A Stamper's Diary.............. Pressing On.......

HERE'S THINKING OF YOU ROBIN.........

2018-03-27T05:00:00.000-04:00

The SUO challenge this week is encouragement - in a thank you, or a thinking of you, or something like that. This week, I am definitely thinking of Robin Messenheimer, our fearless leader for the SUO challenge blog, who is stepping down as our leader. I have taken part in a lot of different groups like this over the years, swap groups, blog groups, etc. The leader always sets the tone, and they aren't all like Robin. Robin has been such a pleasure to work with. She has shown the patience of Job with my lack of technology skills. She never made me feel lame, not even once. She has taken care of business with mind numbing regularity and always with a cheerful heart. Gosh I will miss you Robin, truly. At first I thought I might move on with her, but this SUO challenge blog is what currently keeps my blogging, so I think I will stick around and see what the future brings. More stamping, more blogging, but I surely will miss you Robin, I surely will. Until next time, Karen

BUTTERFLIES AND BRUSHOS.....BRILLIANT!

2018-03-13T05:00:00.000-04:00

The SUO challenge this week is SPRING!! And butterflies make me think of SPRING! And good on me, I used my Brushos for this card!! Hard to achieve this level of brightness without them!! This is also my favorite DSP in the Occasions Mini catalog. It was fun to experiment with Brushos and in the end I was happy with my results- I think a rule of thumb for Brushos would be to keep trying until you are happy!! This big bright butterfly is also in the Occasions Mini - so much fun stuff in there - so many stamps, so little time! Someday when I retire I will stamp all day! :) Happy Tuesday everyone!! Keep on stamping! Until next time......Karen

A SENTIMENT WORTH REPEATING......

2018-02-27T05:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, so the SUO challenge this week was supposed to be our favorite sentiment. Truth be told, MY favorite sentiment is NO SENTIMENT.....it's amazing how many times I make a card and I just can't figure out where to put a sentiment on the front of the card, so I end up without one. So this is one of my favorite stamps right now, and I designed the card around the sentiment, instead of designing the card and trying to place a sentiment somewhere on it.....but THIS VERSE. Right? How many people can you think of right this moment who need to grab a hold of this verse and hang on? Life can kick you when you're down. But Fear not!! He is with us!! NOW that's a sentiment to hang your hat on!!! Until next time........Karen

IN CASE YOU WANNA CASE

2018-02-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

The SUO challenge this week was to case a catalog sample. Casing is not my thing. If I try to copy someone's card to the T, mine never looks as good as theirs. So my style of casing is to use the other person's card as a sort of "springboard" and to just add my own twist. So i chose one of the samples for this picnic set in the Occasions MIni catalog. I used sort of the same layout, and the same stamps, and the same sentiment - but changed it up some. The worst part about making this card was cutting all those weeny posies with the dies....cuz they were jumping around like Mexican jumping beans on the magnetic platform....I was exhausted by the time I finished. HAHA. Is there a secret to using the magnetic platform and NOT having stuff do the Irish jig on top??? If so, someone, please share. Put me out of my misery. Okay - I'm waiting.......happy Tuesday everyone!! Until next time, Karen

HEARTS A PLENTY.....

2018-01-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

The SUO challenge tonite is Hearts a Plenty, but for me the biggest challenge is STAYING AWAKE long enough to get this post ready to go!! I am sooooo sleepy tonite - I was supposed to load a sample for the color challenge at 10:30 as I am a sampler.....and I patiently waited and waited for the magic hour of 10:30....and the next thing I knew my phone said it was 11:07......YIKES!!! Sleep is so delectable when you aren't supposed to be sleeping.....right?? So I am going to load this card - which has been dancing around in my head for days and yesterday if finally made it from the brain to the paper....gotta love the pandas, and they are FREE with a $50 order!!! Happy Tuesday everyone!! Until next time......

