by Susan Itell | Jan 22, 2018 | Birthday |
Now is this fun or what! You all know that I love cards that are simple…but when I can create a card that I can make multiplies of in a jif, I do my own happy dance and usually…my audience just wags their tail…but I still smile! (heck, they are my best critics)
I know many of us start the New Year with many different resolutions or should I say, great intentions as heck…..no need to put stressful pressures….let’s just try to put that great intentions into a habit…as that’s how we can make a difference!
Birthdays are something we all have and something that many of us intend to be better at, sending Birthday cards! I am posting this week about Birthdays as that is one card that we all seem to use quite often and I hope that I will be able to put a little “spring in your step” to share and show you that there are ways to stay on top of it and develop a “stash of cards”
I love paper…because to me, paper and layers add an instant feel of specialness to a card and lets face it, paper is not that expensive but the layers DO make a difference…especially when you hold a card in your hand. We are so lucky that all of our papers and DSP match each and every time making the “color match game” a cinch!
Today I based my color palette from the Picture Perfect Party DSP collection. This is one of the newbies in the Occasions catalog and it is super unique to Stampin’ Up! as one side is an actually photo like image and the other is a fun print. I am more of the “fun print kinda gal” and these stripes….are just that FUN! I also love the fact that the size of this collection is a 6″ X 6″ square and you get (4) sheets of each design so you do have a lot of paper to work with if you are looking to make many of the same card!
Before we go on…there is one thing that I want you to remember with a paper pack like this…you can choose just about any paper within this collection and there will be another that will basically be….“in the same church… just a different pew” making it super easy to mix and match within a collection. Mixing and Matching is FUN…because Stampin’ Up! has taken the guess work out of it for us!
Both of the below Stamp sets are also newbie to our collection. The Bird Banter is sooooo on trend right now – if you shop with other stamp companies, you will see the “bird craze” everywhere and this stamp landed a home on Randall Lane because of the fun and unique sentiments and the fact that it is a photopolymer! DOUBLE WHAMY!
The later stamp, Birthday Wishes for You is SPOT ON with being a classic but look at that price…..just $12.00 – here comes a big WOOT – WOOT! The spacing in the “birthday” is a perfect way to add a fun pop of color without being too hard…as it is a breeze to color!
You know that I enjoy keeping things simple….so I have a stash of card stock already cut to 1/4 sheets so I can grab and go as I need to. I find that this saves me a bunch of time and lets face it – IT IS THE BASICS and you know how I feel about them!
After I stamped all of the images, I trimmed off the excess to make it work for todays card – it ended up to be a 4″ X 4″ area and then I matted with just a smidge larger (4 1/8″ X 4 1/8″) in Lemon Lime Twist…
You will see below in the post that I did use the STAMPARATUS to create this card and each time I use it….I enjoy it more and more….mainly because of the sheer ease, efficiency and being able to stamp with multiple stamps!
The Stampin’ Blends made it a cinch to color….they just glide over the paper and the NO STREAK of color is a dream. No worries about knowing how to blend, with these you get the best of both worlds – simple one color coloring or use multiple makers and blend….just do what works and feels comfortable to YOU!
I know that this does not seem fair to tease you with talking about the Stamparatus but I just need to. I do have one and as I shared, I am lovin’ it! I do have both the MISTI and also the Tim Holtz Platform so I think I can give you great feed back with our product, the STAMPARATUS. This product will be available in the Annual Catalog in June and also for those that have pre-ordered it…..(your time will be soon)
The 2 plates make using multiple stamps for a project a dream machine. For todays card I used (4) different stamps…
- The “Happy Birthday” word
- The Bird
- The Balloon
- The Sentiment inside the card…(a little birdie told me it was your birthday)
Because I was able to have the (2) plates I was able to stamp my card with ease and precision without having to change and clean my stamps after each stamp. THIS IS the a game changer to the other stamp positioners that are on the market. I truly did not think that this would make such a big difference but you just wait and see….you will be amazed!
I know that this might be hard to see but look closely and then it will make sense….I “get it” that we get frustrated and just sad when we ruin paper if an image is not lined up properly…I cut a piece of Window Sheet to 4 1/4″ X 5 1/2″ (the size of an A-2 card) so as I stamp…I can first give it a trial run on the Window Sheet! You can easily clean it off and reuse it time and time again!
