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 15, 2014 | Birthday |
Here's a story for you…you know by now I love to tell you about things! Yesterday morning I woke up with the chickens as I had an early morning meeting at work and while having my coffee I surfed PINTEREST for ideas to decorate for St. Patty's Day for an event at work!
I needed some super simple ideas and then I thought – why not try MDS?
Now let me be very, very clear about this and for those of you that know me and have been with me with my blog know that I am computer challenged….I try and I am proud of myself with my daily blog postings…but when I have to "THINK" about something too long and hard….."I FREEZE" and I know I need to get over it…
Well…I have tried MDS several times and have had very good success but the truth is…I do not get on it enough to make it seem "natural" to me as I adore having paper and scissors in my hands!
In playing and playing with MDS I realize WOW…it was FUN!!! Then I also knew that I have another friend that also celebrates her birthday on St. Patty's Day….so here you go!!!
I was sooo darn tootin' excited with the end result and when I came down stairs and showed John…he said – "when did you do that" – seriously it was like the "peanut butter and jelly" thing that I talk about! I just love it when things go together!
This is my 1st "hybrid" card…but no way my last!
I never…ever thought that I would enjoy creating something on MDS and then printing it off on my printer (and trust me – my printer is a super old – portable printer that I take with me when Hannah and I are traveling with the horses so it is nothing super special!)
I am not sure where to go with this post today but one thing I do know is…I need to learn to post about MDS because I'm going to do many more!
I make many, many cards for my job to send to members and I can clearly see how this will be a "great resource" for me to still feel like I am being "creative" and then still have my paper and scissors in my hands…to create a great card!
I simply played around and POOF – this is what I came up with… the shamrock came from the Lucky Frameable Designer Kit – clover and then the sentiment "lucky charms"….for some reason I cannot highlight these items so you can click to them. (sorry!!!!)
I would highly suggest that you hit the SHOP NOW button and on the digital downloads you can see all of the different downlaods that are available!
It is soooo super cool that you can click on the shamrock and then click the color – put in garden green and WOWZERS – it works! I was soooooo happy playing away! – I am going to master this…don't know when…but it's fun and adictive and I am going to do it!
The super cute border in between is called the Tasteful Trim Shapes 3 and the color is Sahara Sand! Isn't it sooo fun that you can change the color just like we have in our paper!!! Another woot-woot!
Seriously, I had fun! It just is a tool that you can play and play and guess what – it works! I apologize that I can not be more precise today but one thing that I can suggest to you is….to down load the FREE 30 day trial of MDS….
If you click on here….you can surf around and see all of the downloads that you can add to the MDS software! Just have fun looking at the different offerings MDS has!
I have done other projects and had Stampin' Up! print them and they are amazing but I will say it was very rewarding to do this myself! I really was impressed that I could whip up something fast for myself here at the house!
After I created this on a piece of Whisper White Card Stock, I cut the the front to 5 1/4" X 4" and then matted it with a piece of Garden Green just a smidge bigger…and you know me…save paper! 
LOVE IT!!! I matted it on an A-2 card size and then added pearls….why not???? Pearls are a girls best friend!
To the inside…. it was from the Cake & Ice Cream Stamp Brush sentiment! Think about this…for just $5.95 you get all of these goodies and you can make them the size that you want…the color you want…that in itself a huge woot-woot!
I have to do a envelope….right??? This was super easy and I used the Designer Series Paper to line the envelope…I wish that we were together to see how happy I was that this all came together!
How about trying MDS? I know – it might not be for you but that is OK….I am going to continue to "play" and when I do …I will share! Remember, you can download it for FREE for 30 days…and then if you like it – it is just $19.95!!!
They even have their own website for help…ideas…tutorials….click here and see! I think you will be wowed with all of the super cute and fun ideas they show!!!
Thanks a bunch for being patient with me today and until tomorrow!
p.s. – go and download the FREE MDS …email me if you need help!
