by Susan Itell | Sep 27, 2013 | Super Easy |
I feel like this stamp set is one that I needed! When I sat down to design you a card today, I wanted to use a Stamp Set that I have not used before and this spoke to me! It is called "Spread the Joy" and I think this particular image just does that!
Take a moment and read the wonderful message it says….I think it sums it up…we have lots to be grateful for…to smile for…to have joy…and to never stop growing! Below you will see in (bold italic) the message that this stamp set was inspired by…..doesn't this make you love Stampin' Up! even more!
Spread
the Joy, by Emily M. from the Stampin' Up! home office, is the first
winning stamp set from In With You, our new stamp set design challenge
beta program.
In April, Stampin' Up! employees were given
the challenge to create a "bucket list" stamp set. Emily "wanted to make
a set that could be versatile and usable for lots of different things."
Employees fell in love with her design and voted the set to victory!
I think this is so super that Stampin' Up! is doing wonderful programs/challenges to the home office! Let's get to this fun and easy card!
Because the shape of this stamp is so long and narrow, I thought an odd size card was the only way to go!
- The card is a 6 1/2" square scored in half!
- The Raspberry Ripple card stock is 2 7/8" X 6 1/2" and then I scores both of the narrow sides with the Stampin' Trimmer to create a bit of interest ( if it is hard to see…just click on a picture and it will be much bigger)
- The white stamped image piece is 5 1/4" X 2 1/2" stamped in Raspberry Ripple.
- A simple "Susan knot" attached with a mini glue dot was the finishing touch to the card!
That's it!!! This IS a card to make several of as the message itself sums it all up and when you need a card to say "just because", "thanks", "hang in there"….this would be perfect! I love the other stamps in this set and I am excited to create some inspirations for you!
Please let me know how you liked this! I thought the simplicity of it was just great! Using just 2 colors works and it sure does cut down time!
PRODUCT ALERT!!! – Stampin' Up! let demonstrators know that the Envelope Punch boards are running low in supply and they do expect a back order!
This is such as great tool and the price is great….just $19.95! We know that it was frustrating when the magnetic platform was back ordered….so to avoid this – please click here and place an order today!
With the holidays fast approaching, this envelope tool makes it a cinch…and a WOW factor!
I hope that you love this stamp set that I have showcased today….and I hope you have a fabulous Friday!
Until tomorrow……
by Susan Itell | Sep 25, 2013 | Uncategorized |
This is such a special time of the year when the air is crisp and the leaves are starting to change color! Hands down – this is my favorite time of the year seeing all of the natural wonders that happen!
Today's card is a simple one that focuses on all if the colors of the leaves that I see where I live when they are in their full stage of changing! The colors I used were Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Crushed Curry, Cherry Cobbler, Sahara Sand and Tangerine Tango.
Confession time…I really do not watch a lot of TV as there is not much in these days that is uplifting and positive but one show I like is The Voice….(if my children are reading this – they will laugh)!!! John and I are faithful fans of this show and it started this week….
Why am I telling you this…easy – after I had stamped the leaves on scraps of Very Vanilla (great way to use up scraps) I brought all of my stamped images along with the best scissors in the whole wide world, Paper Snips and "fussy cut" away these leaves while watching Blake make me laugh!It really is easy to do and you do not need to be perfect with your cuts – just do it!
The Stamp set I used was The Best of Autumn and I have used this set a ton lately! It is a keeper and remember that these "Best Of Stamp Set" are only here for a short time….in honor of Stampin Ups! 25th anniversary….Click here to see all of the Best Of 25 years and also how you will be able to get a free stamp set after purchasing 6!
You all know that I adore Square Cards and this 5 X 5 card is a statement size that really lets the recipient know…WOW – I'm thinking of you! A quick mat with Early Espresso made the leave have a blanket to lay on!
The fun and "statement" sentiment from the Million & One Stamp Set does make a statement! After stamping it I did a fun and whimsical cut and then matted it to create a fun backdrop! Using stampin; vitamins, Stampin' Dimensions to lift up the sentiment and then adding a couple of Regal Candy Dots was a fun touch of color!
Making an envelope was a cinch with the Envelope Punch Board and then to make the mailman smile…I did a couple of simple stamps on the lower right corner of the envelope – simple and fun!
This IS the time of the year to plan your projects that you want to work on and achieve…the calendar rolls by super fast! I have a suggestion for you…pull out a piece of paper and…
- Write down the events you want to send special cards to…make categories like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas etc…
- Figure out your list and then be realistic as to what you can handle…
- Pull your calendar out and give yourself a deadline to complete them…I suggest pacing yourself so it remains FUN not stressful!
