Stamping with Karen

Stampin' Up! Leadership 2012 Display

Here are just a few of the beautiful displays Stampin' Up! had up at Leadership! Each one is creative, beautiful and exquisite!!  You can probably click on the photos to enlarge them.

All images copyright Stampin' Up! 2012

 

Fashionable Hearts Embossed Valentine Card

I made this card with the Fashionable Hearts Embosslits Die #125596, in the Occasions Mini Catalog, as I was trying to decide on what to make for the Stampin' Up! Leadership swap card.  This was one of those cards that I absolutely loved for it's simplicity after I made it! The new Fashionable Hearts Embosslit Die made it easy to have a whole assortment of little hearts to create with. The little die cuts and embosses five hearts at one time so if you run the die through your Big Shot with a different color of card stock each time, you will have a multi-colored assortment!

The large center heart is embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder #117335 and punched with the Full Heart Punch #119883. Adhering a little bow of the new Pool Party Baker's Twine #125574 is also a simple little touch.

You could make this card for a valentine or any occasion!

To order the Fashionable Hearts Embosslits Die and any other valentine-making supplies, please go to my Stampin' Up! Online Store HERE.

Take It to Heart Valentine Card--My Stampin' Up! Leadership Swap Card

This Valentine card is made with the new stamp set Take It to Heart in the Occasions Mini Catalog and is the swap card I made for the Stampin' Up! Leadership Conference last week in San Antonio. The color is a bit off but it is Whisper White and Real Red card stock. Just some stamping and some punching with the Large Lace Ribbon Border Punch #122362 and a little blink with a small rhinestone jewel.

If you need this stamp set or any other stamping supplies to make your valentines, please click HERE to go to my Online Store or contact me with your order and I'll place it for you.

Remember, if you purchase $50 or more, you get to choose a free product from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog!  If you have an order of $150 or more, please contact me so I can place it for you and get the free workshop tote.

Extreme Makeover Stampin' Up! Style

Last summer Stampin' Up! Convention attendees were encouraged to enter a contest to have their stamping space made over by Shelli Gardner! The lucky winner was Tamzin Cochrane in Austin, TX! Here is a speeded up video Stampin' Up! showed at Leadership last week of the process! Amazingly, the Gardner family came and did the work themselves! Wouldn't we all love to have them show up at our door?! Maybe you will see some ideas you can use!

Sale-A-Bration Swap Cards from Stampin' Up! Leadership 2012

It's supposed to be a dark and stormy day here in Houston, thunderstorm warnings and tornado watches are already out, but I think these bright and happy swap cards that I got at Leadership last week using Sale-A-Bration stamp sets and the beautiful Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper really can lift your spirits! With a $50 order of Stampin' Up! products, you could choose any of these stamp sets or paper....or other Sale-A-Bration items!

This is a swap card from Karen Hambright.  I LOVE this Everyday Enchantment Paper in the Sale-A-Bration Catalog.

This is a swap card from Charlene Monroe using the Fresh Vintage stamp set, some of the Everyday Enchantment Paper, and a cute little bow from ribbon in the Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack. You've GOT to get that assortment with the adorable brads!

Here's another pretty swap card using the Fresh Vintage stamp set but she used markers to color on the stamp. She was also busy with the Big Shot and the new Labels Framelits Dies #125598 as well as the Framed Tulips Embossing Folder.  This card was made by Jackie Walker.

This swap card was made by Sheila van Uitert and is stamped with the Sprinkled Expressions stamp set and then embossed with the Big Shot and the Lattice Embossing Folder.  This gives it such an interesting texture!

This card uses two Sale-a-Bration stamp sets.....Sprinkled Expressions and the very cute Outlined Occasions stamp set. This swap card was given to me by Anne Matasei.

If you're ready to shop and choose your free Sale-A-Bration products, just go to my Online Store HERE and place your order....be sure to order your Sale-A-Bration items at the end!  If you prefer, email me with your order and I'll take care of it.

Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration 2012 Begins!!

Today is the first day of Stampin' Up!'s 2012 Sale-A-Bration, a special annual promotion that just gets better every year!

Customers: Spend $50 on Stampin' Up! products and then choose any one product in the new Sale-A-Bration brochure. Choose from stamp sets, accessories, Designer Fabric, My Digital Studio content, and more! Spend $100 and choose two free items....and so on!  No limit! 

