by Susan Itell | Feb 26, 2014 | Thinking of you |
O.k. my friends…I need your help…I need your prayers!!! My dearest friend Dad is very ill…and we need our positive energy going his way! I am going to try to make a bunch of cards that are fun, fresh and appropriate for a man (but I know his wonderful wife will love them)!!!
So Ted…this card is for you! If my cold is better I am hoping to go and see him on Sunday but I need to be well as he is in treatment! Sometimes there are “curves” in life that I just do not understand…there are way to many accomplishments and milestones for this great man to see!
My inspiration comes from my Stampin’ friend Jeanie…you have heard me talk about her a bunch…well she sent me the most wonderful card of thanks and inspiration and it is something that I will always cherish….so I had to tweak it a bit….so Jeanie – this card is my “kick off” card for Ted!
The base is Very Vanilla , a regular A-2 size but scored at 5 ½” to make it a vertical card…something fun to change it up a bit!
Working down…the Baked Brown Sugar is 3 ¼” X 4 ½” …and the super designer series paper of Retro Fresh, is 3” X 4 ¼” and then the last is Very Vanilla is a 2 ¾” square!
I want you to remember this card as this is a “keeper” layout….one to come back to – just think of all of the papers and stamps that will make a dynamite card
The Stampin-a-ma-jig is my friend (and yours too I hope) to make the perfect placement of the sentiments that is from the Sweet Essentials Stamp Set. No rhyme or reason on how I stamped it…I just knew that I needed to keep it high enough so I could put the mini hearts !
Did you see the teeny tiny hearts inside? Where did they come from… that darn “Owl Punch”…he makes his presence when you least expect it!
The finale to the card is the simple yet classic Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon…this ties soooo amazingly each and every time! “knots” work for me…what do you think?!?!
Because I did not think Ted would notice the envelope if it was lined in the inside (men…they do not notice as much) so I decided to line the outside…and it is super cute!
Easy…simple…fast…super cute – what more is there to say! I hope that this card inspired you as much as Jeanie’s card did to me…I know that Ted will love it!
I am ready for you for the next couple of days…I swear – I let my life inspire me with my postings! This is the beauty of blogging…it let’s me pour my personality into my passion!
Remember how I said my oldest son’s Birthday is on Friday – well MISSION accomplished…my inspiration came while I was “picking” Stanley’s stall (Hannah’s horse) last night…it is super cute….well I think it is!
Here is an opportunity for YOU to grab some blog candy from me! Will is going to be 27 on Friday and he is my child that lived in China for 4 years after he finished college teaching…he now lives in Boston and is a Montessori Teacher for “little ones” so….
I will pick the closest to my heart… your interpretation of what my card to my dear Will will be on Friday! Even John said…WOW – now that it great! So put your thinking cap on and guess what the card is going to look like for Will on Friday on his special day!
What will you win….you will win YOUR CHOICE of a Sale-a-bration item…that’s right – your choice!!!! I will keep it open until Thursday night at 9 p.m. and then on Will's 27th Birthday on Friday the 28th you will see who is the lucky winner! WOWZERS – my dear Will is 27!!!
I am feeling better…not the best and I feel like my poor nose looks like Rudolph but I am determined!
Let’s have a GREAT day…you can email me if I can help you…
Thank you for your precious time and please send your thoughts, prayers and positive energy Ted’s way….
Thank you….until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Feb 25, 2014 | Birthday |
Last week I shared with you that I had a bunch of birthdays coming up so I would have to put my thinking cap on for ideas! Well…here is one to inspire you!
I know that it is kind of different for me but I think it is fun and it sure was fun to make! Just think of all of the colors you could use plus it is a fabulous way to use up scraps!
There are 2 tools that are a must for this card…your Stampin’ Trimmer and the Hearts Collection Framelits! You can see in the below photo that I simply took the heart and traced the framelit…this is my guide for making sure my strips of paper are long enough!
This is so easy and so fun…Grap what ever colors your heart desires and I suggest that you use the RIGHT side of the Stampin’ Trimmer when cutting a narrow size like this…it is so much easier to hold etc – the strips are ¼” wide.
Using the mono liquid glue…(little goes a LONG way or if you want – put a blob on a piece of scrap paper and then use a Q-tip to lightly “glue it up” – this way is won’t “squish” out against the next color)!
