by Susan Itell | Dec 3, 2016 | Christmas, Simple Saturday, Uncategorized |
Happy Weekend! Here you go with a super SIMPLE card that is a keeper for a guy! I was thinking about PEEP James when I made this as you know…dear old Mom would LOVE to make some cards for her peeps to send out! Here is a funny….when John came home last night, I showed him the cards for his thoughts!
His response…”LOVE them – I would like a dozen!” When I said, “John., I was going to make these for James” ~ he said great – we have different friends. I would love a dozen (or more) for some special clients! Well…I guess I should be flattered…right?????
You know how I feel about single stamps, it is simple – they are keepers. This one is very unique and yep…it is “walking the plank on the bye-bye list” I thought that it was super unique and I knew instantly is would be on Randall Lane. ( PLUS – it is on sale for just $12.75)
Now you need to admit, it doesn’t get any simplier than this!?!!? When I have a BIG stamp like this, I like to take my ink pad to the stamp and then place the paper on top of the inked up side and press with my hands to transfer the ink.
You can see that I used a much larger piece of paper than I needed but to me, it is easier to do it this was and then take it to the trimmer to get it all lined up to the exact size I need.
To me, the colors ~ the neutrals is what makes this a great “guy card”. I originally had a Crumb Cake star on the tree and when John saw tomorrows card….he said – you need to make a sparkly star like that card! (well…there is a hint for tomorrows card!)
This stamp set and framelit was carried over from last year and I say….it has not been blogged a bunch about this year but it is a keeper. (look at the products used at the end of the post). I used the smaller tree in the framelit set to adhere to the tree….works great – right?!?!
If you ever use the fun foam, remember to use an adhesive like fast fuse as it needs a “dry” adhesive….it is a heck of mess with the green glue, just sayin’ ~ been there…done that!
Here is the “pretty picture”…it just makes my heart pitter – patter when I see the envelope beside it. The COMPLETE picture…a true smile maker! The Warmth & Cheer DSP Stack had been a great addition to the Holiday Collection this year. I am a die hard lover of plaids and I was super happy with all of the yummy paper that are in this collection!
There you go! I am in love with this card and I am THRILLED that John loves it….now let’s hope that PEEP JAMES feels the same way. I know that it is hard to find a card for a “guy” – but I think that this is a keeper!
Don’t forget about the on going YEAR END CLOSE OUTS – shop away…and then TURN THE DIAL to PICK a stamp set of your choice from my VAULT OF STAMPIN’ FUN! I will send you “the list” and TRUST ME….it is a HUGE list…5 years worth of goodies and I have been making smiles!
Have a great day…..get some decorating in – make memories and JUST HAVE FUN! I hope to see you back tomorrow to see what it up my sleeve! Stampin’ hugs!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 2, 2016 | Christmas |
Good Morning…is it really Friday already? I received this card from a customer, Judy…or I should say “Princess Judy” and I just HAD TO share it with you as it is right up my alley and I knew that you would love it to!
Before we get to the FUN of this card (as I want to point out some things that make this amazing) I want to share with you that there is NO NEED TO WORRY about the amount of items that are on the YEAR-END CLOSEOUTS. This happens every year and there always seems to be a PANIC – look at it as a great time to take advantage of great deals and also…your last chance to pick up that stamp/bundle you have been looking at!
After we do some chatting about this SUPER FUN Card, I have some other tips and explanations for you in regard to the Year-End Closeouts…so please read on!
This fun card was made using the Christmas Magic Stamp Set. It is just adorable and it is on the BYE-BYE List and it is 20% off. I admit, I did not have this stamp set but when I received this card, I ordered it yesterday. (YOU SEE….even YOU GUYS enable me). The (2) things that I love most about this stamp set are (1) this adorable snowman and (2) the sentiments.
Judy did a fabulous job with her water-coloring. I invite you to look at the simplicity of this and then say…yep, I could do that. Judy took one of my “classes in the mail” that focused on water-coloring and WOW – she learned but more importantly she HAS PRACTICED.
