by Susan Itell | Apr 16, 2017 | Uncategorized |
Happy Easter to all and I have a confession (and one that I do not admit to often…but I was ONE POOPED BUNNY yesterday) after the event that I participated in.
It was WONDERFUL and a HUGE success for such a wonderful cause and I wish that each and every one of you could have been there to see over 225+ kids and parents having the time of their life as families uniting together for good old fashion family fun!
This annual event is for an amazing non-profit that an amazing young women in my community has started and is sooooo passionate about. I invite you to click here and see what it is about – The Kisseman Children’s Foundation. You can see the beautiful baskets that are made from this amazing village and the pride and workmanship that is given with each basket would warm anyones heart.
This young women, Erin is such an inspiration to me as I think that is is wonderful that someone of her age is so dedicated, touched, committed and loving to this village, the people that have become her “family”…wow…if our world had more people like this….just think what we could do for so many.
If you can take just a moment to read the bio’s of “the team” you can clearly see how one visit somewhere can change your life. Erin is the age of one of my peeps and I cannot sing the praises enough that she does on this end (the USA) to help bring awareness and make a difference to help this foundation. The Egg Hunt is a HUGE labor of love but one that is SOLD OUT each year. Each child is given a handmade basket from the village.
What is my part? I have a station that the kids make a simple card and then write a note to the children at the school in Ghana and Erin sends them to the school and in the pictures below you can see the sheer joy that the children have by reading a handmade card from “Erin’s Egg Hunt”
Enjoy the pictures and I just couldn’t resist sharing this adorable picture of this little boy….wow – it truly brought back memories of when my “peeps” were little chicklits! I will comment on the cards that I made as I hope that you will CASE them…so easy yet so cute!!!
This is what we made and I invite you to CASE the idea. You can clearly see that the sky is the limit and it is really easy. All I did was provide 3 1/2 X 3 1/2 square of white paper and then had GOBS of Washi Tape and let the kids put on any pattern, color etc….and then they brought it to the end of the table where I had (2) Big Shots and they picked which Die Cut they wanted…..PRESTO – no mess…no stick because the die cuts right through.
Next they went to the next table where there were dimensional (again….no messy sticky) as little ones are super quick with dimensionals and then they stood there and wrote a note to the kids receiving them.
The most unique thing about this whole thing…..is that there are “NO MELT-DOWNS” from the kids that they are not keeping what they made….is that the BEST or WHAT – I just think that it is great that they could see the pictures of kids receiving them from last year and they are happy to write.
Look at the next 2 pictures and see the determination and fun they are having….and then they popped it in the mailbox and went onto the next activity! What a FUN and REWARDING day but you can imagine how I was HOPPING to get the little ones through!
Hopefully you can see letters that the children in Ghana wrote back….truly a beautiful full circle and I feel very honor to be able to give my time for such a great event.
Now to a FUNNY….last weekend when I went to Richmond…..one of my FUN Downline, Ramsey was talking about these eggs that she makes every year. She was sooooooo sweet to bring (2) boxes of supplies for us to make them in the hotel and guess what – we had so much fun just being together that the boxes never were opened.
Well…..on Wednesday I received a package from her and there were EGGS for me to make! I was sooooooo excited and last night Ashleigh and I sat down and made 2 of them…..hers was great – mine was filled with pins but we had a blast.
Again, this is another great example of how people come into your life and touch your life. I had never met Ramsey before she signed up with me as a SDU and wow – I am so glad that she did as our friendship has grown and we share many of the same loves!
One thing that is FOR SURE….when we get together, it is FUN!
Here you can see the eggs we made….this is the “loot” that James and Ashleigh were taking to her family today as they celebrate Easter with them.
My heart is happy and my JOY TANK is filled (and actually I feel rested as I slept…..ready – 11 hours) ~ obviously I needed it.