- Choose a project that can easily be produced in quantities if you are sending out a bunch and then break your project down….one day do your cutting…another day do your stamping…another day assemble etc….
Remember, I am here for you if you need help with your projects! It brings me joy to help you achieve your goals! Click here to order at anytime of the day…..PJ shopping is the best!
Another great tip I have for you is to always keep a piece of paper in your craft area that you can jot down supplies that you need to order on your next order…sometimes you will say to yourself, "I'll remember" but there always seems to be something that you forget!
Enjoy this beautiful day and until tomorrow……
by Susan Itell | Sep 25, 2013 | Anniversary, Watercoloring |
I needed a quick CAS (clean and simple) card for some dear friends that are celebrating their anniversary on Friday….but I just found out that they will be out of town so I whipped this up….made them some yummies to enjoy as they go see their son at Parents Weekend at his college!
As I was going through the catalog, I really did not see a bunch of Happy Anniversary sentiments and I knew that I was wanting to keep it simple…so less was best for me!
This really is a zoom card to make…and it is very clean and classic! Let's get to it!
- The base of the card is the new in color, Strawberry Slush at a regular A2 card size but I scored it at the 5 1/2" and then use a mat of Black just a "smidge" smaller…(remember to use the inside of this black paper to punch out some shapes….use framelits etc…as it will be covered up!)
- The Stamp-a-ma-jig came into play next by helping me line up the sentiment perfectly! The sentiment is from the Express Yourself Stamp Set and I will say…this is my new "go to" sentiment set…love the font!
- Using the Oval Framelits made it a quick and easy cut to the stamped and color image! I cut out another oval in strawberry slush….gave it a quick turn before adhering it to make some interest happen! A simple yet effective little touch!
Both of the Stamp Sets I used today were from the "Hostess" Stamp Sets that you are able to use your hostess rewards for when you have an event!
Here are some tips and answers to questions I often get asked!
- Do I have to have a gathering in my home to qualify for hostess benefits? – No, not at all! If you want to send an email out to family and friends that love to make cards and fun projects letting them know that you are having a Stampin' Up! cyber party…I will get you a hostess code and all they have to do is add that hostess code to their order when they check out!
- How much does an event have to total before I receive hostess benefits? Just $150.00
- If I place an order my self that totals $150.00 or more…do I receive benefits? YEP…easy-peasy…but I will say if you are placing an order that is this much, YOU should be a Stampin' Up! Hobbiest Demonstrator!
- If I have a Stamp -a-stack event (making 4-6 cards ) will that count as a gathering? YEP – you betcha – this is a GREAT way to gather orders….I make up 4 – 6 cards that everyone will re-create….the "hands on" approach is always the best!
Here is a quick and easy chart to see the hostess tiers! Even if you live on the other side of the country, we can get together and have a great time and YOU will reap the hostess benefits!
Email me and let's get something going!
Here's to a great Thursday and I hope that you have enjoyed this Anniversary card…remember to think of the layout…and then think of all of the different ways you could change it up with different stamps and sentiments!
This is a great layout and I have given you the dimensions….now go CASE away and make some cards!
Please remember to tell your friends and family about my blog…I appreciate your support and I love Stampin' Up!
Until tomorrow….
by Susan Itell | Sep 24, 2013 | 3-D Projects, Thinking of you |
O.k. folks…the weekend must have been super busy with you dedicated stampers trying to make the Post It Notes Blog Posting that I showed last Sunday….please click here to see the original post! They are super cute and super fun to give as they are practical and super easy to make!
The question I received over the weekend by 6 different followers…was – "Did I buy the wrong size…because it's not working?" Well, this post did use the mini ones and everyone was purchasing the 3" X 3" size and asked if I had the dimensions to make it!
Well…I got a little help from my friends!!!
This is what I absolutely adore about Stampin' Up! and blogging…being able to meet so many cyber friends and customers…it's hard to describe but it is a special and fun connection and most of the time we have never met!!!
My help came from Lynn and Jeanie! These are both 2 incredible ladies that have not only a love and passion for creating works of art from their heart but they both are both beautiful ladies that have hearts larger than life!
Lynn reached out to me months ago for some help when she was getting together with some family members and I was thrilled to help her! Through our emails back and forth we have many similarities and it is so fun and uplifting to receive an email from her!
Yesterday when I popped on the computer….Lynn was a life saver as she took the time to figure out the measurements for the 3 X 3 Post it notes….and the beautiful part of it was…she said, –
"I hope this saves you some time figuring it out so you can spend
more time with your family – Furry loved ones included!"
