Simple and oh so sweet way to make someone SMILE!

Jumping in a pile of leaves! Fall isn't complete without doing this with the grandkids!!

 

To start this post I am warning you…YOU ARE GOING TO SMILE…and if you are brave enough to read the entire post than you will just see how my SIMPLE MIND works as the way I roll is like a math problem so to SUM it up…we need to look at this equation….(School is in session!)

 

 

Monday’s FUN Post + Wednesday’s Shop your STASH Post = Today’s HAPPY DANCE

 

 

I am using MONDAYS POST (click here for  refresher) and WEDNESDAY’S CONCEPT of Shopping your Stash (click here for a refresher) to show you how making fun, festive and SUPER CUTE projects does not have to be stressful or hard!

 

 

I am just THRILLED that you all enjoyed Will’s card and the post concept of SHOPPING YOUR STASH….and today I have done the same! I had already shared with you that I did not purchase any new Halloween specific stamps this year. Stampin’ Up! did not let me down with the Paper Pumpkin Kit as I had a hunch that it was going to be Halloween related therefore no reason to get another stamp!

 

 

 

 

 

This kind of project is a happy one indeed for me as I just LOVE making little things that make people smile and trust me stampers…this post of inspiration will make you do the “dance” and then you will get another feeling inside when you gift these to friends & family, co-workers, teachers….or ANYONE that needs a smile and trust me….we ALL could have a stash of these in our purse or in our car to give out…..as let’s face it…

 

Random acts of kindness are the best….

 

When someone makes you smile and when someone makes you feel that “you matter”….it sure does stick with you for a long, long time! Age simply does not matter with a project like this as everyones inner child and sweet tooth always love the attention! Even though these treats are not hug in value…they ARE HUGE for the recipient as they knew that YOU took the time to create it.

You know that I always talk about the BASICS as I am a FIRM BELIEVER that when we have the BASICS readily available to us, it makes the creating process a fun one each and every time! I have a bunch of pictures for you today and also some tips that will make the process even faster if you are making the super cute clear boxes with tags from the Paper Pumpkin Kit.

 

 

 

 

I check just before I typed this post and YES, the Paper Pumpkin FULL KIT and also the refills for this kit are STILL AVAILABLE. I am just thrilled with it and remember, I blogged about it on Monday so please refer there for more scoop. I just think that the sweet stamp set that is with this kit will get the job done for many, many Halloweens to come….it is super simple and super sweet!

Last thing before pictures and tips….we need to thank HERSHEY for making the Nuggets that I am using for this project so fun and festive! I usually always put a fun piece of DSP around the Nugget to jazz them up and make them pop but this year, they have done the work for you!

I bought a big bag of these from Sam’s Club and when I saw the colors of the wrappers and also the sweet and festive images on them I immediately thought – now these will save me a bunch of time…..Here is a funny….

When I came home and shared this with John he just smiled at me and then I looked at him with that “WHAT LOOK” and  then he just laughed and said to me….I am so happy that you can get so easily amused by how HERSHEY wrapped their nuggets this year! HA….MEN – they just don’t get it!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

I am traveling a BUNCH in the Month of October, actually 3 times in 3 different time zones so I really needed to get a grip on my Halloween projects. One thing about me is…if there is dark chocolate out that I can get to…..IT IS GONE! I can let Milk Chocolate sit there naked in front of me (ha-ha….the wrapper off) but if that Dark Chocolate one is there….I’m DONE! I am proud to say that all of the Dark Chocolate is well wrapped in treats so it is away from temptation!

LET’S GO! The secret is to have the product on hand so when you want or need to make something….YOU HAVE IT and the scrambling around is not an issue. I ask you…

 

Why do we create stress in thinking we have to come up with something NEW each time we play with paper? As the saying goes…oldies are goodies!

 

Two of these examples I have blogged about for years…and guess what – I loved the concept/technique then and I still love them now! If it works for you ….ROLL WITH IT….but make sure that you are prepared! These clear tiny treat boxes are an item that is a keeper/basic and I would put them on your next order to have them when you need them. I often think we overlook simple packaging that Stampin’ Up! offers!