CLEAN AND SIMPLE, NOT MY FORTE

2018-01-16T05:00:00.000-05:00

The SUO challenge this week is a monochromatic card....something I have not made in a long time. I tend to be all about coloring....so it's good to stretch now and again and do something outside the box. I used crumb cake ink for this - worked up very quickly for me. I had so much company over Christmas I thought I would never stamp again. Then, just like that, they are all gone and the house is so big, and empty, and lonely.....and.....I stamp. Stamping is the best therapy. Anyone else? Stamping has gotten me through many a lonely day and night. Anyway...this is one of the new Saleabration stamp sets - one of the FREEBIES. Really makes a quick card!! Guess that will do it for this time - Happy Tuesday everyone!! Keep on stamping and save money on shrinks!! ;) Until next time........Karen

JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY, DOWN IN MY HEART!!~

2017-12-19T07:12:00.000-05:00

The SUO challenge this week is a favorite image, and holly berries and these ones in particular are a favorite for me. I just love holly and ivy.....such an iconic part of Christmas. At my house this year, our kids are here from Africa for a whole month....so not alot of stamping is getting done as I am spending every available moment soaking up the visit of my family. My firstborn grand daughter is here...and her sister. It's funny how much JOY it fills my soul with, and yet there is always an ache for the ones I am not near. It even feels a bit more acute when I am with SOME of them but not ALL of them. What's up with that? At any rate, I am enjoying these two girls to the max. God is GOOD. Tears will fall when they leave, but I am always left with a grateful heart for the time I had. That's it for today my friends, Merry Christmas to all!! Until next time, Karen

SNOW FRIENDS

2017-11-21T05:00:00.000-05:00

The SUO challenge this week is any winter holiday....so I did my favorite. :) I love snowmen....and way, shape or form. This was a fun one to color - I used the old markers because I didn't have the right colors in the blends....but I still had fun!! I used watercolor cardstock and shimmery white cardstock on the base. :) SO FUN!! I also love the cable knit folder and the big snowflake folder....big shots make the stampers world go round!! Happy Tuesday everyone!!! Until next itme, Karen

AUTUMN SPLENDOR

2017-11-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

The SUO challenge this week was any kind of thanks card - gratitude, thankfulness, etc, etc, so I went with some beautiful fall colors picked by Pam McKay for the SCS color challenge - and made it a thank you card! I did a collage with the base of baby wipe technique using Colorful Seasons stamp set which has to be the most versatile stamp set EVER. This was a fun card to make and my fingers are STILL inky. haha. I always remember the gloves about half way through. Happy Tuesday everyone!! Until next time, Karen

SIT FOR A SPELL,,,,HAVE SOME SWEET TEA.......

2017-10-24T05:00:00.000-04:00

The SUO challenge this week is something "sweet" - like a cupcake or a cookie or candy....or in this case, it's a teapot full of chai. Over the years we have had the priviledge of 4 trips to Africa. I can still close my eyes and taste and smell the chai. It's a sweet creamy tea that is as common there as coffee is here. So I decided to use my new stampin'blends and make my card sweet tea. These papers are buy three get one free this month, so even my classes will enjoy making a teapot card this month! I also love these background papers that I paired with the Color Me paper. TOO many ideas swirling around in my head and not enough hours to stamp!! Hope you will join in this month and make a card that depicts something sweet. Lord knows, we could use more SWEET in this world!! Happy Tuesday everyone!!~~

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS....

2017-10-10T05:00:00.000-04:00

The SUO challenge this week is favorite new Holiday Mini products. This is one of my favorite new stamp sets in it - called Count my Blessings - which is also a good thing to do! I also LOVE this black and white ribbon....so decided to combine the two. I dug out my old Blendabilities to color since my new Stampin'Blends are still on their slow way to me. :( Fun stamp set and fun ribbon - two of my favorite things! I cashed my Stampin' Rewards in this week or THE CRUISE TO ALASKA....I am still pinching myself to believe it!! NOW THAT'S A BLESSING TO COUNT!!! Happy Tuesday everyone!~ Until next time, Karen

"FALLING" FOR GINGHAM AND THANKFUL FOR YOU!

