Author Archives: Karen Fontinelle

A Father’s Day Gift Idea for the Gardening/Yard Dad

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And what dad isn't involved in at least a little bit of gardening or yard work?  This is a Father's Day gift the children can make with some adult supervision by Mom.  Buy some roof flashing at a home improvement store, cut it out with your big shot and an appropriate die and then hang on a stake of some sort.

Metal Yard Art

 

This is one of my photos from the San Antonio Regional back in January where I learned to make these. As you can see, you can cut out most anything with your Big Shot and then punch a hole and hang it and stick it in the yard or in a pot of flowers or a plant.  Perhaps it will even scare off the squirrels from the garden….that's what we're trying to do in our garden!  But it is pretty and eye-catching no matter what!  The flashing has sharp edges until you run it through the Big Shot so you do need to be careful if children make this for Dad.  Use your imagination!  Once you make one I bet you'll have to make more!


Lovely As a Tree Father’s Day Card

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Father's Day is sneaking up on us!  It's Sunday, June 17th….this Sunday!!  As you have heard time and time again, this stamp set, Lovely As a Tree  (p. 84) (now available in clear-mount!) is so versatile and well-loved….and perfectly suited for those difficult masculine/manly cards for any occasion.

Lovely As a Tree Father's Day Card

I think the simplicity of this card will suit a father or any man in your life. You can use any background paper, layer the tree and add a greeting for whichever occasion.  Teeny Tiny Wishes is perfect for most occasions!

Just stamp the tree in Black Stazon ink and color in however you like.  I used a Blender Pen and various inks straight from the ink pad.  I started with a little yellow (the new Summer Starfruit) because someone used to always say use a little yellow with any green. Then I colored in with the new Gumball Green and Old Olive.  And there is nothing "artistic" about coloring in the greenery on the tree….just scribble on some color…really! It will look fine! The tree trunk is Soft Suede to match the card base and layers.  The designer paper background layer is the new Comfort Cafe #126898.  If you don't have the new papers yet, I'm sure you will be able to find something suitable in your stash. Well Worn from last year would be great…and don't overlook the subtle patterns on the back of the more dramatic sides of any designer paper.

To order Lovely As a Tree in either wood-mount or clear-mount or any other stamping supplies, please go to my Stampin' Up! Online Store HERE. Or contact me if you prefer and I'll put in your order for you!

Get started on your Father's Day cards right now if they need to be mailed..and check back this week for more Father's Day papercrafting ideas.

Cascade Mixed Bunch Birthday Card

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Cascade Mixed Bunch Birthday Card Standing

 

Maybe this will be my last Cascade Card for awhile…especially with the stamp set Mixed Bunch and the matching Blossom Punch #125603 ….but then it makes such a great card, you never know!  When you are making a special card for someone, it's fun to go as over the top as you want.  I added some bling with Basic Pearls and Rhinestones plus the pink rhinestones that came in the (now retired) package of Blossom Builders die cuts.  I punched the leaves with the Blossom Petals Builder Punch #121808. The greeting on the front is from the stamp set Bring on the Cake. The banner in the background (that you can hardly see) is "Happiest Birthday" (and I can't remember the stamp set it is from!!).

Try a Cascade Card this weekend!

If you want to place an order, just go to my Online Store HERE!

Here is the card folded flat for mailing.  I did use a larger envelope that I just had in my stash. Of course now you can make your own envelopes with the Simply Scored Scoring Tool #122334 and Simply Scored Diagonal Plate #125586.

Cascade Mixed Bunch Birthday Card

Layered Labels Create Card

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Flowers and Create Card

Still playing with the new In Colors! The card base is Primrose Petals and the layer is Summer Starfruit.  Then Whisper White is embossed with the Polka Dot folder for a little interest.  The ribbon is the new 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon in Gumball Green #126848.  (p. 172)  Really cute!

I used two stamp sets:  Layered Labels (p.103) for the "Create" at the bottom, cut out with the Apothecary Accents Framelits Die (p.191) (#127003).  I stamped it again in Gumball Green so I could use the 1" Circle Punch for the word "Create" and popped it up with a Dimensional. The flowers are from Everything Eleanor (p. 112), a free stamp set we got at Stampin' Up! Leadership!  It's been a long wait until we could use it! But it is a beautiful stamp set with a little bit of lots of stuff….a label, a flourish, flowers, a little bird and a lovely circle design….well, you have to look at it yourself HERE.  The flowers I stamped in different colors and cut out by hand….it wasn't too bad!  Paper Snips #103579 make all the difference if you are cutting little things.

You could put some other greeting on this card and have something for almost any occasion!

Betsy’s Blossoms 3×3 Note Cards

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Betsy's Blossoms and Labels

Which card do you like better?  I couldn't decide so I made each one different….perhaps each label goes better with the color of the bird!  The bird, flowers and stem are stamped with Betsy's Blossoms (p. 72).  The label is from Layered Labels (p. 103), but I only punched out the center greeting with the Large Oval Punch #119855.  On the first card I mounted the label on the Scallop Oval Punch #119856.  On the second card I just mounted the oval straight onto the card.  I think maybe the second one goes better with the lighter colored bird, and maybe the Raspberry Ripple Scallop Oval goes better with the darker Midnight Muse bird!

