by Susan Itell | Sep 26, 2016 | Card Swaps |
That right….we just need to have a Holiday Card Swap! Can you believe that 3 months from yesterday it will be Christmas Day!!! YIKES – Yesterday afternoon I sat down to go over the calendar with John and when reality hit me that it was September 25th….I quickly sprouted some gray hairs and then calmed down….took a deep breathe and then decided…it’s time, we need a card swap!
Here is the scoop…I love to do this on my blog and I do share each and every one of your cards as remember the motto….
“What we do is from the heart – not Hallmark”
So….with that said, let’s help each other out with some inspiration! I find that learning from others is so rewarding. Please consider participating…if you are a beginner, a demonstrator…a child/grandchild of a stamper (hint – hint…Caleb are you reading this?)
The date for you to have your card to me is…
Friday, October 21st – that is 3+ weeks away!
Each week I will send out reminders to help keep you motivated to participate. All you need to do is make a card, the theme of Holiday – let’s go with either Thanksgiving or Christmas because of the date of being back to me….and in return – YOU WILL RECEIVE a beautiful card from your NEW BFF!!!
Please send your card along with a self addressed and stamped envelope back to you to:
Susan Itell
15002 Randall Lane
Williamsport, MD 21795
This is always FUN…and I know that this Card Swap will be no different. If you have never participated with me and a swap, please give it a consideration – I love to see your work and others feel the same!
Until tomorrow…Tuesday Tips, we are having a chat about loosing those photopolymer stamps!
p.s. – I you remember, please put on the outside of the envelope – CARD SWAP….this helps me as I have a basket in the kitchen that I put them in ! 🙂
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by Susan Itell | Jun 6, 2016 | Card Swaps, Uncategorized |
Happy Monday! Here are some more great ideas from the card swap that we had! If you do not see your card here today...PLEASE do not worry – I will be doing more days on the fabulous works of art that you all created.
Please know in my heart that I am super PROUD of each of you and if you only see one picture of your card, please do not think that I do not think it is special – as it IS….there are some cards that speak for themselves and then there are others that I feel you benefit from other angles! ?
Card #1 – This card is simply elegant! I love all of the tones and textures it gives – The shading really gives great depth and the use of the banners creates a great interest. Susan tore the edge of the focal panel and then lightly sponged it….I forget about doing this…but you can see that the end result is so effective. I am a big button fan…I know that they can be a pain to mail, but I love the effect.
Card #2 – COLOR TO THE MAX! I love a card like this as it just brings an instant smile to your face. Having fun using all sorts of colors is also fun…This would be a great layout to do and make many of and then add the sentiment when needed…the POP up of the one flower gave the card a perfect added touch! Fun card!
Card #3 – This card is a “layout keeper” and one that I call a “formula” for future cards. Robyn’s balance is spot on and if you look at the second picture closely – you can see the details that Robyn added with the scoring – a gal after my own heart! 🙂 The pop up with the “hello” along side of the double banner is perfect balance – I encourage you to try this layout…I am sure that you have lots of stamps and fun paper to use!
Card #4 – Karen and Robyn (above card) are stampin’ buddies….look at this card and then also look above again at Robyn’s and you can see a great example of how you can take DSP…and make it work with a FUN card! Love the way the banners are overlapped with the stripes going the same way! This is something that I never do and you bet I will remember it! Also, look at the attention to detail that Karen did with the scoring…the DSP banners are even scored – brilliant!
Card #5 – Super Sweet! Here is another trio of panels….used in a different way to WOW – the card give a totally different feel! Now let’s chat about card 3,4 & 5 – these were made by whom I call my 3 Amiga’s! Robyn, Karen and Sharon are sisters/friends….and they make me happy each and every time I see their work! I am always so in awe with their talent and the friendship that they have…..the best! Getting back to the card – look how Sharon used so many shapes but the card to still so simple and clean. The other interest detail this card has is notice the banner us UNDER the white piece and then OVER the Blushing Bride circle…this creates an interest and adds a layer of dimension!
Card #6 – WAY TO GO Chris on this card! If you read my blog regularly that you all know who Chris R. from Iowa is s regular commenter and this is a super fun card! I am hoping that she will share with me the dimensions of this card and then I will re-create it with another stamp and do a post about it! When I pulled this beauty out of the envelope…an instant smile came to me – a fun Spring card! I fun puzzle that matches and the elements of the rectangles hanging over the edges is fun! (I hope that it is not too hard to re-create as you know me, I am simple!
Well….there you go – 6 beauties that strutted their stuff! Please feel free to leave some comments of WOOT-WOOTS for these designers. We still have more to come and I think that it is so fun to see every-ones different styles and techniques! One thing that we all do in life is to learn from one another! Doing these swaps are a fun way to learn from others that have the same love and passion that you have in making cards!
If you do not already have a file for you to keep ideas, I encourage you to do so. Did you know that on Pinterest that you can have a “secret board” that no one else will see but you? I honestly am not on Pinterest a bunch (as honestly, I would not get much else done) but I do have a board that I place cards in that I really like but simply do not have the time (at the time I see them) to really look at and take in….this way I can go back and see the specific element that interesting me….just a tip that works for me!