The other thing that I do it…put a BRIGHT color of Duct Tape and then cut the tape to a point as I “pick me up-er” as I admit….it not only save “my nails” but it helps in not having these STRONG MAGNETS get stuck together! On the bottom of the STAMPARATUS there is a place to store your magnets and this Duct Tape on them does not effect the storage one bit!
I know that this is a LONG POST but hang in there as this is a great TIP to making this card…..as I said before, I adore paper and the POP of this DSP just makes the card FUN but the reality of it is that I used a wee bit of DSP…..let me break it down for you…
- for the card….I used a 1/2″ and a 1/4″ of DSP for the card…YEP – I just used 3/4″ in TOTAL!!!!
- for the envelope….I used a 1 1/2″ strip of DSP
The below photo will help you better see….all you need to do is be creative with how you cut your paper. From a glance, it looks like I used a bunch of DSP but just think of how many cards you could make using this same DSP from a paper pack? I made up 8 cards in a jif….ready for Birthdays when I need a super cute card!
One more peek at this card…I know its amazing but I did not POP up anything on this card today (something that is rare for me) but I did add the Susan dashes and dots to give it my signature touch!
I did add some Wink of Stella over the balloon and bird, something that honestly I forget about but when you hold the card in your hand, it is the perfect amount of bling.
There you go…a super fun Birthday card to inspire you to create! These 2 stamps are a perfect addition to your stash as you can see the mileage you will get out of them and also mileage out of your DSP!
I will see you back on Wednesday with another Birthday card…..make it a great day and lets all have a fabulous week!
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by Susan Itell | Jan 19, 2018 | Fun & Cute!, Photopolymer Stamps, Super Easy |
Good Morning and here is to a start of the weekend…woot-woot for so many reasons…first it is the weekend but this is the best part…we are going to be having some WARM WEATHER on the East Coast…a totally welcomed bit of news for me and trust me…I have had one super grumpy pig as Miss Daisy just is not a fan of the cold!
As I shared yesterday…I have some wonderful customers that just love kits…and trust me – I GET IT!
On yesterdays post…I showcased a sentiment from this kit to make yesterdays sweet card and today…it is all about this kit. I truly think that this kit is just breezed over in the annual catalog (page 15) as you all flip right to the stamps and leave the Stampin’ Up! kits to a “thought for the perhaps future” and stampers….let me tell you – this IS a keeper!
After I had a date with this product I am showcasing today…it was a joy and a rewarding feeling to be able to sit down and have all of the products needed in one box and complete a kit with the end result of 20 completed cards plus I have a great photopolymer stamp set that has fun and useful sentiments that will be used for other projects!
Here is a video that Stampin’ Up! did that showcases this products…its a great overview but trust me…this is so straight forward and I love the saying…of Stamp and Stick! – cause’ lets face it – there are times that we just simply do not want to think but we want to craft and create with completed results…that is exactly what this kit will do for you!
I have had this kit sitting in the super cute box that it comes in for some time…and all it was doing was collecting dust. Well….I had someone remind me about this kit as she was ordering one and I thought…I need to put this together myself and that is what I did!
Here are some of the thoughts that I had through the journey in putting it together and I will tell you right off the bat…I am NOT the best in following directions as I am one of those just DIVE IN and DO kinda person….
- I loved the fact that everything that you need is all in one place
- Even though they were supplied in the box, I used my own ink (in the full size) and I prefer my acrylic blocks and also the glue dots that are on the roll – just a personal preference but all of these are supplied in a kit version and heck – we all keep the stampin’ spots!
- I actually enjoyed the fact that the sizes of the cards varied – it was great to have that assortment to grab and go!
- I was happy that the color choices of the designs were so bright and vibrant…a super fun POP with each and every design
- I think the price is extremely fair. $35.00 for the whole kit and the stamp set….a keeper that will get lots of use and the best ….it is a photopolymer!
Below you can see this stamp set. As you recall…I try to “condition” my stamp sets as I go to use them for the 1st time. It is a great habit to get into and then I stamp a full image of the stamp set to store with the stamp. I personally condition my stamps with Black ink and I can hear many of you gasping but I like to see the images…really cuts down the search and rescue on my work space.
Now grab that cup of coffee and get ready for 4 great pictures that showcase each of the cards. I grouped them together as by the size of the cards and one thing that I did not show is….the envelopes – the envelopes are all in a kraft paper and a fun change from white!