Enjoy this special day and I hope that it is filled with family, fun, friendship and memories. I feel so blessed in many ways and one of them is thanks to YOU, I thank you for allowing me to share with you a “part of who I am” – That is the beauty of me blog….it is not only my love for paper crafting but it is also a way for you to get to know “how I roll”
I will see you on Tuesday….and there will be a treat for you…..an organizational tip that you will want to get in order BEFORE the new catalog comes out….enjoy the day and I hope that you can DO EVERYTHING and NOTHING all on the same day! 😀
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by Susan Itell | Apr 15, 2017 | Card Swaps, Uncategorized |
Happy Saturday! I admit, it feels weird not doing a Simple Saturday post for you today but I decided being that it is a holiday weekend….we would switch things up a bit and I think that you are going to enjoy 14 pictures of some fabulous cards!
Guess what I am doing right now…..well if it is around 9ish – noon…..I am making up to 225 cards with kids at an Easter Egg Hunt….call me crazy but call me – “It’s for a great cause” and if I get some pictures, I will share them with you tomorrow. If you follow my blog, and I hope that you do – I did this same event last year. It is fast….fun….and oh so rewarding! (think of me….it ZOOMS by) 😀
Are you ready……I will be the announcer….
LET THE PARADE BEGIN…..
These are some more swaps from the Richmond On Stage that I attended last weekend – wow…could that be true? A week has gone by….YIKES!
Jeanie has made another great card….she sure does like to do unusual fold! The colors are sooooo me – LOVE THEM!
Super Simple…Super Elegant. Love the textures and you just can’t go wrong with yellow….the happiest color in the world!
Oh my….they they are – balloons…..an instant smile maker to me. LOVE the color combination!
FUN CARD…I am thrilled that this stamp set, Playful Backgrounds will be in the NEW catalog….woot-woot as it is sooooo over looked!
I think that this DSP wins the most elegant DSP of the year – Navy and White are right up my alley! Is this a beauty or what BUT…..I think that it might be to hard for this super simple gal….but its fun to dream!
A FUN card and YEP, the Celebration Duo are carrying over….a simple yet effective POP! There are those balloons and I am smiling!
Lastly….this beauty taught me something. I have this bundle but have not used it hardly at all. After seeing this – it made me think…SiIly Susan…you have another chance as YEP, its coming with us in the NEW Catalog!
I hope that you enjoyed seeing other works of art from their hearts. I love swapping and it does bring me joy to share with you the cards I swapped with.
You might be thinking – what an I going to do with them? I will divide them up and share with downline that did not have the opportunity to go! WIN-WIN all the way!
After my “egg hunt event” I am coming home and doing my other love….COOKING! We are having a special dinner with James and his girlfriend Ashleigh and it will be wonderful to be together. I am hoping that my dinner is sooooo good that they will play Scrabble with me.
I love that game..but no one wants to play with me….(as my words are very basic) – DAH….that what I am about!
Have a fabulous day and I hope to see you tomorrow….I am going to lay an Egg….. – RAMSEY MADE ME DO IT! Pop back and see!
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by Susan Itell | Apr 14, 2017 | Class to GO! |
Good Morning! We have a couple of things to chat about! I am going to list them so we make sure we cover everything. Lots have been going on …Randall Lane has been in full swing….
- My April Monthly Kit
- My Pre-Order came….
- A Bird got in the house
- How do I decide which stamps must go….(for me personally)
#1 – April’s Class to GO!
Every month I do a kit or rather shall I say….a Class to GO! I am super proud of my offerings and if you have purchased a Class before….please chime in and let everyone know how you like it!
My kits are a fabulous “me time” for you to sit down and create 6 cards, (2) of each of the 3 that I design but the best part is that you will receive each of the 3 handmade cards from me to use as an inspiration for you to see that YOU can do it and I also will provide you a PDF of instructions and a video for each of the 3 cards!
Here is a “teaser” for you….and you can see that it is BRIGHT…BOLD…CLEAN…FUN…and SIMPLE – just like the kinda cards that I like to make and share with you. The best thing is that you will receive (3) samples made by ME! Everything is included…all you need is to sit and create! If you already have tis stamp set, no worries….when you email me you can substitute to the value of the stamp set, $20.00.
This month I am focusing on the stamp set, Sending Thoughts. I realize that this is “walking the plank” but that does not concern me one bit. This is a fabulous stamp set chocked full of great sentiments and more specifically….messages that make a card SUPER SPECIAL for make “touchy” cards that face it, we need to send.
