by Susan Itell | Jun 15, 2013 | Stamp-a-ma-jig, Super Easy |
O.k. – mission accomplished? Did this card do what it was supposed to? I sure hope you have a BIG SMILE on your face when you see this!
What a GREAT stamp set! The "Happy Day" Stamp Set is definitely one to be on your "A List" for the new catalog! WHY? Simple – It is soooo versatile and you can create soooo many different types of cards switching our the colors into the "mood" you are trying to capture! I see LOTS of great cards in the future with this one!
When I look at stamp sets to purchase…I look at naturally if the "wow" factor is there right when I see it…but then I also look at it and think about how many different ways I could use it for not only my personal card making but also how I can inspire you to use it! This stamp set would be a huge life saver for sooo many different cards…I highly would recommend it
Less is best!
When you see a BIG focal word on the center of the card…it sets the tone and it needs very little "fru-fru"…let the message move you…let the message set the tone!
Do you remember last month I did the snail card? I received so many emails and comments on how simple and fun it was! The stamp set of Zoo Babies Stamp Set is no other way to say it but…ADORABLE! I see lots of trios in this set for simple and quick cards that will make you smile! I used the little tucan bird riding a bike in an earlier post this week…so fun!
I know you already realize this…but I will say it again! The Stamp-a-ma-jig is the lifesaver in making this a super quick and easy card! There are 2 other things that make it a cinch! The ruler (I drew a line at 1/4" and then another one in the middle) so I could get my placement of the alligators "spot on" and then the other life saver is the sanding block that I "scuffed" up the alligator stamp with the sanding block to make the ink really soak in and give me a super clean and crisp image! Always does the trick…
On my next order…I without a shadow of doubt, I need to order a ton more "Candy Dots" These are amazing!!! I love…love them and thy make a added touch so fast and effective! I thought I would be using them with the brads…but I can easily see that I will use them more for putting touches "here and there" They are also super easy to pick up ( not nearly has hard as the pearls etc….)
The quick and simple touch of the ribbon in the corner just added a bit of bling! The 3/8" Satin Stitched Ribbon is perfect for this touch and I love the ease in using it! Again, a simple knot with a glue dot does this quick and simple touch!
Does this envelope look familiar? Make sure you check yesterday's post on the Envelope Lining 101…just a simple touch that is a daily habit of mine…but in keeping with this fun theme – I thought…this little gator needs to make the mailman smile too!!! The Brights Designer Series Paper is so bold and fun!
Again, the stamp-a-ma-jig to the rescue! If someone took this little tool from me, I would be one unhappy stamper! I use it ALL OF THE TIME! Try decorating the outside of your envelope…you'll love it and you will also get lots of smiles!
I hope that you have enjoyed this "Happy Day" post and I hope that you have a happy day yourself! I sure plan to – we have friends visiting so I know it will be a special day and then off to help my son get his apartment in order!!! ( you know….Mom's like to add little touches here and there!!!)
Until tomorrow….don't forget those great "Dad's" – it is their special day tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Jun 14, 2013 | Tips and Tricks!!! |
My #1 question I receive is…
"How do you line your envelopes"
This is so easy and it ALWAYS is a finishing touch that WILL get noticed and truthfully it is like learning the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig….once you get it….it will be like riding a bicycle – you'll never forget it!
I was in a panic yesterday as my Blog Account was not responding and it would not let me make a post….so I am sorry that this is late as I am hoping that this will be a post that you use over and over again!
There are 3 key things that you will need:
- A Stampin Trimmer – When Stampin’ Up! came out
with this tool last year I know that there were many of you that thought…who
needs another trimmer as most of us probably have several in our homes…BUT – hands down, this is the best on the
market! Sooooo darn easy to use and sooo darn precise each and every time –
plus being able to “score” with the same tool is truly a 2 for 1!!!
- Paper Snips – I know it seems that I can justify
just about every product that Stampin’ Up! has…but seriously – these are not
only the sharpest scissors…they truly allow you to cut in teeny tiny areas –
the only problem is that once your family finds out about them…you will lose
them to a family member, so the moral of the story is = buy 2
- 2-Way Glue Pen – This gem is a “best kept secret”
tool of mine…I just love it and have many as I am always “going to them” often!
Why??? Simple – it is soooo affordable ($4.50) and it is the perfect choice for
lining envelopes… it does not leave a “bump”, it does not show through and just
a quick run around the edges is all you need!
Now to the simple "how to's" for you to be a
pro:
- Cut your paper into 3” X 5 11/16” (I think it is
much easier to think about it as one notch to the left of 5 ¾” – see picture)
Test this cut piece to make sure it is a nice snug fit but that you are able to
easily slip in into the envelope!
