by Susan Itell | Jun 12, 2015 | Uncategorized |
I have a very special "little friend" and her name is Morgan….she is the little "grasshopper" that rides at the barn. She actually just turned 13 but she is super tiny….if she weighs 80 lbs…that's a good day! Morgan adores my daughter Hannah and she is always so kind to our horses!
I needed to make her a special card and "purple and rhinestones" seemed fitting for a special young lady!
While Hannah has been gone at her internship this summer, Morgan totally pampers and loves Stanley, (our horse). Morgan LIGHTS UP when she has the opportunity to ride him. Her Mom often sends me videos of them riding and I melt when I hear her say, I love you Stanley!!!
When I made this card it was super fast and came together like a "Peanut Butter and Jelly" card….(that's what I say when something is just so easy and natural to me.)
I am up to walking Oscar (our horse we are rehabbing) for 45 minutes…trust me…just walking for 45 minutes gives you plenty of time to think about things and I "planned" out the card in my head so when I came up to the house…it was a quick "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED"
I made her some Banana Bread and wanted a fun card to tuck under the bow (I am going to use the Bermuda Bay Stripe Wide Ribbon) and I know that it will look super fun! Remember….it's all about the total package sometimes….taking a couple extra minutes for details "pulls it all together" and you will be happy and the person that receives it will feel super special!
This is a great stamp set and I am thrilled that it is carried over. It is one of those "sleepers" to me and I have used the vase and flowers before for you on my blog and you all have enjoyed it! It now comes as a bundle…so if you do not already have this punch set, now is the time to buy them together as you will save 15%
You can see that I POPPED up some of the stars and some I just left flat. Doing this adds instant dimension and fun. Did you notice that I quickly stamped the stars in the Gorgeous Grunge splatter…
Here is a great easy tip! You can see that I stamped the sentiment in Bermuda Bay….I took the stamp and stamped the star in Rich Razzleberry on a piece of scraps. I then did a quick "fussy cut" and adhered one down flat and then the other I popped up!
WHY DID I DO THIS???? Well, when you look at it from the side it looks much more finished and clean. I think that seeing the purple flat and then the popped up one shows that you took some extra time for the details…remember – we all love and appreciate the details!!!
I must admit, I am much more a "pearls gal" that a "rhinestone gal" but I think that girls of this age really like the sparkle! Morgan is a sparkle to me and I know that she will love and appreciate this card. I am getting ready to take Stanley to Georgia for Hannah to ride him while she is there at her internship and I know that Morgan is going to miss him.
We appreciate Morgan and her love and kindness she gives to our horses…I know that she misses Hannah as well and is excited for her to come back in August. It is always so special to see a bond and friendship a "grasshopper" has for an older girl…(Hannah thinks is special too)
You know what the weekend is about….a Show and Tell Saturday and then It will Step it Up on Sunday! I am doing the "Happy Dance" as FINALLY…my order is to be here tomorrow! I am super excited to see some "new friends" in person!
I know that you all are busy and I know that there are so many choices of fabulous blogs etc….but THANK YOU for taking the time to pop in….I deeply appreciate YOU and YOUR TIME! Please feel free to email me…until tomorrow!
Below you will see the supplies that I used for today's card….shopping in your jammies is fun and "in style"
by Susan Itell | Jun 11, 2015 | Uncategorized |
I have a huge confession…yesterday went by like a BUZZ but it was a fabulous day and I am super excited to have some "me" time today to go thru the Blog Hop…It is always such a treat to see what everyone is up to!
I went to beautiful Middleburg, VA. to see Hannah's horse being ridden in a Horse Show…I was afraid that I was going to miss him go and I got there at 2 p.m. and he did not even show until 7 p.m.! He was amazing…he made me smile….and I was happy!!! I did not get home until after 9 and knew I need to whip up a fun card for you!
Here is the colors that the Pals Paper Art are working with this week. As I was driving home I was thinking what to make…then I thought – USE A SINGLE STAMP and keep it simple….that is exactly what I did!
