by Susan Itell | Nov 26, 2014 | Uncategorized |
Good Morning! I feel so darn special that I was missed yesterday! I honestly did not have my computer on as I had a bunch of “life” things that happened, as there is never a dull moment at my farm!
All is good and hopefully tomorrow (Thanksgiving Day) I will be able to share with you something that is exciting for me as if you follow my blog, you know I adore animals! (Fingers crossed as I spent all day yesterday trying to help a furry friend)
I wanted to touch on some of the tips and tricks that I think you will find helpful for the posting I did on Sunday and also Monday. Many thanks for your emails about more specifics and I am glad to share with you some tips.
I think that both projects are great and I am flattered that you want to make them as to me – that is THE BEST form of a compliment! Let’s get going on Sunday’s post using the Larger than Life Photopolymer Stamp Set.
I think my instructions on Sunday were pretty straight forward but here are (2) tips that I think will help make this project have stellar results for you. (You know that I am a bit type A but I think that using these 2 tips will be the “icing on the cake” for you)
1. – The proper and useful tools:
- A good ruler – this is such a lifesaver when you want to get exact measurements and I love the fact that this goes to the 1/8” plus you can see thru it!
- A mechanical pencil – why? I think that the lead is softer and all you need is a light touch of a line, as it will ultimately be erased. I never have to worry about hunting for a pencil sharpener with these gems!
- A good eraser – I love this easer and I have a ca-zillion all over the house. My kids always used them when they were in school and I always find that they do a great job!
2. – The Stamp-a-ma-Jig:
- O.k. – DON’T click me off….please hear me out and also please email me if you need help with this tool! I will admit that when I was in the stage of having to have everything before the “light bulb” came on and I decided to become a demonstrator and get a discount….I had this “PIECE OF PLASTIC” and just simply did not “get it”
I really want you to “get it” as it really will become a friend to you. I know many of you hold it in different ways but this is how it works for me! (I am right handed)
- Take the Stamp-a-ma-jig and stamp your image on the “clear sheet”, I like to hold the Black part with my left hand to hold it firmly and stamp! You will see that I always place my stamps of a diagonal….it is habit and ever since I started doing this I do not get the “wobble” with my stamping! – Try it!
- Now (without stressing) take this clear sheet and place it over top of the area that you want to stamp. With this project, the look I am going for is a nice deep, clean and crisp image on an initial so I would most likely stamp it twice. (Because you are using the stamp-a-ma-jig you will get it in the same spot as you never move your left hand for the 2nd stamping…) I know that many of you are thinking why use this when you can "see through" the stamp….I like to be sure that I am going exactly over the same place I stamped (the type "A" thing again)
- Remember….when you use the stamps….say to yourself – TAP-TAP-TAP…..DO NOT SQUISH! The tapping will give you better coverage on your stamps! (hope this makes sense)
- PRESTO….a great clean image! Because you have used so much ink I would set it aside and wait a minute for it to dry and then just go back and erase your pencil mark…works like a charm!
Another thing that I did with this project was to use the Simply Scoring Tool and Scored at ¼” on all 4 sides. It a total personal preference but I like to take my stamped image and place it face down to score…I like seeing the embossing raised towards you with these cards!
I hope that these tips helped you and were not too basic. I know that we are all at different levels with our stamping but I feel if I can give you a tip that sticks – MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
WOW – I will post later about Monday's card….this took me a while to put into words etc….but I do hope that this post is helpful…..later today I will pop back on…..sorry – time is getting away and I need to run some errands!
Please reach out to me if you are still confused about Sunday's post….I think that they are great and practical cards!
Until later! GOOBLE-GOOBLE!!!!
by Susan Itell | Nov 24, 2014 | Uncategorized |
Hello….again! This is the 2nd post today so click here to see the 1st post and then this will make sense to you! I love this card and I am glad that many of you do as well….
