by Susan Itell | Sep 25, 2016 | 3-D Projects, Christmas, Step it up Sunday! |
Well, Maurice the Mouse (below you will learn how he was named) is back in the house today and I think he is SUPER-DE-DUPER CUTE! I have not made a card like this in a while and I knew that this would be the perfect way to STEP HIM UP!
I loved the comments yesterday about naming him…and I read what Chris came up with and I asked John….who does this mouse look like? – He said. “I don’t know – it’s a mouse”…then when I said – no…..give him a human name…he said, “Maurice” as he has an expression of sophistication! (I am not sure about this but…what-ever!)
There are 2 things that I like about this card…
- It is interactive/3-D, which gives and instant WOW and it is super easy to make… 🙂
- It fits in a regular envelope with no extra postage! 😀
Here is a link to a previous card that I made like this – it has all of the detailed scoop for you on the cuts and scores etc….but below I will do a super quick highlight!
- The front and back of the card are the same size 4 1/4″ X 5 1/2″ (you need 2 of them)
- For today’s card I cut the DSP to the above size and adhered it to one of the above white pieces.
- Score both at 1/2″, 1″, 4 1/2″ and 5″ Fold and score. (Use the side image of the card to make sure that you are folding in the right direction)
- Take the DSP and using the largest Square Framelit, run it through Mr. Big Shot – below you will see how one sheet of paper will do the whole card and then you will have the extra square for another card!
- Add Maurice (naturally he has been water-colored)….I actually stamped him on a bunch of 3 1/2″ squares as I have been out of town and “just in case” I messed up….I had backups! If I were to do it again, I would just cut the paper to the inside piece size)
- To the back of the fun card, a simple scrap of 1 1/2″ X 3 3/8″ piece of white card stock made the perfect pocket to add a note!
I hope that you can see that this really is a card that is very, VERY doable but definitely has a WOW. It is just the BEST that it could stand on someones desk, a night stand…a mantel. Every time I make this card style, I get rave reviews as it is a smile maker! (here is a TIP – if you have someone that is in a home or hospital, it is an instant PICK-ME-UP! to them….)
I am super happy that you all liked the water coloring yesterday. I have great results using the thick white card stock. I know that we have water color paper and if you are more comfortable with that – then go for it. Being the “type A” that I am…I like the “white’s” to match up so this is the main reason that I use it.
I could have really gone to town in making him super elaborate but with being out of town…I took the basic bases and then the ink pads! Let’s chat about the ink pads.
Because I do have all of our ink pads, I use them when I water color…..I like to squeeze the top to make the ink go on the top of the ink pad and then work from there as a palette…BUT – you can easily use a marker and scribble on a acrylic block to take the ink off and color away! The third way that you could water color is to add a drop of an ink refill on a acrylic block and go to town!
One of the best tips that I can give to you when you make a card like this is to use a super strong adhesive to adhered the 2 together. I used tear & tape as the width is perfect and the “hold it gives” is the best!
So…thoughts???Do you like??? To me it is the best of many worlds …
- It is different because of the shape…
- The water-coloring element makes it special…
- The pocket in the back let’s you write a message…
- You can be super flexible with the DSP you can use…a simple change with the DSP can change the entire feel of the card and naturally change the colors that you water color….presto – another masterpiece!
I hope that this 2 day post has made you smile….I know that you all enjoy them but honestly….I think to myself – can I keep coming up with them? I honestly just start with the Saturday card…finish it and then look at it to see how a different technique could work – it is as easy as that and I admit, when I am finished…..I am glad that I stretched myself to make changes!
I invite you to try to do something like this…it is a great way to learn different ways to develop a style. When you really break this down, it still is true to my style, clean and simple. At a glance…it looks hard but break it down…it is NOT….just like water coloring…..did you try it yesterday?
Please remember that we are in the last week of the month which means this is the last week to be able to win the BIG BOX of all of the Stampin’ Up! Markers (someone is going to be happy) 🙂 from me with an order of $75.00+. You can click here to see the offering…my personal way of thanking you for a great stampin’ up! year. (it ends for us on Sept. 30th)
HIT THAT PAW PRINT and have fun – shop away!
