by Susan Itell | Nov 6, 2015 | Christmas |
O.k. ~ I am going to warn you and at the same time admit something to you….ready?
- This will be my first and definitely not my last post on inspiring you to make fun ways to present a gift card to someone.
- Now to the admit, I use to frown BIG TIME on people giving gift cards (as I thought it was an easy way out) but I have changed my mind totally – WHY? – easy = it gives the person the opportunity to pick out what they really want and it is a win=win for both of you!
Whew….now that that is over lets get to this incredibly easy way to make someone smile and super happy. I actually do not feel like you need me on this one but you know me, I like to inspire you and this is a fun, fast and practical card!
- The base is the MUST HAVE heavy with whisper white card stock cut in the vertical – 4 1/4" X 5"
- The handsome stripe paper is 4" X 5 1/4"
- Using scraps, stamp and cut out "Mr. (adorable) Snowman" out….WOOT-WOOT that this is in a bundle but also that there are SOOOO darn many dies that make this a breeze to do and we all know, snowmen never go out of style so this is a great investment!
- Make a simple belly band with the white being 1" wide and the mossy meadow 3/4" wide. I go ahead and adhere the 2 together and then bend it around the card (loosely) so you can slide it on and off easily. After I get an idea of where the folds are, I then use the bone folder well to give it a great score. Next, stitch away with the white pen for that instant POP!
- Place the adhesive on the snowman just where it will meet the belly band (trust me, I have put green glue all over him before and then thought Silly Susan, what were you thinking about!)
- Here comes the fun that will make your recipient laugh! It is the super fun sentiment from the B.Y.O.P. (Buy Your Own Present) Photopolymer Stamp Set, is this a brilliant idea or what! I just adore it and wowzers, so darn tootin' fun and practical! A simple stamp in the Real Red and PRESTO – you are looking great! I used stampin' dimensionals to POP up the gift card , so cute and fun!
- Here are the last 2 things I did for this super fast card/gift idea. I stamped the front of the envelope with a sentiment and then jazzed up the back envelope flap by 1st adhering a 1/4" strip of Mossy Meadow and then added a 2" X 6" piece of DSP,,,,,and snipped off the excess – DONE! Now I told you this was easy!
So…WHAT DO YOU THINK?
This to me is a GREAT example of how you can make someone happy with a special card but the added bonus of simply adhering a gift card is the icing on the cake! You could easily write a personal message on the top of the card or on the back. Very practical!
I have many more gift card ideas up my sleeve so be prepared fro more inspiration in the future! To me, this is just a super easy way and oh so fast. You could easily adapt it to many celebrations etc….with a change of the DSP and the image!
Please feel free to email me if I can be of help and do not forget to use the hostess code of 4JUNK3R7 to take advantage of the free give aways for the month of November, You can click here to see the post.
I am super energy charged up to see Hannah today….she is meeting me at a horse show and poor Stanley (her horse), his allergies have been terrible this week….me and my animals – I could write a book of the adventures!
Thanks for your time...YOU are the ones that give me daily energy and inspiration! Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Nov 1, 2015 | Christmas, Step it up Sunday! |
Here you go….same card as yesterday with just a couple of minimal changes! You might not catch them at first glance so I will help you out,…there are 4!
1 – I matted the focal DSP with Real Red.
2. – I matted the "cardinal" on a piece of scrap of Vanilla Coaster Board to give it a bit more stability and depth.I used the green glue, let it dry and then fussy cut at the same time, the cardinal and the coaster board.
3. – I added the thick bakers twine and a simple bow
4. – To the berries and also on the wings of the cardinal….I added some Dazzling Details – I realize that it is super hard to see in the pictures but this does add a great shimmer effect! (Trust me – I am not a huge BLING-BLING person, but this does add a great touch!
In the below picture you can get a glimpse of the Vanilla Coater Board ….you know that I adore that and I simply added the cut out cardinal to the coaster board…(adhered it with green glue) and then cut it out.
Here is a great tip…when you cut out an image like this…take your black marker and rub it against the edge as it finishes the total picture!
Time to have a chat about Blender pens….they are super easy to use. I know that many people prefer these over the Aqua Painters but in my opinion, they are two totally different items with different looks.
It is hard to see but I think using the blender pens did make a difference for a subtle look. The great thing about the blender pens is that you can reuse them time after time and this is the best way to get "THE FEEL" of watercoloring.
CONFESSION OF AN HONEST STAMPER: As I was typing this for the post, I looked at this and said to myself, I should have used the Real Red Envelope Paper to line the envelope!
WHY??? A couple of reasons, if you like this card and want to duplicate it (and this would be a great one to make many of), you get (2) sheets of paper in the DSP pack and therefore you would be able to make 18 cards from (2) sheets of paper and then just used the real red envelope paper to line!
Here is my take for this week. I love this card. (as I said it does make me smile and think of my Mom) but I would make it like today…most likely without the bakers twine as I feel like it was too stark….definitely do the red mat of paper, and also change the liner to Real Red….see, I told you that I was honest!
