by Susan Itell | Oct 17, 2013 | Halloween |
Boo! It's Thursday and that means it is another day to play along with the Pals Paper Art Challenge! Today's challenge is a sketch challenge and I encourage you to play!
Here is the sketch for today! I will say…that I was a bit challenged but I did it! I do feel so much more comfortable with the color challenges but it fun to S T R E T C H yourself….be a gumby and try!!!
I know that there is not much more time until Halloween, but
if you order today, you’ll be fine! I am much more that a “treat” person than a
“trick” person…and I much prefer just eating the candy…how about you!?!?
The paper was all from the Witches Brew Designer Series
Paper and it has a fun…modern…but very Halloween edge to it! Stampin’ Up!
always does such a great job in picking over the top designs!
I take these challenges so “literally” just as they were
sketched…so let’s get to the fun!
It’s pretty straightforward and the fun is all around the
great paper! Make it easy on yourself – just mat the 1st designer
paper and then cut the next designer series paper on the diagonal!
The Stamp and the sentiment are both from the Best of
Halloween Stamp Set. Remember, these stamp sets are a limited edition in
celebration of Stampin’ Ups! 25th anniversary.
The super great thing about these gems is…purchase 6 of them
throughout the year and you will get one free! Who doesn’t like something free!
I did use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to make sure that the sentiment
is perfect…just adds that fun touch with simplicity!
After I stamped it…I thought that the very vanilla on either
side was just too broad so using the Stampin’ Trimmer it was a cinch to cut a
very narrow piece of black! Perfect, just what this card needed and sooo
simple!
Don’t be afraid of “fussy cutting” like I did here for the
spooky tree! Sometimes you just need to roll and not worry about perfection! The paper
snips make this a cinch….TIP – hide these scissors from your family…if they get
a hold of them…you’ve lost them as they are the best!
After using the envelope punch board the liner was a cinch
to slip in! I had to do a bit of bling to the front….I could not resist! A
simple stamp and the mailman smiles! I just love to do a little something to
the fronts as well!
Have a special day….I sure plan to! Remember to email me if
you have any questions about the super-de-duper opportunity to have fun for just
$25.00…I realize that it seems too good to be true but seriously, there are no
strings attached!
I hope that you will try your own fun with this sketch and
play along with the PALS! I can remember the 1st time I was picked
as a winner for a challenge…I felt like I won an Oscar! Try it….what do you
have to lose!
Until tomorrow…..
by Susan Itell | Oct 16, 2013 | Christmas, Watercoloring |
YIKES…can you believe that next Wednesday we will be in the single digits for the weekly countdown until Christmas! ZOOM…the calendar keeps flying by! 10 weeks from today is the big day!
Here is a "classic" one for you today! Now…this is my kind of card!
Why?…simple - it is clean, simple, uses minimal product and packs a big statement!
I have not been giving “crumb cake” much attention lately so
today is the day for it to come back into my Stampin’ world! The size of this
classic card is 5” X 6”….fun and easy with the help of the Envelope Punch
Board!
Let’s get to it…soooo easy…soooo easy to make many and when
you really look at it…it really uses minimal products and with the incredible
$25.00 offer to join the fun as a hobbyist, you could simply order your goodies
at 30% and get going on your cards!
Are you asking yourself where are the stamps? Are you are
not seeing them in the Holiday Catalog? Well…these were carried over from last
year…click here to download the flyer so you can see more great holiday stamps!
The focal tree is from the Evergreen Stamp Set and it is a
GREAT set and one that to me is the holidays! I have seen so many beautiful
cards made with this stamp set!
You know what I am going to say…using the watercolor paper
is a must…let the aqua painters do their magic and this paper will absorb the
water and the paper/image will remain flat!
The sentiment came from the Greetings of the Season Stamp
Set…aren’t they all amazing sentiments? Pulling the Cherry Cobbler for the
sentiment was perfect with the totally classic Cherry Cobbler 1” Stitched
Ribbon…every year SU comes out with a wow ribbon…this is it this year to me –
sooooo darn easy to tie!
