by Susan Itell | Dec 6, 2016 | Christmas |
Happy Tuesday to all…I admit, I am doing the HAPPY DANCE over today’s post but I am a bit sad that the pictures just simply do not do this great idea the justice it sooooooo deserves! Soooooo, I say – trust me on this one as it is SUPER cute…sooooo cute that I am going to make many more up!
I am glad that you all liked yesterday’s post and as I said…this entire week is dedicated to sharing with you fun, practical ideas that even if you do not have the specific product that I am using, no worries as there are always ways to make changes and guess what – it will work!
Here is that super fun Fabulous Foil DSP paper…and today I am using the silver side paired up with Navy – I say WOW….one classic card/gift! All you need to do is pop in the envelope a gift card and you will be the SHINING STAR of the Holidays 🙂
If you do not have the Gift Card Framelit you could easily use the envelope punch board but here is the way that I feel about it….we all know that gift cards are used all year long for a variety of occasions…and trust me, this is a breeze to make – if you are using a regular piece of card stock, all you need is a 1/2 of a sheet. ( but I need to say….you will not regret having this in your stash)…just saying! 🙂
I realize that the Gift Card Framelit is an investment….but then I look at it this way, don’t most things that are a bit more worth it in the long run. I find than when I get something of quality and in this case ~ also practical….each and every time I use it, I am thankful that I made the purchase!
Here are the measurements and tips for you… please CASE away and feel free to email me if you have any questions! – Just like I said yesterday, I would make one of these up and jot down the measurements for the future. Also, remember that you can scroll through my gallery at the top of the Blog Header and that will take you to the posts!
- The Card base is thick Whisper White, 5 1/2″ X 4 1/4″ (a regular A-2 Card)
- The Navy is 5 1/4″ X 4″
- The Acetate is the same size as above, 5 1/4″ X 4″ and then I used the fast fuse in the middle where the envelope would cover it to adhere it together! (this is what is great about this post….you can easily HIDE the adhesive!)
- The Envelope was cut with the Gift Card Envelope & Trims with the Fancy Frost DSP paper (love it!!! ~ the thickness is fabulous and the feel is over the top, plus it is on sale…this is what I am using for a personal Christmas card!)
- I matted it with the Silver Foil Paper, just a smidge larger than the envelope – 4 1/8″ X 2 7/8″ ( to me, a great touch)
- The sentiment was cut out using the Christmas Greetings Thinlits (another classic) and I used the green glue to adhere it!
Tips for you….:
- The adhesives I used were fast fuse and green glue!
- When you mat the envelope to the silver foil – use the fast fuse (just not a wet adhesive) and then add the twine/embellishments to the back….this way the “tails” will be hanging until you tuck in the gift card and then all you have to do it put it in….and tie the bow!
- I did use fun foam to pop it up ( and yep…it does fit in the envelope just fine) – you could easily use stampin’ dimensional….I just like the solid feel of the envelope!
Here is the SMILE picture…..do you agree???? One fun card that acts as a 2 for 1 – tuck the gift card, write a message…and you will be a hit.
Make sure that if you are mailing this to someone far away that in the Holiday Message that you write to “open the envelope” – wouldn’t that be the pits to have them think you just sent them a beautiful card!!! 😆
What is up me sleeve tomorrow….well let me share with you ~ we will switch from gift cards to “check holders” – as I know that there are many of you that enjoy writing checks!
This is a job that I do for my wonderful Dad, he prefers to give a check rather than a gift card and trust me, I have some classics for you!
I hope that you are enjoying this “practical week of posts” – I know that I could be sharing with you a bunch of SNEAK PEEKS from the new catalog…but I say….we are IN THE SEASON and I know that these posts will help you shine for last minute ideas! We will have lots of time for the new catalog and trust me, I will have some “keepers” for you in the very near future!
Please do not forget to check out the deals and end of year clearance….you never know – more items might be added, I check often!
by Susan Itell | Dec 5, 2016 | Christmas |
Good Morning and as I shared yesterday – this week is a week that I will showcase with you ideas that are super easy for you to make and even if you do not have the certain stamp sets etc…that I am using, I am sure that there are plenty of stamps that you have in your stash to CASE away!
Before we go any further I have a confession. I used to NOT be a fan of gift cards because I guess….I just felt that they are the easy way out. Now let me back up….first – the season is NOT able gifts…and “one uping” the person that you exchange with – but the reality is…we do share gifts and many times they are gift cards!
I am a big one that for children…give and share something that they want -they are at that “magical” age in their life that making joy means a ton.
