by Susan Itell | May 24, 2014 | Birthday, Stamp-a-ma-jig |
Birthdays are a yearly reminder that we all should celebrate as it is a special day! Yesterday was my Mother-in-laws special day and it was a milestone…she turned 80! I still find it hard to believe as she is so active and always has a positive attitude with taking care of John's Dad as his health has failed!
A special dinner with family was the perfect setting to celebrate this great birthday! Rita was a librarian in an Elementary school and still enjoys reading so I thought a card with a bookmark would perfect!
Last month Jeanie and I went to another SUD house for a class and we learner how to make this card. I wanted to switch up the stamp set and colors and even though it is a bit more difficult than my clean and simple cards…it was well worth it and I would definitely do it again, it is fun!
In the above pictures you see how the "book mark" is to the right of the card and I used the perforated blade to "prepare" this. I will have to say…if you do not have this…no worries what so ever, what I would do is make a "heavy" score line and then let the person know to simply cut it off!
This is the 1st time I have used the rotary cutter with the perforated blade…it was fun but just do not press too hard as you will cut the paper! You can see at the bottom part of this bookmark – I pressed to hard but you can see how easy it would be to tear off and use!
Let's go….here is the scoop for you to make this gem!
- The card base is 5 1/2 X 10 3/4". Score at 4 1/2" (This will ultimately be your A-2 Card)
- The other dimensions are Elegant Eggplant 4" X 5 1/4" and Very Vanilla is 3 5/8" X 4 7/8" and also 2" X 5 1/4" for the bookmark
- If you have the rotary cutter with the perforation blade…run it down at 8 1/2" – IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THIS…no biggie – just score it very hard so you can clearly see where the bookmark will be!
- Take the top part of the "bookmark" part and use the scalloped tag punch and push it all the way on (centering it on the 2 1/4" part) to make the bookmark come to life – then do the same with the skinny piece as well!
- The stamp sets that I used were Everything Eleanor and Memorable Moments…I thought they would be perfect for this card and the neutral was Sahara Sand…a great color!
- A must have for this card is the stamp-a-ma-jig! I know that many of you are still "on the fence" with it but I really hope that you learn to like it!
- The flowers were "fussy cut" which was super easy but I did 1st "green glued" one down and then put a stampin' dimensional on the top and added a pearl! Classic yet clean!
- The Big Shot and the Labels Collection Framelits made cutting out the sentiment part a breese!
You can see how when the card is "closed" up with the bookmark, it becomes a regular size card! Lining the envelope with the Elegant Eggplant Designer Series Paper Stack makes it a "no brainer" every-time!
Try this – use different stamps and colors and I even think it would be stunning with vellum paper! As I said before, it was different for me but it was fun!
It is the holiday weekend and we are looking forward to doing nothing….but be at home and enjoy some peaceful days!
Typepad was acting up yesterday – I hope that it will not be a pain today! Enjoy your Saturday and until tomorrow!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Apr 20, 2014 | Birthday |
This is a special day – Easter and my dear John's Birthday!
This rarely happens (actually the 1st since we have been married) and it is a HUGE joy to have Easter after Tax Season as rarely has John been out of Tax Season when it is Easter Sunday!
I truly hope that everyone has a wonderful day and makes memories with family and friends! We are blessed with good weather and are hoping to do everything and nothing all at the same time! A peaceful afternoon at the house enjoying each other, playing with the animals and having a fabulous dinner!
Today's post is a "quickie" but I do have a bunch of pictures…before we get going – I need to share with you some things that have happened in our lives when it is a birthday…
- When John turned 50…we bought him 2 miniature donkeys
- When I turned 50…I bought myself a pig (as no one else would get me one!)
- Today, when John turns 59, he is getting what he wants…CHICKENS!!!!
Let me clarify this…John has been on a "kick" to get some "chickens" here at our house (we live in the country) as he wants to have free-ranged eggs! We have had the opportunity to have free-range eggs for the past several months and they are amazing!
