by Susan Itell | Feb 1, 2014 | Stamp-a-ma-jig, Valentines |
Happy Weekend to all!
Today is a GREAT day filled with excitement for me as I am bringing Hannah’s new horse to our farm! He usually stays at her trainer’s farm but they are getting ready to head South with 15 horses to show and dear, sweet Stanley is staying here in the cold with me for the next 6 weeks!
I feel like a new Mom getting the nursery ready…. we just purchased him a couple months ago and he is a real sweetie….I will snap a picture and share with you! It has been so bitter cold here and I have been trying to clean the barn and make sure that everything is ready for him…..John just laughs at me!!!!
How about this card….kinda different for me but at the same time, I think it turned out fun! You can see that today’s post is “all about the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig”!!!
You know that it is my “go to” tool and truthfully, I have (2) of them, as I would not know what to do if I misplaced it!!!! (it’s actually great to have 2 so when I teach someone we can do it at the same time!
Hands down, I think that this is the most intimidating product we have!
Confession time…when I bought mine…I bought it because I thought I simple “HAD TO HAVE IT” (sounds familiar) but when I received it…I figured that I could figure out how to use this silly piece of plastic…only to get TOTALLY FRUSTRATED (sounds familiar)!!!!
Let’s get to it and then I will share with you another way that you and I can work together for you to learn to master how to use this tool!
- Taking another piece of whisper white in the same size….I pulled out the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig and went to town! The stamp is from the Peachy Keen Stamp Set and this comes in a bundle and I would definitely recommend that you buy it this way – you will save in instant 15% plus the shapes that come it it are “real keepers”
(After I have finished all of the stamping for this card…
I trimmed the white piece to 3 1/8" X 4 5/8" and then the real red is 3 1/4" X 4 3/4")
- I used the Black Staz On Ink….why? – I just think that this is the best black ink out there! Remember, put the edge of the tool against the plastic sheet…stamp it – now you have your template to stamp on your paper! It really is easy…put the plastic sheet with the stamped image on top of where you want it to go…HOLD TIGHT so the tool so it does not move….then simple stamp!
Because there were many questions about the "square stamp" I thought I would show you the stamp set in the larger view….just be careful that when you order this and you want the BUNDLE..use the BUNDLE code that I have above….(that's why that picture is smaller than usual as it is showing the stamp and the framelits!!!! Hope this helps!
Let’s touch on perfection!!! We are ALL to darn hard on ourselves and trust me, I am totally the 1st one that has to work on that! I am a “true blue…type A” person and it is hard to sometimes let go…but I think that we truly make more out of this tool than is needed!!!
My card today is far from being perfect…but I know I made it….and that is all I need! So the moral of this story is…celebrate WHAT YOU DO and anything you create is a gift of art from your heart!
- Let’s get back to the card…..in this same stamp set is this fabulous heart! I love the details on the edges. Stamped it on some scraps and using the paper snips….I quickly “fussy cut” it out and it was a cinch! The stampin' vitamins of Stampin' Dimensionals POP the hearts up for fun!
- I was just going to roll with the black image and the Red Hearts but I thought it needed something more….and then the light bulb came on!!! The adorable XOXOXOX is from the Oh, Goodie Stamp Set that was in the Holiday Catalog and it was carried over!!! Woot-woot….as it is a fun set for “little something’s”!!! Just simply do the exact same thing as you did with the black stamped image!
Can you see that you will be getting your “fill” with the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig? It really will be your friend…you just need to practice! Think about it like this…it is like learning to ride a bike for the 1st time…it’s a little rough at first….but once you get it – you’re good to go!
- The envelope turned out super fun in my opinion! I adore this bold stripe of Real Red and White….it comes from the Fresh Prints Paper Stack and you can line (2) envelopes from one sheet of paper!
I know that I am not showcasing a Sale-A-Bration item with you…once I saw that heart in the stamp set…I just couldn’t resist and my creativity came up with this!
Here is an idea of a “Susan's Pick Kit” for you to hit that magical number of $50.00!
$50.25….I say – woot-woot!!!
- Peachy Keen Bundle (135225) – $38.25
- Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049) – $11.95
Remember when I started this post, I shared with you another way you can learn how to use this tool? Well, I helped someone on Skype….it was fun – please email me and let me know if you ever would like to chat via Skype…..the best news is….she mastered it and uses this great tool all the time!
