by Susan Itell | Dec 8, 2017 | Christmas |
This bundle, Smitten Mittens was one that the minute I saw it……I adored it. I can remember thinking… – this touches my heart-strings! To me, there is something “happy” about mittens!
There are (2) things that I always think of when I see a mitten image…..a child – as children always seem to have those super-cute mittens to keep their little “paws” warm and then there is ME – yep, I am a mitten gal if I have a choice as my hands are ALWAYS cold at the barn and having mittens is my “warmth of choice”…
I know, I know….this is one of those stamp sets/bundles that are “walking the stampin’ plank” but trust me, this WILL stay on Randall Lane…..hint-hint – make a mental note of this as we will be having blog candy soon with some “quiz questions” on how well do you know me!!!!
Click on the below banner to view all of the “plank walkers”…. and then you can also click here to see the “plank walkers” that are discount (while supplies last)
Here you go…close up and personal! I ask you….DO YOU LOVE THIS BUNDLE? I say how stinkin’ cute! I also invite you to do a google or pinterest search of the amazing and just sheer FUN ideas that have been out there with this bundle. I was drawn to it because of the versatility of it….perfect for cards, tags, scrapbooking and packaging….a winner!
Let’s get to this simple beauty. It is such a straight forward card that uses minimal products and one that is a fun one to produce for the masses….remember when you make a bunch of the same card, make the journey FUN…break it down into steps. I find when I do this I enjoy the process much more.
Here is an example of breaking it down. Look at the below steps that you can break down for what might work for you. Everyone is different but I find it an enjoyable journey in doing things in steps….Trust me, I am one that always like to stay busy so if I know I need a bunch of bows made up….I do so while watching a movie…..
- Pick the color base that works for you, cut and score it. When I do this…I look ahead and see what DSP Paper I will be using on the envelope to pull the whole look together. (Today I used Real Red)
- Cut the 2″ X 6″ strip of DSP for the back flap of your envelope. Not only is this a great way to use your DSP effectively but it does add that simple and finished touch that does make a difference! Today I used the Quilted Christmas 6 X 6 DSP Stack.
- Go ahead and cut (2) of the inside and out for the card. I always take packs of Thick Whisper White and Very Vanilla to my local Office Store and have bases cut. This makes it so much easier for me when I sit to create. (Today I used Very Vanilla)
- Cut strips of the Gold Foil Sheets into 1/4″ strips. I used that size for the (3) pieces on the front of the card and just varied the length of the piece that I cut on the diagonal.
- Do all of your embossing at once. This saves a bunch of time. I made up 15 of these cards and when I sat down, I stamped and heat embossed all 30 mittens at one time and then I was DONE. I cut them out with Mr. Big another time….I find breaking it down like this just “works” for me and I do not get bored with the repetition.
- I take my Basic Rhinestones and colored them with a Red Sharpie Marker. You can use the Stampin’ Blends but I think that the Cherry Cobbler is too dark so I went with the Red Sharpie.
- Make up your linen thread bows. This is such a delight to have all of the bows ready to adhere with a simple glue dot when you are getting the assembly line going!
The details of this bundle are just designed brilliantly. The little “cuffs” on the mittens as an additional layer adds a detail that really makes a statement. This you could also do in a contrasting color….but I tend to be “plain jane” and go for the look in one color scheme! remember…the name of the game is to HAVE FUN!
Can you see how I took the Linen Thread and adhered it to the mittens to loop them together – this is my perfect anchor to adhere the bow. There is something so FUN about the Linen Thread….definitely a product on your must have list of card making supplies.
It is super card to get a good photo with the Gold Foil Paper. To me, the holidays are a time that I find myself pulling out the foil papers – a little of it here and there adds the perfect about of bling to a clean and classic card. This is another product that is a must have….not that I use it a bunch but 1 pack of it will last you a LONG time as the little splashes of it is what makes it in my eyes!
This would be a wonderful Holiday Thank You card…you could stamp a thank you sentiment in the inside and then in your message write something like….We were “smittened” ….
Well, do you like it? I always adore getting your feedback on a card. I must admit, I was totally surprised that this bundle is being retired. It goes to show you….there is no way to predict – this has been such a popular one in my eyes!
Hoping you are geared up for a great weekend ahead. We are in the decorating mode on Randall Lane and I think that John wants everything DONE…..so when his 4 girls roll down the lane….he can devote his time to his latest project! He even took the day off from work yesterday to do more outside lights? (why????? – NOT SURE as no one drives down our lane)….but it is “his thing” and something that he truly looks forward to each and every year.