There is never a dull moment here at our house and today I am giving John his own chickens from me! I know he will laugh when he sees this – but trust me, I am sure within the next 2 weeks – we will be having chickens!
He has been doing lots of research on different breeds and I am "letting him roll with this one" as he is excited!
Today's card is a hybrid from MDS…I know …you all are scared to death of MDS…but you can try it FREE for 30 days so what do you have to loose….NOTHING! I loved this sentiment…as John "cracks" me up with wanting chickens!!!
The MDS Download is called A good Egg…a wonderful assortment of a fun variety of Easter fun! MDS does give you the ability to manipulate the size you need…change the color…and PRESTO – print away from your computer just like I did! This download is just $3.95 and you will have it forever!
I matted this on a smidge bigger piece of white paper and then POPPED it up with dimensionals and adhered it to a "note card" size card! I would ADORE if Stampin' Up! came out with this size in very vanilla – that would be fabulous! (fingers crossed – maybe the new catalog)
I think that we forget about the great boxes we have! These are called the Tag A Bag Gift Boxes and you get 8 for just $6.95. These come in sooooo handy and I think that we forget about them! I used the 5/8" Organza Ribbon to tie my "chocolate chickens" I am giving to John….(he will laugh)
I decorated the box with the Watercolor Wonder DSP ( I am going to miss this paper) The sizes are 6 1/2" X 1 7/8" and the sides are 2" X 1 7/8"…Isn't is great to do something so quick to add such a great touch! These are handy to keep on hand…"just in case"
Have a great day and please pop back tomorrow to see the "retired list"…no worries – if this is your 1st time going through this…..you will be sad and confused as to when SU is discontinuing something but have faith – new goodies are coming soon and SU will not disappoint us!
Remember to check my post from Friday, your opportunity to win Blog Candy and save $$$ with no shipping from Monday the 21st – thru Friday the 25th!
HUGE Stampin' hugs to each and everyone of you….please do not overlook the opportunity to try out MDS as it really is a great resource and also our fun and practical boxes….
Until tomorrow…..it will be exciting!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Apr 16, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Birthday |
O.k – I know all of you well enough by now…you are looking at this and saying –
WOWZERS – THIS IS HARD…THIS IS soooooo un-Susan…
Hang tight! This is a great card and it is a card that is really not hard…you just need to follow it like a map! When you think of it as a map….it will work – you always end up at the destination that you are going for!
You know that I love odd size cards…and I made a custom 5" square envelope for it using the Envelope Punch Board…do you remember I shared with you that I forgot to take a picture of my dear friends Jeanie's card for the Spring Card Swap!?!?!?!?
Well…we took a class making this card and she was determined to make it into an A-2 Card so she could swap! Well…she did it and you will see her "beauties" at the end of the post!
It is a hard card to get a good picture of…but trust me – when it is in you hands…you will have the BIGGEST smile on your face out of pure pride and joy! It is a great card that can be adapted in many ways!
Let's go….today I am going to do this super easy…..listing the paper and sizes right off the bat!
- Very Vanilla – Use the Square Framelits Scalloped frame for the outer edge…(you can see it "peek" out)….another piece at a 3 3/4" square for the inside of the card.
TIP ALERT: – The Square Framelits …I number them (I call #1 the smallest …then outward!) Doing it this way makes it easy when referring to sizes!
- Baked Brown Sugar – 4 1/4" X 8 1/2" and then scored at 2 1/8" and then flipped around to 2 1/8" to the other side! Balanced ends of the card will make perfect sense to you later on! Fold and use your bone folder for crisp edges!
- DSP – Retro Fresh Paper – a 2 3/4" square and then cut out with the #4 framelit! I also used this paper to line the envelope!
- Tangerine Tango – 3" square and cut it with the #5 square framelit to mat the DSP!
- Coastal Cabana – Cut a 4" square for the inside mat and then another 4" square but put it through the Big Shot Using the #5 and #7 framelits (remember…the smallest is #1 – see picture!) The circle for the cupcake is the 1 3/4" punch and then I did my "Susan dashes" in th white gel pen!
