by Susan Itell | Apr 11, 2014 | Super Easy |
I shared with you last week that I really loved the Modern Medley Designer Series Paper when it came out last year….to me it is so clean, classic. crisp…just WOW!!! It has been sitting out on my work area and I needed to whip up a card in a jif…so here you go!!!
The other inspiration for me was that the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch was also left out….you can clearly see the picture I am painting for you….my work area was a total mess – but isn't there a saying that creative people work better in a mess??? (Sounds good to me)
I have this very special elderly lady that always pops in my office to say hello…and the other day she brought me some flowers to brighten up my office – she says she feels sorry for me that I do not have a window! She is soooooo classic in her style..the way she dresses – always looking like a million bucks and she probably is 85 years old! I knew that she would adore this card and color scheme!
Let's go….this is going to be super quick today!
A beautiful card does not have to take a bunch of time…
Remember…less is best sometimes!
- Very Vanilla is the base for the day in the A-2 card size but scored at 5 1/2" to make a vertical card!
- Strawberry Slush was the POP color for the day and that is just 1/4" smaller!
- To the Tag we go! The key is to make the width a teeny-tiny smaller than 2" as it will not fit into the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch as well….and simply make the length whatever your heart desires!!!
TIP ALERT: Look close at the card….do you see that I matted it in black….easy -peasy…I just popped out 2 in black and adhered them just to "peak" out of the sides….and guess what – the best part is that theVery Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon "hides" the excess!!! WOOT-WOOT!!!!
- I'm getting ahead of myself….the tag was stamped with the beautiful must have, elegant…classic stamp set….Everything Eleanor! I just purchased this about 6 months ago and I keep saying why did I wait this long! Take a good look at all of the elements in this set…it is just wonderful!
TIP ALERT: I always use Black Staz On Ink when working with black…why???I just perfer the coverage! Remember that you have to use a Staz On Cleaner…but trust me…it's worth it!
- Flower Power Time….I adore this stamp set….it comes as a bundle and I would definitely get it as a bundle as you will save an instant 15% …sooooo happy that Stampin' Up! is having more and more of these bundles! It is called the Petite Petals Bundle! Popping the flowers up with Stampin' Dimensionals is all that is needed to make this card come to life!
- Envelope time….because I just adore this paper and I think that it has a BIG statement with it's clean lines…I chose to just line the outer flap…you know me…I like to make the mailman smile!
If there was a card contest…this is one that I would be proud to enter…it is clean, simple, classic, practical and timeless! All of these elements are what I love about card making! Do you remember last week I shared with you finding a "style" that reflects who you are?
To me, this card is a "Susan Card"….some might think that it is boring but I find it to be one of those "keeper" layouts that you can pull out time and time again….change up the colors and embellishments…..BAM – a totally different card!
I can honestly say that if I tried to do WOWZER cards everyday….try new techniques everyday….I would get frustrated and most likely resentful. That would not make me happy and in turn you would not be happy because I would probably not blog everyday like I do!
Doing what I do "works" for me and it is my goal to teach you how to make cards…how you can be confident and understand the "ins and outs of card making"….we all start somewhere and this is why I put a lot into my blog!
I thank you for your time….please email me if you have a question….and I invite you to consider becoming a Stampin' Up Demonstrator…trust me – you would never regret it!
Two years ago I was not a demonstrator and today I am in Tucson Arizona and I can honestly say that this is a blessing to be surrounded with an amazing group of positive and inspiring people!
Get ready for a parade of cards from the Swap I had…they went out in the mail yesterday so look for your mailman to be bringing you some fun! Enjoy the day and until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Apr 10, 2014 | Easter, Tips and Tricks!!! |
Every week Stampin' Up! is the best in offering us special deals for the week! Each Tuesday, Stampin' Up! offers a grouping of "weekly deals" and today's card…I am featuring some of them! Remember…it's that "out of the box" thing that I talk about….
To me – this out of the box for me was to look at the weekly deal products and figure out a way to make them work in a card…I used 3…and I think that is pretty good! I do not know about you…but "wheels" totally intimidated me until I learned how to turn them into a stamp! With the weekly deal of this gingham wheel just being $4.88…that in itself is a woot-woot!!!
I have 2 confessions for you today! (remember – I always am honest with you guys)
- I have never used a "wheel"…and truthfully I do not plan in it! WHY? I really do not know but they just look to "messy" – maybe I am totally wrong…but they intimidate me! Mary Fish is my upline and I have learned so much from her and her wonderful group of PALS…please click here to watch a video on how easy it is to do and so practical! Gingham is another thing that makes me smile…
- I wanted to use the Color Coach as I have not used it for a while…well I did – but I did not have my "readers" on and I used Crumb Cake instead of Sahara Sand!!!! SIlly me – I still love the way it turned out! I went to the Elegant Eggplant Color Swatch and presto…it told me that the colors of Wisteria Wonder, Soft Sky and Sahara Sand would be a good blend….oops – you know I love crumb cake!
