by Susan Itell | Dec 18, 2013 | Christmas, Super Easy, Thank You |
A week from today is the big day of Christmas! Unreal that this calendar has been buzzin' by so fast but this is a special time of the year for many, many reasons! We all have different memories…I truly wish that we could all be together and have one big chat session and hear all of the memories and stories each of us have!
As I am typing this post, I looked at John (who is doing great – last week he received the green light to start driving – progressing amazingly with his physical therapy – so proud of his patience, positive attitude and dedication) and I said to him…this time next week it will be Christmas Eve!!!!
We had a great chat of how it will be great to have the children all home again and Hannah will be the 1st to make the trek back to Maryland! The next thing we talked about was great memories of the holidays and the checking the list….making sure that Santa ate some cookies and spilled a bit of milk…..and then as we would try to fall asleep awaiting for the big day….we would always say…."Do we have batteries!!!!"
To all of the parents out there…you know what I mean but today – most things are all electronics but I would never let go of the memories of putting things together, reading instructions….see the ultimate joy in the children's eyes!
Ok…time to hop off of "memory lane" and get to this clean and simple card! We all know…we will need to send notes of thanks to family and friends!
This is a "Susan" card all the way around as it comes together super fast…can be "dressed up" or "super simple" and it is using some of my favorite things and techniques!
The card size is my favorite note card size, finished size, 3 1/2" X 5" and Stampin Up! has the envelopes in this size…I say WOOT-WOOT – I go thru this size in both the Crumb Cake and Whisper White….such a quick and easy size!
Using the Water Color Paper, I stamped this great little gift using the Black Staz On ink….(the ONLY way to go when you are watercoloring….one of my all time favorite techniques to do!!!) I feel like an artist just having the Aqua Painters in my hand…so much fun and soooo relaxing!
I matted this piece on a slighly bigger piece of Cherry Cobbler Card Stock, 2 1/4" and then matted it again wth the super fun Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper ( this is 2 3/4" square). Do polka dots make you smile? This paper is always a "pick me up" to me!
I wanted to add a BIG statement with the Cherry Cobbler Stitched Ribbon so I thought I would take the plunge and use another piece of Crumb Cake to set it "up and off" the card base!!! This ribbon in itself is a WOW statement!
Isn't this a simple yet sweet card…one that anyone would love to receive! I played around with the envelope and decided to line the "back flap" to change it up a bit….and then stamped a simple "Thank You" from the Another Thank You Photopolymer Stamp Set ( a MUST to purchase if you do not have it) – trust me, you'll use it over and over!
CONFESSION TIME: – I never thought I would like these "clear stamp sets" but I am "eating my words" as I adore them….they are soooo easy to use!!!
That's it….so quick and easy….now I ask you….ARE YOU READY? I must admit I am not, but at the same time I am not trying to let it get to me as it simply is about family, friends, love and memories…I am so thankful to have my peeps home!
Something we have not shared much about….what are some favorite Holiday cookies in your home! I need to get to baking and we always have to have some of the all time favorites…Snicker-doodles, buck-eyes, Creme de Menthe Brownies….
Please leave a comment and give me some of your favorite yummies –
it will be fun to see what's cookin' in your home!
In this season of giving thanks…I thank each and every one of you that are so faithful and inspiring to me and my Stampin' Up! fun! I would love for you to be on this fun ride of inspiration with me….sounds like a perfect Christmas Gift!!!
Email me, I would live to talk about the fun and ese of being a demonstrator! Have a great "hump day" and enjoy the journey…..
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 17, 2013 | 3-D Projects, Christmas, Super Easy |
Good Morning! With the countdown here…many people give a simple check or perhaps a bit of cash for a gift during the holiday! Even though it might not be very creative – at the same time this way the person can get whatever they like!
What can be creative is how it is presented!!!
This is a SUPER CUTE and SUPER EASY gem to whip up!!! I have made sooooooo many of these and I know that the idea has been around for years – to me…it works!!!
Remember last week when the Clearance Rack was stocked? Well….this is a great example of getting "a deal" pays off! Last night when I was making some for orders….I thought….USE THE PAPER that was a deal! It is super beautiful and it works!
I have had many people POP into my office asking for a last minute "something" and this works – while watching "The Voice" last night….I put together a bunch!
Ready….get your paper and LET'S GO!!!!!
- Cut a piece of DSP to a 7 " square. This paper is from the Season of Style Designer Series Paper!
- Score at 1 1/4" and 4 1/4"…..fold on the score and use a Bone Folder for a crisp edge!
