by Susan Itell | Dec 6, 2013 | 3-D Projects, Christmas |
I bet your SMILING! This is such a quick and easy gift to whip up and while you're doing one…go ahead and make a bunch of them! This is a great hostess gift, a teacher gift, a neighbor, your postal carrier etc…
I know that you have seen me make these "Top Notes" boxes a bunch but you have also heard me say…when you find something that works…why stop …keep on going and just change up the stamps and sentiments!
Please click here to see the original post that I did and you will understand completely how to make these gems! One thing that I did differently was to add the designer series paper around the sides of the box!
When I was in my work area I saw a bunch of scraps from making some gift card holders that you will see over the weekend and you know that we simply can not waste a thing…I put these little bits of pieces to good use!
Please look at the picture below and you will see that it is sooo much easier to put the designer series paper on before you put the box together – much easier!!!
I did forget to put the 4th piece on before taking the picture and did not realize it…sorry-charlie! The sizes of these pieces are (2) 3 1/4" X 3/4" – (2) 2 1/4" X 3/4"
I think that this stamp is soooo adorable! I had many, many comments from the card that I made with these little guys – that I just could not resitst using them again! Click here to see the adorable card I made with this stamp eariler this week! The Stamp Set is The Best of Snow!
I did use the Water Color Paper to do this – you have heard me say a million times that when you are water-coloring and using the Aqua Painter…just use it – it truly makes a huge difference and also use Sticky Strip when making 3 -D projects!
What did I fill the box with???….HERSHEY NUGGETS but the best thing is that I used a Avery Label and simply stamped the sentiment on in and a quick wrap…DONE!!!!
Not I must admit I feel guilty…very guilty – WHY???
The Stamp Set that I used for the sentiments and snowflakes are from the very popular stamp set called, Endless Wishes. This stamp set F L E W out the door and unfortunately the supply is depleted!
I do realize that there are MANY of you that have this stamp set and I do love it – so why not show it…I thought it worked perfectly with this project. You can EASILY substitute another sentiment and still have the WOW effect!
The other day I did a Christmas Show and was running out of time in making up samples for my display…and I showed the "Fall Themed" one and told people that I could make this up the Top Note Box of Chocolates in a Christmas Theme…and I sold over 15 of them and this is what I came up with….do you like it? I think that I will do some others with ornaments and trees etc….but I think this is a keeper!
I hope that you have enjoyed this post and I do hope that you can see how wonderful this Top Note Die is…this little gem makes so many different things! I will admit that I had it for a long time before I used it…then it barely gets back on the shelf!
On a totally different note…I have had several people email me saying that they are unable to leave a message on my blog! If this is happening to you, please email me and let me know.
This is happening to other SUD that have the same server as I do and it is just a random thing….I am trying to figure it out! (well…we know I am computer challenged…I am getting the server customer support!!!)
I am thankful that it is Friday…I am feeling a bit run down and am looking forward to not working this weekend! This holiday has been the 1st one with me working full time and I think that the Turkey Day celebration is catching up to me!
One thing that I never get tired of is…getting lost in my Stamp area and creating! John often tells me he had no idea how happy paper and scissors would make me!!!
Speaking of John…he is doing great! He started back to work this week just working 1/2 days at the office and using his walker the majority of the time….he still has his faithful wheel chair but not having to use it as much! I thank you all for your sweet comments and concerns with him!
Have a FABULOUS FRIDAY and until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Dec 5, 2013 | Christmas |
It's Thursday and you know what that means…time for another Pals Paper Art Challenge and today is a color challenge….YIPPEE!!! I love the color challenges! Here is the palate of colors that we will work with – Aren't they great!
In my mind I have wanted to do a Christmas card in purple, and the Elegant Eggplant is sooooo rich and beautiful that when I saw the colors for the challenge I knew exactly what I was going to do!
This is a very, very simple card and it produces a wow factor and it also would be an easy peasy card to make many of…do you remember a couple of posts ago I talked about breaking steps down
Let’s get going!
- The card base is using the Smokey Slate Cards… (love them… when you are in a hurry…pull off the shelf – get the bone folder out and GO!)