 

 

 

 

 

Just look at these….just adorable! Many of you purchased the DSP Product Share from me (thank you!)….therefore you have the Toil & Trouble DSP  – all of these projects that I am showing you today can be used with paper from your share. In the below…I have used the same paper, just flipped it over so this IS the perfect time to SHOP YOUR STASH and see how you can add odds and ends of ribbon to make it festive!

 

 

 

 

 

 

My hunch is that we all have some sort of Fall/Halloween paper in our stash and if not….I say WAY TO GO as you have either just started with this addiction or you have a tremendous willpower!

All I did was use a combination of the DSP and then the adorable tag that was in the Paper Pumpkin!

 

 

 

 

Here are some tips….

  • For the paper insert…simply take a 2″ X 8″ piece of DSP and score it at 2″, 4″ & 6″ and then simply place it in the clear box…fill with TREATS…etc…

 

  • IF YOU ONLY HAVE A 6″ width of paper…NO WORRIES – just cut it to a 2″ X 6″ and score at 2″ & 4″ and then simply put a 2″ X 2″ piece on top!

 

  • For the tag (these work PERFECTLY!) take the tag and score it at 1/2″ and then at 2 1/2″ as this is the perfect score to wrap neatly on your box. I did use tear and tape to hold it in place!

 

  • SHOP YOUR STASH for ribbon…I know you have it…so LET’S USE IT!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above is another example of the fun DSP with another look. I admit, I went SHELF SHOPPING and found the Labels to Love Stamp Set….NEVER USED (shame on me) and I ask myself why did I never use this gem??? You betcha that you will be seeing this one again…as just LOOK AT IT – it is filled with some super cute images!

It does have a coordinating punch and YEP…I would definitely add that to your stash as this is another thing that Stampin’ up! does very well…their punches! I am sure that even though I have not used this stamp set before today, I am sure that I have used this punch. To me, punches are a SPEED TOOL that are practical and also time saver.

 

 

 

 

 

Now to some super cute alternatives to the clear boxes…Below, on the left is 3 mini DARK Kit-Kat Bars that I had to figure out what to do with so I would stop eatting them and I think I accomplished it!

All I did was wrap a piece of fun paper around and then added a simple “knot’ of fun ribbon with the paper fru-fru’s! TOO darn stinkin’ cute! I stamped a simple BOO from that paper pumpkin kit and presto….another smile maker!

 

 

 

 

Here is the “aerial view” of the goodies….these paper fru-frus are so easy to make and they always add a bunch! In the below picture you will see is all I did was tale a wee sliver of paper…wrapped it around something thin (I used a handy paint brush) and then adhered it with a glue dot, another essential basic that needs to live with you!

I know that sometimes we get short of ribbon in specific colors so this little trick does the job. The adorable project on the right…that is an oldie but goodie and you can CLICK HERE to see that…..it still makes me smile!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To see the post that I made the origami super easy fold treat that is in one of the above pictures…you can CLICK HERE to see that.

I make these all of the time and they are another great one to do for many seasons. I used the Seasonal Chums Stamp…that really got a WORKOUT last year and I am THRILLED that it was carried over! You will see me showcase this on a future post that will be making you run to the grocery store for something….keep checking back – you will SMILE!

 

 

 

 

 

There you go….I do hope that I sparked your attention and I know that I have said this earlier this week…I would hit that PAW PRINT below and sign up for Paper Pumpkin….even if it is just for 1 month. This way you can get this sweet kit and YES, I would also get a refill as why not….for just $9.00 you will be set for Halloween for years!

You can cancel your Paper Pumpkin the very next month if you want ….that is the beauty of it if you are not one that likes this program. Do what makes you roll! I just know that these next couple of months are going to be like a huge Steam Train coming right at me…..Holiday after Holiday and if you are like me…you love to have those little “something…somethings” ready!

For me, this Halloween one did it for me! Many thanks for all of the fabulous comments about Will’s card….he loved it and YEP, I made him laugh and then he said….I still am not a fan of that pig of yours!!! He is feeling great and is getting more mobility in his elbow! Please feel free to leave a comment about these cute Halloween goodies…..we have such a fun community of positiveness, great ideas and giggles!

