by Susan Itell | Jan 12, 2014 | Uncategorized |
First, I want to give YOU ALL A BIG THANK-YOU for your dedication, comments, tips and inspiration that YOU GIVE TO ME with leaving me soooooo many wonderful, helpful and useful comments over my 3 Blog Posts sharing with you……
"The Products that I love….."
I was going to give you a bunch of feedback to some on the most commonly left comments BEFORE I shared who the winner was but then I thought that was not fair…..but I do hope that you read the entire post as I will be talking about some of the popular comments and questions etc….
WOWZERS…I had 292 comments and it was not the easiest to calculate but I have kept everyone's comment on my computer as there as some people that email me instead of leaving a comment on the blog…..
and the winner is…..drum roll…..drum roll…..
Jane from California…
Jane left me an email and below you will see her winning comment!
Please email me so I can get your address!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Here is Jane's email to me:
Dear Susan,
Please put my name in your Pot of Gold group. I appreciate your blog so much.
I have been toying with the idea of the paper stacks and think I will try one soon. I have some DSP that I haven't used because I don't particularly care for the whole stack. I end up using my embossing folders more that the DSP. I do like the mini stacks of the DSP though…they seem to be more usuable and I don't feel as bad if I don't use it all:)
Hope you have a Happy New Year!!
Your fellow stamper,
Jane in CA
WOOT-WOOT to YOU!!!
Jane… WAY TO GO and a big thanks!!!! I should have photographed the 14 Cards and Envelopes that I will be sending your way before I left for Houston….but I will be sure to do so and share it with everyone! I love sharing my cards with you all….so please always remember to check my blog as you will never know when I will be doing a blog candy!
Here are some of the highlighted comments from each post:
Post #1 – By far….this post had more comments on the fact that you wanted to order the Craft Scissors! That made me laugh as I waited FOREVER to get them and then once I got them….I was wondering what I did before as they cut our ribbon like butter!
I was THRILLED to hear that many of you use your Stampin' Scrub….this is soooo important to keep our stamps both clean and conditioned…….good job stampers!
We all agree that we could not live without the paper snips and the Magnetic Platform!
Post # 2 – I knew it…I knew it……I just knew that I would receive lots of comments about the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig….it seems like many of you have a love /dislike (nicer way to say it) relationship with this piece of plastic!!!
PLEASE trust me on this one…..it is NOT your enemy….keep trying….keep trying….I was exactly where many of you are with it when I bought it…..I actually bought it and never attempted to use it for over a year…every time I would try to teach myself….I would say – this is silly…..well – it is NOT…and it will become your friend and not only will you save paper…you will stamp straight each and every time!
I will even be happy to Sykpe with you if you need help…seriously – once you get it….you will laugh at yourself with how easy it is!
Other highlighst on Post #2 – We all adore our Stampin' Dimensionals and I was thrilled to hear the great feedback on the Grid Paper and tickled that you all enjoy the paper piercing tool…..Paper Piercing is such a great effect in making a card go to a quick WOW!!!
To Post #3 – This post had the most comments and feedback on the Tombo Multipurpose Liquid Glue and also the Ink Refills for our stamp pads!
This adhesive was the only adhesive I bought with me to finish up my swap cards while away! You truly get the best bang for your buck and you will realize quickly how a little goes a long way! LOVE IT!!!!
I also was so happy with al of the comments and feedback about the ink refills…think of these little gems as our secret weapons cause when you need them….YOU NEED THEM!!!! (Also- they are a great way to get an order to the exact point you want it to be at….as for just $2.95 – they are perfect when you are soooo close to hitting a certain point!
SOOOOOO glad to hear that we are all in agreement that we have the BEST punches on the market! As I said before, start small and but smart and one by one you will get a great collection of our wonderful punches! If you are like me – you have had many that you feel like throwing across the room because they get stuck or do not punch evenly!
Again, many thanks for playing this fun " The products that I love" posts….it has been fun and it has been wonderful reading your comments and tips!
Yesterday at convention…..WOOT-WOOT….so inspiring, so exciting and below I want to share with you a picture of myself, Mary Fish (my up-line), and Lisa Pretti (Mary's up-line)….this has been a wonderful time with such amazing people that you are instantly "feeling great" about being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.
I have been involved in direct sales for many years, and the overwhelming message that I ALWAYS walk away with from Stampin' Up! is…they truly believe in their customers, their demonstrators, their employees and they have such strong and amazing values!