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by Susan Itell | Mar 14, 2014 | Birthday, Sympathy |
I know that it is hard when you need a sympathy card as many times we find out that we need one and I think that it is good to have some on hand…just in case!
Yesterday John said to me – “I need a sympathy card for a client – can you make me something special” Mission accomplished, as I needed to do it before I went to work!
Here is a great little card that has a clean and simple WOW factor! Actually you could change out the sentiment and put Happy Birthday, Thinking of you etc…
Let’s go….
- Note-cards and envelopes to the rescue…What am I ever going to do if Stampin’ Up! discontinues these gems! Go ahead and cut the mat at ¼” smaller = 3 ¼” X 4 ¾”
TIP ALERT: You have seen me do this a bunch of times and I think that this is the 1st time I have said this to you…I cut up a whole stack of these mats in Whisper White…Very Vanilla and Crumb Cake as these are the base colors that I seem to “go-to” often! The way I look at it is…a time saver. When you have things at your fingertips – things just come together like peanut butter and jelly!
- The Stamp Set I used was the Stippled Blossoms Set, it is a beautiful set and when you play around with different colors….WOWZERS happens all the time! (please go back to previous posts I have done with the stamp set…they really show you a larger spectrum of the flowers….gorgeous! Just type the stamp name in the search button above!)
TIP ALERT #2 – When you stamp…use the light color 1st and then go over with the darker one….it is a 2 step process and I HIGHLY recommend that you use the Stamp-a-ma-jig!
- For this card I used the Pink Pirouette 1st (lighter) and then went over top with the more detailed stamp in Strawberry Slush (darker)
- The leaves were Pear Pizzazz 1st (lighter) and then Old Olive (darker) next. HOW EASY!!!
- The sentiment came from the hostess stamp set Simply Sketched and using the stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement it fit perfectly on the card! WOOT -WOOT – this is just $10.00!!!
- I wanted to add some simple ribbon so you can see in the pictures below how I anchored the ribbon! I am trying to share with you ways to “hide the mechanics” of your card projects! By using simple glue dots on the ends, you can wrap the ribbon behind the mat and have a very clean and professional finish!
- Add dimensionals to the mat….POOF!!!! Done in no time! What would we do without out Stampin’ Vitamins !?!?!?
- To the envelope we go….I was happy about this! I lined the outside of the envelope with the Strawberry Slush Paper from the In Color Collection and then thought – how about using the Large Scallop Edgelit to add a bit of pizzazz!
I was tickled “pink” with the end result of the envelope and all in all…this is one beautiful, fast, easy card that will touch the heart of John’s client!
You have heard me blog before about the “just in case” phrase that I use – when I say that it is like the “little black dress” ! We need to have some "go to’s" for when we are in need of a quick card to send!
I want you to think about what your "go to’s" are for…
- Birthday Cards
- Anniversary Cards
- Sympathy
- Get Well
- Thinking of you
- Just Because
It’s a great idea to have a file of some of your favorite "go to’s" so when you need them…they are ready! One thing that I am guilty of is that I send my cards out (but trust me – I have a nice stash in a basket) and it’s a good thing I have my blog as I often go back and look at different themes!!!
Enjoy your day…get ready for a fun weekend…stay warm and I thank you for popping by today!
Please feel free to email me and as always, I love your comments…you all make me smile and are my source of inspiration!
Shopping in your jammies while drinking a cup of coffee is also super fun…hit that SHOP NOW button and have fun…remember, Sale-a-bration is coming to a close in 2 weeks…
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Mar 8, 2014 | Birthday |
Happy Birthday to my wonderful brother Todd! We are 2 years apart and as my Dad always says…I am the Red Caboose of the family being the youngest!
It is hard coming up with masculine cards and I know that this will bring a smile to his face and hopefully yours as well! Todd is a fabulous Dad and his one and only is off to college next year….he is going to miss her so…
Let’s go…it is the weekend and I am sure that you have lots of fun plans and don’t want to take the time reading my long posts!!! CASE this card…as it is so easy and one to keep on hand…”just in case”!!!