These are little 3"x3" cards that can be used for little notes or a gift tag. Once you make one it's easy to keep making more and you should because they are handy to have on hand!

Want to get your hands on these new Stampin' Up! In Colors?  Shop Online HERE!

Marking Clear-Mount Stamp Positions

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As I was going through my new stamps, I realized certain stamps are difficult to tell which way they fit back in to the rubber.  I don't know if you maintain your stamps this way, but I keep the rubber that I punch out the stamps from in the stamp case, and that way I can tell if I am missing any stamp in that set. You can just have the individual stamps in your case….this was just a tip I heard when the clear-mount stamps came out and I thought it was worth trying.

Some stamps that aren't a distinct shape….like the bird in this stamp set…make it difficult to know which way it fits the best in the empty shape. (Somehow this is very difficult to explain!) So I will just show you some photos now!

Marking Stamps

I decided to just mark one spot on the stamp and the excess rubber with a permanent marker so that when I put the stamp back I will match up the lines and it will fit perfectly back into the shape without having to twist and turn it to get it right.  Does that make sense??! If you look at the little bird stamp in this set, you can see that it will be easy to put back so no need for marking.

Marking Stamps2

It's probabaly easiest to recognize which stamps you might want to mark this way before you even pop them out of the rubber, that way you don't have to fidget with getting them back in the empty space properly.

Try it and see if it works for you!

 

Stampin’ Up! Take the Cake June Recruiting Promotion

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SU Have Your Cake Recruit Promotion June 2012

If you would like to get in on the fun of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, why not join now?  You will start with a brand-new catalog that everyone is excited about AND you can take advantage of the new promotion just announced for new recruits! Not to mention you will be starting your own stamping business to provide a source of income for yourself or your family while having fun being part of Stampin' Up! 

The Take the Cake promotion runs from June 1 through June 30, 2012. Join the Stampin' Up! family during June, and not only will you get to choose up to $125 worth of products from the brand new catalog for your fully customizable Starter Kit, but you'll also get select products from our brand-new Patio Party Suite-all for the low price of $99! Plus, it still ships for FREE!

Page

Item

Description

Retail Value

44

126740

Make a Cake Set (wood-mount)*

$14.95

44

126742

Make a Cake Set (clear-mount)*

$11.95

165

126916

Patio Party Designer Series Paper

$10.95

199

127215

Patio Party Digital Collection DVD

$22.95

*Choose wood- or clear-mount; clear-mount set does not include clear blocks

For more information about becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, just click HERE.

To join, just sign up online on my website HERE by clicking the JOIN NOW button in the left column.

If you have questions or want to talk about this great business opportunity, just email me at Karen@KarenStamps.com anytime!

To view a flyer with more information about this offer, click HERE.


We {Heart} Our Hostesses Stampin’ Up! June & July Promotion!

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SU Hostess Promo 2012

Can the day be any more exciting??!  New Stampin' Up! Catalog and new promotion for Stampin' Up! Hostesses!

SU Heart Our Hostesses Snip

For more information, you can also click HERE.

Here are some things to know:

  • Online orders are not eligible.
  • Orders must total $450 or more (excluding tax and shipping) to qualify.
  • Hostesses may use their additional hostess free merchandise on any regular catalog/mini catalog merchandise. However, hostess dollars cannot be applied to 50 percent-off items.
  • Orders larger than $450 are not eligible for additional hostess free merchandise dollars. For example, a $900 order will not receive an additional $100 in hostess free merchandise dollars.
  • This offer good through July 31, 2012.

To view the flyer about this promotion, please click HERE.

Keep checking back everyday to see what else is new in the wonderful world of Stampin' Up!


New Stampin’ Up! 2012-2013 Catalog Goes Live Today…and New Ink Pads!!

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Today is the day we have all been waiting for!  The new Stampin' Up! 2012-2013 Catalog will go live today at Noon Mountain Time (Stampin' Up! Time).  There will be no ordering from midnight MT until noon MT.

 

SU Catalog 2012-13

Click image to go to Stampin' Up! Catalogs page

 

 

New Celebrando Creatividad 2012-13

SU Celebrando Creatividad 2012-13

Click image to go to Stampin' Up! Catalogs page

 

 

So while you're waiting, and while I'm driving back to Houston after helping my son move out of his apartment for three days, please enjoy this video from Stampin' Up! about the new firm foam ink pads by Shannon West, one of our many favorite Stampin' Up! employees!

        

Second to Last Day! Get ‘Em While You Can!

