by Susan Itell | Jun 15, 2014 | Super Easy |
1st…a BIG Happy Fathers Day to all of those great Dad's out there and I hope that your families are able to have a fun day!
We had a big surprise…one of the "peeps" came home to surprise John! He was so touched and even though he is here for less than 24 hours…we are going to make the most of it!
John and I are starting our day taking a walk/run at the Antietam Battlefield. It is right near our house and it is a beautiful spot to walk. John is doing so well…he is up to a 6 mile walk/run and each and every step I see him take I think back to his injury – I am so proud of him!
This is a "Simple Susan" card and you do not need me for this but I will still walk you through it! This little guy is just adorable and you can bet that this will be a Breast Cancer Card in July! Do you remember last week I was saying I adore the single stamps that are in the catalog this year…well this is one of them!
Adorable…right??? The best part is that it is just $9.95! He is soooooo cute!
The base of the card is from good old faithful, the white note-card & envelopes and then this wowzers Designer Series Paper is called Lullaby. I adore the colors as it can be suitable for so many different cards and I am especially fond of stripes – too cute!
The watercolor part is 2 3/4" X 4" and then I used the Black Staz On to stamp the adorable image and then the aqua painter did their trick! The colors I used were crumb cake, Hello Honey, Lost Lagoon & Chocolate Chip.
CONFESSION: I did not do the best job coloring this today (especially after yesterdays great card) but I did not have my "readers" and it is not very subtle…the crazy thing is that I used Chocolate Chip for shadowing the ears and his nose…and as it dried – it turned up with a "red look" - weird!
I matted it with the new in color, lost lagoon just a smidge larger and then popped it up with Stampin' Vitamins…too darn tootin easy! The Big Shot and the envelope liner framelit was the quick last touch!
I hope that this sweet card should make you smile – it is a breeze to whip up and you better believe that I will do it again for you in a totally different way! So fun and fast!
Have a fabulous day, make some memories and tomorrow is the Monday personal challenge for you all….I hope that you pop back but more importantly I hope that you try the challenge! There are so many of you growing and growing with developing your own style – I am so proud of you!
Happy Fathers Day…have a great day and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jun 14, 2014 | Super Easy, Sympathy, Watercoloring |
The minute I saw this stamp set I knew that it would be making its way to my home…isn't it simply beautiful! This is a "hostess stamp set" and I think Stampin' Up! has out done themselves this catalog with all of the great offerings!
This was an easy-peasy card to make and one that would be easily a great layout to "mass produce", perhaps change up the sentiment etc…I know that I used a bunch of paper today but I think all of the layers "make it" and you know me…I take FULL ADVANTAGE of saving paper and the pieces that are covered up…I have popped out with punches!
I always try to make my posts for all levels of Stampers but I want you to know how you can earn a hostess stamp set like this – there are several ways!
- If you have an order that totals over $150.00, that automatically means that you have spent enough to earn $25.00 in hostess dollars and this stamp set is $23.00 (wood) and $17.00 (clear)
- If you wish for me to give you a hostess code and you obtain orders from family and friends (they will be shipped directly to them so you do not have to live in the same area) – you can earn hostess dollars
- If you wish for me to teach a class or have a one on one with you I would LOVE it…(I have even had skype sessions to help people learn techniques)
See the below chart and you will see the various levels of earning potentials!
Remember, all orders that are placed through me this week will have the opportunity to win the hostess dollars from my sales this week…just put in the hostess code of YJ4EWY3C and you could be the lucky winner!
Lets get to the card today! This was so much fun to make and WOW – easy as pie!
The base and the envelopes are the new Crumb cake Note card & Envelopes and I am so happy that they have come out with this in this color! To me, this is the perfect size for a quick note! Here you go – I have the dimensions for you but I really….REALLY want you to try this easy technique!
- You can see that there are many layers and it is these layers that help create the simple WOW factor for this card!