Here is a funny….I needed to go and do some Urns with Fresh Greens for a Non Profit yesterday…..I received a text from John saying….“I am with my 3 Elves in the truck and we are going to get another tree…Ho-Ho-Ho”.…What did he do but take the 3 dogs (with their Christmas Scarves on) and go to the Boy Scouts to purchase another tree….when I asked why????? – loved his comment…..how can you say no to a Boy Scout! He does love Christmas!
Have a fabulous day….and I hope that this card has inspired you….a great card to break down and enjoy the journey with. I will be having some upcoming posts on some super practical ideas that you can whip up to make the gift giving a bit more special….remember, it’s all about the presentation….little tips that will make you sparkle!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 6, 2017 | Christmas, Uncategorized |
Happy HUMP day to you! I have a super fast card for you today that will make you stop and say….“I can do that” but here is a secret…YOU can do ANYTHING! I just love a card like this that has a huge WOW with minimal time, effort and products used!
I loved the comments about John’s new girls…and at the end of the post I will give you an update! He is making me laugh and I think his girl, “Rosie” is going to be a little hurt that the new girls might take her spot with her Daddy! Let’s get to this quickie card!
I think that it is fair to say that this stamp set, Painted Harvest….has had it’s showing on just about everyones blog since its debut in September. This stamp set and punch are being carried over but it will NOT be available as a bundle starting in January so you know what to do….SWOOP it up now to save that 10%!
The other shining stamp that I used today is one that I simply adore….for me, it was a KEEPER at first SIGHT – it is Watercolor Christmas. This set will always be on Randall Lane as you know me….when I see a gorgeous font, great sentiment, classic & practical….I HIT THAT BUTTON.
This stamp is leaving us but it will stay with me, I just love it…again, you know what to do – HIT THAT PAW PRINT as this is one fantastic stamp!
I know, I know….it is super frustrating to see the retired list but I hope that you know me well enough that when I tell you…just because something is being retired does not mean that it is “a loser product”….nope, it’s not that at all…..as there are many products that Stampin’ Up! might retire….but they will always stay on Randall Lane. True, I am selective with what I keep but there are definitely some that I will always keep!
I think that it is fair to say that this card today is one that you can make in the masses! I just LOVE IT when that happens! I did use my MISTI to stamp the sentiment as I wanted to make sure that I had great coverage with the Real Red Ink before I sprinkled Clear Embossing Powder over it to heat set it. PRESTO…..a sentiment that shines!
Yes, I have a MISTI and I use it regularly as I love to have great coverage. A stamp positioning tool will become your BEST FRIEND in a jif and I am over the moon that Stampin’ Up! has created an amazing positioning tool that will take it to the next step…allowing you to stamp multiple layers (as I have in this card) without having to stop and clean before going to the next layer.
I know that you all have seen on just about everyones blog…the hype and excitement of the Stampin’ Up! positioning tool that is coming out….the Stamparatus! This IS soooooo exciting for us and with the 1st wave selling over 27,000 in less than 15 minutes you can see that there are a bunch of excited stampers out there! This is a very exciting and innovative product launching for Stampin’ Up!
You will have the opportunity to reserve one now and this IS THE ONLY WAY you will be able to get one before the Annual Catalog in June of 2018. You can CLICK HERE to reserve one and the great news is the window for this pre-order is through the end of the month and it will start shipping in March.
After you CLICK HERE – you will see the promo box that says THE STAMPARATUS IS HERE. This is where you can go in and reserve yours.
You WILL NOT be charged when you reserve yours….this is a reservation, a new system to Stampin’ Up!.
When you look at this card, you see the layers of this wreath with a variety of colors. This is so easy to create because of the (2) different stamps that are in this set. I used Garden Green and Lemon Lime Twist. This stamp set is so forgiving that it always makes us look good!
I stamped the Lemon Lime Twist 1st and then turned the stamp a wee bit to stamp that color off and then finally went over it with the Garden Green. NO STRESSING ALLOWED when using this stamp….please do not take the time to worry about how they are lined up….it is like MAGIC….always a great looking end result and talk about easy!
Please remember to use the Embossing Buddy before you heat set an image…..this will make sure that any unwanted embossing powder does not get on your project. Once you get in the habit of using it….it will become your friend with the results it gives. Another tip, I like to turn my Heat Tool on and let it get good and hot before I take it to my project to heat set….I think that it goes faster which will help to eliminate warping.
I know that the below picture is not the best…but I wanted to share and show you how important it is to get in the habit of using an embossing Buddy. I 1st took the embossing buddy and tapped it all over where I was going to put the sentiment. After stamping it several times in Real Red to get a great coverage I then sprinkled the clear embossing powder! Clean and crisp…just like I like it!
