by Susan Itell | Nov 10, 2016 | Christmas, Uncategorized, Watercoloring |
I need to say….it feel great to be back with a blog post! I just ADORE this stamp set and I can see that many of you do as well! We have met Maurice before, Click Here….and here is his cousin….Mr. Marvin.
You all know a couple of things about me….I LOVE Square Cards….and I LOVE to Water-Color with the Aqua Painters…and did you notice something???? I am using Very Vanilla to color on! WHAT?????
YEP, it is doable! Naturally you need to be careful not to have too much water on the paper but once you get into the groove, you will see that it can be done! I shared this card at the retreat that I went to and everyone was soooooooo surprised that it was just our good old Very Vanilla.
Below is the image of the stamp set and I think that we all can agree…it is ADORABLE and guess what – it is one of the stamps that are on sale (25% off) through the end of the month. just $12.75 (that deserves a woot-woot) Please click here to see all of the offerings of the stamps that are on sale this month!
I worked super hard to create a bunch of posts before I left for my travels and when I made this card, the stitched framelits were not released yet…IF I did this card over, I would have used the stitched dies…that would have been a perfect accent but it also worked out well with using some simple scoring lines on the sides.
I hope that looking at the below picture will give you some inspiration to give water coloring a try. When I get home, I will do a video for you as I get asked a bunch about this. Remember, you can add color so…..start lighter and then add some highlights if needed. It CAN be doneand better yet – YOU CAN DO IT….I think that this is just one adorable card!
I wanted to point out that when I adhered the embossed piece, I used Fast Fuse. I would not recommend using green glue as with the bumps of the embossing folder, it doesn’t do the best job.
How do you like the look of the (2) squares? I think that it is a super fun and classic look. Look how easy yet it really makes a POP!
I realize that there are many of you that do not like to add additional postage for a square card, and “I get it” but I just love the look of my envelopes and I also think that there is something special about receiving an odd size card/envelope! I use the envelope punch board for that and it is the best bang for your buck….a great tool that does many things!
Below is your picture for you to PIN AWAY! I am going to try to add the dimensions to the specific card I am blogging about for the day. AS I said before, I did all of these before I left home so all I had was the ruler on the trimmer (so…I think that I have them accurate). Tomorrow I will stop at a store to get a ruler!
Remember, all you have to do is hover over the picture and you should be able to click and pin away! So easy!
Here is a little funny for you….yesterday John called me in the middle of the day and said….WOW – you are happy….what’s up? I smiled and laughed and said…you have no idea how great it is to be around Horse Poop!!!! 🙂Â
Being a a Horse Show…I am seeing all of my horse friends from the Barn in Virginia….I am seeing DOGS after DOGS and it is wonderful to be able to see Stanley go. Tom is showing him today and then Hannah will show on Friday and Saturday – I NEVER get tired of being around animals!
The other highlight for me is to be with Hannah, having an adult peep is great and we are having great “girl time” – it is super weird to have HER leave for work and I am behind…we are having a ball and I am in my glory being able to be at the show during the day! Life is great!
Have a fabulous day and I will see you back here tomorrow….I have a FABULOUS CARD that you can make for many, many occasions! Remember, jammie shopping is fun and on trend!!!!
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by Susan Itell | Oct 27, 2016 | Christmas |
Good Morning….it is a PPA Day and today we have a fun sketch from Ginger! She is always thinking out of the box and I invite you to take a look at her sketch and you will see why…..so different….so fun! Please pop over to the PPA Site and you will see a BUNCH of inspiration.
I admit, I was a bit stumped at first as what to do and then I thought….“Stop fighting it and just enjoy yourself” = that is what I did. Where I have a problem is with angles. I seem to do much better with squares, rectangles, circles etc….but I was very happy that I HAD TO stretch myself and JUST DO IT!
I was pleased with the end result. A fun card that screams the holidays! I hope that you enjoy the pictures and that you can see that I used fun foam under the tree – I love the look but more so, I love the feel of it when you hold it.
Those are the angle that I was talking about! I just took 2 pieces of card stock, one 3/4″ and the other a smidge smaller and cut the angle. It really was not as bad as I thought it would be and the end…I like it!
I admit that I was having a tough time with the sentiment as I wanted to to be small yet simple. This is from the Stitched with Cheer Photopolymer set. This is a fun set but it also comes as a kit and that is SUPER CUTE…..I will be blogging about that in the future….a sleeper in the catalog, trust me. 🙂
Below is a great shot that you can see the fun foam and dimension it gives. You could easily use stampin’ dimensionals but I just find this easier. Heck, you already have the framelit out…why not cut it out of foam ~ works for me!