Let's go…please CASE away and play with different colors! If you do not have a Color Coach, I highly suggest that you put it on your next order….why??? there are times that we get into a road block with colors…times that we need a little nudge etc….this is the best tool to guide you to think differently!
There is no way that I would have put these colors togther!
- The base is Elegant Eggplant and this color in itself is soooo beautiful! It is a regular A -2 card and then I cut the mat in the same color at 4" X 5 1/4"
- Taking that "wheel stamp" that I turned into a stamp…I stamped the right edge with the whisper white craft ink….yes I said craft ink….I usually do not care for this ink but when stamping on a dark shade like this…you need it – but you need patience to let it dry!
- Using the Secret Garden Stamp Set…I stamped in the colors, Wisteria Winder, Soft Sky and Crumb Cake and then POPPED them out using the matching framlits….that are on sale – woot-woot….who doesn't LOVE a sale!
- Using another SALE product…I used my "go to…must have….do not understand if you do not have them"….itty bitty shapes punch pack….woot-woot…on sale too!
TIP ALERT: Remember my trick…take the shape and press it down using the stylus…this gives it an instant WOW….then use a glue dot to perfectly place it where you want it!
- The sentiment…it is from the other go to stamp set., Delightful Dozen…so clean and simple…just like I like it…I will admit – I used the stamp-a-ma-jig…just because! I find it to be the handiest tool…one I would never be without!
- Last but not under-estimated….the envelope…you know my favorite! I used the Wisteria Wonder DSP from the Subtles Designer Series Paper Stack….you know….my go-to!!! Works every time!
I hope that this Easter card can fill your heart and better yet….I hope that you will CASE away! Purple at Easter….is perfect! The color scheme is sooooo rich and luscious!
I am oober-goober excited as today is the day that I am going to Arizona! It will be a wonderful training and I am super excited to see and be with so many SU demonstrators that I respect and admire! Trust me…I will be a big sponge and taking it all in!
The other "keeper" of this super short trip is that I will be able to see my cousin….do you remember last year that I was making cards for her son Matthew that was undergoing severe surgeries….I am super excited to see their family!
Please email me if I can help you….please hit that SHOP NOW button and take advantage of the weekly deals! I look forward to them each week and I hope you do as well!
I cannot wait to share with you the Spring Card Swaps that I received….Jeanie was "true to form" and was wow…woo…look at this…look at that….we had a ball…as usual!
Enjoy the day…can't wait to share the fun I will be having with YOU….my wonderful cyber friends and wonderful customers!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Apr 9, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Easter, Super Easy |
There are times that I just have to admit….that I "tickle" myself….and this dear little bunny is one of them! Isn't he sooo darn tootin bunny cute!!! I hope that you run out to the store and buy these Lindt Chocolates…and they also come in "chicks" and "lambs"…don't worry – I will have other fun posts with them!
Before we get to this SIMPLE 3-D fun…I want to say a big thank you for popping by yesterday and I hope that you enjoyed all of the fun posts…so many great ideas…so much fun!
I did email those who asked for the cookie recipe…my computer was acting up so I apologize if I sent it to you twice! (please let me know if you did not receive it and requested it)
Let's go….and boy do I have a bunch of pictures for you…this is so easy that you are not going to believe how easy it is!!! Naturally you can change up the colors and the colors of grass etc….let your imagination go wild – mixing up colors would be super cute!
- The strip is Strawberry Slush cut at 2" X 11" (make is a teeny-tiny smaller than 2" so it will fit in the Scallop Toppers Punch better)
- I told you this was easy-peasy…flip around the other side and run it through the big shot just like you did before!
- Next, take the Topper Scalloped Punch and POP each ends!
- The last thing before we get to fru-fruing it is to take the Ex Large Oval Punch and POP out the center!
- That is IT!!!! Now for the fun! Just put adhesive of your choice and "squish" up your easter grass and press it down firmly and then trim any excess that looks "unruly"
- Isn't he just adorable!!! I place several glue dots on the bottom of the bunny and gently pressed him down….and he was happy!
- The simple yet elegant Daffodil Delight Seam Binding Ribbon was the icing on the cake! I wish this ribbon would be out in ALL colors as I can actually tie a bow….another reason to do a WOOT-WOOT!