Let’s have a great weekend and I hope that even if the weather is icky where you are…that you are shining inside! My TO-DO list is huge today as I leave with the chickens in the morning….but first – me time at Yoga in a couple of hours!

 

 

 

 

SHOP your STASH…it’s FUN!

I have a fun little post for you today – and I am calling it a …

SHOP YOUR STASH CARD

 Are you saying WHAT?

Let me explain….You will see that I am using a bunch of different stamps today , something I usually do not do but in the end…it was FUN!

Last Friday I had a call from my oldest PEEP, Will…..saying that he had a bike accident coming home from work. Will lives in Boston and bikes to and from work, as he is a Montessori Teacher to children 6 – 9 years of age. He is SUPER athletic and riding his bike is his form of transportation….and has done for years!

As a Mom (even though he is 31 years old) I worry about this but this is how he rolls and this is the first (and hopefully the last) accident he has. He is fine but honestly it did shake him up…and trust me, I get it as you do get “shook up” I wanted to send him a fun card that will make him smile and think of his good old Mom and Dad…and YEP, this sweet card will do the trick!

 

 

 

 

All of the products that I am using today are in the Annual Catalog and always remember that at the end of the post you will see the line up for products used. This was really FUN to go on a “search…hunt and rescue” looking for stamps from here and there to make this sweet card!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The inspiration for this card came from a dear friend and also a SUD, Ramsey Alexander. Ramsey sent the below card to me last year for my Birthday! Ramsey knows all about my sweet swine Daisy-Mae and the minute I saw it….well, my heart skipped a beat! I keep it in my “fun area” so when I need a smile or a quick pick- me- up…..all I need to do is look at it and my worries are over!

 

 

 

 

So now are you gettin’ it…is the picture becoming clearer to you?

 

 

This is how my simple mind rolled when I created this card 🙂 ….I invite you to take the time to read my thoughts and then I hope that you can see how you can ask yourself when you create questions to allow you to stretch what you have!

 

  • Needed a card for a peep – A PIG will make him smile and think of HOME……Stamp set used –  This Little Piggy

 

  • Accident on a Bike – EASY….this pick was a no-brainer plus Will also loves dogs and actually is a Dog Walker in Boston so the dog on the back is perfect!!!!….Stamp and Dies usedBike Ride Stamp and Matching Framelits

 

  • Perfect Sentiment – Well….this is where I had to be creative and SEARCH….the outside sentiment of “Life is Messy”  was a good one as this hiccup of an accident seemed like that would be a good fit! (and truth of an honest stamper…..you see how it is on a strip and popped up?….well yep, I made a boo-boo and stamped it on the card CROOKED after I had my friends on their bike!!!!)….Stamp set usedPretty Kitty

 

  • INSIDE SENTIMENT – This is one of those “mom ones” that will make his heart melt……it says…“I’ll be your up when you are feeling down”….I admit, I was pretty happy with that find!…Stamp set usedBella and Friends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The reason that I took the time to break this down for you is simple…

 

SHOP YOUR STASH…

 

It is not only fun…but it becomes quite the game when you just set out to look for what you can use that you already have! Remember stampers…..we live in a creative world….anything will go for a card but the one thing that is present on every card and project that you made is….

 

Something HANDMADE from YOUR heart will bring the smile on to others!

 

 

 

 

 

Below are the sweet stamps that my sentiments came from. These are great stamps as they lend themselves to super simple coloring….the design work of the images is just great.

The other thing that I liked about these sets….the fonts are the same!

 

 

 

 

 

 

After Stamping all of the images and cutting them out….I used the Blends for the Pig, Dog and Flowers and the “bike” elements were just a straight forward stamp! I did nothing fancy at all…the alcohol  markers do the trick for you…they are just a dream to work with!

I am just NUTS over the Blueberry Bushel color and I knew that the Bike paper from the Best Route DSP would be also PERFECT! I think that this DSP is TOTALLY OVERLOOKED in the catalog as I just adore the flip sides of the busy patterns for creating with. This is another reason why taking part in a product share is great to do….as you know – you will be able to get a little of the offerings with not purchasing the entire pack!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a great overall image of the card – what I want you to look at is just the simplicity and clean lines of the card….true…one might say….you should have grounded him with a road….but the reality of it is….IT IS JUST A CARD…..and trust me, whomever is lucky enough to get a handmade card in the mail will never…..ever…..say – why did she do that!