2017-09-26T05:00:00.000-04:00

The SUO challenge this week is die cuts, shapes, etc. I wanted to make a THANKFUL card, because this week I am feeling particularly thankful to so many of my customers and downline who helped me earn the Alaska cruise!!!! I just accrued enough points YESTERDAY....the 24th of September when we have until only the 30th!! One of my downline promoted, among others this year giving me enough points to earn this cruise. Back in my glory days, earning the cruise was like rolling off a log.....when I lived in New York - but this is only the second cruise I have earned in the 11 years I have lived in Ohio and the first one was half earned when I moved here so doesn't really count. THIS one I had to WORK at. Back in 2004 I earned the Alaska cruise, but my daughter Rebekah was graduating from college smack in the middle of the cruise, so needless to say we didn't go on that cruise. When I realized it was Alaska this year I decided to go all out and try for it - When I could see it was actually within my reach I went to eastern Ohio where I have a large number of enthusiastic stampers who have been my customers for many years now - and those ladies, under 40 of them, bought over $3000 of stamps in one day!! That gave that boat a big old push!!! And my class ladies here where I live have played a big part too. My downline promoting all year....and especially my friend Carmen who pushed me over the top last night.....how can I say thank you enough???? Next July we will be Alaska bound....and I am thankful for all of YOU!! Like the card says!!! Happy Tuesday everyone!!! Mwahhhh!!!! Until next time.......Karen

FALL....GLORIOUS FALL......

2017-09-12T05:00:00.000-04:00

The SUO challenge this week is FALL COLORS.....and maybe I stretched it a bit here as there is no orange....but this card gives me a happy fall feeling....Fall has always been my favorite time of year....that hunker down, pull out your hoodies and get ready for boots....hot cider, fires in the backyard, I just love fall. I got married in fall, and had my first and last babies in fall. So this new set, just is my most favorite of anything in the Holiday Mini at ALL. HEY, this is RANDOM. But I am kicking this month to try and get the Alaska cruise. See that little 24/7 button at the top of my blog? If you click on it you can help me sail!!! ;):):) I am a shameless begger. haha. All orders appreciated - save me from buying a lifetime supply of monoadhesive!!! SAVE ME, SAVE ME!!! Okay enough - HAPPY FALL EVERYONE!!!

PAST BLAST

2017-08-29T05:00:00.000-04:00

The SUO challenge this week is a blast from the past - and I am so happy to look at this card which is one of my all time favorites - because over on SCS for the color challenge today I made one of the UGLIEST cards I have ever actually uploaded. haha, and I need to be reminded at this very moment that I really CAN stamp. haha. You win some you lose some, that's what I named the card - because LIFE has gotten in the way of my concentration this week - a fiery trial came our way this week and my heart and mind have been in other places, thus I made a pretty ugly card. Sometimes life can be pretty ugly, you know? Thankfully HE makes all things beautiful in HIS time, and I am anxiously awaiting to see beauty come out of ashes...now we see through a mirror dimly - but then we shall see face to face. So, I made this beautiful card a long time ago, and things will be beautiful again, because sorrow lasts for a night, but JOY comes in the morning. That's it for this time my friends, Keep on fighting the good fight!! Until next time, Karen

BUTTERFLIES AND DRAGONFLIES

2017-08-15T05:00:00.000-04:00

Sooooo.....SUO challenge got away from me a little this week.....I made this card a while ago but it fits the challenge.....gotta love that new tulip set once you get the hang of it.....I used the butterfly from a different set.....I just adore this stamp set though and that gingham paper is one of my all time favs......anyway - hope these bright and cheery tulips, (ANYTHING but tranquil.....) will cheer you up today!! Have an awesome day and keep on stampin' whilst you keep on smiling!!~ Karen