Here's a little side view of my friend….
To me it's like have a floral centerpiece on the table…
you want it to look great at all angles!
I hope that this made you smile and I hope that you make some one smile and make them! These will be on my Easter table and I have also made some for co-workers as well as some for elderly people that could use some joy!
My dear John has a client that has suffered many strokes and he tries to go and visit him weekly – John took him one! Mr. Johnston loved it and was smiling from ear to ear! Isn't it wonderful that simple things like this can bring us ultimate joy!
YOU popping by my blog brings me joy! Please email me if I can be of help! I love helping you reach your goals and I know that you have many options of being your demonstrator….but please know, if you need one – I'm here!
I love to help teach you to have the confidence that we all have….sometimes it just needs to be "un-leashed"…we all have talents…we all express ourselves in different ways….
YOU can do it….until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Apr 8, 2014 | Easter, PALS Blog Hops |
Welcome to the Pals Blog Hop for April. To celebrate Earth Day, this month we are showcasing projects that feature recycled, re-purposed, or earthy/recycling themed elements.
You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from hop #15 – Goldie Shaul at Punch and Stamp with Goldie 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 of the amazing creations.
Hippity – hoppity…..Easter is on it's way!!!
This is a "simple susan"…"simple stampin' " fun post!!!
I adore our monthly Blog Hops! Today I am mixing up several things….and I know…I know….many of you are just like me…we are scared to death with My Digital Studio…and remember that I have been talking about this "Turtle Thing"…..you know….sticking your neck out and trying something new and different!
Today's post I am "re-using" a good old fashion "Mason Jar" to send some fun cookie mix to my wonderful godson for Easter! He is the best…and I am so proud of him!
Leighton is a freshman at Rhodes College and is doing fabulous! He plays Lacrosse so he will not be able to come home for Easter so I know a bit of "mail man love" will make him smile!
When you are away from home – a care package is always the best…and I know he is going to smile! He calls me "Aunt Goober"….he named me that for some reason and it has stuck!!!
Leighton has a kitchen area in his dorm so I thought he would love to make some yummy cookies to remind him of home! (I'll make sure I tuck some $$$ for him to get some butter and eggs!!!!)
I love jars…on my kitchen island I have a ton of jars – all sizes and shapes filled with candies, nuts, pretzels…I know when he see this cute jar he will think of my kitchen!
If you would like this recipe…please email me and put in the subject line Recipe!
Let's go to this oober cute card! This card makes me smile as this bunny is soooo darn cute and can you say S I M P L E!!! This is about as easy as it gets! I made this hybrid card with the note cards and envelopes and then some super fun digital downloads!
- The cute bunny came from the Celebrate Easter Ensemble and there is a TON with this download! This is a pricy download as downloads go($12.95)…but I am going to use this for my "other" job for some Easter festivites! It is amazing how many things are in this download!
- The font is from the Delightful Dozen Stamp Set…but I used it here from MDS…WOOT-WOOT…I was able to make it the size I wanted! Isn't this bunny adorable! The other GREAT thing about MDS is you can change the color of your rabbit….your sentiment….just have fun!
TIP: THere are so many stamps…sentiments….punches etc already on the MDS Disk…that you would not have to purchase any downloads if you did not wish…the thing that I love is that when we have stamp sets that are discontinued…you can still use them and most of the stamp sets are available as downloads…another reason to do a WOOT-WOOT…
There is a wonderful support line for MDS…and trust me – I call them just about everytime I play with MDS…iy is a learning curve….go check out the website – My Digital Studio!
- You can see that I matted my focal part on a piece of Melon Mambo Card Stock at 4 3/4" X 3 1/4"…and then POPPED it up with Stampin Dimensionals…my daily vitamins!
- Now this is what I am super excited about….do you see that oober fun liner? Well that is from the same Easter Ensemble…there are many Designer Series Papers and I thought – what the heck….press the print button and out came a cute piece of paper! (remember, I have a very small and old printer and I am amazed with the quality)
- Doing what I do daily…out came the Big Shot and the envelope liner framelit...and PRESTO – cute right? I am also going to line some 3 x 3 envelopes with this print….too darn fun!
- I also used the Circle Framelits and using the #6 circle…I cut a DSP circle for fru-fru the top and added a simple Melon Mambo 1/8" ribbon….simple…DONE!
This was fun…this was different for me…but this is a practical and yummy gift…so go to your closet and find those jars…and put them to use! You might get lucky and get a cookie from it!
I love this time of the year! When I was growing up my Mom always had an Easter Egg Tree and dying Eggs were always a highlight of the year! I have some fun 3-d's for you this week that are sooooo easy and I hope that you make them for your family and friends!
