by Susan Itell | Mar 25, 2014 | 3-D Projects |
Drumroll….Drumroll….it is Tuesday and you know what that means….it is the day that Stampin' Up! reveals the deals for the week….and I also have a super fun and functional post for you….so what do I do 1st ?
Let's start with the box….and you will need the Envelope Punch Board for this…and if you do not have the envelope punch board….I have a ? for you….WHY NOT? This gem is just $19.95 and it does sooo much – a must have tool!
This box is super easy to make and it is a perfect finishing touch when you want to give a "total gift"…a box of handmade note-cards and envelopes and a container that is equally cute!!!! That's what I call a 2 for 1! I made this card several weeks ago, here is the original post….cute and fun card!
The inspiration for this box came from Jennifer McQuire…she is not a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, she just is one talented paper crafter that I enjoy watching her You Tube Videos! You can click here and see the video on how she made the box, and true, I did follow it ….but I will share with you 2 changes that I made….just a personal preference…
- For a box that fits our Standard A-2 Card…you start with a 9" X 9" piece of card-stock! (see…this is another reason to keep some 12 X 12 paper on hand!!!)
- Using the Envelope Punch Board punch and score at 3 1/2" and then side it over to 4 1/2" and punch and score…following the score lines all the way around…
- Using the corner rounder on the Punch Board – round all corners and then take the bone folder over all scored lines to give you a perfect crease(to me..this is super important – the bone folder really does help make your projects look so professional!)
- Looking at the below photo, you can see that I completely cut off one side of flaps… and the opposite side I just cut in on one side and placed Sticky Strip as shown. (this is ALWAYS my adhesive of choice when making a box)
Here are the 2 changes I did…..I think that this is soooo much easier doing the below BEFORE you pull off the adhesive…
- On the above picture…do you see how I cut a slit on each side and slid the ribbon thru? This was easy using the Stampin' Trimmer – with the clear visual guide…you can put that edge in there and make a cut! HANG TIGHT….this is easy and it will all make sense….PROMISE!!!!
- Do you also see on the above picture that I cut off the flap part ( the pointy part that when you put the box together)…I personally do not like how an envelope looks with that piece sticking up….I slid this in the Stampin' Trimmer and using the guide on the right (much easier) I simply cut off 1/2" I think it is easier to do these 2 steps before you put it together!
- Now you can expose the adhesive and fold it up! I placed a pack of envelopes in there to make the box so I would not pull the adhesive too tight…..basically to "shape my box"
Tie it up…..fru-fru it how ever you like….and get ready to smile! Isn't this just the cutest! So easy…so complete! I just love it and I love that you can make it for the Note-Card Size as well!
I made these adorable little boxes to go in the Silent Auction for Hannah's function…they were so cute and such a hit!
I hope that you make these…they are really easy and it is like that "riding the bike" thing I tell you about…once you get it…..you'll always get it! If you need help – easy, email me and I will be happy to wlak you through it!
Now let's get to the weekly deals!!! Oh no…..please do not think that I am not grateful for Stampin' Up! to do this for us this week….but because on Tuesday they do this…I really….really thought that the Blendabilities were going to be unveiled!
My pick of the week are the Brights and Subltes Core'dination Paper these 2 colors are PERFECT for spring cards! Once you work with this paper, you will see the fibers once they are textured and lightly sanded….to make a project "step up" immediately! Love the look and feel!
O.k. – lesson learned….I woke up early in anticipation for these new goodies, the blendabilities…but I know that Stampin' Up! is going to surprise all of us when they are unveiled…John laughed at me as he saw me log on and he knew I was excited about something and when he herard an "oh,no"….he laughed as he said – you are sillly that markers would get you so excited to wake up to see!!!
Guilty as charged….they will be here when Stampin' Up! is ready to unveil!!!!
Pull out your paper and make one of these adorable and practical holder for cards and envelopes…you can see that the sky is the limit…..
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Mar 22, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Birthday |
When my boys were little they LOVED firetrucks and I think this special little guy who is turning 4 is going to love today's goodies I am sharing with you! This post is going to ZOOM his way with a extra special gift tucked in for his Mom and Dad to let him pick out something extra special since we live sooooo far away!