HYDRANGEA RETURNS

2017-08-01T05:00:00.000-04:00

This card was made for both the SCS color challenge of which I am hostess this week, and the SUO Challenge Blog for birthday cards. Isn't this a lovely color combo? The new Powder Pink is just so gorgeous and I paired it with Sweet Sugar Plum and Mint Macaron for this soft pallette. And YES, these new dies make a great hydrangea,,,,,so that sings to me!!! This yummy new ribbon, and that yummy new embossing folder, so much fun to play with new toys!!! I am edging closer to my Alaska dream.....if you are inspired go click on that SHOP 24/7 link and help me sail!!
Happy Tuesday everyone.....Until next time, Karen

AT HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

2017-07-17T23:01:00.000-04:00

The theme this week was "new stuff" and Lord knows, I got plenty of THAT. I went a little ape hog wild with this new catalog because I love love love love love the new stuff!! This adorable bundle called "At Home with You" is no exception! The color challenge over on SCS featured these colors and had a Christmas in July theme - fun!! I am always happy to stamp Christmas and with these rich colors- LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! Happy Tuesday everyone!! Until next time, Karen

SUMMERTIME DREAMS

2017-07-03T23:33:00.004-04:00

The SUO challenge this week is to stamp a card with a summertime theme....so this new bike is perfect!! I love the many little pieces that come with this new stamp set and die....and I love the OH SO LOVELY DSP that is also new in SU's catalog this year. Can i tell you all a secret? For the first time in like 9 years, I have a chance at earning the cruise to Alaska this year.....it's an outside chance but it's a chance - Back in my reign of extremely high sales and Founder's Circle events and Advisory Board reign, etc, I earned a cruise to Alaska but my youngest daughter was graduating from college SMACK in the middle of the cruise. So we missed it OF COURSE. So this year I tried harder, and I'm still shy of the mark if I don't step up sales for this last quarter. SO.........if I have EVER been a wee bit of inspiration to you and you would like to help send me to Alaska......please press on my 24/7 shopping link and place an order for me? There's no telling what could happen!! AND, if you have EVER thought of signing on as a demonstrator, even just to get the 20-25% discount, ask me about that too and I can hook you up - this month of July they are running a special and you get $52 worth of more FREE GOODIES with your kit, and a Christmas in July stamp set too!!! JUST ASK ME ABOUT it if you are AT ALL interested.....a few new recruits would reallllly help me reach my goal. My email address for anyone wanting to contact me is kbarberstamps@gmail.com - I would love to hear from like 5 people who wanted to sign on as demonstrators, and I would be ON MY WAY!!! It can't hurt to throw it out there, right?? In the mean time enjoy your good old summer time.......Until next time, Karen

THE RED, WHITE, AND THE BLUE

2017-06-20T05:00:00.000-04:00

And the gray. This card is way out of my lane, but I had fun stretching this week! The gray threw me at first but then I got this idea and bam! The SCS color challenge and the SUO blog were both patriotic themes.....nice since I had a weekend marathon from Friday to Sunday of places to go and people to see!! This card was fun. BUT. Actually it took me a LLLLOOOONNNNNNGGGGGG time to make my little teeny tiny mosaic of cs pieces on the back of that star border punch, long enough that I instantly decided this would not be a class card, someone might flip out, and liability and all.....I decided to only torture myself. After that the rest of the card was a piece of cake, but I did question myself on the border punch idea. Okay- next week I chose the colors and I have been having night terrors every time I think of using them, so stay tuned!! If I thought THIS was a challenge watch out for next week on the SCS color challenge!........Happy Tuesday everyone!!