I have received a bunch of emails about the measurements and the exact "how to's" with the circles so have no fear – I will blog about it tomorrow in great detail. This is a GREAT card that truly does come together fast and a great way to use up DSP that you have…
Next….I have also received many emails (you guys are great) about Sunday's Post, click here for that……tomorrow I will also go into more detail as to how to make this "pin perfect"……it is always a balancing act in figuring out how much to share/show but I am happy to do so tomorrow!
Now to the last thing and WOWZERS…..this is an important thing…..I totally forgot to give you a hostess code for taking advantage of the Online Extravaganza……SILLY SUSAN….please use this Hostess Code when you place an order….
UAD6ZDV6
Remember, the doorbusters that are below are just for TODAY and then the other amazing items will be all week.
I will close out this Hostess Code at the conclusion of the sale (Dec. 2nd) and one lucky person will be able to reap the HOSTESS BENEFITS !
Door Busters : TODAY is a special DOOR BUSTER DAY…..These ONE DAY ONLY DOOR BUSTERS sales are incredible. Drum Roll…..
- Textured Impressions Embossing Folders at $5 each. This offer includes all embossing folders on pages 226 and 227 of the Annual Catalog (except Stylish Stripes, Chevron, Beautifully Baroque and Woodgrain)
- Card Kit Bundle (includes Everyday Occasions & Hip Hip Hooray Kits) at 30% off. #140350, $34.93
p.s. – I have already received orders this morning and have no fear, I called Stampin Up! and they have attached the hostess codes to your orders so the pot is growning and someone will be doing the HAPPY DANCE with reaping the benefits!
You can click here to see all of the great deals….and don't forget to look at the clearance rack as well….there are some real keepers (like the Cherry Cobbler Ribbon) – these all can go on your order! Have fun and THANKS!
Until tomorrow…..
by Susan Itell | Nov 24, 2014 | Blog Candy, Christmas, Make it MINE Monday |
Woot-Woot – it is the BEST week of the year….the Thanksgiving Holiday! I went to Boot Camp at 5:30 a.m. this morning and I am gearing up for the feast with no regrets what so ever!
I am MERRY…MERRY…MERRY as this is a great week and time for Stampin up!
WOWZERS – a lot to cover and I am going to try to make it as short as possible……but please read everything as there is a lot to talk about today, so let's get going!
Can you smell the Brownies…..????? When I returned home this morning from working out, I was tortured by the smell of my decadent brownies…that I will be sending to Lynn L. along with the (2) retired Stamp Sets! Please email ASAP with your address as I would LOVE to get them in the mail so you get them before "Turkey Day"
I adored….absolutely adored all of the comments, tips, suggestions and advice and I think that it is pretty clear that "DON'T MESS WITH TRADITION"...here is Lynn's comment! Does this touch your heart or what…how special and WOWZERS – I needed to make a double or triple of brownies!
A huge "WAY TO GO" and I loved your comment…..thanks a bunch for popping on and sharing your Thanksgiving with all of us!
So much to cover….so little time! Monday's are my "Make it Mine" Monday and I have to be true to my schedule (or Sharon ( my die hard MMM) will not know what to do) so here you go! I "surfed" and found this sketch and I must admit….it came together in NO TIME….and I adore it! Here it is!
I need to give this special day of the week the time it deserves as I know that many of you love the Make it Mine and I equally love to see what you do! Please email me your take on this sketch if you would like!
With all of the "ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA" going on with Stampin' Up! until December 2nd (YIKES – did I say DECEMBER????) darn that calendar I needed to honor the wonderful stampers that look forward to Mondays!
Door Busters. TODAY is a special DOOR BUSTER DAY…..These ONE DAY ONLY DOOR BUSTERS sales are incredible. Drum Roll…..
- Textured Impressions Embossing Folders at $5 each. This offer includes all embossing folders on pages 226 and 227 of the Annual Catalog (except Stylish Stripes, Chevron, Beautifully Baroque and Woodgrain)
- Card Kit Bundle (includes Everyday Occasions & Hip Hip Hooray Kits) at 30% off. #140350, $34.93
OK – back to the card….(I told you there was so much going on!