- Use the 1" Circle Punch and pop out a cut 1/2" circle to make it "easier" to "get the goods" out!
- Take a piece of sticky tape and put on the EDGE….remember – your check will go in there!!!
- I love the Scallop Trim Border and this just MAKES this project! I start with a piece of paper at 1" X 7" and then POP it out…..below you will see 2 pictures….I know that many of you email me when you do not get this even…..it you put the edge of the paper as shown – works like a charm every time!!!
- Simply Use whatever sentiment you heart desires! I used this from the Christmas Messages Stamp Set….so fun and versatile!
- The Belly Band is a piece of Cherry Cobbler – 7" X 1 1/4" and then the whisper white is 7" X 3/4" (you would not have to use both papers – but I love how it looks) Score this at 2 1/8" and 5 1/4" (or you could just fold it around the project) TIP ALERT: – Make sure when you adhere the Belly Band together (I use sticky strip) and make sure that you do not get it too tight….you want it to slide easily!!!
Well….what do you think???
Isn't this EASY!!!! You will be AMAZED at how fast this goes….when I make them – I make a bunch – go ahead and cut all of your paper…do the punching…..do all of the stamping at once etc…..
I just love practical projects that will always bring a smile! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions! This is a great way to use up paper and then you have PLENTY left over to line envelopes…make a "sour cream paper treat" etc…..
We all know how to use up paper scraps – save them….save them – we all have so many tricks in how to use them up!!!
Thanks for popping by and you know what tomorrow is……one week BEFORE Christmas!!!
Hopefully everyone is doing well with their shopping and baking…such a busy time of the year – such a fun time of the year! Be safe….and please share my Blog with your family and friends! You can subscribe right from my blog so you get a daily dose of "Susan" everyday!
Until tomorrow…..
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by Susan Itell | Dec 15, 2013 | Christmas |
I must start my saying a BIG WOOT-WOOT for all of the wonderful comments and inspirations yesterday's post meant to so many! It was wonderful to read all of the "positive energy" out there and wonderful to hear that we all do little things to make a difference!
Little things add up to BIG things and with this crazy world out there…every little step…every little gesture WILL make a difference….keep it up!
Today I am asking some help and feedback from YOU!!! Below I am showcasing several Christmas Cards that I have made over the past months and these are the ones that are my favorites and I want your feedback!!!
If you can…please leave me a comment with the numbers in the rankings of how you like them! I think it will be fun to see the results! I have (I think) my order and I have asked John what his order is….let's see what we come up with!
Let's go! (These are in no particular order….I just did a search of the cards I made….LOVE pinterest!
#1 – Here is the link to this post – A fun technique and does create a wow….I was think if it would work with the white craft in and putting maybe 1 drop of yellow to make it look like an ivory poinsettia….and them put that on Cherry Cobbler……that might be pretty!
#2 – Click here to see this post - I did change it….I re-did it and added tiny pearls….this is more like me!!!! Here is the "new" picture……
##3 – This card is a different color combination from the traditional Holiday colors….but it is beautiful and looks much better in person – here is the link for you to see the details!
#4 – Can you say clean, crisp and simple! This is a gem of a card – please click here to see this post!
#5 – Isn't it amazing that these simple words can create such a simple WOW….click here to see this post!
#6 – A fun and festive card…simple yet has a wow factor – live the bakers twine! Click here to see this post!
#7 – This is one of the "single stamps" that Stampin Up is offering this year….I have 2 pictures of this card – please click here to see the orginal post!
Well the hour glass has turned and I would love some feedback! I will say, I ADORE the Endless Wishes Stamp Set and I really wanted to show you more cards and projects with this set….but it SOLD OUT like HOT CAKES….so – when you see something that you like….GO FOR IT!!!!
Thank you for your time, dedication, inspiration and support you give to me! I am determined to finish up making orders for people and then "BE DONE" and focus on my fun!
Have a FUN day and please send me your list of numbers as to how you like the cards….it will be super fun to see everyones picks! I will post the results on Monday!
Be safe and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 12, 2013 | Christmas |
On December 1st, I felt like Cinderella and I was sooooo excited to order the new products that will be unveiled in January PLUS as a bonus in being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, I was able to get the Sale-A-Bration items as well….and let me tell you…
"If you are lucky & get a Stampin' Up! Gift Certificate for Christmas…
you will be equally as excited to order these new goodies…
as they are keepers all the way around!
Well…I have been checking and checking on my order and it was to be delivered yesterday! I planned my day around the sight of seeing the Brown Boxes on my doorstep and planned to be home early from work to dive into the new goodies!
