by Susan Itell | Mar 3, 2014 | Birthday, Super Easy |
I have no idea what happen with the delivery of today's post….computers – you love them and then there are other times…you scratch your head!!! Sorry for the delay…enjoy the day!!!
I told you that I had a bunch of Birthday’s coming up…and I know that St. Patrick’s Day is two weeks from today…(YIKES – can you believe how fast this calendar is rolling the year) It just seems like yesterday that we were doing Christmas Projects!!!
Hannah’s best friend Birthday is on St. Patty’s Day and I wanted to share this with you now in case you send St. Patty’s cards out! This is a super clean and simple layout and you could simply change up the sentiment!
Let’s get to it! It is Monday…it is SNOWING AGAIN…everything is closed (which means I am off work and I can PLAY WITH PAPER AND SCISSORS!!!!!)…again – I am doing the Happy Dance!
- This card is my favorite size…Note card (3 ½” X 5”) Stampin’ Up! makes the envelopes for this size…but you will need to cut the crumb cake yourself!
- As I do often…I cut a smaller size of crumb cake – ¼” smaller – 3 ¼” X 4 ¾” and then I corner rounded all of the edges!!!
TIP ALERT: When I “corner round” I LOVE to use the Envelope Punch Board to round the corners! That “built in” gem works like a charm each and every punch!
- The key element to this card is the Regal Designer Series Paper in the Garden Green Polka Dots! I punched (3) small hearts for the shamrock! Just freehand the stem!
- I used the liquid Mono Glue…( LOVE that liquid white gold)…remember – a little goes a LONG way! My famous “dots” around the shamrock and then the “white” dots from the White Gel Pen just adds interest and it is soooo darn tootin’ easy!
- Before you add the shamrock fun to the card…you need to stamp the sentiment from the Four You Stamp Set…but before you do that – you need to go over the paper with the Embossing Buddy (this seems silly to some of you …but as I have said many times before – why would you not take the step of doing this…to get a “clean, crisp impression!
- Because we are heat embossing, you need to use the Versa Mark as this allows the white embossing powder to hold…remember, when you use the heat tool….be patient – let the magic happen but do not hold the tool too close and I like to use a circular motion not to burn the paper and image!
- Because I wanted to “off set” the shamrock image, I wanted to balance the card with the White Taffeta Ribbon! I find it easiest to use glue dots to hold the ribbon in place! Adding a simple knot does it for me!
- The envelope was lined with the help of the Envelope Liner Framelits and the super cute polka dots! Simple…fun and the best part…DONE!
You are going to love the cards I have for you this week….there is one element that will be in each card everyday! Can't wait to see who is the 1st to comment on what that element is!!!
This is a busy week for me but a fun week! I always love the week that we make cards for Breast Cancer…true – it's a lot of work to put together but that is minimal to the joy that fills me heart seeing a bunch of cards ready for a volunteer to write a special note of inspiration to those in treatment!
The house glass has turned over for Sale-A-Bration…it ends March 31st! I will be sending out the paper swatched on Tuesday to those who placed an order! You to can get a Paper Swatch of the Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper with an order! Click here….and have fun shopping away!
If you live on the East Coast…stay warm…be safe and craft away today!!!!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Mar 2, 2014 | Photopolymer Stamps, Super Easy, Thank You |
I am doing the Simple Sunday happy dance!!! Now THIS IS my kind of card!!! Please do not get me wrong…I loved showing you the past 2 days of posts with Will’s goodies…and he loved them…but this is the type and style of card I am all about!
This is my “Breast Cancer Card Week” and I always try to create cards that are super simple yet uplifting! Naturally I will change the sentiment on this…but it looks like Spring to me…how about you?
I wanted to pull off the shelf a stamp set that I have not used in a while and the lucky winner was…Bright Blossoms! This is a cute set and one that I have not used in a while!
Let’s get to the fun…I am a bit bummed that the pictures did not turn out better on the close up’s of the flowers but I am sure you will get the idea!
- Pulling out the handy-dandy stampin’ friend, the Stamp-a-ma-jig…lets put it to work! The vase was stamped in Pacific Point and then the flowers were stamped in Wild Wasabi….(these 2 colors look fantastic together!!!)