- Run the 2-Way Glue Pen around the outer portion
on the envelope, no need to smear any inside the bottom portion of the
envelope…. it stays just fine (trust me!) by doing just the sides. (Also, trust
me…this is easier to do it this way than fooling around with putting adhesive
on the paper!
- I then “eye ball it” to make sure that the print
is nice and straight ( I know…a bit compulsive) but what the heck – you want it
to look super!)…At this point I flip the envelope over and double check to make
sure it is even (you can usually tell by the print on the flip side)
- I run my hand all over to get a seal and then I
fold it over to get a crease – TIP: After you do this…put it back in the Stampin’
Trimmer and score it at this crease – it will give you a perfect sharp finish!
- Now use the paper snips and follow the envelope
and trim away the excess!!! Let your scissors do the work – TURN THE ENVELOPE,
as you cut the excess – do not keep turning your hands it will give you a
cleaner cut!
- Easy right!!! I know it is a lot of text and
trust me…whip a couple of them up and you will never have to read this again as
it will become so 2nd nature to you!
- Doing the outer side of the envelope….super easy
as well…do the exact same thing but simply put it on the outside and then trim!
Depending on the print of the paper, there are times that I like doing it this
way! (See picture)
- Now the next question you are probably thinking
about it…how do you seal the envelope to mail it? Easy – if I am personally
sending it myself, I use the 2 Way Glue Pen again to seal it…and if I have made
a bunch of cards as a gift to give to someone…I always “tuck” in a 2 way glue
pen for them along with stamps to make a complete and thoughtful gift!
- If I am not sending them out myself ( like when
I make the cards for my Breast Cancer Group), I put a bit of sticky strip so
whomever can peel it off at the time they need the card!
I used to try to fit the liner in so I could utilize the
glue that is on the envelope and I found that not only too stressful to get
lined up exactly…I also did not care for the look! I know, it’s a personal
preference but again, sometime I am picky!
GET EXCITED TIME…
I received the new Mini Catalog
yesterday ( Halloween and Holiday) and there are some FRAMELITS to make liners…so this might be
super-duper cool…we’ll just have to wait and see!!!
I will say that I love the fact that I can get so many cut
for liners from the 12 X 12 Designer Series Paper! I know you see me use this
paper all the time and I simply LOVE IT!!! I highly recommend it and I would
not know what to do without it!
Stampin’ Up! Makes it so easy as all of the colors match…it
is an easy “go-to” if you are not sure of a print to use! Have a super day…get
ready for the weekend and make sure you POP back tomorrow…a super cute, fun,
quick card I have for you…it’s a keeper!
Please subscribe to my blog if you haven’t already…and I
appreciate you telling your friends! Again, I apologize for this post being so
late…it was out of my control and I just hope that you have enjoyed it!
Until tomorrow!!!
by Susan Itell | Jun 13, 2013 | 3-D Projects, Stampin' Up ~ Super cool!, Things you just have to buy! |
O.k. – I have a H U G E smile on my face! The minute I saw this stamp,Fishin' Around, I fell in love with it….it's a personal thing with my daughter and her adventures with horses!
Years ago…( probably 10 years ago…) my beautiful daughter and I went to Ohio to watch the Pony Finals…and out of the total blue…we took the bait and bought her first pony….and we named him Nemo! I can still remember standing there and calling my husband ( as we did not plan on me doing this)….he was in a meeting and I told his office…
"It was kinda important"…
Being that we live in Maryland I had to find a way back home for our new "son"….the only shipper that I could find that was going near our area was leaving at 11 p.m. to go East…then South to Florida…
Hannah was 9 at this time….and I knew that it would be a long night ahead! We were going through a toll booth on the highway and I can remember she woke up and this little voice from the backseat said…let's call him Nemo! It was a hot movie at the time and it stuck!
When I saw the sneak preview of this NEW catalog…..I instantly loved this stamp – then when I saw the "idea" shown on page 58 I thought…..WOW – I am going to try this one! So….I took the "dive" and tried it….and it worked!!!!
I thought it would be a mess….that water would be all over the place….in fact – I stamped 4 of these images…."just in case" and the very 1st one I tried it worked! LOVE IT!!!!
I was soooo darn tootin' excited!
What a fun….FUN card!
Here is the "low down"….please try it! Your smile will be as wide as mine is – it is a super fun card to make and a super fun card to give!
- The base is the Standard A-2 size in Marina Mist
- To the remaining image….I used the Aqua Painters and using the colors of Tangerine Tango, Marina Mist, Soft Sky, Crushed Curry and Baked Brown Sugar, I colored the images in!
- Using a hot Glue Gun and the Circle Treat Cup I peeled off the adhesive from the back of the cup….put a bead of Hot Glue around the cup and crossed my fingers and placed my piece of paper that had the hole on-top and PRESTO….it worked!