Take a moment and watch this quick video…this shows the beauitful spirit that this company has – Tami White is Stampin' Ups! 4th million dollar Demonstrator….they showed this at convention and it reconfirmed to me why this company makes me smile!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZsjCZG0vZ4&feature=c4-overview&list=UUaytKFValhfW2z3T0jsdemA
Enjoy your day aand again, way to go Jane – please email me and I will see what you want to order……
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Jan 11, 2014 | Uncategorized |
Good Morning to all…..WOWZERS – I am one tired but energized stamper! I am having a fabulous time and getting my "tank" full of….
Inspiration + Positiveness + Friendships + and sooo much more =
ONE HAPPY SUSAN
but I feel like this!
Before I show you some of the GREAT Card swaps I want to share with you some EXCITING over the top news of something NEW that Stampin' Up! is coming out with !
Trying to always play "by the rules" I can not show you actual pictures of the product but I can share with you this…
To me…this product is going to be super-duper….over-the-top exciting for many! It is a NEW product called Blendabilities – and these are Alcohol Based Markers!
You all know that I LOVE to watercolor and I think that this new product is going to be a great "Bridge" for those of you that are fearful f water-coloring but want a little something more than just the markers!
This was a BIG WOOT-WOOT for me and I could hardly wait to go to the booth and play with them in my own 2 paws! LOVE THEM!
We will still be carrying all of the WONDERFUL markers we have…and these will be available in packs of 3 for $11.95 and the BEST news is…..they will be available sometime in the 1st Quarter!!!!
Perfect timing with Sale-a-bration around the corner!
Last night we had a HUGE stampin' party and below are some of the goodies we had at our table…it was soooo much fun and as we walked into the room, the Stampin' Up! wonderful staff was cheering all of us as we walked in….WOW – what a great group of people!
Here is a picture of my dear friend and roommate last year, Deb Simonis….this year she brought her husband so we cannot have our late night chats…but it is wonderful to be together!
Several of the PALS got there early to get tables near each other so we could be together and her is a picture of some of the PALS – we have been having a ball!!!!
Let's get to the Card Swap pictures….these are just some that I have received ….I am showing you ones that are keeping in the theme of this week….."Love is in the Air"
I am going to roll right through them as I really want to get my Beauty Rest – another big day ahead tomorrow! Hugs to all of you and many thanks for the sweet emails that many of you have sent to me hoping that I am having fun!
Have fun with this inspiration!
I forgot to mention this…by the time I returned to the hotel it was dark…..and I needed to snap these pictures for you….well to let you know how much I appreciate your dedication to me…I took these in the BATHTUB!!!! The lighting was the best!!! Thank goodness it was big and I just propped them up and snapped away!
You all would be laughing if you could have seen me…it felt like an episode from I Love Lucy!!! I am still laughing about it!!!
Until tomorrow……
Stampin' hugs!
by Susan Itell | Jan 10, 2014 | Valentines |
LOVE is in the AIR as I am showcasing another super sweet and super easy 3 X 3 card that will surely make you smile!
I am having a ball in Houston….I think that you can tell by my blogs that I have a lot of energy….well let me confess to you ….I was POOPED after yesterdays festivities!
I truly wish that each and everyone of you were here with me as there are sooooo many SUPER exciting things going on with Stampin' Up! and NEW products that you are going to LOVE….(but I cannot share them right now)….but trust me – YOU WILL BE DOING THE WOOT-WOOT HAPPY DANCE!
I am not missing the cold weather one bit and I TOTALLY wish that I made more cards to SWAP with….( the PALS had a SWAP and then I made 50 cards to SWAP with and ZOOM…….they were gone in a flash)…so much talent out there!
On Saturday I am going to do a showcasing of some of the cards swaps I received…..WOWZERS – there are some real KEEPERS!
Now….let's get to business…..to today's post! I know it might not seem like much BUT…I want you to think out of the box! As my dear and wonderful Mother always said…great things come in small packages and today's inspiration is a "small card" - a 3 X 3 card that carries a BIG punch in my opinion
I think that we all have many friends that are super creative…..maybe they like to cook….bake….make candles….make cards (duh!!!!)….and who would not love to receive a goodie with a clean and simple card enclosure like this!
To me….the fact that Stampin' Up! offer to us these 3 X 3 envelopes is BINGO BANGO and if you do not have them "stashed away" – ready to be made…. – please click here and order them!
I just think that they are the cutest thing in the world and we have soooo many stamps with great sentiments that work perfectly together with them….it's that "peanut butter and jelly" thing I talk about!!! It just works!
A BIG reminder I give to you is….have the "basics" in the 12 X 12 paper….like Whisper White and Very Vanilla etc….. as when you want to "whip" up these cards….PRESTO – you can make 8 from one sheet of paper! It truly does come in handy!
