by Susan Itell | Dec 1, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Today is not only the beginning of a NEW Month…but it is the beginning of the Year-End Closeouts for Stampin’ Up!
(Click on the below image and it will take you right to the goodies!)
I know, I know….some of you are going to be sad that certain products are being retired ~ but trust me, it will be ok.The thing to remember is, The EARLY BIRD gets the worm as there are some items that will sell out fast.
I love how they have the categories broken down…have fun taking it all in and remember, just because there are items that are on the “bye-bye” list…doesn’t mean that they are not “keepers” – Trust me, I have many stamps that I keep!
I honestly have not looked at the list and trust me, after I post this….I will grab a cup of coffee and do the same thing that you are doing….CLICKING ON THE LINK…..and taking it all in…and then hit that SHOP NOW button and grab some deals!
Here is the hostess code for this month:
3ZYWSCUE
You are going to LOVE the incentive this month….and it is one that I can get out the door to you in a jif! You know how the saying goes, “you live and learn”….well I have that taped up in my work area as I am still playing catch up in making cards.
How would YOU like to pick a FREE STAMP SET from my vault of retired Stamps! 🙂 Yep, that is right…over the past several months I have been organizing my retired stamps and I have them in a word document and if you order $75.00 + from me, you can take a trip into my “Vault” and pick a stamp set!
Remember, if your order is over $150.00+, there is no need to use the Hostess Code because YOU can take advantage of the hostess rewards, but I will still let you pick from the vault (actually you would be able to pick 2 FREE STAMPS)
This has been a work in progress as I have 5+ years of stamps. I have them all alphabetically organized and in a Word Document…(that is a HUGE step for me)…now hit that PAW PRINT and shop away!
Enjoy the day…the Countdown has begun….YIKES – 24 days until Santa!!! Let’s all pace ourselves…remember to enjoy the journey, make memories along the way and have fun! Baby steps! 😀
by Susan Itell | Nov 30, 2016 | Birthday |
Good morning – happy HUMP day….I have a confession – I needed a break from Christmas Cards and when I received a text from my dear Dad yesterday reminding me that a family friend was turning 65 on Thursday….It was like a LIGHT BULB going off to say – YES….you can have a “HALL PASS” from Holiday Cards!
I know that this looks rather more like Spring but I know that my friend will love it! Heck…there are times that a girl has to do what a girl has to do – go OUT OF THE BOX and have fun! That is what I did for you all today!
Darn, I LOVE white and I love to have LOTS of white space and I think that this is a great example of how it worked! I am using (2) different stamp sets….Flower Patch Photopolymer and Cottage Greetings!
I will also have to share…I do like and now actually prefer photopolymer stamps as there is no guess work for alignment…I was not always on this wagon…but as we have more and more photopolymers, I appreciate them and prefer them!
I admit, there are times that I just do not want to pull out the stamp-a-ma jig (even though I really like it) – as it is a time thing. I will say – I DO use the stamp-a-ma jig because I would rather take the TIME to make sure that my stamping is straight (TYPE A in me)…so I do it!
You can see that I layered the white mat but I also lifted up the stamped and cut shapes. At the end of the post you can see the colors that I used. Pear Pizzazz to me is a GREAT color….and one that I think gets overlooked.
Now how about THIS POP! The In Color DSP MAKES this project come together! WOW, I adore these papers and I do think that they are totally overlooked in the catalog and I also know that they are expensive, this is why I always have them offered in Product Shares!
With the new catalog right around the corner, you betcha that I will be offering a product share….keep on the look out for the details!
Here is your picture to PIN AWAY! (just hover over it and click) I did cut the banners AFTER I stamped them. The one with the stamping is 1 1/4″ wide and the other is 1″ wide. I know that we have framelits to make banners but I prefer to cut them with a trimmer most of the time and then just snip the ends to make the banner ends 🙂
One more view of this super clean and simple card. I know, I know – I say this all of the time….PLEASE work with what you have. IF you have purchased the stamps, then you LOVED the stamps….pull them off the shelf and give them some love!