I was pleased with this card and I think that I am showcasing another Stamp Set that is overlooked…..it is called Holiday Invitations but it can be used for sooooo many different ideas! I love the font and I think the "extra" stamps are perfect!
Let's go…..This might be in the "running" for my card to send this year….it is me – clean and crisp….very easy….and uses minimal product but carries a big punch!
I am trying to showcase products that are on the "sale" this week and there are sooooo many embossing folders that are on sale for just a mere $5.00 (REMEMBER for TODAY ONLY)!
Jeanie has always told me that these gems are the BEST bang for your buck and she is totally right!
I used my HANDS DOWN FAVORITE embossing folder, the Large Polka Dot Folder! WHY???? Polka Dots just make me smile and make me feel happy! I adore this color, Mossy Meadow and using just a bit was all that was needed!
Let's talk about the "ornaments" – the circle framelits were the star but was the real SUPER star is the Magnetic Platform and you need to STOP right now and order this gem if you do not have it as it is truly a lifesaver & timesaver….so – THANK YOU Stampin' Up! for having this in the EXTRAVAGANZA!
I love just using 2 colors as I think it makes a big impact! I have not used Very Vanilla lately and I love the way these 2 colors look together! The "ornaments" were from the "In Color" DSP paper stack and it was easy-peasy to add them behind the "ornaments"
Have you wondered where the "natural" baker twine came from…..this is from the Gold Bakers Twine but I "pulled" out the gold and just made a simple bow from the twine! Using glue dots makes it a cinch!
O.k – I am sure that you have been inundated with Blog postings about the sale….please click here to see the incredible list of SAVINGS for you!
This is so wonderful that Stampin' Up! is doing this for us….when I say "Us" = it is even GREAT for me as I will get an additional 20% off of the price you see…..so I ask you….why not take a "test drive".
You can click here and get going by picking $125.00 worth of product and only pay $74.25! This is 25% off and free shipping!You will not have to do another thing until the end of April!
Please email me if you would like to chat or have me answer specific questions….it is soooo easy with no obligations other that for you to get products at a discount!
Until tommorrow…..
by Susan Itell | Nov 23, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Super Easy, Thank You |
This is a GREAT day for sooooo many reasons! I am super excited about today's post as I have the honor to be the guest stamper of my dear friend and fearless leader….Mary Fish! I am always so darn tootin' excited when I can be her guest!
If you have never popped on my blog before…WELCOME….and yes, I do blog daily (like Mary) and I have learned from the best….I love what I do and I love inspiring YOU! Please subscribe to my blog if you wish!
I have a confession and one that I am sure that all of my "peeps" will acknowledge….I love monograms…I love initials… All around my home you will find "personalized touches" and when the "peeps" were "little peeps" I was a representative for a children's clothing company that specialized with color coordinating clothes and monograms were the star!
In looking at pictures….they DREAD how I dressed them but I still think that they were adorable! ENOUGH WITH MEMORY LANE (darn, I love going down that lane)…..today's post will highlight how you can take one stamp set and make a great set of note-card for ANYONE!
The stamp set that I used for today is one that I can just about guarantee that you have "passed" on because I admit…it is very $$$$$ but you need to think past that as it is so darn versatile! It is called Larger than Life and it is just that!
The minute the new catalog came out in the Spring, I adored this stamp set but I thought "Should I get it now….or wait"….I am always honest (about the in's and out's of products) but I knew that deep down – I needed it. I used a 50% off on it and you can do the same by having a cyber event…..please email me and I will help you reach your goals!
Now I say to myself, "Silly Susan"….just look at how many gifts you can make with this clean and classic stamp….and I LOVE IT!
O.k. – let's get to it as it s a fun project and I hope that I have inspired you to give this stamp set a try and also do this! Just think about how many different people you can give this to! I invite you to think of:
- Friends
- Family
- Hairdresser
- Co-Worker
- Mother in Laws….Sister in laws
- Kids in College
- Teachers
- Birthday Gifts (everyone needs thank you notes)
- Hostess Gift
You can see that the list is endless and fun! This is a GREAT way to use up DSP that you have and also it is sooooo darn tootin' affordable using the Note-cards that Stampin Up! offers…..WOOT-WOOT……you get 20 cards & Envelopes for just $5.95!