I hope that you have enjoyed the past 2 days of post and I think that you can see that this stamp set is one that produces a fun but wow card and the best thing….IT IS SUPER EASY!
As I said yesterday, the word JOYFUL is all that is needed on the inside and whomever is lucky enough to receive it will smile, and be full of JOY = MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Below you will see the parade of products used for todays card….feel free to click on them to preview the product….it is a great way to see the product and all of the details etc….Thanks for popping in and please share the Simple Stampin' love with your family and friends….
My Mom was a special person and wow, do I miss her but one thing that she always said was "word of mouth is the best form of advertizement one could get".…so please share my blog and encourage your family and friends to get on the FUN TRAIN and get a dose of inspiration!
Until tomorrow…hopefully we can have Milos Birthday party and I will be sure to share some fun pictures!
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by Susan Itell | Oct 31, 2015 | Christmas, Simple Saturday |
Good Morning and welcome to the 1st of a 2 day day post…today is the "simple version" and pop back tomorrow and you will see the "stepped up" version…(don't get too excited for drastic changes…remember, it is the little touches that sometimes make a difference)
When I saw this stamp set I knew that he needed to be on Randall Lane. My Mom loved cardinals and I knew that a smile of joy would be on my face when I used it and yep – it happened, I smiled! The stamp set is called Joyful Season. Not only is that bird so beautiful, I love the branch and the simple yet meaningful sentiments!
Lets get to it and hopefully you can see that using a designer series paper works for the stamped image.I need to tell you a "funny"….one day I was looking through the Holiday Catalog and I was on page 33 and I looked at the Snowman Sample and could not figure out where or how they made the snow as it was so symmetrical.
I called Stampin' Up! and the person at the other end said, I have no idea what stamp that is and then all of a sudden at the same time, we both laughed as we said – it is the Home for Christmas DSP!
The card is 4 1/2" so you will be able to get (2) card bases from a sheet of paper The DSP is a 4" square so again, maximize your paper and you will be able to get (9) cards from 1 sheet of paper and you will have plenty to line your envelopes!
This stamp set showcases double stamping. If you were anything like me, whenever I heard about "double stamping" – I would RUN AS FAST A I COULD as I thought, "There is no way that I could do that"
It is actually very ,very easy and the best thing ~ it is rewarding as you will be super proud of yourself. This stamp set is super easy to do as it is photopolymer so no worries what so ever in perfect alignment, each and every time!
I used the Black Ink to stamp the images and then I did something that I do not do a bunch, I used the blender pens! This is a perfect tool to use when you are not using watercolor paper. They are super easy to use and all you need to do is pick up a bit of color….take it to your image and you are good to go!
The envelope punch board was once again my friend….the best tool for just $20.00! If you do not know how to use this tool or if you need "help" in using it, please email me and I will be happy to "walk you through it" or we can skype!
As I said before, this is not only a great stamp set, the inside of this card has the super simple sentiment that sums this great card up…..
JOYFUL
I do hope that you pop back tomorrow….some simple change that you might like better than today's clean and simple card! Enjoy the day and I hope that you can make someone smile!
p.s. – Milo's Birthday celebration needs to be put off until Sunday.….the truth is that Milo, Leo and Daisey were BAD yesterday (well, it really was not all their fault) but John left the garage door open when he went to work) and they found a hidden treasure….A TRASH BAG!!!!!….Plus Earlene was not having a good day…
Needless to say they had "tummy-aches" and were not "worthy" of a "Frost Paws" party…Milo received cards and I sang to him but I will share with you "Party Pictures" when we celebrate!
Below is a cute picture of "my guys" last weekend while we were with Hannah! It was a great time and Milo was "SUPER MILO" for being so amazing with just being with us for weeks!
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by Susan Itell | Oct 17, 2015 | Christmas |
Can you believe that it is the weekend already….WOWZERS – ZOOM went this week! I have been trying to do the weekend challenges focusing on holiday cards and I know that I say this often….but this might be in the running for my holiday card! (pop back tomorrow to see the changes and then you can decide which one you favor)
You just cannot go wrong with a classic ~ a simple wreath for the holidays – always classic…always works! Todays wreath is from the Holiday Catalog , Peaceful Wreath and it is a beauty! Yep, the aqua painters were pulled out and it is so easy to use and oh so effective!
The below picture will show you how easy it is to use the aqua painters and please do not worry one bit about being an "artist" – no need….just go for it!
(click on the images as it is easier to see)
The other keeper about this wreath is that there is a matching framelit to cut it out…THAT IS THE BEST when this happens…it is like the "moon and the stars" line up and make life so easy!
You can see that I used the simply scored to do a simple, quick yet effective scoring on all sides and it does the trick –
In this matching framelit, Wonderful Wreath~ there is the great sentiment of "joy" – I just LOVE this word as it might be short, but it is so meaningful.
