by Susan Itell | Feb 11, 2014 | PALS Blog Hops, Super Easy, Thank You |
Welcome to the Pals February Blog Hop. This month we are excited to share with you what we love about Stampin' Up! – our stamps, tools, accessories and techniques.
You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from # 8… Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping 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.
This truly is one of my favorite times of the month….when we have our monthly Blog Hop!!! It is always such a treat to see what others come up with and I hope that you will pop by each and everyone's blog to see "what they love"!!!
This month's theme of "things we love"…WOWZERS – (can you hear me singing)…
"Where do I begin…..to tell the story….."
Well first… I just LOVE Stampin' Up! and today's card is a reflection of these things that I love! Here are some of the products that I used from Stampin' Up! that "I love" and that make is fun and easy to create the Clean and Simple style I like to do when card making!
- Sale-A-Bration – THANK YOU Stampin' Up! for offering such incredible "freebies" for us and our customers…and also the extra $$$ for hostess rewards!!! WOOT-WOOT!
Let's get to the card as this is such a cutie-pie and it is the card that I send to my customers this month…I am showcasing the DSP from Sale-A-Bration….an appropriate card for a "thank you" in the month of February!
I love white….did you notice that by now? I think white is always the perfect classic background to produce a wowzer card! The inset piece is cut at 3 1/4" X 4 3/4"
I knew that I wanted this to be super simple and super duplicatable….so out came the Stampin Trimmer and I used the vertical pattern on the DSP to guide me for the width!
- The vertical dimensions are 3 1/4" X 3/4" for the DSP and the pool party is 3 1/2" X 1/2"
- The horozontal dimensions are 3" X 3/4" for the DSP and the pool party is 2 3/4" X 1/2"
I just love my dots and dashes…and I often use the white gel pen….another must have and the price is right – just $3.95! No stressing….just dash away and the effect will be super-duper!
Next came the sentment! This "thank you" is a perfect size to fit in this area! I did not dare take a chance on not having a straight image so out came the Stamp-a-ma-jig ! The Stamp Set is called Peaceful Petals!
Taking the full heart punch and popping out a crisp cantaloupe heart….I ran it through the SAB Dots Embossing Folder and the end result is perfect! Popping it up with some Stampin' Dimensionals was all that was needed! The small heart punch with the DSP was just adhered with a glue dot!
THAT'S IT…..easy-peasy….right! Lining envelopes is so easy with the Envelope Liner Framelit….thank-you Stampin' Up……it is the perfect finishing touch/finale to a beautiful card!
(One question I have been asked…..can the new Textured Boutique Embossing Machine cut? NO – it can only emboss…..it is a dream with the embossing folders and because it is much smaller and light weight – it is a fun product….but the Big Shot is the Main Man to do everything…cut and emboss!)
A big, BIG thanks for popping by today!!!! I hope that I have inspired you and I hope that you will try this super simple layout and adapt it to many different themes!!! Please feel free to leave me a comment on how you liked this card and remember, you can email me too!
We are in FULL SWING with SAB so it is a great time to have a class, a stack-a-card event….or simply if you want a hostess code – I'll be glad to set that up for you!
The next stop is # 10…Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat on the Pals Blog Hop! Nicole is the super-duper gu-ru that always designs our "Blog Hop Artwork"….one talented lady! Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you next month.
Until tomorrow…..