Is that the sweetest or what! Thank you Lynn and I do hope that one day we could meet in person! It's fun working together on projects!
Jeanie has been a friend and fellow crafted for years and I adore her! We have shared many laughs over the years and her talent is endless! (she also has the most incredible craft area one could ever imagine!!!) Jeanie is full of life and is a teacher to little ones…a PERFECT job for her! You know when Jeanie is in the house and her laugh is her trademark and from that laugh is the most beautiful smile you'll see!
After the details on the post, I will share with you some incredible samples of these great ladies works that they shared with me – many thanks to both of you! Huge stampin' hugs!
Please make sure that you refer back to the original post to see how to put this together and let you mind go wild…the sky's the limit!!! Here are the dimensions!
- Cut a piece of paper to 3 1/2" X 12"
- Score at 4", 4 1/2", 6 1/2" and 8 1/2"
- The DSP and/or mat paper is 3 1/4" X 3"
- The colors I used for the water-coloring are: Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, Soft Suede and Old Olive. I also used 2 Regal Candy Dots for fun!
- The colors I used to do the water-coloring with the Aqua Painters are: Baked Brown Sugar, Sahara Sand, Rose Red and Primrose Petals.
These are super great quick goodies to whip up! Here are a couple of different angles so you can get a great idea how they look when they are closed!
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions! I hope that you have enjoyed seeing the 3 X 3 version!
(more…)
by Susan Itell | Sep 23, 2013 | Love, Super Easy |
We all have special friends…and I needed to thank a very special couple…the god-parents to my children…and a dear friend since Nursery School…and a true memory maker as there is only one Haven and Brandon!
Saturday night, they came over and brought not only the most AMAZING dinner, they brought John a fun and unique gift that he is fascinated with…a "Fly Tying Kit" for Fly Fishing…when he woke up this morning, he went right to his book to "take it all in" before he put his fingers to action!
There is only one Haven (I call her blondie-blonde!!!)….and I knew that a clean and classic card was needed! She is truly one of a kind – a true classic and we are blessed to have so many great memories and "life" mile stones together!
Today's post came from my "surfing" the Pinterest incredible site and I found a card made from SU Demonstrator, Jill Franchett and she was "paying it forward" from another SUD that inspired her! Naturally I needed to make it my own and I think I did a great job for my dear friends, Haven and Brandon!
Let's get to it!
Let's start by asking a question…
When was the last time you went to the color of Sahara Sand?
This is a "sleeper" color but by all means should not be over looked as it is a great neutral and now that we have the super Envelope Punch Board to make an envelope…please consider it as it's a keeper!
The base is a regular A-2 card and then In Color Designer Series Paper was the POP factor (Haven loves blue) and that was cut at 4" X 5 1/4".
The white card stock was cut at 4" X 3" and then stamped with the Chalk Talk Stamp Set (2 days in a row…I used only 1 stamp set) WOOT-WOOT! and I stamped it in the yummy color of midnight muse! The 2nd image was stamped in Sahara Sand!
The quick and easy punch with the X-Large Oval Punch…so quick and easy and then I punched out 2 of the midnight muse to frame the stamped oval! Is this simple or what! Less is best and this is a prime example of a Clean and Simple Card!
I did use my favorite tool to make this happen correctly - the 1st time and not waste both time and paper! The Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to the rescue made this card come together super fast!
Two other "classic's" of Stampin' Up! are Basic Pearls and my Stampin' Vitamins….Stampin' Dimensionals were the pop factor to make this card come to life!
Envelope time….an 8" X 8" square was the 1st step to this envelope! Isn't it super cool to be able to make your own envelopes!?!? It is a cinch with the Stampin' Trimmer and the Envelope Punch Board. LOVE IT!!! I chose to line the outside of the envelope as I know Haven adores blue and I knew she would love seeing the outside lined!
Well…that's it for today…
I hope that I have inspired you and I hope that YOU can think of the "special someone in your world"...and if you have not seen each other lately or live far away….pick up the phone….send an email …..whatever – just do it and say hi…say I'm thinking of you….say I appreciate you….say I love you!
Remember….please tell you friends about my blog and if you have not already done so…subscribe to my blog so you will not miss a daily dose of inspiration from me!
Tomorrow is a special post, I had a little help from a friend….a cyber friend that asked me a ? and then figured it out herself and did a FABULOUS job!!!! I am excited to share with you her "works of art from her beautiful heart!"
Until tomorrow!