The Stamp Set I used was from the Language of Love Stamp Set…..it is clearly a keeper! I have used this in many posts….and you can clearly see that it is one fun set!
After making the 3 X 3 size cards…I thought it would be a fun WOW to take a 2 3/4" square and do the stamping on that and then POPPING it up with our Stampin' Vitamins…Stampin' Dimensionals!
The sentiment is super sweet and to the point…"Made with love" does it for me….what about you!?!? I would ADORE for someone to give me this simple card from the heart! It comes from the Kind & Cozy Stamp Set.
You know me….I love dots and dashes…. this TOTALLY is a simple accent that is finale that MAKES IT SUPER SPECIAL!
Well…..the liner is pretty darn tootin' cute……this is from the again Fresh Prints Paper Stack, and it "holds it's own" with it's boldness…and remember the envelope liner framelits are on sale…woot-woot!!!!
This post would be a super special gift to give someone…..make a bunch of them and tie a ribbon or make a holder for them and you know you will not only "feel good" but the person you give it to will be totally touched!
Easy works for me…how about you….????
I am being a sponge and taking it all in… I have my "goals" set for next Leadership…I am passionate about what I do as I know it makes a difference….and I'm going to work hard to obtain that goal!
Thanks for popping in today and please tell your family and friends if they need a dose of inspiration….hit the subscribe button!!!
Have a FABULOUS FRIDAY and until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Jan 9, 2014 | Valentines |
I am back on track with my Valentine's Post this week as that calendar is rolling and we need to "get on top of it"…and not be stressed….showing family and friends that they are love and thought about on this special time of the year!
I apologize in advance…I forgot to take pictures of the finished card before I left so the pictures are not the best today….but you'll get the idea – good thing the hotel has a white bedspread!!!
I am having a great time n Houston and I am SUPER excited for Leadership to start this morning! It is great to see many of the PALS that are here (we had an awesome training with Lisa and then had a fun and special evening with Mary and Lisa)!
Let’s get to my card for the day….well – what do you think? – I was super excited with it and this is the card that really captures the meaning of “love “ and “valentine’s day”
Let’s get to it….
- Center the Heart Framelit overtop on the front panel of the card and run it thru the big shot…this is going to make the card FUN! (Don't forget to save the Heart for another project)
- Make sure that you have a good crease on your card or make sure that the card doesn't "wiggle"….take a pencil and faintly draw the heart so you have an instant "template" in the inside of the card for perfect placement
- This is the perfect time to do the "dashes" around the outside of the heart (you could skip this step but I think it makes it) and don't fret….just dash away – it does not have to be perfect….remember it is YOU!!!
- You know what I am going to say….pull out the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig……this card is a PERFECT example of WHY you need to love this tool! you can see in the image below that having the heart on the plastic part of the stamp-a–ma-jig you can get it loned up PERFECTLY…the 1st time!!! Woot-Woot!!!
- Before I adhere the red piece to the front of the card….I stamped the "love" sentiment – isn't that the best sentiment…..LOVE the font! It is from the Best of Love Stamp Set….and YES – you can still get all of the "Best of's"……click here to see the entire offerings of them!
- Now its time to place the piece of "Red Scalloped piece" to the front of the card! I used the Mono liquid glue as I knew that I could "wiggle" it to the perfect placement I wanted! Remember – use it sparingly as who like glue…..gooing out?!?!
- (I am showing you a picture of the container as I was surprised with how many comments I have received from my things that I love posts that are unfamiliar with it….for just $3.95 – WOWZERS!!!!)
- This finishing touch that made the WOW happen was a simple touch with the pearls!!! You can see why they are in my "Things that I love posts" – this is a simple yet very classic finish to this beautiful card…..it still looks great without them but once I put them on…I instantly smiled!!!! (remember to look at that post for tips on how to get the pearls off!!!)
- The last part…the envelope!!!! This liner is just PERFECT for this card….using once again the Fresh Prints Paper Stack and the Envelope Liner Framelits…(WOOT-WOOT – they are on SALE this week….PERFECT time to get these gems if you do not have them and if you do not have them….WHY???? – they are $20.21 )
I hope that this card….fills your heart with inspiration!!! I think it is a great example of a clean and classic card! This is also a card that would be super easy to make in "quantities" !!!
I will fill you in with the 1st official day of Leadership! I am sooooo excited to feel the positive energy that will radiate from all!!! I must admit – love the temperature here….it is raining but I honestly do not care as the "sunshine" that I am feeling being with some of the most amazing people I have ever met….makes the rain go away!
