by Susan Itell | Dec 31, 2015 | Uncategorized |
Are you in disbelief as I am with today being the last day of 2015?
I know that we often say to new parents to enjoy their children while they are young as they grow up soooo fast but I am thinking that the calendar rolls even faster when we are adults?
Does anyone else feel that way or am I on an Island by myself?
Today is the last day for you to have an opportunity to win the BIG DADDY OF MARKERS…from me, this was one of the very first things I purchased when I became a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator. It is a dream machine to have all of the markers in the Neutrals, Brights, Regals and Subtles Collections!
Please click here to see the blog posting about the scoop on how you can have a chance to win this and also a handmade card from me!
I did something fun and different this month so you will have the opportunity to win “tickets” (which means more opportunities to win) and tonight I will share with you the winner….
The cut off time to order from me for this offering is 9 p.m. Eastern Time today (good luck and I know that the lucky winner will be thrilled) – I think that this product is a key product for what we do!
In ending the year I wanted to share with you a couple of products that I have learned over this past year that I could not be without!
Sometimes it simply takes time to let it sink in….sometimes it is sheer inspiration from others but whatever it is – I wanted to share with you a couple of products that Stampin’ Up! has that I have become to love this year!
- Bakers Twine – I adore it…very easy to use and it works for just about everything…not only is it affordable it gives a great effect with doubling or even tripling it with a simple bow! (glue dots work great to adhere)
- Glue Dots – Where in the world have I been with not loving these gems?!?!? I will say that I have gone through so many boxes of these and would not be without them!
- Tear & Tape Adhesive – a product that once you try it….you will always need to have (2) rolls on hand! It is a dream machine for 3-D projects but I also use it for layered cards that are heavy or a watercolor card that I want it to lay super flat!
- Fast Fuse – This is the BIGGEST TURN OF TIDE for me this year…I totally admit – I disliked it immensely (you can see that I could have used another word but I always told my children not to use that word) as I found it to be SOOOO frustrating but once I learned how to use it…I LOVED IT. It is SUPER-DUPER strong, perfect for 3-D’s but I also use it a bunch on cards for my go-to adhesive.It really is a great bargain…look at how much is on the refill…a super adhesive after you get over that LOVE/?ATE relationship with it!
- Thick Whisper White Cardstock – there is not much to say about this as THANK YOU STAMPIN UP!…..once you use it, you will never go back! I adore it, use it for all of my Stamp of the Month Kits….would not be without it!
- Project Life Journaling Pens – this one will surprise you….but I need to be honest with you. I am amazed at how many cards/notes I receive that the pen bleeds through the top of the card while going through the mail. It is all about the pen. When we go to the time to make a “work of art from our heart”, it is important to use a pen that will be smudge proof. This pen is all that. It will not smear.
- Craft Scissors – (page 168 in the catalog # 108360)….I totally forgot to mention these and I remembered after I put the links for products below. I admit, they are expensive but trust me, it will be the BEST $30.00 you will spend. They cut like butter and I bet after you have these, you will order anther pair for cutting ribbon. It took me forever to justify buying them and trust me, each and every time I use them I think to myself, why did I not get these sooner!?!?! (Silly Susan)
I hope that you have found these comments useful and insightful. The end result is that you need to work with products that work for you, If you do not like it…it will not work for you…that is o.k. – we all see things differently.
Here is a funny for you….as I said above that I adore those scissors…Santa brought both of my boys a pair of Craft Scissors for Christmas. Actually my oldest son that is a teacher already had a pair and actually asked for another pair as he loves them so much he wanted one at school and one at home. My other son wanted them as he says that it is frustrating to never find a sharp pair of scissors at work….see what happens when their Mom is a SUD….they get used to my products….(smart kids)!
I wish each of you a happy and healthy New Years. Please be safe…we are doing the tradition, staying at home…having a great dinner….hopefully someone will play scrabble with me….but being at the most important place….HOME!
Please feel free to leave a comment about the items I have highlighted and give me some “keepers” of yours…..these are just products that I have really reached for more this year than last year!
p.s. – you know that I would never…EVER be without my Green Glue and Stampin Dimensionals…these products I have used for many, many years and are MUST HAVES!
by Susan Itell | Dec 30, 2015 | Sale-A-Bration, Uncategorized |
Yep….I hope that I did it to you today ~ are you smiling? This is about as easy as it can ever get! A single layer note-card with a super cute stamp set from the FREEBIES in the Sale-a bration…and yep – this time next week this stamp set can be yours FREE with a $50.00 order!
Stampin’ Up! is doing something different this year, they are teasing us….pushing us and then offering more! WHAT AM I TALKING ABOUT?
There are several items that are available for the 1st half of the Sale-a-bration time….and then they will be gone….so the moral of the story is – this is one that you need to have as this stamp set is only available until February 15th!
I love this stamp set and it is also available in French so the “bonjour” is equally as fun! Trust me, you will be seeing me blog with this one in another post!
Being able to do a single layer card is often a challenge but this was super easy! Remember, sometimes we over think things too much and less is really best!
