by Susan Itell | Jul 1, 2014 | New Product |
Today is the day that many of you have been waiting for…the ability to order the 1st wave of Stampin’ Blendabilities! I must say when I first saw them at Leadership in January I knew that they would be a hit…an instant hit and I truly thought that the would have been available at the end of the 1st quarter. Why weren’t they???…
The reason is simple, they knew with the excitement that there would be no way that they could keep up with the demand and the end result would be back order and we all know how frustrating back orders can be!
Enough….the good news is that today you can order 6 (color sets today) plus the Skin Tone set and the remainder of the colors will be available to you on August 1st I think that it is very smart of Stampin’ Up! to stagger them this way.
Another great thing about today…..you all know how beautiful the Designer Series Paper is….well turn to pages 188 – 187 and this month you can buy 3 and get 1 free…no limits on how many!!! (I just love when they run deals like this) Click here to see the offerings!
Back to the Blendabilities – these are the colors that you can order today!
- Cherry Cobbler (Item #130995 – $11.95)
- Coastal Cabana (Item #131000 – $11.95)
- Daffodil Delight (Item #130998 – $11.95)
- Old Olive (Item #130999 – $11.95)
- Pumpkin Pie (Item #130997 – $11.95)
- Rich Razzleberry (Item #131003 – $11.95)
- Skin Tone Assortment (Item #129370 – $22.95)
This is also available and a must have to help with shading and fixing "boo-boo's"
- Color Lifter (Item #129369 – $4.95)
You can see by the pictures that each color comes in a pack of 3 and you will get a Light, Medium and Dark Marker so you will be able to blend perfectly! I think that these are the answers to many of your prayers of wishing that you could water color.
Let me clarify that statment…YOU can water-color but I know that many of you do not enjoy it, find it frustrating etc…but I think that this method using the blendabilities will be a FUN and rewarding method of coloring…(remember how much fun it was to color coloring books!
I warn you …this is a totally different technique and true there is a learning curve but I think that it is going to be one of those bicycle things…once you get it – you get it! I adore coloring and these are so fun to play with – I know that you all will do wonders with them!
Three things that I especially like about them…
- You use whisper white card stock (this is PERFECT for those of you that do not have or card for the water coloring paper)
- You use a new Black ink called Memento. (this is my new favorite Black as it cleans just like our stamps…no special cleaner and your stamps do not get stained)
- You can color on our embellishments…..pearls, rhinestones, buttons…
Here are the item numbers for the Ink! ( a must have)
- Memento Ink Pad (Item #132708 – $5.95)
- Memento Ink Refill (Item #133456 – $4.95)
Let’s go….this is so simple and I just had to change up the sentiment for today to YIPPEE-SKIPPEE!!! As I thought that was super appropriate for the unveiling today~ This is from the Yippee Skippee Stamp Set and it always makes me smile with the fun sentiments!
The Stamp is that super beautiful stamp called, Vivid Vases…again – one of those "no brainers" that Stampin' Up! is offering us…super for a budget but always has a classic WOW end result! This would be a great starter stamp for you to learn to use the blendabilities!
I said that you use Whisper White….LOVE IT….but have no fear with ths picture below…this is the back of the colored image. The thing I love is that the pens do NOT alter the look of the paper….the front is just as pretty as if you would have stamped it!
Did you see the pearl…so simple – just color it whatever your heart desires…you have an instant matching embellishment. Quick, fun & DONE! Here is the front of this clean and simple card.
I decided to make my own note card in Rich Razzelberry to POP the accents of the Blendabilities…and I love the end result! The best advice I can give you is practice, practice and then do it again!
I would also Google to watch videos on how to use them and you are going to be amazed at all the different angles and ideas people have with them…I say – watch this one from Mary Fish…to me – she nails it – very short, sweet and spot on! (Typical wonderful Mary)
Also….watch this video from Stampin' Up! – I think it is a great over view on this fun product! SU has many videos on their You Tube Channel that are well worth watching…
I know that there is a big buzz about these gems and as a demonstrator, I can order the next set of six and I am super excited to play (well…after I get my ribbon and paper shares out the door) The liner was from the "Susan go-to" the Brights DSP Stack…..just love them!