There is also a time that it is just “down right easier” to give a gift card, let someone get what they want….One thing that I ask my family/god children etc…that I give a gift card to – I say…“please share with me what you picked for yourself!” To me….it is a win-win for both of us and it is a great way to reconnect and chat!
I love making things pretty and unique…there is no reason that a simple gift card cannot look great…..have fun!
Here are the dimensions on how to make this! Super easy and one that you can use ALL YEAR LONG….we all have gifts that we give throughout the year and this is a great one, especially for a guy!
If I were you….I would jot these dimensions down and add it to one that you make~ this way you will always have it handy!
- The base is 5 1/2 X 4 1/4″
- The Print DSP is 4 1/4″ X 4 1/2″
- The Black Strip is 4 1/4″ X 1 1/4″
- The Garden Green is 4 1/4″ X 3/4″
- The white piece on the back (the part that you can write a message on) is 4″ X 4″ but you could have easily made it larger, I really do not know why I did not make it larger! This is where you can write a message!
Here are some tips:
- I did heat emboss the sentiment with Clear Embossing Powder – make sure to use that Stampin’ Buddy!
- Use Tear – n – tape on the 3 sides to make a pocket for you to slide the tag/gift card in
- For the tag – I just took a piece of 5″ X 2 5/8″ paper and then added a fun DSP 4 7/8″ X 2 1/2″ (you can really make it what you want – just make sure that it is wide enough for the gift card.
- I added the “pull” so the recipient would know…there is more inside the pocket!
- I adhered the pines and linen bow with glue dots – can you say EASY!!!!!
There you go…..sorry that the post seems soooooo rushed but time was against me! We have a FABULOUS time yesterday at the Ravens game! It might have been my first….but it will not be my last – I was in my glory and I adored the fun and spirit that was surrounded by us.
They WON BIG TIME and we had great seats – this was us before the stadium filled up – a great day with my guys! COming home to FOREVER but that was ok – we yacked and yacked…..a great day!
I hope to see you back here tomorrow as I have another gift card idea for you. This is one that I like to use as it is a bit “stepped up” from todays….but I have a hunch that it will make you smile.
I am a believer that when you have a keeper…than KEEP IT!!!!! This is what this WHOLE WEEK OF POSTS IS ABOUT….sharing with you ideas that are practical and fun!
by Susan Itell | Dec 4, 2016 | Christmas, Step it up Sunday!, Uncategorized |
Good Morning! If you happened to wonder where was my morning early post….we lost internet yesterday! Sorry for the delay but you are going to love this one! 🙁 The GREAT news is that I am back and we need to have a chat about this super cute shaker card!
I adored the comments from yesterday and yes…PEEP James did love the card (sometimes I wonder if he just says that because of me being “Mom” but he liked it and John…well ~ he increased his order to 18 cards! I think they think I eat Bonbons all day!)
Here you go….side by side, you decide! I know that you like these 2 days posts and every week I say to myself, I don’t know if I can do it….and then somewhere…somehow – I pull it off!
I have LOTS of pictures for you today as I feel pictures really help but as always, please feel free to email me if you need additional help. Shaker cards are really fun to make and they are like anything else, a couple of tips and tricks and the process is much smoother!
Before we get going, here are the comments from the guys. They BOTH liked Saturday’s Card…naturally I said, does that mean that you didn’t like Sunday’s card….they both laughed at me and said that they didn’t need the fru-fru inside but they said that my readers would prefer the shaker card…..YES – I love them both but it is FUN to shake-shake-shake!!!
Making a Shaker Card if fun. Making a Shaker card is rewarding as there is something special about the movement inside. Making a Shaker Card creates and instant WOW to whomever is lucky enough to receive it. I hope that YOU try to make one.
We all have the necessities of making one…you can use circles, squares, rectangles….but today I am using the Hearth & Home Framelit as I think that it is a perfect choice for a shaker card, especially for the Holidays!
You can see by the pictures that I stamped the tree and cut it out like a normally would do but then I also cut a piece of Crumb Cake to go behind the window. Below you will see that I simply adhered the tree and then snipped off the edges for the backdrop of the shaker element!
TIP ALERT: – Use the thin Foam Strips when making a Shaker Card…they are a DREAM MACHINE and make life soooooo much easier and it is a HUGE time saver! Just make sure that you have the ends together to lot allow and “goodies” to decide they want to leave the card!
Here is another tip: – I like to take the embossing buddy bag and run it over the paper and image BEFORE I put the sequins in…this helps with static when you place the acetate over and also it takes away some of the “tackiness” of the sides of the adhesive strips so the elements do not stick (You can see in the picture below that I must not have done a good job on the right side as there are many elements sticking….no worries, once you have your card together just keep shaking and shaking and they will get loose!)
