by Susan Itell | Dec 23, 2013 | 3-D Projects, Christmas |
This IS Santa's BIG WEEK!!!
Now I realize that these have been around for sometime but I just HAD to share "my Santa makings" for my Holiday Table! I am using them at each place setting and no doubt they will be a hit!
Yesterday I pointed out to you a product that is on the Clearance Rack…the Sweater Trim….LOVE IT – but highlight of this post is A MUST FOR YOU!!! It is still on the clearance rack and seriously, I would click here and order it today!
It is called Petal Die Bigz L Die...and for just under $20.00 – you will be amazed at all of the different things you can do! Please click here and here for other 3 D projects that I have done with it! Just because it is on clearance…this is one product that I would never part with as I love all of the goodies it can make!
I was inspired my my dear Stampin' friend Jeannie as every time we talked on the phone she said she was busy making these Santa's for her husbands office party! I was so excited to see them and then when I did….I was WOW….and then when she said she made 28 I was like REALLY WOW – you are my hero!
If you do searches for this Santa, there are many versions… – here is what I used for this this adorable Santa…my hope is to give you some tips and tricks that will make this come to life for you… it is super cute and it is easy…it just is much easier to make a bunch of them…and once you have a method – it all makes sense!
Trust me, next year I will be making these for holiday shows that I do….just think of the ideas you use….put candy inside, money, a gift card, a Christmas Message….the sky is the limit! The colors I used were the ones that would work for me in my home….Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke and Blushing Bride!
I totally recommend that you use sticky strip when you do projects like this! You need this strong hold! When you go to make one of these dear Santa's you will need to cut (2) cones out….fold at the score lines and use Sticky Strip to hold them together! TIP ALERT: take a sheet of 8 1/2 X 11 paper and cut 1 1/2" off the long side, then cut that at the 5 1/2" mark and you can cut (2) from one sheet of paper and still have a nice strip of leftover for later!
I used 8" of the Old Olive 1/8" taffets Ribbon and did a simple knot…Look at the nes]xt picture and you will see a super quick and easy way to put this on the cone! After you have it all adhered – take scissors and snip the end off and then drop the knotted ribbon in….I used a letter opener to push it through – EASY-PEASY!!!!
To make the Beard…I cut a piece of Very Vanilla 1 3/8" tall and a bit wider than the base of the box…I then took this peice to the box and drew a pencil line for the size….a simplt snip – snip and I have a template! DO THIS….it wll make it go sooo much faster!
Next I ran this through Mr. Big Shot withe The Pretty Prints Embossing Folder! When this came out….I was on the fence with it but I cannot get over how versatile it is….such a beautiful folder and I have used it time and time fr projects!
After you run it through, take a 1" piece of blushing bride and after putting Stick Strip on the bases….simple put the piece of blushing bride and then you can simply take a part of scissors and snip it "in line"
So easy….do not stress – once you have cut the shape – simply peel off the adhesive and adhere to the cone!
The super simple "mustache" came from the Bird Builder Punch and then the nose was a quick pop from the 1/2" circle punch! You can see how having basics can be a HUGE help in making something that "appears" hard to actually be easy!
The eyes were from a ordinary hole punch but a quick and easy tip….put the adhesive on the paper BEFORE you punch and then simply "punch them onto your finger" and it makes it soooo darn tootin' easy to place!
The brim of the hat and accents were super easy! I loved using the Gold Metallic Paper and I took a sliver of the Cherry Cobbler and then using the word window punch – easy!
The "holly" was from the Bird Punch as well and I snipped off a bit – adhered it to the back – added some "berries" and then the bling was from the basic pearls – I thought that this gave it a wonderful, classic touch!
The top of the hat was another great punch, Boho Blossoms! This gave it the finale that it deserves! I know that this is a super hard post to "take it all in" but it really is a great 3-D project! I had soooo much fun making them that I can hardly wait for Christmas dinner to be here!!!
I hope that you are smiling from this post and I will be sure to take a picture of my table on Christmas Day! PLEASE email me if you have any questions about this post….it is a really fun one to make up and the best thing is…..it has a HUGE WOW FACTOR! Super cute!