Can you see that I scored around the White Panel and then matted that on Black? Now THAT’S WHAT PEOPLE WILL NOTICE….the workmanship of your work! I would much rather see you all take the time to create with a purpose than just keep buying stamps and thinking….if I buy….I will become great!

HA!!!! Trust me….I have SOOOOOOOO many stamps…..from Stampin’ Up! and also from other companies….but one thing for sure is…I purchase my stamps with a specific purpose….I only purchase what I like and what is true to my style!

The thing that I do not have control of is…. TIME – Darn, I wish that I could FREEZE LIFE every so often and just stamp and create!!! I just can do what I can do!

Well…there you go….a card that will clearly make Will smile and I hope he takes it to his class to show his little students…..they think it is FUNNY that Mr. Will’s Mom and Dad have a pet pig….and even though Will is not a fan of Daisy….he knows deep down that I love her!

So the moral of this fun post is…..even though we are adults….we still need reminders to put our thinking caps on……I encourage you to try it…SHOP YOUR STASH and have FUN!

 

Image result for images of putting your thinking cap on

 

 

 

 

ACT FAST…I’m doing the happy dance!

 

 

 

Before you CLICK ME OFF…..please give me a minute to explain why I am Happy about this Paper Pumpkin Kit! Really….I do know that there are many of you that do not enjoy putting together kits  as you would rather make up your own original designs and you know what I am going to say….THAT IS GREAT.…and I do “get it” but for this one…..YOU NEED TO HERE ME OUT!

I am always up front and super honest with you. I am not a huge fan of Halloween and I actually did not purchase one stamp set for Halloween from the new catalog as I have several Halloween Sets that I can use to make cards for the peeps etc…..BUT ONE THING THAT I DO LOVE IS….a super sweet 3-D item that I can have fun with and make people smile and this kit….YEP…IT DID JUST THAT!

 

 

 

 

 

When you are a Paper Pumpkin Subscriber, you have the opportunity to purchase additional refills (basically “the guts” of the kit – no stamp set) if they have any to offer after the subscriptions are sent out! Sometime….and rarely do they offer the FULL KIT as an item to purchase and guess what…..THEY DID FOR THIS ADORABLE KIT!

I have been having my fingers and toes crossed that they would be selling the refills….and when I received a text from Mary Anne today (a fellow SUD)….I could hardly wait to get home and order them! When my box came last week I was so excited as this is right up my allet and I love the value as you can make 24 little bundles of goodness!!!

Here is a quick video from the home office…..(skip to the 1:00 mark….and then it is just a super quick 2 minute video)

 

 

 

I never imagined that they would also be offering the whole kit for Paper Pumpkin Subscribers but again, I was SUPER HAPPY as I wanted to get one for my son that is a teacher and also a dear friend wanted one and was sad that she let her subscription to Paper Pumpkin Lapse…and for me….I WANT THE REFILLS!!!!!

Here is the deal….IF you want to get the WHOLE KIT ($18.00) or the Refill Kit ($9.00) you need to be a current Paper Pumpkin Subscriber and then you can order one.

I think that many people think that they have to be a subscriber for MONTHS and MONTHS…..here is the correct answer….NO YOU DO NOT!

 

 

 

 

 

I actually dropped my subscription and rejoined in August as I was fearful that a Halloween Kit might come out super early and I did not want to miss it…..if I want to drop….no penalty what so ever! At the bottom of the post you will see the buttons for the product offerings but I ask you…..for just $20.00 to get the 1 month subscription…..it is sooooo worth it to purchase this Halloween Fun kit.

If you do not like the kit that you will be getting from your 1 month Subscription next month…..“gift it away” to someone that you think would enjoy it. They do make wonderful gifts and then you can cancel the subscription immediately….it is truly as simple as that!

