by Susan Itell | May 1, 2013 | Stamp-a-ma-jig, Sympathy |
When a beloved animal passes, there is simply no way to convey to one their loss. My husband's partner at work lost his beloved friend…Katie.
As many of you know, I am a huge animal fan and have 5 dogs of my own and my heart goes out with sorrow and pain when one loses their friend!
My dogs are truly my companions and for those who know what I am talking about…a dog is one that you spend so much time with…tell them your joys…tell them your frustrations…and one thing that they always do – is to bring you joy with a instant and simple smile!
Do you notice something different about this card? Are you wondering what color this is? Well…it s one of the NEW In Colors that I have from the preview products! I LOVE it and think it will be a fantastic addition…also love the name – "baked brown sugar"!!!
- This card is pretty straight forward – a regular A2 card using the Baked Brown Sugar Card Stock cut and scored in half!
- The image was stamp using the Tree from the Thoughts and Prayers Stamp Set. I used the markers to color the image – Chocolate Chip & Wild Wasabi. ( notice this is lighter than the sentiment…it needs to be to make the leaves look more natural)
- The color of card stock that I used was Sahara Sand….a beautiful neutral color that I feel gets overlooked often! Try it – you'll like it! I matted it with Always Artichoke.
- I did use a sponge and very lightly went over the edges of the Sahara Sand with the Wild Wasabi…just to add interest and depth!
- Not finished yet…I took the card to the Simply Scored Plate and scored 2 horizontal lines across the top and bottom of the focal part of the card – a great and simple finishing touch!
Are you saying…where did that envelope come from! Simple – I made it! I felt this card needed a matching envelope and it is sooo easy to make!
- Using the Baked Brown Sugar Card Stock – I cut a 7 3/4" square! Scored it at 4 1/8' and 3'1/8" using the diagonal plate – BAM!!!
- Fold in the score lines…cut the little corners out and always use sticky strip to give it a great hold and you are done – a matching , beautiful envelope!
- Not finished yet…pull out a coordinating paper to make the finished look – I used the Subtles Designer Series Paper…my go-to for a perfect match every card!
I am sorry that I have had to make this card due to the circumstances but at the same time I hope it brings comfort to Gary and Nancy. My heart sank when John told me as I know how much they dearly loved their dog!
Both of these stamp sets are so beautiful and always find a way to make a beautiful card! I hope that you have enjoyed today's post and I also hope that you have a wonderful day! Finally, the sun is out today ( but we have needed the rain) and I am looking forward to a productive day ahead!
Please email me if you have any questions or simply leave me a comment below! I truly love and cherish your feedback! I have a great post in store for you that you will be able to have the opportunity to get a great organizational time saver if you email me…stay tuned!
Until tomorrow….happy stampin'!
by Susan Itell | Apr 30, 2013 | Birthday, Masculine, Things you just have to buy! |
I am not sure what's up in trying to use more masculine colors but it just must be the time of the year that I need "looks" like this for my own card making mailings!
You see…this is just one more reason why becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is the thing to do for yourself… you can make…make…and make more cards and know that you are getting your products at cost!
For $99.00 you can pick $155.00 worth of ANY products and never have to do another thing with SU or if you chose to order again, you would not have to do so until October 31st! Email me and I would love to talk with you!
You know the other day I said for you to close your eyes and sing a song…well here you go again, today's song is…"Where do I begin…" – there looks like there is a lot to this card but once I kept going…I kept liking it and at the end, I said – WOW…this is really different!
From yesterdays comments – you all liked me sharing some pointers….I'll try again!
- Card Base is a 5" X 5" Square in Crumb Cake ( my favorite…so versatile!)
- Midnight Muse 4 1/2" X 4 1/2" Square
- Crumb Cake 4 1/4" X 4 1/4" Square ( I should have done this in Very Vanilla…but oh well!)
- The Designer Paper is from the super beautiful Print Poetry Paper Series….so darn pretty ( I would definitely stock up on this one!) – cut into 2" squares
- Used Sticky Strip to adhere the squares perfectly
- 3" Circle Originals Die, then used a ruler to measure in 1 1/2" and then cut into 1/4's – adhered like above.
