by Susan Itell | Jan 27, 2014 | Super Easy |
WOOT-WOOT…is is a new week and usually when Monday comes…I am thinking about the week ahead with work…(and actually I should be as I have lots going on)….BUT – this week is the start of…
SALE-A-BRATION
and you know what that means….
LET THE PARTY BEGIN!!!
Tomorrow is the big day and I hope that you pop back as I will have some blog candy for a lucky someone…and hope that someone is YOU!!!
Before we get to this SUPER cute…SUPER fast…and SUPER easy card…I owe you an apology – I told you that today I was going to share with you some of the swaps from Leadership and the truth is…they are still at my dear friend, Jeanie's house….I simply ran out of time to go over this weekend to get them! My fault!
No worries, there are some real keepers and YOU will get to see them another day – with that said, I hope that you like this card! I was inspired by Catherine Pooler with the layout but change it up to current products and one from SALE-A-BRATION!!!!
I hope that you are getting ready to S M I L E when you see the SALE-A-BRATION products tomorrow – I think they are just fantastic and if you need a catalog….please email me and I will get one in the mail to you!
READY…SET….GO for a Clean and Simple fun card!
- A regular A-2 card but scored at the 5 1/2" and then the mat is 4" X 5 1/4"
- Taking scraps and using the FREEBIE from the SALE-A BRATION….that SUPER cute "dot" embossing folder….I say a BIG woot-woot…I ran it through the Big Shot!
- The punches I used were all circles….in 1 1/4", 1 3/8" and 1 3/4"
TIP ALERT: If you wanted to make this not so bulky…I would either center the sentiment or do the layour I am showing but add some candy dots! I think it is fun this way….what do you think!
- The liner for the envelope was actually the motivation for this card….I often pick the liner to dictate what I want to do….I adore this paper, Watercolor Wonder!
Well….this is a total "Susan" card..and if I were to receive this….I would SMILE!!!
Making cards is FUN…making cards is REWARDING….and making cards DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
In this world of technology, we often forget the power of the "personal touch"…the power of YOUR handwriting…there is simply nothing like seeing a familiar handwriting when you open your mail box up!!!
Thank you for your support and dedication to my blog, my business and more importantly allowing me to let you realize that YOU do make a difference and YOU can do this!
Have a great Monday – and PLEASE pop back tomorrow for the party!!! WOOT-WOOT – it is time for SALE-A -BRATION…and some blog candy as well!!!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Jan 26, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Valentines |
This post makes me smile! I must admit…when I 1st saw these "Monster Hugs" that Stampin' Up! came out with for Valentines this year…..I was not very thrilled – I didn't quite get why the little goober man only had 1 eye….I felt sorry for him!!!
Naturally, I did purchase them as I feel the need to show a variety of products and knowing that my son teaches children at a Montessori School in Boston, I knew that I would find a way to put them to use for him and his kids!
What I ended up finding is…I actually really like them!!!
Actually so much, I bought another pack in each color! They are fun, fresh and can easily be used for other uses than valentines! I did a search on the internet and many ideas I found used the Summer Starfruit for the blue one….and that just didn't work for me….
Let's go and you can see how you like these little guys!
I have done them in 3 different ways….with nuggets and a box on the front…..with Giradelli Chocolates and the box in the back…..and a Birthday Card for a friend that actually is on Valentines Day and I always bring him a jug of milk and fresh baked Chocolate Chip Cookies to his office, so thought this would be perfect and will make him laugh!
- To make the box to the front like above…it is soooo easy you are going to want to whop up a bunch of these! I have these filled with "nuggets" (5) fit great!
- For the "boy's" one I used Marina Mist as my box color and to the "girls" I used the fresh Strawberry Slush!
- Take a piece of paper at 4" X 4 3/8" and pull out the Simple Scoring Tool or simply use your Stampin' Trimmer as you always have the scoring part! Starting with the 4" side – simply score at 1 1/2" and 2 1/2" – next turn it to the 4 3/8" side and score this side at 1" and 3 3/8"
- Fold in all of the score lines and I highly recommend using the bone folder for crisp and professional looking edges! Look at the below picture and you will see that I cut up the score lines in the middle but then I do reccomend that you "cut in" on these edges….I think that this makes a "cleaner" project!
