by Susan Itell | Feb 7, 2015 | 3-D Projects |

Good Morning! Yesterday's post I shared with you the super fun super practical "gift" made with love…and today I am sharing with you a post with the card that I made to go with it!
My Mom was the BEST and she always said…."It's all about the presentation….it's all about the thought…it make no different about the cost…it's all about the thought"…and to me – these 2 do the trick and I know that my Mom would love these!

The "star" of this car is from the fun Cheerful Critters Stamp Set and it was given to me by my wonderful upline, Mary Fish. This is such a cute set and when you go….."OUTSIDE of the BOX" – there are many, many ideas….I just love it!

To add to the Top Note Box of goodies, I made a fun notecard that was a bit "interactive" – well a simple button did the trick to prop the front of the card! I just adore the notecard and all I did was score it at 1 1/2" and gave it a good….crisp bone fold to "prop" my little guy up!

You have heard me say before…but it is well worth saying again – I LOVE OUR BLENDABILITIES….and I think that it is SUPER DUPER that Stampin' Up! is offering them as a freebie with Sale-a-bration…..please click here to ask me more about any details you might need!
The colors I used were….light Crumb Cake, Medium Cherry Cobbler, Ivory & Blush Skin Tone…I just adore how easy they make US LOOK GREAT! I am no way an artist, but I find that these markers are fantastic!

Pulling the super fun Stacked with Loved DSP Stack was a key "fun factor" and oh so easy to pull this fun together! I forgot to talk about the sentiment – It is from the A Dozen Thoughts Stamp Set….one of my all time favorites…plus the help of the decorative dots embossing folder added interest and depth.

Because this sentiment is too long for my space, I simply "masked off" the pieces I needed and with the help of my stamp -a-ma -jig….the magic happened! To me, that is the BEST piece of "plastic" one could have to make a great card!

This is a fun and different twist to a card! There still is plenty of room to write a not above the "button" and you also have the back of the note card!
Does this make you smile? I have more to share with you this week with this stamp set…it is just too darn cute! Please let me know what you think?!?! I must admit, when the catalog came out I was on the fence with it but I just love it!
Let's all have a great day and hopefully this little gut made you smile!! Stampin' hugs!
p.s. – Here is a tip…because the Blendabilities bleed through your card stock (this is totally normal) – I adhered another piece of whisper white to the "critter" before I did my quick fussy cut out of him…
also – if you do not want to use a button because of "bulk" when mailing, simply put a rectangle and stamp a sentiment popped up with a stampin dimensional to make the easel card work. (If your confused, email me)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Feb 6, 2015 | 3-D Projects, Party Favors, Thank You, Valentines |

Today I had a different post planned but no worries as you will see it super soon…but I wanted to sneak this post in and I am going to call the my "Indulgence Post" hmmmmm……do I have you wondering what I am talking about!
I have had a lot of time to do a lot of thinking (which could be a good thing or a bad thing) and being stuck inside I have naturally had lots of time to reflect on things!
To learn the "low down" on how to make this gem, please click here to see my original post and then you can click here to see it again in another way! I was super happy with this one – the Stacked with Love Paper stack is simply fabulous and I adore the "thanks" framelit…so clean and classic!

I think as we get older we do not allow ourselves the opportunity to "indulgence" in something that we would not normally do for ourself…if you are like me – I would rather do things for John and the peeps….the animals….and I usually put myself last – does this sound familiar to you?
Yesterday I was super frustrated that I could not accomplish a task that to me I should have been able to do…yes, it was with the silly computer but after having a pity party which only Rosie showed up for I decided to switch gears and make some gifts to thank people for dropping off dinners to us…plowing our lane…just great acts of kindness as this is John's busy season….Tax time!

I have made these "old faithfuls" so many times and every time I blog about them I get many comments. This is where indulgence comes in. WHY? – Because it uses the Big Shot…..WHY does that matter?….well clearly the Big Shot is an investment…the Big Shot is basically $100.00 and when we see that we go…..OH NO…I couldn't do that!
Well that is exactly the way I thought about it….and when I finally broke down and purchased it (I used it as a 1/2 price item and that is definitely the way I would go if I were you), I still felt guilty….then you know what is next…you need to purchase dies, framelits etc….to use the Big Shot.