Well…there you go! A super fast clean and simple card that you could whip up in NO TIME to send….and send proudly! If you want to save a bunch of time, just eliminate the clear heat embossing. To me, it’s just a little extra touch that adds a bit of specialness to the card!
You know by now, a card is not one of my cards without a fun envelope! Today is no different. This paper is from the Quilted Christmas 6 X 6 DSP Pack….this has been just a wonder addition this season to our DSP Stampin’ Up! sure does know how to make amazing offerings!
I do hope that you will give this card a try. It is so easy and quick and the little accents of the linen thread and the wee little bits of red glimmer paper for berries, add that special touch!
ALPACA UPDATE: I am being good….like REALLY GOOD in staying OUT OF THIS…..John is just soooooooo darn tootin’ excited for his girls but he is QUICKLY finding out that there are many, many things that need to be done before they come. It does make me laugh as I really think that he thought….I will surprised her and PRESTO….have 4 girls plopped off!!!
Yesterday morning he had someone come to check out fencing as he learned that they cannot stay in the fence that we have….I guess that they are escape artists and can climb through a horse fence so those modifications need to be made. Trust me, it would be my luck to be driving down the back roads to come to my house to see one loose!!!!
He did ask me if it was an option to move Oscar into a different field. I guess my silence to him was enough of an answer….he really is so funny about these. There names are a hoot….I cannot remember them off the top of my head but I do remember Ruby…..she is an old girl that has had many babies…I will keep you posted on their arrival!
Enjoy the rest of your day and I will see you on Friday….and I promised – you will be “smitten”!!!!
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by Susan Itell | Nov 15, 2017 | Christmas |
Happy HUMP DAY…..I have a SSS card for you that hopefully will make you smile! What the heck is an SSS Card?
Sweet…Simple & Special…(my kinda card if I must say so myself)
This is the card that I made for our Swap at convention when the PALS were together Friday evening. With the limitations of mobility with my hand I knew that I needed to create a card that would be do-able to mass produce but also reflect my style…I think I accomplished that!
Many of you know that I love to make kits and that kits are a big part of my Stampin’ Fun Business….and it is always a treat for me to “hunt out” the perfect stamp set that I want to showcase for a kit
I admit, when I saw the Holiday Catalog…this bundle, Hearts Come Home was definitely going to be a pick for a kit….but then I broke my wrist….oh well!
Here is a little secret and tip….this IS being carried over BUT remember when it gets carried over, it will not be a bundle then….meaning that you will have to purchase the stamp and framelits separately which means it will be more expensive….so the moral of this story is, I would get it now as face it – it’s a classic!
It simply cannot be any easier than this. I personally love to put Very Vanilla and White together….so rich and classic. How about you?
I am sure that you have seen many samples on the internet using these framelits and people put color behind the windows…(I say wow….you have patience) but to me, it can stand on its own like you see here.
Clean, classic ….CRISP! I took a scrap of Garden Green and using the framelit I just popped out the green tree and used green glue to adhere it . (Makes a BIG different…..right???)
Do you remember what I blogged about yesterday?….CLICK HERE to see it as it is was all about our new stamp positioning tool, STAMPARATUS……
While we do not have this gem yet….(but TOMORROW you can reserve yours) I do have a MISTI that I use. A stamp positioning tool is a HUGE help with stamping clean and straight sentiments each and every time….
When I did this I stamped the sentiment (using the MISTI) and then took it to the Big Shot with the framelit and PRESTO…..a beautiful and special element!
Are you wondering where the Red Rhinestone came from? EASY – I took a Red Sharpie and simply colored it….POOF…a special embellishment!
Lastly you can see this beauty all pulled together! I adore this card and YEP, it is going to be one that I will make more of and send. Using the Quilted Christmas DSP Stack was a perfect choice for a POP to this classic.
There are so many paper choices in this 6 X 6 pack….you can’t go wrong! Even though this is a 4 1/4″ square card….you CAN use one of our regular envelopes to mail this but you know me…I adore making my own envelopes!
There you go! I can’t wait to hear how you like this super simple card. I was tickled as it is right up my alley in my style. I am just goo-goo over using 2 neutrals together, so classic!
I will pop on tomorrow to remind you about RESERVING YOUR STAMPARATUS……I will be “johnny on the spot” at 2 p.m. (Central) / 4 p.m. my time (EASTERN)
Enjoy the day…this week is zooming by and I feel like a 3 armed paper hanger trying to get caught up on “stuff”…all in good time! I admit, I missed my fur babies while I was gone…..
