Inky Images

Garden from the Heart Sneek Peak

Yesterday was just like Christmas!  My UPS man brought me a much-awaited package from Stampin' Up! consisting of some of the new items that will be in the Occasions mini catalog in January.  I can't wait to 'play' with all my new stuff!  One of th e most exciting items was the clear-mounted stamp sets and clear blocks.  This is a new product line for Stampin' Up! and very different from other company's clear line of stamp sets. 

One of the most exciting things about our new clear-mount rubber stamps is that now you have a choice.  I (not to mention thousands of demonstrators and  customers) love our wood-mount stamps, and  they are not going away.  However, people have strong preferences either way regarding clear-mounted vs wood-mounted stamps, but now with clear-mount rubber stamps, everyone gets just what they want.

Stampin' Up! has long known of the demand for re-positionable clear-mount stamps from both demonstrators and customers.  The problem has been how to offer these features without sacrificing the quality of Stampin' Up's product.  It took  them a while, but they did it!  With these new re-positionable rubber stamps and clear blocks, you get the same superior image quality and durability you are accustomed to, along with the ease-of-use and storability inherent in re-positionable stamps.

The new clear-mount and wood-mount stamps are  both made with the same quality rubber and foam.  You will not see any difference in your stamped images with the clear-mount stamps.  The clear-mount stamps have grooves on all sides; the grooves in the block will feel the same in our hands as a wood-mount stamp.  Your stamping experience will be the same with either format.  The difference lies mainly in their features and benefits.

.....The wood-mount stamps are an excellent choice for stampers with limited time.  You don't have to constantly reapply your stamp to the block, just grab the stamp you need, and you are set to go! 

.....Clear-mount stamps require less storage space, and you can place multiple images on the same block.  Also, the image on the back of the stamp can aid you in stamp positioning.  This is something I think everyone will really find helpful.

I am going to love these new clear-mount stamp sets!  Here is a card I quickly made - the second hat is actually stamped and then cut out and placed on the card with Dimensionals.  The card is so much prettier in real life!

 

 

Shhhh, this is a Christmas Gift!

I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of the album I made for my husband for Christmas.  As many of you know, this past June my daughters and their families joined me and Mike for a family vacation in Fort Meyers Beach, Florida.  This was a big event for me because I don't usually do beach-type vacations (no slot machines there, lol).  I'm a fair-skinned, red-head who burns very easily.   The last time we were in Florida was when the girls were very young.  Anyway, we had a fantastic time and are planning on returning again next summer. 

I love to take pictures so, needless to say, I had lots of great photos from this trip.  I decided to use the Stampin' Up! My Digital Studio and put together a keepsake memory book for my husband.  I really like the 8-1/2 x 11 books as they don't take up a lot of room in the bookcase or on the coffee table, but you can really get lots of photos in each book.  I can't wait for Christmas when he opens this special gift!

 

My Digital Studio is so easy to use, and is great if you take lots of photos like I do but don't have time to scrapbook in the conventional way.   It is only $79.95 for the software, and if you order it now, you'll receive it in time to 'scrapbook' all those great holiday photos you will be taking in the next few weeks!  Just visit my website at http://karenhaden.stampinup.net and click on the SHOP NOW button!

 

 

 

CLICK HERE TO ORDER MY DIGITAL STUDIO

The 12 Days of Holiday Sale begins today!

Holiday shopping doesn't get any better or eaiser than this, whether your shopping for yourself or another avid crafter!  From December 11-22 only, get 15-25 percent off select Big Shot dies and Decor Elements materials!  Visit my Online Store , or e-mail me today to place your order!

