by Susan Itell | Jul 16, 2014 | Birthday |
I know that I am guilty in not sharing with you very often - masculine cards…I must be better about this but today here you go! This is a special day for a special young man…and being that he is a music major he will get a kick out of this!
Well…let's be honest…he will get a better kick out of his care package that will be coming his way as he is a "Rising Senior" in College and loves care packages – heck I would still love to get a "care package" at 50!
This stamp set, Timeless Talk is very versatile Stamp Set and I have used it many times before. Click here to see probably one of my favorite cards I've made.
There a couple of things that I think make this card special…the stamp…the basic color of the paper…basically the simplicity of the over all design! This is one of those "keepers" that I often talk about…remember this and think about other stamps you can use with it!
The overall size of the card is a 4" square and I dictated the size of the square opening by the image of the stamp. I went ahead and cut the DSP 1/4" smaller and then used the #4 of the Square Framelit to cut out the center of the DSP.
I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement…it truly is my friend. After that was in place I took out the Black and used the #4 & #5 to make a perfect frame! (Use the "green glue" for perfect placement…I just love that wiggle room before it dries!)
Can you see the "KEY" part to this card…probably not and darn, I wish it was in your hands right now cause it really is a great card. You know how you always have those "extras" when you use up your Stampin' Dimensionals? BINGO!!!!
Take these long pieces left over and use them for a great lift! This gives this card sooooo much dimension. Now don't skimp…make sure that you also use some in the inside of the square…we all know that we do not like "sags"!!!
Using the same paper to line the envelope was the icing on the cake! Well the cake is the ….Envelope Punch Board but the icing – the liner! This is a trick I learned from my dear friend and upline, Mary Fish!
Measure from the edge of the flap point to the edge of side of the envelope…take that measurement and bring it down 1/4" – in this case it is 3". Now take it back to the Envelope Punch Board and punch it 1/4" smaller…flip it…punch it at the same. BINGO – fits like a glove!
This special card is for a very special young man….my daughter Hannah's boyfriend…Aidan….here is a picture of the 2 of them…I swear they are the most photogenic couple in the world and they have so much fun together….so Happy 22nd Birthday!
He is from the UK and I love to call him my favorite "British Bum" – great guy….Happy…happy day to you!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jul 2, 2014 | Birthday, Paper Pumpkin |
I have several friends that celebrate birthdays near the 4th of July Holiday so I put my thinking cap on as what to make…these are some of the goodies that are in the June Paper Pumpkin Kit! You know the saying…"You've Come A Long Way Baby"…well this is what I have been saying about the Paper Pumpkin Program!
I am not showing you the "pinwheels" that you can make with this kit but I will say that last night for my goddaughters 16th Birthday, I made her a Carrot Cake and put 3 pinwheels in the center and it was just adorable and festive….
My sons girlfriend, Lydia put her paper pumpkin kit together and lined the sidewalk with pinwheels…lots of fun and festive ideas! Please click here and see Mary Fish's post about how she used her kits….too darn cute! I plan to use mine for napkins on the holiday!
Let's get to today's card….cute…right!?!?!
If you have been following my blog you know that I adore polka dots…why? – they just make me smile and when I open up this kit and saw this oober fun paper – I was beaming! In the below picture you will see the paper that was in the kit!
- The card is a 5 x 5 Crumb Cake card and I simply took one of the fun squares and placed sticky strip down the edges that were alreay precut to make a square! A "smidge" larger of real red seemed to be the perfect touch needed to start the POP!!!
- This is such a easy card to whip up…I knew all I really needed was a great sentment that would make the polka dots stand out even more…the Age Awareness Photopolymer Stamp was the perfect choice!
- After doing my stampin thing…I thought that that 3 stars from the Ittey Bitty Accents Punch Pack would be a perfect touch to the card! I was going to go with the Red, White and Blue scheme…but I then thought the red was best…adding a navy candy dot was the perfect finishing touch!
- I made my own envelope and then was able to use another square to line the envelope…are you smiling…dots are just always so fun and festive!
- Don't you love the clean and crisp lines of this card. Less is best and simplicity is more! To me this is using the best of both worlds…being able to use up fun paper and using it in a totally different way that was intended.
I just was so happy with this kit! The ideas are endless and I am sure that Stampin' Up! is going to continue to offer more and more great monthly projects for us!