- Kerry Willard Bray at Peonies and Paper Chains
- Brian King at Stamp with Brian
- Janice Warhank at Janice's Papercraft Playground
- Shannon Hokanson at Paper Works
- Michelle Gleeson at StampinMojo
- Marlene Heringer at So Many Toys So Little Time
- Linda Callahan at Stampin' Seasons
- Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping
- Susan Itell at Simple Stampin
- Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat
- Rae Harper-Burnet at Wild West Paper Arts
- Sherrie Gross at Stampin Sunshine
- Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
- Peggy Noe at prettypapercards.com
- Donna Kopenski at craftycardmaker
- Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards
- Natalie Bradley at Natalie Bradley Events
- Diane Roberts at Score at Four and a Quarter
- Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
- Jackie Diediker at Stampin Jackie
- Alison Bilohlavek at ribbon and brad
- Kelly DeTommaso at Kelly's Creative Corner
- Martie Pollard at The Crafty Bandit
- Angie Blake at Angie's Musings
- Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn
- Shirley Sumption at Look at my Cute Stuff
- Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper
by Susan Itell | Feb 10, 2014 | 3-D Projects |
Do you remember yesterday that I shared with you 2 things?!?!?
- I was going to showcase you this week that there was a product that I was wowed by at Leadership that was totally "NOT SUSAN"
- I was getting together with my friend and super talented Jeanie as she was in total disbelief that it was a "keeper"…..
This is it and it is from the Spring Occasions Catalog….in a million years – I would never of given it a 2nd look unless I had seen it in person – I was wowed!!!
What is it….it is….
The Burlap and Blooms Simply Created Wreath Kit!
Not only did we have a fun time together….we laughed and I heard many times….WOW – this is really cute…this is really fun…..this is really beautiful!
The funniest thing was that I ended up going to her house….and she has the MOST AMAZING "craft area"… and my dear John called and said…did you realize that it is snowing…..!!!!! Amazing how you can get caught up in simple and pure fun!
Here are pictures of both Jeanie's and mine…isn't it fun to see how fun but different they are ….we had a blast! (and her daughter made peanut buter cookies – YUMMERS!!!!)
The end result is that that we had fun!
You can see that Jeanie's flowers are "looser" than mine, and truthfully I prefer them this way…it was just fun to be together and have our own "interpretation" of what was in the kit!
The best thing is that EVERYTHING is in this kit and it is just $17.95…but I will suggest that you have a hot glue gun! It made life s fast and easy!
Here are some close up's of the flowers….it really is a beautiful wreath and I encourage you to "think out of the box" and purchase one to make someone's day! This is a PERFECT gift to give to someone's office….someone in a nursing home…for your "creative space of inspiration" as you will see in the below pictures how I took it to the next level and added some "Susan touches"
Don't you just love computers and a printer! I used our Whisper White Paper and used "Word" to make this simple sentiment! Using So Saffron and Smokey Slate and a "simple tear towards you" does the magic!
These are the added touches that I added – but they are not necessary…the kit has it all….sticky strip on the flowers…..seriously the only thing that is helpful is a hot glue gun!
Today is Monday….and I will PROUDLY be hanging this on my office door and super excited to have some "wreath classes" ….what a perfect time with Sale-a-bration!
Plese feel free to email me and also PLEASE pop back tomorrow with a BIG cup of coffee…why? It is the PALS Blog Hop and there is a "bunch of us hopping" as we will be "show-casing" the things we love about Stampin' Up!
I hope that you enjoyed this "different" post from me….but I can honestly say that it was super fun to put together and when John saw the end result – he said "Can you make one for my Mom"…
Missioned accomplished…!!!!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Feb 9, 2014 | Thank You |
I love the Olympics…I find it to be so entertaining and I am always WOWED by the athletes! I was so excited to see the opening ceremonies!
All day at work on Friday I was thinking of what John and I would have for dinner…planning on how to take care of the animals….juggling everything to be planted in front of the TV to watch the pageantry – then getting a call from a dear friend to pop over and watch the opening ceremonies……CALGON TAKE ME AWAY – so many decisions!
Dear John to the rescue….he went home and brought the horses in…(he is doing GREAT) – fed the dogs and Daisy-Mae ….said – you say at work and I will take care of the house and meet you….WOWZERS – a dream come true…..he is the best!
I think that impromptu things work out to be the best! This is what this post is about and we had a FABULOUS Friday! Last minute things work out to the best! I was glued and enjoyed every minute!