- It looks great like this but I gently tood the sanding block over it and gave it a “soft scruff” and it was the perfect touch to let the WOW happen!
TIP ALERT: If you love this card and I hope you do….you might be saying to yourself…I can only get 4 sheets of Elegant Eggplant in a pack and I do not want to purchase multiple packs for just this color…..couple of suggestions…since this is in the Regals Collections…there are many other super yummy colors that would work perfectly with this layout OR use the regular paper …trust me – you will still get a very effective touch by using the embossing folder!
- Stamp some snowflakes with Smokey Slate ink on Very Vanilla paper – These are from the Festive Flurry Bundle and using the matching framelits is a cinch (yikes – can you imagine if you have to cut out these snowflakes?!?!) I put stampin dimensionals on all three of them but one I “doubled” up on the dimensionals to give it a bit of extra height!
- The Sentiment is lovely – I adore this font and it is from the Greetings of the Season Stamp Set…so classic and I gave it a quick mat with the smokey slate to add some pizzazz!
- After I put all of this together on the embossed piece, I used the Tombow Multi Purpose Glue as with all of the ridges…this is the best in giving you a nice flat hold!
- Next touch, I added some Regals Candy Dots and also some Dazzling Details to the edges of the snowflakes! (this takes some time to dry) – this is a bit of sparkle for the season!
Well…what do you think???
I think it’s a keeper and I think my friend Jeannie is going to like it! She is one talented stamper and I asked her earlier this week what card she is making this Holiday Season and her answer was… “don’t know yet” We both laughed….she is a night owl and I am an early bird but I do know that she adores purples so let’s see if she reads the blog today and leaves a comment!
Yesterday I went to a luncheon and there were vendors selling products! I must say – I was soooo proud of my works of heart that I made from my heart! Many of my goodies were a hit and I was also able to take many orders! It is times like this that make you feel great when people realize the importance of sending a card…making a simple gift card look extra special…making a little pouch of kleenex look special…I could go on and on!
Over the next week you will be seeing some of the goodies that I have been making and I know that you will want to make them as well!!! Remember those Sour Cream gems…these would be great to make up a BUNCH in fun holiday colors and put them in a beautiful clear bowl on the center of your table…tuck some greens around it….BAM – a work of Art!!!
You know where I will be – please email me or leave me a comment! Have a fabulous day and do not wait to get an order on for your card making plans!!! Simply click here or better yet – go up to the right hand side and hit the shop now button!
Until tomorrow….
by Susan Itell | Dec 4, 2013 | Christmas, Super Easy |
I have been telling you that Christmas is going to sneak up on us! I am in total denial that we are just 3 weeks away! It just doesn't seem possible – does anyone else feel the same?
Every Wednesday, I have been showing you a Christmas Card….(head's up….please pop pack tomorrow as it is a Pals Paper Art Challenge and I think I have a pretty special Christmas Card tomorrow as well)
I hope that you are smiling as here again is a Clean and Simple Card that just makes you want to shake it to hear the bells! Confessions of an honest stamper….I usually do not show products that have been discontinued but I found a bunch of these that Stampin Up had and I just could not resist!
Let's get to it!
- Once again, my favorite Note card and Envelopes size…3 1/2" X 5" and then I cut the exact same size again in a whisper white….hang tight – you'll understand why in a minute!. Take a ruler and find the center – 2 1/2" and draw a line down the middle!
- Pull out the Stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement and use the adorable Santa Hat from the Embellished Events Stamp Set…it has been AGES since I have used this set and then after I pull it out….I said – why??? There are lots of great stamps!
- Find the center of the mat piece and stamp the 1st Santa Hat and then do the right and left! PERFECT….now take it to the trimmer and trim off ¼” off each size…now isn’t that SOOOOOO much easier than trying to find the center after you have cut it down!?!?
- Using the Paper Piercing Tool, I pierced a hole so after I threaded the “bells” on…I could pull the bakers twine through and then secure it with a teeny tiny piece of sticky strip (do not pull off the red tape)
- Next, Stampin Dimensionals all over the back and then place it on top of a Real Red Card Stock measuring 3 3/8” X 4 7/8” …guess what – you’re done!
