by Susan Itell | Nov 7, 2014 | Embossing Folders, Thinking of you |
Woot-Woot….it is Friday and bring on the weekend! I have a friend that just had hip surgery and thought a bit of flowers would be a great pick-me-up! I hope that this card makes you smile as much as I do….just love this stamp set!
This stamp set was totally overlooked by me when the catalog 1st came out and once I "discover it" – I thought…."Silly Susan" – how could you have overlooked that! This is one I call a keeper! It is called Pictogram Punches and just think about changing up the sentiments of this clean and simple card to make it work for so many occasions!
I realize that we are "knee deep" into Fall and I have used such soft/bright colors but what the heck – it's a card and I know that Ann will love it! This is what I call…."my kind of card"!!!
This is a card that I hope that you CASE so I am going to make sure that you have all of the scoop on how to make it! Please feel free to email me if you have any specific questions that I have not provided for you!
- The card base is an A-2 but folded at the 5 1/2" line to make it a vertical card.
- The next layer of Whisper White is 4" X 5 1/4" and then run through the Big Shot with the Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder (wow….just love the effect this simple step makes)
- The White piece that I stamped on is 2" X 2 3/4" and then matted just 1/8" larger (that little "peek" gives a big punch)
- I did use the stamp-a-ma-jig…why???? Cause' I love it and I find it to bring the end result to alignment perfection! (I masked off the stems of the stamp and then cleaned it and then used the brush end of the Pear Pizzazz to stamp again)
- I do like to stamp the flower on the stamped image and then I use a piece of scrap paper to stamp and punch them out! I think it gives a polished effect as you can curl up the petals and still see a flower underneath! (hope that makes sense) The colors I used were Soft Sky and Lost Lagoon.
- I have not been giving the "Designer Series Paper Stack" the attention it deserves lately as our DSP has been fun but this is just sunning! The In Color Paper Stack it the perfect compliment for the card (4" X 1 1/2") and also for the back flap of the envelope.
- The sentiment is from the MUST HAVE set, And Many More (the best assortment of sentiments all in one set) I popped it out with the Modern Label Punch and then matted it – love this look!
- Some POPS with Dimensionals and before cleaning up my stamps….I made the mailman smile with a decorated front!
Well….did this inspire you? I sure hope so as I just adore this! I think that I might make this card up in all different color schemes and add different sentiments to give as a gift…..I think I might do a Stamp A Stack with this and let the stampers pick different sentiments!
If you live near Maryland, please email me….I would love for you to join me for an event! I am super lucky to be able to use Johns office and he has a PERFECT stampin' spot!
If you do not have these 2 stamp sets, I urge you to click here and order them or easier yet, just click on the pictures below and they will go right into your shopping cart and then Mr. UPS Man will visit you with them!
Please pop back tomorrow as I will share with you a "feminine version" of yesterdays card.…it is fun and oh, so easy and then on Sunday – you do not want to miss a super post on an EASY-PEASY packaging that will make you get "crows feet" from smiling!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Nov 6, 2014 | Congratulations, Fall Cards |
Woot-woot…it is Thursday and that means it is time for a challenge! We were "off" last week because of the way the calendar fell and I am excited to play with these colors today! Will you come play with me and the rest of the Design Team!?!? Please pop over to the Pals Paper Art Website and see all of the great interpretations for this color scheme!
Before we get to the nuts and bolts of this fun card….I need to tell someone that they won my "Mid-Week" (not Mid-Life) Blog Candy of a dozen handmade cards made by me! I thank you for your comments and I hope you know how much I enjoyed our "conversations" over the weekend and yesterday…..(drum-roll….)
Woot-Woot to Cathi – Please email me your address and I will make the trek to the Williamsport Post Office for you! Please enjoy and many thanks for your comment!
Now….back to business! Isn't this a fun card? You will see that there is no envelope as I mailed it with a gift to a special friend! This is a layout that I often did when I was a Creative Memories Consultant!
You know already that I adore odd size cards and this is a 5 1/4" square card! Using the 1" punch makes it easy-peasy to line up the 5 squares! I took a piece of 5" square paper and worked my squares on using the "green glue"….love that wiggle!
After you get all of the squares completed – you can POP this piece up with Stampin' Dimensionals but before you do this let's add some simple and classic bling!
Using the Mossy Meadow ribbon, I anchored a piece ot the back and then took another piece and tied it. Them, taking some ravels from the burlap ribbon (thank you Jeanie for this tip….I use it ALL THE TIME), I simply laid it on-top of the ribbon and finished it with a knot!
OOPS…I almost forgot about the sentiment….wowzers – the focal part of the card as this is the message that I am sending! It is from the fabulous set, Bravo and being that it is a photoploymer set….I actually stamped it twice to get a nice dark stamp (sometimes I find when working with Crumb Cake that the paper is more porous and soaks in the ink…..do you ever notice that?)
One fun card….RIGHT? There are many of you that take on the personal challenge on Mondays so why not try this color challenge? If you do not want to upload it to the PPA site, please just play and have fun!
I am going to share with you a feminine version of this card over the weekend, please pop back and you will see it in a totally different way (guess what – I made a bow!!!!) With that said, how can you not pop back!
