Juneau

This was our first port. It was rainy, windy and chilly, but being from Arizona it was so nice! There were three other ships already docked when we arrived. We had to anchor out and tender into shore. The second picture is a tender. They were fun to ride in!
We went on a tour of Mendenhall Glacier first. We took a 45 min walk to get close to the glacier. Nugget Falls was right next to it. You don’t realize the size and beauty of these things until you are right up on them. I also know my camera does not do the color justice. The glacier is such a beautiful blue in areas. One of the ice bergs floating looked like a whale. It looked like someone sculpted it and threw it out there but it truly was just how it was melting. I did learn that the glacier looks so dirty because it chews up the rocks and they call the pieces breaking off of the glacier calves.


Next was the Salmon Hatchery. The salmon were done for the season so we did not get to see any, other then a few they had in the hatchery. But they had some sea critters for us to touch. They also had some aquariums for us to look at and a seal swimming and hunting for his dinner. Then it was off to the salmon bake. I am not a seafood eater. But I figured I would try the salmon. They had wonderful food for us to eat. I must admit I did like the salmon. Then we took a hike to another waterfall. We also panned for gold and my sister and I found some flakes. Then we loaded onto some school buses to take us back to the tenders. My husband and sister were having so much fun goofing around.



We had a wonderful day!
Onto some stamping. Last month at club we did some stamping on tissue paper and then added it onto the candle These are what they turned out like. I thought they were a lot of fun.
Tomorrow is club again. We will be making these witches brooms! They are really easy! I truly had a blast making the samples. I was able to use the packing paper I get so much of in the orders. It is nice to recycle a little. The tags were a lot of fun and yes I did use some tool which we do not sell. But I love how it makes it look.


I hope you find some time to stamp today.
Karen

It’s Been To Long

Good morning!
I know I have neglected my blog and I am sorry. But I am working on it.
We got back from our cruise a week ago. We had a blast! First let me show you a couple pictures of our amazing room! It was a very comfortable room. A lot more space then I thought we would have. The picture of Seattle was taken out of our State Room’s window. Then there is a picture of my mom, sister and myself.  The next day was a day at sea. We were traveling to Juneau. The weather was not good that first night and next day. We were in a hurricane! The waves we hit were 20 to 25 foot waves but our amazing Captain kept us from the 50 foot waves! I have to tell you I did not handle it well and spent most of the next day in bed sea sick. The last photo shows the waves the best we could take them out our window.
I hope you don’t mind but over the next few days I will be sharing some photos of our trip.





Now onto the card! This card was demonstrated to us at convention by Carrie Cudney. Last night I was having my techniques class.(which was so much fun! Thank you ladies!) We were talking about the nuggets with the treat wrappers Stampin’ Up! just came out with. I then remembered this card. My friend Jessica had seen it on the computer at one time and brought the candy over for me to make the card. So Jessica, this card is for you. (And yes ladies, I did get to go to bed and get some sleep last night)

I used The Hershey Miniatures for the cake portion wrapped some DSP around them, and then with a few simple punches made this card. I love how it turned out! I have to learn how to do a video. I would love to show you all how to make this simple card.

I hope I have inspired you to get your stamps and ink out today.
Happy Stamping
Karen

Missing My Grandson

Good Morning!

I know for a fact I am missing this cutie. I can not wait to see him again. He is 7 months old now and really ready to walk! I can not wait to see what he is up to when we get back.


Now on to the last card from the Christmas Card Class. The picture does not do it justice. The Silver Embossing and the Shimmery White Cardstock just really set this card off and make it look spectacular in person.

Here is the Supplies:
Stamp Set: Merry & Type
Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Shimmery White Cardstock, Brushed Silver
Ink: Versa Mark, Bashful Blue, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Silver embossing Powder, Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon Scallop Oval Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Aqua Painter, Embossing Buddy

Here is the Recipe:
1. Fold cardstock base in half.
2. Rub embossing buddy on Shimmery White Cardstock. Stamp image in Versa Mark the sprinkle with embossing powder. Shake off excess then set with heat.
3. With Aqua Painter color in images. (Make a pool of ink in top of ink pad, use aqua painter to pick up color)
4. Glue layers together. Tie ribbon in a bow and attach with glue dot.
5. On scrap stamp sentiment then emboss. Punch with Scallop Oval Punch. Then punch Decorative Label out of Brushed Silver paper. Layer together and attach with dimensionals.