You have to admit, the fun envelope is the icing on the cake! It really makes this DSP POP. This paper is very fun and festive…and reality is – Christmas will be here before you know it! This fun paper is one that is included in the DSP sale…remember, it is just until October 31st – YIKES that is Monday. Click here to see the scoop!
We love our paper and when you have a paper that is fun like this one is….LET IT SHINE….let IT be the focal point, make it easy on you. There is a lot going on in this paper so you want your eye to be able to take it all in!
Hold on to your hats because you will be seeing some AMAZING cards from the swap! As I said earlier in a post, I do not open them until I am ready to take pictures….WHY????? Easy – if I did I would not get a thing done other than CASE them and admire them – so much talent! 🙂 I know that you are going to find some “keepers” that touch your heart.
The parade will start on Saturday but you do NOT WANT TO MISS TOMORROW….I could jump up to the moon with excitement!!!! See you tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Oct 26, 2016 | Christmas, Uncategorized |
O.k. – I know that you are out there….I see you…I know that you have it….so COME OUT OF THE CLOSET….What am I talkin’ about???
USE THAT WASHI TAPE up!
I have been itchin’ to do a card like this. To me, it is a “happy card” – it is clean, it is simple, it just makes me happy! This stamp set is carried over from last year (as it deserves to be) and if you were a smart stamper last year….here comes a WOOT-WOOT as you are super smart and for you that have not HIT THAT PAW PRINT…I would put your readers on and take a look!
This card is very straight forward , an A-2 card and then the Garden Green Mat is just a “smidge larger” than the white piece of 4″ X 5 1/2″ and then just add the banner. It is as simple as that!
You can see that I let the Washi Tap pennants “be free” and did not hold them down with a glue dot. You can easily do that but I like the whimsical feel of the banner. I did tie the bakers twine in a bow using (2) strands of twine and then…I did use a simple glue dot to hold it down!
I think that you will know why I am smiling, the POLKA DOTS….I just love the DSP Stacks – this is why they are so popular when I do product shares, I had totally overlooked them in the catalog but when in doubt – pull them out! This give the envelope the love that it deserves!
Here is you 411 – Directory Assistance Photo. Break it down, this is a very affordable card and one that you can use so many different Washi Tape and also so many different stamps! Have fune making the banners the same length, vary them like I did today…just have fun!
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There you go….your “HUMP DAY” card….I would love for you to try it. You do have to admit, it is an easy card yet a card that “gets the job done” and also is a layout that you can use over and over and over and over…and guess what – you will always feel great about yourself in creating, but the lucky person that receives it, will be THRILLED!
Guess what I did yesterday, I opened up the swap card and today I am going to take pictures of them. All I can say is wow…WOW…WOW!!!!! I love the work that you do and I will proudly be showcasing them over the next week.
Here is that Paw Print – go for it…..what we do is a win-win…..enjoy the day!
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by Susan Itell | Oct 13, 2016 | Christmas |
Good Morning! It is Thursday which means that it is time for another challenge and look to see who is the guest designer….ME! I hope that you like the sketch that I submitted and that you will PLAY! Please pop over to the PPA Website to see the FUN cards that the other designers came up with – FUN to the max!
This was a fun and super fast card to make! It has many different elements that create instant texture (the Polka Dot Embossing Folder) and then cutting the Candy Cane Lane DSP to get the stripes – both super easy but create a fun and whimsical look!
You know that I adore water-coloring and this was not the best example to go wild (which will probably make many of you happy) as it was just the aqua painter had a date with crumb cake and then a touch of blushing bride to add a “wee bit” of blush to my friends cheeks!
This is the stamp set that our friend came from…and YEP – it is a bundle and if I were you , I would purchase it as a bundle. I bet that you think I alwys buy the bundles. Usually I do but there are time that I don’t….it just all depends if you think that you will use both items!
Remember that using shapes like circles, squares, rectangles etc….for a focal part is a great “safe base” for clean and simple cards! By using a focal point like these shapes, it sets the stage for the card….and then work outward to get the look you are going for!
To me, polka dots are TOTAL FUN….I actually have (2) of these folders as one is sooooo worn and I was afraid if it was ever discontinued, I would be sad! I use this one a bunch as it is just plain FUN!
I knew that I wanted to get a sentiment in….so I sneaked it in as a banner, worked out great! The font and sentiments in this set are great. I think that this brings out the inner child in us….such an adorable reindeer!
There you go my friends! One super fast and fun card. Even if you do not feel comfortable in submitting a card for the challenge, why not try this sketch at home…for the most important person….YOU!!!!!
Remember, we all have inner gifts….so let them SHINE! Thanks for popping in and make it a great day!
p.s. – I found out yesterday that I needed to make MORE Halloween Bags….the event is today – wish me luck!