Have a fabulous day!
by Susan Itell | Jan 31, 2014 | Sale-A-Bration, Thinking of you |
I am soooo sorry that my post did not go off at 5 a.m. like it usually does….computers….I have no idea what happened but enjoy today's post!
I hope that you have been enjoying seeing the new Sale-A-Bration items! Today's post is from the FREEBIE with a $50.00 and it is called…."You're Lovely"….so appropriate as it is one lovely Stamp Set! I love the little "scroll detail" that outlines the flowers!
The best thing about this set is that it works perfectly with the Deco Labels Framelits and when you look at this card and together we will "break it down" you will see that this simple card can be so versatile for many different themes and occasions! I'll have a "Susan Pick Kit" for Sale-A-Bration after the card scoop!
Let's dive right into it!
- You know that I love the Note Card size (5" X 3 1/2") and I decided to make mine as I wanted it in the Sahara Sand color….this is quickly becoming my "go-to" neutral!
- Cutting a slightly smaller base (4 3/4" X 3 1/4") and then pulling out the Big Shot, I centered the Deco Labels Framelit and cut out the shape! Put it aside for a bit! Let's get stampin'!!!
- Doing my "card making therapy"...it is a watercolor day…..hooray! Using the Black Staz On Ink…I stamped my image on the watercolor paper.…why??? – You really need to when water-coloring as it will not bleed!
- You know what's next….out come one of my favorites, the Aqua Painters…..these gems are simply the best! Using the colors of Old Olive, Crisp Cantaloupe and Wisteria Wonder….I let my tool do it's trick…..remember to squeeze the top of the ink pad to get some of the color on the top! The icing on the cake are the placement with the classic pearls!
- I did not want to use the sentiments that were with the set and I loved the "thinking of you" from the Sweetly Framed Stamp Set….this is a hostess stamp set that you can earn when you have a gathering was th PERFECT choice with this water-colored image!
- I wanted to "jazz" up a bit of the focal part, so I cut the same shape out of the 2 colors and then cut them in half and adhered them to the water-colored focal point! You see….a simple trick like that brings the WOW out!
- Taking the Crisp Cantaloupe Twine, another Sale-A-Bration FREEBIE…I simply anchored it down in the back with some snail….and then POPPED the whole thing UP with my Stampin' Vitamins, Stampin Dimensionals!
- Let's get to the envelope…wondering where this beauty came from??? Well – it is still available and so are some of the other Valentine Goodies! This envelope came from the Sweet Saying Cards and Envelopes …I just adore these gems (plus they are note-card size – my favorites)
I was very pleased with this card….and I know that the person that is receiving it will adore it! This is one of those "keeper" designs for you to "tuck away in your memory bank"!!!
Let's see the "Susan Pick Kit" I have dreamed up for you! Remember…the magic amount is $50.00!!! I love to watercolor and I highly encourage you to stretch yourself and try it!
$52.65
- Aqua Painters (103954) – $16.95
- Black Staz on Ink (101406) – $7.95
- Black Staz On Refill (102566) – $4.95 ( I always buy a refill)
- Watercolor Paper (122959) – $4.95
- Basic Pearls (119247) – $4.95
- Sweet Saying Cards and Envelopes (134609) – $5.95 (get these now – limited time!!!!)
- Sahara Sand Paper (121043) – $6.95 (a fantastic neutral)
WOWZERS – I am soooo happy that it is Friday! My box of NEW product came last night, and I was just too pooped to open it! I am excited to dive in- and the weekend is here!!!!!
Please feel free to email me and remember to subscribe to my blog for a daily dose of inspiration and the best thing is that you can order away in your jammies…..comfort to the max!
Until tomorrow…..
by Susan Itell | Jan 30, 2014 | Photopolymer Stamps, Sale-A-Bration, Thank You |
Happy Thursday!!! I had another post for you today but I needed a quick Thank You card…so I whipped this up and was super excited to share it with you! This was made by a Sale-A-Bration freebie called "Good as Gold"…and that it is!
PLUS…..I need to let you know who won the blog candy and I am doing that crocodile happy dance as the winner is……..Chris R. from Iowa…..Chris is such a faithful daily reader to my post and I am super excited to send her the goodies!!!! I adore her emails she send me, especially her ones about her dog, Henry! Chris – I thank you and I will send you your goodies….woot-woot to you!