Every Tuesday, Stampin' Up! comes out with a "weekly deal" and I try to feature an item from the weekly deals for you to see….please click here to see the offerings for this week! Today I am focusing on the Scallop Trim Border…a simple yet wow touch to your projects!
Let's get right to it as I have a bunch of pictures for you (sorry to clog up your computer) but from the feedback I get – you like pictures!
During Christmas, I did a post on a super easy and cute "money/check holder" and this is a slight modification of it! Please click here to see that post but the reason I change it up a bit was the fact that I wanted to be able to stamp 3 of the adorable firetrucks so I needed to make it a bit longer!
The basic concept and method is the same as posted in December, but below I have the measurements for this particular gem! You can see how the scallop trim border adds a great touch – I did not want to put a "belly band" around it as I did not want to cover up the firetrucks….and I thought these adorable clothespins worked perfectly!
Let's go!
- Take a piece of black card stock , 2" X 8 1/2" and using the Scallop Punch, punch away! This is a fun accent tool and it is easy to use….punch – then slide it over to have the "holes" line up….punch again to the desired length! Adhere this behind the flap of the money holder!
- Let's get stampin' this adorable firetruck! It is from the You're my hero Stamp Set! I used the long side of a piece of whisper white, the 8 1/2" side and using the stamp-a-ma-jig…I stamped 2 of these gems in Black Staz On Ink! After doing this…I trimmed it to the finished size of 1 3/4" X 8 1/4" – this way you have a little balance on the sides!
- After adhering this to the money holder, I decided not to do a belly band as I really loved these little fire trucks! I had an idea and it worked….why not put a bright candy dot on top! PRESTO – it made it (in my opinion)
- To the card we go! I used the Note Card Size and envelopes and carried the same theme for the Birthday Boy! My boys would have just gone NUTS over this!
- The card is very straight forward! The Real Red mat is 4 3/4" X 3 1/4" (remeber….pop out some punches so you do not waste the paper – heck – it is going to be covered up! The White is 4 1/2" X 3" and then a simple stamp of the truck and sentiment and DONE!!!!
You know that I just love my Stampin' Vitamins…This picture is a great shot to show you how a "lift od dimension" makes a huge difference! This is one thing that I never skimp on and something I never run low on….Stampin' Ups! Stampin Dimensionals are the best!
I hope that this "perked" you up…I was happy with it and to me it is so age appropriate for a 4 year old! These types of projects are fun to make – and I think the tiny clothes pins are just precious!
Tomorrow I have something fun for you! Do you remember that a couple of weeks ago I posted about going to a Stampin' Up! Washington DC gathering? Well…I have some super cute swap cards for you!
To me, it is just fun to see the variety of ideas that are out there! I will share with you 12 cards and there are some real keepers!!!
Sale-a-bration is coming to a close…..sniff-sniff – there have been some amazing products this year and remember, it is not too late to take advantage of the FREEBIES you can pick for every $50.00 increment!
Have a fun weekend…I sure am planning to….be safe – make memories and until tomorrow!!!
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by Susan Itell | Mar 1, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Birthday |
Part #2 of Will’s Birthday goodies! I am so glad that you enjoyed yesterday’s post and I hope that this one makes you smile as well! I am going to warn you…these are super addictive to make and true…
There is a learning curve but life is a learning curve….right!!!
I made soooo many of these at the holidays and they sold like “hot cakes” as gift cards “work” and gift cards are so well received!!! Isn’t this the cutest way to give a gift card…it’s a gift all in itself!
Below is one that this Holiday Season and you can see that I used the Large Scallop Edgelit under the flap…there are many ways that you can "dress it up" or "keep it simple"!
Let’s go as I have lots of pictures for you…it’s like you’ve heard me say before…it’s like riding a bike – once you get it…you get it! From one sheet of paper you will be able to make (2) of these gems!
- Cut your paper to 9 ¼” X 5 ¼” and on the long side, score at 1 ½” and 6”
- Turn to the short side and score ½” on both sides
- Line up the cutting blade in the Stampin’ Trimmer and pull the blade down JUST TO THE SCORE LINE (the line where you scored at 6”)
- The next piece that you need to cut is a piece (I would use the same color) at 3 ¾” X 3 ¼” and then on the long side score at 3/8”
TIP ALERT: On this project I did use the same card stock that I used yesterday – the Neutrals Core'dinations…to keep it “pulled together” as his Birthday celebration! I liked the effect that this gave; the sanding gave it the rustic wood effect that I was going for! Please make sure that you pop back to yesterdays posts for specific details!