The Top Note Die was probably the 1st Die I purchased….I have no idea why – probably because someone told me I just had to have it…and this post is a testament to how thankful and grateful I feel that I allowed myself to indulge in something that brings me joy….
I simply cannot tell you how many of these "Top Note Boxes" I have made and each and every time I do…I am thankful that this incredible "hobby" has come into my life!
Little things like this box of Life Savers DOES make a difference.
You know how you feel when you receive a gift that someone took the time to make for you – especially something made from their hands…that in itself is a gift!

When the new Occasions Catalog came out I was like a little kid in a candy store and there were sooooo many things that I wanted…..again – here comes the "indulgence thing" again….I really – REALLY wanted the Crazy About You Bundle and yikes the photopolymer one is $42.25….and I was feeling a bit guilty but again, I did get it as a 1/2 price item and just look how many times I have used it over the last several weeks!
The moral of this story is embrace what makes you tick…we all have gifts and many of these inner gifts that we have make such a difference. If you doubt this, go back and read some of the comments that people left on the blog candy post….you all are great….
"THANKS"

p.s. – Good Morning ….I only have (2) spots left for my Stamp of the Month Kit….please click here to see the post on it and if you want a spot, please email me and put in the Subject Line FEBRUARY STAMP OF THE MONTH CLUB.
Tomorrow (Saturday) I will send a confirmation emails out to all that are participation along with the colors of ink that I am using for the kit. It is super cute! ( I am trying to be more organized!!!)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Jan 28, 2015 | 3-D Projects, Valentines |

It is that time of the year….well – it is super duper close but I know many of you do best working on a tight schedule! Even though my "peeps" are all grown…they are never to old to receive some "FUN LOVE" from Mom and Dad!
If you follow my blog (and I hope that you do), you already know that I adore these little boxes – they are just fabulous and I am thrilled that Stampin' Up! has continued to keep these available! I just love them.

The stamp set I used for this fun project is called "Hey Valentine" and I just could not resist! My oldest "peep" teaches little ones in Boston so you bet that I am going to send some fun and love his way for his class (I LOVED being the homeroom Mom when the kids were little….this way I can still have fun!)

I have a bunch of pictures for you…..(kind of "Show and Tell") – I know that you all enjoy pictures – please feel free to email me if you have any questions and I will be sharing with you more ideas of decorated little boxes! They are just so fun and there and many things to fill them up with!
I used the Blendabilities to color my little guy! I just adore these markers and remember, you can earn sets FREE as a pick in the Sale-A-Bration Catalog (I have been taking advantage if this)…remember to place a piece of paper behind your paper as they will bleed through (this is normal)



When I put the box together, I simply cut a strip of paper from the FUN Stacked with Love DSP Stack at 1 1/2" and then I started on a side and went all the way around (It covered all 3 sides and there was a bit left over but I snipped that off) My dear little Pirate will be on the front! (hopefully that makes sense!)

Isn't this a fun project! I do hope that you put on your creative hat and have fun! No worries if you do not have this stamp set…I am sure that you have many Valentines Stamps and/or hearts….perhaps this would be a fun time to call a friend and get together to create – sounds like a fun time to me!

I popped out a heart and did a quick stitch…this would be a great place to write someone name on it! I can remember getting these chocolate coins when I was young and felt so darn special. I would go in my room and count them thinking they were "real money"
Let's have a great day….today I go to get my weekly x-ray. I am super happy that I just about have the Stamp Club Kits almost ready to go out the door. My goal was before Leadership and I am real close considering my ankle! They look beautiful!
I will be offering a new kit next Monday, please remember to email me when I show them as I can only make "so many" – it is a labor of love that I know we both enjoy!
Stampin' hugs…..until tomorrow!
p.s. – quick tip – I like to place a glue dot on the bottom of the box to hold the ribbon in place to tie a simple bow…this way it stays with the box – a completed gift!!!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Jan 7, 2015 | 3-D Projects, Embossing Folders, Super Easy |