 

 

Item	Page #	Description	Orig. Price	Sale Price
114515	195	Flower Burst Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
114516	195	Cherry Blossom Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
115957	195	Thanks Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
114513	195	Sweetest Stem Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
115952	195	Hi Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
115951	197	Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Medium Sizzlits die	$74.95	$59.96
113446	197	Build a Flower #2 Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$19.95	$16.96
114509	197	Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$21.95	$18.66
113448	197	Hearts Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$19.95	$16.96
113457	198	Tulipe Bigz die	$21.95	$16.46
115954	198	Two Tags Bigz die	$21.95	$18.66
114524	199	Fringed Flower Bigz die	$19.95	$15.96
114523	199	Decorative Accents Bigz die	$19.95	$15.96
114534	199	Flower Bigz Clear die	$19.95	$15.96
113473	199	5-Point 3D Star Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
113472	199	Circle 3D Ornament Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
113470	199	Flower Layers w/Leaf Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
113465	199	Bird w/Leaves and Flower Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
115961	200	Perfect Setting Bigz XL die	$42.95	$32.21
113483	200	Pennant Bigz XL die	$39.95	$29.96
113484	200	Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL die	$39.95	$31.96
116760	201	Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die	$39.95	$29.96
116759	201	Pop-Up 3D Ball Bigz XL die	$39.95	$29.96
114890	201	Matchbox Bigz XL die	$42.95	$36.51
113458	202	Flower Layers Originals die	$15.95	$13.56
114336	158	Kraft Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
114334	158	Dark Gray Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
114337	158	Chocolate Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
114335	158	White Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
118797	n/a	So Saffron Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118798	n/a	Rose Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118799	n/a	Taken With Teal Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118800	n/a	Pretty In Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118801	n/a	Bashful Blue Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118802	n/a	Real Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118803	n/a	Old Olive Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118804	n/a	Black Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118805	n/a	Night of Navy Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118806	n/a	Certainly Celery Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118807	n/a	Tempting Turquoise Décor Elements Sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118808	n/a	Clear Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118809	n/a	Pumpkin Pie Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118810	n/a	Pixie Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118812	n/a	Sahara Sand Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118813	n/a	Gable Green Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118814	n/a	Basic Gray Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118815	n/a	Chalkboard Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$14.95	$11.21

My card from Jen

I'm still hobbling around with my bum leg -- by the time I get done babysitting during the day, I'm practically useless so I've been spending lots of my time relaxing in the evenings looking at my demonstrator copies of the Occasions mini catalog and the Sale-a-bration mini catalog, both starting on January 5th.  My wish list is getting longer and longer. 

In the meantime, I'm enjoying some of the holiday cards that are arriving in my mail.  This beautiful card came today from a very good friend in Michigan.  Thanks, Jen!

 

12 Days of Holiday Sales!

Mark your calendar -- the big Stampin' Up! sale begins on Friday!

Holiday Cards

I'm sorry I haven't posted for several days but I've been down & out with my leg.  I decided before the Thanksgiving holiday that I would start training for the 500 mini marathon (it's on my 'bucket list' of things to accomplish).  Well, for those of you who know me, I never do anything slowly -- I always just  jump in when I start something.  However, this is not something you should do when you start exercising.  So, needless to say, I now have a knee injury which has me taking it easy.  I'm so thankful I have an orthopedic surgeon for a son-in-law who is taking care of me!

Anyway, since I haven't been able to stamp the last few days, I thought I'd post some of the Christmas cards I sent out this year.  I got the idea for some of these cards from various regional demonstators.  It's nice sometimes to just copy an idea from other talented ladies!  As you can see, this time of year I go though lots of Real Red cardstock.  Now I need to re-order more before it's time to start my Valentine's Day card samples, if can you believe that!

 

Happy December 1st!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.  Mine was great, but very busy.  We had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal which was in itself an adventure!  After following the directions exactly as printed on the turkey baking bag, I removed a beautiful golden turkey breast from the oven, only to find when my husband began carving it, that the inside was not completely done.  It appeared that the turkey was not completely thawed when placed in the oven.

For me it wasn't a problem as I don't like turkey anyway.  So we put it in another bag and popped it back in the oven to continue baking.  Since the other dishes were done, we all sat down at noon to a delicious Thanksgiving meal, enjoying all our traditional side dishes of caesar salad, dressing, baked beans, chicken & dumplings, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, corn souffle, cranberries, and of course pumpkin pie and peanut butter pie!  Who needed turkey with all those trimmings?  However, the turkey finally did finish baking so we enjoyed it later with the leftovers!  The moral of this story is don't sweat the big things (turkeys) as everything does work out.