You can see that I used the Create a Cupcake Stamp Set...and using the fun colors of the DSP…a smile is on your face! How can a cupcake not bring a smile! The Cupcake Punch makes it a cinch!
TIP ALERT AND HOW IT COMES TOGETHER:
- For the "outer frame" in Coastal Cabana.…1st fold the card together and then place a "thin" strip of Mono Glue to the "outer side of the right of the Coastal Cabana Square"…..center it and adhere. (You can see in the picture that the left side of the Coastal Cabana is NOT adhered!)
- Go to the Tangerine Tango square that has the "cup cake" – place a "thin" strip of Mono Glue to the "left side of the Tangerine Tango Square" (the right side of this piece will not have any adhesive)
WHEW… – fold it together and IT WORKS!
All I can say is…try it..and if you need my help = please email me! I will do my best to help you! This card is one of those "Peanut Butter and Jelly" things I talk about – (once you get it…you get it!)
I must admit…this has been a hard one to try to "put into word" but I do hope you try it! !
I lined the envelope using the envelope punch board for a 5" square card WOOT-WOOT!!! What a great tool! Just look for the size of card you are making…follow the gude and presto – you can make your own envelope!
This is a great picture of an angle of the card! It is a fun card and one that I hope you try! I know that Vincent will have a HUGE smile on his face when he sees it!!!
Now let's get to Jeanie's card for the swap…..it's a keeper! Remember – this is an A-2 card size!
I hope that Jeanie will share with us the dimensions to make an A-2 card….I am sure she will as she is one talented person!
Today…you will get a double-whammy from me! Remember that I said that I had hopes of doing something fun for John….well…it is below 32 again and……it's not going to happen but "Plan B" is in effect!
Until later today!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Mar 30, 2014 | Birthday |
Happy Sunday! Yesterday I shared with you that is was my daughter Hannah's Birthday and I did not want to show you her card…in case she popped on line and saw it before she opened it! If you follow my blog you already know that she loves horses and still rides competitively even though she is in college!
There is a moral to this post…and as you know – I am totally honest with you about the in's and out's of stampin' etc…and my ultimate goal is for you to have the confidence to go and make cards that reflect who YOU are…it takes a while to develop a style…but hopefully I have inspired you to keep things simple and you know what….
This card might be cute…but I will say it was not simple!
I do not regret making it as I am proud of it but I can say, this was a bit stressful as I do not "see" punch art like many do…and guess what – that is the BEST thing about this whole crafting thing we do…we find what works for us…and we find things that don't!…I felt like this was an appropriate saying for how I felt…
I highly encourage each of us to be a turtle and stick your neck out and try something that is a challenge for you…it is an "eye-opener" and it also does make you go out of your comfort zone! I will say hands down…ever since I started participating in challenges…it has helped me grow! There are so many out there…heck – what do you have to loose = NOTHING!!!! The thing I love about challenges is…I do not need to change my style…I can express my style and be comfortable…and still get the job done!
Please feel free to email me if you want any suggestions as to which challenges I think are super fun! These challenges that are out there are for everyone…you do not need to be a demonstrator….you do not have to have a blog…you just need to have a warm heart, open mind and confidence to say…"I CAN DO IT"
My inspiration for this cute and whimiscal card was from a simple google search of "Ideas of punch art of a horse" and BINGO – sooooo many came up and I took bits from here and bits from there and came up with this! I cannot tell you how to make this…I started to do my normal writing….but then I kept changing things….and the rest is history!!!! Most of my inspiration came from Julie Olivier a Canadian Demonstrator..
I used the Neutrals Core'dinations paper for my "barn" – Using the Square Framelits, I cut my barn door BEFORE I used the Wood Grain Embossing Folder and sanding it!
The color of my horse today is Chocolate Chip! (Hannah's horses are both bays and our card stock is not quite that brownish-red) but this looks great!