Traditionally I am not the biggest fans of "kits" as I like to do my own creating, but I am learning to look at these kits and not to take them so literally and try to "think out of the box" with them…and this is exactly what I did!
Below is a picture of all of the goodies you get in this kit and once you see my card, you will see that I did change it up a bit! (click on the picture to see the details)
WOWZERS! This kit has a bunch in it….enough to make 8 cards and lined envelopes plus look at all of the "fru-fru" to jazz a project up! I decided to really try something different and I like my twist on it…and just think – I will be able to make a bunch of cards and in all different ways!!!
Let's get to the card….my "other" job, I am the Membership Director at a Country Club. On Tuesday evening we had out 1st "Ladies Wine Club Tasting and DInner" we are calling it "Ladies of the Vine"….cute, right! I needed to send a note of thanks to the Wine Hosts that were not only very informative, but they were so easy to deal with and it was a perfect evening from start to finish!
- The adorable Polka Dot cards that come in the "Good as Gold" Kit is a note card size….that is a 3 1/2" X 5" card (my favorite size) but when I saw how beautiful this cardstock is….I thought …hmmmm cut it in half and you could make 2 cards rather easy….so that's what I did!
- I took the 1/2 card and cut it to 4 3/4" X 3 1/2" and then matted it with Island Indigo a 1/4" larger! (and YES….I did punch out some punches to not waste our precious paper).POPPING up the polka dot piece with Stampin Dimensionals, the fun was starting to happen!
- As you could see from the above picture of the kit, there are many fun sentiments and banners etc…but I wanted to use the WOWZER Another Thank You Photopolymer Stamp Set…would NOT be without is and if you do not have this….it's simple – you need it! The fonts are so versatile and fun!
- The sentiment piece is 2" X 3" and then matted just a "smidge" larger – 1/8".Stamping with these stamps is a dream…you never have to worry about placement ad the image is always so crisp and clean!
- Before I adhered the stamped piece with Stampin' Dimensionals I took the piece of Island Indigo Bakers Twine that comes in the kit (8 pieces and I cut it in half) and tied a simple sweet bow!
- I took one of the gold banners that has a "star" that POPS out and tucked it under and then adhered the star! Easy and just the perfect balance with the ribbon on the other side!
- Envelope time……You can see that this kit comes with 8 super beautiful gold liners already cut out….ready for you to slide them in the envelope…that deserves a woot-woot in itself!
I thought….hmmmm – how about if I took one of the cards and cut it in half longways….I could make a liner….and it worked! I know that it seems silly to do this but I really wanted this card to be great!
Hopefully you can see how I thought out of the box and made something work for me…different than what the instructions guided you to do! There are many people that love to open up a kit…put it together …..and be done – and you know what…THAT IS GREAT if that what works for them!
You have heard me say endless times before…anything we do are works of art from our heart and there are no rules except to have fun and no be hard on yourself! Please email me or leave me a comment about this card and your thoughts about this kit!
Now to a "Susan Pick Kit" to earn you a FREEBIE….how about this…I'm calling it the good old "Back to Basics" standbys that we always need with card-making! These are products that we always use!
$50.35
- Pack of Very Vanilla (101650) and Whisper White (100730) card stock – $8.50 each X 2 = $17.00
- Pack of A-2 Envelopes in Very Vanilla (107300) and Whisper White (1073010) $6.50 each X 2 = $13.00
- Adhesives – Multipurpose Glue (110755),Sticky Strip (104294), Snail Refill (104331) and Glue Dots (103683) = $20.35
See…isn't this fun!!!
You will be able to get another FREEBIE with just getting these "staples"!
Please contact me if you want me to set up a hostess code and you can have an event where ever you live…together we can make a plan of action to have a fun cyber time. (I will be happy to provide you with some ideas)….this way YOU can collect orders ( it will all be online and the products will be sent to the customer and YOU reap the benefits of being a hostess!!!
"THANK YOU" for popping by today! Have a great day…..bundle up….and until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Jan 29, 2014 | Sale-A-Bration, Super Easy |
Here you go…another Clean and Simple card for your Wednesday inspiration!!!
I think this is crisp, fun and I adore the colors of a bold pink and grey together! WOWZERS! What is the not to "love" about this card….I think I will use it for a Breast Cancer Card next month!
Before we get to the card….I need to say that you all made me smile yesterday with all of the comments of your favorite color of paper and adhesive….seems like I have "twisted many arms" with using the Multipurpose Glue….it is the BEST BANG for your BUCK!!!!