But now I can't believe it's December 1st and time to look forward to the Christmas season.  My tree is trimmed and I have all my holiday decorations up.  Today I finished my Christmas cards and even have them addressed and ready to mail.  I will probably wait until December 8th -- the feast of the Immaculate Conception -- to actually put them in the mail.  Now, the only thing missing is the snow (it's currently 54 degrees in Indiana) and for those of you who know me, I'm just hoping Santa keeps all that white stuff up north!

 

Tags and Tote Instructions

Here are  the instructions for the Tags and Tote bag we made at my stamping classes this past weekend.  While I love making all the different boxes with the Sizzix Big Shot dies, I wanted to show my customers how you can make a simple box with a piece of cardstock and scoring tool.  Hmmm, now I'm not sure how easy they actually thought this box was to make, lol!  I'd like to thank Bensarmom for teaching me how to make it!

Step 1:  Score Whisper White cardstock as follows:  3.25 inches on long side; score at 3.25, 5.25, 8.5, 10.5 inches.  Fold all score lines using Bone Folder.  Score on the 3.25 inch long side.

Step 2:  Add snail to 1/2 inch strip and adhere sides.  Cut all 4 corners up to the fold line to form bottom of box.  Add Snail to bottom flap, fold flaps over and push on the bottom to secure the tape to bottom.

Step 4:  Add Snail to designer paper cut from the Sizzix Top Note die; center over box.  Using Large Oval punch, punch hole on each side of box to make handle.  Punch each side of box in and tie box closed with coordinating ribbon.

Step 5:  Use your imagination to fill this little tote with all kinds of handcrafted gift tags or little note cards!

From our house to yours

We're wishing you and your loved ones

a very blessed,

safe and

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Holiday Extravaganza Sale -- Shop Now!

Here is a breakdown of the prices on the Stampin' Up Holiday Extravaganza Sale.  Stamp bundles are priced at up to 50% off and are are good until November 30th.  You can place an order ONLINE until November 30th and have the order shipped directly to your home, or email me at stamping@karenhaden.com by November 27th, for pick-up (with a special surprise inside from me!)  If you don't have a catalog you can go directly to my website at http://karenhaden.stampinup.net  to view the products offered in the sale. 

 Please Note: If you order online make certain that you are ordering your set in English.  Spanish and French sets have their own order numbers. 