Hostesses: Host a workshop of $150 or more and receive a cute shopping tote bag!

Host a workshop of $400 or more and receive a FREE Hostess bundle!

Join Stampin' Up!:  This would be the best thing to do, in my opinion!!  After having just been at a Stampin' Up! event, I would love for you to experience the fun and joy that comes with being a part of the Stampin' Up! family! It can all sound corny, but I guarantee that it is genuine.

Just purchase a Starter Kit and you can be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator in minutes online! During Sale-A-Bration, the Starter Kit is only $125 (regularly $175) AND get a FREE Designer Paper Pack or Digital Download every month for the rest of 2012 starting in the month after you join Stampin' Up! Click HERE for details!

It's a great opportunity to start your own business and in keeping with the theme of Stampin' Up! Leadership, run it "My Way" (which is "your" way!!).

Check it all out and get back to me with any questions!! Just email me at Karen@Karenstamps.com.

I have a few extra Sale-A-Bration and Occasions Mini Catalogs if you do not have a demonstrator and would like a copy to hold in your hands!  Just email with your contact information.  

Back Home from Stampin' Up! Leadership 2012

Oh my!  It's hard to come back down to earth after a Stampin' Up! event, especially one like Stampin' Up! Leadership 2012!  The withdrawal was eased a little bit yesterday when my new Stampin' Success, the magazine for Stampin' Up! demonstrators, was in the pile of mail!

I've been looking through my photos and decided to start with one of my favorite displays.  These were in the room where we did Make & Takes the first night.  We used the Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit #125410, in the Occasions Mini Catalog, which is a cute set of double-sided, printed, die-cut flowers on textured paper PLUS an assortment of pink rhinestones to add some bling! You have to put it on your next order!

Enjoy!

All images copyright Stampin' Up! 2012

This one is a little blurry, but I loved the braided fabric for a flower stem!

And DON'T FORGET........Sale-A-Bration begins tomorrow, January 24th!! With a $50 purchase, you can choose a free product in the new Sale-A-Bration Catalog!  Check back tomorrow for more information!

Stampin' Up! Spring Regional Schedule

The Stampin' Up! San Antonio Regional was great fun...and perhaps the highest attended Regional ever, Shelli said, with 1400 attendees!  It was well worth our while because of the creative stamping ideas and the inspiring and entertaining presentations.  I took so many photos I filled up my memory cards on my camera!  It was a nice next-step to come down from the high of Leadership.....even though Leadership was over, we weren't really done with Stampin' Up! and all the fun yet!

Here is the Stampin' Up! Spring Regional schedule that they announced:

• February 11 in Phoenix, Arizona
• February 25 in Columbus, Ohio
• March 10 in Milwaukee

If you live near any of these areas, I strongly encourage you to sign up to attend a Regional when registration opens.  It usually opens to demonstrators first and then if space permits, guests are allowed to be registered by a demonstrator.

Any Stampin' Up! event is guaranteed to be a good one!

Stampin' Up! Leadership 2012

Stampin' Up! Leadership has ended and I really don't even know what to say or where to begin.  I think if all companies could be like Stampin' Up!, the world would be a better place!

We all got so many gifts and prizes (I even won a prize for the first time!!) and several promotions and things coming up to help us all grow and develop our businesses.  The socializing and fellowship with other demonstrators in classes, while standing in line, swapping, or while eating lunch is priceless.

The Stampin' Up! employees giving their presentations....oh my gosh, what can I say???!!!  Not only was there a fisherman/painter but we had salsa dancing on stage not to mention a gigantic Harley (at least I guess that's what it was!) riding on and off stage.  The creativity and personality they all show is amazing....everything is so clever and entertaining.  The theme was "My Way" so each presenter did it "their way".

A gift from Shelli at Make & Takes

Another gift and candy inside homemade by a Stampin' Up! employee!

Next event....Stampin' Up! Regional!

Cake Decorating with Stampin' Up! Tools

Not sure I can explain this yet without looking back at all my photos and notes, but one part of an afternoon stamping demonstration at Stampin' Up! Leadership showed us how to use our stamping tools in baking/cake decorating - type projects! It was so creative!  Here she is using her Aquapainter on stamped fondant or something to color in.  Somehow in there, vodka was involved!!  Talk about a WOW project!

Here are some more photos.  I can't figure out how to get all my photos onto my laptop yet, just this afternoon group appears right now.

