by Susan Itell | Feb 6, 2014 | Uncategorized |
It's Thursday and you know what that means…time for a Pals Paper Art Challenge and today's challenge is a color challenge…so pull out your paper, stamps and ink and put your "thinking cap" on and PLAY! This is open to everyone and everyone means YOU!!!!
At first I was going to go with a Valentine's theme…but I figured I would switch it up a bit….I would go a different route and I like the road I was on! Super beautiful and meaningful… but at the same time classic!
I think that this color palette is sooooo darn' tootin' classic….I would love to have a dress in these colors! I think grey and pink are super-de-duper together!
Let's go!
- The card is our good old A-2" size but it is scored at the vertical side…..5 1/2"
- When using this paper….the next step is the sanding….this process let's the fibers of the paper expose! ( I know it's hard to see with white)….but it is classic!
- The stamp set that is the focal point is from the From the Heart Stamp Set, one that I adore and use often with card to my friends – it is soooooo heartfelt and guess what – it is ON SALE this week…a reason in itself to say woot-woot!
- After stamping this - the Labels Framelit Collection Framelits was the Blue Winner to make this happen! It did not stop there….I cut it out again with the focal colors to make it POP!!!! Stampin' Dimensionals were my friends….as these gems ALWAYS produce the WOW factor!
- Can you see that I cut the grey one out larger – as this is the BEST time to use the piercing tool and the Festive Paper-Piercing Pack...WOW – so simple….so fast….so fun! Doing this simple yet effective paper piercing makes a statement and just think how easy this is to do!?!?
This card is one that is classic and one that can be duplicated many times over and over again! I hope that you pull out these colors and have fun! PLEASE play along with us…..we have fun….there is lots of talent!!!!…..and the talent is from YOU!!!!!
If you would like me to help you upload your card…please email me and I will be happy to help!
The envelope was a bit different than usual! I did not want a Designer Series Paper…so I thought…how about using the Blushing Bride and running it through the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine and them adhered it to the back flap…and guess what – I LOVED IT!
If you have not seen this super quick video on the Embossing Gem…..please click here – Stampin' Up! does a great job showcasing them! I love the size of it and the fact that it is not so heavy!
Please POP back tomorrow as I am SUPER excited to inspire you to make some SUPER fun…SUPER cute….3-D PROJECT that you will smile from ear to ear! They "whip up" quick and are just adorable for an extra "something" for Valentines!
Please be sure to stop by the challenge and see all of the great cards using these 3 colors….make a note to check back over the weekend as well – it is fun to see all of the different interpretations that we all come up with! Isn't paper crafting FUN!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Feb 5, 2014 | masking, Sale-A-Bration |
I share with you that today I was going to share with you a SUPER CUTE…SUPER FESTIVE fun Valentine post…but you'll have to wait until Friday! I am sorry….I needed to switch up my post and tomorrow is the PALS Paper Art Challenge and with me being on the design team….you know I'll be there!
The moral of the story is hang tight cause' it's worth it…I think that this easy-peasy card will surely bring a smile to your face! You can see that it is all about Sale-A-Bration items…and this little ray of sunshine is finding its way to my daughters mailbox….to let her know that I am doing the "Spring Dance" and hoping that sunshine will be here and that I miss her!
One great item that it in the sale-a-bration items that is also going to be in the annual catalog is the Banner Punch….true, you cn get it for free right now with a qualifying order of $50.00 but it will be in the catalog in June! With this card, I used it to cut the "rays" on the sun!
This card is so easy but sure does pack a BIG punch! The overall card size is a 5" X 5" card! The other piece of white is just 1/4" smaller…nothing better than a backdrop of white on white….the canvas is ready so lets go!
The sentiment stamp is a Sale-A-Bration item….and a popular one too! It is called the See You Later Stamp Set and it is super cute! (Remember the alligator card I did last week….it is the same set!!!!) I masked part of the sentiment and stamped it with Black Staz On Ink and then POPPED it out with the 1 1/2" circle punch!
The rays are a simple 1/2" strip of the yummy Designer Series Paper that is from the Sale-A-Bration collection, called Sweet Sorbet and this too is a super-duper popular one! It is simply the best and I just cannot get enough of it!
I quick and simple punch of a small heart in Summer Starfruit is all that is needed….well, except the tiny pearl – Hannah loves pearls!!!! Smart girl! I did a quick stitch to add some fun!
