by Susan Itell | Mar 29, 2016 | Uncategorized |
It is super hard to believe but it is Paper Pumpkin’s 3rd Birthday! Whew…they have come A LONG WAY BABY!!!! Here is another fun fact ~they have shipped the ONEMILLIONTH kit this month….WHAT A GREAT BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!!!
I know that many of you already are subscribers and I want to do a REACH OUT to those who have not given this a try to say…..GO FOR IT for 3 reasons….please do not click me off…..and hear me out (I think that you know by now….I am upfront on sharing the fun)
- Your kit will come to your mailbox every month with EVERYTHING ready for you to have fun….all cut with no guess work!
- If you sign up BEFORE MARCH 31st, you will get a small discount but the BEST thing is that you will be able to pick a FREEBIE of a Sale~A~Bration goodie (boo….this fun time is coming to an end on Thursday)
- In the April Kit…there will be a BONUS Photopolymer Stamp Set….(valued at $17.00 ~ it is called All about Everything) in the APRIL KIT along with the regular kit goodies like you do every month…..I am SUPER~DE~DUBER excited 🙂
If you are currently a Paper Pumpkin subscriber and have a kit scheduled to arrive in April, you will automatically get this free stamp set! This has been a fabulous program to watch grow over the years. I have been a member since the very beginning and I am amazed at how far they have come.
True….there are some months that I am not as crazy about as others but doesn’t that happen to all of us in various aspects of life? I always seem to find other ways to use the stamps and I fun it SUPER FUN to try to use the kits in a totally different way than they were set out to be!
I have not had a chance to put together my March Kit as I have simply not had the time but trust me….when I can find some “me time” – I will do so and then also try to use the stamps in other ways! Here is the video of the stamp set and then below this….look at these FUN cards that were made using the stamp set that was in the March kit…..I say WOOT-WOOT!!!!
I ADORE these below….how about you!? To me it is a fun monthly game that I play to see what I can do with what is in the kit! The other perk that is super is….when you are a part of this program you can purchase the refill kits….I usually do as I love to stretch the stamp sets and CASE great samples like these!
You know what today is….TUESDAY DEALS….CLICK HERE to see the offerings! I must say…I still get excited to wake up on Tuesdays and see what the offerings are…who doesn’t like a surprise…and who doesn’t like a deal!
Stampin’ hugs my friends!
p.s. – remember …
- the 3 month subscription is on sale for $55.00 ~ the you can pick ONE SALE~A~BRATION ITEM
- the 6 month subscription will get you TWO SALE~A~BRATION ITEMS
- the year subscription will get you FOUR SALE~A~BRATION ITEMS
by Susan Itell | Mar 28, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Good Monday to all and I need to start by saying, I MISSED YOU! I hope that you all had a fabulous Easter weekend and that you were able to spend time with family and friends! My apologies for not posting the past 2 days but WOWZERS…..it was super busy and to be honest…I just couldn’t fit it in!
Today I wanted to share with you the cards that I did for the event on Saturday! I loved many of your comments on Friday and trust me, I was thinking of you all before I left for the event because I would have done just about anything to have extra hands….but ~ it went GREAT and my JOY TANK was FILLED TO THE BRIM as there were lots of smiling and happy faces for this special Easter Egg Hunt. 🙂
I have LOTS of pictures for you as I know that you LOVE pictures but at the end of the post I am going to share with you the INCREDIBLE MISSION of this Easter Egg Hunt and I hope that you will grab an extra cup of coffee and visit the website and see…that there is still GOOD in today’s world and it was my privilege and pleasure to help this amazing young lady out for this event.
Let’s DIVE in but truly it is sooooooooo darn tootin’ easy that the pictures will tell the story! I prepared for 210 cards and I came home with 17….so you can see that there were a BUNCH OF CARDS made in 2 hours! I had the (3) choices and then the FUN BEGAN!
I used the sentiments from the Greatest Greeting Stamp Set (Occasions Catalog) – I adore sentiment stamps and this worked out perfectly for all 3 cards! I am actually going to do a similar card on Thursday so please pop back and see what I came up with for the Pals Paper Art Cahllenge, super cute but super simple…just the way I like it!
Before the event…I admit, I did a bunch of “prep” work as confusion and I sometimes leads to a “Stressed Susan” ~ (just being honest). I pre-stamped all of the overlays in a variety of colors as I knew that the washi tape that they chose would dictate what color they would want.
Just look how fun and easy this is…there were LOTS of smiles! I know that we all have washi tape that we bought and then we see it sit there and then you say….“Why did I buy this?”.…well ~ hopefully this post will bring some light and inspiration to you!