- Using 2 of the fun little punches from the Itty Bitty Shapes Pack…I popped out (4) in each color and shape! The paper colors are Pink Pirouette and Strawberry Slush! Using the mini glue dots, I adhered (1) each over the green flowers!
- Here’s the fun tip! Pull out the mat from a stampin’ piercing and get your Simply Scored Stylus out…gently “push” down into the mat and PRESTO – you get a fun shaped flower!!! I just love the effect this gives when you layer the “curled” one on top of the flat one!
TIP ALERT! – I like to use the liquid Mono glue to adhere the 2nd flower…why? I think if you use another glue dot you will see it …just a teeny tiny dab of glue is all that is needed…press down with the stylus again!
- Where did that darn tiny dot come from for the centers of the flowers? That Owl again….he sure does come in handy…I need to do a post with him as the focal point…I have been using all of his body parts and neglecting him!!! Again…use the mono!
- Let’s get to the fun sentiment – isn’t that font gorgeous! It is from the Another Thank You Photopolymer Set! I am so happy that Stampin’ Up is going to be coming out with more of these great “clear stamps” …I just love them!
- Time to frame this piece…just a “smidge” larger in Wild Wasabi… 2 5/8” X 3 5/8”…I think the “thin” border is the perfect to POP the focal part!
I hope that this card brought some “Springtime Joy” into your heart today! You always hear me talk about the weather and how I am not a fan of this winter…well get this – today it is supposed to be 52° and then on Monday we are in a forecast to get 8 – 12” of SNOW…crazy!!!!
We are in March…and now the Sale-a-Bration time-frame has been turned! Remember, for every qualifying order….you will not only get a FREEBIE from Stampin' Up! but you will also get a FREEBIE from me….a swatch book of the Designer Series Paper!
I am feeling like "Rocky" with my cold….I really rarely get sick and I am feeling great….(expect this snow coming)! I have some real "keepers" for you this week….
Enjoy your day…hopefully you can do something fun and remember, I am an email away if you need help! Many thanks for your support and also, I deeply appreciate you sharing my blog with your friends!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Mar 1, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Birthday |
Part #2 of Will’s Birthday goodies! I am so glad that you enjoyed yesterday’s post and I hope that this one makes you smile as well! I am going to warn you…these are super addictive to make and true…
There is a learning curve but life is a learning curve….right!!!
I made soooo many of these at the holidays and they sold like “hot cakes” as gift cards “work” and gift cards are so well received!!! Isn’t this the cutest way to give a gift card…it’s a gift all in itself!
Below is one that this Holiday Season and you can see that I used the Large Scallop Edgelit under the flap…there are many ways that you can "dress it up" or "keep it simple"!
Let’s go as I have lots of pictures for you…it’s like you’ve heard me say before…it’s like riding a bike – once you get it…you get it! From one sheet of paper you will be able to make (2) of these gems!
- Cut your paper to 9 ¼” X 5 ¼” and on the long side, score at 1 ½” and 6”
- Turn to the short side and score ½” on both sides
- Line up the cutting blade in the Stampin’ Trimmer and pull the blade down JUST TO THE SCORE LINE (the line where you scored at 6”)
- The next piece that you need to cut is a piece (I would use the same color) at 3 ¾” X 3 ¼” and then on the long side score at 3/8”
TIP ALERT: On this project I did use the same card stock that I used yesterday – the Neutrals Core'dinations…to keep it “pulled together” as his Birthday celebration! I liked the effect that this gave; the sanding gave it the rustic wood effect that I was going for! Please make sure that you pop back to yesterdays posts for specific details!
CONFESSIONS OF AN HONEST STAMPER: When I saw this in the Holiday Catalog…I was going to “pass on it” as to me there is nothing more luscious than beautiful ribbon and that I simple could not imagine a “paper bow" being pretty….but once I started to see ideas using it…I hit that SOLD button and purchased it!
It was not on the “carry over” list but it is still available so I am hoping that it will be in the catalog…it is really a fun die and you can really do lots of fun projects with it! The one thing that I learned from this die…you can really "soften" the paper fibers to make it work the way you like it to….I know that sounds weird – but I have found that I use the bone folder a bunch more on many things I make to give paper movement!