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While I am in Austin packing up stuff in one son's apartment to move to the other son's apartment (on the third floor no less!!) and figuring out how to get a futon and desk and who knows what else moved to the apartment or put in storage….there should be a way to shrink big things down in size so they fit in your car and then restore them to proper size when you arrive at the destination!…I thought perhaps you would like to take another look at all the retiring Stampin' Up! products. Tomorrow, May 31, will be the last day to order.

The easiest way is to go to my website here at the Online Store and click on whichever (or all) or the retiring categories you want to see.  Click Show:  ALL to save having to click to the next page if you want.  Don't forget to check the Clearance Rack (left sidebar at the store) because you can only order Clearance doing an Online Order.

Let me know if you have questions!

Stampin’ Up! Going…Going….Almost Gone! Check the Retired Lists!

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SU Retired Stamps Logo 2012

It's hard to believe that our beloved current Stampin' Up! catalog is just about over…..although we all are certainly excited for the brand new Stampin' Up! catalog to make it's debut on Friday, June 1st!

But now is the time to take action, if you have been waiting! This is the last few days of being able to purchase any of the retiring stamps or accessories.  This retired list will come to an end on Thursday, May 31st. You can place your own order online HERE or you can call or email me (Karen@KarenStamps.com) with your order and I can do it for you.

Here are some items to take note of in case they interest you. Remember, anything other than stamps (which Stampin' Up! manufactures themselves) are only available while supplies last.

  • All of the Definitely Decorative line is retiring. (click the Show: ALL option to easily view all the items).  This is mainly the vinyl decor elements to put on walls and many other places BUT it also includes products like the Decor Blocks #116829, the Simply Adorned jewelry (but not just for jewelry!) line, some trinkets, and stencils. Be sure to check the whole listing.
  • My Digital Studio Content Discs:  These are priced at 60% off so they are a great deal.  If you are considering getting My Digital Studio any time in the future, you should get these now because nothing on My Digital Studio really retires!  You will have tons of extra artwork to play with!  Even at full price, the collection was priced at 10% less than purchasing the downloads separately. Note: Purchase My Digital Studio NOW and when the new version comes out, you will get it FREE!
  • The Build a Bear line is retiring! Be sure to get it while you can. Some items are even discounted!
  • There are many things at the beginning of the Retired Accessories List that are discounted 25% or more!  Be sure to check those out.

Here are the lists!  Be sure you make them a part of your weekend reading!

Retiring Stamps List

Retiring Accessories (be sure to notice the discounts!)

Retiring Definitely Decorative

Retiring Spanish Stamps

Easiest Way to View All the Retiring Items in My Store! 

Remember, if you have an order of $150 or more, be sure you go to the link above where you will see my name in the upper right corner so that you receive your Hostess Rewards.  The order should prompt you when it is time to enter your free Hostess Rewards.  DON'T go to www.stampinup.com and choose me as your demonstrator…you won't get the same benefits.  Also, if you order online, you can check and order from the Clearance Rack! Don't miss it!

If you have any questions or problems, let me know! Last day to order is Thursday, May 31st!  New catalog starts Friday, June 1st!

Another Cascade Birthday Card

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Cascade Cake and Ice Cream Birthday Card

And here's another cascade birthday card like yesterday, this time with cake and ice cream! The cascade design is made the same way….I used Pool Party card stock as the base and added the Sweet Shop Specialty Designer Series Paper (if you have some in your stash!)

The ice cream cones were fun to make.  I punched the cone with the Petite Pennants Builder Punch #122361 and made the ice cream topper with the Cupcake Builder Punch #121807.  The "sprinkles" on the vanilla ice cream cones come from the Cupcake Punch.  The "strawberry" ice cream cones have dots of glitter plus a Red Glimmer Paper cherry punched with the Cupcake Punch (I think that Cupcake Punch is mighty handy!) The greeting is from the stamp set Bring on the Cake.  I used markers to color in the stamp and added my own little squiggles and dots around the border with the thin end of the marker.

If you need any stamping and card-making supplies, just click HERE to go to my Stampin' Up! Online Store!  Be sure to check the Clearance Rack, too, when you are making an online order!!

Cascade Cupcake Birthday Card

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Cascade Cupcake Birthday Card

 

These cascade cards are really fun to make and hopefully make a great impression with the recipient! Aren't cupcakes great for a birthday card?! They fold flat for mailing but then they can be unfolded and placed on display if the person wants to. I saw a card similar to this one online somewhere and thought it would be so cute to make. I used Pool Party card stock but added the cute Sweet Shop Specialty Designer Series Paper (which I don't think is available any longer since it was in the Occasions Mini Catalog).

The greeting is from Bring on the Cake and the cupcakes are punched with the Cupcake Builder Punch #121807. Doesn't the Silver and Red Glimmer Paper add so much to this card?!

Come back tomorrow to see another birthday cascade card I made!

Don't forget…..lots of Stampin' Up! stamps and accessories are retiring on May 31st….which is next Thursday!  Don't miss out on something you want! Stamps will be available since Stampin' Up! manufactures them; however, accessories  are only available while supplies last and some are gone already! Check your list today before the last minute rush hits!  Order Online HERE!