by Susan Itell | Oct 16, 2013 | Christmas, Watercoloring |
YIKES…can you believe that next Wednesday we will be in the single digits for the weekly countdown until Christmas! ZOOM…the calendar keeps flying by! 10 weeks from today is the big day!
Here is a "classic" one for you today! Now…this is my kind of card!
Why?…simple - it is clean, simple, uses minimal product and packs a big statement!
I have not been giving “crumb cake” much attention lately so
today is the day for it to come back into my Stampin’ world! The size of this
classic card is 5” X 6”….fun and easy with the help of the Envelope Punch
Board!
Let’s get to it…soooo easy…soooo easy to make many and when
you really look at it…it really uses minimal products and with the incredible
$25.00 offer to join the fun as a hobbyist, you could simply order your goodies
at 30% and get going on your cards!
Are you asking yourself where are the stamps? Are you are
not seeing them in the Holiday Catalog? Well…these were carried over from last
year…click here to download the flyer so you can see more great holiday stamps!
The focal tree is from the Evergreen Stamp Set and it is a
GREAT set and one that to me is the holidays! I have seen so many beautiful
cards made with this stamp set!
You know what I am going to say…using the watercolor paper
is a must…let the aqua painters do their magic and this paper will absorb the
water and the paper/image will remain flat!
The sentiment came from the Greetings of the Season Stamp
Set…aren’t they all amazing sentiments? Pulling the Cherry Cobbler for the
sentiment was perfect with the totally classic Cherry Cobbler 1” Stitched
Ribbon…every year SU comes out with a wow ribbon…this is it this year to me –
sooooo darn easy to tie!
Did you notice a bit of glimmer on the tree…a bit of bling
with the Dazzling Details was a soft and festive touch (yikes – I cannot think
of snow) A little is all that is needed for that special, yet festive touch!
Envelope time!!! The Holiday paper, Season of Style Designer
Series Paper is beautiful! I adore polka dots, stripes….it is a WOW paper and
it also comes in the paper stacks….double WOW and for just $6.95!
Making your cards for the season does not have to be a chore….please do not look at it as a chore as it is a work of art from your heart! Plan your time accordingly so you do not become overwhlemed! Today's card is a great example of how you can make many and have fun!
I totally understand if you do not want to have to put more postage on an over size card….you can easily adjust the size to a regular A-2 card and just use the Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon! BAM…little adjustments make is a cinch!
Tomorrow is Thursday…it is time for a PAL Paper Art Challenge and I have a Halloween Card for you! BOO!!! How about playing along this week? It is fun and it is always open to everyone and that means YOU!
Guess what came out yesterday…another new photopolymer stamp set, and it is a TOTAL keeper! It is all about Christmas – the Endless Wishes Stamp Set and you can betcha that I will be making a card with it one Wednesday!!! WOOT-WOOT!
I never thought that I would like these stamp sets but I love how they cling and how you can "see through" them! (click the link – the picture would not come up in the correct size for you to view)
The "hour glass" has turned and we just have 6 days left to take advantage of the $25.00 hobbyest offer to join Stampin' Up! This is a fablous way for you to get the necessary tools we all know that we love to Stamp with! Heck – it's a great way for you to get some gifts for family and friends!
Please email me and I will be happy to answer any questions you might have….I'm not going anywhere…I love Stampin' and I love being a PAL!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Oct 9, 2013 | Christmas |
Wasn't the blog hop yesterday super fun! If you have not had the chance, I totally encourage you to go to my posting yesterday and then from there you can go from blog to blog to be inspired!
Today is the magical day of Christmas ideas (every Wednesday)… being that Christmas in now…..11 weeks away! Every Wednesday, I will inspire you (hopefully) with a fun card!
Today is a clean and classic one that will surely be a hit….not only is it super easy to mass produce, it does have the wow factor there as well!
Nothing is more classic than a bunch of Very Vanilla….it is always so elegant and stylish! This is an A-2 card but scored at the 5 1/2" mark! I like this look!