I hope that you are ready for the holiday! It is HERE…if you are not ( and I am NOT in many ways but it is…what it is!!!! Just roll with it!
My last "peep" is flying home Christmas Eve…can't wait!!!! Tomorrow's post is HIS CARD on his bed when he goes to sleep….a little note from Mom and Dad letting him know we are soooo happy to have him home!
Let's have fun this week…it will be a busy one and I am going to be a "bit quieter" to have fun with the family….enjoy your day and …
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 22, 2013 | 3-D Projects, Christmas, Super Easy |
Is this super cute or what! Sometimes it is fun to make a “simple gift” like cash or a check…be hidden and when they see the gift…they are really getting a 2 for 1!!!
Who wouldn’t love to get “cash” & have a bunch of M & M’s at the same time!
Good Old Fashion Mason Jars are the simple trick to this post!
I originally saw this idea on a post that Catherine Pooler had shared and she used the washi tape but I wanted to do something a bit different and I cannot believe how easy and fun this is….I know you are going to want to making these….so head over to the grocery store and get some jars!
Wouldn’t this be just adorable at Valentines and tuck a special “love note”
and then use conversation hearts or red candy hearts!!!
Let’s get to the fun!
The key to this fun is a “toilet paper” roll or you could use a paper towel roll and cut it in half! I used the Season of Style Paper Stacks and this works perfectly! I am sure that all rolls might be a bit different in size…but this was a quick 4” cut and then adhere it around and you are good to go!
TIP ALERT: Use your bone folder to help loosen up the fibers in the paper…our paper is fantastic and doing this will make it very soft and easy to work with! It will adhere much easier!
I simple put the decorated roll in the Mason Jar…filled it with M & M’s before adding the money…this way it is “anchored” a bit…and then easy-peasy…fill the jar up and you are good to go! You have “hidden the gift”!!!
Decorating the top could not have been easier! The 2 ½” Circle Punch works PERFECTLY….I just love it when things like this happen!!! So easy….so fast…DONE!
For the rim…I had plenty of leftover paper from the piece and a ¼” cut fits perfectly around the edge! Once again….can you say easy!
The card is a 3 X 3 card and I used the Gumball Green at 2 ¾” (I thought that this color looked better with the M & M’s) and then the fun reindeer is from the Very Merry Tags Stamp Set (I used soft Suede). A simple punch of a cherry cobbler for the nose and then the simple yet effective “Susan Dots” using the white gel pen!
Did you see the Cherry Cobbler Sweater Trim…I adore this and for just $3.59 for a roll….LOVE IT!!! – it is in the CLEARANCE RACK….click here and check out all of the goodies…..
I hope that this post will make you smile like it makes me smile! I have had soooo much fun making them and I just came up with the idea of doing one for my “dog sitter” and I think I am going to fill it with little dog bones…she will love it!!!
It is fun to think out of the box….there are times that it is just easier to let someone pick out what they want but making them feel extra special in how it is presented is truly the "icing on the cake" I hope that this post inspires you to have some fun making someone smile!
I thank you for having your coffee with me…I thank you for your comments…I thank you for inspiring me each and every day!!!!
As always, I am an email away with any questions! This is such a special time of the year….I truly wish each and everyone joy and happiness…..and fun of course!!!!
Huge stampin' hugs your way and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 17, 2013 | 3-D Projects, Christmas, Super Easy |
Good Morning! With the countdown here…many people give a simple check or perhaps a bit of cash for a gift during the holiday! Even though it might not be very creative – at the same time this way the person can get whatever they like!
What can be creative is how it is presented!!!
This is a SUPER CUTE and SUPER EASY gem to whip up!!! I have made sooooooo many of these and I know that the idea has been around for years – to me…it works!!!
Remember last week when the Clearance Rack was stocked? Well….this is a great example of getting "a deal" pays off! Last night when I was making some for orders….I thought….USE THE PAPER that was a deal! It is super beautiful and it works!
