by Susan Itell | Feb 23, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Good Morning and here is to a TERRIFIC TUESDAY! Monday’s at horse shows are “down days” and it was a jammies day for Milo and I most of the day. I was so happy as I completed all of my posts for the week for you and I think that you are going to enjoy them.
We made the trek to the barn to get Stanley out of his stall…stretch is legs and let him have some nibble of grass. Milo had FUN running around the show grounds as it was quite. He is being a real trooper and a great companion company to me!
You know that I have “technical problems” as that part of my brain simply does not work and yesterday I was on the phone with Apple (they have simply AMAZING support) and I was switched to person after person (which I am fine with as that is why I love their support, if they do not know…they get someone else to help you)
I know that many of you are going to “Laugh out loud with this” but I wish you could have heard this poor guy trying to get me to “get it” about what an I Cloud is…I was trying to get a grip with all of my photos….(I do have a to do list to knock off while I am here) and getting my computer organized is one of them!
I keep getting many emails about some products that I have found to be helpful (that I purchased from Amazon) and I thought that I would re-post them for you and also I have a NEW ONE….that YEP – you need to buy (2) as you will love it and then also but one for a friend!
I often get asked, Do you just use exclusive Stampin’ Up! Products?….truthfully no, I find products like I am sharing with you to be super helpful with doing what I do so if I find them to be practical….I want to share them with you as well as we all love crafting but there are little things that make out life easier!
Here is my new favorite obsession…
- Tombow MONO Sand Eraser – WHAT IS IT.??? – a dream !….click here to see the link and you can read the product descriptions. I think that you all will know what I mean…have you ever had a little boo-boo on a card and you need to “clean it up” a bit but an eraser wouldn’t do the trick…this does…it is a super soft sand eraser that will be the BEST boo-boo fixer you’ll ever use!
2. Mesh Bags – Now to another product that I just would not be without! I feel like I always like to keep projects “safe and clean” and I use these below bags for so many things…my stamping projects, kits, I like to keep needlepoint in them – they are just so darn handy!
I have found them to be cheaper at the Container Store….One of my ALL TIME FAVORITE STORES…..Click here to see them….Amazon does have them but they are more expensive. I use all sizes and they are just the handiest bags….I often make cookies for the barn and put them in our sketched dot bags….these bags are perfect as they keep them clean, water proof and you can see thorough them – love that feature!
3. Stick It – I used this today again when I was stampin….(you’ll see it on Thursday) – this is AMAZING….and it makes having “fun” even more “fun” You can click here to see the link at Amazon.
I did a Step it up Sunday post and a video….please check them out and I think that you can see the beauty of this product!
4. Cling Vinyl – This is a GREAT product that you can cut to fit your acrylic blocks and it is a HUGE HELP to have your clear stamps stick to your blocks. I know that many of us find it SUPER frustrating to have a stamp fall off our block when we go to stamp (sound familiar – trust me…been there – done that)
Click here to see it at Amazon….if you have stampin’ friends….this package goes a LONG way…..split it with several friends!
That’s it for today! I have many more tips like this to share with you so stay tuned….I know that this type of post is probably not the smartest one for me to share as I should be blogging about Stampin’ Up! Products….but by now you know me….if I find something that makes it easy….I love to share – Please let me know if you find these post helpful! I am all about helping you be organized……
SWITCHING GEARS….to Stampin’ Up! It is Tuesday and you know what that means…NEW WEEKLY DEALS – click here to see them!
We are so fortunate that Stampin’ Up! offers these to us. It is as much of a surprise to me each week as it is to you….I just love suprises….how about YOU!?!?! I hope to see you tomorrow….I have a trio of goodies that will bring a smile to your face! Have a great day!
by Susan Itell | Feb 22, 2016 | Thinking of you |
Good Monday Morning…are you smiling? 🙂 I sure hope so as here is a bouquet of flowers for you! I have blogged this card before….but I have made some fresh changes for you….after all, I am sure that the old flowers needed some fresh water! 🙂
I am still referencing back to the question I threw your way the other day about how do you go about in making a card. I totally feel that if you have a card that works…do it and use it over and over! If it worked for you the first time…than guess what???? It will work for you again!
You can see that there are so many ways for you to create this fun card…change up colors of the flowers…use fun prints for a vase. The key to this card (in my eyes) is to use stampin dimensionals to pop up several of the flowers.
The over all size of the card is a 5″ Square Card….this is super fun….there is nothing like a square card. True it does require extra postage but I think that we can all agree, it is well worth it!