This dear little horse does take a bunch of punches…..here are the ones that I used! Boho Blossoms, Owl Punch, Bird Builder Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Large Oval Punch, Cupcake Punch…
I have not used the Itty Bitty Banners Stamp Set for ages…but I thought that this would be perfect with this card and I decided to heat emboss it with the white embossing powder and then POPPED it out with the Banners Framelits! I think it looks super cute!
Whew….I'm glad that this is over…I was "Mama proud" but I sure do like my clean and simple cards! Make sure that you check back tomorrow as am super pleased with my farewell to Sale-A-Bration……sniff-sniff!
I know that Hannah will cherish this card…and it will make her smile and laugh! Below are pictures of her horses! Unfortunately I do not have a good picture of Stanley, he is new and a baby….getting ready to do make his debut at his 1st competition next month….Oscar has been a great horse…we are blessed!
Hannah and Oscar….what a great boy….If he was a dog, he would be a Labrador!
Hannah and Stanley….the 1st day she tried him…he's a cutie-pie!
This is Hannah and Millie (the horse I stopped to see last week) – this is their last show together…she is a beautiful horse but is so happy with her new life! She always has a soft spot in my heart!
Well…I must admit…my "real life versions" of my "live" animals are much better than my card…but I am still proud of it!!! I hope that this brought you some smiles this morning!
Tomorrow is it….the last day of Sale-A-Bration! Please make the most of it before the goodies go bye-bye!!!
I sent out to everyone that emailed me and said that they wanted to tke part in the Spring Card Swap! If you did not receive and email from me with the scoop….PLEASE click here and email me!
I am getting some A M A Z I N G cards….woot-woot – you all are amazing and I love that we have coffee together!!! Have a fabulous day and….
Until tomorrow!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Mar 27, 2014 | Birthday |
I needed to make another Birthday Card and I also knew that I wanted to participate in the Pals Hop today…so I put my "thinking cap" on and came up with the idea of making 2 bookmarks that can be used for later and be super practical at the same time!
Below is the sketch for today's hop! The oober talented Nicole Watt came up with this design and I was happy with my twist on it! We call can use bookmarks…so why not make it fun and incorporate them with today's card!
The card size is 5" X 7"…I decided to make it a bit bigger to have the bookmarks the right size! Here is the scoop on today's card…
- I started with making the book marks! I cut the paper 2" X 5 1/2" and I did (2) in the pacific point and one in white. I thought about cutting the white shorter as you will not see it…but then I changed my mind as I did not want to feel a "lump" where the paper was cut! This gives the bookmark super strong!
- The bundle set I used for this project is the Just Sayin' Clear Bundle…so cute and versatile! I love it that Stampin' Up! has so many bundles for us now…you will save an instant 15%…woot-woot!
- To one of the blue markers, cut the word bubbles out with the desired framelits. Now take it ontop of the white one and trace the image so you can stamp a perfect image!
- Using the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig for perfect placement…I stamped the images and then erased the pencil line! YIKES – sorry for the bad pictures….but you'll get the idea! I used the "green glue' to adhere the bookmarks together!
- The tassel was made with the white bakers twine! So easy, so fast…so useful! The added simple touch was with the white gel pen...works every-time and an effect that gives instant dimension!
- It is super hard to see but I used the Watercolor Wonder Designer Series Paper as part of the backdrop of the card…it is the very faint and subtle dots of light grey! In person it looks super – just a very soft touch!
- Some simple strips of paper across the bottom made the perfect "resting place" for my bookmarks! I did seal the bottom on so they would not slip through! Putting a piece of sticky strip across the back of the white 1/4" stitched grosgrain ribbon….again – just a touch for dimension!
- Because this is an odd size card – I needed to make my own envelope! Easy with the help of the Envelope Punch Board! This gem for just $19.95 allows you to make many sizes of envelopes and also other projects….click here to see the post from the other day that I did when I made a box!
- I lined the outside of the envelope with the same Designer Series Paper…a completed fun card!
I think the thing that I liked about this card is the fact of the "2 for 1" – the bookmark will remind you of this card everytime you use it! It truly is super sturdy with it being a total of 3 pieces of paper!