I have had many people POP into my office asking for a last minute "something" and this works – while watching "The Voice" last night….I put together a bunch!
Ready….get your paper and LET'S GO!!!!!
- Cut a piece of DSP to a 7 " square. This paper is from the Season of Style Designer Series Paper!
- Score at 1 1/4" and 4 1/4"…..fold on the score and use a Bone Folder for a crisp edge!
- Use the 1" Circle Punch and pop out a cut 1/2" circle to make it "easier" to "get the goods" out!
- Take a piece of sticky tape and put on the EDGE….remember – your check will go in there!!!
- I love the Scallop Trim Border and this just MAKES this project! I start with a piece of paper at 1" X 7" and then POP it out…..below you will see 2 pictures….I know that many of you email me when you do not get this even…..it you put the edge of the paper as shown – works like a charm every time!!!
- Simply Use whatever sentiment you heart desires! I used this from the Christmas Messages Stamp Set….so fun and versatile!
- The Belly Band is a piece of Cherry Cobbler – 7" X 1 1/4" and then the whisper white is 7" X 3/4" (you would not have to use both papers – but I love how it looks) Score this at 2 1/8" and 5 1/4" (or you could just fold it around the project) TIP ALERT: – Make sure when you adhere the Belly Band together (I use sticky strip) and make sure that you do not get it too tight….you want it to slide easily!!!
Well….what do you think???
Isn't this EASY!!!! You will be AMAZED at how fast this goes….when I make them – I make a bunch – go ahead and cut all of your paper…do the punching…..do all of the stamping at once etc…..
I just love practical projects that will always bring a smile! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions! This is a great way to use up paper and then you have PLENTY left over to line envelopes…make a "sour cream paper treat" etc…..
We all know how to use up paper scraps – save them….save them – we all have so many tricks in how to use them up!!!
Thanks for popping by and you know what tomorrow is……one week BEFORE Christmas!!!
Hopefully everyone is doing well with their shopping and baking…such a busy time of the year – such a fun time of the year! Be safe….and please share my Blog with your family and friends! You can subscribe right from my blog so you get a daily dose of "Susan" everyday!
Until tomorrow…..
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by Susan Itell | Dec 10, 2013 | 3-D Projects, Christmas |
Hang on to your Kleenex with this fun gift that you can make up in a snap!
Wouldn't this be a perfect "giftie" to give to someone in a nursing home…someone in the hospital…for an office friend…for your desk?!?!
I made this project back in the Spring for a Breast Cancer Survivor Day – a day that survivors were simply pampered in having FUN…they had a personal chef teach cooking….a person that made the most adorable pieces of "garden art" and ME….I worked with them making a variety of projects and this was one of them!
If you want to click here to see the original post that I did this with, you will see that I highlighted the video in which the idea came from, the talented Stampin Up! Demonstrator, Angie Juda!
It is so easy, you will be able to follow my steps and PRESTO…another fun gift that YOU made with your precious hands!
Here you go…
You can make (2) of these adorable boxes from 1 sheet of 8 1/2" X 11" piece of paper!
- Cut a sheet of paper in half at 4 1/4" X 11" (remember you'll make 2…I say WOOT-WOOT)
- Score at 4 1/2", 7", 8" and 10 1/2" – fold and use a bone folder on the score lines!
- Choose a Designer Series Paper of your choice, today I am using the diagonal stripe from the Season of Style Designer Series Paper pack! – Cut this into (3) equal 4" wide pieces – from 1 sheet of DSP – you will be able to decorate (3) Kleenex Boxes…again – woot-woot!
- (2) 4" X 4 1/4" – this will be for the front and back of the Kleenex Box
- 4" X 2 1/4" – the part where the "hole" will be
- 4" X 3/4" – the front skinny part!
- Now…go ahead and adhere the DSP pieces to the score piece of Solid Color Paper and then place the "template" centered over the area where the "kleenex will pop thru"!