- Cut (2) more pieces of paper to coordinate with your projects theme…one at 4 3/4" X 1 1/2" and 4 3/4" X 1 1/4". Adhere them together. Cut at 3 1/4" and then from the below picture you will see where to place them!
- Do you see that little "peak" of cherry cobbler under the flap? I think that it "dresses it up" a bit….it is just a strip that I used to "hide" the small piece – use sticky strip on this project…I highly recommend sticky strip for all 3 -D projects!
Here is a good picture of what I meant about the paper "moving" with the help of the bone folder!
The below picture will show you where I put the sticky strip…you will see how when you peel off the (2) sides….(the angled ones)….this "folds up" into the project!!!!
- Once you get to the point to add the bow…look at the below picture…I like using mini glue dots …also place one on each side about 1/2 way to the end…this makes the bow stand up perfectly!
- Add the next layer of the bow…it is soooo easy!
- When you lift up the flap….PRESTO – the gift card is there!
- Remember the banner from yesterday….I carried over the banner theme today as well!
Please email me if you have questions about this! I will be glad to call you…to skype you …it is so hard to put it into words but I hope that you get the idea and more importantly, I hope that you pull out paper and make one…and another….and another!!!!
Here is another side by side to see the fun that I did for Will! He had a great day and there was one of his little students that shared the same special day!
Whewwwww….I am on typing overload and I hope that you found this helpful! It really is not too bad to do…and remember the bicycle thing – try it…you'll master it!
Back to SIMPLE tomorrow….simple is what I love and I have something that is so simple…you will say YES!!!!
Think of it this way….take today and make this project…(and please reach out to me if you need help) and then tomorrow you will be on "easy street"
WOWZERS – it's March 1st….SPRING PLEASE COME!!!!
Have a fabulous day and until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Feb 28, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Birthday, Sale-A-Bration |
27 years ago today the best thing happened to me…I gave birth to my 1st child, Will! For all of you Mom’s out there – you know what I am talking about as there is something magical about that 1st child with all of the “what if’s”…the “I don’t know what to expect”…the “what do I do now’s”…the whole process is a miracle!
I always knew that I wanted to be a Mom and I was always so hopeful that I would be able to be one. I cherish my children and am so proud of each one of them! It is also so funny how each of your children are so different…. it is these differences that make certain things extra special!
Many months ago I shared with you a book that I adore (Mitten Strings From God) – it is not a religious based book rather a book about just taking time to slow life down and enjoy things…something that I read yearly as it just lets wonderful memories flood into my mind.
It is super scary to me that kids these days do not know how to have “simple and good old fashion fun”…like climing a tree and then repelling from a rope…creating skits/plays…building a huge tower out of cards….playing hide and seek etc…making homemade cookies…just experiencing simple pleasures that create lasting memories!
WOWZERS – what’s up with me….I have been on this Memory Lane a bunch this week…but today is Will’s day and I am so incredibly proud of him! I can still hear his voice when he was a Senior in College saying “Hi Mom, I got a job teaching” and then when I was beaming over the phone and I said where?….and he said China – my heart instantly was filled with joy as I thought WOW – what courage…how amazing to be able to go off on a journey like that…(now I did not know it would have been 4 years)
John and I adore having him in the states and he is sooooo suited to be a teacher! He works at a Montessori School teaching little ones…they call him Mr. Will! I thought that this would be a SUPER cute card for him and something that his children would like!
I knew that I wanted to do the chalk board thing….so off to good old google I went! I stumbled onto this video from Stampin’ Up Demonstrator Dee Slater and it was an inspiration to me – naturally I tweeted it a bit to give it my own twist – and I am super happy with the end result! The way that I cut the paper – it makes (2) perfectly…as I cut the paper in half at the 4 1/4" mark!
I did follow it pretty close but I do like my take on it by using the Black Paper as shown in the video and Soft Suede Core-dinations Paper to give it some texture, depth and sheer fun! To this I used the Hardwood Stamp (when I first saw this stamp…I was a totally YUCK…as it is totally not me but then when I saw samples at Leadership with it – I changed my mind).