Did you notice a bit of glimmer on the tree…a bit of bling
with the Dazzling Details was a soft and festive touch (yikes – I cannot think
of snow) A little is all that is needed for that special, yet festive touch!
Envelope time!!! The Holiday paper, Season of Style Designer
Series Paper is beautiful! I adore polka dots, stripes….it is a WOW paper and
it also comes in the paper stacks….double WOW and for just $6.95!
Making your cards for the season does not have to be a chore….please do not look at it as a chore as it is a work of art from your heart! Plan your time accordingly so you do not become overwhlemed! Today's card is a great example of how you can make many and have fun!
I totally understand if you do not want to have to put more postage on an over size card….you can easily adjust the size to a regular A-2 card and just use the Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon! BAM…little adjustments make is a cinch!
Tomorrow is Thursday…it is time for a PAL Paper Art Challenge and I have a Halloween Card for you! BOO!!! How about playing along this week? It is fun and it is always open to everyone and that means YOU!
Guess what came out yesterday…another new photopolymer stamp set, and it is a TOTAL keeper! It is all about Christmas – the Endless Wishes Stamp Set and you can betcha that I will be making a card with it one Wednesday!!! WOOT-WOOT!
I never thought that I would like these stamp sets but I love how they cling and how you can "see through" them! (click the link – the picture would not come up in the correct size for you to view)
The "hour glass" has turned and we just have 6 days left to take advantage of the $25.00 hobbyest offer to join Stampin' Up! This is a fablous way for you to get the necessary tools we all know that we love to Stamp with! Heck – it's a great way for you to get some gifts for family and friends!
Please email me and I will be happy to answer any questions you might have….I'm not going anywhere…I love Stampin' and I love being a PAL!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Oct 15, 2013 | Birthday |
Today is a super special day for me as it is my son James’
23rd Birthday! One thing I always say about James is…
"If there were more James’ in the world…it would be a
happier and better place”
He is kind, loving, and handy around the house…he is so patient…he
truly will be a great catch as “he’s a keeper” (I think his girlfriend Lydia
thinks so!!!) Happy special day to you James – we are very proud of you!
I know that this card is kind of silly but I know that when
he gets it today he will smile! He is one of my biggest fans and will email or
call me and say if he liked the card I posted for the day or not!
James is very good with art and always has liked to doddle
even though he does not get to use his ability much and I thought that he would
like this little goober of a guy!
This is from the Tag It Stamp Set and this is the SPECIAL that Stampin’ Up! Donates $3.00 for every purchase of this set and it goes
to the Ronald McDonald House! Isn’t that wonderful! It also coordinates with the Chalk Talk Framelits…I say a big woot-woot!
The card size is 3” X 6” and the colors I used were Night of
Navy and Soft Suede!
You can see that I stamped the goober guy in soft suede and then stamped the balloon part out in Night of Navy! Using the paper snips makes it a cinch to "fussy cut" them out quickly…
TIP ALERT: remember to always cut from the back of your scissors and turn the paper…not your hands!
One tradition that we always do in our house is make "Happy Banners"…for Birthdays…for Welcome Home etc…and it wouldn't be a Birthday if James did not have a banner for his special day!
John has always been the master-mind in making fun, fire-place sized banners and James will have his today when he gets his goodies! I knew that I wanted to do a "banner like" sentiment and I was pleased with how it came to life!
The You're My Hero Stamp Set was perfect! Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement was just the touch I was looking for! A simple mat with the Night of Navy and some stampin dimensionals…DONE!
Two things I want to point out…you know me well enough that I did use the matted piece of Navy and some punches to save and maximize the paper as I knew it was going to be covered….the 2nd thing is…you know I am "big" on dots….but I also adore "dashes" – I think when something is rather plain….dashes do the trick!