Put a piece of sticky strip on the outer edge of the small cut flap…see picture below! You fold up this 1st and adhere…..then the back side!
- Here is the important part….take your sticky strip and put it about 1/4" down from the edge of the "monster" and take it around but leaving a gap where the "hands" meet! I like it to be even to the bottom!
- I simply wrapped the "nuggets" in the coordinating colors of the Designer Series Papers…..use them ALL of the time!
I just think that these are just too darn cute! I adore the little eye….makes it super fun! Now let's get to the next one….the box in the back that will fill (3) Ghirardellii Chocolates!
This box uses the same principals! Here is the scoop! Take a piece of 4 1/4" X 5" piece (you can get 4 from a sheet of paper) and here are the score measurements!
On the 4 1/4" side…score at 1" and 3 1/4"
On the 5" side ….score at 2" and 3"
I know that if you do it this way you lose the back of the card but the Tags for You Stamp makes up for it! The heartsin real red are the added touch that makes the finale!
I think that this is a great option! The only downside is that you lose the "bum" of the "Monster" but you have the room to write who it goes to …….
Here is a quick and easy Birthday Card! Can you see that I scored each side….it is just 1/4" in on all sides – this is a quick and easy trick to jazz up a card!
I did wrap a nugget and he is holding it but the simple anf fun sentiment from Sassy Salutations was the perfect "Happy Birthday" for my friend!!! I think this is such a fun and fresh stamp set! This card was so easy…I just used the multipurpose glue to adhere the "Monster"….fast….DONE!
I hope that you have enjoyed these FUN monsters….but remember, these Valentines that Stampin' Up! are offering are only good thru the 27th….YIKES – that is tomorrow! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions about these little guys!
Today's post is another example of how I needed to change my mind!!! I did not "fall in love" with these little guys at first but once I start playing with them…..I LOVED THEM!!!!
Tomorrow I will be showcasing more of the "SWAPS" I received at Leadership! I know that you love them and I want to show you all of the talent that is out there! I am trying to put my creative hat on as SALE-A-BRATION starts on Tuesday!!!!!
That is a huge woot-woot and I will be sharing some blog candy to kick off the party!!!
Here is to a great Sunday….unitl tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Jan 25, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Valentines |
Last week when I did the post on the Paper Pumpkin and how excited I am with how Stampin' Up! has listened and re-vamped the entire program and product etc…I showed one of these gems and was asked for the dimensions!
Well…today is your lucky day as I am going to share with you 2 different sizes that are SUPER-DE-DUPER easy to whip up in a flash! I adore quick and easy goodies like this…they are always so well received and an instant smile will be on the face of who is lucky to get a little "thinking of you goodie"
Think out of the box with what you can put in them….you can see here that I have simple candy, a Movie Ticket and more candy(hard to see as it is red) and for my daughter Hannah, I put some lip gloss in one to make her smile!
Let's go! The reason why I am showing you 2 different sizes is easy….I wanted to show you how you can use a paper stack (as that paper is 4 1/2" X 6 1/2" and make one…and the GREAT thing is – you will still have enough paper to line a 3 X 3 envelope or punch out a heart etc…
- The above example is from the Fresh Prints Paper Stack and you cut it to a 4" square! Pull out the envelope punch board and slide it to the 1 3/4" mark…PUNCH…SCORE…turn to 2 1/4"…..PUNCH…SCORE….turn again to 1 3/4" – do the same and lastly 2 1/4" and the same!
- Before you get too fold happy….remember you will only fold in 3 of the sides….I used a small piece of sticky tape (as I like the strong hold) and then you can decorate it however your little heart desires!
- Isn't this cute….I wanted to show you that you can make these gems and do nothing else but a simple ribbon with a knot and PRESTO – one super cute way to package something!
