by Susan Itell | Oct 7, 2013 | Uncategorized |
Hopefully by now it you have been following my blog for some time there are 2 things that you probably know about me…
- I would much rather give than get….
- My dear husband and best friend injured himself 6 weeks ago…(can you believe it's already been 6 weeks….he is doing great – so darn proud of him!
Why am I telling you this? – this is my Birthday month and I will admit, it is a milestone one…but age truly does not bother me one bit…being able to celebrate another year with health is all I need!
I am also not one much for surprises but there is no doubt that I love to have fun…but I do not like to be the center stage of the fun….I'm a giver honestly!
Last night, I was being captured by my dear Iguana's to have a girls night together! My wonderful Dad came out to the house to be with John ! All I know is to be ready at 5:15 sharp….casual dress! It will be fun whatever we do!
We call ourselves the Iguana's (my daughter Hannah laughs at us as she thinks Mom's at our age should not be in a "so called" sorority)
Several years ago….the 10 of us traveled together to the Cayman Islands for the most incredible 4 days together one could imagine…we laughed, we relaxed, we had non-stop fun and we all have a very special bond together! The best way to sum it up is…we are blessed!
Wasn't it great of them to give me some advance notice so I can be a Scout and "Be Prepared"….today's card I made for each of them because I already know whatever we are up to….they made my day!
This is a simple, festive and super easy and fun card to make a bunch of!
I think by the time John is able to be back to work…he could probably do my cards and blog (ha-ha!!!) He is my best critic and when I showed him the 1st go around….he did not like the embossing folder I chose…back up the steps I went and when I came back with this….he said – now I like it!
Here you go my dear old faithfuls…please CASE away and keep this layout in your mind as it's a keeper for many different cards!
- Very Vanilla to the rescue in the traditional A-2 card size but I cut it at the 4 1/4" long ways and then scored it at 5 1/2" but had the fold open to the side – just something a bit different!
- What next….now's the fun! Using the Sanding Block and giving the embossed surface a good scruff…the magic came to life as the fibers of the paper started to break down and show a new , fun life and texture to the card!
- Taking a piece of Very Vanilla and stamping in crushed curry the image of the wheat from the Truly Grateful Stamp Set was the perfect start to this sentiment focal part!
- Going "over" the wheat with the sentiment from A Dozen Thoughts was the "hands down", perfect sentiment for my friends! Love…LOVE this set…I have used it over and over!
- What's next….of course a bit of bling for my friends! A simple piece of Soft Suede Ribbon tied in a simple yet classic knot is all that is needed!
I hope that today's post inspired you…and you were able to take a tip from it and put it to use! This paper is really fun and I think we forget about it…
Tomorrow is a fun day for the PALS….it is our monthly Blog Hop and you will have a blast hopping from blog to blog being inspired with Halloween ideas….
Many of the participants are having…blog candy – you know I will be offering some and whoever wins it is going to be happy….after all – what is Halloween without the candy!!!
You know what today is….the opportunity of a lifetime!
You can join Stampin Up! for just $25.00 = now there is just no justifiable reason why you would not want to be a part of this fun, inspiring and "spot on" Company that is celebrating it's 25th anniversary and I am sure the best is yet to come!
I would love the opportunity to talk with you….please click here and email me…this truly is a wonderful opportunity…
As I have shared with you being able to be so blessed to have the Iguanas get together and have a fun evening…I feel equally blessed with my Stampin Up! family of friends that I have met through this great and short time with you!
I have been a demonstrator for just 17 months….and I will say I love what I do, I love helping you, and I know that it does make a difference….one step at a time! I would not trade the relationships I have built for anything!
Being a part of Mary Fish's incredible team in itself has been so uplifting and fun! I would love for you to be on this journey with me and experience 1st hand what it is like to be a part of this fun and inspiring family!
Have a fabulous day…here's to a new week…here's to a great week!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Oct 6, 2013 | Stamp-a-ma-jig, Tips and Tricks!!! |
I promise that today's post will not be as long as yesterday's but I wanted to reinforce how super-DE-duper the Stamp-a-ma-jig is and share with you another card that simply would not come to life without it!
I know…I know – this is a different type/style of card for me…but sometimes you just need to make something a bit different!
Before we get to the card…drum roll….drum roll….here is the winner of the blog candy from my 250th post… you know what I will say….a big WOOT-WOOT and the winner is…..