Please go to the Paper Pumpkin Website and see what the fun is all about! This makes a perfect gift to give someone…a subscription that will be delivered right to their door. The feedback that I receive is that people LOVE the fact that they can sit down and create a project without having to think!!!
All of the thinking…cutting…stamps….ink are all right in this cute Red Box that gets delivered to your door each month! John always teases me and says….you "pumpkin" is here and OFF I GO WITH IT!
I hope that I have inspired you to think out of the box and I encourage you to google June Paper Pumpkin ans see all of the fun goodness that is there! I also encourage you to sign up today for the program…you can stop at any time and you can also suspend your membership for a month if you wish….
Once again, another way that Stampin' Up! makes things super easy for us! Tomorrow is the Pals Paper Art Challenge and it is a color challenge…..(I just love them) and I think that you are going to like the card as well!
Happy "HUMP" day – this will be a short week….but a fun week – until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jun 29, 2014 | Birthday |
Happy Sunday! Today I hope that you are going to enjoy this sweet and simple square birthday card! I think that it is super cute and I love the scoring – to me this just adds so much with so little effort!
CONFESSION TIME: When I went to upload my post…my pictures that I took at home did not turn out…lesson learned – check before you leave….John and I slipped away for an overnight and I took these at a Bed and Breakfast that we stayed at!!!
I have many neutrals that I like and this one is a color that I love nad one that I feel like I have been neglecting a bit…Sahara Sand – I totally encourage you to give it a try – it looks amazing with all color palettes from Brights to Subtles and you can see that today I am using the In Colors!
Let's get going…
- The base is a 4 1/2" square from Sahara Sand. THe Mossy Meadow is a 4 1/4" square and then the Very Vanilla is a 4" square!
- Take the Very Vanilla Square and using the Simply Scored Scoring Tool I scored at 1/4" increments for 1 1/2" = (6) score lines. I think doing it on just 2 sides gives this card a quick wow with little effort!
TIP ALERT: You see that I used the Scoring Tool….you could easily use the Stampin' Trimmer and score with that but my feeling is that the Simply Scored Tool you can get a deeper impression…but by all means – use what you have and what works for you!
- Adhere the scored piece on the Mossy Meadow (the scored piece is bumpy so adhering it to the Mossy piece will ensure a nice flat image) I would use the sticky tape or the snail. In the end, I did use stampin’ dimensionals on the Mossy part…love the look these give but please be generous with then…we don’t like a saggy card!
- How about that super fun and modern flower! Where did it come from? It is a new Bigz L Die called Flower Frenzy and it is a keeper! (I know that many of you get a bit of sticker shock of $37.95) but just look at the variety of images on this one die – think about it this way…if these were punches just think of how much money it would be!
TIP ALERT, again – The other thing that I love about these Bigz L Die is the fact that you use your scraps to create just what you want…for example, I put scraps of the 2 colors just on the flowers I want….presto = a paper save plus I get exactly what I want!
- I used mini glue dots to place my flowers on the base and then the circles were from the Owl Builder Punch!
TIP ALERT #3 – I have blogged about this before but I feel that it is deserving to say it again…build your punch collection up…we have GREAT punches and I do realize that they can add up quickly…but they truly are lifesavers! To me, punches can add a instant added touch that make your project come to life!
- The sentiment is from the new stamp set, And Many More…a must have for your collection…why? – Just look at the sentiments in this set and when you are needing a quick sentiment…there is something for you!
- Yes…I did use the stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement…works like a charm (when you have a small and narrow sentiment like this, I like using the brush end of the markers rather than using the ink pad as I feel you can control the ink better and when you stamp, you have less chance of “wiggle” which leaves blobs sometimes!)
- Envelope time…the Envelope Punch Board to the rescue…just use that handy-dandy chart…look for a 4 ½” card…read the size of card stock you need (which for this is a 7 ½” square) and then punch at 3 ¾”…score…all the way around and PRESTO a perfect envelope for the card!
- Lining this envelope…I get asked this often in how I do it when I make my own envelopes…well 1st – I say click here and see a great video that my wonderful upline and friend Mary Fish made…and it will make perfect sense to you!
In a nut shell…I measured from the top point of the envelope to the edge and it was 3 ¾”…I then go down ½” and that tells me that I need a 3 ½” square…(saves paper too). Take this piece to the envelope punch board and go down ¼” (3 3/8”) and punch…then FLIP to the opposite side and punch again at the 3 3/8” mark – PRESTO – you have a liner…this really is so easy but please make sure you watch the video!