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by Susan Itell | Sep 23, 2016 | 3-D Projects, Halloween, Paper Pumpkin |
BOO and Happy first full day of Fall!
Is it Fall weather were you live? I know that yesterday at 10:21 Eastern Time is was official…but…..It sure isn’t on the East Coast but on Sunday…magic is to happen (so the weatherman says) and I am looking forward to wake up and say….IT FEELS LIKE FALL and then I am going to go outside and do a Happy Fall Dance with the dogs and hope that cool and crisp weather is here to stay (I just love to dream) 😀
I am a “Happy” type person for Halloween. I am not a huge fan of scary stuff so when I share Halloween Fun…it is usually “Happy and Fun” things…like I have for you today!
Today I am showcasing the goodies that were in the latest Paper Pumpkin! Click on the image below to see the Stampin’ Up! video showcasing it – super short yet super cute and then I will share and show with you some ideas and ways that I have used this kit.
I was a “Silly Susan” and totally forgot to order extra kits for September as this one usually tends to be a SUPER GREAT Halloween one that is FUN but you better believe that I will be like a hawk waiting and watching to see when the refill kits are available – (I did call yesterday to see if I could get any scoop and all I know is that yes ~ they plan to have some refills….but as to when????, that is the mystery….probably next week.)
You bet that I will order a bunch of refills as I just love to have goodies like this on my shelf! You can see in the picture below that I am using the Paper Pumpkin from last year! (This is why I like to stock up on refills – super cute) I fill these with miniature Tootsie Rolls!
TIP ALERT….. 🙂Â
When I was typing this I thought…what the heck – go back and see IF by chance the kit from last year was still available and guess what ~ IT IS!!!! (I highlighted the link for you above)
If you are a newbie to the Paper Pumpkin Program, you can get the 1st month (which would be October) and then you would get November FREE! If you wish to cancel your Paper Pumpkin Kits….easy, after November 10th – simply go on and cancel – POOF…it is that easy!
If you click here and order a month’s subscription and enter promo code BOGO , you will get that November kit free PLUS….you will be able to order the last year Halloween Kit and/or refill if you wish and fingers crossed……this adorable test tube one form this year! A win-win all the way around!
You can see that I followed the directions from the kit but then I also made a quick super quick and easy note card….
You all know that I love the Note-card Size of Whisper White that we offer but for today’s card – I cut my own card stock to make a vertical card (I have no idea why I did not just use the fold on the left…but just call me silly) and I paired this up with the fun Halloween Paper we have as well as a speed tool, the banner framelits to make this sweet card!
There you go….some Halloween fun from the present as well as the past (last year). I adore both and projects like this are fun to give to all ages…What do I have in the test tubes? You will be surprised but I had them at the house….the are dark chocolate covered espresso beans – Hannah loves them and I bought some last week to send to her!
I am excited to hopefully get more of these test tubes! Hannah works in a Science Lab and wouldn’t this be PERFECT to send her a bunch to give to co-workers…I have a vision already – a basket filled with them and then a cute card/tag – BOO – HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions about the Paper Pumpkin Incentive. I am out of town until Sunday morning but I will check my email as time warrants! Have a great day and I hope that this Halloween post brought a smile to your face!
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by Susan Itell | Aug 20, 2016 | 3-D Projects, Birthday, Uncategorized |
I have a fun post for you today! (well…I hope that you think that it is fun) I know that many of you think that 3’D’s are not for you but I invite you to think out of the box and think of all of the different ways that you can use this sweet bundle!
I have a bunch of pictures for you and I hope that they can help you see that this is a great product. I personally think that it is a bit impractical to put popcorn in (ha-ha) but it sure is perfect to tuck in a gift card, some candy and the best thing, a smile of happiness!
I can remember that I was always fearful of 3-d’s as I thought that this was something that simply, wasn’t for me….but I admit, once I started to play with them I realized many ways that I could use them and make lots of smiles!
I think that we forget about our square envelopes that fit a 3″ X 3″ card….this is a super sweet size and very practical for enclosures. We all have so many stamps that would work great with this size of a sweet card, I encourage you to look at your stash and then go or it!