Fill up the whole heart and then take this masterpiece of paper strips to your Main Stampin’ Man, Mr.Big Shot and using the Hearts Framelits…voila a perfect stripe heart!!! WOOT-WOOT…isn’t it super cute!
Next, the one technique that everyone loves as the WOW factor of heat embossing is as exciting the 1st time as it is the 100th time!!! I thought that this was the perfect sentiment – it is from the You’re Amazing Stamp Set!
When you heat emboss, I do suggest that you use the Embossing Buddy over the area that you re going to stamp. This will eliminate any dust, static etc…from your paper so when you use the Versa Pad to ink up your stamp…it will give it a good and clean stamp!
Take a piece of paper and fold it in half and then generously pour over the stamped image White Embossing Power – (I usually shake it back and forth several time to make sure I get good coverage) and then tap any excess off!
To the heat tool we go…I will admit – I had one that I purchase from a local store and when I was at a Stampin’ Event, my friend Jeanie had one from Stampin’ Up and I was amazed at how much faster and more evenly the final result was…live and learn! (Naturally I ordered one!!!)
Make sure that you do not hold the heat tool too close to your paper as it can scorch – yep – I have done that before…I actually like to move the heat tool in a circular motion and you know it is done when it is nice and shiny!
To the card we go…the base is a 5” square card in the yummy color of So Saffron…and then the next layer is Strawberry Slush (SAVE PAPER – cut out the inside with some punches etc) and then the Whisper White a “smidge” smaller!
I used the liquid glue to adhere the heart and then I did POP up the outer layer with Stampin’ Dimensionals! Cute, fresh and fun! The envelope came together in a breeze with the help of the Envelope Punch Board…it is simply amazing that this tool can only cost $19.95…I think back to the times that I made my own custom envelopes…and now – a SNAP!
To the back flap I added the fun In Color Designer Series Paper! You have heard me say time and time again how much they are a lifesaver for me!
As I say…when in doubt…pull them out!
It saves a ton of time and you always know that you will have the correct color match each and every time! A quick strip of the snail…put the paper over top and cut away! PRESTO!!!
I thank you for your “sniffle wishes” and I am still not my perky self…I truly am not one that gets colds and I am not one that adapts to having limitations but I need to listen to my body! Everyday I am feeling better – my poor nose is sooooo sore!
My oldest sons Birthday is on Friday and I have been thinking and thinking of his Birthday Card…hopefully by the time you read this post, my Mojo had hit and I have already made it! (I find that I do my best creative work early in the morning while I am having my coffee)!!!
When is your best time to be creative?
I think that it is funny to see everyone’s time schedules – I get emails from people at midnight saying they are up working away…heck – I am half way in my sleep cycle! I am an early bird and rather useless after 8 p.m.!!!!
Remember, with every Sale-a-bration order of $50.00 you can pick a free goodie and I will also send you a “swatch” book of the Designer Series Paper….my thanks to you! It is such a pretty paper!
Here’s to another cold Tuesday…I am still not happy with that Groundhog – oh well – I should listen to the card I made on Saturday and just….”bee happy”
YOU make me happy by popping by…have a great day and until tomorrow!!!!
by Susan Itell | Feb 24, 2014 | Love |
Can you remember when you had the “question” popped to you? I do…my Mom and Dad were over at my house and dear John had already asked my Dad before they came for dinner…(What a true gentleman)…and just as I was getting ready to serve dessert John asked me to come into the living room…(No one else was in there) and out of the blue he popped the question!
If was very obvious that my parents knew that he was going to ask me and it was a special night…BUT (let’s see if he reads my blog)…the next day he asked for my ring back as he did not like the way it looked on my hand…I am totally serious! He simply just did not like it…saying he wanted something more classic – and classic is what I got and I love it…almost 25 years later!!
John is truly the best…my best friend & the best blind date I was ever on!
The rest is history…We are blessed in many ways!
I have (2) sets of friends that are getting married and I must admit – I have not made many engagement cards but I think that this turned out cute! Lots of “visuals” for you but I just love this concept of “cutting” the front and stampin’ the inside!
For this…the magnetic platform to me is a must…and if you do not have this by now…you really need to hit my “shop now” button and treat yourself to this gem!