This liner is from the All Albloom DSP Paper Stack…(I am already on my 2nd pack – LOVE IT) and wowzers – what a bargain! I highly recommend these stacks and my fingers are crossed that there will be more in the Holiday Catalog!
NEWS FLASH!!! – I have had many people the past several days emailing me about my Ribbon and Paper Share that I offered and if there was still openings. CLICK HERE to see the post and I want to let you know that I will do it one last time as I am going to place another order on Tuesday (July 1st)
If you want anything please email me before noon Eastern time on Tuesday!
Please remember to put in the Subject Line Ribbon and Paper Order!
Besides the Ribbon/Paper offerings…I will send a card as my extra thank you to you! Click here to see the card. I am so glad that I am able to offer this ribbon/paper share to you as I adore the new ribbon and DSP Paper Stacks but I realize that you would be spending lots of money if you were to get them all!
Have a SUPER SUNDAY and you know what tomorrow is…Make it Mine Monday! Please pop back and try the challenge…not for me…but for YOU!!!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jun 26, 2014 | Birthday |
Why am I happy about today's Pals Paper Arts Challenge? Easy -peasy…I am so darn tootin' proud of so many of you (and you know who you are) that have been embracing and trying the Make it Mine Mondays with me! I am proud of you trying to stretch your talents and at the same time, you are developing your style!
Guess what!?!? I "get it" as I am right there with you! It does take time to feel comfortable for your projects but it is a learning process…you learn what you like and you learn what you do not (and also what totally stresses you) – I say "dump it" if that is the case!
Here is the sketch and I say….GO FOR IT – I know you can do it!
Let's get going …. you can see that it is very straight forward and I can think of sooooooo many stamps…punches that could be used! Me…I needed a birthday card so here is my take!
- The base is a Whisper White A-2 card in the vertical and then accented with Lost Lagoon!
- The stamp set of the day is So Very Happy (this is a special stamp set to me as I received it free at leadership and I think of the fun that I had with the PALS) Isn't this a fun set…owl's are so popular and I adore the fun sentiments…
- I stamped it with Staz On as I watercolored it (oops – I did use water color paper and I highly suggest you to always use it when water coloring) and then popping it out was a cinch with the Blossom Punch (just LOVE our punches)
- After coloring the fun flower a simple POP up with stampin' Dimensions was easy-peasy! A quick stamp of the sentiment….and a tie of a simple "ribbon knot"….it's coming together!
- You know what is coming…envelope time!!! I did a double whammy today (it rained today so I thought the mailman deservd to smile) – I lined the envelope with the In Color DSP stack (love them) with the help of the envelope framelit (IT"S ON SALE) – click here to see the sale goodies!
- Taking it front and center….using my dear friend, Stamp-a-ma-jig…I stamped the front of the envelope! This just makes me so happy……I adore envelopes!
Fun…cute…simple….doable – what do you think? You can also see the stitching…I switched it up a bit = dash…dot….dash…dot! I love that white gel pen…just remember to store it on its side! (I always scribble with it before I take it to my project)
Have a great day and I am going to leave you today with a Daisy picture…I worked late last night and we had a terrible rain storm (many roads were closed with flooding) when I came home – I called John and he said we had power (which is great)….he said the animals were fine (which is great) BUT…he said that Daisy was out during the storm!
Needless to say he told me this to "get me going" but he reassured me that she was fine….here is a picture of her when I came home – true she was clean but she was cold! Pigs loved to be covered up…she pulled a dog bed over her – she slept all night!
I love this pig! (poor other dogs…she was front and center on the dog bed)
Until tomorrow……
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by Susan Itell | Jun 18, 2014 | Birthday, Super Easy |
I know that when most of us saw that they were discontinuing the cupcake stamp set from the old catalog, we were sad but we also knew that the SUPER Cupcake builder punch was staying around ….which meant that Stampin' Up! had something up their sleeve!
That something is the super fun stamp set called Cupcake Party and it is just adorable! It is a super fast card to put together as the matching punch makes it a breeze to POP out! I love monochromatic cards and I have a co-worker that is celebrating her birthday today!
