by Susan Itell | Sep 17, 2013 | Tips and Tricks!!! |
In celebration of Stampin' Ups! 25th Anniversary, each month they are unveiling a stamp set for this milestone! This Stamp is from the stamp set, Best of Autumn….and it's a keeper!
Today I heard the doorbell ring and then a fury of barks from the dogs….then the light-bulb went off…..it's UPS with my order!!!! WOOT-WOOT…I needed a box of goodies! (well…let's be honest – did I really need it…no….but it sure brighten my day!)
Opening the box up I saw this stamp set and I instantly knew that today's post was going to be using this stamp! Fingers crossed that the "moon and the stars will line up" for the card I was going to share with you….you'll just have to pop back tomorrow to find out the scoop!
It has been a while since I have water colored and if you follow my post, I adore water-coloring! To me…it's a type of soothing therapy that I love to see the end result! I realize that I am not the best at it, but I will say it brings me joy and that's just fine for me!
TIP ALERT! – when you do this technique…it does make a HUGE difference using water-coloring paper as when you use the aqua painters…the moisture that happens to "regular" paper will mostly likely make it "curl" – the water-color paper is meant to have water on it…the end result – a nice flat surface!
The colors I used for the "water-coloring" are Real Red, Always Artichoke, Basic Gray, Pear Pizzazz and So Saffron! The base is so Saffron cut to a note card size of 3 1/2" X 5"
I matted the water color portion with the I Am Me Designer Series Paper, just "cutting" 2 squares larger with the Stampin Trimmer! This tool is a must….love it…actually have 2 of them as my daughter takes mine when she is home!
A quick and simple mat of the Real Red was the pop that this Clean and Simple Card needed…but wait – a sentiment is needed….when in doubt – go to the Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set...a definite A + stamp set that will surely help you with your projects!
The perfect placement could not have been done without the help of the Stamp-A-Ma-Gig…my go-to tool! Works every time like a charm and one that MUST be on your "I need this list"!!!!
I do recommend that you adhere your water color image with an adhesive and NOT use Stampin Dimensionals …but layer it like I did here and THEN use your Stampin' Dimensionals to do the POP magic!
Mailman time….I made the envelope with the So Saffron Paper using the Envelope Punch! LOVE IT – super easy and the fact the the instructions are "right there" makes it a no brainer! I decided to get a big smile from the mailman and line the outside of the envelope with the fun and festive Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper! Fun, fun, FUN!!!! I know you're smiling when you see this paper!
There are times when you create a card and say WOW…well this one did it for me! I slipped up to my work area…made this and popped back down to show John and he said, "how did you make that so quick"? Sometimes t just happens and I adore this card an do plan to make many more to send!
John is doing better and getting stronger! I am giving him an apple a day… – keeps the doctors away"! (Good thing he likes apples!!!!) I thank you for all of the emails of concern for him! He is a big guy, a determined guy, a great Dad and a fabulous husband….and I am si darn tootin' proud of him!
True it is hard – but it is a pleasure to "Pay It Forward " for all that he gives to me and to our children!
Until tomorrow…I hope you enjpyed this….I think it's a keeper!
by Susan Itell | Sep 16, 2013 | Sympathy, Thinking of you |
Sometimes it's just hard to find the right words to let someone know that you are heartfelt sorry for their loss and then pain they are going through! If you have followed my blog you know that I am a HUGE animal lover!
When you lose your pet…it is a terrible thing and one that I know personally that I like to be left alone as I am so attached to my animals that when I have had to deal with the pain…I prefer to be myself to cope and remember the great times!
I will say…that when I have lost a pet, I am so touched with the amount of cards, emails and just wonderful and beautiful gestures as anyone that knows me…knows the connection I have for them!
I hope that this card will touch the heart of my friend that loss her best friend and companion! I often laugh that if my dogs could tell my family everything that I talk to them about……everyone would think I am nuts! This is how her relationship was with her 4 legged love…she was home and her little buddy was with her every step of the day!
The inspiration for this card came from the Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper! It is so beautiful and I adore this particular plaid…the soft sky and the chocolate chip together are so classic! It has been feeling like "sweater weather" the past couple of days and I am lovin' it!