- The card is the notecard size…I know – you are probably tired of this size….but I love it!
- Pulling out the Big Shot and the Squares Framelits…cut a square out of the front of the card…using the magnetic platform is a lifesaver!!!
- Next, I take a pencil and draw the square so I can have perfect placement for the fun sentiment!
- Pulling out the Stamp from the Perfect Pennants Stamp Set…inking it up with Soft Suede and making sure it's straight with the Stamp-a-ma-jig….let's do it! Don't you just love that nice big and bold "Make a Wish"!!!
- Back to the Big Shot you go and now take (2) of the squares and cut a "frame" to place around the "hole" on the front of the card!
- Taking the star that is in the Stamp Set, I inked it with Midnight Muse and stamped away! (TIP: – Can you see how nice and crisp the images are…make sure your ink pads are well inked for great coverage!) I did stamp a couple of extra ones and fussy cut them out to POP them up with a Stampin' Dimensional! To the centers of the stars I placed a neutral candy dot…a fun touch!
- Do you see the candles? A cute touch that using a mini glue dot holds it in place perfectly!
- Envelope time…When in doubt…pull it out so out comes the Neutrals Designer Paper Pack and using the soft suede to match my card….PERFECT!!!!
Cute….right??? One thing that I would suggest is that you take advantage of the Perfect Pennants Bundle so you will get both – the great stamp set above plus the framelits and you will save an instant 15% right off the bat! WOOT-WOOT!!!
This is a fun technique in cutting out the front and stampin' a sentiment! Please share with me your work…I love and appreciate when you do!
Think about to me today as I am hopefully going to be a BIG sponge and learn some fun things at the Stampin' Up! meeting and workshop I am going to!
I am an email away for you….please reach out to me if I can be of help and thanks for sharing my love of stamping with your family and friends!
Enjoy your Saturday and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Mar 7, 2014 | Birthday |
Ok…are you getting tired of Birthday Cards? I warned you weeks ago that I had a ton of Birthdays and after tomorrow…you will get a break from them…promise!
This beautiful (in my opinion) card is for my friend…we were roommates in College…and she too is a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator! Her Birthday was yesterday so I couldn’t dare share her card with you yesterday!
When you talk about talent and sheer precision…that is MJ! She is one crafty lady and anything she touches is golden! I know that she will like this card and I hope that it brings a smile to her face!
I know you have heard me say before…when I make a card that I really like…I make a bunch of them…well this is one of them as it is clean, elegant, super simple, uses minimal products and has a WOW factor!
Let’s get going as I hope that this inspires you to HIT that SHOP NOW button and duplicate what I have done! I simply adore when you CASE my cards and I adore when you share with me your works of art from your heart! Remember…we ALL have gifts!
There are no rules….except – to have fun! So….let’s have fun! There is nothing more special and feminine than a soft, luscious pink!
- The base is Pink Pirouette but scored at the 5 ½” side making it a vertical card and the focal color of the card is Basic Gray!
- Pulling out the Vellum paper…and I ask you – have you used vellum lately? I sure haven’t but I am likin’ today’s card! I used my new best friend but I am still having some love/dis-like relationships with it….the White Staz On Ink….but the arrow is to the LOVE!
- There are 2 stamps sets that I used today, the Flower Shop which coordinates with the Pansy Punch ….super cute – super fun…these flowers are so whimsical and are also perfect "fillers" for a card!
- When working with vellum, it is always tricky with the adhesive…as many times you can see through it! With these flowers it was easy-peasy….mini glue dots to the rescue!
- BLING TIME – The basic pearls did the trick!!! You know me with my dot…dot…dots! – I decided to do them in pearls! WOOT-WOOT!
- Sentiment time…the Remembering your Birthday is the Stamp Set of choice!!! Love the softness that the White Staz On Ink gives!
- Last but not least..the envelope! When in doubt…pull it out! The Neutrals Designers Series Paper Stack was my pick today! True I lined the envelope but I needed to make the mail man smile….so I decided to “jazz up the front of the envelope” - Stampin up the front…I know that MJ will love and appreciate this!