Have a great day and until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Jan 8, 2014 | Things you just have to buy!, Tips and Tricks!!! |
Happy New Year…part #3
On January 1st I posted this post….a unique post as I do not have a card to share with you…rather I am sharing with you some of the Stampin' Up! products that I love and "works for me"…
Today is the 3rd of the 3 posts of sharing with you some of my all time "keepers"! I could go on and on about all sorts of things and today I wanted to randomly pick some of my favorite products that we have at Stampin' Up! and give you the "why's" I love them so much as well as some "tips and tricks" that I have found with them!
Here you go…these are not in any particular order of my preference! Read to the end as you will see you will have the opportunity to win some blog candy!
I am purposely not putting in specific stamp sets…the solid papers…our marker collection…and the Big Shot…as to me – these are the staples…(bread & butter) to our fabulous collection of products!
- Tombow Multi-Purpose Glue – To me this is "white gold" BUT…there is a learning curve to it! I would not be without it for several reasons….and this is why I love it!
- It is a SUPER strong hold…it is a very small bottle (easy to tuck in a bag) and it is SUPER affordable = just $3.95!!!
- Remember…A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY…so this is the learning curve I am talking about…you need to use it sparingly as if not…you will have one sticky and yucky mess on your hands!
- I love to use it in place of a tape runner many times when making cards…to me – it is a stronger hold…it is easy for me to use…and my cards stay together perfectly. (I am a "stickler" to having the paper lay nice and flat all the way to the edges – to me it is a much more professional look)
- It has 2 ends….one for a fine line of glue (I use this side 90% of the time) and then a broad base one that works great it you are needing a larger area to be covered!
- I also love this on placing pieces that I might want to "wiggle" around a bit before it "sets up"
- Ink Refills – This might seem like a silly "Things that I love" BUT it is one thing that I think many of us forget about! Here are some of my thoughts about why I think these are so vital to paper crafting!
- Most of use purchase the Ink Pads as naturally that's what we need to stamp with…makes perfect sense right? Well we do….then we fall in love with a specific color of stamp pad and use it over and over again and to start to get stamped images not so clear and crisp….then you get frustrated and push harder and harder on your poor innocent ink pad when all you need was a refill that is just $2.95!
- You can purchase a color collection "like a Bright or Regal Collection" and when you purchase it like this, as a group – they are even less!
- I like clean and crisp stamped images when I make projects – this product in my opinion is over looked as most of us feel that if we have the ink pad – that should be good for a L O N G time – many times this is true especially when you do not use a color a bunch but it is a different story on your "go-to" colors!
- Look at this image below, it was from a post several days ago….I made this card for a PALS swap and I made 30 of them…now do you think my image would be this clean and crisp if I did not have a re-inker!?!? I realize that this specific stamp has a large area to cover ink…but there would be no way that my 30th would have looked as good as the 1st one without me re-inking the pad!
- I often get asked – "How often to you need to re-ink?" That's a hard one to answer but you will know when it is time…when you do – simply take the refills and put drops all over the surface – Less is best as if you go too crazy – you'll have the opposite problem!!! I then take an old kitchen spoon and use the back side of it and go back and forth like I would ice a cake…wipe off with a paper towel and DONE!
- BIGGEST TIP I CAN GIVE YOU: When you do use a re-inker – make sure that you let the pad sit for in my opinion at least 20-30 minutes to allow the ink to evenly distribute in the pad. If I know I am going to do a specific project like the above picture…I re-ink it before I go to bed….this way I know it will be perfect for me! Sometimes planning ahead is key!
- Basic Pearl Jewels – This is one of those secret weapons that can make a "Plain Jane" card…go to a WOW card with a simple Pearl (or also a rhinestone) – I am more of a "pearl girl" as after all – they are a girls best friend!
- I love the fact that you can get this great assortment of pearls in different sizes…you get a total of 150 pearls for just $4.95!
- To make sure that you "lift" the adhesive off with the pearl…use the paper piercing tool or the paper snips – (both of these were in my previous favorites…you can get right underneath the adhesive and get perfect placement every time.)
- If I make a card…and look at it and feel like something is missing but I do not want it to be too fussy, I find a couple of pearls or candy dots will do the trick (remember I had them before on my favorites!)
- Sticky Strip – I am sure that many of you knew that this would be on my list…to me – this is a MUST have in your work area especially when making 3-D projects and this is why!
- It is a SUPER STRONG hold but you need to make sure that you have it lined up to where you want it as it is very unforgiving…once you peel off the red tape and stick it….it is STUCK!!!
- It is convenient that it is on a roll but you do need scissors to cut it….but it's worth it – when I say it is a must have for 3-D projects – I am saying this because these take stress opening and closing etc..