Buttons are another thing that I bet many of you have around….yep….just sitting there taking up space and not getting used! This card was PERFECT for the large buttons….this is the size that I use the least but now…..my stash has a new purpose.
I prepared for 50 of these cards as I thought that this would be the least favorite for the kids to make…but to my surprise…all 50 buttons were SWOOPED UP and again, many smiles! I have not used these framilts, Floral Frames….not sure why but it worked perfectly for this!
Before the event I did tie all of the bakers twine and had them in a shallow container for them to pick out the color….a simple glue dot – again…more smiles! I know that many of you are thinking about the bulk of mailing this card….I encourage you to make one and then you can see the smile you have and see that it is worth the extra postage.
This Butterfly sure had been getting a bunch of blog time lately with me. YEP….it is from the Bold Butterfly Thinlits and how adorable it this! I was so surprised at how many of the kids covered their paper with the washi…they used different directional patterns…..some overlaid several tapes ~ it was super fun to see how they made them.
Hoenestly, these pictures do not give these cute cards the WOW that they were. I had all of the Stampin’ Up! Washi Tape that I have plus I was afraid that I would run out so I went and bought a bunch more so there were LOTS OF CHOICES...and we all know, we love our choices.
Now I ask you…..are you smiling? This was a fun project to do and I highly encourage you to make one of these cards just to see how fun it is to use up your washi tape and die cuts.
You might be thinking…why didn’t you just go ahead and cut out the dies and then put the tape around? Trust me…this was so easy as all I did was cut pieces of paper to the minimal size and then the kids just placed the tape to their liking and then I had a Big Shot Station that a simple crank through did the trick and then is was clean and super easy to add dimensionals and again, smile! 🙂
Do you know what the BEST PART of this was…all of these cards are going to Ghana and I invite you to go to this website and see the foundation and the BEAUTIFUL BASKETS that are made from some amazing hands! This is an adorable photo below of a little girl holding a card that we did last year.
The cards that were made on Saturday are going to brighten many children and adults…as on Saturday the people that made the cards either wrote a fun note…drew a picture…a simple smiley face etc….you have no idea how much these simple cards brighten their day!
Here is a collage that I put together showcasing the event on Saturday. It was wonderful. It was a family filled day of fun activities…good old fashion Easter fun….an egg hunt of over 3,500 eggs and the best thing…it was going to an amazing cause. I am super proud of Erin, the young lady that has created this foundation. Her parents are friends of ours and it is such a joy to see the love and passion she has for such a great program.
Doing an event like this is all I need to know that what we all do does make a difference. Please do not underestimate the power of sending a simple card. Priceless! Not only do we feel good about creating…the recipients love it as well. Gifts of Art made from your Heart does make a difference 🙂
This is the last week to take advantage of Sale~A~Bration….check your staples that you use often…stock up on them….and get a freebie – it is that simple. I think the offerings this year are wonderful.
If you want to be super smart….go ahead and get the ultimate bundle….pick $155.00 worth of ANYTHING and just pay $99.00 plus Free Shipping….. this IS the ultimate bundle and you will be happy as you will be able to order the new catalog items and get 20% off instantly. It is that easy – PERIOD!
by Susan Itell | Mar 25, 2016 | Uncategorized |
After reading all of the great comments on Wednesdays Post and then doing the butterfly post yesterday….it just seemed to be natural to continue on! (Sounds like a great plan…right????) Well….let’s consider yesterdays and today’s post for your weekly 2 day post…..simple and stepped up because of this being a holiday weekend!
I do not think that you will be disappointed in this post as I think that you will clearly see the beauty of this stamp set ! I simply do not know why I have not played with this stamp set more….it is a keeper and I would definitely purchase it as a bundle to get the 15% off!
Yesterday I used the intricate framelit from the framelits and let the simple beauty of the framelit do its thing….and today I am focusing on the stamp set and how you can do layered stamping to make the magic happened!
Remember that at the end of the post you will see the supplies that I used. This is SUPER FUN and oh soooooooo easy but it looks hard….I just love that when that happens as not only is it a show stopped….but it is a rewarding process to do – and I smiled!
I encourage you to go to Pinterest and google this stamp set, Watercolor Wings….and you will be in awe of all of the ideas and color combinations that many have graciously shared….and then GO HAVE FUN!
I used the same (2) stamp sets that I did yesterday (Fabulous Four and Watercolor Wings) but I changed and did stamping instead of letting the framlits be the star! For this color combination – to get this look, you use (3) different stamps…and the order that I stamped it is: It really is as easy as this 1~2~3!
The (3) different stamps are clearly marked that you can see which one to use in each of the progression.