A final reminder that TODAY is the LAST DAY that you can take advantage of the Stitched from the Heart 25% off opportunity. There are some great stamps….so take a look! (click on the image to view the offerings)
Have a great day…and tomorrow is going to be a day that could be very interesting. Stampin’ Up! will be unveiling the retired list from the Holiday Catalog and that means….there will be a HUGE SURGE of people wanting to swoop up items that they have been on the fence. I will say, just because something is being retired….doesn’t mean that it is not special! Enjoy the day…..
by Susan Itell | Nov 29, 2016 | Christmas |
Here is to a TERRIFIC TUESDAY! I had so many comments and emails about the Acetate that I used over the weekend (thank you to Linda Droege) for the inspiration! Click here and then here to see the posts.
I have a new card that actually is even more economical that the one that I share over the weekend. I know that it is a different look and feel but it is a WINNER- WINNER….CHICKEN DINNER one and YEP, it is a part of the Stitched from the Heart sale that is ending tomorrow!
This stamp set, Oh, What Fun Photopolymer Stamp…is a carried over one from last year and I was not surprised as it is a great one, filled with amazing sentiments!
You can see that there are layers and different widths of cuts but can you also see that it is still a “clean” card. You have heard me say time and time again, USE THE BASIC TOOLS THAT WE HAVE AND LOTS OF PAPER…..you will always come out with a winner!
For this card, the basics are the use of our trimmer, the Big Shot and the ovals! Today I combined the stitched ovals (Cherry Cobbler) with the nesting ovals (Very Vanilla). We will chat about the “fun leaves” later…..
Here is the acetate! Remember, one side is silver and the other is gold. I think that the silver would look sunning with Navy! This cuts like a dream with our trimmer and on today’s card, I just used a very small piece. It is 2″ X 4″ piece.
This is the DSP that I used, This Christmas. It is in the annual catalog and I really like it. It is a thinner paper and when I first felt it, I was worried that it would not be sturdy enough but I was wrong, it is a dream machine. The other thing that is super unique about this is that you get (4) sheets of each design = you will get 24 sheets of paper.
The other win-win for me and this paper is, it pairs with Very Vanilla. To me, there is just something classic about Very Vanilla and Cherry Cobbler together.
Here is a great shot of the Gold Heat Embossing. This font is just beautiful and FUN. Remember the tips that I have shared with you….the Embossing Buddy, a paint brush and a good and hot heat gun BEFORE you bring it to the image = a perfect end result!
Now we will chat about the fun “fru-fru” that I tucked around the oval. They are from the Pretty Pines Thinlits Dies. You could easily use these 2 images that I cut out to be a “filler” for other cards throughout the year. They are just simple “greenery” and simple “berries” that work all year long.
This is what I meant when I said at the top of the post….have and work with the basics – and you will be good to go! 🙂
Before I get to the measurements for you…I want to point out the Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon that place between the 2 prints. This is on the clearance rack along with the same in white and if you do not have this luscious ribbon, you need it. For $2.70 – I ask you, how can you go wrong?
Here is anther tip…when there is ribbon in the clearance rack – I stock up on it. I always find a way to use it to make things “pretty” – it is those simple touches that make people smile. I did a craft show and placed goodies in a clear food storage bag (from the grocery store) but added a beautiful discontinued ribbon and people were wowed but the simple yet finished look!
Here is the simple scoop of this card, please CASE away and make someones day!
The base is a vertical Very Vanilla – 4 1/4 X 5 1/2″
To make it super fast and easy for me, I took a piece of Cherry Cobbler 4″ X 5 1/4″ (I KNOW, I KNOW….it was a shame to cover up the paper but this worked FAST for me!) The lower DSP is 4″ X 3 1/4″ and then the Acetate is 4″ X 2″.
I adhered the Acetate to the cherry cobbler with a strip of tear -n – tape as I knew that I was going to add the ribbon over top so you would not see the adhesive.