Water-coloring is very easy and it is not only rewarding, but it is relaxing. The POP point in her coloring is that she highlighted the entire snowman with Sahara Sand (you are a great student Judy as you have seen me do this) Look below and you will see how this simple tip makes the image come to life!
You all know how I feel about the Classic Tools we have – not only are they time savers, you can never go wrong! Just look at these simple ovals – the perfect compliment!
Here you go with the products used. The red gingham ribbon was perfect for the card…Judy – you make BEAUTIFUL bows…but then again, you ARE PRINCESS JUDY! Many thanks for this card and I knew that everyone would love to see it! Super fun 🙂
Now, back to the Close Out Scoop…read below and I think that it will shed some light and be helpful. Remember that any order of $75+ with me this month will allow you to take a trip into MY VAULT of retired stamps….(if you ordered yesterday from me….feel free to chime in on a comment with how BIG THE VAULT IS….5 years worth of stamps)
Sometimes it is easier to see the “Bye-Bye” List in this format – CLICK HERE to preview it and I would suggest to print it off. I personally love to have the page numbers (I just think that it is easier to flip through) and as items get sold out, Stampin’ Up! will update it and there will be an “X” on the right. I also like to take a pen and add a “R” for retired.
Here is another helpful format – (click on the below image). Again, I like to take a marker and make note that the specific stamp is carried over in your catalog.
One thing that I want to point out and this is why I am sharing the Holiday Carryover List with you is that there are several items that ARE BEING CARRIED OVER but KNOW they are in a BUNDLE NOW…but when this Catalog selling period ends (January 3rd) – they will NOT BE AT A BUNDLE PRICE….so if you want them, purchase them NOW as a bundle to save an instant 10%.
I am pointing this out from experience. Sometimes I think that we see it as a bundle, that it will always be a bundle…that does not happen all the time. I am just looking out for you! The text in red below is at the bottom of the PDF that I shared….look at the symbols and it will help you!
*Amount in Stampin’ Rewards; host sets can only be purchased using Stampin’ Rewards from a qualifying party.
**Bundle includes some products that are not retiring; refer to the Retiring List to see what individual products are retiring.
^While the items in these bundles are not retiring, they will no longer be available in a bundle after January 3, 2017
I hope that I am not being “so basic” in explaining things like this to you but I feel like there are times that we simply get confused about. I know that many are just starting with this hobby and need some help….so I always like to make sure that everyone is “in the know” 😀
I am excited for the weekend post – I think that you are going to like it….well – LOVE IT! Simple Saturday and then Step It Up Sunday….Thanks for popping in and thanks for your support and encouragement that you give to me each and everyday.
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by Susan Itell | Nov 29, 2016 | Christmas |
Here is to a TERRIFIC TUESDAY! I had so many comments and emails about the Acetate that I used over the weekend (thank you to Linda Droege) for the inspiration! Click here and then here to see the posts.
I have a new card that actually is even more economical that the one that I share over the weekend. I know that it is a different look and feel but it is a WINNER- WINNER….CHICKEN DINNER one and YEP, it is a part of the Stitched from the Heart sale that is ending tomorrow!
This stamp set, Oh, What Fun Photopolymer Stamp…is a carried over one from last year and I was not surprised as it is a great one, filled with amazing sentiments!
You can see that there are layers and different widths of cuts but can you also see that it is still a “clean” card. You have heard me say time and time again, USE THE BASIC TOOLS THAT WE HAVE AND LOTS OF PAPER…..you will always come out with a winner!
For this card, the basics are the use of our trimmer, the Big Shot and the ovals! Today I combined the stitched ovals (Cherry Cobbler) with the nesting ovals (Very Vanilla). We will chat about the “fun leaves” later…..