Tomorrow's post is going to make you smile…it is so easy….so cute – you will be running to the store to get the candy before you read to the end of the post!
Thanks for popping by and you need to keep hopping!!!! There are sooooo many great ideas! Enjoy the day…enjoy the hop and please consider trying My Digital Studio!
You all know that I am totally computer challenged – I am trying little by little with this great program! I am an email away and what do you have to loose….nothing as it is FREE for the first 30 days and then it is under $20.00!!! WOW!
The next stop is hop #17 Christie Crosby at Stampin' Creativity on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you next month.
Until tomorrow!
- Sue Becker at RnR Stamping
- Debra Simonis at Deb's Stampin' Grounds
- Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat
- Colleen Mollema at Uncanny Crafting
- Diane Roberts at Score at Four and a Quarter
- Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper
- Rae Harper-Burnet at Wild West Paper Arts
- Jackie Diediker at Stampin' Jackie
- Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
- Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
- Martie Pollard at Crafty Bandit
- Shannon Hokanson at Paper Works by Shannon
- Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn
- Patti MacLeith at Papercrafts by Patti
- Goldie Shaul at Punch and Stamp with Goldie
- Susan Itell at Simple Stampin
- Christie Crosby at Stampin' Creativity
- Peggy Noe at prettypapercards.com
- Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping
- Natalie Bradley at Natalie Bradley Events
- Amanda at Inkflair
- Kerry Willard Bray at Peonies and Paper Chains
- Brian King at Stamp with Brian
by Susan Itell | Apr 7, 2014 | Sympathy, Thinking of you |
If you follow my blog regularly you know that I absolutely adore my husband…my best friend…my wonderful John! There are many of you that always ask how is he doing…and the answer….GREAT!!! I will say he is a bit stressed with "Tax Season" but his legs are doing GREAT and we actually went for a 2 mile walk after he worked yesterday!
Last week John lost a client that was very special to him…a wonderful lady that has been battling cancer for years, She was a very strong women…one that he admired so…and one that fought a brave, brave battle and defied the odds for many years!
I must admit…I had another card ready for him as he asked me to make him (4) cards for the family – and even thought it was a GREAT card….he thought that they was too feminine….that's o.k. – you'll see it next week!!! That's what I love about John…he is my best critic!!!
Let's go….
- The card base is a 5" square card ( I just LOVE odd size cards) in Crumb Cake….(I adore this color)…and the handsome color of the day is Midnight Muse…this is a 4 3/4" square!
- Pulling out my FAVORITES…..the Designer Series Pack in Neutrals…was my POP paper for this card…why do I love these so much = the always match…which means a big WOOT-WOOT!!! You get 4 different prints in each color…..and I use them a TON for liners….a no brainer! This was cut at a 4 5/8" square!
- The white is cut at 2 1/2" X 4" and then the Midnight Muse is a "smidge" bigger!
- I have been wanting to use this stamp set, Summer Silhouettes, so fun…so versatile…and I knew that I could "tone down" the colors for John…but I will say – the Stamp-a-ma-jig is a must in my opinion!
- The sentiment came from the MUST HAVE stamp set, Four You, ( and I am going to be a "Sad Susan" if this stamp set gets discontinued) as I think it is am "A list" stamp set!
- Making an envelope was easy-peasy…the envelope punch board made is a cinch! I decided to line the envelope with the Midnight Muse …to keep it very "husband like" and I was right…he liked it!
To do a liner for a custom size envelope…it a cinch! Click here to see a video that Mary did…one that I often refer to and it works like a charm every-time! The other thing that I love it the fact that it uses minimal paper and I do like the look of a solid paper for a liner once in a while!
This was a 4" square…put it back in the envelope punch board…moved it DOWN 1/8" – (so it is at the 3 7/8" mark) PUNCHED….and then I FLIPPED it over and did the same thing! PRESTO – DONE!!!!
It will make total sense watching Mary's video!!! Try it and have fun!
Tomorrow is one of my favorite days of the month….out PALS monthly Blog Hop! It is a "keeper" and I hope that you hop back tomorrow as I have a fun and practical post for you….hint – hint…each of my kids will be getting one as I hope that they LOVE to cook as much as I do!!!!
WOWZERS…a busy week …Jeanie is going to help me with the Spring Card Swap…and I can already hear her….LOOK AT THIS…no – LOOK AT THIS…..we will have a ball! – Always do!
I need to get my own Swap ready for my trip to Arizona…I am excited!
Please feel free to email me and also please go to my face book page and give me a big "THUMBS UP" and like me….(cause' I like YOU)….
Until tomorrow!