I hope you find some time to stamp today
Karen

Crystal Effects

Good Morning!
Hope everyone is having a great week. I am sure I am!
I wanted to tell you a little about Crystal Effects.
Crystal Effects
Gives a high-gloss finish to any image, Creates amazing 3-D effects. Applicator tip provides great control. Water based for quick and easy cleanup. Dries completely within an hour, depending on how thickly it is applied 2 oz.
Quick Trick
Add a drop or two of our Classic Ink refill to the Crystal Effects, and you’ll have a high-gloss colored finish.
Crystal Effects also works great as an adhesive to attach buttons and other heavier embellishments.
Add a three-dimensional effect to your projects with Crystal Effects. Simply apply a thick line of Crystal Effects to the outline of your stamped image. After the line has dried, add a thinner coat of Crystal Effects to the inside area of what was outlined.

So this is what it looks like on an image after it has dried. I love the look!

Hope you find some time to stamp today
Karen

Welcome Christmas

Good Morning!
I can’t believe it is Monday! (well not really but this will be posting on Monday)
This is another card we did at our Christmas card club. Some of the ladies did not finish so I am posting directions for them. I just love this next card. It is a Z Fold Card.



Here is the supplies:
Stamp Set: Welcome Christmas
Cardstock: Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Very Vanilla
DSP: Holly Berry Bouquet
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Stazon
Reinkers: Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip, Real Red
Accessories: Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Buttons, Baker’s Twine Cherry Cobbler, Micro Flakes, Crystal Effects

Here is the recipe:
1. Score you cardstock at 2 3/4’ and 5 1/2”fold your cardstock.
2. Make your stamp pad. Take two pieces of felt. Stamp your image of the wreath in Stazon then stamp on the felt. Take our reinkers and place dots of it where you want it on you felt image. This will create a stamp pad that you can use up to 10 times, in multi colors. Stamp you images.
3. Layer your pieces and glue back half to folded half of base cardstock. Then glue in your Very Vanilla large piece. Stamp your image in Chocolate chip ink then stamp off to create a shadow of image on the inside of the card.
4. Add bakers twine to button and use glue dots to add it to the top of the wreath. Then add some Crystal Effects to wreath and then add Micro Flakes. Let dry over night.
Thank you all again
Hope you find some time to stamp today
Karen

Easy Events

Good morning!

Well I am sorry I have not posted in over a week. It has been quite a busy week and now I am packed and at this time driving to the airport. I am so looking forward to this trip! I will still have a few posts this week.
Today I am show casing a card we did at the Christmas Card Class last Monday night. This card used a stamp set we were given at convention. It is called Easy Events. I love it! It has 8 different stamps in it for different events! It really is a must have.

The products used for this card are:
Cardstock: Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzaz
DSP: 2010-2012 In Color Paper Stack
Markers: Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzaz
Ink: Versa Mark
Accessories: Big Shot Die Perfect Pennants, Circles #2 Die 2” circle 1 3/4” Punch, Dazzling Details, Black embossing powder

Here is the recipe for you who asked,
1. Fold your base cardstock in half Then with your Poppy Parade marker ink up your stamp several times and stamp the image on the top half. Then punch the bottom with the Scallop Trim Border punch. Remember start in the middle then work to one side then the other.
2.Glue on the DSP above the Scallop border bottom. Then glue the small 1” piece of Pear Pizzaz along top of DSP.
3.  Take embossing Buddy and rub your piece of Whisper White. Stamp image on that piece in Versa Mark. Then take black embossing powder and emboss image. Color image in.
4. Layer your pieces and use dimensionals to glue it to you card. Now take your Dazzling Details and put dots on your berries. Set aside to dry.
I sure hope those instructions make since.
Thank you all who came to the class, I sure had a great time!
I hope you get some time to stamp today
Karen

Saturdays Club!

Good Morning!

I did not post yesterday and I am so sorry. Wednesday was not the best of days. One of my little dogs bit my Grandson in the face! She did not break his skin but did leave marks. It happened so fast I could not get to him soon enough. He was only 3 feet away from me. Boy I tell you what an awful time I have had since. I love my dog. But I love my grandson more. I don’t know, so for now she will be locked up when I have him. Actually all my dogs will, I have three. I just don’t trust any of them now. My kids were upset as well but my son told me I am making more out of it then I should. I am finding it is just different being my grandson then when I had my own kids. Hope that makes sence.

Now on to my Big Shot. Most of you know it was not well. It had joint trouble. (Ha ha) Anyway I found out that I did purchase it over three years ago so it was not under warranty anymore. So that meant I would have to buy a new one. Well my husband took it apart last night and found that one of the bearings was rusted. He cleaned it, greased it and put it back together. IT WORKS!!!!!!!!  YAH!!!!!!!   I am so excited! Now I don’t have to purchase a new one! (Which I would not have minded but this lets me put that money towards new products.)

I am so excited for Saturdays Club! I have some fun new products, and can’t wait to share them! They will be having some fun projects. This is one. It is a telescoping card. I also think I found a new favorite color combo. Soft Suede, Pool Party, and Pear Pizzazz! Love It!