I am very proud of Stampin' Up! for being on trend and offering these great markers! I know that these will be a favorite of many as I feel that they are "forgiving" for those that want the look of a "hand colored" image! Please feel free to email me if you have questions!
I am excited to share with you more samples as well as more tips and tricks as I learn them! Let's have a great day and until tomorrow!!! Stampin' hugs!
by Susan Itell | Jun 30, 2014 | Make it MINE Monday, Super Easy |
WOWZERS….the last day of the month! YIKES….it's official – half of the year is gone! Today is the last day that you can take advantage of the $50.00 Rental Car that Stampin' Up! is offering…so if you are on the fence and need a step ladder to get over, email me and I will call you! (I only work 1/2 days on Mondays) – it truly is a great opportunity if you remotely think that you are going to order $50.00 or more of product!
Today is OUR FUN DAY TOGETHER….it is Make it Mine….a time for YOU! I was soooo over the top happy with how many sent me pictures, great comments and super sweet emails on how you enjoyed Saturdays post! It is a keeper and one to "keep up your sleeve"!!!
Here is today's sketch and I know that you are going to have fun with it!…Very easy but so versatile!
Super straight forward but I encourage you to think out of the box! I have a confession….I had this card in my head and I visualized it to be a vertical card and when I cut everything and started to put it all together…YIKES – it did not fit…but no worries – I just turned it to open to the side!
Let's get to it and please give it a try….I know that you will come up with some winners!
- The Base is Whisper White 5 1/2' wide X 4 1/4" high….isn't the DSP amazing….it is called Back to Black and this is 3" X 5 1/2" and then I matted this with Strawberry Slush at 3 1/4" X 5 1/2"
- Grabbing a piece of scraps, I stamped the great sentiment from the Stamp Set…Really Good Greetings – and this is a really good stamp set! After I snipped it to a banner, I matted it and snipped it one more time!
- The "star" of today is the Star Framelits and the Eclectic Paper Piercing Pack….remember – a simple technique that creates an instant WOW~
I must admit…I was very skeptical about paper piercing as I simply did not think it was for me….but I gave it a try and I will say that I think this simple effect still gives you a clean and simple end result! Have you tried it before? If not, give it a "poke"!
- Envelope and then we are DONE! Since I made a 3" cut for the card….I had more than enough to do the back flap without making another cut…this paper is 12" X 12"…so fun!
You know me by now….I make my cards for a purpose and this card is finding its way to my daughter – Hannah as it is her "up and down" She is having a fabulous summer doing a biology internship that is fulfilling her to the max and John and I are so proud of her!
Being our "Red Caboose" on the train…it is great to see her so happy and fulfilled! I know that this card will brighten her week as she has been working so hard!
Please give this a try today…I know that you are going to come up with some inspiration to the MAX! Remember, if you want to order anything from the Ribbon and Paper Share….tomorrow at NOON Eastern I will be placing my order! Click here to see the post and offerings!
Tomorrow is July 1st and that is a MAGICAL day for you if you have been waiting to order the BLENDABILITES….you can order a select amount tomorrow and if you are a SU Demonstrator, you can order ALL of them as the remainders will be available tomorrow….so GET OFF THAT FENCE….and be able to order them at 30% off!
Email me….I would love to explain the SIMPLE "in's and out's"…of this clean and simple journey I am on!
Until tomorrow…..
by Susan Itell | Jun 29, 2014 | Birthday |
Happy Sunday! Today I hope that you are going to enjoy this sweet and simple square birthday card! I think that it is super cute and I love the scoring – to me this just adds so much with so little effort!