A great tip that I can give to you is….SINGLE STAMPS are "keepers" – WHY??? They can simply stand on their own! There are times that we need something in a jif and that is exactly what I did today! The fun came by making it into a square card.
Look at how simple this is but it is still super-de-duper cute! To add interest, I did a simple scoring on both sides of the stamped image. I did a super quick "pull together" of all 3 colors and then the accents of the white gel pen with my dashes…..made it POP!
Please do ever feel that each and every time you make a project that you need to recreate the wheel….do what works for you. I have shared this many times before…by playing around with challenges like this and also my Monday "personal" challenges…it does help you develop your own style…..
Because this card was so simple, I thought that I would add a bit of interest in the envelope! Using the envelope punch board to make the envelope, I cut a 1/4" strip of Early Espresso and then added a piece of the subtles super fun designer series paper stack!
This little guy is a super cute stamp and makes up a sweet card. We all can use "Think of you" cards and I bet you are smiling….how do you not like a dear bear.
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions….and please do not forget about the amazing opportunity to get 2 free stamp sets, this truly is the best promotion that Stampin' Up! has had over the past year….you have NOTHING TO LOSE and so much to gain….
Until tomorrow….!
by Susan Itell | Jun 10, 2015 | 3-D Projects, Birthday, Hostess Stamp Sets, PALS Blog Hops |
Welcome to the Pals Blog Hop for June. This month we are excited to show off new Stampin' Up! products from the just released 2015 – 2016 annual catalog. 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 Denise Hoepfner at The Mountain Magpie, number 17 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 the projects.
There is so much to love with this new catalog so I tried to put as much in the card that I could….(my FUN order isn't to be here until Friday so I am still working with a limited amount)
I am a true blue clean and simple gal – I love a very straight forward project and I am head over heels with the Background Designer Series Stacks – LOVE THEM…the prints are so fun and fresh!
Today I used selections from the Brights collection and the 1" square punch. So easy to turn the daffodil paper to an angle to get the effect of horizontal and vertical stripes with the square punch!
I think working and playing with paper is key in keeping cards/projects affordable plus it gives you sooooo many different ways to show your creativity!
It simple does not get any easier than this – POP of paper….adhere and done!
The hostess stamp sets are great! This one, Happy Birthday, Everyone has not only a great Image as shown here…but it also comes with a super variety of sentiments to "tag along" It really is not as hard as you think to earn rewards for a hostess set!
If you follow my blog (and I hope you do/will), than you know I adore my dashes and dots….the white gel pen is an all time favorite of mine and I also adore working with Bakers twine. It is not only sooooo darn affordable, it can create a wow in an instant!
Well…thoughts???? Would this perky Birthday Card make you happy! If you have time, please leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts!
There is lots of HOPPING to do…so please have fun….be a sponge and take it all in – there is so much to see and I realize that it takes a while for us to "figure out" the new catalog…I am thankful that we have a HOP like this to help!
The next stop is Debra Simonis at Deb's Stampin' Grounds, number 19 on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting; I hope to see you on next month’s Pals Hop!
Until tomorrow…..go get "inky" today!