Now to the FLIP SIDE….I try not to be negative …but I was soooooo ready for yesterday to be over! Have you ever had a day that everything you wanted to accomplished…just fell short each and every-time! Well – that was me from about 12 noon on Saturday until John was once again a saviour and made me smile…. actually helped me finish today's card!
Many times we learn the hard way – this is one of those examples as when John and I were driving home today from doing errands I said – " I think I will make an Olympic Card to say a big THANKS to Haven and Brandon for such a fun Friday evening"!!! His immediate reaction was…yep – that would be easy…..just make the circles and done!!!!
I was doing the "Susan mental happy dance" as we were driving as I knew EXACTLY how I was going to do this card….then there were some hiccups but I learned and I will pass them on to you as you can see!
The key element was naturally the circles, I was 1st going to use the Circle Framelits and then I was lazy and thought…..let's try punches as if they would work it would be a time saver…(remember, I was soooo darn eager to have my day over)
The punches did the trick for me! I used the 1 3/8" and the 1 3/4" Circle Punches and the colors of paper were Real Red, Garden Green, Daffodil Delight, Black and Pacific Point! Easy-peasy…pop the smaller one 1st and then the larger to make the rings!
I thought I was sooo darn cleaver to use the shaker frames and the 1st "go around" I used the whole circle and then was super frustrated that they would not lay flat! (DAH!!!!) John to the resque (again) and he said….just cut smaller pieces….so that I did but I then again made another boo-boo…..I cut all 5 circles and if I do this again, I would just cut the yellow and green and I would "hide" the cut marks under the other circles!
You see…I am all full of hiccups today but I think that you can get the look I was going for! John was trying to keep me positive and said – how did you know what size to make the card….I was all smiles as before he came to my rescue…I snapped a picture that shows you!!!! The final saize is 4" X 6 1/2"!
It is that wonderful grid paper….just love that grid – it is a helper and a quick life saver! You can see the "how to's" easily with this card and then I knew the perfect sentiment! The Lots of Thanks Set was the perfect way to thank my friends for such a wonderful evening!
Friday was a perfect night….Saturday is behind me and today will be a GREAT day! I promised "Stanley" (the horse) a really good and long grooming and my friend Jeanie is coming over and I am going to make her say…."you were not kidding"…!!!! She is sooo funny and sooooo talented and we are going to put together a project and then I will post on it this week!
Can you think of what it might be….???It is in the new Occasions catalog and something that to me us soooo "Not Susan" but when I saw it at leadership I was in awe with how cute/beautiful it was in person!
Thanks for popping in and listening to me today! I hope that you enjoy watching these amazing athletes over the next 2 weeks! They are our heros with their dedication and pasion!!!
Don't forget….Sale-A-Bration is in FULL swing and it is H O T!!!! Please email me if you have any questions!!!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Feb 8, 2014 | Uncategorized |
I know that many of you have been hearing me complain a bit about the weather…well – I decided to take the "high road" and be positive and "THINK SPRING"! This simple card for your Saturday is just that…fun, uplifting and SIMPLE!
You have heard me many times about keeping in your memory a card layout that just "works" – well this is one of those kind of cards! Can't you see the endless ideas of changing up the stamps…sentiments and colors and still have one BINGO-BANGO card! A reason to give a quick woot-woot!!!
Let's get going…!!!
- The card base is a regular A-2 card size but scored at 5 1/2" to make a vertical card! The white piece that is stamped on is 3 1/4" X 3 1/2" and then the Black Piece behind it is a smidge bigger (a smidge to me is 1/8" )
- Working from the Annual Catalog for this card…the adorable flowers are from the Secret Garden Stamp Set…this is a very popular set and even though it is Winter - thought it deserved a bit of "stage presence"! The best thing is…there are framelits for this….2nd woot-woot for the day!