Tomorrow will be another batch of beauties for you….I hope that you all have enjoyed seeing other peoples work. It is so fun to see and I am so proud of each of you! Let’s all have a great week – I am having a huge date with paper and ribbon today….with product shares – I am in heaven as it gets me to know the new products better and as I work with them….you can bet that my mind is thinking…I could do this with a card!
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by Susan Itell | Jan 6, 2016 | Card Swaps, Sale-A-Bration |
Good Morning or should I say “bonjour”! I blogged about the Hello Stamp Set that can be yours free with a $50.00 order during celebration and you can click here to see that post and I said that I would share with you the French version….so “bonjour” to my wonderful blog followers!
I ask you…do you think that you know the catalog yet? It is very exciting to see and flip through….and then go back and flip through and then call a friend and say….turn to page xxxx….now go to page xxxx – I just love this time of the year!
Today’s card is using actually (2) of the Sale-A-Bration items….
- The DSP – Wildflower Fields on page #12 in the Sale`A`Bration Catalog but do you see what I did? – It is just a black and white print but I carried the color scheme on the card to the DSP with coloring in some of the circles in Pink Pirouette. a FUN touch!
- The “Hello” Stamp Set, page#19 in the French version…..if you which to have the French version (I think that it is fun, here is the item #141270) I simply stamped it and then did a super quick fussy cut to pop it up…..I used the new black ink that is a must have for your stash! It always gives such a clean and crisp stamp! **** Do not wait to get this stamp set as it is one of the items that are only available until February 15th****
Now to the real fun of this card and trust me, it was SUPER HARD to capture on a camera so you will have to trust me on this one! I went over it witht he Wink of Stella Pen to give it a wonderful yet sophisticated shimmer that says WOW when you hold it in your hand. This pen can be yours free from me with a $75.00 + purchase from me this month! This is going to be a hot item and it is fun, different, easy to use and produces a WOW!
Hopefully you can see the subtle shimmer that is on the black especially – it is a very classic and fun look! The die cuts are from the Botanical Gardens Suite. This is another keeper and not only the stamp set is very user friendly, I just adore a die cut collection like this as it is soooooo easy to “tuck” here and there, just like I did today with this clean and fun card! Stampin’ Up! is getting so darn smart to have these goodies grouped into a “suite” so you can see everything in one place.
When I say that I “tuck” here and there….it is just that – I let the focal part of the card be the FUN sentiment and then let the rest fall into place….it truly is as simple as that. Trust me on this one….we over think things too much – just go with the flow and STOP….remember…
“less is best is always a good friend to have”!
I know that I shared with you that that I love odd size cards….well this is one of them – it is a 3 1/2″ X 6″ card! I simply followed the instructions on the envelope punch board and PRESTO – a perfect envelope for a super fun card!
You know me…I like to make cards for a “specific someone”…and this gem will find its way to North Carolina to my dear friend. Hannah’s roommate is a French Major so I have ordered her this stamp set….I know that she will get a kick out of it!
I know that there is soooo much to take in between the NEW OCCASIONS CATALOG and also being in HIGH GEAR with Sale-A-Bration…..that I am sure you are like me – on overload with excitement! Please feel free to email me if you need anything – TRUST ME….I will be home all day working on product shares! I thank you for purchasing them and I want to get your goodies to you!
Please do not forget or overlook, this is a super exciting and easy time to get an instant 20% discount from your very first order. During SAB you can hand pick your starter kit – put YOUR PICK of $155.00 of goodies and only pay $99.00 – it is really that easy….FREE SHIPPING and I adore and welcome with excitement hobbyist and my customers that want a deal – as I am the 1st one that LOVES a deal ! 🙂
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by Susan Itell | Jan 1, 2015 | Card Swaps |
Hello again, this is the 2nd post that I am posting for the day and I apologize that this is so late getting out to you! Please click here to see the 1st post as it was the PPA Challenge.
I did a quick "scan" of comments and I see that many have asked about the mailing of this. Tomorrow I will do a quick Blog post on this adorable little bow and what it looks like when it is punched out etc….and talk about the mailing.
Because this post is soooooo late getting to you – I will give you another day to leave a comment for the #2nd day of Blog Candy(this post)….Remember, you will have (2) chances to win so click to the 1st post if you missed it. I have been totally enjoying reading the comments of the things that you love….
Today let's talk about the 3 Stampin Up! TOOLS that we have that you could not live without! This one is easy for me (well I think it is)
- Stampin' Trimmer – Could not….would not be without it – SIMPLY the BEST on the Market!
- Big Shot – He IS my MAIN MAN in my craft area….I refer to him as Mr. Big Shot!
- Stamp-a-ma-jig – I just LOVE this little piece of plastic – to me is is the "shining star" to great cards!
Well….what about YOU? Please leave a comment so we all can see which tools that you could not live without! The 3 that I picked hold true to my philosophy of the basics! They will never let you down!
Here is the Blog Candy for today! A dozen handmade cards from ME! This alwasy seems to be a hit and it is my pleasure to send them to you!