CONFESSIONS OF AN HONEST STAMPER: When I saw this in the Holiday Catalog…I was going to “pass on it” as to me there is nothing more luscious than beautiful ribbon and that I simple could not imagine a “paper bow" being pretty….but once I started to see ideas using it…I hit that SOLD button and purchased it!
It was not on the “carry over” list but it is still available so I am hoping that it will be in the catalog…it is really a fun die and you can really do lots of fun projects with it! The one thing that I learned from this die…you can really "soften" the paper fibers to make it work the way you like it to….I know that sounds weird – but I have found that I use the bone folder a bunch more on many things I make to give paper movement!
- Cut (2) more pieces of paper to coordinate with your projects theme…one at 4 3/4" X 1 1/2" and 4 3/4" X 1 1/4". Adhere them together. Cut at 3 1/4" and then from the below picture you will see where to place them!
- Do you see that little "peak" of cherry cobbler under the flap? I think that it "dresses it up" a bit….it is just a strip that I used to "hide" the small piece – use sticky strip on this project…I highly recommend sticky strip for all 3 -D projects!
Here is a good picture of what I meant about the paper "moving" with the help of the bone folder!
The below picture will show you where I put the sticky strip…you will see how when you peel off the (2) sides….(the angled ones)….this "folds up" into the project!!!!
- Once you get to the point to add the bow…look at the below picture…I like using mini glue dots …also place one on each side about 1/2 way to the end…this makes the bow stand up perfectly!
- Add the next layer of the bow…it is soooo easy!
- When you lift up the flap….PRESTO – the gift card is there!
- Remember the banner from yesterday….I carried over the banner theme today as well!
Please email me if you have questions about this! I will be glad to call you…to skype you …it is so hard to put it into words but I hope that you get the idea and more importantly, I hope that you pull out paper and make one…and another….and another!!!!
Here is another side by side to see the fun that I did for Will! He had a great day and there was one of his little students that shared the same special day!
Whewwwww….I am on typing overload and I hope that you found this helpful! It really is not too bad to do…and remember the bicycle thing – try it…you'll master it!
Back to SIMPLE tomorrow….simple is what I love and I have something that is so simple…you will say YES!!!!
Think of it this way….take today and make this project…(and please reach out to me if you need help) and then tomorrow you will be on "easy street"
WOWZERS – it's March 1st….SPRING PLEASE COME!!!!
Have a fabulous day and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Feb 28, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Birthday, Sale-A-Bration |
27 years ago today the best thing happened to me…I gave birth to my 1st child, Will! For all of you Mom’s out there – you know what I am talking about as there is something magical about that 1st child with all of the “what if’s”…the “I don’t know what to expect”…the “what do I do now’s”…the whole process is a miracle!
I always knew that I wanted to be a Mom and I was always so hopeful that I would be able to be one. I cherish my children and am so proud of each one of them! It is also so funny how each of your children are so different…. it is these differences that make certain things extra special!
Many months ago I shared with you a book that I adore (Mitten Strings From God) – it is not a religious based book rather a book about just taking time to slow life down and enjoy things…something that I read yearly as it just lets wonderful memories flood into my mind.
It is super scary to me that kids these days do not know how to have “simple and good old fashion fun”…like climing a tree and then repelling from a rope…creating skits/plays…building a huge tower out of cards….playing hide and seek etc…making homemade cookies…just experiencing simple pleasures that create lasting memories!
WOWZERS – what’s up with me….I have been on this Memory Lane a bunch this week…but today is Will’s day and I am so incredibly proud of him! I can still hear his voice when he was a Senior in College saying “Hi Mom, I got a job teaching” and then when I was beaming over the phone and I said where?….and he said China – my heart instantly was filled with joy as I thought WOW – what courage…how amazing to be able to go off on a journey like that…(now I did not know it would have been 4 years)
John and I adore having him in the states and he is sooooo suited to be a teacher! He works at a Montessori School teaching little ones…they call him Mr. Will! I thought that this would be a SUPER cute card for him and something that his children would like!