The rest is very straight forward but if you need help or clarity, either leave a comment or email me!
I ask you….did you do any shopping yesterday from CYBER MONDAY??? I am guilty as charged and I feel like I picked some keepers! I admit, I feel a bit guilty that I did have so much pleasure clicking away as I feel bad for stores….but the other side of the coin is – GOING TO STORES, stresses me, it is as simple as that as the patience of people is sad.
This is NOT what the season is about….my heart was pitter-pattering on Thursday as we were talking about Christmas…and Will chimed in – and said….“DO we have a theme this year” — I was soooooo happy as he “knows me and gets it” – my PEEPS know what the season is about….it is not the gifts, it is about the journey. True I did some shopping yesterday but it was very selective as I love HANDMADE gifts!
Tomorrow is the LAST day for taking advantage of the Stitched from the Heart SALE! You can click the below image to join in with the fun!
We are to be having CRAZY weather – it is to rain (which we need desperately) but it is to be 62 degrees – CRAZY… 😕 Guess what I am going to be doing…..I am going to a Laundry Mat that I can take Horse Blankets to to wash…..darn, I bet you wish you could be there – such a FLATTERING JOB to do!!!!
See you tomorrow….
by Susan Itell | Nov 28, 2016 | Christmas, Watercoloring |
Hello all! I am super excited to share with you the next card using the Merry Mice Stamp Set! This ADORABLE stamp set in a part of the STITCHED FROM THE HEART Sale...and I ask you, how can you NOT let these adorable mice come to your home! Trust me, when I see a REAL mouse at the barn – THEY MAKE ME JUMP….but these little guys…will always have a home on Randall Lane!
How can you not say YES to these guys…..for just $12.75 how can you go wrong! You can click here and here to see other posts that I have done with these super fun mice! Below I share with you all of the dimensions of this card…..CASE AWAY!
Hannah and I named them….these guys are ~ Merlin, Molly & Mikey! I just think that they are soooooo adorable and water-coloring with the aqua painter is just the best! Please know that there is no need to worry about this simple tool, it is soooooo easy, just add water….add some ink and you are good to go! I squeeze the ink pad and paint from the top lid.
This is how I started out with making this card. I always stamp extras not only for more cards but “just in case I make a mistake” but then I thought, SILLY SUSAN (again) I needed to make the card stock longer to have a sentiment!
As I have blogged before, I like to use a cutting board (just go to Bed Bath & Beyond and use a 20% coupon) and use Micropore Tape to hold down my work! I actually did this yesterday while watching football and doing laundry! Fun….RIGHT?!?!?! I know that the link for the tape has MANY rolls but share it with some friends!
The card is an A-2 Card and then I used the FUN plaid from the Warmth and Cheer DSP Stack to cover the entire front ( 5 1/2″ X 4 1 1/4″) and then the Whisper White that I stamped is 4″ X 2 3/4″.
I often am asked this question…What Ink do you use. I use the Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad. Actually this is the only Black Ink that I use. I still have other Blacks on my shelf but honestly, I have not touched them at all even since this came out. I highly recommend this ink as it is a permanent ink and it dries super fast. I will give you a heads up – purchase a refill. Maybe it is me but I find that I need to re-ink this often (heck – it is probably because I use it all of the time) 🙂
The colors that I used to do the water-coloring were: Sahara Sand, Garden Green, Real Red, Delightful Dijon and a wee bit of Blushing Bride for the inside of the ears and cheeks. I love water-coloring on the thick Whisper White. It works perfectly and it also does not curl!