Ellen Berkson
Pumpkin and the other flavors and smells of Fall are why it is
Hands down my favorite time of year. Love your
Blog Susan, you are very talented. Hope your hubby
Is feeling better each day.
A big thank you Ellen for your kind and sweet comment….please email me your address and I will pop your goodies in the mail! Woot-Woot!!! I LOVE Pumpkin Pie and I adore the Fall!!!
Today's card is for my dear friends daughter that had a big scare this past week and they thought she had meningitis…thankfully she doesn't! I wanted to send her a WOOT-WOOT card "perking her up" and I thought the words "Yippee-Skippee" was just the right sentiment!
This stamp set, Yippee-Skippee is a fun and fresh set with some modern sentiments that make you smile! I chose to focus one 3 colors….odd numbers always work great and these colors are Island Indigo, Summer Starfruit and Chocolate Chip!
I am using a paper that I have not used in probably a year and honestly – I forgot about it and I do love it! It is the Naturals Whites and it is a "sleeper in the catalog" and I am sure is over looked by many….but please consider it as it gives a soft natural look – (I know it's hard to see on the card but on the envelope you can really see it).
The other thing that is great about being able to use this paper…being able to make your own matching envelope is a cinch with the Envelope Punch Board…another "must have" tool in your craft room!
I chose the colors for the card from the liner I was using for the envelope, the Soho Subway Designer Series Paper…a very modern paper but the colors are very subtle! I do this many times – I let my liner help guide me to how I create a card…"it's kind of like cooking "a little here…a little there"!!!
Just "roll" with what inspires you for the day….there are no rules!
You can see that without the help of the Stamp-a-ma-jig, this simply would not have turned out this way! It truly is a life saver and I hope that you love and appreciate that piece of plastic as much as I do!
Another must have tool and I am sure that many of you say "ya-da…ya-da" to it – but it is my stampin' friend along with it's side kick! What is it…you'll laugh but it is the Stampin' Scrub…just love this and would not be with out it…..(I actually have 2) as they come in handy when there are many hands trying to clean their stamps!
I know what you are thinking…how often do I clean it? Maybe once a week…maybe!
Why do I love it? – Easy-peasy….it deeply cleans your stamps and while it is doing that it conditions your stamps when you use the Stampin' Mist... a "peanut butter and jelly" combination! Once you simply get used to doing this….it is natural to you and it feels weird not doing it!
I realize that many use wet paper towels and also baby wipes….but I prefer this method as I know that my stamps are getting a deep clean and they get DRY…..to me this is key before storing them for the next time!
You can see from the above photo that I also used the very fun and popular Stamp Set, Gorgeous Grunge….utilizing all 3 colors that I stamped my sentiment with! This stamp is soooo versatile and does create a fun and fresh end result! I know…it's a fun & funky stamp set…but it really works with all types of cards!
Matting the paper and DSP and then adding the fresh Summer Starfruit Satin Ribbon and a simple "Susan knot"…works for me! Did you notice that I corner rounded opposite corners? That was a cinch with the Envelope Punch Board….to me it works much better than the punch!
Look at the envelope…you can see some of the "natural specks" in it….it really is rich and handsome and is perfect for Fall cards! I made the matching envelope and then had to make the mailman smile with a bit of fru-fru on the front of the envelope! (click on the picture to make it bigger – you'll see the specks)
I thank each and everyone of you that left me comments on my 250th Blog Posting….it's fun…it's a joy…it's a dailiness of my day! I hope that your Sunday is peaceful and that you can just simply find some time to enjoy yourself and enjoy the day!
Tomorrow is a super exciting day…with the new…incredible incentive kicking in and I truly hope that you find some time today and reflect on …"How can you lose for $25.00" and be a part of my team, let me inspire you and let me help you reach your personal goals….
I can remember the day I talked to Mary Fish and I told her that I simply wanted to do this for ME….and she said -" GREAT…..over 80% of SUD are hobbyist and I love hobbyist as they have the creativity, the excitement, the passion and energy"…..I still consider myself a hobbyist but I will say – I do realize the potential with the endless fun I am having!!!!
Having FUN is the name of the game…I cherish my cyber friends that I have met and I continue to look forward in building more friendships! You all are great!