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by Susan Itell | Oct 9, 2016 | Christmas, Step it up Sunday! |
Woot – woot…I admit, I was super afraid that I could not “add to or should I say, step up yesterdays card” but I put my thinking cap on and I think that you are going to like it….Out of the gate, I vote for today’s card as I love, LOVE the simple yet classic touch of “gold” from the gold foil sheets. Just the wee bit of gold does the trick for me!
Now I know…it is not about me – so….which one do you prefer!?!? Side by side, you decide!
Here are the “FUN” products that I used…basically it is the same layout as yesterday, just a change up of color and some added stars (from the below bundle) I had many questions as to how I did the die cut slash line = easy ….it is in the Greetings from Santa Framelits (2nd picture below)
This was super easy to do as I found the middle of the red piece…made the cut. Next, to both ends I drew a line 3/4″ and made another cut and lastly just “eye balled it” to make the middle cuts!
I have a confession, all I had were scraps of the gold foil sheets so I just had to make the best of it. (It is funny, I think that this is a smarter way – USE UP THOSE SCRAPS ~ no need to use a big piece of the foil sheet.
I did find that the tear -n – tape was the perfect adhesive to anchor the gold strips and then also to hold the red piece to the base!
Enjoy the below pictures. It is hard to get a good picture of the gold foil paper but I think that you will see and “get the” elegance it gives. O think that this card would be super beautiful with Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla and the Gold Foil.
Do you see the stars?!?! They are also from the Greetings from Santa Framelits! (This is a super fun offering)
Here is the envelope fun! Today I decided to add the gold foil strip to go hand in hand with today’s card. There is just something about gold and Christmas….classic, clean and fun!
There you go….thoughts???? This is a super easy card to make in the masses and every year I try to pick several of the cards that I make to “mass produce” for my personal sending…this is one of them = I just love everything about it….probably because it is so simple!
Thanks for your time…I deeply appreciate you popping in. Please tell your family and friends about my blog – word of mouth is the best! I love what I do and I live inspiring YOU!
O.k. – here is your story! I know that it is long but I think it will make your heart happy 🙂
Do you remember that last weekend I had a blow out on my trailer while I was driving to see Hannah with her horse? Click here to read about it if you missed it as it will warm your heart to know that there are “good and kind” people out there.
On my way back home from Durham a week ago, Fred asked me to stop at his shop to make sure that the spare tired I had was good and he was going to put it on the rim and mount it back where the spare goes on my trailer. I told him that I would be ok but he insisted for me to call him when I was leaving Durham as his shop was about an hour away.
Now remember, this is a Sunday – he is closed but he said that he lived about 10 minutes from he shop. He said that he was doing nothing but watching Football. I called him, and we met. He took off the blown out tire off the rim and put the new tire on the rim (picture of the tire below) – you can see why I was scared…
In talking while he was doing this we had many great discussions…One was, I asked him what was his favorite Foot Ball Team…he said with a smile, I am a die hard Redskin Fan. I smiled back and said that is great BUT…..we are Ravens Fans. (I actually do not follow football a bunch, I just like to see John have some “down time” enjoying watching a game)
Well…..last Friday(just 2 days ago) was the BEST DAY – do you remember I said in my post that I was going to help my PEEP at a Golf Tournament that he was in charge of for work? Well I did and the weather was just spectacular and the venue was picturesque.
When I arrived to the course my jaw was hanging with the beauty that I saw. There was nothing but mountains and beautiful scenery as far as I could see. The weather was crisp and you could just start to see that the leaves were starting to change. I couldn’t help but have some guilt inside as I was so ALIVE with the beauty of the day and then to think that Hurricane Matthew was going on….
I found my son and was a proud Mama and said, “Mom here….reporting for duty” He smile as I had a big bag of “to do’s” with me (just in case). He said , “Mom I am putting you on Hole #10 and you are going to do a Marshmallow Shoot when the people come to your hole.” I thought, WHAT THE HECK?
Well…IT WAS A HOOT. Before they hit their “regular shot” I greeted them with a big bowl of HUGE marshmallows that they were to have FUN with. Now you know me, I am all about having FUN and I wish that you would have seen some of these guys faces (some people that gold WAY TOO SERIOUSLY) I explained the game and told them that who ever hit the Marshmallow the furthest from their foursome would win a sleeve of balls and then who ever hit the furthest over all would win a BIG prize at the awards ceremony at the end of the day.
I wish that you would have seen their faces and hear the comments. It really made me laugh as I heard, “I have never hit a Marshmallow before…Should I use a Driver or a Pitching Wedge….Should I stand the Marshmallow Up or lay it on the side…..” = It really was funny but I will say the best success was to tee it up using 3 tees and used a driver.
