Trying Something New With My Blog

I downloaded a new program to help with configuring and setting up my blog post the way I want them, not the way it makes them so I thought I would give it a test tonight. These are more of the wonderful displays they had at Convention. These were the most amazing and intricate displays I saw.

I had a busy day with my family and then clean up from yesterday. My room is back to normal! I had so much fun yesterday. Thank you all again for coming.

Karen

New Catalog Open House

Hi Everyone,

Yesterday was my New Catalog Open House. What a FANTASTIC day it was! Let me start off with thanking my Mom for making the sandwiches and helping in the morning with getting everything ready. Then I could not have gotten this together without my good friend Jessica. She is amazing.   First let me tell you about the amazing goodies she made. Jessica made oatmeal raisin cookies then put each one in an envelope cut from the Sizix envelope die. Then she added a thank you on them. These were all cut from the new in color paper pack! Then she also made wonderful melt in your mouth brownies! Second, I am going backwards now. I e-mailed her while at convention. I asked her if she would help me with this event. She said she would. We got together and she had some fantastic ideas! She was there every step of the way. Even when I freaked out a little because of the amount of people who RSVP. What a great mentor, friend, she is. I could not have pulled this off without you. Thank you.

I had lots of door prizes and I know everyone is waiting to know who won. So here is the list:

1 Lynda M, 2 Joni, 3 Jill C, 4 Lynda M, 5 Carolyn, 6 Lynda M, 7 Lynda M, 8 Katie T, 9 De, 10 Katie, 11 Katie, 12 Jill C, 13 Donna, 14 Denice, 15 Lynda M, 16 Joni, 17 Louise, 18 Lynda M. 

I will tell you Stampin' Up has truly blessed me with wonderful friendships. I want to thank you all for coming out and making my Open House such a huge success.

I hope you all get some time to stamp today.

Karen

                                                     

                                                                                     

                                  

More Convention Pictures

I have just a few more pictures of Convention that I wanted to share with you. These are of some of the fabulous paper flowers they had on display!

I truly enjoyed all their displays! I can't even imagine how they will outdo themselves next year.

Well I am of to work...he he. I just love saying that! I have such an amazing job!

I am getting ready for tomorrow. I am having my New Catalog Open House. I still have so much to do but I will be ready. If your in the area and would like to attend. Here is the information.

I hope you find some time to stamp today

Karen

It's Fixed!

I tell you all my husband is a wonderful man. He came home and fixed my computer! Darn! I wanted a new one:) Looks like I'll be using this old one for awhile now. That's ok, it still is a good one. I guess from what he said is one of the keys was bad. It was the number lock key. So he removed it! I can't use the numbers off to the side anymore but it works and that is all that matters.

I have a card for you today. I am LOVING the new In Colors! I can't even tell you which one is my favorite because I love them all!

This card uses the new stamp set we got at Convention! Raining Flowers. LOVE IT! The colors are Calypso Coral, Baja Breeze, and Daffodil Delight. What a great combination. I also used a new in color brad.

Well my Grandson will be here any minute so hope you all have a great day I know I will!

Hope you get some time to stamp today

Karen



Computer Problems

Hi everyone,

Doesn't it figure, the minute I start blogging again my computer decides to get sick. For some reason the keyboard has locked up and we can't get it working so I am using my husband's notebook which I don't like! It is just to small for me. I already have trouble seeing and the screen is so little! Oh well maybe I will get a new one out of it!?!

 I have been working on the Open House I am having this Saturday. It is from 10:00 am till 4:00pm Please remember to RSVP 520-234-1298. I am really excited about sharing new products from the new catalog with all of you! I have lots of new classes for all of you to see and sign up for, lots of prizes, and fun make & takes.

Are you finding that your wish list is to long and you don't know where to start. I have a deal for you....Stampin' Up! is offering their stater kit for only $99.00! Can you believe it! It normally is $175.00. Plus when you sign up during this promotion you will receive a $40.00 gift! It is a beautiful keepsake box and all the product you need to decorate it with.So don't delay, now is the perfect time to sign up. E-mail me and I will help you with any questions you might have or with signing up.  kabouchikas@msn.com

This is a picture of the Keepsake Box. But don't delay there is only 5 days left. Yes, that is right this offer ends July 31st.