IN THE GARDEN

2017-06-06T05:00:00.000-04:00

WOW I AM STRUGGLING GETTING THIS POSTED TONITE. I WISH A BLOG FAIRY WOULD COME ALONG AND HELP ME START A NEW BLOG BECAUSE I THINK THIS BLOG IS JUST OVER THE HILL. I CAN HARDLY GET STUFF POSTED WITHOUT A FIGHT. I NEED A COMPUTER SAVVY FRIEND. ARE YOU COMPUTER SAVVY? WANNA COME SPEND SOME TIME IN SUNNY OHIO AND HELP ME START A NEW BLOG? WANNA BE MY FRIEND? OKAY- WELL ANYHOW....THE SUO CHALLENGE TODAY IS IN THE GARDEN SO I CHOSE THIS GREAT NEW SET CALLED FEATHERY FRIENDS IN THE NEW CATALOG AND MAKING THE CARDS IS THE EASY PART, POSTING ON MY BLOG IS ROCKET SCIENCE. HAPPY TUESDAY EVERYONE, OFF TO DREAMLAND FOR ME AND I'M GONNA BE COMPUTER SAVVY AND BLOG HAPPY IN MY DREAMS! UNTIL NEXT TIME, KAREN

MY UNISEX MAN-CARD

2017-05-23T05:00:00.000-04:00

I LOVE the new Eastern Palace Suite that SU has made available THIS MONTH before the catalog goes live NEXT MONTH. The SUO challenge this week is a masculine card....and I think this would be a great card as a man-card....what do you think? On the other hand I would like to get it as a GIRL too, but it looks more manly than most of my cards.....I mean, there are NO FLOWERS, right? This new set with the dies and stamps is the BOMB, and this new lemon lime color knocks my socks off! We haven't had a color like this in literally YEARS - in fact the last time we had one I was afraid of it....but this one I love, I guess I have gained color maturity over the years. At any rate I have started playing with this suite and have gotten almost NOTHING ELSE DONE FOR DAYS.....but for now I must lay my head upon my pillow and get some sleep as tomorrow I am going into work early. Happy Tuesday everyone! Until next time, Karen

CALLING BOLD POSIES.......

2017-05-09T05:00:00.000-04:00

The SUO challenge blog this week is watercolors.....so I did this one with reinkers and a paintbrush and my pads....and the color challenge over on SCS this week was using some combo of the retiring in -colors and I chose watermelon and mint macaron, - the two in this bunch that make me wanna cry to say goodbye. :( I also threw in some of this old black striped retired ribbon because the card just cried out for some. I suspect some will look at this card and say lose the bow.....and to them I would say design your own card and don't put a bow on it......bahahahaha.....I thought it was literally screaming for this ribbon so there you have it!! Different strokes!! This was a pretty quick and fun card to make - always fun to watercolor!! Okay well, I am off to bed, as I am falling asleep as I type - Happy Tuesday everyone!!! Until next time, Karen

A LITTLE SOFT GOES A LONG WAY.....

2017-04-25T05:00:00.000-04:00

The SUO challenge this week is feminine cards....I think almost every card I make is a feminine card......I really shy away from man cards until I actually NEED one. I kind of cased one of my own cards when I made this one - one I did several years ago -with the bold outline lines which go so well with white embossing. I actually embossed these in white ON the colored paper and then just shaded with a sponge dauber. A wonderful technique if you hate to color- which is certainly NOT the case with me, but a lovely look none the less. :) Happy Tuesday everyone!! Happy Stamping!! Until next time, Karen

SUCCULENTS AGAIN!

2017-04-11T05:00:00.000-04:00

The SUO challenge for this week is to make a Sympathy card. I decided to play with this set again as I used it last week when I was hostess for the color challenge. I like this card, but not as much as the one I made last week. It's a fun set though, if you like to color. :) Succulents are crazy IN right now. What's up with that? They've been around for 100's of years but suddenly they are EVERYWHERE. Anyhow I hope you like my succulents. Happy Tuesday everyone!! Until next time, Karen

LOVE IS IN THE AIR......

2017-03-28T05:00:00.000-04:00

The SUO challenge for today is April themes, and I thought of the beginning of wedding season....and came up with Love is in the Air~ I love this hot air balloon and this is actually my first card with it! i used flowers from Jar of Love which is one of my favorite sets of all time...endless possibilities.....and as for now I am falling asleep posting this so I will say goodnight!! Goodnight!! Until next time, Karen