- Using the Create a Cupcake Stamp Set, I stamped the base of the cupcake in Soft Suede and then using a piece of very vanilla scraps – I ran it through "Mr. Big Shot" using the
- Vintage Wallpaper Folder ( another one I would definitely purchase before it goes bye-bye!) and then used the Cupcake Builder Punch!
- Snailed everything together and then POPPING the Midnight Muse base.
- Used the white gel pen to add a little interest around the circle!
Wow…I know that seems like a lot but it was really fun! Once you get the roll of it…ROLL with it! You know you'll make 2 cards as you'll have extra circle pieces…so just keep going!!!
- The envelope…..easy-peasy! Start with a 8 1/2" Square and using the Simply Scored Diagonal Plate…score at 3 7/8" all the way around!
- Cut the squares out on the edges and adhere – I always use sticky strip for this!!!
- Jazzing up the out envelope was easy! Take the coordinating paper….flip it over…use a pencil and voila'! Cut in half and adhere! ( see 2 extra pieces….you really need to make 2 of these!)
I hope that you found this to be a fun and different card! I always love square cards! They bring a smile to my face and I know it costs extra to mail….but really! It is worth it! Please remember that shopping is a click away and I would love to help you!
I appreciate your comments and I hope that you subscribe to my blog so we can have coffee together every morning! Just simply add your email address under the catalog and you will be good to go!
With the amazing incentive that Stampin' Up! is offering….I have a question for you…why don't you want to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. Do you realize that most SUD are hobbyist and better yet…there are many "silent demonstrators" ( that's what I was – I did not tell a soul!)
I would love for you to join me on this fun journey! I promise not only would you have fun, you'll gain confidence and you will grow as a paper-crafter! The PALS resources are unending!
Thanks for popping by…until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Apr 29, 2013 | Masculine, Organizational Tips, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Thank You |
On Saturday I hosted an event for my job and it involved golfing! I needed a "thank you note" to send to the golfers that came out to support the event!
I immediately thought of the Dapper Dad stamp set! Confession time…this is the first I have used it but will say – not the last… so get ready to see some great ideas using this super fun set!
I felt that the Perfectly Penned Stamp Set was a perfect choice to add to the golf shoe! Now you know what I am going to say…this simply could not be done without the Stamp-a-ma-jig! This silly little tool makes life so much easier but better than easier – it saves you a ton of time!
I knew that I needed to make many of these and I wanted to share with you how easy it is to do an assembly line process when making cards! Here are some tips that might be useful…
- I always take a piece of scrap paper to write down all dimensions and tips!
- I cut the base card (Crumb Cake for this card) and score in half.
- Pull out the Crumb Cake Envelopes and decide the liner I wanted to use….easy-peasy – Neutrals Designer Series Paper!
- Make sure you ink pad has plenty of coverage…if not…use the refill as you continue to organize. ( you need to wait 10-15 minutes to settle in the ink pad)
- Go to your scraps 1st and see if you can utilize them before using a fresh sheet of paper!
- Cut the vertical pieces….stack them up in the colors per card!
- Run the vertical strips through the Big Shot using the Argyle Embossing Folder.
- Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig – prepare the clear sheet for doing your stamping.
- Stamp the shoe 1st….then follow up with the sentiment!
- When I made these…I did use a bit of snail on the back of each to hold it in place so the stamp-a-ma-jig would not wiggle!
- Drew a pencil line down the center of the card to place the center piece and then it was easy to "eyeball" the others!
- Adhere…pop it up with my Stampin' Vitamins – Stampin' Demensionals!
I personally think this is one fun and handsome card! Change the colors up for a more feminine feel….I think I am going to try it with a heat embossing technique! I can see a pink shoe!
Please do not forget to subscribe to my daily blog….I love creating and I love working my creations into my personal lifestyle! Click on the box right under the catalog!!!
On Wednesday is my monthly Breast Cancer card making fun time….we will make over 100 cards for the local "Angel Program"….sending a card and "pick me up" to those that are unfortunately going through some tough times! This is such a "feel good" evening!