Here is the acetate! Remember, one side is silver and the other is gold. I think that the silver would look sunning with Navy! This cuts like a dream with our trimmer and on today’s card, I just used a very small piece. It is 2″ X 4″ piece.
This is the DSP that I used, This Christmas. It is in the annual catalog and I really like it. It is a thinner paper and when I first felt it, I was worried that it would not be sturdy enough but I was wrong, it is a dream machine. The other thing that is super unique about this is that you get (4) sheets of each design = you will get 24 sheets of paper.
The other win-win for me and this paper is, it pairs with Very Vanilla. To me, there is just something classic about Very Vanilla and Cherry Cobbler together.
Here is a great shot of the Gold Heat Embossing. This font is just beautiful and FUN. Remember the tips that I have shared with you….the Embossing Buddy, a paint brush and a good and hot heat gun BEFORE you bring it to the image = a perfect end result!
Now we will chat about the fun “fru-fru” that I tucked around the oval. They are from the Pretty Pines Thinlits Dies. You could easily use these 2 images that I cut out to be a “filler” for other cards throughout the year. They are just simple “greenery” and simple “berries” that work all year long.
This is what I meant when I said at the top of the post….have and work with the basics – and you will be good to go! 🙂
Before I get to the measurements for you…I want to point out the Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon that place between the 2 prints. This is on the clearance rack along with the same in white and if you do not have this luscious ribbon, you need it. For $2.70 – I ask you, how can you go wrong?
Here is anther tip…when there is ribbon in the clearance rack – I stock up on it. I always find a way to use it to make things “pretty” – it is those simple touches that make people smile. I did a craft show and placed goodies in a clear food storage bag (from the grocery store) but added a beautiful discontinued ribbon and people were wowed but the simple yet finished look!
Here is the simple scoop of this card, please CASE away and make someones day!
The base is a vertical Very Vanilla – 4 1/4 X 5 1/2″
To make it super fast and easy for me, I took a piece of Cherry Cobbler 4″ X 5 1/4″ (I KNOW, I KNOW….it was a shame to cover up the paper but this worked FAST for me!) The lower DSP is 4″ X 3 1/4″ and then the Acetate is 4″ X 2″.
I adhered the Acetate to the cherry cobbler with a strip of tear -n – tape as I knew that I was going to add the ribbon over top so you would not see the adhesive.
The rest is very straight forward but if you need help or clarity, either leave a comment or email me!
I ask you….did you do any shopping yesterday from CYBER MONDAY??? I am guilty as charged and I feel like I picked some keepers! I admit, I feel a bit guilty that I did have so much pleasure clicking away as I feel bad for stores….but the other side of the coin is – GOING TO STORES, stresses me, it is as simple as that as the patience of people is sad.
This is NOT what the season is about….my heart was pitter-pattering on Thursday as we were talking about Christmas…and Will chimed in – and said….“DO we have a theme this year” — I was soooooo happy as he “knows me and gets it” – my PEEPS know what the season is about….it is not the gifts, it is about the journey. True I did some shopping yesterday but it was very selective as I love HANDMADE gifts!
Tomorrow is the LAST day for taking advantage of the Stitched from the Heart SALE! You can click the below image to join in with the fun!
We are to be having CRAZY weather – it is to rain (which we need desperately) but it is to be 62 degrees – CRAZY… 😕 Guess what I am going to be doing…..I am going to a Laundry Mat that I can take Horse Blankets to to wash…..darn, I bet you wish you could be there – such a FLATTERING JOB to do!!!!
See you tomorrow….
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by Susan Itell | Nov 28, 2016 | Christmas, Watercoloring |
Hello all! I am super excited to share with you the next card using the Merry Mice Stamp Set! This ADORABLE stamp set in a part of the STITCHED FROM THE HEART Sale...and I ask you, how can you NOT let these adorable mice come to your home! Trust me, when I see a REAL mouse at the barn – THEY MAKE ME JUMP….but these little guys…will always have a home on Randall Lane!