Well I'm off to work:) I love my job! Wouldn't you like to be able to say that?

I hope you find some time to stamp today

Karen

Paper Flowers

Hi everyone,

While at Convention almost all of the displays had wonderful paper flowers! (remember the theme was grow.) So when I got home I decided to try and make my own. So this is what I came up with. They were so easy and fun to make! Stampin' Up! is coming out with a new tool that will help to make these easier! It will be revealed September 1st. So make sure you check back to see what it is. Also if you would like to be on my mailing list so I can send you a mini (which our Holiday mini will be out the end of August and it is FABULOUS!) e-mail me at kabouchikas@msn.com and I will make sure you get one. I made these flowers using the Just Add Cake DSP. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the paper!

Hope you get some time to stamp today.

Karen

Convention Swaps / and a Wedding

Hi everyone,

One of the best things we get to do at convention is swap cards with other demonstrators. I love this so we can have plenty of ideas with stamp sets we may not own. (which always make me want to buy more sets) This year I also did an organized swap. It was so much fun! Plus what is really neat is swapping with some of ladies whose blogs I follow!  The swaps I received were absolutely amazing! All you demos out there really out did yourself this year!  So as my daughter and I were going through them she fell in love with this card. This card was made by Pam McLean of Spruce Grove, AB. It truly is very elegant. So she decided to use this as her reception invite. Yes my youngest is getting married! But she wants a small family ceremony, so we won't be making wedding invitations.

So this is what she came up with for her card. She used Very Vanilla, Island Indigo, and More Mustard Card stock, The ink color is Cherry Cobbler and she used the Elegant Lines Embossing folder. Also as soon as it comes in we will be using the Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding for the center ribbon, right now we have a piece of card stock there. This was just a proto-type so she could make sure it was what she wanted. I think it turned out really nice.

Well today I am off to shop. I don't have my grandson today so we have to get the shopping done because I will have him the rest of the week. He is truly a wonderful little boy. He is 5 months now and we have so much fun together! I am so blessed and honored that I get to babysit him.

Hope you all get some time to stamp

Karen

More Convention Pictures

Hi Stamping Friends,


Here are some of the amazing displays that Stampin' Up! has for you to walk through and see all the fabulous products and ideas for them.

I truly enjoyed walking around and looking at everything. There really is so much to see! The people that work for Stampin' Up! in the home office must have so much fun putting these displays together!
Does this interest you? Would you like to become a demonstrator and go to convention next year and see it all in person? Then take advantage of this wonderful offer Stampin' Up! has going on right now till July 30th only. You can sign up to become a demonstrator for only $99.00 That is right! You will receive your stater kit a normal $175.00 for only $99.00.
Plus right now when you sign up Stampin' Up is adding a gift for you. So as soon as you receive your kit we can get toghether and make you project! I would love to have you on my team!

Contact me for more information at:

kabouchikas@msn.com

Have a wonderful stamping day
Karen

A New Start

Hi Everyone,


Well I have not been posting, I know. I am off to a new start and I will try to keep up with my postings. I had a fun evening last night with an amazingly talented friend. she was very adamant about me working on my blog because of my goals this year. One of my goals that I want to share with you all this year is the incentive trip that Stampin' Up! does every year. In 2013, which is what I am working towards, Is Fiji! I know! Can you believe it. So that is my goal and I have a year to achieve it. I Know it can be done

I just got back from Convention. I had a blast! Stampin' Up! goes all out for us. They are truly an amazing company. It is my fifth year with the company, I was so excited to go because I got to walk across the main stage!

Here are some photos they are not the best but you can still see them.