Did you know you could use an empty brad container as a cookie cutter??!

All images copyright Stampin' Up! 2012

Leadership 2012

I arrived in San Antonio yesterday, met my downline and picked up our cute bags! She got a special button for being her first time and if all 10 people with the same color button meet up, they will get a free product ! We'll see how that works in a few minutes. After dinner we did our make & takes. At least I got a card done for the Ronald McDonald House, but after awhile I had to quit and go look at the displays! As usual, such cute projects on display! I took lots of photos! Time to head over for the first day!

Off to Stampin' Up! Leadership 2012!

Image copyright Stampin' Up! 2012

If I can just get packed and get myself out of here, I'll be heading west on I-10 to San Antonio for several jam-packed, fun-filled days with Stampin' Up at the 2012 Leadership Conference and also a Regional on Saturday! Who could ask for more fun than that?!  

I'll pick up my bag and stamp sets when I arrive and then I do my Make & Takes this evening! Make & Takes are actual stamping projects that everyone does.  Doing Make & Takes in a crowd is not my strong point for some reason....I get totally flustered and can't think, can't read the directions, act like I've never stamped before....but I've heard other demos say the same thing so I guess I'm not alone!  I think they are doing them differently this time so we'll see if it works any better for me!  LOL!

You should think about signing up to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator so you can partake of these wonderful Stampin' Up! events! Read about it on my website HERE.  If you have questions, just leave a comment or email me at Karen@Karenstamps.com.

Stampin' Up! My Digital Studio New Downloads

It's Tuesday, so here are the new Stampin' Up! digital downloads for My Digital Studio! Isn't it great that Stampin' Up! keeps adding new downloads so we can't possibly get bored with the program?!  Not that you could anyway because the original software or download comes with so much.  But new is always fun! Remember to read the description of the contents of each item down in the pricing list....sometimes you just get the paper, sometimes the stamps...and sometimes an assortment of things!

I LOVE that they included the new Sweet Shop Kit which you have probably seen already in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  And the Wedding Words Stamp Brush Set will be perfect for all those June weddings (and others!) coming up for cards or scrapbook pages or photo albums or.....!

Just click on the image above to go to the larger pdf file....and even then, to view it better, click on your zoom tool to get it a little larger.  Or just go to my Online Store and click on the left for Digital Designing and then Newest Downloads and you'll be able to pick what date you want to view...or click HERE.

To learn more about My Digital Studio, click HERE.  Or contact me with any questions!

You're My Type Note Card

It's time to send out my mid-month stamping newsletter again....are you on my mailing list?  I'll be typing it on my computer, not this old-fashioned typewriter, but oh, this stamp sure brings back the memories! When I was growing up, to get an opportunity to type on my dad's old typewriter was a thrill!  Maybe the next best thing was to watch my mother or father type on it.

This is the new stamp set "You're My Type" in the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalog on page 27.  It's available, of course, in clear-mount or wood.  There's lots of creative potential with this set so be sure to put it on your list!  The designer paper, "First Edition Specialty Paper" #121878 goes perfectly with it...but so do lots of things!

Be sure to sign up in the upper left column for my free mailing list!  You'll get lots of new stamping projects every month plus keep up with the latest stamping news.

Houston Texans Playoff Game #2

It worked last week so I am hoping it will work again this week!  The Houston Texans have their second playoff game today against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, so maybe this card will bring them good luck again! This is the first time the Houston Texans have advanced to the playoffs so this is a big deal, to say the least, in Houston!

This card was made digitally in My Digital Studio, the digital papercrafting software from Stampin' Up!  Easy to learn and fun to work in.....everyone should have it!  And more downloads come out every Tuesday!

This has been a big sports weekend for Houston with the Olympic Marathon Trials on Saturday, choosing three men and three women from a field of hundreds to go to the Olympics in London this summer. Today is the "regular" Chevron Houston Marathon....if any marathon can be "regular"......always an important and fun event in Houston whether you are running or watching from the sidelines or TV.....and then the big Texans game at noon!

I heard the commentator mention yesterday one of the women runners kept a scrapbook for her baby daughter so someday when she is older she will know what her mother accomplished!  Would you think marathons and scrapbooking would go together?!