Thanks for your precious time and please know that it is as easy as pie to purchase any of these goodies today! You can simply click on the image at the end of the post and POOF – shop from home!
This above strutin' chicken is Cathi as she is the WINNER-WINNER…..CHICKEN DINNER! Way to go and I adore all of your comments! Dear, wonderful John helped me again and here are the way you all voted!
Coastal Cabana – 39
Baked Brown Sugar – 22
Crisp Cantaloupe – 18
Strawberry Slush – 9
Pistachio Pudding – 7
My pick…well toss up – Strawberry Slush and Baked Brown Sugar!
Until tomorrow….you're the best!
p.s. – for some reason, very, very early in the morning there were (2) of the same posts that went off….please know that I took the (4) comments from that post and put them in the "pot" to win! (They were the 1st 4 that left comments)
by Susan Itell | Nov 5, 2014 | Uncategorized |
Today is a fun post for me and I hope that you do not find it boring! Sometimes I think that I am too "simplistic" in how I post but to me it is so darn tootin' important for you to learn the basics.
Think about this, when you see a young Sports Team (think little Middle School – High School) they need the fundamentals and basics to have success….it is the same with what we do!
We are briefly going to go over the weekend "polls" of the questions that we all had fun answering! One thing that made me super happy was the winner of the "Blog Candy"…Abbie, was SUPER excited to win and her cards and they are on their way to Arizona!
Day #1 – In Color Paper:
When I first started with Stampin' Up! , I was invited to a Stamp club and I loved it! I will say that I was not into the "lingo" that was going on around the table and I will say that it took me about 6 months to figure out what "In Color" was….I know I am being super basic but….
In Color is the "special and limited" color palettes that Stampin' Up! unveils for a 2 year time-frame. This year are the below colors and here is a card that t I made when they 1st were unveiled earlier this year….(you might be seeing this card layout again!!!)
The overwhelming results were that Blackberry Bliss was your favorite! It is such a deep and rich color! I actually liked all of the In Colors when they were unveiled – I knew that Lost Lagoon was going to be a hit but I could easily see me using Mossy Meadow at the Holidays!
What is the In Color of 2013-2015 that you are going to be the saddest to see leave!?!?!
Remember, the 2013-2015 are:
Strawberry Slush, Baked Brown Sugar, Crisp Cantaloupe,
Pistachio Pudding & Coastal Cabana
Please leave me a comment and guess what?!?!?!
YOU CAN WIN MID-WEEK BLOG CANDY…
I will give you 12 of my Handmade Cards and fun envelopes!
I just love our "conversations" thru comments and trust me, I have lots of cards that I would love to share with you so this is a super fun thing for me to do for you !
I already have my answer in my head and I am excited to see if we are on the same page. I think that it is great that Stampin' Up! offers new colors and sometimes if they are super popular, they might add them to the collection!
Day #2 – Your favorite Adhesive…
Well this was interesting! Hands down I used the snail when I first started with Stampin' Up! It was easy, predictable, and was very versatile but then I caught the sticky tape bug….just love that red tape adhesive (and I still do) but then everything turned GREEN to me…THE GREEN GLUE…..
When I first used it – I despised it…..it was too darn sticky, it was a HUGE MESS…it clogged up…..a total mess – and then…..I saw the light….
I simply could not be without it….and it is a bargain – just $3.95! Please do not get me wrong, the 3 adhesives I use most are : The Green Glue, Snail and Sticky Strip! I totally feel the need of Sticky Strip for 3 D projects – always the best choice!
Here are some pictures for you that I think will help you with the amount of Green Glue that works and that does not work….
DAY #3 Stamp Preferences…
If you had a magic wand and all of our stamps came in all 3….Photopolymer, Clear Mount and Wood Mount…which one would you prefer?!?!?!
The choice was very, very interesting again to me! The photopolymer was a huge hit ! I have to admit, I purchased the very first one that Stampin' Up! came out with and I totally DID NOT like it. It actually took me a while to order another one and now I admit, I love them!
I totally "hear" all of the comments about the fact that they do not like the way they stain…(I agree, as the "type A" in me flairs up) but I have learned to live with that! It truly does not effect the way they stamp…they just look dirty!
The majority of my stamps are the clear mount! I find them super easy for storage and I think that the "key" factor in keeping them to stick is to not only keep the blocks clean (I use Dawn Detergent about once a month) and dry them very well and then also make sure that the tops of the stamps are clean from your fingerprints! (sometimes it is helpful to keep some alcohol swabs handy so you can keep the tops clean.)
I will say, If I have a choice for LARGE stamps…I do like the Wood Mount…..I just feel like I can get a good grip! There were many comments that people feel that they can get a good grip on the wood mount and I can see their point…I think it all comes down to preference and isn't it great that Stampin' Up! gives us that opportunity to choose?
Now to the Mid Week Blog Candy…..
So bring it to a close…the question for you to have the chance to win 12 handmade cards from me is…..sorry that I do not have a picture for you…but by now – you know me – I will "hand pick" you 12 beautiful cards that I have made…just leave me a comment!