This years theme was Grow. The Main stage decorations was fabulous!
I am having a new Idea Book and Catalog Open House This coming Saturday from 10 till 4 pm. This does not mean you have to stay the whole time. (I would love for you to if you have the time) but his is a drop by and see what is new, get a catalog, do a couple make-n-takes eat a few snakes, see a couple demonstrations and sign up for a few classes. See the attached flyer for more details.
I hope to see you all Saturday.
I will post more convention photos tomorrow
Have a great stamping day
Karen

20% Off Select Stampin' Up! Holiday Products

20% Off Select Holiday Products

Choose your bundle or bundles and
Shop with me online at

http://karenbouchikas.stampinup.net

Happy Stamping Karen

Hello Everyone

Aug. 6Th 1933 to Sept. 28Th 2010

It has been a long journey with my dad but he is at peace now. My father went to be with the lord on Sept. 28Th. I am so blessed that I was able to quit my job 5 yrs. ago and go through this journey with him and my mom. I was able to get to know my father as a friend, a man, and a person. He was so strong and courageous. I only hope I am half the person he was.
Karen

No Posting

Hi everyone,

I have not been posting in the past few months because of my father. About 9 weeks ago he caught a cold which was not good for him. It made him extremely week. Then towards the end of April he passed out and broke his right hip. He had some complications after surgery. About 2 and a half weeks ago they moved him from one of the wards to the palliative care unit where he is receiving physical therapy, occupational therapy and more. He probably has 2-3 weeks left here at the VA in Tucson. So far we are going on 7 weeks. Needless to say I have not been stamping at all. I have been getting certified with MDS (My Digital Studio) and been using that a lot! I am enjoying it very much when I have the time.

We are moving my parents to our property down in Huachuca City and my husband has been working very hard at getting everything done around their new home. I was able to go home last Sat. for the first time in 6 weeks to see the progress. It was a fast trip home and back just to see what was happening around there.(and to see my dogs!) This is a picture of their home. It is a lot further along then this right now but this was the only picture I could find at the moment.

So on to some Stamping business. The last chance list's are out. You can find them on my side bar. You can also veiw them on my Stampin' Up website http:http://karenbouchikas.stampinup.net

The supplies are selling fast so if there is something you want you can order online under my Stampin' Up website or e-mail me. I am ordering catalogs so if you want one let me know so I am sure I have enough for you in July.

You all take care

Karen

Wedding Page # 2

Hi stamping and scraping friends,
today was a busy day working on my stamping room. I am always trying to get a little more organized. But I have really let my room go. Hopefully I will find the floor soon :)
I did do a little tweeking on my scrapbooking page yesterday. I do think I like having the punch behind the stamp that says mr and mrs. I also have posted the page that goes with it. I know you have heard me say it before but I truly love this program!
Happy Stamping,
Karen

Wedding Album

Hi Stamping and Scrabooking friends,

Well I've been sick for the past couple weeks and have not had the energy to do very much. But it did give me the chance to work on my son and daughter in law's wedding album. I have enjoyed working with MDS (My Digital Studio) I am doing a 12x12.
I have noticed a few things I would like to change on the page and I will go back and play with it some more. I think I would like to put some hodgepodge hardware around the Mr and Mrs. I would like to see how that will look. But that is the wonderful part of this program, you can go back and change things until you are happy. So here is the page I completed, it is part of a two page spread. I will post the other page tomorrow.
Until then Happy Stamping
Karen

MDS CARD

Hi stamping and scraping friends,

Sorry again that I didn't post this past week. It was kind of busy with my parents. My dad started his chemo and had kind of a rough time, then doctors apt. and so on.

I did get MDS (My Digital Studio) a week ago, and I have been playing with it. It is so much fun! I am so sorry I didn't get this sooner. So far I have made a couple scrapbooking pages, this card and a flyer.(for practice) This is something you do not have to go on-line for. You can sit when you have time, on a plane, riding in a car, when your at a show, and work on your projects. This is what I plan on doing while I sit with my dad when he gets chemo.

If anyone is interested in looking at the program, give me a call and we will set up a time for you to come see it. I can't tell you how much I enjoy it! So here is my card.



Happy stamping
Karen

It's Friday Again

Hi Stamping Friends,

What a week! Is it over yet? I am getting ready to go to Casa Granda For a Jackpot. It is where some of our kids get together and show sheep, goats, swine and cattle. Our girl Corey shows sheep and goats. This is her last show and the awards night for the year. It will be a fun long weekend.