So…what do you think of the Sale-A-Bration Catalog and the free products!?!?!!! I think that Stampin' Up! really outdid themselves this year! Today's card is showing (3) of the FREE products that you could choose!
Everyday, I am going to give you a suggestion of an idea of a "collection that YOU could put together" to meet that magical dollar amount of $50.00 so you can pick a FREEBIE!!!
Let's get to the card….and then I will share with you "my collection" for today after you see the "in's and out's" of why you popped by!!!!
- LOVE the color….Smokey Slate is the card base in a regular A-2 card size (4 1/4" X 5 1/2") My NEW favorite (well one of them) color – Rose Red (5" X 3 3/4")….it is bright,cheery and FUN!
- Did you notice the embossing folder….it is a WOOT-WOOT embossing folder in my opinion and it is part of the Sale-A -Bration collection and it can be yours FREE with a $50.00 order! I love the texture…the sheer image of "dots" just makes me smile! A quick run through the Big Shot was a breeze!
- The Whisper White is 4 1/4" x 3" and did you notice what I did….out came the Simply Scored and I scored at 1/4" all the way around….doesn't it give you a great effect….remember….SIMPLE WORKS! (Click on the picture to make it larger)
- Banners are HOT….Banners are EVERYWHERE in the industry…..but this little banner is super cute…and surely will bring a smile to your face..again…SIMPLE WORKS! This is another Sale-A-Bration FREEBIE and with a POP from the Banner Punch….another FREEBIE…..(wowzers – aren't the sale-a-bration items fabulous! It is called Banner Blast – one cute stamp set!
- Did you notice the bakers twine? How did I get that color?….well confession of an honest stamper…I need to give YOU some tips so you will not be frustrated! Patience is not my best quality….and I had this great idea….take the white bakers twine and run it over the smokey slate ink pad and make your own twine!!! Well, it works – but let it dry and then run it through a paper towel to get any excess….I know I am a bit "type A" and that's ok – I had some "smears" so let it dry and you'll be good to go!
- I have to STOP and ask you ….isn't this so simple yet so cute!?!? Using Stampin' Dimensionals under the banners is the perfect lift to make this simple card come to life!
- Remember yesterday when it came to the envelope?!?! Today is another example of why I LOVE the Paper Stacks! This liner is from the Regals Designer Series Paper Stack and it is such a "no-brainer" not to have to think about what works…what looks good…all of the guess work is done!
Well…now I ask you….who would not LOVE to receive this card! So fun and uplifting…this is why I know the volunteers are going to LOVE to put this together next month for my Breast Cancer project that I do….I can already hear the "wow's and this is soooo cute".…it is so rewarding and I will look forward to next Wednesday!
Now to the Susan Bundle for today!….Ready?!?!?…Do you remember that yesterday I did a" p.s." about a new product?
Well, YEP – it is already ordered and Stampin' Up! is so "on top of it" as I had a confirmation that it is on it's way to little Williamsport, MD…..it is the Textured Boutique Embossing Machine…..why is it super cool ?
- It is portable
- It is light-weight
- It is small
- The "price is right"
- It is NEW and we all like things that are NEW…..(it will be in the annual catalog but it is onle available now at limited quanities)
Here is my Bundle for the day: $53.80!!! WOOT-WOOT!!!!!
You're done….well….not yet – Go pick a FREEBIE! Remember you can CLICK HERE and order in your jammies!!!
I thank you for your time in popping by and I thank you for your comments!!! Remember, pop by my blog posting yesterday – I have some BLOG CANDY for YOU….click here and view it and YOU can win the blog candy (fingers crossed)
Tomorrow will be another clean and simple card for you….it is super easy and is super cute! Have a FABULOUS day and….
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Jan 28, 2014 | Sale-A-Bration, Super Easy |
This is such an exciting week and I am going to call this "Simple Susan" week as here is another super cute, clean and fast card to whip up! Time is ALWAYS a issue with most of us…so this week I am showcasing cards that are just Clean and Simple!
Now….drumroll….drumroll……(remember I will be offerning some blog candy at the end)
Welcome to the party…this is Stampin' Ups! yearly party called Sale-a-bration that is the best reason to do the "happy dance" as it sarts today and goes thru until March 31st!!!
For every $50.00 you spend (before tax and shipping) you will be able to pick a FREE Sale-A-Bration product and as you can see in this post…there are some real keepers…actually I think they ALL are keepers and I am super excited with how the catalog looks!