- Still thnking it needed something extra but simple…I popped out some of the flowers from the Itty Bitty Shapes Pinch Pack and adding a classic "pearl" was the touch it needed!
- The Sentiment was perfect…and it came from the Hostess Stamp Set, Express Yourself, I love this stamp set and have already used it a bunch!
Making this card brought back so many memories of my amazing times with my daughter and her riding…she has grown up so much, still riding but those pony days are in the past and Nemo was the 1st and will always have a special place in my heart!
This was a fun card to make and even though I said….my fingers were crossed that it would work…it was a cinch! It is great feeling to have a card that you made have such a fun and unique look to it! The water in the cup just makes you want to tilt it back and forth!
Please let me know how you liked this! I do appreciate your comments and also feel free to email me!
I get sooooo many comments and requests on how do I do the lined envelopes!!! Tomorrow I will post for you my simple method!
You will be super surprised how darn tootin' easy it is but also you will be "hooked" ( just like I am hooked on this stamp!!!) and you will never send a card out without a lined envelope!
Please shop away at my online store….a simple click and your goodies will arrive at your home and then you will always have me on the other end to help you with your projects! I love what I do and I would love and be honored to be your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator!
by Susan Itell | Jun 11, 2013 | 3-D Projects, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Thank You |
Thank you for joining us for the June Pals Blog Hop and our
kickoff to the new catalog! Are you ready to see wonderful creations
featuring new products from the 2013-14 Stampin' Up! catalog? Get ready
to update your wishlist!
You should have just left stop number 5 on the Pals Hop – Lyn Hoyt at Cattail Designs. If so, you are in the right spot.
If you get off track, the full blog lineup below will help you move along
from blog to blog so you see all of the amazing creations.
*** My order is still not here ( today is the magic day) but I am sure you will love this fun card as all of the stamps are in the NEW CATALOG!!!!
Enjoy….and have fun hopping away!***
Today is the last day of me personal challenge I gave myself using the Oh, Hello & Mixed Bunch Stamp Sets! I am calling it a F F F Challenge… FUN…FUNCTIONAL…and FEMININE! Today is…the FUN one and I think it is SUPER FUN!
I just LOVE bright and cheery colors and I think that this represents it well! This style of card is called the "Gate Fold Card" and it is super easy to make and a fun way to switch up a regular A-2 card size!
The 2 key things you need are 12 X 12 paper and a Stamp-a-ma-jig! Now I know that this is NOT the 1st time you have heard me say this….but Stampin' Up! does make select paper colors in the 12 X 12 size and trust me…you will use it for certain projects you work on! This card is a prime example…and now to the Stamp-a-ma-jig….you know that there would be NO way I could have made this card without it!
To make the card base…the dimensions are 12" X 5 1/2 inches and then using the Simply Scored Scoring Tool – score at 2",4",8" and 10" – THAT'S IT! Fold the score lines in and use the Bone Folder…this makes your edges always so crisp!
Next – cut 4 white panels at 1 7/8" X 5 3/8"! Now remember yesterday I shared with you the WOW factor that a simple ruler can give you…well this is my secret and I HOLD TRUE TO IT!
- Mark the center of these panels
- Mark a 1/4" on each end!
- Stamp the center 1st in Pacific Point and then using the stamp-a-ma-jig I worked on either side! It really is easy and it goes fast!
- TIP – anchor your strip to your work surface – there is nothing more frustrating that your paper "wiggling" just when you go to stamp it!!!
I simple "snailed" these super cute pieces to the panels and then the inside panel of the card is 5 3/8" X 3 7/8" for the Blue and the White is 5 1/8" X 3 5/8".
Still having part of the 12 X 12 Daffodil Delight Paper left…I cut a strip at 3/4" wide and just wrapped it around the card….then used the bone folder to "crisp" it….snipped off the excess after I used the snail to make a "belly band" – easy-peasey!
Now you can see how I utilized the Oh, Hello Stamp Set…now
it’s time to let the “Mixed Bunch” have it’s turn….TIP – make sure you "scruff" up the stamps that have a big "space" to let the ink soak in to make a clear image!
After I stamped the flower in Melon Mambo I popped it out using the Blossom Punch! Cute…right!?!? Using the circle stamp in daffodil delight, I punched that out with the 3/4" circle punch…added some Stampin Dimensionals and again, BAM!
The sentiment did come from another set…the One in a Million Stamp Set, but do you notice I just have a portion of the sentiment? I did that by "masking" the part I did not want…inking it up…then peeling off the "mask" and stamped just the sentiment! Again, easy and effective!