This card is very straight forward but if you need help…..please email me and I will be there! The center stage is the Festive Flurry and it comes in a bundle which makes it super fun as you will save 15% right off the bat!
On today's card I only used the framelits and I know….you are thinking that this is a very pricey collection but with not only the super-duper promotion of becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for just $25.00 (just until October 21st) – you would be able to get this at an additional 30% off….I say WOOT-WOOT!
Did you notice the fun, clean and simple Embossing Folder? This is from the Holiday Catalog and it is one not to be missed! It is the Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder! Embossing Folders are gems give you the best bang for your buck!
A quick and simple mat of the new In Color of Baked Brown Sugar does the trick! Don't you just love that name!?!? Remember, less is best and sometime just a POP of color in a minimal one is all that you need!
Have you been wondering where the sentiment came from? Well….it is from last year but it is carried over this year….please click here to see the products that ARE STILL AVAILABLE this year, they are simply not in the catalog….so if I do not show you…..you might miss them!
This set is called Greetings of the Season and has some beautiful fonts and sentiments!
I suggest that you stamp the sentiment 1st before you start the fru-fru….and stamp it very low on the card! It is so clean and classic in itself that all you need is this on the card ….look at it – there are no other stamps!
The liner for the envelope comes from the Season of Style Paper Stack….love , love it! Seriously, I would love it if Stampin' Up came out with more of these – just adore them!
The liner is easy- peasy with my main man, Mr. Big Shot and the Envelope Liner Framelit – a must have if you need a Santa gift….(I do gift certificates!!!!)
From the pictures you can see that 3 key elements of the card that help the WOW…POP and texture are the simple "dots", the Stampin' Dimensionals and the totally classic Basic Pearls Jewels – after all – who doesn't love pearls!
Again, less is best and this card will look great this year…..10 years from now and even later! You just simply cannot go wrong with the classics ( that's what my dear Mom always told me)
Please make sure if you did not leave a comment on yesterdays post…that you do so as you could win some super fun Blog Candy! I think it is cute and all you need to do is leave me a comment and on tomorrows post I will announce the lucky winner!
I am sure you have not forgotten….but we are in the middle of the most incredible opportunity for you! YOU can join SU for just $25.00 and you would not have to do one thing until the end of March but we both know that would not happen!
Click here and get started! You just need to make sure that your items total at least $25.00 but not more than $26.95 and then email me….and we will get the fun going!
Is it really just Wednesday? I feel like this week is creeping along….but then when I see that Christmas is just 11 weeks away….I say Oh no……stay on task! Pace yourself with your projects and always remember to enjoy the journey and not be overwhelmed!
Have a super day and until tomorrow…..
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by Susan Itell | Oct 2, 2013 | Christmas |
12 Weeks from today will bring smiles to many children….many parents looking for batteries…and many people just pooped from a hectic season….but as I tell my children…
"If there is no joy in the journey…than there is no joy in the journey's end"
Every Wednesday, (and probably more) I will inspire you for the holiday season with cards, gifts, 3-D ideas of inspiration! I was super happy with today's post!
When the new holiday catalog came out…I fell in love with this stamp set, Christmas Message! This sentiment of "Deck the Hallls" spoke to me the minute I saw it! Just love the boldness of it….
TIP ALERT: when you have a nice and bold stamp like this I recommend 2 things:
- Take the Stampin' Sanding Block and "scruff" up the surface of the stamp to soak in the ink to get a great clean stamp!
- Make sure that your stamp sets are properly "inked"…I am posting on Saturday a bunch of tips and I will touch on this so please pop back!
Let's get to the fun as the calendar is rolling and we need to budget our time…..
- The base is the regular A-2 Card in Whisper White and scored at the 5 1/2" side!
- Stamping the image with Cherry Cobbler on a scrap piece of paper and then running it through the Big Shot with the help of the Labels Collection Framlits…it's coming together!
- TIP ALERT: Use the Baked Brown Sugar Base to cut out your framelit = paper saver!!!