- To the envelope – the Polka Dot Parade papers was PERFECT for this fun card…They really make me smile and be happy!
Well…How do you like today’s card?
I was pleased with the end result and it is fun to shake it to hear it jingle!
Today’s card is a perfect example of…
Less is Best!!!
Using a classic color combination of Real Red and White – how can you go wrong!?!? I am in high gear with making up lots of goodies for Shows and classes!
I think you will be vey happy with the next several posts! Please if you have not down so…like me on Face Book and also tell your family and friends about my daily blog
I truly wish that we could be together having a cup of coffee and seeing each other in person!!! We all are a very special group of people that have the same passion – please take a moment and think about that…it is really great!
Feel free to click here and shop away and remember, I am an email away! Have a Wonderful Wednesday!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Dec 3, 2013 | Sympathy, Tips and Tricks!!!, Watercoloring |
Naturally there are times that we need to send sympathy cards…and most of the time, the timing can be unexpected so my 1st tip of the day is to have some sympathy cards made up so you can get them out in a timely manner!
I also like to have cards on hand that can be made easily in multitudes…and steps! Making a bunch of cards in a step by step method makes it a fun task!
What so I mean by step by step = that is when I can break down a card…like for this card – say if I were going to make 12 of them…I would in steps…
- Cut my Crumbcake Card stock (6 sheets) and score it!
- Using the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, I took the "with sympathy" sentiment from the Loving Thoughts Stamp Set and did a quick stamp and BAM – done!
TIP ALERT! – Can you see how large and uniform my piercing holes are? I like to do them this way and how I did it is a 2-step method:
- I do the initial quick pierce…pierce…pierce all the way around!
- Next, I go back and really push the stylus down deeply through the mat to get that deep, yet uniform pierce! – Love this look!
- Now to my favorite part…water coloring! Using the Aqua Painter and the inks I used for this card were, Always Artichoke, Perfect Plum and Sahara Sand…This is sooooo fun and the best tip I can give you it just keep practicing! Did you see a bit of shimmer to the flowers? This was adding just a bit of Dazzling Details to the centers – I love the effect it gives!
- Out come the Stampin Dimensionals! Place them all over the water colored piece and the magic will happen! To me, all cards look better with some depth and dimension!
Are you seeing how you can just do certain steps at a time and then go back and do the next! As for the water coloring…I like to do this if I am watching a TV show and not that the Voice is on – this is my multi tasking…painting and watching tv!
TIP ALERT: Please conserve your paper! You can get 8 liners easily from a sheet of paper….you can get 12 but that is tight! There is no reason why you have to line all the way to the bottom!
Breaking down tasks is the way to go! Many of times when I know I am making a bunch of something, one day I’ll cut my paper, another use the big shot etc…when we try to accomplish too much we get stresses and that’s no fun!
I know it is a sad thing to send a sympathy card but reality is that we have to from time to time! This to me is a beauty and I adore the greens and purples together!
It’s Tuesday and that means more weekly deals! Click here to see what’s on sale this week! My favorite picks….well the Heart Framlits are a must for Valentines…but I ADORE the Merry Mini Pack…makes the added touch everytime…..and the Fun FLowers Bigz L Die….is just simply FUN and makes me smile!
Tomorrow is 3 weeks until Christmas…..SUPER YIKES!
I will be showcasing another Holiday Card for you! As I said before, pace yourself – get a piece of paper out and write down the list of accomplishments you want to tackle for the holidays and then break them down!
Doing this will make you a much happier person!
Need help!?!? Please email me and I will be happy to give you some tips and tricks! There are lots of fun and exciting "happenings" going on with Stampin' Up and you can click here at anytime to get your goodies delivered to your door!!! I say woot-woot!
Enjoy your Tuesday and until tomorrow….
by Susan Itell | Dec 2, 2013 | Super Easy |
It is that time of the month again, the 1st Wednesday of every month I do a “feel good” for patients that are in treatment for Breast Cancer! A group of volunteers meet at 6 p.m. and we have fun…this is a super rewarding project!
Sometimes it is hard to come up with cards…as we make sure that the cards are an uplifting theme and I think that this card will do just that!