The below envelope liner is from a Sale-a-bration offering, a super fun DSP pack that will surely put you in the mood for Spring as it is super fun and fresh!
One thing that I forget to talk about is our new Black Ink….if you do not have it yet, PLEASE put this on you “to order list” as it is a DREAM MACHINE to stamp with! It is soooo crisp and always gives great coverage.
Well I hope that I have put a little “sunshine in your life today” as YOU always bring the sun to me! Please feel free to leave me a comment with how you like this simple card!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Dec 29, 2015 | 3-D Projects |
Good Tuesday morning to all! Are we getting over the hustle and bustle of the season? It sure is fun but it sure is hard to get back into the routine. I have a super fast and fun project for you today but before we get to it….
I wanted to say that many people have emailed me about not being able to see the blog etc….my address is still the same www.simplestampin.com ~ my guess is that you need to “clean your cookies” in your computer for it to pick up the automatic link. (I must say – I feel like LOOKS WHOS TALKING!!! ~ as when I was told that my face was priceless….COOKIES???? REALLY???? I didn’t know my computer could bake!)
Time to think and play with ideas for Valentines Day! This is a super fun and quick project that takes no time at all to make. I know that you will be seeing in the new catalog some super sweet Valentines Day Stamp Sets but I also realize that there is a very limited time for you to use them!
This is a super cute little treat that does not take any stamping…just 2 punches and PRESTO! This is what I used for these goodies!
- Scalloped Tag Topper Punch
- Sweetheart Punch
You really do not need me on this one…but you know me – I love to share and help you complete projects! Using the Paper Stacks is so easy as you can cut them into 2″ strips and then use the scalloped tag punch on both ends…simply fold it in half!
I am so happy that Stampin’ Up! is continuing to come out with these paper stacks…for todays post I am using more of the “Valentines side” of the paper but remember, they are double sided! You simply cannot go wrong with getting (48) 6″ x 6″ sheets for just $8.00.
Remember, I am offering this paper in my Product Share….you can click here to see all of the details – Shares are simply the BEST way to get a great taste of everything before you take the dive and purchase a whole pack of paper!
Here is a tip…fold up the edges of the Chocolate Squares and then they will fit perfect. I also used a glue dot to hold it in place so it would not slide out. Have fun stitching around the heart and then 2 dimensionals and you are DONE…just add a simple piece of ribbon or twine and you are good to go!
Can you see yourself making these? I sure hope so as they really are super quick and easy to do! They would be perfect to have on your desk to give away, a little something “just because” – I am going to include one in the products shares when I mail them out! I always like to tuck a little goodie inside.
You know what today is…Tuesday, the magical day that Stampin’ Up! offers us new weekly deals!
Click here to see the goodies. Enjoy your day and please share my blog with family and friends….as my Mom said, word of mouth is the best way to grow! Until tomorrow!
***p.s. – I just woke up and saw the weekly deals...you could easily use the ornate tag topper punch for this. I personally use the scalloped one more but if you are looking for a bargain, this is a great deal!!!
by Susan Itell | Dec 28, 2015 | SNEAK PEEK!!!, Uncategorized |
Good morning to all…if you follow my blog regularly than you already know that I consider myself “computer challenge” so you know that there was a “hiccup” on my end in your post yesterday….I am still learning the new platform but I am sorry and I hope that you read yesterday’s post as it was filled with ideas from me about the stamp choices out there plus the winner!
Today is a sneak peak of the FUN that is coming your way with the SALE~A ~BRATION….is this paper FUN or what!?!? It can be yours for every $50.00 order starting in January and this is a super fun collection of a new DSP for just a limited time!
I know that many of you are afraid of using a big and bold statement of a busy DSP…but I think that you can see that it works today! I am also showing you a sentiment (I ADORE die cut sentiments) and this is from the Annual Catalog and I think that we have all forgotten it…..(you can see it in the store below) but hang tight to see a twist that I did!
We are all super blessed to learn from many talented stampers and I just adore Jennifer McQuire…..she shared on a blog post that she uses craft foam to cut sentiments so I tried it and I loved it! It was super easy to cut with the Big Shot and I used the good old “green glue” to adhere them together…..
The envelope liner framelit was the perfect touch to the finale to make this a card of WOW! I love it, how about YOU? The other MUST HAVE in my opinion is the triple banner punch – I know that you can easily cut you own banners, but this is so easy and if you have a piece of paper that is not exactly the right size, no worries….just line it up and you are good to go!
The other “sneak peak” is a stamp set that is also a bundle….so here comes a WOOT-WOOT.…and I know that you will need to have it – a great stamp…plus a matching punch is the bonus – and fabulous sentiments!
I adore the fact that you can stamp the flowers and the PUNCH in ONE PUNCH!
I hope that this is getting you excited for the new catalog but also do not forget that there are definite keepers like the Hello You Framelits…oldies but goodies!
Enjoy the day and again, I apologize for not setting up the post yesterday like normal…but I do hope that you read it and learn from it! Way to go for winning…please send me your address and I will send you your goodies!