- The simple scoop on making this box is….for the bottom, cut your card stock to 7 1/4" X 5 3/4" and then using the Simply Scored – I score at the 1" mark all around (see the below picture to see how I "cut in" on the ends as well as placed the sticky strip!)
- For the "Top", I suggest that you make is a "smidge larger" to fit nicely over it! The dimensions for this are 7 3/8" X 5 7/8" and do the same as you did for the bottom!
- You all know by now that every Tuesday, Stampin' Up! is wonderful in offering "deals for a week" and I love the challenge in incorporating them into my posts!
You can see that I have used the Deco Labels Framelits to create the center of the box along with the help of the Window Sheets. (You could easily skip this step but I think it makes it "finished & fun"….also it help you see whose initial it is!!!)
- For the note-card….it is already ready cut with the Stampin' Ups! help but then I cut a white piece just a 1/4" smaller (4 3/4" X 3 1/4") and then scored it at 1/4" all around to give it some depth! Have fun with the colors of your choose and also the DSP!
- For the back flaps of the envelopes….easy-peasy – I just take a piece of DSP that is 5 1/4"" X 2" and then run a very, very thin bead of "green glue" (mono) just around the edges of the envelope….place the DSP on it….let it set it a bit and then PRESTO – cut the excess away! LOVE IT!
( I will say that I usually cut my DSP in 6" width so if I am using it with the Envelope Liner Framelit, they are good to go but if you are doing it this method, you can get by with cutting the paper smaller)
I love picking out the DSP for the person's personality, I think that this gives this project a great "personal touch" and one that I know will be well received and very useful. I can get at least (8) cards and envelopes in a box….want to make it larger, no worries – just make our box depth larger!
- Simply Stamp the "initial of your choice" with the "color of your choice" and PRESTO – you are good to go!
- If you are making the "solid" color box top and then want to embellish it with coordinating paper (like the below "m" one) – those measurements are (2) pieces at 5 1/4" X 3/4" and (2) pieces at 3 3/4" X 3/4"….This truly carries the theme of your gift!
Have fun and mix up what you have! You can easily decorate the boxes in so many ways! I am just crazy about this project and I already have 15 boxes made for friends and family! I am a "big believer" of handmade gifts….they touch the heart and they are remembered!
Please feel free to email me and/or leave me a comment about this post! Please remember, share with me a Tradition of your Thanksgiving Holiday and you can win some BLOG CANDY and also some yummy brownies from me!
Click here to see yesterday's post and I am sooooooo darn inspired and touched by the comments! I will announce the winner tomorrow!
Monday's are fun day for me as I offer a personal challenge to help you create your style….if you choose to share it with me …GREAT….if not…no biggie (I am just happy that you are going to your craft space and having fun)
Thanks for popping in today and a HUGE thanks to Mary….please leave me a comment for this blog post and/or about what "traditions" means to you…..(Yesterday's Post) and YOU could win the Blog Candy! I love reading about YOU and things that YOU and your family love about the holiday…..
Enjoy the day and until tomorrow!l
by Susan Itell | Nov 22, 2014 | Blog Candy |
Good Saturday morning….as I shared with you yesterday, today was going to be a "Silly Saturday" post to get some good old feedback and advice as what to do for the upcoming feast this week! Please leave me a comment with some advice and tips…..we all love to see and hear what others do! Below you will see that there is some BLOG CANDY!!!
But before we get to the Thanksgiving questions I have for you…do you remember yesterday I shared with you that Stampin' Up! is going to be having an incredible sale starting on Monday for just 1 week?(Well there are actually (2) exciting offers next week) Here is the 1st one….
Click here to see the Sale Flyer…I would suggest that you print it off and grap a piece of paper, a good cup of coffee, your catalog and have fun taking it all in….WOWZERS – there are some "doorbusters" that are a super deal and then those of you that have never taken the "plunge" to get the Blendabilities…..woot-woot….now is a great time!