Come join the ride with me….you know it will be an inspirational one! Email me…let's talk!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Oct 5, 2013 | Stamp-a-ma-jig, Tips and Tricks!!! |
Today's card is a special card to me for many reasons…it is a card inspired by my friend, Jeanie…it was a card that we made this week for Breast Cancer Patients in treatment…it is a card that is just my kind of card – clean, crisp and just fun!
I am hoping to share with you many tips that will be helpful to you….I apologize in advance that my posts are so long …I just love to share with you tips and tricks that I have learned…tips that have helped me grow…and tips that I hope will help you!
I want to start with when the new catalog came out…after flipping through – I fell in love instantly with the Stamp Set, Flower Shop – I knew that it was going to be mine especially when you can get a super pansy punch to POP these gems out! (it does come in a bundle…WOOT-WOOT – you save 15%)
The excitement of this stamp set quickly came to an end when I simply was frustrated that I could not get the stamps and the punch to line up!
I had tried lots of different tips that I had watched on the internet from other SUD but nothing clicked ( I know – I am challenged with some things!!!!) – and then there was Jeanie – my light-bulb!
Look at the black dot to the right…this is key! I cut a piece of scrap paper and then took it out to keep it as my "security blanket" Using the Subtle Candy Dots are perfect for the center of the flower and of course, Stampin Dimensionals are a must to POP them up!
Go ahead and do this to all 6….you will be happy! It works like a charm…When you put the stamp on your clear block…just make sure that the dot is to the right….and then you can take your punch in and POP…works every time!
When in doubt…line the stamp up like below….
To the card we go….Stamp the leaf part with Pear Pizazz and stamp both up and down to get the image but do not worry one bit about making an overlap or mistake – it will be covered!
A simple strip of Strawberry Slush at 1 1/4" X 5 1/4" and then a piece of Pear Pizzazz that has been run through the Big Shot with the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder creates a super focal point!
The paper piercing adds a great little detail, this is not necessary of you are running low on time but I will say, it does add fun! The Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack allows you to piece a straight line in a jif! I chose to do every other and then after I make the quick pierce…I do go back and make a "deeper" pierce by simply pitting my 2 fingers to line the tool up and go very deep to create the nice and bold piercing!
I need to touch on a tool that I simply just could not live without….the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, I have more emails and questions about how to use this and I truly wish that we all lived closer as it is easier to show yo in person, but let me try my best! You NEED to learn how to use it as it is such a life saver and a time saver…WHY? you get a straight stamp each and every time!
Next, take the plastic mat that you "stamped" your sentiment on and put it where you want your sentiment to go on your card. This gives you the freedom of placing the sentiment where you want it…and you can get it straight each and every time!
WHEW….this is hard to put in words but I do hope that these tips helps you…please take a sentiment and play with the stamp-a-ma-jig. If you were like me…I tried it a couple of times….became very frustrated and put the tool away and vowed I would never use that dumb piece of plastic! (Sounds familiar)? This IS one of my top 10 favorite tools as it always makes me look great!
Now I ask you…isn't this one beautiful card? Simple yet elegant and the colors were perfect for Breast Cancer Awareness Month!!! ( Strawberry Slush and Blushing Bride) Another thing I ask you…wouldn't it be a shame to do the work for this beautiful card and then have the sentiment crooked?
The sentiment came from the Stamp Set, Gifts of Kindness – a great set for so many cards…just look at the great messages….and the font is fun!
Being able to have the freedom of placing it where YOU want it is the best with the help of the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig…please do not be afraid of it!
The envelope came together with the Big Shot and the Envelope Liner Framelits (both a MUST AS WELL) as they are a time saver and again make you shine!!! The liner was from the In Color Designer Series Paper and I know you are tired of hearing me say this….but here I go – all of the collections of Paper Stacks are another "must have" as they are a quick go-to to finish a project!
Many thanks to all of you that left comments on my blog yesterday and remember….if you did not see yesterdays blog posting, click here and leave me a comment on yesterdays post and today at noon I will take all of the comments and emails I received and one person will win the BLOG CANDY that I featured!
I will announce the winner on tomorrows post! I look forward to another 250 blog postings and I look forward to many more memories made with YOU! Thank you for all of your kind words of inspiration!
I hope that today's posting was a help to you and that I inspired you to use some of the great tools that we have!