Now here is a super quick project that you can whip up in a jif and also use so many different themes to the front but the best thing is….What a practical gift! This is the "Papa Version" to the one in the Holiday Catalog!
These were a big hit for me in the little version and I was so happy that they came out in this size! Here are a bunch of pictures for you and plese feel free to email me if you need further help and/or also fell free to leave a comment!
Did you notice that I embossed the front and back cover! See in the picture below how I did it! I was super happy that you are able to match up the dots so there really was no line from where one embossing started and stopped! Just a simple fun touch that dresses up the cover!

Isn't the new catalog just wonderful! There are so many fun, fresh and new stamp sets but oh…the bundles – they are super duper and remember that if you order the by the bundle number, you will save 15%!
The Crazy About You Bundle is great…just great! The come in all 3 ways for you to choose…wood, clear and photopolymer! I do realize that this is a pricey bundle but when you see not only all of the stamps….WOW – these framelits are fabulous.

The flower was not only easy to POP out the the matching NEW punch, but then I stamped several other flowers and did a quick "fussy cut" – it really is not bad ata ll to do!

Let's touch on the framelit – I would recommend using a piece of wax paper in between when you are cutting it and also – I like to run it back and forth several times….pops out like a charm each and every time!
Look at the below 2 pictures and I think you will see how I love to adhere it!


Here are some close ups of the finished project….well – what do you think? This would be a great project to do and give for just about anyone. I think that I like this size better and for just $3.95 – it is a great way to get a super gift personalized from YOU!


I used a white button and "split" a piece of the bakers twine and it worked perfectly! Love those glue dots to stick it onto my work surface to tie that darn bow!
Well…that's about it for today! Are you all still looking and looking at the new catalogs!?!? They are just great and this is a great time for you to earn free products in the super Sale-a-bration catalog…..Please reach out to me if you would like to "brain storm" in having a cyber event with me! Email me and we can chat!
Please pop back tomorrow as I will be showcasing a great option for you to have to earn free product! I thank you for your time in popping in and I hope that this super cute journal inspired you!
Until tomorrow!
p.s. ….many thanks to all – but….

Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Dec 12, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Christmas, Party Favors |

This is the time of the year that we are all super busy going here and there. There are many times that we need a quick "little sometime"…a hostess gift…something unique and practical but when you go to the stores, either 2 things happen.
- Too expensive
- Not the personal touch you were looking for!
I did a blog posting last year on this but I think that I am making it a bunch easier to follow and I do hope that you try this.
EVERYONE loves using small notes like these, they are perfect for gifts, perfect for a quick note and wowzers – the themes are endless….Christmas, Birthdays, Thinking of you, Get Well etc.

Let's get going! From one sheet of cardstock you can make 2 box bottoms and the top DSP is from the Trim the Tree Paper Stack. I love these packs of paper and I am thrilled that Stampin' Up! has (2) more coming out in January!

- Cut the paper to 8” X 5 ½”
- Turn to the short side (5 1/2”) and score at 1” and then rotate the paper around and score again at 1”
- Use the bone folder all around to make the edges nice and crisp! Cut in as shown in the below pictures and use sticky strip if possible. Green Glue would be my next pick but you will have to wait for it to "set up"
- Peel off strip and fold in sides to create the box. I like to run the bone folder in the inside of the box to really burnish the adhesive to the card stock.

For the top! Be careful when using the DSP as it is thinner so do not press too hard when you score!
- Cut a 5 5/8” X 3 1/8” piece from the Trim the Tree Paper Stack and then score a 1” score all the way around.
- Cut and notch as shown and fold together to make the top of the box.
To make the cards is so easy! For today, I just used the same sentiment as we all know that they will get used for the holidays! I love the font on this sentiment, it is from the Wonderous Wreath Stamp Set.

These are fun and oh so practical! This is a staple for me in all different themes….but Birthdays and the Holidays I seem to use the most! Keeping it super simple like I have shown you makes it a gift to make not only in a jif, but it is also super affordable!