The cost of the kit is $45.00 and it includes the stamp set as well as shipping. If you are interested in this kit – please click here and email me to save a spot for your kit.Please put in the subject line – APRIL CLASS TO GO! so I can spot it!
I only can make a limited amount so it is totally first come-first served basis. My kits are very popular with other demonstrators as well as you all know me well enough….sharing is the way for all of us to have grown, gain confidence and be able to share ideas!
This kit is filled with some great basic but fun techniques….a belly band card, a heat embossing and a fabulous “formula card” that you can use over and over again with so many stamps and DSP’s!
#2 – My Pre-Order came…..
What can I say but I laugh at myself when I know a package is coming. I knew that my pre-order was coming and in my mind….it should have been there when I woke up because after all – when you know it is coming on Thursday – well that happens the minute my feet it the floor…..I waited and waited….I kept a dog on look out – one on the sofa to see the Brown Truck coming down the lane and another on lookout at the front door. It was a long and boring day for the pooches!
Nothing happened until around 4. That is LATE for me but it came (oops, they came, I had multiples) – Just look at these beauties waiting to get ripped opened! EXCITING TIMES! I truly wish that we were all together to open and yack!
#3 – A bird in the house!!!
As you can imagine….John is burning the candle at both ends and has been working so hard to get through Tax Season. Truth be told, I am usually in bed when he gets home with the dogs and on Tuesday night…..I was dozing off and WOKE UP to a door slamming…..dogs barking….and John’s voice (LOUD) 🙄
You know it is spring when you find birds making their nests wherever they can….well John made a mistake – a big one. It has been sooooo nice out and he turned the grill on and just sat outside waiting for his burger to cook and left the back door open because of the great weather….well – IN CAME THE BIRD that is making a nest right by the back door.
He had all tools covered….a broom, a tennis racket, a lacrosse stick (now THAT I would love to see in action) but it went pretty swiftly….the broom and an open window did the trick! Never a dull moment around here!
#4 – What do I do with my Stamps that are RETIRED?
Hmmmmm….this is hard, really hard but here is the scoop. I look at ones that are “walking the plank” and I say – Did it touch my heart ???….Did and DOES it still make me go WOW – I love that!!!….if I can say YES without doubt, then they have MADE THE CUT….they stay on Randall Lane 😀
I separate them from current stamps that are in the catalog. This just works for me and I keep them all alphabetically – this just seems to work from my purposes in blogging.
I say LOUD AND CLEAR….USE what you want it if is current or of it is retired…..if it is from Stampin’ Up! or from another great company because this whole thing is to have FUN!
I have YEARS of stamps and over the past year I have been having this WORK IN PROGRESS in trying to compile all of the stamps and dies that I want to find a new home for….and trust me, it is a huge job getting it together.
In the comments yesterday…it was asked – how do you sell them? Well…for me – in November, I did a chance for people to go into the “Vault” as I like to call it….and people were able to pick a FREEBIE from ordering with me – that was super fun and it showed me that people really like getting things that they might have passed on.
In being a PAL – we have a great resource (another great reason to be a hobby demonstrator) where we can post within our group things that we want to sell.
I know of many that see on Ebay – but personally….I think that I would be challenged with that task.
Each month I attempt to share a list for you all to see if there is something that you want….but I just do not have it all together….I know, I know – I should just do it as it does not have to be perfect etc….I sell all for 50% off plus I charge whatever the shipping is.
I hope that this helps you…..I am not upstairs right now to glance at the stamps that I have kept but off the top of my head….here are a couple – Vivid Vases, Easter Lamb,Six Sided Sampler,Larger than life alphabet, Lighten Hearted Leaves, MOST Single Stamps – Life is Kindness, Christmas Bauble, Bearing gifts…. as they are usually great…anything that has a BIG SENTIMENT.….most sentiment stamps sets….like the one that I am doing the kit with (WHY???? Easy = it is sometimes hard to find the right sentiment)
Whew….this was LONG but we had a bunch to chat about! I hope that you had 2 cups of coffee reading this and please feel free to leave a comment to get the thoughts going – this is when we learn – from one another! Speaking of coffee…..we have a FABULOUS BUNDLE coming out….one that any coffee lover will “perk up” with!