Lets get to the envelope…the favorite finale to my card! Making the envelope with the super, unbelievable must have Envelope Punch Board…works like a charm and then I lined it with the Regals Designer Series Paper Stack – always a winner!
Now to something that I do not usually do but I loved it and trust me…will be doing it more often! After all…I already used the Stamp-a-ma-jig witht he sentiment….so why not make the mailman smile!!!
Is that too stinkin' cute or what and it was sooo darn easy! Remember, it's the little yet simple touches that make a difference and make one remember the special time that YOU put into making it!
23 years ago today, my bundle of joy James entered into this world and it has been a joy watching you grow into such a fine young man! Here is a cute and silly picture of him just a couple of weeks ago when he came home to help make the house easy for John….this is a stool he made for John!
I am going to have a great and special day allowing myself to remember and relive the years that have gone by watching him grow!
One of my all time favorite books that I like to read just about yearly…..is called, "Mitten Strings From God"….it is not a religious based book but it is a book for every Mom to read to remember how incredibly special and blest we are to be called…Mom – a book to remember how special "simple" things are when raising children!
Happy, happy day to all of you! I thank you for popping by my blog and I hope that you can tell from my blog postings how important family is to me! Make it a special day and remember what tomorrow is…
Wednesday… – it is the Christmas count down day….10 weeks until Christmas….please pop by and see what I have up my sleeve – hopefully you'll be inspired!
Speaking of countdowns…less than a week to take the amazing opportunity to join the fun for just $25.00! Please email me and let's chat!
Until tomorrow….
by Susan Itell | Oct 14, 2013 | Sympathy, Watercoloring |
We all need to have a special "Sympathy Card" unfortunately from time to time…and I think this is a beautiful card! To me, it is one that you can stamp many and "paint" them while you have some down time and have a stash for when you need them!
Do you remember several posts ago I used the Naturals Whites Paper (one that I said is often overlooked)…well today this is what I have used for the base and envelope of today's post! I relly love the natural effect it gives….to me, it is sothing and also soft!
The Apothecary Art Stamp Set is the focal stamp today! Naturally I used the Water Color paper as you know I a a "stickler" to using this paper when you use the Aqua Painters!
Why wouldn't you use the correct tools that are meant to go together? Using this paper will insure you to have a flat end result after you use the Aqua Painters!
The colors I used to color this image were…Always Artichoke, So Saffron and Sahara Sand!
I am learning more and more everytime I watercolor, I am finding that I like to have a "good bit" of moisture on the aqua painters and use LESS color…letting them dry – and then go back over again if needed for a deeper effect!
The sentiment came from the Loving Thoughts Stamp Set, and it is super fun that you can have the help of the Stamp-a-ma-jig to get perfect placement each and every time!
After I do my stamping and coloring, I then use the Labels Collection Framelits to make a perfect cut with the help of Big Shot! (What would we do without this amazing tool)
TIP ALERT: Always use Black Stazon Ink…as it will NOT bleed at all when you watercolor!
Do you see that I took a sponge and "swirled" So Saffron to give a bit of bling…this is something that I do not do often….but it does create a wonderful effect!
Now that you can get a good view of the whole card (remember…you can always click on the picture to make it bigger for you to view!)…did you notice that I matted the stamped image with the framelits in the Always Artichoke?
This is an easy thing to do and it always gives an interest and depth to the focal point! I cut 2 and then used the Tombo Glue to adhere! Such a strong hold…but remember – a little goes a long way!
Envelope time! A cinch because I used the Envelope Punch Board to make an A-2 size envelope…a square with a couple of punches and scores…to an end result of a great envelope! This tool is so easy and just so amazing that you can make so many sizes from a piece of paper!
The liner is from the must have Regals Designer Series Paper Stacks and I "mastered" the "how to" in making the liner fit the envelope I made!