- The Water Color Paper (and YES – use Water Color Paper) is 2 1/2" X 3 1/2". I simply took the markers in the following colors: Hello Honey, Old Olive, and Soft Suede and colored the stamp with the brush tip end.
- Using a super simple tool that think we all forget about and heck – you get (2) for just under $3.00…I did a quick "Spritz" of water on the stamp and then stamped it to the Water Color Paper….MAGIC – it is a bit wet so be patient and let it dry!
I matted this onto a piece of Hello Honey that is 2 5/8” X 3” and then onto a piece of Soft Suede that is 3” X 4”.
The Crumb Cake is 3 ¼” X 4 3/8” and then I wanted to use the new satin stitched ribbon in Hello Honey so I did a simple diagonal wrap around this piece before adhering it down! This ribbon is great to work with!
Now you can add the layered water colored piece and POP it with Stampin’ Dimensionals! WOWZERS! The font on the sentiment is super cute…and a simple mat of soft suede is all that is needed!
TIP: When you have a small sentiment like this, I find it easier to use the brush end of the marker than using the stamp pad. Sometimes I get too much ink on the stamp and it blotches! (That’s the type A in me…)
Let’s talk about this stamp set again. When saw it and I knew about the blendabilities I was doing this HAPPY DANCE as this is a PERFECT stamp set for these new markers. I will do a future post using these markers!
I lined the back flap today with the Moonlight Designer Series Stack and it was the fast, finishing touch!
Please do not be afraid to try water-coloring. It is really fun and it does make you feel like an artist at heart!
I always wanted to be able to paint…my art classes in school were not the best – I made great “stick people” and mastered a "primitive tree with leaves"…but when I do a card like this…I stand back and I am proud of myself!
That’s a feeling that I want you to have as well – you can do it…wouldn’t this be super fun in sooo many color palettes? Please give it a whirl!
I hope that this card has inspired you today. I was very pleased with it…hopefully you can find some “me” time and play with paper this weekend!
As always, I appreciate your comments and if you need to email me…please do so – I love what I do and I love helping you! Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jun 13, 2014 | Birthday |
I must admit…I am a classic at heart! I learned that honestly from my wonderful Mom and as she used to say…you can't go wrong with a clean, crisp white blouse and a navy blazer! I know that she would adore this card!
I have blogged many times before that I adore paper, and this card uses a bunch of paper but remember….use the inside parts that no one will see and pop out punches…use framelits if you can…just make it work for you!
Let's get to it…this is easy and it does create a WOW factor and I suggest that you play around with colors! Before we go further, I have received many emails that people have been receiving their Ribbon Shares…well – I do plan to offer them again next week as I keep receiving emails…the ribbon this year is just wonderful!
HANDS DOWN – the one ribbon that totally shocked me with how luscious it is is the 5/8" satin ribbon! Today I am using the silver….but WOWZERS – the gold is elegant and will be amazing at the holidays!
The finished size of this card is 5 1/4" Square Card in Night of Navy! You can see that today I did not make an envelope but I easily could have with the envelope punch board! This is going to a special friend with a cake! YUMMERS!
The stamped image is a 3 1/2" square and it is stamped with the super new stamp set, Age Awareness! This is a photopolymer set and this makes it so easy for perfect placement! Love this set – I matted it a "smidge" larger….just 1/8"!
The next layer is Night of Navy at 4 3/4" square and then the magic happened with the Flowering Flourishes Stamp Set and I stamps it with Versa Mark – next was the White Embossing Powder and then "heated up" with the Heat Tool. ( I must admit…I get as excited doing this technique as I did the 1st time – it's magic)
Again, I matted this piece a "smidge larger" and then added that beautiful ribbon…..to the base card! I was tickled with the end result and I can see that this will be a "keeper" card for me! When you break it down, it is an easy card and the end result will always bring a smile to the recipient!
The stamped image was "lifted up" with Stampin' Dimensions to give it that special finished touch! I can not imagine "card making" without these gems!