So for this card I used my new favorite stamp set Gently Falling!
I also used the sentiment out of Falling leaves
I made a one inch lolly using My Favorite New DSP Spice Cake!
The squares were cut with the Big Shot dies.

NEW CLUB
I am looking to start a new club. I have 3 people who have committed at this point so we need at least 3 more. This is a fun time for you. You will come one day or evening and make 3 projects like the one above. These projects are a little more difficult but fun to do and have. Then you will put in an order for the month. 1 person a month is the hostess till you all have been the hostess. With 6 people your order will be $25.00 a month but the cost will go down with more people. This is a great way to get a few things you have been wanting without spending a lot. Please let me know if you are interested or have any questions.

Well my grandson will be here shortly.
Hope you find some time to stamp today.
Karen

Funky Four

Good Morning!
Yesterday was a really nice day. I had my grandson for a short while. He finally has one tooth coming through. We had so much fun together. He thinks he can walk on his own also.

He took a long nap so I was able to participate in a chat and challenge which was on our SUDSOL group. You go into the chat room, they give you a sketch and you have fun chatting about your business or other things and work on a card to go along with the sketch. It was a good time.

Again though I am using my favorite colors.



For this card I used:

Funky Four stamp set, page  88
Heard From the Heart, page 167
Berry Blossom DSP, page 185
3/8’ Ruffled Ribbon, page 194
Designer Printed Brads, page 199
Large tag punch, page 209
Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die, page 221
Colors of cardstock: Early Espresso, Calypso Coral
Ink: Calypso Coral
Markers: Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limade

I sent out my newsletter last night. If you did not receive one and would like it please e-mail me, kabouchikas@msn.com and I will be happy to send one out to you.

I hope you all get a chance to stamp today
Karen

Happy Tuesday

Good morning!
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend. We had a busy start and my baby is now married! She is now Mrs. Joseph Metz. It was a beautiful small wedding and a wonderful reception. I would like to thank everyone who came.
You all should remember my amazing friend Jessica, she took the pictures for us. She is absolutely amazing! She took Joe and Catlyn out to Fort Huachuca and took the most beautiful pictures of them.  In the second picture is our growing family. Weston had hold of some of Catlyn’s bouquet and was having fun with it.




Now I have to say my grandson did steal the show. He is so handsome!

These are the wedding favors I made. They are made with the matchbox die. They turned out really nice!

I hope to get to more stamping this week. I hope you get to stamp today.
Karen

Wedding Favors

Good morning!
We had a great rain last night! It is weird though because most of our monsoon rains have been coming late in the evening. I remember as a kid we would have the rains in the late afternoon. Then we would go play in the water on the streets. Times were easier then.

Well you all have heard me talking about my daughters wedding this Sat. Well I spent last evening working on her wedding favors. I stamped the “thanks so much” and the “Mr. & Mrs.” out of the It’s A Wrap Occasion stamp set, on Whisper White card stock with Cherry Cobbler and More Mustard then I sat and cut them all (160) out. We have the boxes done and I will post them tomorrow. It really was not that bad cutting them out.

Sorry for a short post again, I will have my Grandson in a few minutes, and lots to do today for the wedding.
Hope you find some time to stamp today
Karen

Class Schedule For September

Big Shot Class:
September 9th at 6:00 pm.  Come learn new and fun ways to use your Big Shot.
We will make 2 3d projects and 1 card.

The cost for this class is $15.00

Please RSVP by the 5th so I can get you kits ready

Christmas Card Club (Class): Part 2
September 12th at 6:00 pm.  We will be making 4 cards each of 3 designs so you will leave with 12 total. This also includes your envelopes
The cost for this class is $15.00
Please RSVP for this class by the 7th Firm. I will need to be doing a lot of cutting for this class.

Technique Class
September 26th at 6:00 pm. This month we will be learning Faux Silk and Baby Wipe Technique.
We will be making a 6 X 6 instruction page and sample to go on it. Then you will make 2 cards using the technique.
The cost for this class is $15.00
Please RSVP by the 12th so I can have all the kits cut and ready.

P.M.S. Night  (pajamas(something comfy) munchies, stampin or scrappin)
September 30th at 6:00 pm. Come enjoy a fun evening working on your own projects. 
I will supply tools, stamps, space and FOOD!
This is a free evening

Please RSVP to reserve your spot!

I added a new  page!

At the top under the banner is a new page called Classes. So if you need to remember when a class is or you want to see what the classes are you can always check this page.

Also the new Mini Starts today! I have been waiting for this day since convention!

Halloween Tree

Good Morning!
Well I’m in for an extremely busy morning but I thought I would post this quickly. Last night I was busy working on my tree. I love decorating it for the different holidays. So I was able to get a few decorations finished. These turned out to be so adorable! Also extremely easy. Kimberly Van Diepen did them last year and so I thought I would give them a try. I used the new Halloween paper Frightful Sight. The stamp sets used are Wicked Cool and Batty For You.