I knew that I wanted to do the chalk board thing….so off to good old google I went! I stumbled onto this video from Stampin’ Up Demonstrator Dee Slater and it was an inspiration to me – naturally I tweeted it a bit to give it my own twist – and I am super happy with the end result! The way that I cut the paper – it makes (2) perfectly…as I cut the paper in half at the 4 1/4" mark!
I did follow it pretty close but I do like my take on it by using the Black Paper as shown in the video and Soft Suede Core-dinations Paper to give it some texture, depth and sheer fun! To this I used the Hardwood Stamp (when I first saw this stamp…I was a totally YUCK…as it is totally not me but then when I saw samples at Leadership with it – I changed my mind).
When you use a BIG stamp like this…I suggest that you lay the stamp down, ink it, then put a piece of copy paper on it and give it a good rub for maximum coverage! Works like a charm! I used the same color, soft suede ink!
I wanted to use this paper and then use the sanding block on it to exposure some good old fashion texture like an old chalk board! One thing that I did different from the video was that I cut the pieces of the chalkboard at 1/2" – thought it looked sturdier!
Please make sure that you stop back tomorrow as you will see the 2nd part to this gift for Will…it is a classic…one that will frustrate you at the beginning (I'm honest) but once you master it – your heart will be doing the "happy dance" as it's a keeper!
I was a bit worried that it would not "stand up"…but it did…but I still thought it would look cute to put a small piece of linen thread to look like "the chain" that was between the easel sides!
I just took a glue dot and placed it – put a piece of linen thread and then kept pressing my finger back and forth to "take off" the stickiness….so when it was closed and in the envelope – it would not "stick" together! I think it makes it look super cute!
The chalk marker is wonderful…and to this card it is what makes the edges! I used my "handy-dandy" ruler and friend and simply made a 1/8" line on all 4 sides!
Knowing that this had to say "Happy Birthday" I thought that the sentiment from the Sketched Birthday Stamp Set would be perfect…and it is! I used the Embossing Buddy to prepare the Black paper…pulled out the versa mark and stamped the image!!!
Embossing is so fun – something that you are as always excited as your were the 1st time you did it! Using the White Embossing Powder and then the Heat Tool to set it…the magic happened! To get the "effect" – take a sponge dobber and using the white craft ink….."LIGHTLY IN A SWIRLING MOTION" add it to your chalk board!
Pulling out the (2) super Sale-A-Bration items…a big woot – woot, the banner blast stamp set and the banner punch created this super cute banner for the easel! Remember, for every qualifying order I receive for Sale-A-Bration, I will send you a simple swatch book of the designer series paper!!!
One the back side of the easel – I did put a quick sentiment to Will….tomorrows post will be part 2 to Will's Birthday! This "Easel Card" really is a fun and easy project/card to do! You are going to love tomorrows post!
I recommend that you watch the video….make the 3 1/2" X 1 3/4" template handy and mark it EASEL so you will remember it….and you will use it over and over again….
WOW….thanks for all of the responses for the blog candy and this was a super hard one to decide!!! I read them all and the ones that made my heart beat a bit faster were…..(there was not one that specifically got "the teacher" thing "spot on" as the theme) but I will say….I loved all of the ideas and using the World Map was a GREAT!
#1 – Kathy said…
Since I am not a mom, it is hard for me to relate to that child/parent bond so I have no idea what i would do for a card. But, what I do know is that from daily following your blog, you are a woman who's family is her heart. You love your son but clearly gave him the wings to fly and pursue his own destiny in life. I would guess your card would somehow reflect your love for him (perhaps with a heart) and his love for whatever he loves, which sounds like that would be travel and young children. I also know that whatever the card has on it, it will remind him of how much he is loved.
Happy birthday Will.
I think Will's card will be over the top and filled with love whatever stamp set and paper you decide to use!
Please email me, and let me know what Sale-a-bration item you want….and it's yours! My heart is happy and I am blessed in so many ways! I deeply thank you for being such great cyber friends!