- Peggy Noe at prettypapercards.com
- Shawn de Oliveira at ShawnStamps
- Lisa Pretto at InkBig Academy Stamps
- Kerry Willard Bray at Peonies and Paper Chains
- Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
- Candy Ford at Stamp Candy
- Wendy Klein at Doggone Delightful Stampin'
- Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
- Jennifer Michalski at stampingserenity.blogspot.com
- Becky Volpp at InkBlossomwithBecky
- Natalie Bradley at Soirée by Natalie Bradley
- Martie Pollard at The Crafty Bandit
- Jackie Diediker at Stampin' Jackie
- Deb Cozzone at Deb Cozzone's Stamping Zone
- Jane Knudsen at see jane stamp
- Maggie Mata at Maggie Mase Cards
- Denise Hoepfner at The Mountain Magpie
- Susan Itell at Simple Stampin
- Debra Simonis at Deb's Stampin' Grounds
- Brian King at Stamp with Brian
- Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn
- Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping
- Pamela Sadler at Stampin Pink Rose
- Michelle Gleeson at StampinMojo
- Amy Whelan at Amy's Inklings
- Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat
- Jessica Wilson at My Prapercraft Universe
- Tricia Chuba at ButterDish Designs
- Beth McCullough at Stamping Mom
- Nancy Gleason at My Stampin Space
- Sue Becker at RnR Stamping
- Kalyn Shubnell at The Stamping Chronicles
- Shannon Hokanson at Paper Works by Shannon
by Susan Itell | Jun 9, 2015 | Uncategorized |
I AM JUST CHECKING MY EMAIL (5:30 p.m.) AND I SAW THAT THIS DID NOT GET SENT OUT…..sorry! (I actually did it around 9 this morning…..enjoy!!!)
(better late than never!!!!)
HOUSTON….we are clear for TAKEOFF!!!
This is the 2nd post from me today…..sorry but I needed to finish!!!! Hope you enjoy!
Well by now you know me….I just have to share with you the continued fun that happened with the power being out! It is amazing how quickly you forget things that happened but all of a sudden when we lost power I remember last year we were without power for 3 days…yep! 3 days….
As John and I were remembering that while we were at Panera we laughed as it truly was the pits….the frustrating part is that people that live literally a "stones throw" would have power…but NOOOOO – we would not – which meant having to bring in water for the animals…as the well does not work etc….
As we were driving down a road that leads us to our house we saw lights and were keeping our fingers crossed as we need to take a right onto our road (there are about 5 houses in a cul-de-sac) and then we live back in the middle of no-where (it sure is peaceful though)….it was BLACK…no lights but we saw a work truck.
Naturally I was excited only to see that it was not the electric company but it was the cable company….I asked him what was up and he said that there were several reports of houses with out cable/internet – I said – heck, all I want is power…then he said – DO YOU LIVE BACK THERE???…..and when I said yes, he smiled and said – it doesn't look like you will have power until morning…
What do you do…just laugh – go home and go to bed! When it was day light….still no power and then around 8 I heard a TV and saw lights go on and YIPPEE SKIPPEE……life is great!
Now let me quickly continue….
6. Which "punch" makes you the most "punchy" to own? WHY DID I PICK THIS???…EASY – a total speed tool that makes my life easier and when that happens…I smile! Seriously – this is a must have, true you can cut the paper and flag the ends like we have always done – but this makes things go soooo much faster!
(I would say my next pick is a toss up between the adorable tree punch and the washi label (that is one that is going to surprise you…..trust me)
- Banner Triple Punch (page 165)
7. Which is the best "kit & kaboodle?" WHAT WAS MY PICK???? Same as yours – this is just adorable and the box is going to be super useful as well. I am looking forward to putting it together and sharing. I think that this would be a FANTASTIC Set to get some friends together and have fun….
( My next pick is the Watercolor Wishes…THIS IS FANTASTIC – do not let the price intimidate you….it comes with a stamp set and just look at what you can make – this is not available until July but you bet it will be making its way to Randall Lane!!!_
- Tin of Cards & Tin of Cards Stamp Set (page 152)
8. Which New Ribbon has you "spinning your reels?" WHAT WAS MY PICK??? Same as yours…You know that I consider myself to be a bit "Bow Challenged" and I just think the Bakers Twine does the trick. I find it to be easy to work with and I love the simplicity of it!
(My next pick….and TRUST ME….I feel like I work at Joann Fabrics with all of the cutting of Ribbon I have been doing for my shares…the next pick for me is the 3/8" satin ribbon – it is gorgeous – the colors are great and YES – black and white!!!!
- Thick Baker's Twine (page 158)
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9. Which Stampin' Rewards Host Set (pages 179-182) makes you want to PARTY?