The Stamp Set, the Wetlands is so versatile and I love the softness of the wheat grass! Stamin' that image in the soft sky color was going to make the sentiment pop…missions accomplished – exactly what I wanted to do!
I thought using a circle would be a fun touch so the softness of the grasses would be reaching up towards the edges! I used my main man, Mr. Big Shot and he had some help with the circle framelits to make this magic happen!
Not to get the perfect placement and not to deal with a "re-do" (total waste of time)….out came the stamp-a-ma-jig to have my sentiment perfect….(I probably could have stamped both sentiments 1st and then used the framelits – silly me…next time!)
The other sentiment that I used on this card is from the must have set, "So Sorry"….it simply is a set that fits the bill when we need to say meaningful cards to our family and friends!
I wanted to add a simple yet softness a "bling" but I think here it looks more like a classic finishing touch to the card! It was using the Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon. Works like a champ every time and always produces the perfect "Susan knot as I truly am bow challenged"
The finale before the mailman gets it….was lining the envelope with the same plaid using the Envelope Liner Framelits! These have been a lifesaver and time saver! I often take many of the designer Series Paper and go ahead and make liners….just to save time as I know I will work a card around it!
It's hard to believe that the weekend is already behind us! As I mentioned before, we have been having fantastic weather and I am "fingers crossed" it will stay around!
I know that it is hard to find the right words when someone loses a loved one, an animal or just a simple sorry for something that you have done…we all know it is the right thing to do – sending a card! I write from my heart and I know that this brings comfort.
Need some staples in your craft area?…remember you can hit the shop
now button and shop all day and all night….don't we just love
technology!!!
Please do not forget the power of your own handwriting and a card that was made by you! It does not need to be perfect as the truth is….does anyone really know what perfect it…and also what fun would perfect be…not my cup of tea!
I like to keep on learning, exploring and lovin' the simple things! This is exactly how I feel about my PAL friends I have met and I have grown with…a year ago I would have never imagined I would be doing this…but now I can say with a full heart – I cannot imagine not doing this!
I would love for you to be on my train with this Stampin' Up! journey…email me and just say – "let's talk"…it really is win-wn and you will have a heart that will continue to grow!
Here's to a new week and I hope that you have enjoyed today's post!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Sep 15, 2013 | 3-D Projects, Halloween, Super Easy |
Now are these little gems cute or what!!! I know that I have not shown you a Halloween post for a while and I simply was sooo excited to share this fun and SUPER easy post…..oh – "post it" post today! ha-ha!
The best thing is…they come together super fast…they are super cute, and they are super practical as we all know how many times we use "post it's"!!!
These would be a great little gift for your office workers, your children, your hairdresser…I cannot think of anyone (unless you are a toddler that would rather have candy) that would not love these!
Another "keeper" about these practical gems is that from 1 sheet of card stock you can make 4 of them! I say WOOT-WOOT to that and trust me…when you make them up….make up a bunch! I bought a 12 pack of post-it notes and whipped 12 up in no time!
Now if you do not like the halloween theme…no worries – you can use any stamp theme….I did this as a "hands on" project for a day of papmering for Breast Cancer Survivors and we did them with flowers…these ladies had a ball making them and were soooo darn tootin' proud of the end result!
Let's get started on the "how to's"! There are a couple of key products that you need and PRESTO, they will come togeter fast! I have a TON of pictures ( sorry for so many) but I figured that it makes it easier for you to CASE away and PLEASE…..send me a picture of your creations – I truly love to see your work and get feed back from you!
These 3 items you need for sure!
- your Stampin Trimmer, (this is a 2 for 1) as you will cut your paper and then also score with it…
- you need sticky strip (I truly believe when you are making 3D projects…use this adhesive as it really gives the stongest hold…
- you need the Tombo Multipurpose Liquid Glue (remember…a LITTLE goes a long way so be careful when using this…the "type A" in me hates to see this ooze out!
Hang on…let's have fun!