I matted the colored image to a piece of Sahara Sand that is a wee bit larger, 4 1/8″ X 2 7/8″ and then the Real Red piece is 4 1/2″ X 3″ and I did run this through the BIG SHOT with the Large Polka Dot Embossing Folder (you could easily skip this but I think it makes it super fun)
I adhered the layers together with Fast Fuse and then I popped up the entire image using fun foam but you can easily use Stampin’ Dimensionals. I personally like the “feel” of the fun foam when you have a larger piece that you are popping up…
Because I had this odd piece left over from cutting the plaid, I used it to my advantage to make my envelope SMILE! I had to use a bit wider accent piece, it is 1/2″ wide
There you go but we have some SERIOUS SHOPPING BUSINESS to talk about as today is a ONE DAY FLASH SALE. We are still full steam ahead with the Stitched From the Heart and the Online Extravaganza (click on the images and it will take you right to the SHOPPING FUN)
Have a GREAT day….my house seems as quiet as a Church Mouse and the PEEPS are all gone….long trips but they all made it safe and sound….that silly Hannah – after driving for 7 hours….she went right to the barn to see Stanley!
It is CYBER MONDAY…..make sure that your computer is charged up and ready to go…have fun – I just love clicking and then seeing the Brown Truck roll done the lane!
Remember….TODAY ONLY is the FLASH SALE and I am sure there will be LOTS OF BELLS RINGING as yep, the Bell Punch is on sale…a classic…actually all of the goodies today are classic! (again, you can click the image)
Here is that PAW PRINT…..give it a HIGH FIVE and it will take you right to my online store…jammie shopping is in style! 🙂
by Susan Itell | Nov 27, 2016 | Christmas, Step it up Sunday! |
As promised…here you go with the “Stepped up Version” of yesterday’s card and I ask you…this is a beauty….right????
I cannot imagine how long it took Linda to make over 50 of these cards! She is my hero. This is why I felt so blessed when I received it as a swap card. The BIG difference and trust me, in my eyes it is a BIG DIFFERENCE is that she INKED up with (2) colors for the sentiment…..I say a HUGE WOW!!!
I can remember looking at it and say – where in the heck did this gorgeous acetate came from? – SILLY SUSAN….it was right in front of me in the Annual Catalog and I overlooked it.
I know that I share that with you yesterday on my post...but it is a beautiful and classic accent. Today you can see that it is a different pattern from yesterday and again, classic yet still fun!
I admit, I do not have the best of luck with using the markers and inking up a part with one color and then switching it to another. It can be done and I am sure if I took my time I would master it but it is just something that frustrates me. We can clearly see that it can be done and also done with amazing style 😀 To me, this is stunning as I totally appreciate and know the time that she took to do this!
When I saw this card I immediately thought – WOW….this gal is one talented stamper as the image is so clean and crisp. KUDOS to you Linda!!! 🙂
As I say to you…side by side, YOU decide!
I knew that I needed to try to make my version and yesterday you saw it. To me, both cards are super and I know that anyone would be proud to receive either one. Yesterdays green was Always Artichoke and today is Garden Green. Again, personal preference and you cannot go wrong with either one!
I wanted to comment on how easy it is to cut this acetate – it cuts like butter with your trimmer and I just love the way it “clings” to the card-stock underneath. With me being so “Type A” I thought that it might “bug me” that the edges were not adhered down…but it works ~ trust me! I just added fast fuse behind the banner.
I hope that you enjoy the 2 day post and I thought that it was super fun to be able to showcase someone’s card and not only share their talent, but also give you an insight as to how you can make it work for YOU and YOUR style.
If you are traveling today, please be safe. At this time of the year I always say – WHERE IN THE WORLD DID ALL OF THESE PEOPLE COME FROM??? I am amazed at the amount of traffic that will be filling our roads over the next couple of weeks.
You know what I say….MAKE HOMEMADE…not only is it a classic, people LOVE IT and your heart will be happy as YOU made it!
Time is ticking for you to take advantage of the Stitched from the Heart Sale, the selected stamp sets that are 25% off…if this stamp set is not on your shelf, it is simple – IT NEEDS TO BE as it covers many holidays!
Guess who is on the house tomorrow….Maurice and Marvin’s cousins!!!! – YEP, there is a Mouse in the HOUSE! (and he is excited to come out!!!)
If you click on the below images….it will take you to the direct area that the sale items con be found! Remember, tomorrow is a one day FLASH SALE along with the other extravaganaza goodies!