This card I made uses one fun stamp set and a wheel. The wheel is Very Vintage and the set is Hello Again. I also used one of my favorite tools, the Spritzer tool. If you have not used it yet you have to find time to come over and try it. It is so much fun!
On the flowers I used the Stampin' Up! Stamp and Write Markers I love using the markers so you can color with different colors all at once. I also used the Chit Chat rub-ons. It has so many sayings for you to use.
I used Always Artichoke, Kraft and Naturals White cardstock. I used Chocolate chip ink for the wheel. I also used Always Artichoke, Crushed Curry and Chocolate Chip makers. I tore the paper for texture and added some Linen Thread.
Keep Stamping
Karen

Busy Week

 
I have a quick post today. I made a Fancy Favor Box out of the Sweet Pea DSP. I can not tell you how easy this was. It took a total of 10 min.! Who would not like to recieve a gift in this Box! I just love this paper and I was able to do limited stamping which made it go together so fast. I used the new Medium Jewlery Tag Punch and the Tiny Tags Stamps. I look forward to doing projects that I can use this stamp set on.
Until tomorrow
Keep Stampin
Karen

Welcome Neighbor

 

Hello Stamping Friends!

I do like this stamp set! Good Neighbor. It is Free with a $50.00 order for 1 month more. Then it goes away forever :(
Same with the paper, Welcome Neighbor. So if you are thinking you would like this set, don't wait, get you order to me right away! I sure would hate for you to miss it. I have this set in clear mount and I have to say I really enjoy using them. They make stamping easier by being able to see where you are putting the stamp. I barley did any stamping on this card because this paper is so amazing. I really did not want to cover any of it up. So I just put a small image on it.
I know in the picture it looks very light but in person you can really see it. Also I am so sorry, I forgot to turn off the date on my camera. I tried to crop it out but there was not enough room. So, hopefully i will remember to turn it off!

Here is the recipe:
Stamp Sets: Good Neighbors, Warm Words
Card Stock: Bermuda Bay, Pretty In Pink, Whisper White
DSP: Welcome Neighbor
Ribbon:Bermuda Bay 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon
Punches: 1-1/4" circle punch, 1-3/4" circle punch, scallop circle punch

Well until tomorrow, Happy Stamping
Karen

Starting the week off with a color challenge

Hello Stamping Friends,

Hope you all had a great weekend. Mine was a little busy but it was well worth it. This week is busy so I needed to prepare for it. My father who I have spoke about in the past, well his cancer has returned yet again. So today he has an appoiment with his neurologist to see how he is doing on his seizure med. Then I am off to Phoenix for two days. I am a volunteer for the next National 4-H Agents Conference. (It will be held this year in Phoenix.) So we are doing a walk through, to see how things will work. Then Tuesday night I am back home for a day, then back to Tucson for my dad's first chemo treatment for this round. Then on Friday my husband will pick me up and we are off to Casa Grand for the final SAILA show for our girl Corey. We are sad about that because now all of our kids have aged out of 4-H. Then we will see what the following week has to bring for us in appointments for my dad.


 

Here is my card for today. I used a color challenge for this card. It was fun to do. The color challenge is color challenge #2 from Stamping With Juanita The colors are Almost Amathyst, Barley Banana, Pale Plum. So with those colors I just had to do a Easter card. This time though I used a fun technique. It is called Stained Mosaic. The technique can be found here . It was so much fun! I just love this stamp set as well.
Here is the recipe,
Stamps: A Good Egg
Card stock: Almost Amethyst, Barley Banana, Pale Plum and Whispher White(for the eggs)
Inks: Whisper white, Almost Amethist
Markers: Pale Plum, Barley Banana
Punches:Large Oval, Scallop Oval
Misc: Dazzling Diamonds, White Embossing Powder, Crystal Effects

Untill tomorrow, Happy Stamping
Karen

It's Friday!

 
Hello Friends,

Today I am making a short post. This is another Easter card. I did CASE this one. I recieved a swap at Regionals that I love. (I wish it would have had her name on it so I could give her credit.) It was for Valentines Day though. So I changed it up to make it for Easter. One of the stamps set used can be yours for free with a $50.00 purchase. It is the Vintage Lables set. This is a neat set and it corodinates with a lot of our punches. I also used the Well Scripted stamp set. I also used the die cut flowers out of the Eggcellent Eggs Kit.

Hope you have gotten some good ideals this past week
Happy Stamping
Karen