This catalog (well flyer type) is laid out similar to the Occasions Catalog…the front section gives you ideas and also shares with you "bundles" for that showcased project and then the back section shows you all of the FREEBIES!!!! Click here to see the catalog and if you would like me to mail you one, please email me and I will be happy to do so! (seeing it on-line is great but having it in your hands is wonderful)
Click on the picture of the catalog and grab a cup of coffee!!!
Let's get to the card as I do not think you would be happy if I didn't share with you the in's and out's of why you are here….inspiration!!!!
Remember – THINK OF THE LAYOUT and how you can change out the stamp and colors….this is so quick! It really is so easy, you do not need me but here you go!
- The card size is my go-to must have – Notecards & Envelopes….wowzers – you get (20) cards and envelopes for $5.95! LOVE IT…sooooo easy!
- I knew that I wanted to use this adorable alligator…he is from the FREEBIES that you could pick and it is called See You Later…isn't this a great set of stamps!
- The Garden Green Paper is cut at 3 1/4" X 4 3/4" and I ran it through my big shot with the Deco Labels Framelits! Look at the picture below and you will see a simple and fast trick to help with placement!
- Let's get back to the stamp! This set comes in both Wood or Clear mount and you choose which one you like…cause' it is FREE! I "masked" the lower sentiment as I did not want to use it today…ink up the stamp well….simply pull off the mask and PRESTO…too darn cute!
- To the green piece…A simple touch of using the white pen (for $3.95 – how can you go wrong)and stitching around the image is fast and effective…I also place a white candy dot on either side….loves those little dots!
- Now erase your lines and pull out the stampin' dimensionals! Use LOTS of them…as you really want the impact of it elevated. (I like to use the long edges left on the sheet for this type of project)
You know what is next! ENVELOPE TIME….Using the Envelope Liner Framelits and the Regals Designer Series Paper
You know what I am going to say about these Papers…this is a perfect example of WHY they work – My card is simple, there is not a patterned DSP that I liked for this as I wanted to to be simple and fun.
When this happens, I know that I can go to the primary color in my card (Garden Green = Regals Collection) and BAM – perfect everytime!
As the cartoon goes….THAT'S ALL FOLKS!
Easy… right! Cute… right! Doable… right?
No, that's NOT all FOLKS as I promised some BLOG CANDY…here you go!
I know that I could give you some product etc….but it seems that you like to get some of the goodies I made - so here you go…6 projects (4 cards and envelopes and 2 adorable monsters)
Leave me a comment and let me know what your favorite
Stampin' Up! Color of Paper is and your favorite adhesive is!
There are so many options on how you can get to a magic amount of $50.00 and earn a FREEBIE…remember, the sale-a-bration catalog shares with you "bundles" – (click here to see) products that make it SUPER EASY to order that get you to that point….(smart, very smart) BUT….
I know that many of you have lots of the basics in these bundles…how about this for a quick $50.00 that is so practical!
Purchase (2) different Paper Collections like I used today & a roll of sticky strip….
BAM…$50.85!!!
Pick a FREEBIE! The best part is these items are practical and items
YOU WILL USE OVER AND OVER!
You can click right on that BIG SHOP NOW BUTTON and have fun! Everyday I will focus another great perk about sale-a-bration….there are better/stronger hostess benefits…demonstrator benefits and more!
Soooo much to take in….take your time and look at the offerings and enjoy! I think Stampin' Up really out did themselves…..
I will let you know on Thursday Morning who won the Blog Candy…
Please leave me a comment or send me an email and let me know what your Stampin' Up! Color of Paper is & your favorite adhesive is!
Thanks for coming to the party and have a great day!
Stampin' hugs and until tomorrow!
p.s. – hot off the press….look at this new product that is available!!! Woot-Woot! The Textured Boutique Embossing Machine!!! YEAH!!! They only have a LIMITED supply of these….click here to watch a short video on this gem! This will be in the annual catalog for next year…but grab your now before the supply is "swooped up"!!!
Tomorrow's post will be using embossing folders!!! YEP – this is another great way to reach the $50.00 point…this woot-woot product and 3 embossing folders!!! I'll show you tomorrow!
Why would you want this? Easy – no need to drag out the Big Shot for using your embossing folders (much smaller and lighter) and the trye fact is…we just need it! ha-ha!!!