The white base that the flowers are on is a 4 1.2″ square and then I matted it with 1/8″ larger mat in So Saffron. Before you adhere the white to the saffron take it to you scoring tool and add some embossed lines (if you look close you can see that I did 2 lines on the left and right sides and 1 lines on the top and bottom.
The vase was made with the Circle Framelits, #7 framelit. I am super limited with my supplies while I am away from home so I used the gel pen to add some fun to the flowers and some subtle candy dots!
By now you know how I roll…just go for it! The sentiment is from the Greatest Greetings Stamp Set (Occasions Catalog) and the fun and fresh sentiment of “sending smiles” did the trick. Doing a super fast stamp on a scrap and then mat it….makes it fun and interesting – try it, I know that you will like it as it is super fast!
The finale of this FUN card….the custom envelope – sooooo darn easy with the envelope punch board….it is a very easy tool to use and the best thing – it is on SALE….but it ends today! Keep reading and I will share with you the specials!
Today’s post I am really showcasing 3 products that are on the weekly deals….CLICK HERE to see them.
- Envelope Punch Board – ON SALE – $15.00 – A MUST HAVE TOOL
- Pansy Punch – ON SALE – $12.00 – See next paragraph
- Fast Fuse Refill – ONE SALE – $5.63 – MY NEW OBSESSION…it is like learning to ride a bike….ONCE YOU GET IT, YOU’VE GOT IT!….you get soooooo much more than the snail refill….with the fast fuse you get 21.9 yards versus 13.1 yards….I love it to use with 3-d’s when I am too lazy to reach for the tear and tape!
You know that when you purchase a bundle you save an instant 15% ….and the Flower Shop Bundle is a wise purchase. In the long run…you will save a bit more to purchase the bundle rather than getting the punch at 25% off and then the stamp set separately. You will see in the below showcased products the pricing for the bundle.
That’s it my friends…..I hope that you enjoyed this post (again) and I hope that I have inspired you to make a fun and special card like this to make someone smile…you all always make me smile! Enjoy the day!
by Susan Itell | Feb 21, 2016 | Step it up Sunday!, Uncategorized |
Well…I told you….I said that you will see a difference with today’s card that was soooo simple yet sooooo effective! I know that this is a stamp that could easily be brushed over but step back and look at it – it really is fun and different with all of the different “thanks” in different languages.
Here you can see them side by side and I think that you will like today’s version….having that “little extra sentiment” tips it up and over! In getting back to our little talk the other day about where do we come up with ideas…..today’s card was inspired to me by my dear friend and downline, Jeanie. She sent me this card with the concept of the extra sentiment and I have always kept it.
When I see a card that I really like….I keep it…sketch it down….or have a file in my computer. I encourage you to do this….there are times that you can go back to ones that “touched your heart” and either case it….or make some simple changes and roll with it!
To me, the heat embossing with the clear powder makes this card. Embossing with clear powder is such a classic touch and it gives that tone on tone WOW that is simple, yet effective.
Today I trimmed down the embossed area and matted it on very vanilla that was just a wee bit larger. To this, I cut a piece of white fun foam to lift it up – I am lovin’ this as when you hold a card in your hand…it is super solid – just a great feel!
This sentiment is from “one of the great ones” from the Annual Catalog…..Something to Say Stamp Set. I invite you to look at sentiments that you have and see how you can add it to a card to give a different twist like I shared with you today!
You’ve heard me time and time again….use what you have….look at what you have and then see how you can it work in a different, non traditional way! Punches are our friends…they are our speed tools and you can see how a quick POP out…layer them together and BAM!!!
You can see on this stamp set that it also coordinates with the MUST HAVE Itty Bitty Accent Punches….these are just wonderful for little accents. Today, I did not use the flower stamp….I just punched it out of the card stock!
It is funny…..It was very hard fro me to decide what products to take with me while in Gulf Port…and yep…this trio and the scalloped punch made it in the truck. WHY??? The are great basics and staples to have to make clean and simple cards!
The envelope, the same from yesterday is a classic cutie. When you do an envelope like this…You can get 3 envelopes lined like this from a 6×6 piece of DSP stack. I simply cut it into 2″ pieces and then when you add a 1/4″ of the solid card stock …BAM – sit back and smile!
One question I get asked often, how to I adhere my envelopes…GREEN GLUE. it works…it is easy …it is fast! Remember, if you get too much out…no worries, just let it “set up” for a couple of minutes and then add the paper. After I adhere them I take my craft scissors and cut away the excess!