How can you not say YES to these guys…..for just $12.75 how can you go wrong! You can click here and here to see other posts that I have done with these super fun mice! Below I share with you all of the dimensions of this card…..CASE AWAY!
Hannah and I named them….these guys are ~ Merlin, Molly & Mikey! I just think that they are soooooo adorable and water-coloring with the aqua painter is just the best! Please know that there is no need to worry about this simple tool, it is soooooo easy, just add water….add some ink and you are good to go! I squeeze the ink pad and paint from the top lid.
This is how I started out with making this card. I always stamp extras not only for more cards but “just in case I make a mistake” but then I thought, SILLY SUSAN (again) I needed to make the card stock longer to have a sentiment!
As I have blogged before, I like to use a cutting board (just go to Bed Bath & Beyond and use a 20% coupon) and use Micropore Tape to hold down my work! I actually did this yesterday while watching football and doing laundry! Fun….RIGHT?!?!?! I know that the link for the tape has MANY rolls but share it with some friends!
The card is an A-2 Card and then I used the FUN plaid from the Warmth and Cheer DSP Stack to cover the entire front ( 5 1/2″ X 4 1 1/4″) and then the Whisper White that I stamped is 4″ X 2 3/4″.
I often am asked this question…What Ink do you use. I use the Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad. Actually this is the only Black Ink that I use. I still have other Blacks on my shelf but honestly, I have not touched them at all even since this came out. I highly recommend this ink as it is a permanent ink and it dries super fast. I will give you a heads up – purchase a refill. Maybe it is me but I find that I need to re-ink this often (heck – it is probably because I use it all of the time) 🙂
The colors that I used to do the water-coloring were: Sahara Sand, Garden Green, Real Red, Delightful Dijon and a wee bit of Blushing Bride for the inside of the ears and cheeks. I love water-coloring on the thick Whisper White. It works perfectly and it also does not curl!
I matted the colored image to a piece of Sahara Sand that is a wee bit larger, 4 1/8″ X 2 7/8″ and then the Real Red piece is 4 1/2″ X 3″ and I did run this through the BIG SHOT with the Large Polka Dot Embossing Folder (you could easily skip this but I think it makes it super fun)
I adhered the layers together with Fast Fuse and then I popped up the entire image using fun foam but you can easily use Stampin’ Dimensionals. I personally like the “feel” of the fun foam when you have a larger piece that you are popping up…
Because I had this odd piece left over from cutting the plaid, I used it to my advantage to make my envelope SMILE! I had to use a bit wider accent piece, it is 1/2″ wide
There you go but we have some SERIOUS SHOPPING BUSINESS to talk about as today is a ONE DAY FLASH SALE. We are still full steam ahead with the Stitched From the Heart and the Online Extravaganza (click on the images and it will take you right to the SHOPPING FUN)
Have a GREAT day….my house seems as quiet as a Church Mouse and the PEEPS are all gone….long trips but they all made it safe and sound….that silly Hannah – after driving for 7 hours….she went right to the barn to see Stanley!
It is CYBER MONDAY…..make sure that your computer is charged up and ready to go…have fun – I just love clicking and then seeing the Brown Truck roll done the lane!
Remember….TODAY ONLY is the FLASH SALE and I am sure there will be LOTS OF BELLS RINGING as yep, the Bell Punch is on sale…a classic…actually all of the goodies today are classic! (again, you can click the image)
Here is that PAW PRINT…..give it a HIGH FIVE and it will take you right to my online store…jammie shopping is in style! 🙂
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by Susan Itell | Nov 27, 2016 | Christmas, Step it up Sunday! |
As promised…here you go with the “Stepped up Version” of yesterday’s card and I ask you…this is a beauty….right????
I cannot imagine how long it took Linda to make over 50 of these cards! She is my hero. This is why I felt so blessed when I received it as a swap card. The BIG difference and trust me, in my eyes it is a BIG DIFFERENCE is that she INKED up with (2) colors for the sentiment…..I say a HUGE WOW!!!