- The base strip is 2 1/4" X 8 1/2" and then score at 2 5/8", 3 1/8", 4 5/8", 6"
- Fold and score the lines…scores 1,2,3 get folded in and scored…the 4th score line gets folded and scored in the opposite direction….(you can do it – I know I was challenged at 1st !!!)
- Sticky strip time…peel off the "post it" bottom sheet and put 3 strips of sticky strip on the bottom and then adhere this to the base…it will be towards the bottom!
- Mono glue time!!! EASY DOES IT….no big blobs!!! This is the BARGAIN adhesive that we have…$3.95 and it is super strong…get it right the 1st time of placement because it is not forgiving!!!
- Presto…here is the side view!
- Remember when I said that you can get 4 cuts out of a piece of paper…what you are left with is a 2" strip! Perfect…to decorate you need a 2" square! I like to decorate with a contrasting color…but what I did was make them in both black and pumpkin pie so I alternated and also used the Witches Brew Designer Series Paper.
- Here is a parade of pictures of the samples….enjoy!
Wasn't this fun! The other key punch I used was the Bracket Label Punch! This makes it!!! A simple stitching around the punched piece adds the bling needed…..I also used Stampin Dimensionals to give it a pop and lift!
Please CASE this and have fun!
Another thing that you can do is….share my blog with your family and friends. I love blogging and I also love inspiring you! Spreading the word of my blog is the best form of a compliment to me! As the saying goes…
"Word of mouth is the best advertisement one can have"
Please let me know what you thought of today's goodie! I am an email away and even though I have been not the best in responding to your great comments – I am trying to get to you one by one! My hands have been full with my dear hubby!
You can click here to order directly from my blog…..have a fabulous day and I am sure that many of you will be going to the office store to get your "post it's"!!!
I realize that there are many choices and options…I want you to know
that I appreciate you following my blog and telling your friends! It is
not only an honor…but it s joy to be your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Sep 14, 2013 | Uncategorized |
Today is my special day….my husband comes home from the hospital since he had a unfortunate and freak accident on September 1st! The great news is…he is doing GREAT…he will be GREAT….and he has a GREAT attitude and determination to gain his strength!
We are "empty nesters" and have lots of animals that keep up busy! Below I wanted to share a "too cute" picture if 2 of our boys! I caught them yesterday morning looking out the window…and I just had to snap a shot to send to John saying ….come home – your missed!!!
As you can imagine, John is super excited to get home! I have the house ready for him to be safe and be able to do his rehab etc…and I know that there were so many nurses and Rehab people that touched him so naturally I needed to do something special for John to write them a note of thanks and appreciation!
This card was a 1st inspiration from my wonderful upline, Mary Fish! I not only feel fortunate and blessed to be part of the PALS….the cyber Pals, friends and customers I have met through this journey in being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator has simply been the best!
Click here to see Mary's Card that inspired me…actually I think that this card was the one that pushed me over the edge to hit that button and sign up to be a Stampin Up! Demonstrator! I had already probably bought "5 kits" worth of Stampin Up products over the years….but I decided to take the plunge for no one else but ME!!! Love it and have never looked back!
Let's get to this card that will touch many peoples heart that have such a demanding yet compassionate job….there are LOTS of punches used but to me punches do add so much little special touches that make a card special! I think this is a super cute card….how about you????
Here is a run down of the punches used….
The Stamp Set I used was the super-duper "Lots of Thanks"….LOVE IT! Not only did I use it on the outside of the belly band card…but on the inside I also used the most appropriate sentiment of…"Thank you for caring"…how perfect!
You all know by now…I love odd size and fun, interactive cards! This card with a simple "belly band" is not only fun….it is different and this card is really not hard to make….you just have to "switch gears" and think out of the box of your normal cards making habits!
After making the card…I looked at it and thought there was too much Crumb Cake ( I can't believe I am saying this as I adore this paper) but I thought it needed a bit of break! Just cutting a panel and then cutting that in half was the perfect solution!
I did sponge the edges of the whisper white with Sahara Sand….( I thought that the Crumb cake would be too stark!) Oh…the hat – (sorry it hard to see – click to make it bigger) came from the "belly part" of the owl punch….just trim it a bit and PRESTO!!! Cute! (I probably should have lightly sponged that as well!)