WHAT WAS MY PICK??? Happy Birthday, Everyone….WHY???? This was a tough one but I love the font of the Happy Birthday….but the "key" is the little sentiments that tie it all together – fast – easy – DONE! I can see that this will be a very helpful set!
(I will say that your pick of Best Thoughts is a strong 2nd for me…I adore the sentiments)
10. Which product gets the award for "Most Improved" WHAT WAS MY PICK???? I admit….I CAN'T DECIDE as all 3 were sooooooo needed….I have not received the Thick Card stock, (should be here Friday) but I do have the other 2 and they are FANTASTIC.…
- Thicker Whisper White Cardstock
- Tear and Tape Adhesive
- Envelope Paper
The new adhesive has the strength of sticky strip but it is a KEEPER that you can tear it!!! WOOT-WOOT – makes life a bit easier!
The Envelope Paper….what a deal – and it is fantastic to work with!
Thanks for hanging in there with me today. Don't forget to check out the weekly deals (thank you stampin' up!) my pick, snag the punch and the embossing folders!
I need to get back to cutting….I am just about to see the end of the tunnel for my shares….(well I think so) just when I think I have a plan…I underestimate how ling it takes….I do plan to be offering another Product Share offering (probably next week)….this IS the best way for you to get a taste of the new goodies….
Until tomorrow….
by Susan Itell | Jun 9, 2015 | Uncategorized |
Good Morning and I hope that you enjoyed seeing the "picks" that you did with our Fun Friday post and now it is my turn to share with you what my "picks" were!
We had a bad storm and do not have power at our house (remember, we live in the middle of no where) so this will be a "to be continued" post…John is patient…but we are at a Panera…
1 – Which of these Sentiments Stamp Sets "speak " to you?
- One Big Meaning (page 16) – WHY DO I LIKE THIS? – How can I not? This is a fabulous stamp set and with 7 wonderful sentiments….I see many super easy CLEAN & SIMPLE cards! We all need thank you cards… and this is a great addition!
CONFESSION TIME and I did not realize this until I am posting this…..I told you WRONG yesterday – THIS IS THE ONE THAT WAS TIED WITH OVER THE RAINBOW!!!
I loved the comments yesterday and I have to say, THANK YOU for the feedback on over the Rainbow…that was not on my "A" List radar screen but after looking at it and seeing the INCREDIBLE samples in the catalog…I see what you see in it – I love that "Happy Sun"
I also will share with you…that every time I see a rainbow I think of my Mom….she loved rainbows and I know she is with me when I see one! THANKS FOR YOUR FEEDBACK!
2. Which new Background Stamp "tops" your wish list?
- Brushstrokes (page 128) – WHY DO I LIKE THIS? Well…I just cannot resist a great stripe and polka dots….both of these make me smile! You can almost guarantee that when it is a great basic like this…I'll go for it! This is on order and I cannot wait to get it inky!
3. Which Floral or Garden Stamp Set will you "pick" first for your Stamping Garden? (hmmm…..guess I did a good thing on the Sunday's post!)
- Garden Bloom (page 119) WHY DO I LIKE THIS??? Fun, soft, classic…it reminds my of Mother Love….from the Occasions Catalog, I just cannot resist a simple yet elegant flower – and the sentiments….WOW!
4. As of right now, which new In Color is your favorite?
- Cucumber Crush – WHY DO I LIKE THIS??? I love BOLD colors…especially greens and pinks! = This is soooo different than anything we have….but I have to say, Mint Macaron is FABULOUS!
5. Which DSP is most likely to earn "Best in Show?"
- English Garden (page 142) – AMAZING!!!!! Ok….I have been cutting paper and cutting paper for the products shares and I must say….(I know that they were not on the list) but DO NOT OVERLOOK School House and Sweet Li't Things = the are FANTASTIC!
p.s. – I ADORE Go Wild and Pretty Petals!….You are going to love them…WOWZERS!!!!!
To be continue…hopefully when I wake up…..I am sure when I get back to our farm it is DARK…VERY DARK….and it is HOT.…never a dull moment!