So I wanted to show you all this picture of my amazing grandson. He puts his whole hand in his mouth because he is teething. (one or two fingers would do, but not for him!) So this is one of his teething toys. He puts the whole end in his mouth! What a talented boy! Ha Ha! I just enjoy him so much!

Hope you find some time to stamp today
Karen

Thank you Robin

Good morning!
Well I was blog surfing last night. I spend to much time doing that! I came across one of the cards I did for an organized swap at convention. I am so excited that Robin Messenheimer put it on her blog. You can see it at http://robinscraftroom.com/   I love to get inspiration from her blog.
I had a busy but wonderful weekend with my grandson. He is doing and learning so much. I also did a repeat technique class yesterday for 2 of my customers. So I was a little tired. I am back to working and stamping today.
Hope you find some time to stamp today.
Karen

Petite Pocket

Good Morning!

Last night was my P.M.S. (pajamas, munchies,and stamping or scrappin) night. I had a great time. Thank you to those who came out. It was so nice to catch up with you all and see what everyone was working on.

A few days ago I was playing with the new Petite Pocket die. This is a very simple and fast project to do. I used the Beau Chateau DSP. Love It! It is one of those papers you just want to hoard. (you all know what I mean) I also used the Vintage Vogue stamp set. But as I look at the picture I feel like something is missing. Knowing me it is probably ribbon. I will go back and see what I can do with it. The colors used are Marina Mist and Soft Suede.

Don’t forget there is only a few days of the buy three and get one free DSP paper sale. This is such a great deal! Don’t let it pass you by.

Well I have a very busy weekend ahead of me. I get to take care of my grandson while his parents go away for the weekend. I can’t wait till he gets here. He is just a joy!

I hope you all find some time to stamp today.

Karen

My Digital Studio

Good Morning!

I thought I would share a couple pages out of my album. I did these on My Digital Studio. The pages come out so nice when you have such a great subject to work with. These pages are sooooooooo……..easy! Just put in a few pictures, add some text or journaling and you are done.

I am working on some cards with My Digital Studio to use in a class coming up. One of the Christmas classes. All you will have to do with it is add some embellishments and it will be done. Easy Peasy!

I want you all to know I just started a Face Book Business page. I will have different postings on there. All you have to do is go to my Face Book page and down the left side it will lead you to it or just click here!  Stampin’ Up Independent Demonstrator Karen Bouchikas
Sorry for the short post I am going shopping with my daughter Catlyn today for a dress for her wedding.
Hope you get some time to stamp today
Karen

Anniversary

Good Morning!
I had my Grandson yesterday and he is pulling himself up on things! He is so much fun to have and I just enjoy him so much! I look forward to him coming over and being able to spend time with him.

My son and his wife are going to celebrate there 3rd anniversary this weekend. I can’t believe 3 years has gone by. It seems like yesterday they were walking down the isle.

So onto the card. I made this card for them. I used again my favorite color Calypso Coral! ( I will move on one day and use other colors)

The DSP is out of the Berry Blossoms pack.

The ink is Calypso Coral and Lucky Limeade markers.

I used the Love & Care stamp set. Oh my gosh I don’t want it to go away!It is a fabulous set! Which it will retire on August 30th. You won’t be able to get it again. I suggest if this is a set you want in your stash you call me and find out how you can earn it. We can do a book party or a workshop but we have to get it in by the end of the month. The first picture is the outside of the card and the second picture is the inside.

I hope I have inspired you to stamp today
Karen

Blossom Box

Good Morning!
Sorry it has been a couple days since I last posted. Friday night I had the Big Shot Class. We had fun! We made this blossom Box. It is a little tricky but once you get it it is not so bad. I really like how this turned out. Again I am using my favorite!!!!!!!!! color. Calypso Coral! I just LOVE it!

For the flower I used the Fancy Flower Punch. I used 5 layers, scrunched them, then layered them using glue dots to hold them together. Then I used the Blossom Petals Builder Punch for the leaves.

The Designer Series Paper I used is retired but I wanted to use something retired to practice with before I use the new.

We had a busy weekend but I did manage to get some stamping in. I wanted to remind you all that Friday night is Open Night which I am renaming to P.M.S. night! (pajamas(something comfy) munchies, and stamping or scrapping)  We will start at 6:00pm and you can stay as long as you want. We will have pizza so come hungry! Bring any of your projects you are working on. This is a free night. You can use any of my tools or stamps. Please call to RSVP so I know how much pizza to get. Also to make sure I save you a spot. See you all then.

Hope you get some time to stamp today.
Karen