- Place a piece of sticky strip…YES – sticky strip as it is the strongest and especially with 3 -D projects, you need the strength…place it on the 3/4" part! Easy right !!!….but BEFORE you peel the red line tape off, fold this piece back so the Extra Large Oval Punch can fit through and POP out the hole!
TIP ALERT: Before you peel off the sticky strip paper…take the "cut out" oval and trace the oval onto the top the kleenex…then PUNCH with your paper snips and do a "rustic oval cut" – I know….this is NOT necessary but the "type A" in me thinks it looks neater/cleaner!!!
- Let's get stampin'!!!!…this is the SUPER easy part – and the "sky is the limit" so pull out whatever stamp your little heart desires and have fun! On this I used….the Christmas Messages Sentiment Stamp Set with the classic ornaments from the Ornaments Keepsakes Set and a simple crank of Mr. Big Shot….the Holiday Ornament Framelits did the trick!
This below stamp set is NOT in the catalog…
it is a "carry over" from last year and it is a keeper!
- Now you know what to do….simply adhere to the focal part of the project and DONE! I did put a "smidge" of Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine behind the ornament! A cute touch…right?
- The Circle Framelits make this easy super easy…after I stamped the sentiment – thru the Big Shot with the framlits….easy works for me! Adding the dots around the sentiment circle is a quick and easy touch!
The trick to this fun and simple project is to make sure that you place the kleenex pouch in the area BEFORE you adhere the sticky strip to the base to get an even, clean look!
I do like adding that piece to the back of the Kleenex Box and I also think that it would be super cute to put a "pocket" to tuck a personal note in!!!!
This is a keeper and ALWAYS well received….have fun making these and PLEASE email me if you have any questions! It really is easy – and you will be so tickled with yourself!!!!
Thanks for popping by and…until tomorrow!
p.s. – Please pop back later today as the INCREDIBLE new "clearance items" are unveiled….and I will do a separate post showcasing this unveiling plus a BONUS for YOU!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 7, 2013 | 3-D Projects, Christmas, Super Easy |
Tis the season! I must confess, years ago I was not a big fan of gift cards but now I am totally convinced that they are THE WAY TO GO…especially if you unsure of sizes and preferences!
As I shared with you in an earlier post last week, I prefer to make my gifts…you know I love paper crafting but I also adore cooking,needle-pointing and photography!
These are the cutest and easiest gift card holders you will ever make and they come together in a SNAP! The idea was shared with me by my friend Jeanie and when she showed me …I asked her to write the directions down and she laughed at me….cause' it is soooooo darn easy! READY!!!
- Take a piece of Card Stock and cut it into 3 1/2" strips of paper – YEP!!! – You will get 3 enclosures from 1 sheet of paper plus this is a GREAT way to use up scraps!
- Score this piece at 2" and at 6". On the 2" side, use the corner rounder ( I prefer using the Envelope Punch Board one….love it)
- Fold in your score lines and use sticky strip as show in the photo…simply fold up and press! (I also use mono glue if I am tired of cutting the sticky strip! This works great as well!!!)
- Simply cut it in half long ways (you will now have (2) pieces that are 2 1/4" X 6 1/2") and then cut it in half again (you will now have (2) pieces that are 3 1/4" X 2 1/2")
- One of these pieces will fit perfectly on the bottom piece, for the top piece you will cut it at 1 3/4" X 3 1/4" – corner round 2 of the ends!
- Take a strip of paper at 1" x 8 1/2" and wrap around the decorated hold for a belly band! I recommend using Sticky Strip or Mono glue!
- Now you can decorate it how ever you like! This is where the fun comes in…think out of the box – use your punches…use some framelits…just have FUN!
Please do not limit yourself to using these only for gift cards…these would make a great pocket to tuck a note in! Below you will see more examples of how I decorated them with not in the Holiday theme! I was very pleased with the end result and I think you will be soooo happy with how easy they are to make!
It is items like this that are perfect to have on hand! I would make some up with a variety of themes…Holiday's…Birthday…Graduation….etc!
Have fun…pace yourself and know that you can always email me if you have a question! Don't try to over think these…they truly as easy as they seem!