- Remember how I have shared with you that many times I pick my card to the lining that I want to showcase! Well, this is what I did for this card! (I guess you can say it working backwards – but it works for me) – The Designer Series Paper is from the Gingham Garden Collection and the crispness of Daffodil Delight sets the tone! LOVE this collection!
- The designer series paper is cut at 2 1/2" X 4 1/4" and then the mat of black is just a smidge bigger at the top and bottom (the 4 1/4" width stays the same)
- Let's get to the fun part….the stampin part! I stamped the "stem" of the flower in Gumball Green and the flowers are in Daffodil Delight! Out comes my main Stampin' Man…..Mr. Big Shot – and with the help of the Secret Garden Framelits…this was easy-peasy!!!! I colored in the stem with the gumball green marker.
- Did you notice that I stamped (2) flowers…the one I adhered and the other one I took my paper snips and cut in and then gently rolled them a bit to give the flower some movement and attached them with a mini glue dot! ( a fun look….don't you think???)
- Sentiment time…I think that this is such a sweet sentiment and it is from the Field Flowers Stamp Set…this is another beautiful set and one that I think gets over looked! I just adore this sweet sentiment but I did use the Stamp-a-ma-jig as I would not want to do all of this work and than have a crooked sentiment!
Well, that's about it….but I do hope that it brighten your day!
Now…I want to re-touch on the exciting news of the Paper Pumpkin Kits that Stampin' Up! offers…As you know – I was not a fan of them….actually not at all until last month at convention and this below image is just what I needed to do…Think Differently…..WHY?
I was just not "on board" even if it was just $20.00 a month…but when I saw the changes that they made…I did the woot-woot dance and signed up on the spot!!! I had heard and read many comments… feed-backs about the program and I just thought that it was not for me…..
But now…..IT IS TOTALLY FOR ME and I hope that you too will join!
Here is the scoop….you just go to the website, click here, and sign up! If you do this before Monday evening the 10th – you will receive a free set on In Color Markers….(that in itself is a $14.95 value) so you can see – what do you have to lose….
I was able to see the kits for February & March and they are just adorable!!! Now, when you sign up over the weekend…you will get the introduction kit….but that's o.k. – it has 2 great stamps and a clear mounting block and cards…..but do not worry – I have ordered PLENTY of the February kits for the "newbie's" to purchase from me since in February you will be getting the introduction kit….so again…
What do you have to lose…..nothing!!!
This is how strongly I feel about this program…you have nothing to lose and the BEST thing is…if you do not feel like it is for you…or you do not want to continue to get monthly kits for $20.00….guess what – YOU CAN GET OUT….!!!! How easy is that! The magical date of the month is the 10th of the month to cancel or "skip" a month (yes, you can do that too)!!!
What I will do is email each of my Paper Pumpkin Customers at the 1st of the month to check in with them and see how they liked the product for that month and then to also remind them that if they want to cancel….to do so BEFORE the 10th! EASY-PEASY!!!
Now…here's how you can help me…I am ALWAYS up for a challenge…
and a carrot was dangled to Demonstrators….
Stampin' Up! knows that they needed to change up this program and they reached out to us (I think it is great that they realized it was not the program that the customers wanted )…and that if we recruited new Paper Pumpkin customers….that we would be rewarded!!!
My goal was to add 7 new Paper Pumpkin Customers…..and I have 5 and still need 2! Have I ever steered you wrong!?!? I would not be so passionate about it if I did not believe in it!
So the moral of the story is…
When you go to the Paper Pumpkin Website and go through the signing up process….they will ask you a demonstrator name…and you know that (hopefully!!!!)…..BUT they also ask you my city and state…..that is dear little… Williamsport, MD…..(no – it is not the baseball place – that is PA)!!!!
Trust me, you will be smiling too as if I make this goal – Stampin' Up! will be rewarding me with goodies that in turn I will share with my new Pumpkin Pals!!! Here comes another Woot-Woot!!!! I just love a challenge!