Well, this is just about it – I told you how easy it is! I did make my own envelope and another example why it important to have 12 X 12 Paper….I would not be without it! With the paper and the envelope punch board the envelope appeared! MAGIC!
As the cartoon say……
So easy…so do-able…so fun! I hope that you CASE away and bring some sunshine to someone! Everyone loves to get a card in the mail and who would not LOVE to get this! We all need sunshine!!!!
Sale-A-Bration is in full swing and I hope that I have inspired you! Let me know how I can be of help to you….I love what I do and I love helping you!
Until tomorrow…..
by Susan Itell | Feb 4, 2014 | Thinking of you, Tips and Tricks!!! |
Today's post is a bittersweet one as I received very sad news that the sweetest man in the world past away over the weekend! The one thing that I adore about blogging is that I get to intertwine my life…my dailiness…and my love for paper crafting all at the same time!
As I have posted before, Hannah's boyfriends family is from the UK and Aiden's grandfather, Skinley, passed away. Most of the time…the oldest grandchild usually names the grandparent and I think the name Skinley was the funniest, cutest name for this special man! Just look at this picture of him…how do you not want to give him a big hug!
I know that this is a big card 6 X 6 but I sure do have lots to write to the family as my memories of Skinley are so vivid in my heart and in my memory! He adored our daughter Hannah and used to love watching videos of her riding in competitions….and would make comments as to what he liked and what he didn't! He was 84 and he daily used a computer,he knew how to Skype, he loved to look up family trees, he cherished and treasured his floral and vegetable gardens and he lived independently up to the day he passed. A full and beautiful life!
He took care of this garden and LOVED every bit of it….the next picture is him looking at a family tree…we went into his living room and it covered the length of the room….he loved doing this!
Thanks for listening…and here is to the card! Before we get to the in's and out's….if you follow my blog regularly you know I adore and use Black StazOn Ink…well….I have ALWAYS had a love/hate relationship with the white craft ink pad we carry….and I totally overlooked in the catalog that we have WHITE STAZ-ON Pad & Refill…a HUGE woot-woot as this is what is on today's card!
I HIGHLY recommend you get it! It dries super fast just like the black version! I will say that the color is not super intense but I am doing the happy dance and I feel like my frustration has been solved…I love white and I am in love with this product!
- The finished size of this card is 6" X 6" in Whisper White! Start with a 5" X 5" piece of Pear Pizzazz and then using the BEAUTIFUL floral/scroll stamp from the Everything Eleanor Stamp Set and I used the White Staz On that I talked about above and just stamped randomly…BEAUTIFUL!
- Pulling out the Stampin' Trimmer, I cut the stamped piece into 1" squares…TIP: – I like to use the 1" measurement to the right of the blade…to me, it makes it life so much easier!
- The white piece that I put the 1" tiles on is a 5 3/4" square…I figured this size as I wanted to do a 1/8" gap all the way around….pull out a ruler and make 1/8" all the way around….then another line in the center….then it makes is a breeze to put your stamped pieces on! I used the multipurpose liquid glue…I like that the wiggle it gives you to line up straight!
- Using the Rich Razzleberry Ink, I stamped the flowers out and then a quick "fussy cut" with the best little scissors in the world…paper snips! Don't stress…it is easy and remember…use the BACK of the scissors, not the tip!
- Trying to find the right sentiment, used the Peaceful Petals Stamp Set and I thought that the sentiment resembled a square…..so I let the theme continue!
- Stampin' Dimensionals are "key" for this card! This is one thing that I never skimp on….as they make such a huge difference! I ALWAYS have a large surplus of my Stampin' Vitamins on hand!
- We have so many great products that have been unveiled this past year….and I think that the Envelope Punch Board should win a blue ribbon….this card is a perfect example! I made my own envelope with a 9 1/2" square of whisper white and then scored it at 4 3/4"….easy-peasy! I stamped the front of the envelope and then lined the outed flap…..
I hope that you have enjoyed this special card and I hope that it brings comfort to Skinley's family! I feel "very full in my heart" that John and I had the opportunity to see him in the UK and had a wonderful time with him…his garden…his sparkle in his eye…his passion and love he has for his family…. just one wonderful man! I am sure in heaven there will be a spectacular garden for him to tend to that will bring joy to others!