Please leave me a comment or email me and let me know how you liked this card….sometimes it is hard to come up with an idea for a masculine theme…I think the colors set the stage for this card! I do say….I loved focusing and "picking up" the argyle from the show in the embossing folder! A great added touch!
Here's to a fabulous week….I am up for a busy one… but fun one…until tomorrow!!!!
by Susan Itell | Apr 28, 2013 | 3-D Projects, Stampin' Up ~ Super cool!, Super Easy |
Happy Sunday!!! Close your eyes and sing…" I get by with a little help from my friends…." This is what this post stems around…. my friendship with Mary Fish and Brandi Cox!
I am super excited to be my upline, Mary Fish's guest stamper…wow – what an honor and what a fun post I have for you! Is this just too cute…too practical….and too much fun!
One of the things that I dearly love about Stampin' Up! is the relationships you build…and today's post is an inspiration from a fellow Stampin Up! Demonstrator that is not in Mary's line but someone that I follow! I picked up the phone one day…introduced myself and asked if I could come to one of her Crop Clubs! It was a plain and simple as that!
If you follow my Blog, this is when I had a road trip to North Carolina to see my daughter and had a free evening and went to have "girl fun" with Brandi Cox! It was a blast and I look forward to spending many more fun times with Brandi! One talented lady and we instantly connected!
Is this super or what…
Think about how many people would love this!
Let me back- up….Tuesday evening was the unveiling of discontinued products as well as SUD were able to preview the NEW catalog ( and YES – you will love….LOVE it!) I was going to be Cinderella waiting for midnight…so I was mass producing these gems…(20 in all) and then it HIT ME – I am on the East Coast and I will never make it…I didn't – finally hit the pillow at 1:30 a.m. and Wednesday was a L O N G day for me at work!
Last week on a post…I asked for comments on which 3 stamp sets did you think would be discontinued? The winner will get one of these super fun note pad portfolios! And the wimmer is……Jeanie…Please email me and let me know which color you want!!! WOOT-WOOT!
Her comment:
Beautiful card Susan! – Here are my 3 guesses for retiring stamps: Raining Flowers, Lean on Me and Daring Adventure!
This is a perfect gift….for a friend, a hostess, a co-worker – my wonderful husband took his administrative staff to lunch in honor of their special day on Wednesday and there were 8 of these on the table as they sat down for lunch! I always like to make them something handmade and they all loved it! I mixed the colors up and the table looked so pretty!
Brandi is the "queen" of videos and this one is one to watch! (She is after me to start doing videos….and with her help – I might take the plunge) Please check out her video showcasing this project. I did follow it pretty much – but I did make some changes that I felt worked better for me….and this again is what I love about SU….you can do you projects YOUR way!
This uses the basic's…stampin' trimmer, the Simply Scored, a Stamp Set that was featured in the Spring Catalog, Secret Garden and Bundle as I also used the Big Shot and coordinating and as you can see – I used a variety of fun and festive colors!
Here is a quick run down of colors that I used: Daffodil Delight, Rose Red, Gunball Green, Not So Navy….an just had a blast stampin' here and there – there is no right or worng way…just have FUN!
TIP ALERT!!! – Do you remember that it is a "pet peeve" of mine to have a stamp that does not give you that clean and crisp image….TRICK – use your sanding block to scruff it up….works like a charm and always remember to re-ink your pads!
I do think it is important to have the ink refills – why would yu go to all of the work and time you put into a project only to find in the middle of it that your ink pad needs a little help!?!?
I do agree with Brandi that the Tombow glue is super strong, super economical, and super easy to use!!! I do think we overlook it often, but it really is a great adhesive for a good strong hold! A couple of things that I did differently than what Brandi showcases….
- I use the sticky strip to put together and adhere the inside pocket….I found it to be easier for me to do and also – cleaner!
- I chose not to put the leaves on as I found them to be in danger of getting torn…
- I matted a lager piece of coordinating paper behind the sentiment for a contrast of color and I did tear it as Brandi did…..loved the look!
