candy Card

Here’s a cute Halloween card idea, one I received as a swap at the Stampin’ Up! Convention last summer! It’s very simple.  Just use the candy stamp and greeting in the Halloween Hello stamp set.  The designer paper is pieces from Witches’ Brew Designer Series Paper or you could use anything similar. Stamp on Pumpkin Pie card stock and mount on Basic Black.

You can shop MORE EASILY at my Stampin’ Up! Online Store now!  Stampin’ Up! has made some much-needed improvements to your shopping experience! Here are some of them:

  •  Customers can now easily save bag contents. Also, when adding items to your bag, you can choose to go directly to the bag or continue shopping.
  •  There is a new progress bar to guide customers through the ordering process.
  • Enjoy more images. . Additional product images are bigger and easier to view.
  • Now you can sort merchandise based on newest or oldest–a real plus when you want to see the latest MDS downloads.
  • Sale prices are clearly marked. Items on sale are clearly marked without having to add them to your bag. You can also sort products by the sales price (instead of according to the original price).

Go to my Stampin’ Up! Online Store NOW and see how you like the new shopping experience!

Weekly Deals from Stampin’ Up!

Stampin' Up! Weekly Deals

Be sure to check in my Stampin’ Up! Online Store every Tuesday for the latest “Weekly Deal”! This week’s deals are really fun ones! Who doesn’t need some Basic Pearls Jewel Accents and what a deal for the Deco Label Framelits!  Available for one week and while supplies last!

Just another way for Stampin’ Up! to share the fun of their 25th year!