Don't forget….Sale-A-Bration is on full swing and how about this for a "Susan Pick Kit" – the FREEBIES are fabulous!!!
$52.70
- StazOn White Ink and Refill (106960) – $11.95
- Whisper White 12 X 12 paper (124302) – $5.95….perfect for odd size cards & envelopes!
- Very Vanilla 12 X 12 paper (124301) – $5.95….perfect for odd size cards & envelopes!
- Envelope Punch Board (133774) – $19.95
- StazOn Cleaner (109196) – $4.95
- Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110775) – $3.95
Thanks for popping by and make sure come back and see me tomorrow…..it is a 3-D Wednesday and if I were you….I would buy a couple rolls of "rolos" – you are going to smile!
I appreciate your time in popping by and I appreciate you letting me honor Skinley….one special man that I am sooooo thankful to have had in my life!
Until tomorrow….
by Susan Itell | Feb 3, 2014 | Super Easy |
O.k..did I get your attention with this title…well there is a story behind it!
One of the great things about being a PAL is….our wonderful leader, Mary Fish, has all sorts of resources for us to use….one in particular is a "Gallery" – a place where we post some of the PALS work!
This in itself is a wonderful resource but another great thing about this is…..you get lots of great ideas, tips & tricks….it's like we are one big Stampin' Family!!! (well, we are!!!!) and when another PAL, did this card…..I LOVED the simplicity of it and knew immediately that I would love to CASE this for my Breast Cancer project this month!
The idea is from PAL, Ginger Toivonen….please click here to see her card and because I needed to adapt it for my use for Breast Cancer project….(I try not to not have a lot of "bulk and embellishments" as the Breast Cancer office likes to be able to have a regular stamp on it) Aren't Ginger's cards….wowzers….just love them! So clean, crisp and practical!
Let's get to it….you really do not need instructions for this one….it is really straight forward….but here you go! ( I know you like them)
- I know that this is the "type A in me" but I always get asked on tips and tricks...Find the center and draw a pencil line – makes life sooooo much easier than relying on your eyes!!! (ha-ha!!!)
- Out comes the Blossom Punch…push it all the way in and center it to you pencil line…..PUSH and PRESTO……it is starting to happen!!!! Woot-woot!!!!
- Next, I use the stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp the sentiment "Hello there!" (I love this set and I have not used it for a while…..I need to do something about that!) – Now I would not want to go to the trouble of piercing this card if my sentiment was not straight (this is another reason that I stamp it now) This is from the Timeless Talk Stamp Set!
- Look at the below photo and you will see how I lay the piercing guide over top!
This is a technique that I honestly forget about and when I saw Ginger's card…the LIGHTBULB went on…..LOVE IT…and it is a perfect item to share with you during Sale-A-Bration….This is from the Occasions Paper Piercing Pack and then you definately need the paper piercing tool!
- After you are done piercing…place stampin' dimensionals on the back! The flower was so easy….just a 3" x 3" square….and I adhered it to the front of the note-card….and then once you place the pierced portion – BAM – WOWZERS!
- The little flower is from the HANDS DOWN you need to own this bundle, Petite Petals, and I stamped it with the white staz on ink….YES – the white staz on ink….I just purchased it and am having a fun time with it!
- Besides lining the outside of the envelope with the strawberry slush In Color Designer Series Paper Stack….I stamped the outside of the envelope….a simple yet fun touch and just think….it really does not take a bunch of paper to deliver the wow that this sweet card gives!
TIP ALERT: Remeber when I said that I keep the embellishments to a minimum when I make cards for Breast Cancer….we (the volunteers) and I usually make 18 of the same card…..not the "white center" on the flower is NOT a candy dot…..it is a simple punch from the Owl Punch! (the tiny one)
I had someone the other day email me about our punches….she made me smile as she agreed with me that they are the best on the market and my suggestion is…start with the basics and then gradually add to it! We all have birthdays….how about a gift certificate!?!?
Here's to a new week…I have a busy week at work and we are to get more snow….I can't imagine that we will as it was over 50 today! WOW – felt like a heat wave!
Thanks fro popping by and until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Feb 2, 2014 | Congratulations, Photopolymer Stamps |
Today's post is a big WOOT-WOOT to my friend and fellow PAL, Brian King! If you know Brian…you will know what I mean…he is larger than life…totally fun…totally a work horse….and totally a special person and I feel very lucky and blessed to have him as a friend…(and another HUGE thing is….one talented stamper!!!)