Hat's off to Jeanie for inspiring me and helping the light bulb go on to LOVE and use the Flower Shop and Pansy Punch! She is not only a HOOT….she is one talented stamper!
Have a great day and until tomorrow…..thanks for popping by!!!
by Susan Itell | Oct 4, 2013 | Super Easy, Thank You |
I say "WOOT-WOOT" as today is my 250th post on blogging! I know that this might be hard for you all to "take in" but I will say 1st it is a joy and 2nd is does take time! This sentiment says it all and it is from the Chalk Talk Stamp Set…simply…
"I can't thank you enough"
This stamp set is not only fun but the sentiments are simply wonderful…one that should be an "A list" on your collection of stamps!
Another thing that is super is that this comes in a bundle that will save you 15% right away! (At the end I will share with you how you can also save an additional 30% off of this bundle)
I did it again, I changed my mind on today's card! I had many comments and emails about yesterdays post and asking how time consuming it was….and it was a snap!
As I was going through looking at the other Pals Paper Art Challenges and I went to fellow PAL Margaret Moody's blog to see her incredible work…I scrolled though her blog and I saw her post on a Christmas Card she did using a Mosaic Theme!
Margaret is so talented and her post brought back so many wonderful memories of when I scrap-booked a ton….and using 3" X 3" squares on 12 x 12 pages was my "go to" layout!
As I was driving home from work, I was taking in all of the beautiful colors I saw…Autumn is magical to me and I wanted to not only use the colors I saw but I wanted to share with you how darn tootin' easy it is!
Here you go….make sure you go to the end of my blog to win a chance to win the "Blog Candy"…my thanks to you!
The card size is a 5 1/2" square…(you know me – I like fun and odd sizes) and this was super easy to do with the right tools!
A ruler and the 1" square punch are key products to make this a cinch! The colors I used are what I viewed on my drive home…Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Crushed Curry, Always Artichoke and Baked Brown Sugar! Easy-peasy…do not stress – you can do it…I know you can cause' you'll have me to help you if you need it!
After cutting my paper, I simply took the ruler and made a pencil line to the center…lined up the middle one and then go to the sides! Don't stress…it is easy!
TIP ALERT: The adhesive to use is the Tombow Liquid Glue…not only is it super affordable , but it is super strong and you can "wiggle" it a bit once you put it on to keep them straight – but make sure you remember – a little goes a LONG way = less it best!
After doing the squares…as we all know, "It's hip to be square" on came the simple yet heartfelt sentiment! It sums it all up….just love it!
Going to another "A list" for me this Fall, the Best of Autumn…this clean and classic leaf is all this card needed! It is super easy to "fussy cut" out and remember…..turn your paper (image)…not your hand and work from the back of your paper snips!
Let's get to the envelope so we can get to the blog candy! The envelope came to life with the Envelope Punch Board, – this tool is on the edge of being back ordered so if you do not have it….click my SHOP NOW button and add it to your cart!
I chose to line the outer flap with the fall color of Cajun Craze but then I knew the front of the envelope was the center stage for the mail man!
Now to the fun…..BLOG CANDY!!! I have 2 different chances for you to win some goodies from me!
Get your thinking cap on for the 1st one….and it will be for the 1st person to get it correct…. and the 2nd one is for the blog candy below in the picture, and that will be a random drawn number from the comments!
- Chance #1 – Tell me the "odd" color of the colors I used in today's card and why it is odd and I will happily send you 2 packs of stampin' vitamins, the good old Stampin' Dimensionals!
- Chance #2 – Share with me why you love Fall…think about it…maybe it is your favorite childhood memory, maybe it's the weather, maybe is a certain tradition…..please share!
Since it is Friday and maybe you are super busy….on Saturday at noon, I will take all of the comments and emails posted on this post and do a random pick and send you the goodies above I made! I will announce the winner on Sunday's post!
This is my thanks to you for being so special and supportive to me and my blog!
Now….how to get that bundle for an additional 30% off – click here and see all of the super promotions going on….this has been such an exciting week!
Starting on October 7th,you can for just $25.00 become a SU hobby demonstrator! The calendar is flipping…the 7th is Monday and this is only good for 2 weeks…ending Monday, October 21st!
On your 1st order…you will get an additional 30% off and the best news is….you will be a part of my team…and your will also be a PAL, a part of Mary Fish's team!