Because of the lateness of this post, I will not announce the winner until Saturday morning….this should give people plenty of time to check their email.
We have had a rather rough start to the New Year…A family friend passed away this morning from a very short battle leaving 2 young boys…please keep her in your thoughts and prayers – very, very sad.
Happy New Year again, and I look forward to hearing the 3 tools that you couldn't be without! Until tomorrow – it will be a short but hopefully helpful post for you!
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by Susan Itell | Nov 19, 2014 | Card Swaps |
Woot-woot….it is that time again! How about a Christmas/Hanukkah/Winter Card Swap! I love offering this to you and I even love receiving your cards and this time I get to be Santa and mail you someone elses card!
For those of you that have never participated in a card swap….please….pretty please join the fun! Here is the scoop – all you have to do is make 1 card in your choice of the themes above (Christmas/Hanukkah/Winter) and mail it to me along with an envelope that is stamped and already addressed to you and you will get the gift of a lifetime – a handmade card from a "new friend"!
As John always says….it is the simple pleasures like these swaps that make you so happy – he is so right!
I know that this is going to be a super busy time of the year so if I were you and want to participate….I would sit down and get going! Please do not stress about it…just make it a reflection to who you are….
If you like fru-fru…..than fru-fru!!!
If you like to be simple….than be simple!!!
If you like to heat embossed…than crank up that heat tool and go to town!!!
I just want you to have fun! After I receive all of the cards….Jeamie and I will do our magic and take pictures and then I will showcase them on my blog – this is always a fun time for everyone to see the cards we all made!
I have no problem opening this up to people that live internationally, the only thing I request is for you to shoot me an email letting me know that you are sending a card to me so I can plan accordingly if the postal service is slow! Also, please make sure that you put the correct currency on your envelope with your address in it!
The date for the cut off is Wednesday, December 10th! I know that this is close to Christmas but I know that you all will LOVE receiving a special "gift of a card" ! This is always fun and I do hope that you will join in with the fun!
Now to my wonderful anniversary……I need to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all for the wonderful comments you sent! We had a fabulous time and I need to share with you something extra special….John did say to me…..
"Close your eyes"…..(I did)…and presto – a handmade card from him...and he was sooo darn tootin' proud!
Even before I could say anything…he said….did you notice…the color????Silver for 25 years (well it is Smokey Slate , I was just happy that he thought about this)….and then I said I loved the pink and quickly he said – NO, IT IS REAL RED!!! (I burst out laughing)
I was very, very touched and as I have said before – he is a keeper and I look forward to more wonderful adventures ahead!
Thanks for popping by – please join in with the card swap – they are super fun and you will love seeing your card on my blog….I just love showcasing your work!
Tomorrow's card is going to make you smile….I hope to see you back!
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by Susan Itell | Oct 20, 2014 | Card Swaps |
Today is the wrap up of the Fall Card Swap and I think that we all can say….WOW – what a great group of Fall/Halloween Cards! Many thanks for participating in the swap and YES, I will do another one as it truly brings me joy to share your work.
Darn, wouldn't it be so much fun it we all could get together and have one big weekend of fun making cards…swapping recipes….staying up to wee hours getting to know each other…sounds like a dream weekend to me! I just get so excited to see what you all come up with and hosting these swaps is equally as fun for me!
Let's get going and trust me….
there are sooooo many cards that I am super excited to CASE!
I want you know that CASEing cards is just fine – I feel like many of you feel like you do not come up with "orginals" (in your own mind and are hard on yourself)…please don't beat yourself up as this is what we are all here for…to do what we like and what makes us feel good!
I ask you….do you make Chocolate Chip Cookies?
I am sure that you said yes…the reason I ask this is just think about how many times we make something that someone else does (like the cookie example)…we do this and we do not feel bad…the same should be with looking at card that you see and then taking components of it to make it yours! As the saying goes…
"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"
Let's get this parade going….enjoy!
Card made by Lynn L from Bridgeville, PA
Card made by Mary Ann H. from Hamilton, NJ
Card made by Nancy F. from Massapequa, NJ
Card made by Chris R. from Pella, IA
Card made by Judy G from Clayton, DE
Card made by Lisa P. from Van Wert, Ohio
Card made by Sharon H. from Beaverton, OR
Card made be Jeanie S. from Hagerstown , MD
(a big thanks to Jeanie for always being a help to me)
Card made by Cindy M. from Cininnati, Ohio
Card made by Maria R. from Crown Point, IN
(I wish that Maria will share with us her tips and tricks in making this card…
it looks so 3D but there are no dimensionals at all!)
Card made by Julie H. from Tomahawk, WI
Now the best part….for those that particpated…you will receive a card this week! So fun and it is like Christmas when your card arrives to see what you received! I am just over the top "wowed" by the talent out there!
Today is the 1st day that you can order goodies from the Holiday Supplement….please click here to order the goodies…there are some "keepers" in there and I will be showcasing items this week!
Thank you, thank you….this was so much fun to be the Parade Leader and as the saying goes…..
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