I have not jazzed up the envelopes (as I usually do) and I am really not sure if I will as the cards are just so fun and fresh! After all…this is one of the things that people struggle with….time and thinking what to do….and this kit is all about….getting it done – feeling confident!
Enjoy the pictures…they are fun – RIGHT????
I told you…..they are just super cute…Here is another thought – I know that we are the crazed crafters but I also know that we have many friends and family that are not….
- maybe it’s because they feel like they aren’t creative…. (this is crazy as we ALL have a creative gift inside)
- maybe it’s because they don’t have the time…
- maybe it’s because they say…”I don’t need another hobby”…
- maybe it’s because they say – “I’m not going to invest in all of THAT STUFF” ….(I think that they are talking about the STUFF that we have and guess what – I LOVE MY STUFF)
I think you know where I am going with this….and guess what – This kit would be a fabulous and fun time to get together with these kinda people (we all have and know them) and just have fun!
You are just $15.00 away from picking a freebie from the SAB offerings….so I say….no brainer, grab some basics that we use all the time and have a win-win…..20 completed cards that are ready to go when you need one….a great stamp set to use in the future and a FREE Product from Sale-A-Bration….works for me….how about you!
Have a great weekend….be safe, make memories and make someone SMILE!
p.s. – please make sure that you look at the LONG LIST of products that I used to make this post….. (tee-hee-hee)…YEP – that is right….JUST ONE THING!!!!!
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by Susan Itell | Jan 18, 2018 | Super Easy, Valentines |
Good Morning….did you hear me grumbling yesterday? Well….I admit, I was as it has been a long time since I have had my “Susan Computer Issues” but yesterday and this morning…. it happened with the “photos” on my computer….it still is not right but I was creative and figured out a way to import them and today…yep, I have a date with a computer gu-ru!!!
I have a super simple card for you today that will hopefully put some ideas in your creative head to use this super simple technique with other basic shapes you have! You can also do this easily with a specific die shape….all you need is a die cut and Mr. Big!
Today I am using the below framelits, the Sweet & Sassy Framelits. I am often asked…“What are some tips in getting started in cardmaking”…I just LOVE this question as the answer is super simple….get the BASICS! I think “nesting shapes” of framelits are basics…and something that “timeless and the classics”! WHY??? The are a great building block for a clean and classic card!
In the below picture you will see what makes it unique….I cut the heart shape out of the front panel of my A-2 Card and then did a super simple stamp of a “love you” and POPPED it up! Now I ask you….HOW SIMPLE IS THAT?
I realize that there are some people that enjoy Valentines and then there are some….that just find it an ok time to make projects…but I think that a simple heart with a sentiment can do the trick…..for Valentines….or also and many other times throughout the year for someone super special! Are you wondering where that sentiment came from?
Please pop back tomorrow as I will be doing a whole post on a FUN product that I wager to say…..is a “sleeper” to many of you! It is the Oh Happy Photopolymer Stamp Set that is in the Oh Happy Kit…..found on page 15 in the Big Annual Catalog.
The focal paper is super yummy and the other prints in this collection are WOW – just STUNNING……Take a look below and I think that you will agree!
Remember, tomorrow is the LAST DAY for you to take advantage of my Occasions Product Share.…and just think – with a share you would easily be able to make some Valentines yourself with just a taste of this paper….a win-win as you will not be breaking the bank with having to buy a whole pack of paper!
You see….there are ways of getting the new kids on the block….giving them a test drive before you make the plunge to purchase it….to me, it is the best of both worlds!
This is a great view for you to see the opening….I thought that it was fun and something just a bit different than a regular card. I also think that the beautiful paper sets the tone for a clean and simple card that still makes a recipient feel WOW….I am super special! (cause guess what….YOU ARE)
I used Rich Razzleberry to stamp the sentiment and then did my “Susan dashes” to just jazz it up a wee bit….you know how I feel….LESS IS BEST and SIMPLE is my middle name as let’s face it….there are simply times where we just want to make something….with little time….and simply have that “I did it” experience, that is what makes us all beam with pride and joy!
Doesn’t it just look FUN to see the opening on the front? I did double and you could also triple up the dimension to make it really stand out but the card will still go through as a regular card with no additional postage!
I hope that this sweet card made your heart skip a beat! I cannot wait to share with you tomorrow the Oh Happy Day Kit and what I created. I know that there are many that enjoy my Monthly Kits but let me tell you…..this was a HUGE TREAT for me to make as I adored not having to work with cutting….planning…..designing…I GET IT – KITS ARE GREAT!