CONFESSION TIME: When I went to upload my post…my pictures that I took at home did not turn out…lesson learned – check before you leave….John and I slipped away for an overnight and I took these at a Bed and Breakfast that we stayed at!!!
I have many neutrals that I like and this one is a color that I love nad one that I feel like I have been neglecting a bit…Sahara Sand – I totally encourage you to give it a try – it looks amazing with all color palettes from Brights to Subtles and you can see that today I am using the In Colors!
Let's get going…
- The base is a 4 1/2" square from Sahara Sand. THe Mossy Meadow is a 4 1/4" square and then the Very Vanilla is a 4" square!
- Take the Very Vanilla Square and using the Simply Scored Scoring Tool I scored at 1/4" increments for 1 1/2" = (6) score lines. I think doing it on just 2 sides gives this card a quick wow with little effort!
TIP ALERT: You see that I used the Scoring Tool….you could easily use the Stampin' Trimmer and score with that but my feeling is that the Simply Scored Tool you can get a deeper impression…but by all means – use what you have and what works for you!
- Adhere the scored piece on the Mossy Meadow (the scored piece is bumpy so adhering it to the Mossy piece will ensure a nice flat image) I would use the sticky tape or the snail. In the end, I did use stampin’ dimensionals on the Mossy part…love the look these give but please be generous with then…we don’t like a saggy card!
- How about that super fun and modern flower! Where did it come from? It is a new Bigz L Die called Flower Frenzy and it is a keeper! (I know that many of you get a bit of sticker shock of $37.95) but just look at the variety of images on this one die – think about it this way…if these were punches just think of how much money it would be!
TIP ALERT, again – The other thing that I love about these Bigz L Die is the fact that you use your scraps to create just what you want…for example, I put scraps of the 2 colors just on the flowers I want….presto = a paper save plus I get exactly what I want!
- I used mini glue dots to place my flowers on the base and then the circles were from the Owl Builder Punch!
TIP ALERT #3 – I have blogged about this before but I feel that it is deserving to say it again…build your punch collection up…we have GREAT punches and I do realize that they can add up quickly…but they truly are lifesavers! To me, punches can add a instant added touch that make your project come to life!
- The sentiment is from the new stamp set, And Many More…a must have for your collection…why? – Just look at the sentiments in this set and when you are needing a quick sentiment…there is something for you!
- Yes…I did use the stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement…works like a charm (when you have a small and narrow sentiment like this, I like using the brush end of the markers rather than using the ink pad as I feel you can control the ink better and when you stamp, you have less chance of “wiggle” which leaves blobs sometimes!)
- Envelope time…the Envelope Punch Board to the rescue…just use that handy-dandy chart…look for a 4 ½” card…read the size of card stock you need (which for this is a 7 ½” square) and then punch at 3 ¾”…score…all the way around and PRESTO a perfect envelope for the card!
- Lining this envelope…I get asked this often in how I do it when I make my own envelopes…well 1st – I say click here and see a great video that my wonderful upline and friend Mary Fish made…and it will make perfect sense to you!
In a nut shell…I measured from the top point of the envelope to the edge and it was 3 ¾”…I then go down ½” and that tells me that I need a 3 ½” square…(saves paper too). Take this piece to the envelope punch board and go down ¼” (3 3/8”) and punch…then FLIP to the opposite side and punch again at the 3 3/8” mark – PRESTO – you have a liner…this really is so easy but please make sure you watch the video!
This liner is from the All Albloom DSP Paper Stack…(I am already on my 2nd pack – LOVE IT) and wowzers – what a bargain! I highly recommend these stacks and my fingers are crossed that there will be more in the Holiday Catalog!
NEWS FLASH!!! – I have had many people the past several days emailing me about my Ribbon and Paper Share that I offered and if there was still openings. CLICK HERE to see the post and I want to let you know that I will do it one last time as I am going to place another order on Tuesday (July 1st)
If you want anything please email me before noon Eastern time on Tuesday!
Please remember to put in the Subject Line Ribbon and Paper Order!