This has been a joy to share this with you and I hope that I have inspired you! I also hope that Mary and her husband are having a FABULOUS time in FIGI…..a trip well deserved! Mary is one special person and I am just about at my 1 year anniversary as being a Stampin' Up Demonstrator and I feel like I have grown not only as a paper crafter but also as a person!
Being a PAL and being a part of this great company has brought to me a HUGE extended family! I have never, ever experienced anything like this in the fact of the amount of true friendship, inspiration and support is amazing!
I would love for you to be on this journey with me and join my team and be a Mary Fish PAL as well! Also, I am part of Mary's PALS Partner Program! Please email me and I would love to reach out to you and listen to your needs and goals! With the amazing incentive now – WHY NOT! If you are alreay going to purchase products….why not get the, at a discount delivered right to your door!
I made the commitment at the beginning of the year to blog daily and I am proud to say that I have kept true to my word! ( Thanks for the gentle nudge Mary!) I have learned to love sharing not only my work, but also my personality!
Please sign up for my blog subscription in the upper corner underneath the catalog! This way you can start your day with me every morning with a cup of coffee and let me inspire you!
Have a wonderful day, many thanks again to Mary and until tomorrow…..
by Susan Itell | Apr 27, 2013 | Stamp-a-ma-jig, Thank You, Thinking of you |
At my job I need to write many notes! (Good thing I love Stampin' Up! so much)…just like picking out what to wear to work everyday – I too get in a "funk" with using the same cards! I thought I would switch it up using my 1st initial!
This doesn't get too much easier! I knew that I wanted a bright "pop" – and polka dots always bring a smile to my face! One of my favorite color combinations is blue(midnight muse), yellow(daffodil delight) and a crisp white!
One of my "bye-bye's that is on my "A" list" – Circle Circus Stamp Set was stamped in the Midnight Muse…TIP ALERT – Take your pad to the stamp to ink this one up….if you do it the traditional way – you'll have a good chance in making a blob in the middle!
Next, you the stamp-a-ma-jig to get your initial from the Lovely Letters Stamp Set…( another bye-bye) to get that perfect image! Pop the stamped image using the 1 3/8" Punch and then layer that on top after putting some stampin' vitamins on it – ( Stampin' Dimensionals) – then the 1 3/4 Scallop Punch with the Daffodil Delight Makes it really pop with the classic white and navy!
"Simple Susan" continued to play up with the yellow and just a simple 1 1/2' strip of the polka dot parade designer paper and matted with a snip of white – really looks sharp against the Midnight Muse…very classic! I still wasn't finished…and wanted to do something I haven't done in months!!!!
Out came the Simply Scored Scoring Tool and I added 3 scored lines on each side and it really added depth! ( I know – it's hard to see int he picture….but try it – you'll like it!!!!) the last touch was a simple snip of Not Quite Navy Taffeta Ribbon to break up the yellows against the monogram!
See how clean and fast this gem is! This would be a super graduation gift to give…you could make up a batch of these, create your own box = a perfect and useful gift…feel like you needed more for a gift….include stamps and perhaps a gift card to a coffee shop! I sure would love some beautiful stationary and be able to have a great cup of coffee to sit and write notes!
Notice something different? I chose to line the outside of the envelope instead of my traditional way! This would surely put a smile on ones face when they went to the mailbox to find this cheery envelope! I hope you have enjoyed this and I hope that it shows you different ways to use your stamp sets that you have! I am going to miss both of these from the catalog!
GREAT NEWS…as I have posted….the starter kit is $99.00 but you get bonus allowing you to pick $155.00 worth of ANY Stampin' Up! product…INCLUDING THE NEW SNEAK PEAK products! I received my Sneak Peek Order yesterday and it is A M A Z I N G !!! You will love the new catalog! Please click here and let me help guide you to my picks for a starter kit!
Enjoy the day….keep me and our horse "Oscar" in your thoughts….he had a "tummy ache" last night I and set my alarm every 2 hours to go down to the barn to check him – this is why probably if you check your posts 1st thing in the morning….you had an incomplete post….I fell asleep! I think he'll be fine but it was a long night!
Until tomorrow….stampin' hugs to you all !