The base is a note card size…my favorite and then I cut another piece of Whisper White at 4 7/8” X 3 3/8” and then I corner rounder all edges – the card as well as the additional piece of white and I like to use the corner rounder on the Envelope Punch Board…works like a gem!
You can see in the below picture that I loosely adhered the white piece together and then place the Deco Labels Framelit and ran it through my main man….Mr. Big Shot….PRESTO – a perfect cut!
Using one of my all time favorite colors, So Saffron, I place the (2) deco framelits in place to cut a perfect mat to go over the hole I cut out! This will make a PERFECT match….so easy….such a WOW factor! I do hope that you try this effect!
Take a pencil and trace the image of the Deco framelit and then you can use the Stamp-a-ma-jig with the help of the super cute stamp set, Perfect Couple (so appropriate) …perfect placement everytime!
Now you can place Stampin Dimensionals on the back of the smaller white piece and adhere the So Saffron frame…(I like using the Mono Liquid Glue for this…live to wiggle it “just in place”)
The BLING is next…I do not use Rhinestones a bunch bit I will say – this is sooooooo fitting!!! I BIG rhinestone is all that is needed! Don’t you think that the recipients are going to love this!
Lastly, the liner for the envelope is the super fun Watercolor Wonder DSP…it is drop dead gorgeous! I simply cannot get enough of it!
I know that an engagement card is something that we do often…but I do hope that you keep this in the back of your mind! I think it is cute, super clean and simple!
I have some super fun posts for you this week! I am hoping that this cold is…OUT OF HERE…as I do not like to be down!!!
We are in the midst of the BEST time of the year with Stampin' Up! – Sale-a-bration is the time of the year that you can get a FREEBIE with every $50.00 purchase! Click here to see all of the offerings in the catalog…they are fantastic this year!
Please email me if I can help you and I hope I inspired you…let's all have a super week…it's a busy but "good" week ahead for me!!!
Tomorrow I have a fun Birthday Card for you…you will be seeing "stripes"…but it is "Susan Fun" card!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Feb 23, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Super Easy |
Here you go…the “baby” version of my post last week! I love that we can purchase these great clear boxes…not only to they make a perfect gift presentation, anything that helps us stay organized is GREAT with me!
I shared with you that I had the sniffles…. well – I am down and out and I do not like it one bit! I apologize in advance if this is not the most “detailed” post…. but I think that you will get the idea and I hope you see how super cute this is to give as a gift…you have heard me say this before but here you go again!
Whenever you create things with your hands…
it is truly a gift of art from your heart!
I cherish gifts that have been handmade…to me – it shows love, time and pride! It does not matter how “perfect” it is…. as what is “perfect” – I think that this is something that we all do not know the answer!
I chose to use the same stamp set that I did last week, Geometrical Stamp Set…and I think you can see how it works great with these 3” X 3” cards! Stampin’ Up carries the mini envelopes for these gems…. and now that we have the envelope liner framelit….we can easily line the envelopes! WOOT-WOOT!!!! For this project I made (6) enclosure cards and envelopes and the 3 nuggets (we all need a chocolate fix)!!!
The “half” size Wood-Mount Cases are super-duper! You get (4) for just $4.95 and look at this cute “gift” – when you think about it…not only is practical/useful it is adorable and affordable! Remember from last week, they also come in the “full” size for $6.95 for (4) of them! You can do the same "concept" of decorating the front like I did on the larger ones s well!
Today I did something a bit different! There is a “sleeve” that you can put a sheet of paper in and I chose to decorate that to make it a special gift! I do not know about you…but when I see a beautiful bow on something – I instantly feel special! This ribbon is 5/8” Organza Ribbon and then I put a dash of Bermuda Bay Taffeta Ribbon for some fun!
The White piece that goes inside the cover is 3 5/16" X 6 1/4"….fits perfectly! I just decorated the front as shown but I did pull out the ruler to make a "half-way" line for my stampin and with the help of my Stamp-a-ma-jig….perfect placement!
I saw a video from another demonstrator, Kay Kalthoff, and I took some of the tips that she did and I liked the end result! Now you know I am a bit "type A" and after watching her video I chose to keep the front clean and crisp in white and "jazz" it up myself in stead of seeing the backside of a DSP!