Speaking of kits…I am in FULL STEAM AHEAD with the January Kit and if you did not receive a confirmation from me….Houston, we have a problem….but no worries….just email me and we’ll get it squared away!
Have a GREAT day!
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by Susan Itell | Jan 15, 2018 | Product Shares |
Good Morning and here is to a new week! Here is your last chance to take advantage of the last Product Share that I will be offering for this new catalog!
Product Shares are the BEST way to get a taste of the NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK without breaking your piggy bank so you can see and use the newest products before you invest in whole packs of paper, ribbon and embellishments!
For those of you that have already emailed me with your request of a product share….I will be sending your confirmation and Pay Pal Invoice out tomorrow….but please know – I have you covered! I am still away and will be home late this evening!
I take great pride in my shares and I turn them around to you in a JIF….the LAST DATE to request a share is this Friday, January 19th. Below you will see the offerings…..
Please email me and put in the subject line, PRODUCT SHARES so I can spot it! Have a great day!
Product Share #1 – Swatch Books – $17.50
You will receive the (7) NEW DSP’s swatch books PLUS the DSP Swatch Book from Sale-A-Bration (Bubbles & Fizz)…all ready with the “necessities” for you to “get to stampin” ~ $17.50 and ships for FREE!
Product Shares #2 – New Papers – $22.00
You will receive 6″ X 12″ of all of the NEW papers. This catalog, there are 7 New Paper Collections and also 6″ X 6″ GLIMMER PAPER IN 3 COLORS….these are super fun! The colors are Iridescent, Light Green, Turquoise.
The New Papers are: I just love the names….Myths & Magic, Painted With Love, Petal Passion, Picture Perfect Party, Sweet Soiree, True Gentleman and Tutti-Fruitti.
You know that Stampin’ Up! is always know for their beautiful paper and this offering will save you a TON….getting just a 1/2 sheet. ( I think that you can see from the swatch books…..that there are some GREAT new papers!
Product Share #3 – New Ribbons – $8.00
Here is the offering for the new ribbons that I picked for the share. As soon as the Paper Ribbon on page 5 becomes available I will share and offer that!
- 2 1/2 yards Berry Burst 3/8″ Metallic-Edge Ribbon
- 2 1/2yards Whisper White 1/4″ Organza Ribbon
- 2 1/2 yards Lemon Lime Twist 3/8″ Mini Striped Ribbon
- 2 1/2 yards Night of Navy 3/8″ Corduroy Ribbon
Product Share #4 – New Embellishments – $18.00
- Birthday Mini Clips – (3) each of 4 colors
- Silver Mini Gable Boxes – (4) boxes
- Petal Passion Embellishments – (4) of each of 2 shapes
- Tutti Fruitti Adhesive-Backed Sequins – 1/2 sheet – 25 of each color (5) colors – LOVE THESE!!!…..
- Glitter & Clear Epoxy Shapes – 1 sheet (88) shapes
- Narrow Whisper White Notecard & Envelope – 5 cards & Envelopes of the NEW FUN Size
IN SUMMARY :
- SHARE #1 –DSP Swatch Books – $17.50 – FREE SHIPPING!
- SHARE #2 – 1/2 Sheets of DSP – $22.00
- SHARE #3 – Ribbons – $8.00
- SHARE #4 – Embellishments – $18.00
SHIPPING:
- If you are just ordering the DSP Swatch Books (share #1) – the Shipping is FREE
- If you are ordering the Swatch Books (share #1 and the Ribbons #3 and/or Embellishments#4) – the shipping is $5.00 as I can put them in the same bubble mailer
- If you are ordering – anything with (Shares #2) – your shipping is $6.95 (the standard Priority Mail Shipping fee)
If you WANT IT ALL – the shipping is free!
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by Susan Itell | Jan 12, 2018 | 3-D Projects, Paper Pumpkin, Uncategorized, Valentines |
Hello and Happy Friday to you his week went ZOOM!!! I have a SUPER FUNNY for you today….please read on and then you will see why this is “The tale of an adorable FISH”
John and I are “on the road” to be “useful parents” this weekend as we make the trek to North Carolina to move our youngest peep into a new apartment….what are parents for….right??? – I have my label maker and my rubber gloves packed…..John has his hammer with an assortment of handy necessities and Milo is coming because I thought – WHY NOT…after all, he is perfect!