I decided to go with a note card size but I cut it myself so I could have a vertical fold! Wanting something "perky and bright" I when with Bermuda Bay and the accent of Soft Sky! (I personally love this color combination together)
The Bermuda Bay is just a smidge smaller than the card base (1/8th" smaller) and then I used the FUN Decorative Dots Embossing Folder with the help of the Big Shot and I let the magic happen with a big crank! These embossing folders are simply the best!
I like to adhere images after I embossed them so they lay super flat and let the image show to its fullest! The white piece is 2 3/4" X 4 1/4" and then I simply had fun stampin' and punchin'…the little confetti's were from the Cupcake Punch…you would be so surprised at how much you use this punch! (I used it a bunch for the confetti for the centers of flowers)
I bet some of you are surprised…I made a bow!!! WOOT-WOOT!!! The Bermuda Bay satin Ribbon seemed like a perfect choice to add that little special touch! A simple glue dot held it in place!
The envelope had a double whammy…sometimes I just cannot resist…a beautiful envelope makes me smile! The Brights Designer Series Paper Stack to the rescue again…..my motto…
When in doubt…pull them out!
Why not – since we have them in all color combinations its a no brainer…these gems are often overlooked but to me…they are TOP on the list in all color palettes!
I know that I have posted before about the great offer Stampin' Up! is offering….taking a "test drive" for just $50.00! Well here is another "Susan Collection" that I have put together that would be a perfect start for your rental car!
Remember, you have nothing to lose and you can turn that car right back in even after you place your 1st order and get a 30% discount (that's more than I get). I adore hobbiest and I would love to have you on my team. To me, being a hobby demonstrator is the best…they are always happy as they just simply love the product and making projects!
Please think about it and then email me….I will be happy to answer any questions you have. It really is a great opportunity and also one that you can walk away from at anytime…you name your own guidelines as to what works for you!
WOWZERS….it is super hot on the East Coast…please take it easy and drink lots of water…if I had my way, I would be sitting in the air-conditioning stampin' all day long!
Until tomorrow….it's a PALS PPA challenge!
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by Susan Itell | Jun 13, 2014 | Birthday |
I must admit…I am a classic at heart! I learned that honestly from my wonderful Mom and as she used to say…you can't go wrong with a clean, crisp white blouse and a navy blazer! I know that she would adore this card!
I have blogged many times before that I adore paper, and this card uses a bunch of paper but remember….use the inside parts that no one will see and pop out punches…use framelits if you can…just make it work for you!
Let's get to it…this is easy and it does create a WOW factor and I suggest that you play around with colors! Before we go further, I have received many emails that people have been receiving their Ribbon Shares…well – I do plan to offer them again next week as I keep receiving emails…the ribbon this year is just wonderful!
HANDS DOWN – the one ribbon that totally shocked me with how luscious it is is the 5/8" satin ribbon! Today I am using the silver….but WOWZERS – the gold is elegant and will be amazing at the holidays!
The finished size of this card is 5 1/4" Square Card in Night of Navy! You can see that today I did not make an envelope but I easily could have with the envelope punch board! This is going to a special friend with a cake! YUMMERS!
The stamped image is a 3 1/2" square and it is stamped with the super new stamp set, Age Awareness! This is a photopolymer set and this makes it so easy for perfect placement! Love this set – I matted it a "smidge" larger….just 1/8"!
The next layer is Night of Navy at 4 3/4" square and then the magic happened with the Flowering Flourishes Stamp Set and I stamps it with Versa Mark – next was the White Embossing Powder and then "heated up" with the Heat Tool. ( I must admit…I get as excited doing this technique as I did the 1st time – it's magic)
Again, I matted this piece a "smidge larger" and then added that beautiful ribbon…..to the base card! I was tickled with the end result and I can see that this will be a "keeper" card for me! When you break it down, it is an easy card and the end result will always bring a smile to the recipient!
The stamped image was "lifted up" with Stampin' Dimensions to give it that special finished touch! I can not imagine "card making" without these gems!
That's it…so are you going to try it? I sure hope so as it really is a pretty card! Play around with colors – bolds – neutrals…the sky is the limit!
WOOT-WOOT – I am happy that it is Friday – we have a fun weekend ahead and I am looking forward to Sunday, my Dad is in town and naturally John will appreciate a yummy breakfast to start his day!
Thanks for popping by, please subscribe to my blog if you have not done so…I love blogging and I love what I do! Have a great day and until tomorrow!
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