As I drove up to the house…all I saw was a LL Bean Box…a FED X package….that's is…no Stampin Up! Box for Susan so my smile instantly turned into a frown….then when I walked in the house and was greeted by my 5 adorable dogs and my precious Pig, Daisy Mae…I forgot about the box…(well for a bit)
Today is another PALS Paper Art Challenge….my favorites – a color challenge and here is the color palette to work with this week! I had my plan with the new goodies but I think you are going to LOVE this card!
This is not your typical "Susan" card….but it IS SUPER easy and super fun! I have seen this technique and thought I really wanted to try it – I am tickled with end result! TRY THIS…it is FUN!!!
Let's go…..this is soooo easy and again, I do hope you give it a whirl!
- The Stamp Set is the Joyful Christmas Stamp Set and I have been wanting to showcase this and today is the day! I just wish I could keep poinsettias alive at my own home….any suggestions!
- Are you ready for how easy and fun this is…simply use the Black Staz On Ink and Stamp the poinsettia on a window sheet and be patient….it will take about 3 minutes to dry!
- Take out some Crystal Effects and place about 3-4 drops of ink (I used Rose Red for the flower and Cajun Craze for the centers) and mix it around with an inexpensive paint brush. BRUSH AWAY and pretend that you are an artist….no worries it you go outside the lines….you will use your paper snips to cut it off!
- TIP ALERT: Make sure that you are "painting away" on the side that you stamped! Try to get the Crystal Effects as even as possible….(I like going a bit heavy so you do not see brush marks) make sure that after you do the below steps – it is good and dry before you cut it!
Did you know that the Crystal Effects is also an adhesive???….now it makes sense to me why it is on the adhesive page….you'll see in the end!
- After you paint away, take a piece of paper to save the product…and sprinkle Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter all over the painted piece…do a TAP-TAP-TAP and presto….let it dry and your maserpiece is on it's way!
- Let's get back to the pretty end result….look at this beauty!
- The Card Stock is a regular A-2 card stock but cut at 4 1/2' and then scored at 5 1/2"! I think it fun to have a vertical card!
- The Wild Wasabi is 4" X 5 1/4" and the layered white is 3 3/4" X 5
After you do the magic of the painting….drying and cutting it out – all that is left it assembling! EASY or what! When you go to adhere it…simple – use the Crystal effects in the center and WOW – it works like magic and it also allows the leaves to come forward!
Layer them together….put Stampin Dimensionals on the "white focal part" and the best thing is…use a dap of the Crystal Effects to the center of the flower and PRESTO = it holds SUPER TIGHT and then it also allows the leaves to come forward! A GREAT effect!
- Stampin the sentiment was so easy and all that was needed..the stamp-a-ma-jig was my helper!
I know that the last touches are the envelope and I lined it with the coordinating Designer Series Paper….a perfect choice every time!
I hope that this post inspires you to pull out these 3 colors and "create away" – if you need help uploading your project simply email me. and I will be happy to help you!
I know that tomorrow is a NEW day and I am sure that my goodies will be here…..PATIENCE…I need to tell myself more than I do….
I hope that I have INSPIRED YOU today to try something different….if I can do it…you can too!
Have a great day and until tomorrow….
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by Susan Itell | Dec 11, 2013 | Christmas, Super Easy |
The countdown has begun and I think that I need to make a decision on what card to make to send to family and friends! Each Wednesday I have been showcasing Christmas Cards that I would send!
I have really….REALLY been wanting to use the Expression Thinlits Dies as I think they are beyond super cool!!! I truly hope that Stampin' Up! makes more of these gems!
To me, they create an INSTANT wow factor and if you simply place a piece of wax paper before running through the Big Shot….the sentiment will come out like a gem!
Here you go….let me spoil you with the scoop on the "how to's"
- The next layer is Always Artichoke ( I love this color!!!) and it is cut at 2 3/4" X 5" and I did POP it up Stampin' Dimensions…then I took the Uni-Ball Gel Pen to do the stitching and dotting around the egde! A simple yet effective touch!
- The Crumb Cake layer is 2 1/4" X 4 1/2" and then the simple and elegant "Merry" became the focal point in a snap! I used the 2 way Glue Pen to adhere it! Works great every time! – I love this adhesives for hard to get to pieces!
- The "greens" are from the Bird Bulider Punch and the simple touch of some cherry cobbler berries was a finishing touch!
CONFESSIONS OF AN HONEST STAMPER: – To the "berries" I added a dap of Dazzling Details to the centers of the berries and then after I did it – I thought that I should have used the tiny pearls! At least the glitter gives a bit of bling!