Now to the envelope….I loved it with one of the new designer series papers, Gingham Garden, and after I did it (and I loved it) I went back to write all of the products I use with their numbers to blog for you and I saw that the blue is Island Indigo NOT what I am using in the card…Pacific Point is the color of my card…but it looks just fine….no worries!
This was a super fun card to and it makes me smile!!! Please try it and please send me some pictures of the creations that you have made!
Today is the day that the "Brown Man in his cute shorts" is going to deliver my goodies…the bad thing is we live out in the country and we are the LAST stop….usually after 6 p.m. – but I will have a smile and the excitement will be there!
I truly hope that you liked my FFF Personal challenge and I will be doing more in the future…..feel free to email me and let me know how you liked today's card or leave me a comment…..
The next stop is Kerry Willard Bray at Stampgoodness, stop number 7 on
the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting – and I hope to see you next month!
Here is the line up for all of the fun PALS creations…have a blast clicking away and visiting the A M A Z I N G talent that is out there!
Hope you are filled with inspitation today!
Final Blog Hop Line Up List:
- Penny Nichols at Sierra Stampin!
- Linda Callahan at Stampin' Seasons
- Shannon Hokanson at Paper Works
- Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards
- Lynn Hoyt at cattaildesigns
- Susan Itell at Simple Stampin'
- Kerry Willard Bray at Stampgoodness
- Angie Blake at Angie's Musings
- Shannon Jaramillo at ezpeasycards.com
- Debbie Crowley at expressivelydeb…
- Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat
- Amy L. Lazzell at Just a Thought…Cards by Amy
- Sherrie Gross at Stampin' Sunshine
- Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stampin
- Patti Macleith at Papercrafts by Patti
- Nicole Picadura at Scraps & Stamps
- Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn
- Brian King at Stamp with Brian
- Diane Roberts at Score at Four and a Quarter
- Martie Pollard at The Crafty Bandit
- Rae Harper at Wild West Paper Arts
- Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
- Barb Furlong at The Love of Stamping
- Peggy Noe at Prettypapercards.com
- Nancy Gleason at My Stampin Space
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Jun 11, 2013 | Stamp-a-ma-jig, Thinking of you |
I am a "happy stamper"…as my order came!!! WOOT-WOOT!!! If there is someone out there that can tell me a secret in how to find a day that has….say….28 hours – I would love to know the magic!
Working full time and knowing that on my steps are going to be boxes of gems…and I still need to take care of animals and dinner and ( it was The Voice Night!!!) I say…Calgon take me away!!! I knew the 1st card I was going to make…was going to be the 1st Stamp Set in the NEW catalog – Cycle Celebration!!! Always best to start at the beginning…especially since it is a keeper!!!
This card came together with the help of 3 stamp sets…Road to Happiness, Zoo Babies ( soooo darn tootin' cute!), and Cycle Celebration! Super cute…right!!! I knew that my 1st card with the new catalog I wanted to start with the bicycle….as we are on a great "road race….or should I say a marathon with this super catalog!!!!"
I wanted to use as many of the new goodies I could get my hands on as I knew I would not be able to open everything tonight and I was super happy with the end result! I love using the watercolor paper and I love using the aqua painter! I am a happy camper!
Again….the stamp-a-ma-jig was my treasured friend for this card…..if someone hid this tool from me…I would be lost! I used it for the placement of everything! That dear little bird wouldn't be sitting on that bike so cute !
There are so many favorites of mine with this new catalog and I know that I will add more to my list once I get "quality" time to play with everything….but the CANDY DOTS.…are simply the BOMB!!! So easy to use both with the brad…or alone – just as I did them with this card….they are super and one that you just must order in every color collection!
Another fun thing I did was to make the embossed lines across the Tangerine Tango Card Stock ….using the Simply Scored Tool - a quick an easy way to create texture! Naturally the Stampin Dimensionals made a front and center appearance as always!
The new 3/4" Chevron Ribbon is soooo easy to work with! I must say….I was a bit bummed with not having more additions to the ribbon collections and I thought that this was too wide and was going to be hard to work with….but I was wrong!
And the best for last….I love envelopes and this NEW Designer Series Paper is a must!!! Each and every color collection – it is fun, it is fresh, it is the perfect accent to bring "Plain Jane to WOW" Today, I decided to love the outside of my envelope!!! Super cute and I am sure the mailman will smile!
I thank you for being sooooo incredible in "POPPING" by the Blog Hop yesterday! WOW – it was wonderful, wasn't it! There is so much talent out there and it is always a joy to see others works of art! We are all very blessed to have the resources and availability we have with looking at so many different talented pieces of work!
Have a super day….please email me if you need me….please click here to shop away….and please tell your friends to sign up for my daily blogs….I love inspiring you!
Until tomorrow!