Make sure that you look at when the "doorbusters" are as they are only for one day and then you see that there are 50%, 40 % off etc…..that are good for the whole week! Fun, fun…..FUN!!!!!
Let's get to the "discussion" part for the day and please let me hear what you and your family does! I just love the feedback and personality of everyone – I truly feel like we all are one big family!
Below you will see that I am giving some "Blog Candy"….(2) retired Stamp Set and some home good love from me….a batch of my yummy brownies!
You have (2) chances to win, leave me a comment today and also tomorrow - on Monday I will announce the winner!!!!
When John and I were driving for our Anniversary get away we talked about things that we need to get for Thanksgiving etc….and then when I was going over the menu I was thinking that I would change things up a bit this year with some new dishes…..Well that did not go over very well…..
So my question to you is….what is tradition to you in your family???…This is what our day looks like and I have it down to a science but I just thought I would change up the food a bit….help me…should I stick with Tradition or change things up?
- I get up before everyone as I adore the early morning….I love to make sure that the dining table is "just right" and I place all of my goodies that I made at each place setting…
- For Breakfast, we always have a BIG one….a yummy strada with turkey sausage and asparagus (if you want this AMAZING recipe, email me…it's a keeper), my homemade sticky buns and fresh fruit cocktail (a true labor of love but soooo worth it)
- Turn the TV on and start cooking for the feast as I watch the Macy Day Parade
- Now I get to sit and papercraft as I watch the Dog Show…..
- Time to take a walk/bike ride on the C & O Canal…then I come home and if the weather is good – hop on a horse and ride – play with the dogs….
- Football on….my time to keep cooking away….put out a bunch of "nibbles" for the family to "graze"….
- Get ready for the feast – a highlight it to watch John make sure that the turkey is to his liking (he always does the turkey) and then he gives me an hour warning to get all of the others ready! (stand back when it is time for him to carve the Turkey…..he is a master at it!
- THE FEAST…..we sit….eat…laugh….and then I usually drive my kids nuts asking a fun and different question each you to share what they are thankful for….
- Time to take a deep breath and we always watch Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation and laugh until tears are rolling down our face….
- Dessert…..YUMMY!!!! I always do a Carrot Cake and of course…. Pumpkin Pie
- PLAY A GAME!!!! I love games but I have a hard time rounding up people to play with…..this is the time that I slowly start to see people leave to go to other areas of the house as no one likes to play Scrabble with me but I am sure this year they will!
Whew……sounds like a PERFECT day….right!?!? I just love Thanksgiving Day and I simply adore having the kids home…it is a casual day for us – filled with just being "thankful" for all that we have!
Now to the 2nd exciting offering that Stampin' Up! is offering…(just for 1 week)
JOIN PROMOTION. On Monday – just for a limited time, (the Starter Kit Sale runs from Nov. 24 thru Dec. 2) you can purchase the Starter Kit at 25% OFF. That means you get to choose $125 of product for only $74.25 (and FREE SHIPPING).
December is right around the corner and that will be your chance (with your demonstrator status) to see and pre-order products from the NEW Occasions Catalog and earn Sale-A-Bration gifts (also new)! This is always an exciting time for Stampin' Up!
You’ll have through April 30, 2015 to “test drive” demonstrator discounts and benefits. There really is no "catch" at all…you do not "have to" hold a workshop…you do not "have to" sell SU Products to other…you can simply take advantage of this for YOU!!!!
I ask you….if you are going to continue to do what you already LOVE to do…
stamping and creating works of art from your heart…
why not give yourself a gift!
You can email me and we can talk …the promotion starts on Monday so over the weekend you can figure of the goodies that you will want for YOUR starter kit – (YES, you can put the promo items in for your kit)
Let's have a great day and please leave me a comment about should I stick with tradition or throw some "curve balls" in there with the Feast! I love to hear what you all do!
Until tomorrow…..(it's a super practical post that will help your shopping!!!!)