The GOOD NEWS is that along the journey there will be a CONTAINER STORE…..and then about an hour later….and IKEA….and then about 2 hours after that…..one of my favorite little speciality/foodie stores….and then its kinda boring for the next 3 1/2 hours but I’ll make the most of it as I am in a great book! You see…..MILO DOES serve a purpose…..he needs potty breaks so his Mom can shop!
Now to my funny…..do you remember that the November Paper Pumkpin was that SUPER ADORABLE Holiday Stocking!?!? Well it was just simply adorable and when I went to OnStage I was able to see a sneak peek of if and I knew that I want more than my normal 1 box that I receive every month.
When you are a subscriber to Paper Pumpkin you have the ability to pause, add to or simple cancel your subscription at anytime without any penalty….it truly is that simple! Well….I went in and change my number to 12 as I knew that people would go goo-goo over that adorable stocking….and YEP my sweet mailman had to drive back our lane and even said “Susan. I think they made a mistake….you have a bunch of those red boxes” ….
Well they were put to great use…..mainly by me as I just had a blast making them and using them as adorable “add ons” to Holiday Presents and also I made many sets for dear friends for their Holiday Dinner Table settings…they were just TOO DARN CUTE!
Here’s where it is funny…I TOTALLY FORGOT to go back into my Paper Pumpkin account and change the number back to 1 so YEP….it happened again…..my dear mailman did the same thing as the previous month. As I drove up to the house one day I saw a PILE of these boxes at the front door and then the LIGHTBULB went off….darn, I forgot to change the number!
Sooooooo the moral of the story is that I have a BOAT LOAD of the December Kit Stamps…..and I have been trying to find more ways to use it that as meant to be! That is the other thing that is amazing about this program….there are ALWAYS soooooooo many people out there that find the way to use these kits in an alternative way….
The person that shines for me each and every month is Rachel Tessman. She is just one amazing Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator and she does a fantastic job with her alternative ideas…..this is where the fish idea came from! Every month she makes a wonderful video showing the Paper Pumpkin and then also shares alternative ideas!
Below you will see the video and the adorable Fish!!!
It is a long video but if you want to get right to the FISH part…..start at the (32:50) minutes of the video….You will see that Rachel received this from another SUD, Ann O’Shereo….(I could not find a link for her) but isn’t it just WONDERFUL when other SUD”s open their hearts and share ideas…..I love that part and that is exactly right up my alley…..
Remember, I am simple and I followed these instructions to the tee and not only was it super fun & easy…but they become addictive to make! Who every would have thought that a simple square envelope…a trimmer….and a small little stamp would make this adorable FISH…I say WOW to those people that have that type of creative mind!
Because I received so many FULL kits….I have a bunch of the stamp sets that came in the kit….and if YOU think that YOU would enjoy trying to make these sweet fish or heck, just want the stamp set (see images below)….simply email me and put in the subject line I WANT THE FISH!!! The first 6 people (first come – first served) that email me will get the stamp set mailed to you. (I will not be able to mail it until Tuesday)
Please email me if you would like one of these free stamps…..
(hurry….I have 6!!!)
ALL OF THE FISH ARE GONE!!!
What did I put in the fish? Well…..Yummy Swedish Fish….why not? I could not find any prepackaged at my grocery store so I bought a bunch in the bulk food and put them in little bags and tied a bow! They are super sweet… snack M & M’s and several Peppermint Patties also fit perfectly!
You can see that I had fun using different current papers in making them – and if any of you have the retired stamp set called….Hey, Valentine – check out this great sentiment to add to these sweet fish…..I say TOO DARN CUTE!
Speaking of retired product….I have added a drop down box in my Blog Header with retired product from the Holiday 2017 Catalog. You will find it under SHOP….and then the Retired Product will be there. Please take a look and grab a deal, I sell all of my retired products at a 50% discount.
There you go….a never a dull moment – a tale from Susan…..an opportunity for you to get a free stamp and an opportunity for you to grab some great deals with retired products….I say that’s a trifecta!!!
I have had many requests for the Product Shares…..please see the tab on the Blog Header and then email me, I will email you back and get you in the next wave…..we all LOVE Product Shares!
Have a great weekend….I know that we will – spending time with Hannah is always a joy…..even when we are moving!
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