If you are traveling, please be safe. Tomorrow I will share with you some swaps….I know that many are traveling and /or busy with family so I thought that if you had a chance to pop in…I have some great ideas for you.
Please email me if you are interested in my Class to GO! I think that you will be in for a treat.
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by Susan Itell | Apr 13, 2017 | Tips and Tricks!!! |
I must say….this is the time of the year when everyone gets confused…flustered….sad….happy (because it is getting closer to the NEW CATALOG) but today I am going to ease your mind on items that are in the retired list ~ more explicitly the BUNDLES….to let you know the ones that ARE going to be in the NEW CATALOG.
I bet you are saying – WHY IN THE HECK WOULD STAMPIN’ UP SAY THAT THEY ARE BEING RETIRED if they are going to be in the next catalog?
Again, here is the retired list!
Well….I can and I can’t answer that BUT I will say that there is a “key” beside the items that does indicate that they are being carried over – THEY WILL JUST NOT BE AT THE BUNDLED PRICE. (this is at the very, very bottom of the retired list)
What does that mean to you? Easy = if you like these products that I would take advantage of them now BEFORE the new catalog because they WILL NOT be at the discounted bundled price of 10% off. Basically….they will go into the catalog “A la Carte” ….the link for all of them will be at the end of the post. (TRUST ME….seeing the pictures is easier on your eyes) 😀
All I can say is WOW….you can ease the pain in knowing that there are ALL of these carrying over. If I figured them correctly – there are 19 and WOW…..19 is fabulous!!! 😀 I know that we all push that PANIC button but before we hit that button….I want to ask you one question?
Is it that big of a deal if they are being discontinued?
This is the way that I view it…..the confessions of an honest stamper! If I like it….I would keep it and use it because it touches my heart and makes me happy. 😀
I honestly do that ….They have a special area in my work area and they are HAPPY but I just do not blog about them once they become discontinued because that would not be fair to you!
Just because it is “walking the plank” and not in the NEW Catalog does not mean that it is not a great stamp set. Do I agree with all of the choices??? NO….but when you think of it – that is LIFE….we cannot please every one!
I hope that this post enlightens you to see that there are great items that are going to still be with us! Please do not let this HUGE list get the best of you!
As I shared on Tuesday, I am super sad that the DSP Stacks are going “bye-bye” but click here to see that post and see the Product Share that I am offering! I will keep an “eagle eye” on that list but if you want to take advantage of this share…email me!
I KNOW you are going to ADORE tomorrow’s post….I look forward to seeing you!
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by Susan Itell | Apr 12, 2017 | PALS Blog Hops |
Welcome to the Families First Pals Blog Hop for April 2017. We are thankful you stopped by to take a look at our 2017 Blog Hop monthly themes. This month we are featuring projects that are all about our families. This is a great time of year to think about what to make for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or upcoming graduations. And, family vacations are just around the corner… how would you want to remember those special family moments? We hope to provide you with lots of ideas and that you enjoy our creations.
You may just be starting the Blog Hop or may have come from the previous link from the Line-up on the Pals Blog Hop listing shown below. The full lineup will help you move along from blog to blog so you may see all the projects.
At first glance you might be saying…..WHAT THE HECK SUSAN? What does this have to do with families? Well, hang tight! My peeps are all grown and it is far and few that we get to be together…but let me tell you ~ when we do….TOTAL FUN (and yes, I still cry as they drive away)
When this stamp set came out, Layering Love… I knew that it was coming to Randall Lane. I simply adore sentiments and when they are BIG SENTIMENTS….I say a double whammy! The reason that I chose this card for this hop it that this simple sentiment, “live, laugh, love” are 3 words that sum up family to me!
I think that you will agree that the other sentiments in this stamp set are equally wonderful – a HOMERUN all the way around and the best thing – IT IS BEING CARRIED OVER into the NEW CATALOG….yippee! 🙂
If you follow my blog you already know that simple is me and I think that you can agree that this is a super simple card but the sentiments makes it have a BIG WOW. I would easily send this to a family member or dear friend after having a great time together. To me, it is all about the message…and live,laugh,love sums it up for me!