Item	Description	Regular Price	Discounted Price
120280	Framed with Love Bundle Framed with Love stamp set Full Heart punch	$43.90	$21.95
120281	Thank You Kindly Bundle Thank You Kindly stamp set Scallop Edge punch	$29.90	$14.95
120976	Thank You Kindly Bundle (French) Tous mes remerciements stamp set Scallop Edge punch	$29.90	$14.95
120282	Animal Crackers Bundle Animal Crackers stamp set Star Designer brads	$25.90	$12.95
120283	Corduroy Button Bundle Kraft Corduroy buttons Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons Summer Sun Corduroy buttons Basic Gray Corduroy buttons Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons	$49.75	$24.88
120284	Game Night Bundle Card Games stamp set Game Night stamp set	$40.90	$20.45
120285	Four Square Bundle Four Square stamp set Scallop Square punch	$30.90	$15.45
120286	Heart to Heart Bundle Love You Much stamp set Heart to Heart punch Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$49.85	$24.93
120310	Heart to Heart Bundle (Spanish) Te Quiero Mucho stamp set Heart to Heart punch Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$49.85	$24.93
120311	Heart to Heart Bundle (French) J't'aime beaucoup stamp set Heart to Heart punch Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$49.85	$24.93
120287	Chipboard Letter Bundle On Board Timeless Type On Board Loads of Letters	$25.90	$12.95
120288	Double-Stitched Ribbon Bundle Bashful Blue 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon Rose Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon	$17.90	$10.74
120289	Ultimate Stampers' Starter Bundle* Best Wishes & More stamp set Eight Great Greetings stamp set On a Pedestal stamp set Earth Elements Stampin' Spots Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11") Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11") Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Flower Designer brads	$127.70	$76.62
120290	Build-A-Brad Bundle Calendar Alphabet stamp set Pewter Build-A-Brad Antique Brass Build-A-Brad	$40.85	$24.51
120291	Enjoy Every Moment Bundle Enjoy Every Moment stamp set Circle Designer brads Flower Designer brads	$43.85	$26.31
120312	Enjoy Every Moment Bundle (French) Profiter de chaque instant stamp set Circle Designer brads Flower Designer brads	$43.85	$26.31
120292	Cheep Talk Bundle Cheep Talk stamp set Note cards Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons	$42.85	$25.71
120293	Sock Monkey Bundle Sock Monkey stamp set Sock Monkey Accessories stamp set Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons	$58.85	$35.31
120313	Sock Monkey Bundle (French) Sing-chaussette stamp set Sock Monkey Accessories stamp set Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons	$58.85	$35.31
120294	Alphabet Bundle Jayne's Type Alphabet stamp set Lovely Letters stamp set	$87.90	$52.74
120295	Simply Said Bundle Simply Said stamp set Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Full Heart punch	$52.85	$31.71
120314	Simply Said Bundle (French) Amitié stamp set Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Full Heart punch	$52.85	$31.71
120296	On Board Bundle On Board So Tweet On Board Batch of Blooms On Board Essentials	$42.85	$25.71
120927	Christmas Décor Bundle #1 Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Kraft, Real Red) Small Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements Small Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements	$74.85	$44.91
120298	Christmas Décor Bundle #2 Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Chocolate, Real Red) Small Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements Small Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements	$74.85	$44.91
120299	Christmas Décor Bundle #3 Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Old Olive, Real Red) Small Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements Small Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements	$74.85	$44.91
120300	For All You Do Bundle For All You Do stamp set 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$36.90	$25.83
120315	For All You Do Bundle (French) Merci pour tout stamp set 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$36.90	$25.83
120316	For All You Do Bundle (Spanish) Por todo lo que haces stamp set 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$36.90	$25.83
120301	Striped Ribbon Bundle Bashful Blue 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Pumpkin Pie 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon So Saffron 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Real Red 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$47.73	$33.41
120302	Bling Bundle Sticky Pages Sticky Cuts Sweet Fine Supernova Stampin' Glitter Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter	$43.80	$30.66
120303	Fresh-Cut Bundle Fresh Cuts stamp set Fresh-Cut Notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$37.85	$26.50
120317	Fresh-Cut Bundle (French) Fraicheur exuise stamp set Fresh-Cut Notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$37.85	$26.50
120304	Pendant Note Bundle Pendant Park stamp set Pendant notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$39.85	$27.90
120318	Pendant Note Bundle (French) Adorable parc stamp set Pendant notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$39.85	$27.90
120319	Pendant Note Bundle (Spanish) Un dia en el parque stamp set Pendant notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$39.85	$27.90
120305	Sporting Bundle #1 Large Night of Navy Sporting Décor Elements Night of Navy Just Sports Décor Elements	$67.90	$47.54
120306	Sporting Bundle #2 Large Chocolate Sporting Décor Elements Chocolate Just Sports Décor Elements	$67.90	$47.54
120307	Sporting Bundle #3 Large Black Sporting Décor Elements Black Just Sports Décor Elements	$67.90	$47.54
114864	Ginormous Flowers I Décor Elements	$39.95	$27.97
114863	Ginormous Flowers II Décor Elements	$39.95	$27.97
112534	5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$7.95	$5.57
112533	5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$6.95	$4.87
112081	Scallop Square punch	$15.95	$11.17
113693	Full Heart punch	$15.95	$11.17
113694	Heart to Heart punch	$15.95	$11.17
112091	Scallop Edge punch	$15.95	$11.17
112571	Circle Designer brads	$5.95	$4.17
112579	Flower Designer brads	$5.95	$4.17
112572	Star Designer brads	$5.95	$4.17
114785	Small Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements	$39.95	$27.97
114786	Medium Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements	$69.95	$48.97
114791	Small Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements	$39.95	$27.97
114792	Medium Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements	$64.95	$45.47

  *This bundle is only available while supplies las