Thanks for popping by and I hope that I brought sunshine and inspiration your way….and thank you for considering to help me with the Paper Pumpkin Program….as always, please feel free to email me! Have a great day and…..
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Feb 7, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Valentines |
I hope that you find this post as cute as I do! They are so much fun to make up and once “you’ve got it” they are a cinch to make a bunch up!
I am sooooooo guilty for picking up pens at work – it seems like everyday someone will walk in my office and ask me if happened to take their pen….and usually – I am “guilty as charged” So….this is what I am giving my co-workers for a little goodie for Valentines Day!
How simple and cost effective! (Rolo’s are on sale this week where I live for .89 a roll and then I just purchase the Hershey kisses in the bulk aisle so I don’t have to buy a whole bag)
Sorry for the amount of photos….but I know that they help! (another reason that I need to do videos) I know that this idea has been “down the pike” many times but I found the instructions that this gal posted last year and when I went to find it for you….she just updated it yesterday – CLICK HERE to see her adorable pencils!
I have followed her guide but I added some “simple tips and tricks” for you to follow! They really are a dream to whip up and they surely will put a smile on someone’s face! Please email me if you have and questions! Let's get to it!
Use your imagination with all different colors! I mixed up the Valentine Colors using Real Red, Rose Red and Melon Mambo!
- Cut your card stock to 3 ½” X 4 ½” (great way to use up scraps) and place it on the
- Simply Scored Scoring Tool and score it a ¼” intervals! See picture below…so easy!
TIP ALERT: I like using this tool for a nice and deep score…I know that you can use your Stampin' Trimmer, but I really think that this gives it a good and crisp effect!
- After your base is scored, simply tear the paper ( a small amount) so it gets the effect of the end if a pencil or crayon (hope this makes sense) Also "work the fibers" of the paper and roll it around the "rolo" – this will make it not so rigid when you adhere it! – see picture!
- Let's get to the Rolo…I know that you have read the great instruction that Jaime did…but this is the way that I found it to be SUPER easy…simply take a smail piece of tin foil and wrap it around the end…(my patience did not jive with cutting a thin sliver) and then go ahead and adhere the Hershey Kiss with several mini glue dots….(love those gems!)
- Cut a 3 ½” X 3/8” piece of blushing bride cardstock…now this is when you would want to use your Stampin’ Trimmer and I would use the measurement lines to the right of the cutting blade! (so much easier when you are making a narrow cut! Take a piece of sticky strip and also place sticky strip on the base part (Rolo and one piece on the outer edge) as shown below!
TIP ALERT: – make sure you do not run the sticky strip all the way up the Rolo….you want part of the tin foil to show!!!
I sure hope that you enjoyed this post and will give it a try! I made 18 of these cute treats in literally no time….remember how I have shared with you before…break your projects down and do bits here and there…it makes it so much easier and you do not become stressed!
The below picture you can see the "end" of the pencil and I think the little heart "is the perfect finishing touch"
One thing to think about with this project is…you can easily change things up if you do not have a specific punch…I also wanted to share the picture of the stamp set…the name says it all and it is perfectly named as there are a dozen of perfect sentiments – Stamp sets like these are real keepers! Even if you do not have a sentiment stamp….who cares – just free hand a heart and cut it out!
Trust me…the message will come accross…..they are loved and thought about!
Have a fabulous day….Valentines is one week from today so please go out and get some rolos and make someone smile! All ages love these and they will be WOWED! I will be packing up my goodies that I have been making and off they go to my loved ones!
Tomorrow is a simple Saturday post for you!!! We were to get a bunch of snow on Sunday but I think we are going to dodge it!!!! I am saying a BIG WOOT-WOOT for that!
Thanks for popping by and please share my blog with your family and friends! It is a joy and pleasure to be your Stampin' Up Demonstrator!
Until tomorrow!