I can remember looking at it and say – where in the heck did this gorgeous acetate came from? – SILLY SUSAN….it was right in front of me in the Annual Catalog and I overlooked it.
I know that I share that with you yesterday on my post...but it is a beautiful and classic accent. Today you can see that it is a different pattern from yesterday and again, classic yet still fun!
I admit, I do not have the best of luck with using the markers and inking up a part with one color and then switching it to another. It can be done and I am sure if I took my time I would master it but it is just something that frustrates me. We can clearly see that it can be done and also done with amazing style 😀 To me, this is stunning as I totally appreciate and know the time that she took to do this!
When I saw this card I immediately thought – WOW….this gal is one talented stamper as the image is so clean and crisp. KUDOS to you Linda!!! 🙂
As I say to you…side by side, YOU decide!
I knew that I needed to try to make my version and yesterday you saw it. To me, both cards are super and I know that anyone would be proud to receive either one. Yesterdays green was Always Artichoke and today is Garden Green. Again, personal preference and you cannot go wrong with either one!
I wanted to comment on how easy it is to cut this acetate – it cuts like butter with your trimmer and I just love the way it “clings” to the card-stock underneath. With me being so “Type A” I thought that it might “bug me” that the edges were not adhered down…but it works ~ trust me! I just added fast fuse behind the banner.
I hope that you enjoy the 2 day post and I thought that it was super fun to be able to showcase someone’s card and not only share their talent, but also give you an insight as to how you can make it work for YOU and YOUR style.
If you are traveling today, please be safe. At this time of the year I always say – WHERE IN THE WORLD DID ALL OF THESE PEOPLE COME FROM??? I am amazed at the amount of traffic that will be filling our roads over the next couple of weeks.
You know what I say….MAKE HOMEMADE…not only is it a classic, people LOVE IT and your heart will be happy as YOU made it!
Time is ticking for you to take advantage of the Stitched from the Heart Sale, the selected stamp sets that are 25% off…if this stamp set is not on your shelf, it is simple – IT NEEDS TO BE as it covers many holidays!
Guess who is on the house tomorrow….Maurice and Marvin’s cousins!!!! – YEP, there is a Mouse in the HOUSE! (and he is excited to come out!!!)
If you click on the below images….it will take you to the direct area that the sale items con be found! Remember, tomorrow is a one day FLASH SALE along with the other extravaganaza goodies!
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by Susan Itell | Nov 26, 2016 | Christmas, Simple Saturday |
Before we get going on this super card…here is a run down of our Turkey Day…we are kinda boring….kinda silly that we do weird things….but one thing that is for sure – we have fun. I just love having everyone home!
I am still STUFFED from the feast…how about you? We had an absolutely fabulous day on Thursday…starting off with all of us running/walking the 5 K Turkey Trot~ I must say, I was super proud of all of us and I am glad that we did it….just in time to come home and gobble homemade gooey, yummy sticky buns and a wonderful Strata while taking the the remainder of the Macy’s Day Parade.
After the parade…everyone in my family know not to ask me to do anything while the dog show is on…I get such a HOOT out of watching it and every year I say, “There should be a Dog show for rescues” as our beautiful misfits would strut the runway!
Then…out the door we go and Hannah and I went down to the barn and yep, I received the lecture….”Mom….Oscar is just too fat….you really need to cut back his food” and then my response is…..”He sure is cute, isn’t he” He is my little “Teletubbie”!!!
Then to Football…a puzzle (and YEP, we completed a 1,000 piece puzzle together)…and then we get ready to eat – it is a L O N G day but once we finally sit…WE SIT…we yack away and eat way too much and then there is no room for dessert. That is what Friday is for!!! 🙂
O.k – ENOUGH….we need to get to this super cute card! This is going to be a fun 2-day post for you as today I am doing “Simple Saturday” but tomorrow I will be showcasing a card that I received at a swap in Atlanta that will be the “Stepped up version” of today’s card!