I forget to take a picture of this but I think that you will “get it” – You will adhere a piece of acetate to the front windowpane part of the diecut. I used tear – n tape and where it was too wide, I simply folded it over. You really want a good and strong hold to keep the acetate in place. Also, take the embossing buddy and do the same thing – this helps for the static!
Another TIP: – before you release the adhesive strips, glue down a couple of sequins etc….randomly around the visual part. This way when your card is sitting up as a card would be on a shelf etc…you will see some elements and then hopefully (unless you are a guy) it will encourage you to give this card some love and smile as you shake it back and forth! 🙂
I went into my stash of fun and randomly used elements that I love…I just love little seed beads and also clear items. No rules, just have fun but do not put too much in because it will be hard to get the good “shake” – less is best!
Here is my smile picture, when I get to this part…I feel like I have accomplished something. I admit, guilty as charged that I have be known in my family to carry around a card and to keep saying, do you like this one – this is one that I would do with it!
I think that the tree behind the window just warms your heart for the holidays! I a getting excited (I rarely do this early) but yesterday we worked our tails off (but trust me, there still is a big tail behind me) and I will say that we accomplished 85% of the decorating! Tomorrow I will share with you a funny that will make you laugh!
Here is your 411 – picture to pin for the future! Just hover over it and take it to your favorite spot! I am sad that this stamp is “walking the bye-bye plank” but it will be one that will not leave Randall Lane…there are simply some stamps that you cannot part with!
Click here to see the items that are on the year end closeouts and remember, with every $75+ or more purchase with me this month, YOU can go into the VAULT and pick any stamp set your heart desires. I have 5 years of stamps in there and it has been a WORK IN PROGRESS trying to get them all in one place.
Those that have been to the vault as happy to finally get that one stamp set that they wanted but didn’t get. I do have marked in the vault (updated it yesterday) the items from this current catalog that I am saying goodbye to….but I can not mail them to you until after the catalog ends, Jan. 3rd as per our rules!
Have a fabulous day….”get lots done” and look for me at the Ravens game!!! Yep, James bought tickets for us to go together…..so the 3 of us are going to Baltimore today, this will be my first love NFL Game! It should be a fun day!
p.s. – this coming week of posts….they will be super fun and informative as I will be sharing with you some practical and fun ways to finish up those gifts ideas!
by Susan Itell | Dec 3, 2016 | Christmas, Simple Saturday, Uncategorized |
Happy Weekend! Here you go with a super SIMPLE card that is a keeper for a guy! I was thinking about PEEP James when I made this as you know…dear old Mom would LOVE to make some cards for her peeps to send out! Here is a funny….when John came home last night, I showed him the cards for his thoughts!
His response…”LOVE them – I would like a dozen!” When I said, “John., I was going to make these for James” ~ he said great – we have different friends. I would love a dozen (or more) for some special clients! Well…I guess I should be flattered…right?????
You know how I feel about single stamps, it is simple – they are keepers. This one is very unique and yep…it is “walking the plank on the bye-bye list” I thought that it was super unique and I knew instantly is would be on Randall Lane. ( PLUS – it is on sale for just $12.75)
Now you need to admit, it doesn’t get any simplier than this!?!!? When I have a BIG stamp like this, I like to take my ink pad to the stamp and then place the paper on top of the inked up side and press with my hands to transfer the ink.
You can see that I used a much larger piece of paper than I needed but to me, it is easier to do it this was and then take it to the trimmer to get it all lined up to the exact size I need.
To me, the colors ~ the neutrals is what makes this a great “guy card”. I originally had a Crumb Cake star on the tree and when John saw tomorrows card….he said – you need to make a sparkly star like that card! (well…there is a hint for tomorrows card!)
This stamp set and framelit was carried over from last year and I say….it has not been blogged a bunch about this year but it is a keeper. (look at the products used at the end of the post). I used the smaller tree in the framelit set to adhere to the tree….works great – right?!?!
If you ever use the fun foam, remember to use an adhesive like fast fuse as it needs a “dry” adhesive….it is a heck of mess with the green glue, just sayin’ ~ been there…done that!
Here is the “pretty picture”…it just makes my heart pitter – patter when I see the envelope beside it. The COMPLETE picture…a true smile maker! The Warmth & Cheer DSP Stack had been a great addition to the Holiday Collection this year. I am a die hard lover of plaids and I was super happy with all of the yummy paper that are in this collection!