I used the stamp set from the bundle and it was super easy as it is a photopolymer stamp and I used the stamp -a-ma-jig and the grid paper to space the “happy birthday 1/2” down with the grid paper! (WOW – I still have my original pad of grid paper….5 years ago!!!!)
There are so many ways that you can decorate or “fru-fru” these little gems! I took a scrap of the DSP and ran it through Mr. Big Shot and adhered it to (2) of the sides….bakers twine…and the stamp from the other bundle, Badges & Banners is a true blue…a simple true blue!!!
To me, this is one of the perks about this bundle. I think that many of us think that the 3-D’s use up sooooooo much paper. Here you can see that you can make a popcorn treat with just 1/2 of a sheet of our card stock – I say WOOT-WOOT!!!!
Here is the “low down, the 411” to today’s post! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions! I was super happy with the end result and I know that the recipient will love it! I admit, it will have (2) movie tickets in it, I just did not have them for the picture but isn’t this a great gift!
Peep Will returned safe and sound, I am still “pinching myself” the fun that we had together! Even though he was not as “THRILLED” as I was about “crafting together“, it was sooooo worth it to cook together and just hear his ideas about life, his career and his dreams! To me, it doesn’t get any better than that!
Enjoy the day!
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by Susan Itell | Aug 3, 2016 | 3-D Projects, Fun & Cute!, Just Because..., Uncategorized |
Good Morning! Before we get to the post today…I need to say 3 words to you and I hope that they hit your heart…
I AM BLESSED!!!
I returned home yesterday and with not having my own computer with me…and having very little time of being able to hop on the internet at the hotel ~ yesterday when I went to type up this post…I saw that there were 59 messages/comments left….I have not had a chance to read them but all I can say is WOW and thank you!
All is good and it will only get better. For all of you out there…you know how scary it is to see a loved one….let’s say…not them self! We are on the right track and I think that you can tell my personality through my blog, I am one determined person and when it comes to a “bear cub” – I am GAME ON…so all is good and we are on the right track!
Every month I offer a hostess code as well as 3 opportunities for you….This month’s hostess code is 3QACMWVP
- Earn “Paw Prints” from your purchases from me….(see the tab at the header of the blog post)
- Earn this card, with a purchase of $35 +
- Earn this card + a gift (this month is the Petal Burst Embossing Folder) with a purchase of 75+
p.s. – if you already have this folder (you are a smart stamper) so please just let me know what folder you would like) 😀
To me…this is a fun, practical and functional card! Keep it for yourself or gift it to a friend, YOUR CHOICE (I won’t tell)…and starting this month, I will send you a PDF with the dimensions, the in’s and out’s of this card so you can make it again and again!
One thing that I will say is….Over the next week….I am going to be showcasing stamp sets that are going to have “friends….very good friends” in the NEW HOLIDAY CATALOG! (just saying…it is AWESOME)
I know….I know…..we just were so excited for the new annual catalog…but hang onto your BROOMS (Halloween), LEAVES (fall and paisleys), HOLIDAY FUN (Christmas) and NEW YEAR (WOOT-WOOT)…so much to see – so much to take in!
Here is another look at this fun card! Isn’t it amazing what PAPER can do? With all of the great tools that we have (framelits, big shot, punches)….we can make some real beauties! I would love to send this your way….
Catching up is not easy….but I will try to make it fun! I have many “friends” at my work area, mainly Milo and Rosie…and they are great listeners! Email by email, I will get caught up!
Because I left in a “no plan rush”, John did a fabulous job with the animals! Dear, sweet, poor old Arnold….he is doing much better but it took until Monday for his abscess to give him relief so we are all good there….but dear sweet fat Daisy (the pig) lost her hair…..yep…they do that once a year and she is not pretty…actually not one bit.….good news is, she will grow a beautiful new coat and be ready for a photo shoot! (truth be told, I am the ONLY one that likes her….but that’s ok – she is a good girl!!!)
Below is the line up of the products used for this beauty but just think – this can easily be yours…..and you know what – I know you will smile! Again, I missed you guys but I needed to be RIGHT WHERE I WAS…..and I thank you for your concern!
Remember, the Thoughtful Branches (limited edition is in FULL BLOOM that you can order now) so don’t wait – remember, it is a limited edition product that many of you took advantage of yesterday….(smart shoppers, and I have added the Hostess Code for you)…..please remember to add the hostess code of 3QACMWVP! Happy Shopping!