- Daffodil Delight
- Crushed Curry
- Calypso Coral
I kept the card simple (like yesterdays) and let the butterfly be the fun focal point. To the top panel I cut out the butterfly before I adhered it to the card base and then using glue dots…..I secured the beautiful butterfly! You can easily bend the butterfly as much as you like….and the end result – WOW!
Below you will you see that I made a custom envelope in a FUN color… that is what I did today for both of these cards! That envelope punch board is simply the best! (I really feel guilty that it is just $20.00 and is does SOOOOOOO much). I encourage you to try this as it makes a fun and different twist that will set the tone when the recipient goes to the mailbox and sees a FUN COLOR!
Let’s move on to another color combination….I think that this is a beauty of a combination! Same drill as above and yesterday….tone on tone stamping with the fun dots and then I cut out the butterfly! It is so much fun to play around with different color combinations. You will quickly become addicted to making beautiful butterflies and the best things is….you can go ahead and make a bunch of them and then save them to use on a card for the future!
Here is this color combination….
- Pool Party
- Bermuda Bay
- Island Indigo
Time to go to the talk we had on Wednesday! The clear embossing. This post could have 15 more pictures than what I am showing you as I did do an experiment along the way with different techniques.
In a nut shell, the results were very interesting. I found that if I stamped – then went over with the clear embossing powder – heat set….and then repeated this for each layer (remember, you are stamping 3 times to get this effect) was not only time consuming…the color was not as vibrant in the end. I was sad. 😥
I tried the way that Roberta had commented on (see below)
The end result worked just fine on both cards ….it was just interesting to see the difference. What I did to the blue card was add some Wink of Stella clear shimmer pen across the entire butterfly and it was perfect.
I think that the moral to this story is…you can do different things to get a great result. I also tried and it worked great just stamping all 3 like you would normally do and then adding the embossing powder over top – you need to work quick but this worked! The colors were bright and luscious.
I will do another post like I did on Wednesday showing you the “experiment results” – (I feel like my daughter Hannah….in a Science Lab) – I found this to be interesting to see the different results you would get.
WHEW…..sorry that this is SOOOOOO long but I hope that you enjoyed this and I hope that this card has inspired you to take a look at this bundle!
Remember, we are on the final stretch of Sale~A~Bration….there is a FREEBIE stamp set (What I Love) that uses this same technique….of the layered stamping….below is a picture of the card I made last month. I am thrilled that Stampin’ Up! is being “on trend” as this method of layering is HOT!
Please think of me tomorrow morning….I am doing a card craft for 200+ children for this amazing Easter Egg Hunt. YIKES – I must be crazy to do this but it is fun and rewarding to see the kids have fun making a card…I will share with you the (3) simple cards we are making!!!! As always, many thanks for your time and patience with my L O N G blog posts!
p.s. – if you are traveling….be safe – this is a busy travel day! 😀
by Susan Itell | Mar 24, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Good Thursday to all….we have a BUNCH to get to today! I am THRILLED that there was soooooo much chatting going on about yesterday’s post! I LOVED IT and it is a joy to hear your thoughts….I did pop in and leave comments for you and it made me think… POP back tomorrow and see what I have up my sleeve….YOU inspired ME and STAMPIN’ UP! inspired me with today’s card!
Before we get to where this inspiration came from…I am also using this for this weeks PPA Challenge! This week is a color challenge and I thought what I came up with worked perfectly! POP over and see what the designers came up with this week…as always, there are some keepers! Here is the palette – I hope to see your work in the gallery!
Michelle Gleeson is one talented stamper and I am super proud to have her as a friend…unfortunately we do not get to see each other often…..but when we do….non stop chatting…just adore and cherish time with this special lady!
Here is a birds eye view of this beauty of a card! To me…it SCREAMS Spring! I love to see butterflies…they are always fo fun…free…and graceful! We are blessed to have so many great Butterfly Stamp Sets! You can see the supplies I used in the store below and I would encourage you to get this as a bundle to save an instant 15%. We LOVE our BUNDLES! Heck, who doesn’t like a deal 😆
This is a good old A-2 Vertical Card in thick whisper white and then the tone on tone stamp was from the Watercolor Wings Stamp Set. I adore the look of a tone on tone as it is so subtle and soothing.
The butterflies are from the Bold Butterfly Framelit and we all know that this was a huge hit with many 2 weeks ago….click here to see that post! I do recommend that you use the precision plate with this as it makes it so much easier to get the tiny pieces out! A simple glue do it all that is needed to anchor the butterfly.
In the picture below you can see that I did my signature dashes with the So Saffron Pen….I still cannot believe that my white pens BOTH ran out of ink…..there is always another way to do things and I think that this worked out!