Please click here and see the super great video that my upline, Mary Fish did on the how to's! It is a wonderful video and I suggest that you give it a try and then make several ones of the sizes on envelopes that you like to use….write down the measurements and PRESTO – you're good to go!
Today marks only 1 more week to take advantage of the $25.00 opportunity to become part of the fun…no strings attached and you will be in awe with the talent, inspiration and resources that will be available to you!
I have learned and continue to learn from Mary and the PALS and I would love for you to join my team! I am very dedicated to help others learn how to make clean and simple cards and never forgetting to have fun!
Please email me with any questions or concerns you might have! It is a super opportunity for you and I know that you will be fulfilled!
If you are ready...click here and get going! Remember, your order needs to be at least $25.00 but no more than $26.95 and then you will be ready to have fun and ready to go!
This is a big week for me…lots of Birthdays and hopefully a great Doctors report for John…It has been 6 weeks and hopefully he will be able to start putting weight on his legs and progress with therapy!
Thanks for popping by…and tomorrow is my son's birthday….please be sure to pop back to see his simple yet fun card!
Until tomorrow…..
by Susan Itell | Oct 13, 2013 | Fall Cards, Stamp-a-ma-jig |
I am doing it again….something in 3's! It just simple works….odd numbers work with cards….they work with flowers…they just seem to work!
I adore Fall and even though in the East we have been soooo dry, the leaves are falling fast! I do not think we will see this vibrant colors that we usually do…but to me – it does not matter – I simply adore this time of year! Over the past 3 days we have also been in 3's again …rain – rain & more rain! (we needed it)
I hope that this card warms your heart and encourages you to either pull out your Gently Falling Stamp Set or to order it…as it's a keeper! I was soooo happy that they carried it over from the previous years catalog!
You know that I love odd size cards and now that we have the Envelope Punch Board...the sky is the limit! This card size is 4 X 6 and it is fun! You can make sooo many different envelope sizes that all I can say is…have fun!!!!
Remember yesterday when I pulled out that simple ruler? Well, I did it again today because a ruler and an eraser are like "peanut butter and jelly"…we all have simple tools and tricks that make us look WOW!
To me, the easiest way is to take another piece of Very Vanilla at the same size….4 X 6 and then find the center point….make a faint pencil line for your center mark! Easy…right????
Using the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to get the perfect placement….stamp your center image….and then work outwards to the sides! I simply would not make cards without this tool!
After I did this…I then Cut the Very Vanilla piece down to a 3 3/4" X 5 3/4" to make it even….THEN I matted it with a piece of Early Espresso cut at 3 7/8" X 5 7/8"….a perfect fit!!!
You know me by now….when I have a big piece of paper like this that is simply going to be covered over by another piece of paper….I NEED TO MAKE THE MOST OF IT!!!!
Look at the picture below and see how I was able to "save" some paper to use for a later card!
Cutting pieces like this is another reason why you NEED the Stampin' Trimmer….it is simply the best and is truly a time-saver and a life-saver! Being able to make exact cuts time and time again it key!
The colors that I used in today's cards are: Early Espresson, Cajun Craze, Old Olive and Crushed Curry….perfect colors of Fall!
LOVE this sentiment! It is from the Million & One Stamp Set and it is a winner! It is just 2 stamps but the stamps have powerful sentiments! I knew from the minute I saw this set in the catalog that it was coming to my home!
Using the deep color of Early Espresso for the sentiment made it pop and hold center stage!
I used stampin' dimensionals to give the base a good lift….these truly makes such a difference when you are highlighting a focal point!
This is a card that can be made over and over again with some simple changes here and there! Another keeper for you to use now and in the future!
To the envelope we go….SIMPLE today! Just a quick Stamp and then a "stamp off" is all that is needed with this bold and fun card!
Here you go again….less is best!
I hope that this card has put you in the fall mood! Have a great day….make some memories and remember that I am an email away if I can help you…inspire you…or answer any questions you might have about Stampin' Up!
As I always end my post….Until tomorrow!