That's it…so are you going to try it? I sure hope so as it really is a pretty card! Play around with colors – bolds – neutrals…the sky is the limit!
WOOT-WOOT – I am happy that it is Friday – we have a fun weekend ahead and I am looking forward to Sunday, my Dad is in town and naturally John will appreciate a yummy breakfast to start his day!
Thanks for popping by, please subscribe to my blog if you have not done so…I love blogging and I love what I do! Have a great day and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jun 12, 2014 | Super Easy |
It's Thursday – and that's another opportunity for you to have fun with color! This week is a color challenge and it is a fun and festive one! If you do not have these specific colors…no worries – the Pals Team just want you to play along!
I will be more than happy to help you upload your take on the challenge, you do not need to have a blog, you do not need to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator…email me, and I will be happy to help you!
Before we get to today's card…let's chat about the blog hop yesterday!!! Wasn't it fantastic! I am always so amazed with all of the talent, fresh ideas, unique ideas…there were 27 of us hopping away….this was my take on my favorites – click here!
This card is so easy to make and I have made it before using fall colors. You know how I feel about great layouts…if they work and you like them…do them over and over again! (Think about the favorite pair of shoes we all seem to have – you do not think twice on that - do you!?!?)
You can see that this card does not even have a sentiment and that is just fine…it has it's own statement on it's own…It is a 4 X 4 card and I made the envelope with the Envelope Punch Board…
I have lots of pictures for you but here is the BEST tip I can give to you…do not mount down the top square until the very end as you can see that it is "tucked under" the blue one….(look at the tip I gave you on the picture)
To see the other cards that I made with this layout click here and here. The key points to this card are really simple and this uses a minimal amount of product!
Talk about easy!
- (8) squares of 2 different patterns at 1 1/4" squares
- Using the grids on my Stampin Up Grid Paper to keep them straight – I adhered them together and then PRESTO – put each of the 1 1/4" squares all the way around!
The Designer Series Paper came from the new Maritime Collection. The patterns and colors are so bold and sharp!
To the center I used a white button from the neutrals collection but the best is the ribbon….this is the NEW 1/4 cotton ribbon and hands down – this was the most popular ribbon that I offered in my ribbon share! (I am going to offer another round of ribbon shares next week as I keep getting emails!!!)
This ribbon is just beautiful – an answer to my bow challenged hands – the colors is comes in are AMAZING and the ease of it is wonderful!
Here is a great tip for you…we all know how small the holes are on the buttons…use the BEST RIBBON CUTTING SCISSORS IN THE WORLD, the and cut the ribbon on a sharp angle…try to get the tip in and then jam the piercing tool in until you can grab a piece of it to pull through!
This makes a great knot and look how super clean these scissors make the edges! I admit that I thought that these scissors were soooo darn expensive – true they are but they are worth every penny…every time I use them I say to myself – I love them!
Last thing to do is the envelope! That is easy with the envelope punch board…simply look at the chart and read the size of card that you have – pull out paper and cut it to the size it tells you….press/score – woot-woot! The liner is that extra touch that I always love!
Do you remember last week when I shared with you a "kit" to take a test drive with Stampin' Up!?
We all love our products and why wouldn't we want to get them at a discount…I have yet to meet someone that does not enjoy a deal!
Pick up your rental car for just $50.00 and you can fill it up with $55.00 worth of goodies…look below for another great take on a collection!
I think by now you all know that I love what I do…it is a honor to be on the PALS team with Mary Fish and I would love to have you on my fun team! I love clean and simple projects and I adore helping you have the confidence to have fun creating works of art!
Email me, I'd love to chat! Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jun 11, 2014 | PALS Blog Hops |
Welcome to the June Pals Blog Hop. This month we are excited to show off new Stampin' Up! products from the just released 2014-15 annual catalog and idea book. We hope you find great inspiration from the projects. Get your wish list ready!