I “THANK YOU” for popping in and I think that you all enjoy the clear embossing. Embossing is always a WOW….always a smile maker!. I strongly think that using the embossing buddy is KEY for clean embossing….there is nothing worse than going through the heat process to find that you have stray embossing!
I do plan to do a video on embossing…I know that many of you would like to see the process. You have heard me say this as well before a bunch! We are ALL at different levels of paper crafting. Some are new kids on the block and then there are others that have been around a while…My hopes for you and my blog is to be able to walk away inspired and also be able to teach you. I am sure that there are many that have never heat embossed….a video will help you see the fun!
Yesterday was a settle in day…..Stanley is great….Milo is great….Susan is great…..so life is pretty great! All is great on the home front….Eddie is eating up a storm (I was worried that he might slip back a bit but quite the contrary) and John has promised me that he is being nice to Daisy Mae.
Get ready for SPRING tomorrow – I have a fun uplifting card for you…..I think that a bunch of the country had a beautiful day of weather yesterday….and it “sparked” a blast from the past that always is a hit….I know that you will love it….COME ON SPRING!
by Susan Itell | Feb 20, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Before we get to the WINNER…..I have a ridiculous SIMPLE SATURDAY for you today! Now I have already warned you not to laugh….as it really is so silly easy but you know how I feel about single stamps…..they are keepers and this is one that is a classic…A world of thanks!
Trust me…when you pop back tomorrow, you will see how this really is a keeper and one that would make your life super easy! I need to admit….I typed this up on Thursday night and just POPPING in the winner at the bottom as I knew that I had a long day!
Enjoy the pictures….and then I do hope that you will pop back tomorrow for 3 reasons…..
- You will see how this will come to a “WOW, why did I not think of it” (you will see that I did not think of it – Jeanie did)
- I had lots of time to think about this question I asked of you and I want to be honest and share with you some ideas
- I want to be able to read through your comments and then highlight some of them!
Now let’s get to the WINNER!!!!! WOW….lots of comments and I will be SUPER HONEST….my trek was 14 + hours and I have not been able to read all of your answers…..but PLEASE know that today I will and when you POP back tomorrow….I have some additional thoughts for you…as I think that this TIME thing is something that GETS ALL OF US!!!
WOOT-WOOT…..way to go Ramsey, please email me with your address and I will gladly send you that MUST HAVE BRUSH….I adore it and I know you will too!
I made it safe and sound but there were some hiccups….I am pooped but today is a NEW DAY!!!! Please pop back tomorrow….I know that this card is a bit boring but tomorrow you will see something FUN!!!!
I cannot wait to sit at the horse show today….see friends…..enjoy the beauty…and smile while I read your comments! See you tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Feb 19, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Good Morning! Most likely when you are reading this…Stanley, Milo and I are “trucking” our way to Gulf Port. Needless to say it will be a L O N G day for me (so please think of us) and this has been a busy week trying to get my “ducks in a row” to make the trek.
I have had the past 1 1/2 days with Hannah and it has been great….Stanley looks fabulous and we are excited to go to Gulf Port. (Hannah will not be joining is until next weekend) so it is just me and my boys!
SO…..LET’S GET SOME CHATTING GOING!
I think that we all like to hear from each other as this is a way that we learn…get ideas….inspiration so I thought that it would be fun to hear some feed back!
Please leave a comment and let us know…when you go to create a card…do you have a “plan” in place or do you just say “I am going to make a card”
Here is my answer:
When I go to make a card…I first pick out the theme that I am needing (as I do try to make my cards for my blog for a specific purpose) and then I think if the color scheme that I like, the stamp set…and then just go for it!
I use to spend a bunch of time looking at pinterest….going to You Tube etc…..but I realized that it was a HUGE TIME GOBBLER but I think that you all agree that you can spend a BUNCH of time surfing! I LOVE those options but I have to limit my time as I tend to get lost in time….as we all know there are soooo many ideas!
I will RANDOMLY PICK A WINNER and announce it tomorrow with my Simple Saturday Post….and GET READY for simple….(make sure that you do not have coffee in your mouth when you see this post – you will BURST OUT LAUGHING)!
What will you win??? One of my NEW MUST HAVE FAVORITES….the Big Shot Die Brush.….it is a dream…just LOVE it and I would love to give it to one of you for sharing a comment with everyone!
Hearing from each other we learn…and I love to learn from you – thanks for your support, your comments and your endless inspiration to give to me!