This has been fun and Iook forward to more fun in the future! Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Nov 4, 2014 | Fall Cards |
Today's card just came together with the simple cutting of the leaves with the Autumn Accents Bigz Die and then I let me imagination go!
Wowzers, I sure have been using this a bunch lately but they are all different and fun! I think that having a basic die like this is a smart idea especially with clean and simple card making!
I knew that the sentiment from the Really Good Greetings was going to be "Really Good" in wishing my son James good luck with his new job venture! I feel that it has a masculine feel and the touch of the border stamp from the Holiday Cheer Project Life Stamp Set.
This is a Photopolymer Stamp and creating this border was a "one take and done". I know that the word "Project Life" makes you think of Scrapbooking but please do not put limits on these sets as they can be used in many, many ways!
The size of this card is not a standard card but no worries…we have the envelope punch board so the sky is the limit! The end size of this card is 4 1/2" X 6".
Please take notice of the note on the picture and have fun putting the veins on the leaves…really…really work the fibers of the paper – this will give it a very natural look and feel (see the curled and soft edges)
I am not a fan of this ribbon to make a "bow" but then again, I am bow challenged but taking the lead from my friend and talented "jeanie" makes me smile…always! She looked at me and said…."cut that ribbon and pull it apart" – I did and I have never looked back – love the soft way you can make a bow!
Using the handy- dandy Envelope Punch Board made the "peanut butter and jelly" come together with this card and the fun liner on the outer part of the envelope, from the Moonlight DSP Stack!
Also, some love and fun for the mailman….keep stampin' before you clean your stamps up….why not? It is super easy with the photopolymer stamp….
That's it! I was pleasd with the end result and Jams said he enjoyed his 1st day at work! He might be 24 but you know….I'm the Mom and want him to be happy and feel fulfilled!
Thanks for all of your well wishes for the kids….dear Hannah had a L O N G flight etc….32+ hours between flying and layovers and we had a text from her that she made it to Brazil… a month there and then she will be home and I cannot wait to have her home! Not to leave my 3rd peep out….he is great and very happy in Boston teaching at a Montessori School.
Please click here to see this weeks deals…remember, they are only good for a week and while you are clicking around…make sure that you check out the Clearance Rack as there are some keepers here too!
Tomorrow will be a great post and hopefully that you will find it very useful and informative as I have some tip, ideas and feedback about the 3 days of "Stampin' Up! Polls" we took…..wow – that was fun!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Nov 3, 2014 | Birthday, Blog Candy, Make it MINE Monday |
Well my friends…you all are the best and I hope that if you have not had the time…please grab a cup of coffee and re-read all of the comments over the past 3 days! John has been my "helper" with the tallies of the different votes and at the end of last night he looked at me and said….
"Wow, do you realize how special this is that so many people take their time to leave a comment, share their opinions and inspire each other with endless ideas"
You know what? He is right! This is why I adore Stampin' Up! and he hit the nail on the head! We all love what we do with paper crafting and we all have great ideas and inspirations for all! Thank you for your comments, your ideas & insights and your inspirations you give to me!
Drum roll…..Drum roll…..
The winner is….# 49 
ATE – woot-woot to you and I hope that you enjoy the "candy" – please email me your address and I will put your 12 cards and adorable envelopes in the mail to you!
The results were…(and I found this very interesting)…PLEASE pop back on Wednesday as I am going to share with you comments, tips and feedback from these past 3 days of fun questions!
Photopolymer – 49
Clear – 17
Wood – 17
Now to today's post….Make it Mine Monday! I have some real die-hards that adore stamping on Mondays and trying a challenge I throw their way! Here is my take…..remember, you can switch up the shape, change the direction of the card….simply so whatever but here is the sketch for you to go from!
I hope that you can "carve out some time" today and try this sketch and have fun! If you wish to share with me your "picasso", please do so – I always adore seeing what you make as there is soooo much talent and it is super fun to see what you are up to!
This is just too darn tootin' simple and you do not need me but I was determined to use a stamp set that I have not showcased for a while! Today's stamp sets are Mosaic Madness and And Many More!
I needed a Birthday Card for someone that adores purple and I thought that this would be fun…but of course …the stamp-a-ma-jig was a HUGE help for perfect placement and then the "pearls" – well, what more should I say but……after all, they are a girls best friend!
I made the mailman smile with a stamp on the front, so easy and WHY NOT? Your stamps are already inked up!
I lined the outer part of the envelope with the Moonlight DSP and the funny thing is that this is not supposed to be the same color, but it works! Lesson learned….even if the colors are not exact…see if they work and go for it!
I simply cannot thank you all enough for all of the feedback and inspiration over the past 3 days! I really found all of the answers to the questions very interesting and as I said above…..please pop back on Wednesday as I am going to have a fun post (hmmmmm……maybe more candy) about thoughts and comments I have for you!
Here we go for a GREAT WEEK…..I have some "keepers" for you this week…I know that you are going to like them!
On a personal note, please keep Hannah in your thoughts….can you believe that it has been 5 weeks since she has been in Africa and today she is leaving for Brazil….and also, my "peep" James (big peep = 6'5") is starting a new job today,
Until tomorrow!