Milo has been attached to me since I returned home….next time – I might just sneak him as I had so many people ask me, “How is Milo”….my answer….PERFECT, thanks!
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by Susan Itell | Nov 8, 2017 | Birthday, Christmas |
Happy Hump Day! I have a card for you today that I think will make you happy and also say…I could use this layout/design fro so many occasions!
When I was in Houston, the gal across from me created this layout (hers was the Happy Birthday one) and when she showed me her worked I perked up and said, I would love to take a picture of it and also CASE it! I just knew you all would love it.
To me, this is one of those cards that hold the test of time because they are a classic and also a card that you can use so many different color combinations /sentiments.
The frameits that are used are the Botanical Builder Framelits and they can still be found on the clearance rack (just $19.80), I was shocked when she shared with me that this is what she used as honestly, this was a set that I did not use often but trust me, I cranked out a bunch of these puppies!
I decided to give it a try with a Christmas Theme and I think it worked out….what do you think? You can see that the layout itself is very straightforward. All you need to do is cut out (3) of each of the elements.
The sentiment came from the Snowflake Sentiments Bundle and YES – I would get the bundle on this one as the framelits are over the top on this one….
Look at what you have and just make it work. You can see that the Birthday one used pearls for the accents….and for the Christmas one I used the wee bitty dots from the Owl Builder Punch with Red Glimmer to create the accent….just have fun!
I happen to adore the “movement” that the flowers give…you can pull them forward for a dramatic look or simply leave them flat!
Here is a tip….if you are watching a game…a movie etc – why not pull scraps that you have and go to town cutting away. Plop your Mr. Big right with you and get ahead of the game (ha-ha) as you will be so happy that you have elements cut and ready to rumble when you want to make a card,
Here is also something that I would do…I would make up a bunch of these at one time with different colors and simply leave off the sentiment so when you need a card….POOF……stamp the sentiment and you are good to go!
I think that it is very fair to say that we all have a copious amount of product and even if you do not have these framelits I am sure that you have a floral one that will do the trick. It’s all about the (3’s) – just taking 3 of the same elements and use that as your focal and go from there! It will never let you down!
I used easy-peasy glue dots to put this whole thing today. Not only does it work like a charm ii is sooooo darn fast! Remember, there are ALWAYS ways to make projects simpler.
Well, there you go… a super card that can go through the test of time. These are the types of cards that catch my fancy; I ask you, why do we complicate things so?
Well I am in air right now on my way to Salt Lake City. I am blessed that I have 4 team members and a new gal that is by herself that is joining our fun……after all – I am the very 1st person that loves to rescue dogs and the name that we call our team is the Top Dogs…..so of course my heart is always opening to welcome someone. (She is going to think we are crazy….but it will be fun!)
The 6 of us are going to have a fun time together. Last night we started the slumber party early at Ramsey’s as we needed to be at the airport by 5:15…we made it and we are excited to have a fun time!
I brought my big camera so I am hopeful to take some great pictures and of course I will share. You know me, I love to share with you and I truly wish that each and every one of you could be with us.
I just keep pinching myself that I feel so lucky to laugh, learn and make these amazing friendships with so many amazing and talented crafters.It is always fun and healthy to be with people that make you laugh, make you smile, simply make your day!
I will see you on Friday as I will share with you my swap card that I made. Trust me, it is a total “Susan card” being that it is super simple but I was tickled with it…..it’s a keeper and one that I am actually going to make more of to send.
Enjoy the day, make a memory and don’t forget how incredibly blest we are! 🙂
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by Susan Itell | Oct 9, 2017 | Christmas |
Good Morning…as I like to say it, my “joy tank” is on FULL after spending a glorious weekend with John and the peeps. I bet I said 100 times…“wow, look at those leaves….just look at the color…” The weather and the amazing color that Fall brings to us were in its glory and I was a HUGE SPONGE and SOAKED it all up!
Tomorrow is the magical day that I go to the doctors and hopefully Mr. Green Bean will come off my arm. It was funny over the weekend when we sat down for dinner and said a prayer, (we always hold hands as a family) and Will went to take mine and just held onto the “nub” of my thumb and we all laughed!
I am saying that this would be a great “formula card layout” as you could easily mass produce this one and the color combo….the sky is the limit! Today I chose a modern color scheme to really switch it up but you can see easily that you can have some fun!
Here’s the scoop as it is beyond easy and the effect….a big WOW with this fun and simple sentiment of “Oh Joy” which is from the Watercolor Christmas Stamp Set.
You can click here and here to see other posts that I have used this stamp set…..it is a true blue Holiday Catalog Keeper and when it is used in the kit that Stampin’ Up! intended it to be used for….another quick and easy WOW!