You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from the 1st stop – Natalie Bradley at Natalie Bradley Events on the Pals Hop. If you get off track at any time, the full lineup below will help you move along from blog to blog so you see all of the amazing creations.
Wow…where do I begin as there as so many great new products with this catalog and I am still looking through it finding more and more and my head has been spinning with ideas! To me – this new catalog lends itself to clean, simple, fresh and FUN projects!
I am just going to dive in and list the products that I have used for this card….(and I know it seems like a bunch…but when you look at it – they are "key" products that are staples in card making!) The other "KEY" factor that I adore about this catalog is the fact that there are several "single" stamps just like this camera and will not break the bank and you can have a bunch of fun with them!
I haven't used this color for a while, blushing bride, but I think it is super with the Sahara Sand! I am just rolling with the products (with a couple comments) – please know that you can click the thumbnails below and it will go right into your shopping cart! Easy…right!
- Snap Shot Stamp – WOWZERS – just $9.95
- Hip Notes Stamp Set - A keeper of a stamp set!
- Large Polka Dot Embossing Folder (WOWZERS – a must have)
- Memento Ink (my new favorite black ink…so easy to clean, especially on the clear stamps)
- Squares Framelits ( I used the #5 & #6 for the frame)
- Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (Another MUST have…love it!)
- Big Shot (No-brainer…a must have for all projects)
- Stampin' Dimensionals ( we all need a dose of stampin' vitamins)
- White Gel Pen (another – would not be without….do NOT stand it upright)
- Stamp-a-ma-jig (Perfect placement everytime – I have a love affair with this tool)
This card just makes me smile – I think that the embossing folder is the 1st factor that makes me happy! Trust me – you will be seeing alot of this gem! I also lined the back flap with the textured solid paper! You see…there are times that plain and simple works!
Here is another thing I adore to do…gently push the centers of the flowers with the stylus tool and then add a simple punch from the Owl Punch for the centers! I always look at them and think they are getting "sunshine" with how the petals curl!
Do you remember when I said that I was thrilled that Stampin' Up! has come out with so many affordable single stamps that carry a big punch…look at page 167 and the Water Color Thank you….LOVE IT – I just made over 50+ of them that I blogged about last week….just adore these single stamps!
O.k….you have had enough with me today….you have got to go HOPPING as there is a TON of inspiration out there! I blog daily and if you want a dose of fun inspiration – please subscribe to my blog! I feel sooooo blessed to be a part of Mary Fish's Team and the PALS do have a ton of fun and they are an endless source of inspiration to me!
The next stop is #3 Jackie Diediker at Stampin' Jackie on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you next month.
This catalog is fun…and I know that you are going to be sooo darn inspired with all of this talent!
- Natalie Bradley at Natalie Bradley Events
- Susan Itell at Simple Stampin
- Jackie Diediker at Stampin' Jackie
- Christie Crosby at Stampin' Creativity
- Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping
- Colleen Mollema at Uncanny Crafting
- Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
- Patti MacLeith at Papercrafts by Patti
- Michelle Quinno at Shell's Life
- Kerry Willard Bray at Peonies and Paper Chains
- Sherrie Gross at Stampin' Sunshine
- Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat
- Wendy Klein at Doggone Delightful Stampin'
- Michelle Gleeson at StampinMojo
- Kelly DeTommaso at Kelly's Creative Corner
- Peggy Noe at prettypapercards
- Sue Becker at RnR Stamping
- September Gray at SeptemberGray.com
- Brian King at Stamp With Brian
- Diane Roberts at Score at Four and a Quarter
- Donna Kopenski at craftycardmaker.wordpress.com
- Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
- Debra Simonis at Deb's Stampin' Grounds
- Nancy Gleason at My Stampin Space
- Amy Williams at Stamps and Spice
- Rae Harper-Burnet at WildWestPaperArts.com
- Martie Pollard at Crafty Bandit
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