- TIP ALERT: – If you are like me and using this a bunch for a project…you can get very annoyed that the red tape sticks to your hand…I have found if I have a damp paper towel…it clings right to that!
- I will admit that it is a bit pricy – but it is worth every penny as I loke the "instant" hold that it gives and not having to wait for the Tombow Glue to dry!
- Aqua Painters – This might be another product you might be say…."Really ….Susan?" One thing I am not and never will be is an artist but I LOVE watercoloring and these gems are perfect and fun!
- In our Stamp Collection we have many wonderful stamps that lend themselves to water-coloring…now I am here to tell you if I can do this YOU can do this! It is kind of like using the stamp-a-ma-jig….practice, practice and practice!!!
- I do "preach the sermon" to use watercolor paper as this is what it is meant to have happen to it….water!!!! It will absorb and take in the color but it will remain flat. If you were to use regular paper, your end result would not be as polished looking!
- My Dad uses them to seal his envelopes – another great way to use them!
- I know that you think that you can just use your markers to color in areas…but once you use these gems and also see the beautiful effect it gives….you will say – why didn't I use this technique before? It gives a BIG wow to a very simple card!
- TIP ALERT: – True there is a learning curve as to how to use them….but have a paper towel handy to blot your brush and just play around with the amount of ink and water mixture you have in the brush….you'll get it…..I know you will!!!!
- Envelope Punch Board– This is one BRILLIANT Tool and one that is a MUST HAVE FOR SOOOOO MANY REASONS!
- 1st – this mega must have is just $19.95 – now I ask you ….where can you get a products that does soooooo much for this price!
- Say goodbye to not having the right size envelope for your projects – no more excuses!!! It is so easy to use as the guide is right on the base!
- I think that the corner rounder is much better than the same in the punch – to me….there are no ridges and it is one less thing that you need to remember to have or bring to a workshop!
- You can line your envelopes with this too! Also if you goggle 3-D project made from the Envelope Punch Board – you are going to me WOWED by the responses!
- Punches – I know that this borders the items that I said are "given" in our Stampin' Up! Collections that I was not going to touch on….BUT……
- I am still amazed at how many people will go to the "Big Box Stores" and purchase Punches there because they have a super coupon only to have them do a couple of things – NOT HOLD UP AND NOT GIVE A CLEAN PUNCH and also NOT MATCHING MANY OF OUR STAMPS!!!
- For over 10 years, I used to be affiliated with a scrap-booking company that also had a CA-ZILLION punches, and I kept them all (now they are gone as I saw the light) and I used to think – why should I but a Stampin' Up! Punch when I have one….well as many of you know – once you get used to the quality of our punches and products for that matter – you'll never buy another one else where!
- TIP: – I realize that they can add up quickly – I have 3 suggestions for you…(1) – become a hobbiest demonstrator and be able to get them at cost…(2) – have a class or stamp -a-stack event and earn some from your hostess dollars (remember we can do this via internet) and (3) – buy the basic shapes 1st….make a list and add to a collection….they truly are the best and such a life saver!
WHEW…..this was LO N G….I have been typing away as I am flying to Houston! (Love Southwest Airline and their internet connection)….I hope that you have enjoyed these series of posts and I am excited for the lucky winner!
Since today is Wednesday and you all are receiving this later than usual…I am going to leave this open until Friday night 9 p.m.! It is going to take me some time to calculate how many responses and emails I have received and on Sunday as I fly home…I am going to let you know who won plus respond to many of your comments and ideas you have shared with me over these 3 posts!
Now here is a way for you to WIN some fun! Please leave me a comment or send me an email and I will put your name in a "pot of gold"...and after all 3 posts…I will pick one person from random.org to make it fair for everyone and you will have the chance to win in honor of the NEW YEAR….
$20.00 worth of Stampin' Up! products of your choice
PLUS 14 handmade cards and envelopes from me = did you get it???
2014
This way you will have 3 chances to win if you follow my blog everyday
…WOOT-WOOT!!!!
I thank you for popping by today and I truly wish you a Happy New Year…again!
Remember to leave me a comment and you could win the 2014 blog candy for the start of the NEW YEAR! If you are a SUD that follows my blog….please leave me a comment – we all work together and I to go to your blogs for inspiration!
If you left me a comment on the 1st post….please feel free to leave a comment again….better chance to win the "candy"! Here are the links to Post 1 and to Post 2 if you missed them before!
I will be BACK ON TRACK tomorrow with the 3rd Valentines Day Card….I think it is super sweet….I have about 30 minutes before I land in Houston – SOOOO darn tootin' excited!!!
Until tomorrow!