There you go! I am in love with this card and I am THRILLED that John loves it….now let’s hope that PEEP JAMES feels the same way. I know that it is hard to find a card for a “guy” – but I think that this is a keeper!
Don’t forget about the on going YEAR END CLOSE OUTS – shop away…and then TURN THE DIAL to PICK a stamp set of your choice from my VAULT OF STAMPIN’ FUN! I will send you “the list” and TRUST ME….it is a HUGE list…5 years worth of goodies and I have been making smiles!
Have a great day…..get some decorating in – make memories and JUST HAVE FUN! I hope to see you back tomorrow to see what it up my sleeve! Stampin’ hugs!
by Susan Itell | Dec 2, 2016 | Christmas |
Good Morning…is it really Friday already? I received this card from a customer, Judy…or I should say “Princess Judy” and I just HAD TO share it with you as it is right up my alley and I knew that you would love it to!
Before we get to the FUN of this card (as I want to point out some things that make this amazing) I want to share with you that there is NO NEED TO WORRY about the amount of items that are on the YEAR-END CLOSEOUTS. This happens every year and there always seems to be a PANIC – look at it as a great time to take advantage of great deals and also…your last chance to pick up that stamp/bundle you have been looking at!
After we do some chatting about this SUPER FUN Card, I have some other tips and explanations for you in regard to the Year-End Closeouts…so please read on!
This fun card was made using the Christmas Magic Stamp Set. It is just adorable and it is on the BYE-BYE List and it is 20% off. I admit, I did not have this stamp set but when I received this card, I ordered it yesterday. (YOU SEE….even YOU GUYS enable me). The (2) things that I love most about this stamp set are (1) this adorable snowman and (2) the sentiments.
Judy did a fabulous job with her water-coloring. I invite you to look at the simplicity of this and then say…yep, I could do that. Judy took one of my “classes in the mail” that focused on water-coloring and WOW – she learned but more importantly she HAS PRACTICED.
Water-coloring is very easy and it is not only rewarding, but it is relaxing. The POP point in her coloring is that she highlighted the entire snowman with Sahara Sand (you are a great student Judy as you have seen me do this) Look below and you will see how this simple tip makes the image come to life!
You all know how I feel about the Classic Tools we have – not only are they time savers, you can never go wrong! Just look at these simple ovals – the perfect compliment!
Here you go with the products used. The red gingham ribbon was perfect for the card…Judy – you make BEAUTIFUL bows…but then again, you ARE PRINCESS JUDY! Many thanks for this card and I knew that everyone would love to see it! Super fun 🙂
Now, back to the Close Out Scoop…read below and I think that it will shed some light and be helpful. Remember that any order of $75+ with me this month will allow you to take a trip into MY VAULT of retired stamps….(if you ordered yesterday from me….feel free to chime in on a comment with how BIG THE VAULT IS….5 years worth of stamps)
Sometimes it is easier to see the “Bye-Bye” List in this format – CLICK HERE to preview it and I would suggest to print it off. I personally love to have the page numbers (I just think that it is easier to flip through) and as items get sold out, Stampin’ Up! will update it and there will be an “X” on the right. I also like to take a pen and add a “R” for retired.
Here is another helpful format – (click on the below image). Again, I like to take a marker and make note that the specific stamp is carried over in your catalog.
One thing that I want to point out and this is why I am sharing the Holiday Carryover List with you is that there are several items that ARE BEING CARRIED OVER but KNOW they are in a BUNDLE NOW…but when this Catalog selling period ends (January 3rd) – they will NOT BE AT A BUNDLE PRICE….so if you want them, purchase them NOW as a bundle to save an instant 10%.
I am pointing this out from experience. Sometimes I think that we see it as a bundle, that it will always be a bundle…that does not happen all the time. I am just looking out for you! The text in red below is at the bottom of the PDF that I shared….look at the symbols and it will help you!
*Amount in Stampin’ Rewards; host sets can only be purchased using Stampin’ Rewards from a qualifying party.
**Bundle includes some products that are not retiring; refer to the Retiring List to see what individual products are retiring.
^While the items in these bundles are not retiring, they will no longer be available in a bundle after January 3, 2017
I hope that I am not being “so basic” in explaining things like this to you but I feel like there are times that we simply get confused about. I know that many are just starting with this hobby and need some help….so I always like to make sure that everyone is “in the know” 😀
I am excited for the weekend post – I think that you are going to like it….well – LOVE IT! Simple Saturday and then Step It Up Sunday….Thanks for popping in and thanks for your support and encouragement that you give to me each and everyday.