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by Susan Itell | Jun 20, 2016 | 3-D Projects, Uncategorized |
Happy NEW WEEK….and I have a question for you…WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A HORSE THAT HAS JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING? Well, many of you would first say…I would not to a darn thing for a horse on its birthday but then you know me…I love my animals and when I know of their special day….I remember, I celebrate.
Stanley just turned 7 and for practical purposes, that is still relatively young for a Warm Blood. He is a super sweet Dutch horse and most people in the horse world refer to “Warm Bloods” as “Dumb Bloods”….because they are slow growers and some say, slow learners. He is perfect in my eyes.
He is leased out to a super sweet young lady for the summer and as much as it is “Killin’ Hannah” – she knows that it is the best for him while she gets settled into her new life at Duke. She is looking for a barn to have him come down to in September.
Horses adore peppermints and actually they look for them after they do a job. Spoiled is what I call it. When we first bought Stanley 4 years ago, he did not know what carrot was…what an apple was…and for sure – he had no idea what a peppermint was. He was only in the USA for about a week before Hannah’s trainer saw him….it was an instant connection for Hannah and him as she really wanted to bring up a baby. She has done an amazing job doing that.
You all know that I do not do a bunch of 3-D’s but when one tickles my fancy...I am ALL IN! I totally was going to pass this one up until I saw it in person while on the trip and my wheels instantly were spinning with ideas! I think the main thing that I love about this thinlit (but I would DEFINITELY purchase it as a bundle) as the stamp set has some amazing stamps for general cards.
Last week I shared with you about the You Tube Stampin’ Up Channel, here is a super short video on this product and it is a must watch as it will make TOTAL SENSE how to put it together.
I followed Donna’s instructions to a tee but I did use the fast fuse to adhere the end of the box (truth be told…I just had my nails done and the tear -n-tape in such a small area stressed me out!) 😯
Below are the ones that I made! The barn colors are Grey and Navy so this is why I chose this! My dear Stanley is “on the road” so I thought that these would be PERFECT for him…heck, carrots would wilt!
Look at these “squiggle fru-fru’s” – LOVE THEM…they are in the framelit set and just think how you could use them for other cards and projects! I did take the bone folder to break the paper fibers down to make them more pliable….I adhered them with glue dots!
Not lets chat about this trim…adorable! The mini pom-pom trim is the icing on the cake! I simply used the tear-n-tape to hold it in place. So cute, so fun, so festive! I think the biggest bonus of this bundle is the fact that you can use it all year!!!
The other thing that I think is key is….our card stock is plenty strong enough for this goodie. I think that this would be a fantastic “treat” for a gift card sticking out….trust me, you will be seeing this again with other ideas I have up my sleeve! 🙂
The below (2) pictures are from Stampin’ Up and you can clearly see that they are “keepers and simply amazing” So fun, so fresh, so doable! Don’t you LOVE that floral stamp on the Birthday one? I am just itchin’Â to use this on a card!
I know that this picture is not the best but you can see them side by side that they are both super fun, yet have a different feel. Do you have a favorite? If so, please leave me a comment as I would love your feedback.
Versa Mark is something that YOU MUST HAVE…..to me, it serves 3 purposes;
- Gives you a tone on tone like I did today with the “Happy Birthday”
- Is the MUST HAVE for embossing
- It is a “secret weapon” in conditioning your stamps….especially the Photopolymer Ones , (but I do the same for the clear mount, especially if they are large images)
I hope that I have enlightened you today. I truly think that many of us totally “by pass” items that are 3-d….I “get it” to a certain extent but I will say that this one is a keeper as it “fits the bill for many occasions”…
Many of you are going to be happy tomorrow as I will share with a Tuesday Tip with the colors on how I organize my paper. This is a tricky thing as we all have different ways in doing this…this just works for me and I hope that it might work for you! 🙂
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by Susan Itell | May 3, 2016 | 3-D Projects, Uncategorized |
Well…here you go! If you are not smiling, please email me! 🙂 I think that you know me well enough by now that I adore “total packages” – I love to make things “go together”….and this is one super gift to make!