Change and I do not go hand in hand…but I am trying and it will be all good! Have a FABULOUS DAY!
p.s. – please do not forget to read yesterdays post as I really gave a lot of tips and ideas of my feelings of the different stamps we have….you can imagine that I was sad when the work I put into that post did not post like I wanted it to !
by Susan Itell | Dec 27, 2015 | Uncategorized |
Winner….Winner Chicken Dinner! Yesterday we had 108 comments on the preference of what type of stamps you like….photopolymer, clear and wood mount! WOWZERS – there was a bunch of great comments and points and I encourage you to browse through them as there were some very great points about each of them!
I will say that the preference was Photopolymer and the random winner is…..Linda!!! Woot-Woot to you and please email me your address so I can mail your goodies to you! Linda is a gal after my own heart as I totally agree with her comment!
Before I share with you the super sweet card (and really the stamp set is oh so fun….I want to share some thoughts with you about how I feel with the different stamp choices we have.
1st, I love the convenience of the photopolymer. I am the very 1st to say that I can remember when Stampin’ Up! came out with a Photopolymer and I received it and thought – “THERE IS NO WAY THAT THESE WILL BE POPULAR”….(remember, that was not to long ago) and now I can say, THEY HAVE COME A LONG WAY!
I do love them and I do think that they are here to stay but I do agree with several comments that the coverage, especially for larger ~ more solid stamps can be a challenge…the best tips I can give you are….
My thoughts about Photopolymer Stamps:
- Make sure you have a piercing mat underneath as this will help a bunch….Also, when I have a new one….I ink it up and then squish it around…twist and turn it…clean it – repeat it…inking it up, twisting and turning and then I find to have better results – I guess you can say I am conditioning it!
- I totally “get it” with may of you saying that you do not like the staining…I have learn to let that one go as there is nothing that you can do and you should think if it as a “GOOD THING” as that means the stamp is of good quality!
- Photopolymer is going to be the trend of the future (well, at least I think so) – they are cheaper, they can be made with still creating great detail and I hope that this anology will help you….I was the 1st one that totally fought Digital Cameras….I loved my camera…I loved having the negatives in my hands and I was in total disbelief that one day this way of photography would end….it has and we have learned to adapt ~ this is how I justify and try to embrace photopolymer stamps.
- For the comments of loosing a stamp because of them being clear and sometimes small – I HAVE BEEN THERE and yep…it is FRUSTRATING! I seem to find them…sometimes it takes a while but I will say that I usually find them on a bottom of an ink pad. I had to laugh when I saw many of you have the same issue!
My thoughts about Clear Stamps:
- LOVE the way you can store them….super , just like the Photopolymer.
- True I find it to be a ” pain in the drain” to place the images on the stamps etc…..and until I started to use that AMAZING contact vinyl on my mounting blocks, I too was frustrated many times. Please click here to see that post...I have received many comments on this working for you!
- I also think wiping over the backs of the stamps with an alcohol wipe really helps for both the mounting block and also the back of the stamp.
My thoughts about Wood Mount Stamps:
- If you are purchasing a background stamp – BUY THE WOOD MOUNT. This is one exception I would make…..WHY??? – easy…..when you have a very large stamped image…I find that you can get a much better coverage with the Wood Mount.
- I do agree with many comments that if you have a wood set and get the sentiment lined up perfectly…than this is the way to go – the problem I have is that I am not exactly perfect in lining up the stamp but have no fear – the Stamp~a~ma~jig is here! I highly recommend that you understand how to use this tool….I had it for easily over 2 years before I mastered it (totally my fault as I never gave it a chance)
Now here is a sneak peak of the Hostess Stamp Set in the New Occasions Catalog…it is fun, FUN, FUN!!! When I saw it – I knew that is would be coming to Randall Lane as is it just fun and different. I love the thickness of the sentiments….
Now look at this fun and quick card that I put together using many of the new products…can you spot the new products??? I’ll help you!
The new stamp set…the new enamel dots and the new ribbon! See below how you can get a taste of the new products in the share that I am offering.
For the sentiment…I used the clear embossing powder and heat set it – I just love the way that this looks giving a classic tone on tone effect. I think the most used embossing powders I use are the clear and the white.
In closing, please do not forget to sign up for a product share if you are interested. You can click here to see the original post that I did for the various offerings of the shares. If you have already emailed me, please do not think I forgot about you – I will be grouping the orders this week and sending a confirmation out to you.
The new catalog is live on January 5th and you betcha that I will be ordering ASAP to be able to turn around your shares to you! Going in on a share is the BEST WAY to get a taste of the new kids on the block without breaking the bank. If you want a share, please email me and put in the subject line PRODUCT SHARE so I can easily SPOT IT !
In closing, remember here is the post that will share with you the super cute card and gift from me for ordering in the month of December. I know that many of you are going to wait until the new catalog (and I get it – I do not blame you at all) but someone is going to be super happy with winning the BIG WIN of the markers! Make sure that you use the Hostess code of VJCAWTZR and guess what….if you ever forget what the current code is – no worries….it will be at the top of the blog post!
Here is a keeper of a picture that will make you smile…I just love my fur babies!