I promise….tomorrow will be the last B-day card for a bit…and it is my brothers Birthday card….and it is super cute! It is so hard making masculine cards but I think that you will enjoy it!
What a great week it has been but I will say that I am looking soooooo forward to tomorrow as I am going to an event with a bunch of Stampin' Up! Demonstrators….and I will be doing a card swap so….WOOT-WOOT – I hope I have some keepers for you!
I thank you for popping by and remember, with every order for Sale-A-Bration, I will mail you a free swatch set of the DSP….a super handy tool!!!
The best compliment that you can give to me is to tell your friends about my blog….I love what I do and I love helping YOU!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Mar 3, 2014 | Birthday, Super Easy |
I have no idea what happen with the delivery of today's post….computers – you love them and then there are other times…you scratch your head!!! Sorry for the delay…enjoy the day!!!
I told you that I had a bunch of Birthday’s coming up…and I know that St. Patrick’s Day is two weeks from today…(YIKES – can you believe how fast this calendar is rolling the year) It just seems like yesterday that we were doing Christmas Projects!!!
Hannah’s best friend Birthday is on St. Patty’s Day and I wanted to share this with you now in case you send St. Patty’s cards out! This is a super clean and simple layout and you could simply change up the sentiment!
Let’s get to it! It is Monday…it is SNOWING AGAIN…everything is closed (which means I am off work and I can PLAY WITH PAPER AND SCISSORS!!!!!)…again – I am doing the Happy Dance!
- This card is my favorite size…Note card (3 ½” X 5”) Stampin’ Up! makes the envelopes for this size…but you will need to cut the crumb cake yourself!
- As I do often…I cut a smaller size of crumb cake – ¼” smaller – 3 ¼” X 4 ¾” and then I corner rounded all of the edges!!!
TIP ALERT: When I “corner round” I LOVE to use the Envelope Punch Board to round the corners! That “built in” gem works like a charm each and every punch!
- The key element to this card is the Regal Designer Series Paper in the Garden Green Polka Dots! I punched (3) small hearts for the shamrock! Just freehand the stem!
- I used the liquid Mono Glue…( LOVE that liquid white gold)…remember – a little goes a LONG way! My famous “dots” around the shamrock and then the “white” dots from the White Gel Pen just adds interest and it is soooo darn tootin’ easy!
- Before you add the shamrock fun to the card…you need to stamp the sentiment from the Four You Stamp Set…but before you do that – you need to go over the paper with the Embossing Buddy (this seems silly to some of you …but as I have said many times before – why would you not take the step of doing this…to get a “clean, crisp impression!
- Because we are heat embossing, you need to use the Versa Mark as this allows the white embossing powder to hold…remember, when you use the heat tool….be patient – let the magic happen but do not hold the tool too close and I like to use a circular motion not to burn the paper and image!
- Because I wanted to “off set” the shamrock image, I wanted to balance the card with the White Taffeta Ribbon! I find it easiest to use glue dots to hold the ribbon in place! Adding a simple knot does it for me!
- The envelope was lined with the help of the Envelope Liner Framelits and the super cute polka dots! Simple…fun and the best part…DONE!
You are going to love the cards I have for you this week….there is one element that will be in each card everyday! Can't wait to see who is the 1st to comment on what that element is!!!
This is a busy week for me but a fun week! I always love the week that we make cards for Breast Cancer…true – it's a lot of work to put together but that is minimal to the joy that fills me heart seeing a bunch of cards ready for a volunteer to write a special note of inspiration to those in treatment!
The house glass has turned over for Sale-A-Bration…it ends March 31st! I will be sending out the paper swatched on Tuesday to those who placed an order! You to can get a Paper Swatch of the Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper with an order! Click here….and have fun shopping away!
If you live on the East Coast…stay warm…be safe and craft away today!!!!
Until tomorrow!
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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!