I can honestly say that I sure have used this stamp set to the MAX and I do not think that any of us would disagree that it is a keeper!
This stamp is also 25% off with the Stitched from the Heart Sale and remember, these stamps that are in this sale are only until November 30th…which YIKES – that is Wednesday ~ The clear mount is just $15.00! Remember to click on the image in the Stitched from the Heart to get that wonderful sale price!
I have a confession…a confession of an honest Demonstrator ~ I totally overlooked these beautiful Acetate Papers. They are in the Annual Catalog and is called Fabulous Foil Designer Acetate.
They are simply beautiful and you get (6) sheets in a pack. The one side looks gold (like I am showing you today) and the other side is silver – I say BRILLIANT! Where have I been? These are so beautiful and I love the different patterns!
I am sure that many of you are saying….”Susan, this does not look SIMPLE” – well…you are wrong. This is a super simple card to whip up and it has an impressive WOW factor.
Think about this…you will get (6) cards of decorative acetate from one sheet of paper (cutting it at 4” X 5 ¼”)…therefore you would be able to make 36 cards from one pack of this paper.
We all know that heat embossing gives you a double whammy….(1) an instant gratification from within as we all love the “feel good” of heat embossing and (2) the lucky recipient is going to think that you are AMAZING (well, you are) because of the sheer WOW factor of this card.
Remember, the key to success with heat embossing is:
- Use the Stampin’ Buddy as this will take off any static or oils that you might have on your hand to insure that you get a good, clean & crisp image.
- Have an inexpensive paintbrush handy so if you see some “stray pieces” – you can flick them off.
- Have your heat tool GOOD AND HOT before you start your setting of the embossed image.
The rest is very straightforward ~ using good old speed tools that get the job done. I used the Oval Framelits and then the trimmer to cut the banner.
The acetate paper seems to cling right to the card stock but I did use a strip of fast fuse down the center of the banner to hold it in place.
Here is another tip….I think that when you heat emboss…you often get a bit of warping. Do not let this stress you as you can do things to make it POOF – go away! I mounted it on a larger scalloped oval and you can never tell that there was any warping!
I am really lovin’ my gold “loops” – I think that this is the 3rd card that I have down this to. I put a generous amount of Fast fuse to the back of my oval and then simply make fun loops…easy peasy!
You can see that I POPPED up the sentiment. I chose to use fun foam to give it a super firm feel but you could easily use stampin’ dimensionals. I purchase fun foam in sheets wherever I can find it the best bargain and yep – you can run it through the Big Shot with a die with no worries.
Well, there you go! One SIMPLE card that you could EASILY MASS PRODUCE!
Remember the tip I shared with you with the swap card that I made for Atlanta – when you are heat embossing…do not take the time to stamp – sprinkle the embossing powder – then heat set it ~ DO IT IN BATCHES as it saves a BUNCH of time!
As long as the embossing powder is on paper, you can then heat set a bunch at a time. I am all about saving time!
I hope to see you back here tomorrow as I have a beauty for you and then I think that you will see that this version is truly “Simple” I am always in awe with the amazing talent out there.
I felt blessed to get this swap card and I knew that the minute I saw it, I was going to CASE it.
Enjoy the day, hopefully find some time to make some “me time” to create. I am one that simply will not deal with the crazy crowds…home works just fine for me!
Also…you know what today is ~ Small Business Saturday, so……I am a small business…and I would LOVE for you to shop with me!!! (just saying!!!!!) Whatever you do today, be safe, have fun, make memories and do not sweat the small stuff!
Stampin’ hugs!
p.s. – I ADORED the comments about Millie and Alyece, I am so glad that they brought “joy” to you…because my JOY TANK is full full from them….and I will do a search for that shirt that Millie had on…I have had lots of emails! I loved their spirit and true love of life!
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