The end was THEY LOVED IT and doing something totally FUN like this really broke the ice with them. Inside I was beaming as my PEEP thought of the idea (so yes….he DOES have a creative gene in him) It was a hoot to see them have fun.
O.k. – to the point of this story. After the tournament there was a social event and award ceremony. There was also a table filled with silent auction items….and let me tell you…..Men do not take advantage of taking the time bidding at Silent Auction items…..if the wives were there….you betcha that those pencils would be going to town….
Well….there were Redskin Tickets….on the 50 yard line – 12 rows behind the Redskins….I PERKED UP! The only problem was – men liked to bid on the sporting events….(the other items were lonely) but the sport tickets were hot.
I was sooooooo excited to see Johns team drive up after they finished and I ran over to him and said, There are Redskin Tickets at the auction. He looked at me like – o.k. …why????? You know that I am a Ravens fan – I said, I want to get them for Fred. John is a GREAT MAN, he got it, he beamed as well.
I told him that there are several of us bidding on them….he said, just don’t go near the table….I will check it out. Well he did, and he made it happen! I was like a kid in a candy store. This was a WIN-WIN for all of us…..
We made a great donation to the School where all 3 PEEPS went to…..I was able to to do something for someone that was an angel to me….and he (Fred) was OVER THE TOP EXCITED as his son’s Birthday was the day before the game.
As I left to drive home I called Fred and told him…we talked on the phone for over 20 minutes and he was so excited. When I learned about his sons Birthday I thought, this is sooooo ironic. What a great Birthday gift and the fact that a Father/Son can go and enjoy a special time together. He said that he has never been so close to a team (the tickets are at a great place) and the family that donated them are always so gracious to the school.
The moral of the story is…never stop trying…never stop believing…never stop making a difference…as you never know how things will turn out. There are super simple things we can do on a daily basis like a simple smile….that does make someone know that you care.
I was so happy that I was fortunate to do this for Fred. Trust me, our paths will cross again. He is a beautiful person that has a wonderful and kind heart. He reminded me, “Please tell Hannah if she needs anything to call me” – and you know what….I would feel 100% comfortable in her doing so. Witht his crazy world out there, it is great to know that there are people that “get it” ….
Now guess what the BIG PRIZE was for the overall Marshmallow winner…..James has a “Smore’s maker” with Graham Crackers, Chocolate Bars and more Marshmallows…..again my heart was skipping a beat as all I could think of was….HE GETS IT TOO – my son thought OUT OF THE BOX and made people laugh and it was an “ice breaker” for stress…..I am a proud MAMA BEAR.
Sorry for the LONG post but I hope that it touched your heart – now go make a difference today!
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by Susan Itell | Sep 29, 2016 | Christmas |
Happy Thursday! It is a Pals Paper Art day and this week we are working with a fun sketch from fellow Pal Dawn Tidd. This is a super easy sketch yet fun sketch to work with so I encourage you to give it a try! I know….I know…. many of you are reluctant to post your work and “I get it” but how about trying it at home? I find that when I work from a challenge…it helps develop a style!
You all really do not need me today as this is super straight forward! I adore all of the papers in this paper stack…a true keeper and I just love the plaids that are in there! (I am a polka dot and plaid kinda girl) so this stack found its way to Randall Lane real quick!
Here is a great tip – when you have super yummy papers like this….USE THEM as your focal…it is a HUGE time saver and the end result will be a smile for not only YOU but for the lucky recipient! Remember that TIME THING we all have….just do it!
We all know that it is a mystery as what is carried over to the next catalog etc….but I truly hope that this Kraft Rope Trim is. I have used it for cards, for packaging, for tags – it is great as it is super easy to use.
Below you will see that I just did a simple knot on the ends and then took my piercing tool to pull the fibers of the treads to make it fun and festive!
Let’s have a chat about the sentiment! This came from the carried over stamp set called Snow Place! This set came out last year and YES, it does have matching framelits (a time saver) but today I just wanted the sentiment (I love the clean and classic font).
I did heat emboss it and the 2 best things that you can do when heat embossing is….to heat up your heat tool for about 30 seconds to get it good nad hot and then also to use a Embossing Buddy to remove any static etc…before you stamp with the versamark!
WASHI TAPE FUN!!! 🙂 I love when I use it and then hear back from you all….that was a great idea!!!! Yep, again…you have it – so USE IT! Adding a piece to the bottom of the envelope is a perfect and super quick touch!
Here is your Directory Assistance photo for you! Quick, easy, fun & DONE! (Just the way I like it) – now I encourage you to POP over to the Pals Paper Art site and see all of the beauties that are there! There you go…a very simple 1,2,3 card! Have a fabulous day….and until tomorrow!!!
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