I did what I love to do, use the vanilla coaster board. Having the 2 words works for me as I like the effect it gives when you "double them up"
For the top "joy", I used the super affordable red liner paper ~ what an AMAZING bargain and the color is so beautiful and classic for the holiday season (plus it will be great for Valentines)
You can see the instant "festiveness" of this card coming together! The stampin' dimensionals make it "rise to the occasion"
I used the mono glue to adhere the joy…I just love this adhesive1
Look below and see how fun this card is with the super fun red envelope! Once again, envelope punch board to the rescue. This is such a life saver and also such a great gift to give to your favorite crafter….super price point!
That's it my friends….if you like today's card – I think that you are going to enjoy tomorrows! Remember, I am hosting a holiday card swap so get your thinking caps on to make a card and send it my way and in turn, you will get a beauty!
NEWS FLASH….
Well….I told you there is a special today….YEP – today is my birthday and because I hope that we can "stick" together…..for anyone that places an order of $35.00 from today thru the 23rdI will send you a pack of Stampin' Dimensionals as a thank you!
If you place an order of $75.00 or more between today and the 23rd – I will send you both….the stampin' dimensions and also a roll of the Tear n Tape…..WOWZERS – we will REALLY be sticking together! (we always need adhesives)
Please use the hostess code of 2PJK3KQQ to take advantage of this offer!
Hit that SHOP NOW button and shop away! (With this SALE that Stampin' UP! is offering next week…..I say look at some goodies that you can take advantage of the 15% off – WOOT-WOOT – the best of both worlds)
Feel free to email me and a BIG thanks for popping in…..I hope that this inspires you! You all are the best!
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by Susan Itell | Oct 11, 2015 | Christmas, Step it up Sunday! |
Good Morning and here is a different take on yesterday's card! They both work… it comes down to time! Classic, clean and simple they are…but today's just take a bit more time with the addition of another layer of paper….(Tip Tip Taupe) and some quick stamping in the background!
You can click here to see yesterdays post and then look at them side by side and then you decide! Personally, I do not think that you would go wrong with either one.
One thing that I did not touch on so much yesterday was the precision plate. It is in the new catalog and my guess is that it will be carried over as it is a super addition to the Big Shot! It is meant to make it easier to get "more detailed" dies out.
It does that but please do not think that they fall out…BUT the thing that I love is that the cut is very, very clean, none of those "straggly" pieces that hang off and I simply use the paper piercing tool to do a quick "poke" – I love it and YES, I do think that it is worth the purchase!
You can see that I am using the Tip Top Taupe new In Color, something that I must admit that I have not used a tin but I do think that it is a great neutral that works with many color palettes! It works great with the Vanilla and I also used a small snowflake stamp to give a tone on tone effect!
The other switch was the colors of the background of the ornament…again, they both look great and I think it is totally a personal preference as to what you like….but you can easily see that this card can be made with a multitude of different color combinations!
Did you notice that I added a girls best friend = pearls!
The one thing that is a must (in my opinion) is the vanilla coaster board – this adds that extra special touch that make people look at it and say…..how did she do that! It is all about the "staples" that we have (besides the stamps, paper and ink) that make the whole journey work! (I call them secret weapons)
I chose to do the same thing for the envelope today as I think that it is super clean and classic. One think that I do suggest when you use a super dark paper like this is to use the entire framelit. Usually I do a "short change" and cut my paper to 3" X 6" and then use the envelope framelit.
I think when you are using card stock and also when it is super dark like this one….it is important to line the entire envelope so you do not see a "line/seam" where the "cut off" piece is. Again, just my thoughts but I think it does make a difference .
There you go, another fun weekend post. I hope that you are having a fabulous weekend and I am looking forward to a productive week ahead! Please remember that tomorrow is the last day for you to take advantage of the weekly deals……I am placing my order for some Fast Fuse refills….I love a deal – how about you?
Until tomorrow…please have a great day and make someone smile – trust me, you will smile instantly!
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by Susan Itell | Oct 10, 2015 | Christmas, Simple Saturday, Super Easy |
As my wonderful Mom used to tell me, "You just cannot beat the classics" and this is a great example of a classic card that would have been super special 10 years ago, today and in 10 years!
Today this is a "stripped down version" (and I really like it a bunch) but I do hope that you pop back tomorrow and see how I have "stepped it up a bit" – it feels great to be back to our weekend posts of Simple Saturday and Step it up Sunday!
It is hard to get a good picture of this card but I do hope that you can see the simplistic beauty of being so darn simple! You can see the items that I used in todays card and I know what you are thinking….WOWZERS, these framelits are pricey! – Trust me – I get it but I will say that the beauty of these framelits and the attention to detail is over the top!
I totally forgot to put in the famous "scrolling store" the vanilla coaster board – this is a product that I use almost always when using sentiment framelits – I just LOVE it as it give the classic life that is needed!
One question I get asked all the time – is it easy to use? – YES
Does it work well with the Big Shot? – YES
This card just simply does not get any easier than this…..a great Neutral – Very Vanilla….a classic accent color – Night of Navy = a great card!
Did you notice the gold twine? This is the best, very affordable and give an instant WOW! The last picture, the beloved envelope! I used just the Night of Navy to line …simple but it works!
Please pop back tomorrow to see what is up my sleeve!
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