When you use a BIG stamp like this…I suggest that you lay the stamp down, ink it, then put a piece of copy paper on it and give it a good rub for maximum coverage! Works like a charm! I used the same color, soft suede ink!
I wanted to use this paper and then use the sanding block on it to exposure some good old fashion texture like an old chalk board! One thing that I did different from the video was that I cut the pieces of the chalkboard at 1/2" – thought it looked sturdier!
Please make sure that you stop back tomorrow as you will see the 2nd part to this gift for Will…it is a classic…one that will frustrate you at the beginning (I'm honest) but once you master it – your heart will be doing the "happy dance" as it's a keeper!
I was a bit worried that it would not "stand up"…but it did…but I still thought it would look cute to put a small piece of linen thread to look like "the chain" that was between the easel sides!
I just took a glue dot and placed it – put a piece of linen thread and then kept pressing my finger back and forth to "take off" the stickiness….so when it was closed and in the envelope – it would not "stick" together! I think it makes it look super cute!
The chalk marker is wonderful…and to this card it is what makes the edges! I used my "handy-dandy" ruler and friend and simply made a 1/8" line on all 4 sides!
Knowing that this had to say "Happy Birthday" I thought that the sentiment from the Sketched Birthday Stamp Set would be perfect…and it is! I used the Embossing Buddy to prepare the Black paper…pulled out the versa mark and stamped the image!!!
Embossing is so fun – something that you are as always excited as your were the 1st time you did it! Using the White Embossing Powder and then the Heat Tool to set it…the magic happened! To get the "effect" – take a sponge dobber and using the white craft ink….."LIGHTLY IN A SWIRLING MOTION" add it to your chalk board!
Pulling out the (2) super Sale-A-Bration items…a big woot – woot, the banner blast stamp set and the banner punch created this super cute banner for the easel! Remember, for every qualifying order I receive for Sale-A-Bration, I will send you a simple swatch book of the designer series paper!!!
One the back side of the easel – I did put a quick sentiment to Will….tomorrows post will be part 2 to Will's Birthday! This "Easel Card" really is a fun and easy project/card to do! You are going to love tomorrows post!
I recommend that you watch the video….make the 3 1/2" X 1 3/4" template handy and mark it EASEL so you will remember it….and you will use it over and over again….
WOW….thanks for all of the responses for the blog candy and this was a super hard one to decide!!! I read them all and the ones that made my heart beat a bit faster were…..(there was not one that specifically got "the teacher" thing "spot on" as the theme) but I will say….I loved all of the ideas and using the World Map was a GREAT!
#1 – Kathy said…
Since I am not a mom, it is hard for me to relate to that child/parent bond so I have no idea what i would do for a card. But, what I do know is that from daily following your blog, you are a woman who's family is her heart. You love your son but clearly gave him the wings to fly and pursue his own destiny in life. I would guess your card would somehow reflect your love for him (perhaps with a heart) and his love for whatever he loves, which sounds like that would be travel and young children. I also know that whatever the card has on it, it will remind him of how much he is loved.
Happy birthday Will.
I think Will's card will be over the top and filled with love whatever stamp set and paper you decide to use!
Please email me, and let me know what Sale-a-bration item you want….and it's yours! My heart is happy and I am blessed in so many ways! I deeply thank you for being such great cyber friends!
Sorry for the length of today's post but I do hope that you liked it….please say a "Birthday thought" for my dear Will…please pop back tomorrow to continue this fun!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Feb 27, 2014 | Birthday, Photopolymer Stamps, Super Easy |
Happy Thursday to all!!! Today is a very special day for my dear friends son…the milestone that I am asking you to think back to…Ethan turns16 today! So I have a question for you today and it will be a hoot to see the responses…
Do you remember when you turned 16…
Well by now you know me…I love to share stories with you! I am the youngest of 4 and I have clear memories of dreaming about turning 16 and getting my drivers license…I felt like Cinderella waiting for midnight and then I was going to feel different… (just super excited to get my drivers license)
I remember having a special dinner with my parents and grandparents and that one of the gifts I received was a pair of Corduroys that were all different colors….(I would absolutely die if I ever saw a picture of me in them) - I do not know how to explain them but I was super preppy and the legs were each a different color - pink on the front…lime green….bright blue and yellow ( I think they were called panel pants) –
I think Hannah would have croaked if I gave her a pair of these gems for her 16th!