Sorry for the length of today's post but I do hope that you liked it….please say a "Birthday thought" for my dear Will…please pop back tomorrow to continue this fun!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Feb 23, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Super Easy |
Here you go…the “baby” version of my post last week! I love that we can purchase these great clear boxes…not only to they make a perfect gift presentation, anything that helps us stay organized is GREAT with me!
I shared with you that I had the sniffles…. well – I am down and out and I do not like it one bit! I apologize in advance if this is not the most “detailed” post…. but I think that you will get the idea and I hope you see how super cute this is to give as a gift…you have heard me say this before but here you go again!
Whenever you create things with your hands…
it is truly a gift of art from your heart!
I cherish gifts that have been handmade…to me – it shows love, time and pride! It does not matter how “perfect” it is…. as what is “perfect” – I think that this is something that we all do not know the answer!
I chose to use the same stamp set that I did last week, Geometrical Stamp Set…and I think you can see how it works great with these 3” X 3” cards! Stampin’ Up carries the mini envelopes for these gems…. and now that we have the envelope liner framelit….we can easily line the envelopes! WOOT-WOOT!!!! For this project I made (6) enclosure cards and envelopes and the 3 nuggets (we all need a chocolate fix)!!!
The “half” size Wood-Mount Cases are super-duper! You get (4) for just $4.95 and look at this cute “gift” – when you think about it…not only is practical/useful it is adorable and affordable! Remember from last week, they also come in the “full” size for $6.95 for (4) of them! You can do the same "concept" of decorating the front like I did on the larger ones s well!
Today I did something a bit different! There is a “sleeve” that you can put a sheet of paper in and I chose to decorate that to make it a special gift! I do not know about you…but when I see a beautiful bow on something – I instantly feel special! This ribbon is 5/8” Organza Ribbon and then I put a dash of Bermuda Bay Taffeta Ribbon for some fun!
The White piece that goes inside the cover is 3 5/16" X 6 1/4"….fits perfectly! I just decorated the front as shown but I did pull out the ruler to make a "half-way" line for my stampin and with the help of my Stamp-a-ma-jig….perfect placement!
I saw a video from another demonstrator, Kay Kalthoff, and I took some of the tips that she did and I liked the end result! Now you know I am a bit "type A" and after watching her video I chose to keep the front clean and crisp in white and "jazz" it up myself in stead of seeing the backside of a DSP!
For the "inside of the box" (and I like this touch) I cut a piece of White at 3 3/8" X 6 1/4" and then scored it at 3 1/4"…4"…and 4 3/4"…..fold the creases and then I put 3 glue dots to hold that "division" together….this is the division for the chocolate nuggets!
The card are just 3 X 3 and this is a great example of why 12 X 12 paper comes in handy! For a project like this….it makes cutting a breeze! I off set it with 2 3/4" X 2 3/4" and after I stamped the image….I took the piece to the Simple Scored Tool and scored all the way around at 1/8" – I think it gives it a nice depth!
Stampin' Dimensionals go to the back to make the simple card fun! These are so handy…and so cute! The other "helpers" I had with the cards were the mini heart punch, and the petite petals punch! These make a fun factor with ease!
You can see that I "curled" the butterfly and the flower….I know you are probably thinking that they will get "smooshed" in the box…but they POP right back up! Too cute!
I hope that this inspires you to make some great gifts! We all need little cards like these and with all of the amazing stamps and paper we have….as the saying goes – "The skies the limit"
Thanks for popping in and I hope that I can "shake" this cold…..please pop back tomorrow as I have a super cute….clean and simple card that has a bit of BLING!!!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Feb 16, 2014 | 3-D Projects |
I am super excited and proud to be the guest stamper for my wonderful upline, Mary Fish! This is an opportunity that she offers to all of her PALS and I always love to share my work! I hope that you think this post is inspiring and practical…as I think the title says it best…a "box of fun"!!!
I like to create "kits" that are a fun class for people! This box of fun has 6 cards and adorable envelopes… 8 yummy Hershey Nuggets….a super cute decotated box of Tic-Tacs….and I even tucked stamps in the box for a total gift that anyone would love to receive!
Let's go ….cause' I am sure that this will be a "keeper" for you to make! I do not know about you ……but I love to give gifts that I make! This is a perfect concept and just think of all of the wonderful stamp sets we have that can be made for your friends and family!