I have a BUNCH of graduation gifts that I need to be prepared for and who would not love a dozen of handmade cards…plus some extra goodies.
Gifts from the heart matter…you matter.
Your time & love that you put into your projects does make a difference!
I blogged about this note card over the weekend and I just love clean and simple cards like this! The “box” is sooooo easy to make and it was inspired to me from the super talented Sam Donaldson….it you do not know of her, you need to as she is one talented SUD from the UK. She always inspires me and I just ADORE hearing that lovely accent of hers! 🙂
Here is a link for a video that she did which inspired me to make this. I did not do all of the steps and fru-fru that she did it you watch the whole thing…I just knew that I needed the “meat and potatoes” of the project!
I will add some measurements for you….please make this – it is super fun and comes together in a snap!
- Start with a piece of card stock 8″ X11″
- Using the Simply Scored and have it on the long side, score at 4 1/2″ and 6 1/2″
- Turn to the short side and score at 1″, 2″, 6′ and 7″
- Turn back to the long side and score at the 5 1/2″ mark just to the score line (see photo below)
- Fold and use your bone folder to get great crisp edges. (don’t worry about trying to fold in that little scored line – this is one for stability for the box, it will make sense when you complete the box!)
- Cut up as shown and I also feel that it is sooooo important to cut at an angle. To me, this is the key to clean edges.
- If you choose to decorate the front, the DSP (YEP…I am STILL USING UP my DSP – how are YOU DOING), this piece is 3 3/4″ X 4 1/4″
- Add adhesive, I like the fast fuse or you could use tear tape. You can see in the below photo where I placed it. Fold forward the back of the box to the adhesive.
- You can see in the below photo that I have fast fuse on the sides on the front and then you simple bring it forward to meet to complete the box….SOOOOO easy – SOOOOO practical!
Here in the below photo that you can see the final part coming together. the scored lines on the sides help give the box some stability and I also think it gives a polished look! What do you think? Easy to make…right????? Let me know your thoughts! I have made 9 of these and it is fun to play with all different colors of papers etc….
Time for a little “jazzing” up….Susan style, very simple! I did use the triple banner punch at 1″ and then 1 1/8″ as all I was going for was a peek of black popping out!
The dashes and the simple ribbon makes it fun! I stuck dimensionals on the back of the banner and then placed a glue dot on top of the bermuda bay ribbon and PLOPPED a white bow!
Here is another picture of the fun project. I was very happy with it and trust me, anyone would love to receive this practical gift. The itty bitty flowers added the final touch. (I will miss these in our line but I know that I will always use them)
Were you wondering why I had a clothespin??? Easy – I added some stamps to complete the gift. Tucking a pen in there is also a fun touch. Whenever you can package a “complete” gift like this – the person that receives it will remember it…as it is super special!
Today is a day that I have been waiting for…..I can order a PRE-ORDER from the new catalog….I say YIPPEE!!!! 🙂 I will be having my order expedited so get ready to see some FUN!
After I get my goodies, I will share with you the card you will receive this month with an order. Aprils card are going out today and tomorrow…they look beautiful!
Feel free to email me, I hope that you liked today’s post – I am happy! I would love to hear your thoughts!
Don’t forget to hit that SHOP NOW button for the retired goodies….use the hostess code in the upper right of my blog and I will be happy to send you a goodie! Have a great day….I am – SHOPPING from the new catalog!
I am the very first to say that this alphabet stamp get is a pricey one but it is a classic one! I know that it is on the retired list but I will keep it to use for projects like this. A stamp set like this never goes out of style and I think that the single initial on a card is timeless! I totally forgot to put in in the line up below so here you go – click here for the direct link! (Silly Susan) –
You know what I would do….I would opt to get the ultimate bundle in my eyes…..for just $99.99 you can pick $125.00 worth of products and it ships for free (that is $26.00 in free products + $12.50 in shipping = a total savings of $38.50)
It really is as simple as that and guess what….you can add the NEW catalog order products in your kit….email me and I can share with you the pre-order for your ordering purposes! I think that you know by now that I am very upfront….it really is as easy as that! No obligations to do anything except for you to enjoy your goodies!
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