Now Ethan is hitting his milestone today and I cannot believe it…as I type this I look up at a picture of him while we were on a vacation together and seeing him eat little mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls….and to think that now he is taller than I am…has this deep voice…has grown into a independent, fun athletic young man that loves his family and school! Happy special day to YOU!!!
Let's get to the card and still another story…I am sure you have all felt this way before…when you see a card that you love…one that always comes back into your head – well this is the inspiration I felt about this card!
Last June, my dear friend, Brian King made this card for his uplines son when he was taking his drivers test…the second I saw it I knew that I was going to CASE it…well this is another reason I love what I do and I love being a PAL…
I had emailed Brian to see if I could CASE it for my blog and immediately I received an email – ABSOLUTELY! Here is Brian's card…he is one amazing person and a TON OF FUN….and a super talented demonstrator….I just adore him and proud to call him my friend!
Being a part Stampin' Up! and being so lucky to be aligned with such a great group of positive minded people that really work and share their talents…fills my tank to FULL!!!
To me, you cannot get a card that is any cuter…appropriate for a 16 year old…clean…classic and clean!!! A winner all the way around!
Because I am also going to play with the Pals Pals Arts today and I feel like the “Moon and the Stars” were lined up for me today – perfect timing with this great sketch and Ethan’s birthday!
The card size is 5” X 7” and today….I know that this is rare – but I did not make an envelope as I am personally going to deliver this to Ethan with a big batch of yummy brownies for him!!!
This card is CRAZY easy – you do not need me but here you go!
The “focal” whisper white is 4 ¾” X 6 ¾” and then the strip of black paper is ¾” wide.
The “traffic lights” were a cinch to make…thanks to the Artisan Label Punch. I used Black Staz On ink…to me the BEST black ink!
Are you wondering about how I got the “words” on the lights? I simple ran the card stock thru my printer and then used the 1” punch to make the magic happen!
The colors I used were real red, daffodil delight and gumball green and then a stampin dimensional on the back…presto – too darn cute!!!
Let’s talk about this incredible sentiment…it sure does make a statement doesn’t it! Again, so easy! This is from the new Countless Sayings 2 Photopolymyer Set and it is a keeper! Just love these clear stamps!
I then matted this to a piece of Real Red a “smidge” larger – that 1/8” to me and YES – I popped out a bunch of punches to save paper and then adhered it to the base!
I know that Ethan will appreciate his card and he will really love his brownies…ready for this – layer of Chocolate Chip Cookies…topped with Double Stuff Oreos and then a brownie mix…bake and get ready to eat a piece of heaven! YUMMERS!!!
As the Spicher kids were growing up and we would be together for a dinner…they would all say at the same time….after we said a prayer….just love these kids and the family times we have together!
"Miss Susan" is a gooooooood cooker!!!!
Don't forget about the blog candy that I will be giving away tomorrow! Please check back to yesterdays post to read how you can win a FREE Sale-a-bration goodie of your choice by seeing if you can figure out what Birthday Card I am going to make for my son, Will's 27th Birthday!!!!
There have been some ready great ideas…but I can say – no one has nailed it yet!!!
Thanks for letting me go down Memory Lane with you…now do you remember when you turned 16? My Mom always cooked one of my favorite meals – BBQ Country Style Spare Ribs, Baked Pineapple and a yummy salad…her homemade Chocolate Cake and the best icing in the whole wide world! Great memories – I miss her! Still can't get that icing "just right like she did!!
Have a great day…I thank you for your comments & feedback – you make me smile, you make me love to create…you enrich me to believe in Stampin' Up! even more!!!
I do see 1st hand what a difference this makes to so many peoples lives….wowzers….some time to make a card and let them know you're thinking of them…PRICELESS!
Until tomorrow!