The focal stamp set I used was from the Spring Occasions Catalog and it is appropriately called Geometrical….so fresh and fun! There are sooooo many things you can do with this set…I am mearly touching the surface!
Today, I am using the 3 focal sentiments from this Stamp Set and making (2) cards of each design! There are the same with the exception of the envelopes! If you follow my blog, (and I hope you do!!!!!) – you know that I like to make the mailman smile….
What I did was…. on one….I stamped the sentiment on the back flap of the envelope and then using the coordinating Kaleidoscope DSP Paper, I lined the inside of the envelope and then the other…..I stamped the sentiment on the front lower corner of the front of the envelope and then covered and trimmed the back flap of the envelope!!!!
My Mom loved cards….she love the "hunt" for the perfect card to send to someone as well as she love receiving cards…but the one single thing that always made her happy was when an envelope was lined…and I always line and do something fun to my envelopes!!!
Let's get to the 1st one…cheer up buttercup! Such a sweet sentiment! One thing that I should say is…make sure that your ink pads are well "inked" – I know….I have posted about this many times….but it is important as it is the WOW factor in have a clean and crisp image!
An "anchor" item that I used on each card and it is super-duper cool is the Angled Tag Punch...tags are HOT and tags are FUN!!!! It is sooooo darn tootin' easy to use…the white pieces are 2" X 4" and then I matted them with a coordinating color just a "smidge" larger……to me that 1/8" of an inch = 2 1/8" X 4 1/8"!
I felt with the sentiment it was only fitting to use the Petite Petal Punch….and I "rolled" the edges of the flowers and then a simple glue dot was all that is needed!
Card # 2….this is so sweet – it could have easily been a super cute valentine but this is a cute card….."just because" – I can easily see me sending this to my kids and dear friends!
For the hearts, I used the small heart punch and did pop them up with a stamin' vitamin – the one thing I never skimp on….Stampin' Dimensions….LOVE THEM and use them all of the time!
Do you see in the picture the super cute Tic-Tacks!?!?! Please click here to a post I did before and you will get the scoop on the "how to's" Super cute, fun and easy – those that receive them…LOVE THEM!
Card # 3…..HOORAY FOR TODAY!!!! That's what I feel! I am happy that you are popping by and I do hope that you will subscribe to my blog….you can click right here from my blog and you will get a daily dose of inspirations…..tips and techniques!
The "dots" I punched out with the 1" circle punch and yes, I did pop them with my vitamins! I hope that you are LOVIN' how simple and clean these cards are as much as I do!
We are so fortunate to have so many incredible ribbons in our collection! Some of the ribbons I used to day were the Bermuda Bay 1/8" taffeta ribbon, the whisper white bakers twine, the Crushed Curry Chevron Ribbon….our ribbons are the best!
We sure do love our "nuggets" – these are always a hit and so easy to "fru-fru" – it is simple a 1" X 3" and then use glue dots and BAM …..DONE!
I apologize that the below picture is not the best….but with the case it was hard for me to get a good picture!
Wait! – What about those cases…. – these are THE BEST and they are available for you!!!! They come in 2 sizes and this one is the Full Size Wood-Mount Case! You will get (4) for $6.95!
Let's stop and talk about something that we ALL struggle with – that is organization! Being organized with your craft area really makes making projects so much more fun and relieves stress! This is why I love to make and give gifts that are practical…and everything about this is practical!
I thank you for popping by and I hope that you have enjoyed this post! Please feel free to leave me a comment on how you liked this!
I will be sharing with you later in the week a post on the "smaller" size of boxes with super-de-duper 3 X 3 cards! I love this size and they are truly "lifesavers" when you need a quick "go to"!!!!
I am an email away and I think that this post shows you how easily you can get a $50.00 order together to pick a Sale-A-Bration FREEBIE!!!! Woot-woot!
I thank Mary for giving me this time and if you follow my blog, you already know that the PALS are the best! I have a cyber group of "family" that are always there for inspiration, support and friendship!
Please pop back tomorrow…it's a keeper!
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I made these adorable little boxes to go in the Silent Auction for Hannah's function…they were so cute and such a hit!