If you are lucky enough to have time in your craft space…please have fun! Please share with me your projects – I love to see them!
If you have not subscribed to me blog, please do so and you will get a daily dose of inspiration and fun! Remember to plan your orders…the calendar is flying by and you can click here or simply go to my shop now button!
I realize that there are soooo many incredible Stampin' Up! Demonstrators out there and I too adore and love looking at others blogs…but I thank you for your support and dedication to my blog! I pinch myself each and everyday to remind myself how fun Stampin' Up is and blessed I am to be a part of this fun – I love what I do and I love helping YOU!
Until tomorrow….
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by Susan Itell | Dec 6, 2013 | 3-D Projects, Christmas |
I bet your SMILING! This is such a quick and easy gift to whip up and while you're doing one…go ahead and make a bunch of them! This is a great hostess gift, a teacher gift, a neighbor, your postal carrier etc…
I know that you have seen me make these "Top Notes" boxes a bunch but you have also heard me say…when you find something that works…why stop …keep on going and just change up the stamps and sentiments!
Please click here to see the original post that I did and you will understand completely how to make these gems! One thing that I did differently was to add the designer series paper around the sides of the box!
When I was in my work area I saw a bunch of scraps from making some gift card holders that you will see over the weekend and you know that we simply can not waste a thing…I put these little bits of pieces to good use!
Please look at the picture below and you will see that it is sooo much easier to put the designer series paper on before you put the box together – much easier!!!
I did forget to put the 4th piece on before taking the picture and did not realize it…sorry-charlie! The sizes of these pieces are (2) 3 1/4" X 3/4" – (2) 2 1/4" X 3/4"
I think that this stamp is soooo adorable! I had many, many comments from the card that I made with these little guys – that I just could not resitst using them again! Click here to see the adorable card I made with this stamp eariler this week! The Stamp Set is The Best of Snow!
I did use the Water Color Paper to do this – you have heard me say a million times that when you are water-coloring and using the Aqua Painter…just use it – it truly makes a huge difference and also use Sticky Strip when making 3 -D projects!
What did I fill the box with???….HERSHEY NUGGETS but the best thing is that I used a Avery Label and simply stamped the sentiment on in and a quick wrap…DONE!!!!
Not I must admit I feel guilty…very guilty – WHY???
The Stamp Set that I used for the sentiments and snowflakes are from the very popular stamp set called, Endless Wishes. This stamp set F L E W out the door and unfortunately the supply is depleted!
I do realize that there are MANY of you that have this stamp set and I do love it – so why not show it…I thought it worked perfectly with this project. You can EASILY substitute another sentiment and still have the WOW effect!
The other day I did a Christmas Show and was running out of time in making up samples for my display…and I showed the "Fall Themed" one and told people that I could make this up the Top Note Box of Chocolates in a Christmas Theme…and I sold over 15 of them and this is what I came up with….do you like it? I think that I will do some others with ornaments and trees etc….but I think this is a keeper!
I hope that you have enjoyed this post and I do hope that you can see how wonderful this Top Note Die is…this little gem makes so many different things! I will admit that I had it for a long time before I used it…then it barely gets back on the shelf!
On a totally different note…I have had several people email me saying that they are unable to leave a message on my blog! If this is happening to you, please email me and let me know.
This is happening to other SUD that have the same server as I do and it is just a random thing….I am trying to figure it out! (well…we know I am computer challenged…I am getting the server customer support!!!)
I am thankful that it is Friday…I am feeling a bit run down and am looking forward to not working this weekend! This holiday has been the 1st one with me working full time and I think that the Turkey Day celebration is catching up to me!
One thing that I never get tired of is…getting lost in my Stamp area and creating! John often tells me he had no idea how happy paper and scissors would make me!!!
Speaking of John…he is doing great! He started back to work this week just working 1/2 days at the office and using his walker the majority of the time….he still has his faithful wheel chair but not having to use it as much! I thank you all for your sweet comments and concerns with him!
Have a FABULOUS FRIDAY and until tomorrow!
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