You all know by now that I am fun, passionate, dedicated and I truly love helping you reach out of your comfort zone and show you how YOU CAN DO IT!
It is a great way to get some shopping down, a great way to finally do something for YOU and I can honestly say that this is the best decision I have ever made! I just love all of the relationships I have made….and how much I have learned about card making and fun projects…wow!
If you decide that all you want to do is get a BIG discount….that's fine….I'll be here and I hope that you will be here to! Live by Stampin' Ups! motto of doing it YOU WAY! No penalties, no pressures!
I'm not going anywhere…I love what I do and I love helping you!
Please email me and let's talk – I would love to work with you and inspire you!
Please leave me a comment of your Fall Favorite and good luck! Thank you soooooo much for celebrating my 250th blog post today! It is a special milestone for me and I am still "pinching myself" that I am actually doing this!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Oct 3, 2013 | Uncategorized |
It's Thursday and you know what that means…It's time for a PPA challenge and this week it is a color challenge using the colors of Baked Brown Sugar, Pear Pizazz and Pumpkin Pie! I was so excited to see these colors together!
My personal favorite are the color challenges….they really push me out of my comfort zone and make me think out of the box!
There are 2 things that I love about this card:
- It has a WOW factor that looks like it would be a hard one to do…but let me tell you – can you say "easy-peasy". Go to page 22 in the catalog, I have always looked at that card and said – I want to do something like that one day….and today is the day! So darn' simple!
- I adore the odd size it is. The card is 5 1/2" X 3 1/2"…I truly did not have a ton of time to make this so I went to the Envelope Punch Board and read all of the different sizes you can make that are odd…and when I saw this size and knowing that I am going to use the 1" square punch – I knew this would work! BINGO-BANGO!!!
Let's get to business BUT after you see my post, I do hope that you hop over to the Pals Paper Art Website and see all of the fabulous ideas and then I hope that YOU take on this challenge! It is open to anyone and if you need help uploading your picture….I would be thrilled to help you…..JUST DO IT!
- The whisper white card base is 5 1/2" X 3 1/2" and then truthfully I just start using up scraps and inking up the stamp with the Baked Brown Sugar and the Pear Pizzazz and then POPPED them out with the 1" Square Punch!
- The Stamp Set is Hello, Lovely and it is so fun and versatile! The designs on the stamps itself are just beautiful and if you just let yourself wander and play – look what you can come up with!
- I took a piece of Pumpkin Pie paper larger than I needed (I figured this would not be as stressful and it worked like a charm)…I simply place alternating colors trying to leave the same amount of color peeking through…making it 5 across and 3 high….then presto – to the Stampin' trimmer we went!
- Can you see that I used 2 of the framelits…this made it a quick and easy focal point to really let the sentiment shine…but of course adding the Brights Candy Dots was a sweet and perfect touch and not lets not forget how special and vital stampin dimensionals are….they make it!
- Easy right!?!? Just think of all of the yummy colors you could put together…these would be super to heat emboss and then punch out…let's get to the envelope! The envelope punch board was the key element to the works of this card! I simply followed the size measurements…punch…score…punch…score!
Wanting to do a bit more to the Baked Brown Sugar envelope, I lined the outside of the envelope with a selection from the Quatryfancy Specialty Paper Pack and it is PERFECT with the feel of the card - since I had extra stamped images and a framelit piece I thought how perfect to make the mailman smile!
Now before we leave for the day….answer this – Was this an easy card? I know that you are saying yes once you saw how I broke it down for you! Please CASE away and have fun with your own creations!
Remember….there are NO rules, you create whatever your little heart desires and know that I will be here for you when ever you need it! Email me, leave a comment….whatever – I will get back to you but as you know I have been quite busy with my hubby but I will respond!
I am still trying to take all of the fabulous and exciting Stampin' Up! news…..please pop back to yesterdays blog to read about the new hostess benefits and the OOBER exciting news about the $25.00 Stampin' Up Kit….this is only for 2 weeks and I will be breaking it all down for you over the weekend!
Pop back tomorrow as it is BLOG CANDY TIME in celebration of my 250th post!
Woot-Woot! I thank you for subscribing and popping onto my blog, giving me comments, feedback, ideas and being super-duper customers!
I love spoiling you as I THANK YOU for your support and dedication to me!
You'll be happy if you are the winner!!!!
Until tomorrow!