This is a super easy card and it will go for anytime of the year! I was going to add some daffodil delight flowers but I like it just the way it is – 2 colors…clean and simple…and a project that the volunteers can easily put together!
Let’s get to the card and then I will recap all of the exciting things that are coming down Stampin’ Ups! Pike!
Remember, today is the LAST day to order from the HOLIDAY SALE…
Easy-peasy but very practical!
- I cut another piece of whisper white a ¼” smaller = 3 ¼” X 4 ¾”
- Inking up with Island Indigo, I stamped that super cute telephone from the Timeless Talk Stamp Set. The sentiment “ Hello there!” is all that is needed!
- Wanting to do a little something extra and different, I simply cut ¼” strips of Island Indigo and using the Multipurpose Liquid Glue to adhere them was a cinch! (Remember to go easy with this glue = less is definitely best!!!)
TIP ALERT: When cutting thin pieces like this….I like to use the Stampin' Trimmer and the right side of the cutting area to measure small spaces…I just think that it is easier!
- Add a bunch of Stampin’ Dimensionals to the back of this and YOU’RE DONE!!!! Now this is what I call one fast and cute card!
- Let’s get to the envelope – very straight forward using a sweet print from the Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper and the Envelope Liner Framelit…(IT’S ON SALE TODAY AT 30% off – Stampin’ Ups! Cyber Monday fun!!!)
I know that this card will bring smiles to the ladies that are under-going treatment! This is such a rewarding project and I know 1st hand how important cards are to those that are going through illness.
3 years ago yesterday, I lost my wonderful Mom to a very fast and aggressive Pancreatic Cancer battle. In the less than 3 1/2 short months of a diagnosis ~ my wonderful Mom received over 400 cards from family and friends! She was the “QUEEN” of sending cards and it was the best medicine she could have been given as they truly lifted her! Getting the mail was a highlight of her day!
With this said, please do not underestimate the power of a handmade card and going to the mailbox to see a handwritten addressed note /card! It is the best and I think that it is soooo fabulous that there are so many card makers out there!
This is why I blog, I love to inspire you to show YOU that YOU can do it! Many times, we doubt our abilities to do things…I love to show YOU that YOU can…be positive and remember, you can always email me if you have specific questions!
Now to the fun happenings with Stampin’ Up! Lots to take in…you can click on the highlighted area and be inspired!
- Holiday Sale – products discounted from 20% – 50% off and this sale ENDS TODAY!!!
- The New Best of Stamp Set…it showcases and highlights stamps from the previous Sale-A-Bration's – WAIT TIL YOU SEE THE PRODUCTS THIS YEAR…woot-woot!!!
- Valentines – A Whole Lot Of Love – available Dec 1st – Jan 27th ( don't wait – limited amounts!) Below are a couple of fun things I love….but click the link to see everything!
CAN YOU SAY…..adorable!
I already have a vision for the 1st card I will make with the set!
Can't you see this beautiful heart heat embossed!!!
- THE BEST FOR LAST…..CYBER MONDAY!!!!! Click here to see and order the 6 great items featured! Think about the upcoming holidays – these make GREAT gifts, I have several people that will be thrilled to get the Envelope Liner Framelits!!!! THESE ARE ALL 30% for JUST TODAY!
| Description | Retail Price | Sale Price |
Envelope Liners Framelits Dies (item 132172) | $26.95 | $18.87 |
Expressions Thinlits Dies (item 132171) | $24.95 | $17.47 |
Holly Jolly Greetings Simply Sent (item 132159) | $14.95 | $10.47 |
Snowflake Season Simply Sent (item 132176) | $14.95 | $10.47 |
Large Rhinestone Basic Jewels (item 129324) | $4.95 | $3.47 |
Extra-Large Gift Box (item 132147) | $3.95 | $2.77 |
Let's have a fantastic week! I must say, I am feeling like I am getting a cold and that is very unlikely for me…I am one that does not do well with "laying low" – I am hoping it is just all of the fun and late nights I have been having with the holiday!
I thank you for being YOU! The comments, inspirations, emails and sheer encouragement you give to me to continue to do what I do…makes me love what I do even more….thank YOU for making me smile!
Until tomorrow!