I know you have a bunch of hopping to do today as there are 30 of us on the hop…so I won’t keep you too long – Here is a quick scoop for you in case you want to case (you really do not need me as it is soooooo easy….but here you go!) The full line up of products used will be at the very end of the post.
- The Base is in the NEW THICK VERY VANILLA Card Stock – (did you let that SINK IN????) YEP, in the NEW catalog we will all be doing the happy dance with the THICK VANILLA! (I am so excited)
- The next layer of Very Vanilla (regular weight) is 4″ X 5 1/4″ and then run through the big shot with the Large Polka Dot Embossing Folder (that’s walking the plank 🙁 )
- The FUN POLKA DOT NEW PAPER is from the NEW CATALOG, and it is called Eastern Palace and truth be told because I do not have a bunch of this paper, so this is why I have a 1″ strip on the left edge but honestly – it does the trick!
- The Sentiment was stamped in the NEW TRANQUIL TIDE (super yummy color) and then cut out with the largest Stitched Circle from the Stitched Shapes Framelits Die (a must have…just sayin’ 😀 ) I also cut another one the same size in the NEW In Color and off set them a wee bit.
- Here is a tip because I am the FIRST TO ADMIT that this thin silver thread can be ONE HOT MESS to work with. After having many struggles….we came to terms and this is the EASIEST way I can tell you to do it. Ready…??? Just hold your hand out and wrap it around all 4 fingers (the width of your hand) several times – cut it and just press it into the adhesive that is already on your circle. Trust me…it is when you start fooling with it that you loose your crackers and get super frustrated 👿 ….Once we had an understanding…we are happy and I think that it adds a fun flair….how about you?
- The Dapper Denim Bakers Twine is from the April Paper Pumpkin Kit and I added a bow and secured it with a simple glue dot.
The envelope…same thing I do just about each and every day as I do love my envelopes….lovin’ your envelope makes the world happy!!! (well, in my world at least)….it’s like not making your bed in the morning – YIKES….my day would not be in order and that is how I feel about my envelopes!
I realize that this is a twist to our theme….but this makes me roll when I think of family…..I think that this is a perfect card that you can send many times to many different loved ones…because the way I feel about it is we all need to live, laugh & love more!
Now go be a bunny rabbit and HOP on….there are so many amazing ideas out there….take them all in and I thank you for POPPING into my little simple world…..
Thanks for visiting. To continue with the hop, please refer to the Blog Hop Line-up below. We hope to see you on next month’s Pals Blog Hop!
- Mary Fish at Stampin’ Pretty
- Lynn Tague at Beyond Beaches & Blessings
- Beth McCullough at Stamping Mom
- Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper
- Amy Hoptay at Craft Carnivore
- Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven’s Retreat
- Brian King at Stamp with Brian
- Tricia Chuba at ButterDish Designs
- Wendy Klein at Doggone Delightful Stampin’
- Patti MacLeith at Papercrafts by Patti
- Karen Zaring Browning at Stamp With Me KZB
- Susan Itell at simplestampin.com
- Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
- Karen Hallam at Karen’s Stampin’ Habit!
- Pamela Sadler at Stampin Pink Rose
- Debbie Crowley at expressively deb…
- Lisa Pretto at InkBig Academy Stamps
- Julie DiMatteo at The Paper Pixie
- Becky Retzer at Just in Thyme by Becky Retzer
- Lynn Kolcun at Avery’s Owlery
- Jennifer Spiller at Westside Paper Creations
- Debra Simonis at Deb’s Stampin’ Grounds
- Rae Harper-Burnet at Wild West Paper Arts
- Jackie Beers at Blue Line Stamping
- Shawn de Oliveira at ShawnStamps.com
- Rosanne Mulhern at Heartfelt Stamping
- Denise Hoepfner at The Mountain Magpie
- Sara Hicks Stuart at Sentiments by Sara
- Jennifer Michalski at Stamping Serenity
- Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards
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