Houston Olympic Trials Marathon

Images Copyright Stampin' Up! 2012

Not that this card has anything to do with running, but it is made for the runners who will be participating in the Olympic Trials Marathon today in downtown Houston.  This is a big weekend for Houston, Texas!  On Sunday is the annual Chevron Houston Marathon, always a big event for the city.....but Houston is also hosting the Olympic Trials Marathon on Saturday, Jan. 14th which will have top runners competing for spots on the Olympic team this summer. This race will determine the three men and three women who will represent the United States in the marathon at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

This card was made in My Digital Studio, the Stampin' Up! software that provides all types of digital papercrafting fun! To order My Digital Studio, just click HERE. 

P.S. I Love You Valentine Card

This valentine uses two new stamp sets by Stampin' Up!....P.S. I Love You and Take It to Heart.  Funny how a card design can evolve while you are working on it! The idea I had in my head was several of the hearts along the bottom and then the "P.S. I Love You". But then I thought the middle was going to need something, maybe the heart embossing and maybe a stamped heart, etc. etc.  So if the design you start with doesn't quite work, just keep playing with it.  I guarantee you will come up with something you are happy with!

Be sure to check out the new Occasions Mini Catalog to choose your stamps and accessories for making those valentines!  You can shop online for Occasions Mini Catalog items right HERE.  Be sure to check the Clearance Rack also when you are making an online order.

Take It to Heart Valentine Card

Take It to Heart is a beautiful stamp set in the Stampin' Up! Occasions Mini Catalog.  Even though there are heart stamps in it and heart shapes, this set will be perfect for many occasions, not just Valentine's Day.  Add the Hearts Collection Framelits  to cut out the hearts and you have a wonderful combination for your projects!

                         

The ribbon along the sides of the Real Red center panel is the gorgeous 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon in Blushing Bride.  It comes in other colors too to match all your projects!

The sentiment on the side is from the ever-useful stamp set Teeny Tiny Wishes and punched out with the Decorative Label Punch.

If you need any new stamping supplies, please visit my Online Store HERE.

My Digital Studio Downloads

Just in time to match the new Occasions Mini Catalog and for Valentines Day....new My Digital Studio digital downloads for all your digital papercrafting projects! Just click HERE or on the image below to see the new downloads!  Be sure to check every Tuesday!!

Speaking of papercrafting digital downloads and My Digital Studio and Stampin' Up!, have you gotten the free digital download on the Stampin' Up Facebook page??  Go to the Stampin' Up! Facebook page HERE.  You can either scroll through all the posts and find it, first posted on Jan. 3rd, although you will probably find a post about it sooner....OR...on the Facebook page, click on the blue Stampin' Up! words in the center column next to "Wall" which will bring up only the Stampain' Up! posts.  You will have to take a very short, easy survey in order to get your download.  You can use it of course with My Digital Studio but it should also work with similar programs like Photoshop. The download is called "Day in the Life", and it has designer papers, embellishments, and a Designer Template.

Houston Texans Football Team in Their First Playoff Game Today!

There is excitement in Houston today as the Houston Texans football team play their first playoff game this afternoon at Reliant Stadium! They are playing the Cincinnati Bengals. The Texans are a relatively new team, ten years old, and haven't made it to the playoffs....until now!  So everyone is very excited and optimistic!

In honor of the Houston Texans, I made this spirit card in My Digital Studio, the Stampin' Up! software program for digital papercrafting. I made my own "designer paper" background by typing "Houston Texans" in a text box, changing the color to white, lowering the opacity, and copying and pasting the text box all over the page!  Since I didn't have a football digital stamp, I was able to go to Stampin' Up! and order it online and have the download in seconds!  Really cool!!  

The big red circle is from a free download Stampin' Up! is offering on their Facebook page!  If you scroll down through the posts and find it and take a short easy survey, you too can get this free download....it's more than the circle!!  Go to the Stampin' Up! Facebook page HERE.

The football is actually a little tricky....it comes as just the black outline as you can see in the "motion" footballs being thrown! In order to add color digitally, you have to add punches that match the shape of the football, add color to them and then send them "behind" the football.  Not hard, you just have to know to  do that!

I can teach you all about My Digital Studio and direct you to even more resources as well as any other Stampin' Up! products....stamps, inks, papers, accessories, gifts and home decor items.  Stamping offers so much variety and so much inspiration for creativity!  Sign up for my mailing list in the upper left and keep up with the latest stamping news. Or contact me at Karen@Karenstamps.com for more information about having fun stamping!

Go Texans!!!  Win Big!!