The envelope was a simple lined envelope using the Subtles Designer Series Paper Stack and the Envelope Liner Framelit…( a must have)…so simple and fun!
I hope that this card put a smile on your face and please think of us today! It is super exciting but also scary at the same time! John is sooooo focused to do his therapy and rest that he will be back to himself in no time!
Speaking of time….I know that we are all soooo darn busy – but I ask you…if you love our products…why don't you become a PAL?
Do you realize that over 80% of Stampin' Up Demonstrators are hobbiest…there is no obligation to remain a demonstrator or if it is "just not for you"….The PALS have an over 90% retention rate….WHY???? simple = cause' it's fun and there and no boundaries of what to do….the rule is to have fun and be inspired!
To become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is $99.00 and you get to pick YOUR CHOICE of any products of $125.00 – you goodies SHIP FOR FREE and then if you choose to do nothing else…that's fine as Stampin' Ups! motto is for you to do it YOUR WAY……but I will say….I do not think that will happen becase we will have so much fun together inspiring each other!
You can click here and get started today….and become part of my team and become a part of the PALS community!
Think about it and list the pro's and con's…then ask me your questions…I'll behind you all the way!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Sep 13, 2013 | Baby, Super Easy |
Great news for our family! My husband is getting out of the hospital tomorrow…so I thought that this card was quite appropriate for him today as…he "made my day"
Also…I was able to accomplish another task….this card is my take on the color challenge for the Pals Paper Art challenge…this week is a color challenge and I highly urge you to play along as well! What do have to loose….nothing – and it's fun…check out all of the great cards with this fun color scape!
Right now, Stampin' Up! is also having a promotion…the Butterfly Bundle Promotion where you can get both the Papillon Potpourri Stamp Set and the Bitty Butterfly Punch together as a set and save 15%!!! I adore being able to buy in the bundles…everyone likes a bargain!
Here is the low down on the card…I hope you make it as it's a keeper! Play around with color on this one…change the sentiment….it could be for so many different occasions!
- The card base is a note card size 3 1/2 X 5 in Very Vanilla
- I cut another piece of Very Vanilla just a bit smaller…3 1/4 X 4 3/4
- The Baked Brown Sugar piece is a "smidge" larger…I always use the Stampin Trimmer so if you want an exact measurement – it is 3 3/8 X 4 7/8(all you want is a peek of color to make the pop happen!
- TIP ALERT: remember a couple of posts ago I shared with you ways to save paper…well – here is a great example…I popped out the hexagon punches from the inside of the piece…no one ever knows as you adhered them together!
- Sentiment time….don't you love it! Hands down…I get more comments over this stamp set as it is sooo overlooked in the catalog! It is called A Dozen Thoughts Stamp Set, a true keeper and must have for simple card making!
- Envelope time! because stampin' up! does not have the note card size envelopes in Very Vanilla…no worries – the Envelope Punch Board to the rescue! This is not only sooo easy, I love the fact that the directions are right there, very easy to see and follow! For a 31/2 X 5" note card, you simply need a 7 1/4" square and make your 1st punch and score at 3 1/8"!!!
- The liner is from the In Color Designer series Paper Stacks….another must have in all colors! How did I measure this? Well…I simply cut a piece of DSP a bit larger than what I needed…adhered it to the back of the flap….used my scissors to trim off the excess and presto! I decided to add a bit of bling to the back side of the envelope as I will be hand delivering – isn't that a cut touch!
Well, that's it for today….I hope that you have enjoyed this and I would highly recommend that you CASE away! If you think that you will only use the punch and not the bundle…no worries – the choice is yours …click here and order your goodies today!
Yesterday I slipped in a post in the middle of the day about the Clearance Rack…..please go and check it out…there are many great products and they will go fast! By the time I typed up my post the 12 X 12 paper was sold out!
This has seemed to be a L O N G week for me and I am thankful that John will be coming home! I appreciate everyone's well wishes and I apologize that I have not been better in answering your comments…I truly love to do that as I appreciate YOU taking the tome to leave me a comment!
As always, I am an email click away and I appreciate you!
Until tomorrow…