- With the Baked Brown Sugar Paper piece and the Festive Paper-Piercing Pack the fun is going to begin with the help with the Paper-Piercing Tool and the Mat It is such an easy and effecitve effect to have a simple WOW!!! Just make sure you put plenty of Stampin' Dimensionals on the back for a nice POP!
- Where did the super cute Christmas Trees come from…they are a super fun "carry over" punch set from last year! They are called the Merry Minis Punch Pack and the are the "BOMB"!
- The envelope was super easy with the help of the Envelope Liner Framelit to do the job! I have found "joy" in this tool with the ease of the end result!
Time is sooooo darn tootin' important to all of us!
Whew….what a fun and exciting time with Stampin' Up over the past 24 hours….new products….new hostess benefits….and the best…..a super fun new way to join Stampin' Up!
If you are an dedicated stamper…than seriously – why don't you consider being a hobby demonstrator to be able to get your products at a discount? I would love to have even more fun with you!
I know it is a lot to take in but I'm here and I love what I do and I would love helping YOU! Please email me with any questions you might have….
There are so many exciting and fun things going on with Stampin Up!…my dear hubby…I have lots of upcoming family birthday's…! I think the month of October is so energizing and hands down – my favorite time of the year with the cooler weather and simply love to watch the foliage change…
Remember Friday is my 250th Blog Post and you know what that means….
BLOG CANDY TIME….a just love to celebrate milestones!
Ho-ho-ho…the 12 week hour glass has been turned…..let me help you have stress-less holiday and make you shine! It is time to get your holiday cards rolling….so you can have time to do the "other" things of the season!
I would LOVE and be honored to help you reach your goals!
Until tomorrow….remember – I am an email away!
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by Susan Itell | Sep 19, 2013 | Christmas |
It's Thursday and you know what that means…time for another PALS Paper Art Challenge and I hope you play with us this we for this great sketch challenge create by Margaret Moody! She is truly one talented lady and I encourage you to pop by her blog for some great inspiration!
This is the sketch we are working with today! Isn't it fun? Make sure that you look at all of the other interpretations there are of it! The sky is the limit and I am sure that I will be in awe!!! I always am!!!
I still take these sketches so literally and I was pleased with my card…Square cards are a favorite of mine so when saw this sketch, I immediately knew what I was going to do!
Ever since the new Holiday Catalog came out, I knew that this wreath was going to be a winner this year! So classic and it truly it not hard at all "fussy cutting" it out! This stamp set is called the Wonderful Wreath and WOW what a perfect name for it!
When "fussy cutting" the key is having the right tools and then using them correctly! The best tool is the paper snips and the best way to use them is to cut from the back of the scissors and turn the paper – not your hand!
Using my 4 all time favorite holiday colors – Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler this card was a cinch to make and the Seasons of Style Designer Series Paper made the triple play "strips" a cinch to cut with the stampin' trimmer! I merely cut the plaid using the same lines as guides and PRESTO!
I know you have heard me say this before….but it will worth repeating…when you have a stamp that has a large, flat area to cover with ink, take the sanding block and give it a good scruff…works like a charm every time in making a full coverage stamped image! This wreath needs it and the show stopper ink I used was Old Olive, it coordinates with the DSP!
You always want a focal part if your card to shine and be the "show off" – this is what the wreath is but the bow makes the while thing come together! It looks good in the pictures, but it looks GREAT when you have it in your hands!
This bow was super easy and fun to make (of course it is as I am bow challenged!!!) I simply took some of the Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon and cut it into thirds and then took a cut piece of the Burlap Ribbon and tied around – EASY-PEASY and it is fun! (the little frays of cherry cobbler I just forgot to blow off before I clicked the picture)
I wanted to take a picture from this angle so your can see how I placed my Stampin' Dimensionals (aka…stampin' vitamins) and also how I let the strips of paper hang over the edge for something different…plus it mimicked the sketch!
Let's get the the simple and classic sentiment! It came from the Hostess Stamp Set, Warmth and Wonder and it is only $10.00 with qualifying hostess rewards! To me is was the simple and prefect choice for this card! A" one liner" simple sentiment with Regal Candy Dots to the side is all we need today!