Pop over to the Pals Paper Art Website and see all of the inspiration from the designers and the entries this week! Please think about playing with us this week….you have until next Tuesday so….get to it!
If you still want to participate it the Spring Card Swap….please send me an email with the subject line saying CARD SWAP. The date for you to get your card to me is Sunday, April 6th.
I sent an email out yesterday to all of the people that have emailed me….so if you did not receive one, please email me! I am thrilled that so many want to participate! I will share with everyone the cards that come my way before I send them out!
Thanks for popping by…please share my blog with your family and friends! You never know when the Blog Candy might be popping up…..(I feel like it has been a while)
Until tomorrow!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Mar 26, 2014 | Birthday, Super Easy |
We were "YACKING" away…and then it hit me!!!
I quickly looked down on my computer and saw that the date said March 25th and I said – OH NO – yesterday was your Birthday!!! I admit…I totally knew that Jeanie's Birthday was on March 24th and I have egg all over my face!
Jeanie is a totally fun person…one that I have blogged about often and a person that would make you smile and laugh the minute you are with her! She totally loves life…she is sooooo talented with crafts……but more importantly she is an amazing teacher to precious little ones….they are soooooo lucky to have her!
She only teaches in the mornings….and I adore her motto….(she still has a daughter in high school)…ready… –
12 to 3…It's all about me!!!
I just love it when she says that! Jeanie has the most AMAZING craft room and it is sooooo easy to get lost in time when you are there! One day….I went to Jeanie's and John called…saying "Are you coming home soon" – I asked why???…..his response…"The roads are getting really bad with all of the snow"! Now that a FUN time..stamping away!
This is a great example of how we get lost in time! We have known each other for years and we have had many fun times together! She is totally my rock when I cannot figure out how to create something….you have heard me say that I am computer challenged….well I try to keep things so simple that when I see something that totally stumps me…Jeanie to the rescue! (She always laughs at me asking for help!)
O.k. – enough! Let's get to this easy-peasy card…I was inspired by a swap (unforunately, it had no name to give it credit) Jeanie loves this paper and I know it will make her smile! It really is so easy you do not need me….but here you go!
- Using the coordinating colors from this paper stack, the Coastal Cabana is 4 1/4" X 3 1/4" and then the white is 4" X 3 1/4"
- To the candles we go….they are from the same paper stack and the dimensions are 3/4" X 3" each and then the "flame" is from the Bird Builder Punch….(I've told you haw incredible our punches are)
- Is this OOBER easy or what! Just think about how many of these you could whip out!!! I added my "dots and dashes" around the edge of the sentiment part….my way of adding a bit of interest!
- Last but not least – envelope time! A double whammy here….I lined it using the Envelope Liner Framelit and also remember to make the mailman smile before I cleaned my stamp…..I did a simple stamp on the outside of the envelope!
WOOT-WOOT I say!!!! Quick, clean and DONE! This is what I say….my kind of card! I had a late meeting at work last night and did a quick "plan B" for my dear friend!!!!
Please pop back tomorrow to see what I have up my sleeve….one thing that is for sure – it will be simple….as that's me…."simple susan"…..I truly believe that you can make simple, clean and practical cards and projects!
I am over my "pity party" that I had this morning about the unveiling of the new products….it will happen and the best thing – it will mean even more to me as it will be a BIG SURPRISE!
Just a quick note….I have not forgotten about the Card Swap ….and PLEASE email me and put in the subject line CARD SWAP and I will email you my address….I have not had a block of time to group everyone to send my address out…..my goal is to get that to you by Thursday!!!! I have not forgotten you!!!!
Spring is the theme….make a Spring Card and mail it to me….and I will send you another card made by a cyber friend!!!! This will be fun and I will do a post on all of the cards that I participate! The cards need to be to me by Sunday, April 6th…so get going…..I will get you my address!
You all are the best! I hope that you will leave dear Jeanie a comment of "Happy Birthday" as trust me….she is my inspiration for many of the projects I do!
Happy (belated) Birthday my dear friend….I am blessed!
Until tomorrow!
Like this:
Like Loading...