Besides the Ribbon/Paper offerings…I will send a card as my extra thank you to you! Click here to see the card. I am so glad that I am able to offer this ribbon/paper share to you as I adore the new ribbon and DSP Paper Stacks but I realize that you would be spending lots of money if you were to get them all!
Have a SUPER SUNDAY and you know what tomorrow is…Make it Mine Monday! Please pop back and try the challenge…not for me…but for YOU!!!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Jun 28, 2014 | Super Easy |
How about this super fun and super cute card for Saturday! This is another one that I say…look at the “formula” of this card and then think about all of the different paper you have and stamps! This is one of the “keepers” as I say because you could make simple changes and BAM – a card that looks totally different than this!
The inspiration for this card came from Linda Heller at Stampingschool.com. What I liked about this card was the layout and I could clearly see how I could adapt it for many themes (This will definitely be a Breast Cancer Card changing up the sentiment) I always try to find easy yet fun cards that the volunteers can easily make!
Let’s get to it….
- The base is a piece of Pistachio Pudding at 5 ½” X 4 ¼” but the fun part is the white card is a vertical fold card at 4” X 5 ¼” (this is a fun twist and also a paper saver as the bottom piece is the pop color)
- Stamp your sentiment in the left corner and yes – I did use the stamp-a-ma-jig…why? – I say why not! I laugh at myself as when I first purchased this “thing” because I thought it was going to be the answers to my stampin’ prayers and then I quickly became super frustrated with it and “bagged it”! Does this sound familiar? I then was determined to have straight sentiments and the rest is history. All I can say it practice….practice and then it will be like riding a bike – you’ll never forget how to use it!
- This sentiment is from the Really Good Greetings Stamp Set and the name says it all…there are some GREAT sentiments on this gem!
Here are the key points to making this card work:
- Your piece of 2” X 5 ½” matches you base card – (this case – Pistachio Pudding)
- Take whatever designer series paper you are using and cut (2) at ½” X 5 ¼” and (1) at ¾” X 5 ¼”
- I like to use the “green glue” as you can get some “wiggle” time before it sets up and just place your strips of paper on the base.
- Take the base and position it on the diagonal and then simply take your scissors and trim off the excess…. that’s it!
- I felt like there was too much white space so I did my Susan “dash and dot” around the border of the card as well as a trio of dots around the sentiment! I often get asked if I have a stamp for this….no I just freehand it and again…just DO IT – if you “over think” it – stress will happen and that’s not fun!
- The pop of flower is from the Flower Shop Stamp Set (I was so glad that they kept this set as I use it a bunch) and having the Pansy Punch makes it super easy! A Stampin’ Dimensional on the back to lift it up and a brights candy dot in the center was the perfect finishing touch!
- To the envelope! The liner is from the All Abloom Paper Stack and using the envelope framelits and the Big Shot! This framelit is on sale this week (thank you Stampin’ Up!!!) and if you do not have them…hit that SHOP NOW button and treat yourself to a set! (Last year this is what I bought a bunch of my friends these framelits and made them a bunch of lined envelopes!
Well….thoughts? As I was typing this I thought – wouldn’t this make an adorable baby card and use the new Baby's First Framits and some sweet DSP? Also for Christmas…use festive papers and then use an ornament where I put the flower!
Remember…think out of the box – works every time!
This is why I have been encouraging you to do my Monday challenges…. stretching yourself will teach you a lot about yourself and your style!
I hope that you have some fun Saturday plans – pop back tomorrow as I have an extremely simple yet classic Birthday Card that is fresh and fun!
As always, please email me if you need help and remember to think about taking advantage of the $50.00 kit…it ends on Monday the 30th! A great opportunity to help you with your habit!
Stampin’ hugs to all and until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Jun 27, 2014 | Tips and Tricks!!! |
Woot-Woot – it's Friday! Last Friday I did a post on "my favorite things under $10.00" and it was well received and I thought….heck – there are still MORE items under this amount that I would not be without!