Envelope time!!! We are all lovin' the envelope punch board and I have been seeing more and more grey hairs over trying to figure out the liners using the punch board….we all know I adore liners and I was tickled with this card until on Tuesday when I saw Mary Fish's post and then I decided not to even try to explain my method as she did a super duper video! Watch it – as it is super…as usual!!!
I was pretty proud of my liner BUT I found Mary's method to be a lot easier! I just adore liners and it is a must to figure out in my opinion! As my Mom always said…it's the 1st thing you notice when you open a card and the finishing touch that you will remember!
I hope that this has been a fun post for you to read! The holiday season will be here before you know it and even though I have not made many Christmas themed cards yet….when I do – I get excited! I still haven't figured out what card I am going to do to send…but one thing for sure is when I do – YOU'LL KNOW!
Please leave me a comment or shoot me an email! Go look at all of the great cards for this challenge and then go to your work space and create you own goodies and upload it! If you need help up loading….please ask! I would love to help you!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Sep 10, 2013 | Christmas, PALS Blog Hops |
Thank you for joining us for the September Pals Blog Hop. This
month we are showcasing projects made with the Stampin' Up! tools we
love.
You should have just left stop number 22 on the Pals Hop – Barb Furlong at The Love of Stamping. If so, you are in the right spot.
Don't worry if you get off track…I'll have the whole line up at the end of the post and I do hope that you will treat yourself to 24 Blogs of inspiration and fun!
This is probably one of my favorite times of the month…the PALS Blog Hop! It is so much fun to see all of the inspiration but this month really had me thinking!
WHY?… Well, the theme, using tools we love….where could I possibly begin cause I love so many! I was really, really trying to do something super different and fun but honestly I became a bit stressed with myself and said…just do and show what you like! I listened to my inner voice and here you go!
One thing I know was that I wanted an odd size card (4 1/2" X 6") so naturally I could use the unbelievable Envelope Punch Board and if you do not have this…..you need to click here now as for $19.95, it is amazing all that it can do!
Hmmmmm….to get this odd size card….I needed a piece of paper measuring 4 1/2" X 12 and scored it at 6" – I know that I have posed before….please go and see how many 12 X 12 colors of paper we have! They truly come in handy! Love having the flexibility of ordering at this size!
Polka Dots make me smile…no matter what color they are, what size they are….I adore them! When the holiday catalog came out and I saw the Seasons of Style Designer Series Paper….I was doing the happy dance – love everything about this paper!
Another thing that caught my eye at 1st glance was this stamp! I think the font is fabulous and I instantly knew if would make it to my house – so bold, clean, crisp and classic! It is called "Love and Joy" (how unique) and it's a keeper!
Being that I have made cards before with this style/layout…I knew that another one of my favorite things are our framelits! Today I used the Deco Labels Framelits and this meant that I was able to use my Main Man, Mr. Big Shot….( just adore him) and better yet…the new Magnetic Platform!
Hang tight….I know that it has been SUPER frustrating that the Magnetic Platform has been on backorder…..but YOU can be Cindrella and at mignight on this Thursday September 12th, it is avaliable to order!!! Treat yourself…you will never regret it – an amazing tool! The item number is (130658)
Using the platform with the framelits is a breeze – you will love it!
One of the key ingredients in making this card have the WOW factor it has…is using a bunch of Stampin' Vitamins….Stampin' Dimensionals! These are the simple key factor to really making your cards have a clean, sharp and professional look! I just love them and use them all the time!
One tool that I did not use but I do consider it one of my favorites is our new Envelope Liner Framelits! This is a life saver and time saver! Please click here and refer back to my post that I did on using both, the framelits and the "Susan way" of lining (like I did here today) both work…both look great!
The one thing that is FOR SURE is that Stampin' Up! has sooooo many incredible products that all make us shine! They are not only the best on the market, they are very easy to use!
There is so much talent out there and I always love learning more and helping you reach your goals! Please reach out to me if I can help you with your projects! I am an email away and you can always order from my website anytime!