Let’s get going on this super simple yet fun card. I admit this card is one of those that was hard to get a great picture of so you are just going to have to “trust me” on this one…it is a keeper and I hope that you try to make it….you’ll be happy!
- The Card base is an A-2 Vertical Card in Thick Whisper White.
- The Color Blocking Colors are Powder Pink, Lemon Lime Twist, Powder Blue, Berry Burst and Garden Green ALL in the measurement of 1″ X 4 1/4″ and then (2) of the gold Foil in 1/4″ X 4 1/4″
- The White piece that the sentiment was stamped and Heat Embossed is 2″ X 3″ (don’t forget to use your Stampin’ Buddy to always have a crisp image when heat embossing) and the Gold Foil Mat is 2 1/8″ X 3 1/8″
- The Gold Mini Sequin Trim was added to the back of the sentiment before I popped it up with dimensionals or a piece of fun foam.
- Envelope FUN: a narrow piece of gold foil (1/4″) was added to the top and then an embossed piece using the Holly Textured Embossing Folder completed the finished look for this fun card!
Darn that camera as the below is a bit wonky but I am sure that you “get it” – It is a keeper and having the envelope super classic and rich…sets the tone for what is inside!
You can see that his card layout would be a minimal expense and also be one that would be great to use up scraps. It comes together like a puzzle but even easier as all you need to do is push them close to each other and POOF – you are done!
Can you think of color combinations that would be fun?I would love to hear your comments below.
I know you might think this sounds crazy but one color scheme that I think would be stunning would be just using white and vanilla in the1″ colors alternating them and keeping the Gold in between like I have done today.I know that sounds rather boring but I think it would be quite stunning!
There you go… a simple card to start your week off… I hope that you found this formula both fun and a concept that you could apply to your own card making endeavors.
Have a great day and I hope to see you on Wednesday…..I think we need some Blog Candy!!! – it’s been a while so please be sure to POP in and see what is up my sleeve (well….I hope this cast is not on my sleeve)….I just love to be the Candy Man to you guys!
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by Susan Itell | Sep 27, 2017 | Christmas, Uncategorized |
Good morning to you and Happy Hump Day! Can you guys all see me smiling from ear-to-ear with this card? I call this is a Susan kind of card!
You know me by now that I just love simplicity and I am just giddy over fonts/sentiments.This card sums it up and in my opinion….it needs nothing and it is soooooooo rich and classic that I would be as “proud as a peacock” to send this to my family and friends.
I have shared with you before that I absolutely adore the Watercolor Christmas Kit as well as this stamps set in the new catalog. I have blogged about it before and it can be found on page 34 in the new catalog.
Today’s card is showcasing this fabulous stamp set with two amazing words “Oh Joy”…..so powerful, so meaningful.
I have to admit I was a bit sad that my pictures did not turn out as well. Sometimes it’s just hard to get a great picture when you have shiny metallic.
Today’s card focuses on using the gold heat embossing technique.To me, there is nothing more satisfying and fun as heat embossing but please remember not forget to use the embossing buddy…There’s nothing more frustrating than to pull out your heat tool to only find out that you have stray powder on your project!
Can you see that today I did something differently than I normally do?I kept the height of the card as tall as a regular A-2 to card and just made the sides of bit shorter… – the the piece was 4 inches wide by 5 1/2 inches tall.
How about this amazing embossing folder? Stampin’ Up! has truly been throwing out some great ones lately…Here’s a tip. Make sure you mist your paper with water before you run it through Mr. Big. This allows the embossing part to get very deep and rich!
Isn’t it amazing that this card just uses very simple and clean cuts and the wow factor is there! I did add the gold thread behind the sentiment before I popped it up.This gives such a fresh and fun flair to the card.
I know that many of you do not like to have a bunch of Christmas DSP in case you did not use it all.This card shows you how you can take a very thin strip… Actually 1 1/4″ wide to add a pop.
I also used from Crumb Cake as my card base… Something I haven’t done for a while but I think there’s just something very warm and comforting about from Crumb Cake and Real Red for the holidays…how about you?
That’s it my friends…I hope that I was able to inspire you today. I must admit….”Yours truly Susan” is getting a little tired with pinky…I actually was having a bit of a pity party yesterday that I took a break and went to the movies…..something that I have not done F O R E V E R…..but I was just feeling like “butter-fingers” with everything I was doing…..
Just a couple more weeks…..thanks to YOU for hanging in there with me – I am trying to continue to inspire and I DO LOVE this card!!!! Enjoy the day…..
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