As I said last week and I hold true for this week…
this is a post that is different for me…but one that I stand behind completely!
I am going to share with you 10 products that are under $10.00 that I simply would not be without! I bet there are another group if under 10's but next week – I'll put my big girl pants and move up to $20.00!!!
There are no Stamps Sets in this….that will be a later post!
I will also let you know that these are not in any particular order…just me thinking of what I could not be without!
Remember….if you have the tools that make you shine and even if you are having a blizzard…a heat wave…WHATEVER – …your projects will come out amazing….every-time…cause having the right tools will always result in a great finished project!
Please make sure that you look at the thump nails at the end…..you can click and add them into a shopping cart right from home in your jammies – now that's my kind of shopping!
#1 Embossing Folders – (page226-227) $7.95….these are gems…totally gems and I am guilty that I do not use them enough but when I do…SHAZAM – I am happy (my friend Jeannie adores them and they are the best bang for your buck)
Too darn many to tell you what are my favorites….but I am going to go with (2) new ones – the Large Polka Dots (they make me smile) and the Lovely Lace (very fun and different!)
#2 Paper Piercing Templates – (page 218) $7.95 You know I love paper, and what better way to show off a simple piece of paper with some simple piercing! These are so affordable that the end result is total fun!
Again, there are several but I think the most practical to start off with is the Essentials!
#3 Memento Ink (Page 212) $5.95 -This is not available until Tuesday but it is a must… It provides a perfect black image and the best thing is you can clean it like you do you regular stamps! You know I love Staz on and that it a MUST with water-coloring….but you have to use a different cleaner!
#4 Candy Dots (page 208) $5.95 These just remind me of the candy that you peel off…remember??? How simple… how effective! I am cheating a bit here as I need to include the bases ($2.95) if you want – these will stick without the bases(which is what I usually do)…I do not have a favorite color collection – I have them all and love them all!
#5 – Embossing Buddy (page 213) $5.95 – There are many times that I get emails that people are not pleased with their embossing….hands down when I ask if they used the Stampin' Buddy – they say no! This takes the static and dust off of you paper so when you use the versa mark, you will get a clear stamp….which results in a perfect emboss!
#6 -Adhesive Remover (page 204) – $3.50 This is what I call a magic weapon…WHY? Love it – it is a lifesaver for many reasons…taking adhesives off….little boo-boo's of ink….a great eraser!
#7 – Sticky Strip -(page 204) $6.95 – I call this the "Red Tape" and it is a MUST for 3-D projects! Would not be without it….I would definitely get at least (2) rolls as if you run out and need it – you will be sad!
#8 – Glue Dots (page 204) $4.95 – Having the right adhesives always result in a clean project! These are fun to tuck underneath a paper, perfect for ribbon and I like using the paper piecing tool to "lift" them up off the paper….(wouldn't want to mess up my nails!)
#9 – Decorative Masks (page 205) $2.95 for (2) – These are SUPER! So easy to use…so easy to clean! Can you say easy-peasy with a HUGE WOW!!!! Click here to see the super super pig card I did and click here for the gift holder!
#10 – Gift Card Enclosures – (5.95) – LOVE THESE!!!! You get 10 in a pack and they are the best! The sky is the limit in decorating them….buy (2) of these…you'll use them! Click here to see the post I did on them!
Well…do you agree with my choices? There are so many products out there that make what we do easier! We are in the final count down to get that "Rental Car" for just $50.00…I say why not?
If you are ready to get started, click here and you fill your tank up with $55.00 worth of any Stampin' Up! products to get going…..then get ready to make a big wish list to take advantage of a 30% off discount on your first order…..it's truly that easy…
Please email me and I will be happy to help you! Hobbyist are THE BEST…..as you have the drive, passion and sheer FUN….cause' you love the product…just like I do! I just want you to do what makes you happy!
If you need to park the car…."I'll help you parallel park"
Until tomorrow!