Now let's get to the other ones….they are made with a 5" sqaure piece of paper!
- These follow the same principal as above but the score/ line measurements are 2", 3" ,2" and 3"!!!! OOPS – I forgot above, use the corner rounder on all edges for a clean and fun finishing touch!
I hope that these cute examples inspired you to make some! These come together in a jif and it is a great way to use up paper!
I am super happy that I have added some "Paper Pumpkin People" to the new, revamped program! It taught me that it us ok to change my mind and after seeing both February and March's kits….I know they are BLUE RIBBONS and the best thing is….if I want to stop – EASY-PEASY…..just send them and email and you have stopped!
One confusion that has come up with many…..when you go to the Paper Pumpkin Website and you sign up……please copy and paste my code –
https://mypaperpumpkin.com?demoid=2106552
……this way not only will I be able to stay connected with you….I promise to email you the 1st of each month to see how you like the program and if not, remind you to cancel it before the 10th of the month!
EASY – right!?!? For just $19.95 a month you will get an inspiration kit mailed to you and you will be like a kid on Christmas Morning……ready to break open your package and PLAY WITH YOUR NEW TOYS!
If you sign up before February 10th, you will receive a free marker set
(5 "in color markers" – heck this is $14.95 value in itself)!!!
I say WOOT-WOOT!
Thanks for popping in and if you can – pop back tomorrow, I am going to show you what you can do with the oober cute valentine monsters that Stampin' Up! had just until Monday…..they really are cute!
I know that everyone is waiting for Sale-A-Bration and I hope that you will pop by on Tuesday the 28th as I will be having some BLOG CANDY to kick off the PARTY!!!!
Have a great day….I hope you make some of these and unitl tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Jan 24, 2014 | Super Easy |
O.k. – I am SUPER-DUPER excited about this card!
I was tickled with the end result!
Have you ever seen a stamp set and the minute you see it….you know immediately who you are going to send it to?!?! Well…this sums it up with how I felt when I laid my eyes on this single stamp!
When I was in Houston at convention, I swapped a card with Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator Cheryl Lentz, and I felt like I won a golden ticket! I love Willy Wonka! What I adored about her card was the way she used the “brush tip” of her markers to fill in the vases and flowers!
If you follow my blog, and I sure hope you do – you know that I love to watercolor…. It’s a technique that I know intimidates many of you and because I always strive to be an “artist in my next life” (well….really not) to me is very relaxing and I have found that the more you try it….the better your results are and the bigger your confidence becomes!
I never thought a minute to just use the brush end of your markers to color in…isn’t it a great and simple way to create a WOW factor! I changes up the color scheme and also designer series paper….so I hope that you like this and to me….this is definitely one I would CASE!
Here you go:
- The card base is an regular A-2 card in the yummy so saffron card stock!
- I matted this to a piece of Island Indigo at 3 ¼” X 3” and then I let the fun begin!
- Pulling out my markers in Smokey Slate, So Saffron, Tangerine Tango and Island Indigo….I used the brush end and did a quick “squiggles” and BAM done…I just LOVE the look!
- Cutting a 1” X 5” piece of Island Indigo and then also a ½” X 5” in So Saffron….I placed them over top of the DSP! Now….when you look at the colors that coordinate with this DSP – they use Crushed Curry….I prefer So Saffron with this beautiful paper!
Can you see that this simple design can be adapted
to soooo many different card ideas!?!!?
All I can say is, I am sooooo thankful that I made cards to swap and
that I was lucky enough to learn this technique!
Here’s one for you….what other stamps do we have that you think that this “squiggle brush technique” would work with! Please leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts~ I would love to explore and design more cards with this technique!
Are you getting excited for Sale-A Bration? It really IS a great time of the year to be able to get some free, exclusive goodies from Stampin’ Up!
Please POP back tomorrow, as I am going to share with you several simple 3D valentine holders made with your Envelope Punch Board! I have had some comments on the dimensions of the project….so I am going to share with you some options for different sizes!
I am doing the WOOT-WOOT Friday dance and I am hoping that the temperature will go up this weekend!