Tomorrow I will be sharing with you a "Santa List" of goodies for you…..one list for beginners and another of must haves for the die-hards! We all start somewhere but we all do not need everything!
This is the beauty that I adore about Stampin' Up!….make it work for you and what your needs are! Remember, you can click here and shop away. With the crowds out there, I love the click and wait for the Brown Truck!
Remember, there are still goodies in the clearance rack but many things have made their way to craft rooms all over…..go check it out!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Dec 10, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Christmas, PALS Blog Hops |

Welcome to the last Pals Blog Hop of 2014. This month we want to help you start your holiday wish list by sharing projects featuring our favorite Stampin’ Up! papers, stamps, tools and accessories. Get your wish list ready as you move along through the blog hop.
You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from Stop #32 Debra Simonis at Deb's Stampin' Grounds on the Pals Hop.
If you get off track at any time, the full lineup below will help you move along from blog to blog so you see all of the project.

We have such a busy and exciting day hopping to all PALS that are participating in today’s Blog Hop! In total there are 38 ….so I am sure that your “creative tank” will be filled to the brim today!

With the theme of using products that would be “keepers” on a “Wish List”…I think that I have just about all of my bases covered here today! Please feel free to email me if you have specific questions on the “how to’s” for today’s post.
If you follow my blog (and I hope that you do) I usually go into great depth about my projects but since I know you have so many blogs to visit…I am going to try to keep it short but I have lots of pictures for you
I adore this Curvy Keepsake Framelit…..WHY? Easy-peasy…you can use it all year long which make me smile…so darn practical and always fun.
Look at the below 2 pictures and you will see that it truly uses minimal paper and it is fun to play with different patterns!

I like to make a window and I used the #3 Circle and then to make the band in Cherry Cobbler, I used #3 & #4….this is an optional step but I like the way it looks!

The paper I used today is perfect for making 3 –D projects as it is much heavier than our regular card stock. It is so classic and works for so many different themes! LOVE it!
Who doesn't like chocolates and who would not think that this is a super cute project! I do hope that you have fun making some as I am sure that you are going get smiles……

Well that's it fun, festive and unique.
The next stop is Stop #33,Jane Knudsen at see jane stamp on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you in 2015.
Enjoy your day, enjoy the blog hop and enjoy the season! Until tomorrow….
- Michelle Gleeson at StampinMojo
- Shannon Hokanson at Paper Works by Shannon
- Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn
- Sherrie Gross at Stampin Sunshine
- Beth McCullough at Stamping Mom
- Kalyn Shubnell at The Stamping Chronicles
- September Gray at www.septembergray.com
- Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper
- Patti MacLeith at Papercrafts by Patti
- Nancy Gleason at MyStampinSpace
- Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards
- Debbie Crowley at expressivelydeb…
- Wendy Klein at Doggone Delightful Stampin'
- Amy Whelan at Amy's Inklings
- Brian King at Stamp with Brian
- Amy Williams at Stamps and Spice
- Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
- Pamela Sadler at Stampin Pink Rose
- Jackie Diediker at Stampin' Jackie
- Candy Ford at Stamp Candy
- Susan Lankford at Stamp and Create With Susan
- Peggy Noe at Pretty Paper Cards
- Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat
- Amy Hoptay at Inking of You!
- Lynn Kolcun at Stamping with Avery's Owlery
- Beth Beard at My little craft blog
- Sue Becker at RnR Stamping
- Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
- Kerry Willard Bray at Peonies and Paper Chains
- Rae Harper-Burnet at WildWestPaperArts.com
- Deb Cozzone at Deb Cozzone's Stamping Zone
- Debra Simonis at Deb's Stampin' Grounds
- Susan Itell at Simple Stampin
- Jane Knudsen at see jane stamp
- Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping
- Martie Pollard at The Crafty Bandit
- Natalie Bradley at Natalie Bradley Events
- Becky Volpp at InkBlossomWithBecky
Like this:
Like Loading...