The sentiment is a true classic….and one that surely has been put to the test! I think that this font is fabulous and the single words underneath – a perfect touch! I actually stamped this 1st BEFORE I added the Mint Macaron piece to make sure the placement was where I wanted it to be.
Here is the “run down/visual” picture for you. I truly do hope that these help you as it does take some extra work in labeling everything but my thoughts are…if it helps YOU see things together as a total picture, I am happy to take the time ! Also…PIN it – a great reference for the future!
The finale…the beautiful and fun card with a decorative envelope! This is from the Birthday Bouquet DSP…and WOW was that a super popular paper pack this year! The colors are just wonderful and elegant!
Now to where the inspiration came from!!! As a Demonstrator, Stampin’ Up! sends out a fabulous quarterly magazine. It is FILLED with great ideas, tips and tricks….inspiring stories etc….to me ~ this is anther HUGE perk for being a hobbiest demonstrator.
We are in our LAST WEEK of Sale-a-Bration and with that said…now IS the best time to become a hobbiest. It still amazes me that over 96% of all demonstrators are hobbiest.
You know what that tells me…we all LOVE a deal!
I went through a SAB time before I became a SUD as I guess I really did not understand the power and deal that it is! Getting $55.00 in free product and not having to pay for shipping (another savings of $15.50) is a GREAT DEAL! In a nut shell….for $99.00 you can pick $155.00 worth of WHATEVER you heart desires.
There is no obligation for you to sell a darn thing…you do not have to teach, you do not have to blog….you simply do what you want to do, it is as easy as that!
In my mind, one of the best perks becoming a hobbyist now is that you will get to see the new catalog WAY BEFORE IT GOES LIVE and you can get the new kids on the block at a discount and then if you are done….no worries, I’ll still be here and I support and respect your decision….life is all about choices and I just want you to be happy!
Email me if you want to chat……be excited about tomorrow….I had something totally different scheduled for tomorrow but YOU ALL gave me some ideas!
by Susan Itell | Mar 23, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Happy HUMP DAY!!! Yesterday was a day that I can only sum up by saying….I FELT LIKE I WAS CHASING MY TAIL!?!?!?!!!! Have you ever had a day that you wanted to get a BUNCH ACCOMPLISHED….but you just could not get into the groove!?!?!?
I felt like my “TO DO “ list was huge and I think I was having a pity party for myself but no one was showing up…..except Eddie. Sweet Eddie..…he is doing great and he was upstairs with me in my work area…but the others…..snoozing on the job!
I decided to play with some techniques and even though you I am the “clean….simple gal” I thought that I would try something new for you! My question is…I am giving you a “taste” and please leave me a comment if you would like to see a whole post/ maybe a video on the ins and outs!
I had an email from someone asking me if I knew of a good embossing poser in a specific color. We did not have it but I suggested that she used the color that we have and then going back over it with clear embossing powder and PRESTO – you have your own custom embossing powder!
Have you ever tried this?
Below you will see that I used the Flower Patch Stamp set and a variety of colors to make a fun palette! Use any color that you want….and then clean your stamp, pull out the versamark….go over the stamped, inked image and then stamp with the versamark and use the clear embossing powder.
This is what it looks like with the embossing powder before you heat set it….INSTANT MAGIC!
I know that this pictures are not the best….as I was in my work area where there are no windows….but I think that you can get the idea – the end result, a beautiful shiny color that is super rich and elegant….WOW!
Well…would you like to see me do a step by step post with this technique? I know that it is a little different than my clean and simple style….but I will let you give me the feedback – leave me a comment with your thoughts!
You all are the best….thanks for popping in…..thanks for leaving me feedback!
Oh, my, Susan do I have an easy tip for you! One day while I was about to leave a comment on a card in the Splitcoaststamper gallery, the gal told the way she embossed her items without using colored embossing powder. Here’s the details, and I’ve tried this several times and it works: place your stamp into the Versa Mark FIRST (get a good inking) then immediately stamp it into the color of your choice then onto the cardstock. This will not ruin your inkpad. Next, add the clear embossing powder and heat. At first, I thought I had to do it the way you did yours, so I tried it, but I didn’t get the images to line up correctly and got frustrated (no photopolymer stamps were invented back then!) so I went back and did it the way she said and it Worked! Very easy and presto…instant shine! I hope you will give this a whirl sometime~ I’ve told several people this trick and they tried it and were happy.
This method worked great on the yellow one…but when I did the same for the blue…it wasn’t as shiny. I am not sure why, perhaps I needed to ink up my versamark some more or perhaps it could have been the ink properties….I am not sure but the color was rich, it just wasn’t as glossy with the heat embossing.