How did you like today's card?….please feel free to leave me a comment! I realize that the holidays are still far away ~ but they will be here before you know it! I think that this would be a card you would be proud to send!
Have a blast popping from Blog to Blog and be a sponge and take it all in! There is so much talent on Mary Fish's PALS group…it is a "happy land" and we have fun together!
The next stop is Rae Harper at Wild West Paper Arts, stop number 24 on
the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting – and I hope to see you next month!
Here are all the PALS that are participating today….also, a HUGE thanks to Pal Nicole Watt in making the badge at the top of the post! She is sooooo incredibly talented! THANKS for your time and energy!
- Kim Czenszak at Live Love Stamp
- Shirley Sumption at Look at My Cute Stuff
- Barbara Chatzkel at Take Out Paper Arts
- Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper
- Lynn Kolcun at Stamping with Avery's Owlery
- Debra Simonis at Deb's Stampin' Grounds
- Kerry Willard Bray at Stampgoodness
- Maria Flores at Maria's Sandbox
- Diane Roberts at Score at Four and a Quarter
- Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits From Dawn
- Amy L. Lazzell at Just A Thought…Cards by Amy
- Linda Callahan at Stampin' Seasons
- Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
- Peggy Noe at Prettypaprecards.com
- Beth Beard at My Little Craft Blog
- Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping
- Sherrie Gross at Stampin' Sunshine
- Debbie Crowley at expressivelydeb…
- Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards
- Martie Pollard at The Crafty Bandit
- Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat
- Barb Furlong at The Love of Stamping
- Susan Itell at Simple Stampin'
- Rae Harper at Wild West Paper Arts
Thanks for popping by and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jun 26, 2013 | Christmas, Super Easy |
Yesterday when I was at work and looked at the date and saw, June 25th….I went YIKES…the calendar is F L Y I N G by and in 6 months it will be Christmas!
Well…hang tight by fellow obsessive crafters – cause' when you see the new holiday catalog you are going to be "one happy stamper" but until then….I used the Christmas Santa from the "Tag it" Stamp Set!
This set is extra special as the is Stampin' Ups! Stamp Set that every purchase, they will donate $3.00 to the Ronald McDonald House…is that super awesome or what!
Can you say E A S Y – P E A S Y...this card is a cinch (and I know it might be a bit boring) but it is cute! The size of the card is from the Note Cards and Envelopes….do not overlook this gem – not only is the size great ( you don't have to write too much) but it is soooo economical – 20 note cards and envelopes for $5.95….WOW!!!!
Here is a quick run down on the scoop!
- I stamped the image twice…once in Real Red and the other in Garden green!
- I cut the "Santa" part out and layered it over the Garden Green piece (why stress yourself with trying to use the markers and get it perfect)
- The real red base is 3 1/4" X 4 3/4"….just a 1/4" in from the actual card!
- Drawing a pencil line in 1 1/2" from both ends…I used this as my "cheater line" for getting my ribbon just right!
- Now I am smiling BIG time with the liner….I just love polka dots and I am soooo thankful that the Polka Dot Parade was carried over this year! So much FUN!
Now how is that for a WHAM-BAM-THANK YOU-SIMPLE CARD!!! Can you believe that Christmas is 6 months away!!! Do you make a vow to get a grip on your Holiday Cards every year…well truth is…I do too!!!
Once the new catalog comes out and I get my paws on those goodies…I will inspire you…I get to pre-order the gems on July 1st and guess what…so can YOU!!!! How? – Click here and become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and do your "thing"
…. Y O U R W A Y!!!….
the Stampin' Up motto that is sooooo true and the best thing is no one else will ever have to know if you do not want them to…it can be your little secret but isn't it great to get things at cost!
Please email me and let's talk….I love what I do ( I think you have figured that out by now) and I would be honored to have you with me and on this fun ride with Mary Fish's PALS group! I am a part of her program….please check it out! It is called the PALS Partner Program and I am super thrilled to be part of it!
Scary to think that the calendar is right….so hold tight – until tomorrow!!!
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