I LOVED many of your comments with this cold winter…..being retired and crafting away….being in their jammies….Doing nothing but having fun with their paper…scissors and a glass of wine….to some sneaking in a quick comment during work! You all make me smile with your comments of how you are dealing with the cold!
Do you see the BEST thing of all??? We all have the same passion….love and appreciation for paper crafting and just expressing ourselves!!! Stampin’ Up! is the best and YOU are the best for POPPING by!
Let’s finish this week and let the weekend begin – I am looking forward to a longer coffee on Saturday morning….with YOU! I thank you Cheryl for swapping with me….I just love this technique and I hope you like the card!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Jan 23, 2014 | Thank You |
I looked at the catalogs and I felt sorry for the Annual Catalog….that poor thing has been totally neglected since the new Occasions Catalog came out! I thought today…I am NOT going to look at the Occasions and I am NOT going to look at the Sale-A-Bration stuff…so with that said…here you go!
Today is the Pals Paper Art Challenge and it is a sketch challenge from our very own Nicole Watt! (WOWZERS – she is one talented lady, I had an opportunity to do a one on one with her using the MDS)!!! I am determined to use that software more!
Let’s get to the sketch and today’s post…
This was a super easy and fun sketch…I usually do not use much DSP on the front of my cards in a big and splashy way but today's a new day!
- The base is your good old A-2 card base….5 1/2" X 4 1/4" (half of a sheet of paper – this is why I always make (2) of the same cards….why not!?!?)
- I have not used this Eastern Elegance Designer Series Paper for a long time…(poor paper – must have felt very neglected) and I thought that this would be perfect for today! The colors are so amazing and it is such a rich paper! The size is 4” X 3 ½”
- Next as you will see in the below picture…I took a 2” strip of Crushed Curry Paper and ran it through the Big Shot with the Beautiful Baroque Embossing Folder! Now…. because I wanted the deign to go a certain way…you can see in the below picture that I did not stress as a quick “snip” is all that I needed to do as it will be covered by the sentiment piece!!!
- The sentiment is from the From My Heart Stamp Set and it is such a beautiful set of heartfelt sentiments! The size of the Whisper White is 3” X 3 ¼” and then matted with Crushed Curry at 3 1/8” X 3 3/8” and then finally in Smokey Slate at 3 3/8” X 3 5/8”
- With the help of some Stampin Dimensionals and basic snail….the card came together quickly! Did you notice the itty bitty bling? I was so excited to remember that there is a teeny tiny heart on the Owl Punch! This was the PERFECT added touch to my card….but wait – a tiny rhinesone was the icing on the cake!
- To the envelope….since I adore this paper, I wanted to give the mailman a smile and line the outside of the envelope! This is such a quick and easy way to dress an envelope up!
So…what do you think? Would you be happy to receive this card? I know exactly who is getting it…and I know when she opens it – there will be a smile on her face as she adores the color of yellow!
I personally find the sketch challenges to be more challenging for me…. this is why I make an effort to do them even on the “off weeks” that I am not on the PPA Design Team! I think we all need a bit of a push every now and again….so…..
Can I P U S H you to share your talents with the Pals Paper Art! This weekly challenge is open to everyone – and everyone is YOU!!! We all start somewhere and I will be happy to help you upload your picture. You do NOT need a blog and you do NOT need to be a demonstrator…you just need to be YOU!!!
Thanks for making my day and popping in for some inspiration – it is you guys that make me want to put my creative hat on and play…. I just wish I had more play-time!
If any of you live where is warm….I am jealous….and if any of you that live in an area of the country that these crazy temperatures that we are having is normal for you….please tell me how you deal with it!!!!
I wish there was a candid camera to take a picture of what I look like going down to take care of the animals! I feel like Doctor Doolittle in talking to the animals….I think they like it!
Have a great day…..get excited for Sale-A-Bration….and please email me and let me know how I can help you reach your Sale-A-Bration goals…..WOWZERS – there are some great freebies!
Stay warm and until tomorrow!