For the "inside of the box" (and I like this touch) I cut a piece of White at 3 3/8" X 6 1/4" and then scored it at 3 1/4"…4"…and 4 3/4"…..fold the creases and then I put 3 glue dots to hold that "division" together….this is the division for the chocolate nuggets!
The card are just 3 X 3 and this is a great example of why 12 X 12 paper comes in handy! For a project like this….it makes cutting a breeze! I off set it with 2 3/4" X 2 3/4" and after I stamped the image….I took the piece to the Simple Scored Tool and scored all the way around at 1/8" – I think it gives it a nice depth!
Stampin' Dimensionals go to the back to make the simple card fun! These are so handy…and so cute! The other "helpers" I had with the cards were the mini heart punch, and the petite petals punch! These make a fun factor with ease!
You can see that I "curled" the butterfly and the flower….I know you are probably thinking that they will get "smooshed" in the box…but they POP right back up! Too cute!
I hope that this inspires you to make some great gifts! We all need little cards like these and with all of the amazing stamps and paper we have….as the saying goes – "The skies the limit"
Thanks for popping in and I hope that I can "shake" this cold…..please pop back tomorrow as I have a super cute….clean and simple card that has a bit of BLING!!!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Feb 22, 2014 | Super Easy |
YIPPEE….it is SATURDAY but….I think I am getting a cold! I am rarely sick and I am bummed that I have the sniffles and not feeling totally perky so this card is jusy perfect for me to listen to! I would have a HUGE smile on my face if I received this….I adore the colors of white, yellow and black! My Mom would have loved this card! Isn't this a cute clip art!!!
This was a fun card to make! I knew the color scheme…. Whisper White, Daffodil Delight and Basic Black and do you see…my favorites….the Designer Series Paper Collection in the Brights and Neutrals were my go to’s!
I need to back up….3 years ago – I can remember looking at a catalog and seeing these super fun papers with polka dots and stripes etc…and I kept looking and looking and I could not find them anywhere in the catalog!
When I discovered them in the catalog I thought, “Wow, they are not so visible…. wonder how many people buy them”? Well, I took a leap of faith and purchased one…. and once I received it I said to myself HELLO….I need them in all color palettes!
WHY? Easy-peasy….it is a no brainer to think of something to coordinate with as the colors always color coordinate with our color palettes
Enough – you know what to do…hit my shop now button! I am the 1st to realize that they seem pricy but when you really think about it – they are a bargain…one sheet of paper will line soooo many envelopes….and just thing of all of the shapes that you can pop out like I did with today’s card!
- I wanted to do something a bit different so I made a regular A-2 card and I scored it at the 5 1/2” but instead of a vertical card…I made it open from the left!
- The next layer of Whisper White is a "smidge" smaller – to me that = 1/8" smaller!
- Having FUN with the Hexagon Punch I just POPPED away with the colors and DSP!!!!
- The “bee” is from the Backyard Basics Stamp Set and guess what?…I did not buy the framelits so I had to “fussy” cut it and it was super easy! My take on this…
- Before popping the sentiment out, which is from the Happy Day Stamp Set….the way it made it look super fun was with the Bubble Framelits! These are super framelits but I would buy them in a bundle…why – easy! You will save 15% right off the bat!
- To me….the key ingredient to this card to make it WOW is the stitching and the stampin' dimensionals! Isn't it funny how things sooooo simple and make the end result soooooo fun!
LESS IS BEST…..
- I would I recommend using the liquid multipurpose glue as your adhesive of choice with this type of layout….WHY…..the wiggle makes me smile and it makes me have PERFECT placement every time!
- Lastly, you know me and my envelopes….I decided to make the mailman smile and line the outside of the envelope in the daffodil delight FUN polka dots!
That's it! Remember, you can always email me and I will be happy to answer your question (if I can!!!!)~ I think that this is a super cute,fresh and fun card…but all at the same time….the colors make is classic!
Happy Saturday…..Happy Weekend! It is going to be a beautiful day here (for a change) and I am determined to do some fun things outside…..sooooo fingers crossed I will not be to much under the weather!
Please POP by tomorrow as I will be sharing with you the "baby version" of my post from last Sunday….all with some super cute 3 X 3 enclosures!!!!
Thank you for sharing your coffee with me and until tomorrow!!!!