Brian earn a milestone in the Stampin' Up! ladder, becoming a Manager! He is sooo deserving of everything that comes his way! When I learned this…I instantly thought of a card that I wanted to make for him and it was a card made by another PAL that I was able to swap with at Leadership!
Today's card was an inspiration from fellow PAL, Margaret Moody, and when I saw this ….I was wowed as I never gave this stamp set a thought as I could not imagine what to do with the little "states"! WOWZERS…isn't this the cutest card!!! Margaret gave us this card at the PALS swap in Houston…..too darn cute!
Stampin' Up! unveiled several Photopolymer Stamps and they are WONDERFUL! I will admit, when I first saw them and bought the first stamp set, I was less than wowed but then they kept improving them and when the Another Thank You Set came out…I WAS SOLD!
At Leadership, they announce that Stampin' Up! will be producing them "in house" starting this year so look for LOTS more to come….I say woot-woot! Why do I like them so much…..??? They stamp beautifully, perfect placement EVERYTIME…..and great coverage!
This year as they produce them in house, they will come to us in a case…another woot-woot!
Let's get to this FUN card for Brian…(and let's see if he pops on my blog today)!!!!!
What is this all about? Well this MAP and HIGHLIGHTS are all the states that Brian has downline in to help him reach this growth in the Stampin' Up! ladder! Brian's upline is Pam Morris,and she is nothing less than a TON OF FUN!
Last year when I went to Leadership Pam was soooo sweet to me! I was clearly the "new kid on the block" with the group and Pam was always so incredibly kind to me and always….always made me laugh! I had no idea what a "swap" was…and I had soooo much fun running around with Pam with my jaw down swapping cards!!!! (She gave me a handful of cards to swap)
This stamp set is the Map It Out Photopolymer Stamp Set…..again, I first thought it was dorky but when I saw what Margaret did with it….I thought – HOW CUTE…. then I thought….you could put the state to whomever you were sending a card to….or how fun would it be mapping out a trip……of your travels!!!!
I emailed Pam and asked her if she would send to me the states of the downline that Brian has….and mission accomplished – she came through…..11 states in total but knowing him – it is probably more by now!
Brian always adds a freshness and uplifting spirit when you are with him….and even if he is on a conference call – you know that "Brian is in the house"!!! When we were at Leadersip together last month we had a great time together…he is one of the funniest guys I've met!
This is a super simple card…..just let the magic of the stamp set itself do the magic! Just think of how many cards this would reach to…..I adore how Margaret used it when we received it at leadership….but here is another idea…..I am going to make it and highlight the states that my kids live in and the use the sentiment of "I Miss You"…..
The Whisper White is 4 1/4" X 3 1/2" and the I used the Owl Punch to POP out the states!!!! Matting this "map" just a "smidge" larger (4 3/8" X 3 5/8") was all that was needed!
Using the same size for the Crumb Cake, I just tilted it…and it works – can you say EASY!!!! The key to this card is the Stampin' Dimensionals! I cut them into 4's for the states…Around the edge of the white piece, a quick stitch-dot-stitch-dot in Crumb Cake creates a fun border!
I had to think of a sentiment for Brian, and BRAVO is PERFECT! This simple yet effective sentiment comes from the A Dozen Thoughts Stamp Set! It is a "keeper" stamp set…..a little something for everyone and for many occasions!
Just a quick stamp on scraps….and then a simple trim and then matted in crumb cake….DONE! This is a quick and simple trick when you "don't know where to go"…works every-time!
I was trying to think of the genealogy of Brian and I……I think we are 1st cousins….once removed!!! (ha-ha!!!) Pam is his upline….and Mary Fish is Pam's Upline…and Mary is my Upline…..so that's how we are ALL related but the best thing is …..we have each other!
WOOT-WOOT to you Brian and it is a pleasure and joy to watch you grow and better yet…a friend!
HAPPY SUPERBOWL to everyone and to let you know….Stanley, my daughters horse is happy and settled in…YEAH….. and it looks like the East Coast is getting ready for more bad weather……..YUCK!!!!
Have a great SUPERBOWL SUNDAY and until tomorrow!