THAT IS IT! This card comes together in a SNAP!!!! I actually ran upstairs and did it in between announcing the finalist for "The Voice"
The envelope was the magic of the Envelope Liner Framelit and we are soooo lucky that Stampin' Up did their magic in creating in this great product! I feel at times I need 2 of there just in case something happens to one!!! WOW – what a lifesaver!
On Saturday I am going to have a "poll" for you to help me make my decision on my card as I need to whip them out on Sunday! I think that I have some favorites but I would love your feedback!
I cannot thank you all enough for being so supportive! I hope that you enjoyed this super simple card….I think it is super cute!
Remember to check out the CLEARANCE RACK – and remember that you can win 10 gift card holders from me! Please click here to see the details!
Have a great day and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 10, 2013 | 3-D Projects, Christmas |
Hang on to your Kleenex with this fun gift that you can make up in a snap!
Wouldn't this be a perfect "giftie" to give to someone in a nursing home…someone in the hospital…for an office friend…for your desk?!?!
I made this project back in the Spring for a Breast Cancer Survivor Day – a day that survivors were simply pampered in having FUN…they had a personal chef teach cooking….a person that made the most adorable pieces of "garden art" and ME….I worked with them making a variety of projects and this was one of them!
If you want to click here to see the original post that I did this with, you will see that I highlighted the video in which the idea came from, the talented Stampin Up! Demonstrator, Angie Juda!
It is so easy, you will be able to follow my steps and PRESTO…another fun gift that YOU made with your precious hands!
Here you go…
You can make (2) of these adorable boxes from 1 sheet of 8 1/2" X 11" piece of paper!
- Cut a sheet of paper in half at 4 1/4" X 11" (remember you'll make 2…I say WOOT-WOOT)
- Score at 4 1/2", 7", 8" and 10 1/2" – fold and use a bone folder on the score lines!
- Choose a Designer Series Paper of your choice, today I am using the diagonal stripe from the Season of Style Designer Series Paper pack! – Cut this into (3) equal 4" wide pieces – from 1 sheet of DSP – you will be able to decorate (3) Kleenex Boxes…again – woot-woot!
- (2) 4" X 4 1/4" – this will be for the front and back of the Kleenex Box
- 4" X 2 1/4" – the part where the "hole" will be
- 4" X 3/4" – the front skinny part!
- Now…go ahead and adhere the DSP pieces to the score piece of Solid Color Paper and then place the "template" centered over the area where the "kleenex will pop thru"!
- Place a piece of sticky strip…YES – sticky strip as it is the strongest and especially with 3 -D projects, you need the strength…place it on the 3/4" part! Easy right !!!….but BEFORE you peel the red line tape off, fold this piece back so the Extra Large Oval Punch can fit through and POP out the hole!
TIP ALERT: Before you peel off the sticky strip paper…take the "cut out" oval and trace the oval onto the top the kleenex…then PUNCH with your paper snips and do a "rustic oval cut" – I know….this is NOT necessary but the "type A" in me thinks it looks neater/cleaner!!!
- Let's get stampin'!!!!…this is the SUPER easy part – and the "sky is the limit" so pull out whatever stamp your little heart desires and have fun! On this I used….the Christmas Messages Sentiment Stamp Set with the classic ornaments from the Ornaments Keepsakes Set and a simple crank of Mr. Big Shot….the Holiday Ornament Framelits did the trick!
This below stamp set is NOT in the catalog…
it is a "carry over" from last year and it is a keeper!
- Now you know what to do….simply adhere to the focal part of the project and DONE! I did put a "smidge" of Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine behind the ornament! A cute touch…right?
- The Circle Framelits make this easy super easy…after I stamped the sentiment – thru the Big Shot with the framlits….easy works for me! Adding the dots around the sentiment circle is a quick and easy touch!
The trick to this fun and simple project is to make sure that you place the kleenex pouch in the area BEFORE you adhere the sticky strip to the base to get an even, clean look!
I do like adding that piece to the back of the Kleenex Box and I also think that it would be super cute to put a "pocket" to tuck a personal note in!!!!
This is a keeper and ALWAYS well received….have fun making these and PLEASE email me if you have any questions! It really is easy – and you will be so tickled with yourself!!!!
Thanks for popping by and…until tomorrow!
p.s. – Please pop back later today as the INCREDIBLE new "clearance items" are unveiled….and I will do a separate post showcasing this unveiling plus a BONUS for YOU!
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