In the picture below you can see that I have all of my kit ready to rumble….it was so much fun to put together but I am equally as excited about the stamp set….I love the simplicity of it and on Friday I will share with you some card ideas using it….just too sweet!!!

 

 

 

 

 

You will see that I did not use the fancy Bakers Twine that was given with the kit….it is beautiful but truth be told, I have “issues” trying to make a “well behaved simple bow” with the Bakers Twine that has a metallic thread though it…..does anyone else have that issue or is it just me!?!?

Here is a tip…the adhesive FUN words that are in the kit….I stuck them on and then dusted the back of them that was still exposed with the Stampin’ Buddy…..this way I tool the “stick off of it” and was able to stack all of my tags in the box….ready to rumble!

Here is another tip…the Black and White Bakers Twine is on the clearance rack…..and yep…it is just $1.20 – HELLO….I say snatch it up! This makes the type of bows that makes me smile!!! I always love to share “nuggets” with you!

Now what am I going to do with these???? Hmmmmm…..lots of things!!!!

  • I adore to send a simple little something to my friends children that are in college…..
  • My peeps and god-children
  • I will make one for everyone in Johns Office….(43 in total…you see…that is why I was THRILLED that the refills were being offered…..it will only take 2 refills and I can make 48 of them for just $18.00!
  • My Dad lives in an ADORABLE small town that had trick -n- treaters (the grandchildren and great grandchildren) so I will make some up for him to hand out and Dad also loves to give his Post Master….a goodie for being kind…..
  • I like to take them to nursing homes and bring a bit of joy to those that do not get many visiters. John has a wonderful client that is in a home due to a stoke….he is sooooo capable mentally and has many other like him. We try to visit and bring a wee bit of fun to them.
  • I also love to keep some on my car and if I am at a place that I go to often….like the feed store or the post office….I always try to do a fun and random act….we are never too old to enjoy the memories that we had as a child.

 

Ok – there you go…..I hope that you hung in there and remember, you need to be a subscriber to be able to order this Halloween Kit and/or the refills. You will be able to do so AFTER you do a one month subscription!

If you have any questions…..please leave it in the comment below…if I do not get the answer to you….I am sure that someone from the=is WONDERFUL BLOG COMMUNITY that I have and oh so cherish will be able to help you out!!!

See you Wednesday and get ready to grab a bike and go for a ride!!!! Stampin’ hugs!

 

 

 

Ready for a keeper? Just click….

HHA (Happy Hump Day) to you all!

I have a cutie for you that is not only going to make you smile…it is going to get your creative juices flowing as the options are just endless! This is one of those kinda posts that I hope settles in with you as I think that these are just ADORABLE Notecards!

Let me share with you the “why’s and how’s” of how these cuties came about! Hopefully you know me well enough by now…there is always a method (or whys) to my crafting madness!

 

 

 

 

When I create and more importantly to me….when I share something with you on my blog…I do it for one reason…I LIKE IT….I guess this is one of those things that I like about being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator….I get to purchase just what I like and will use. The minute that I saw this bundle on my first flip through the catalog I knew that it would have a home on Randall Lane.

Being completely honest with you….when I saw that it was a bundle, I didn’t quite get how the framelits went with this very forgiving and quite whimsical stamp set. I just love this set…and the ideas are just simply ENDLESS….If you have not already done so…I would google and or go to Pinterest and see all of the amazing projects people have made using this gem of a stamp set.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have shared with you in previous post that there are actually times that I do not buy a bundle…it is rare but there are times that when I know that I am simply not going to use a part of the bundle….I say why buy it? I thought pretty hard on this one but ultimately I did get it as a bundle as that triangular floral image is just stunning.

I did just what I said above to you – I googled it and saw amazing ideas that others made with it and YEP, it made me purchase the bundle. I will share with you in a future post the BEAUTIFUL card I made with this stunning framelit so the moral of this stampin’ story is…..BUY IT as a bundle! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ok…onward as I have a ca-zillion things to do this afternoon and this is soooo ridiculously easy but it has such a practical and cute impact! This is how I roll….I needed a gift for a Bridal Shower and also for a dear friend that has been ill and asked me if I could just whip up something….HOW COULD I SAY NO????

That darn thing of TIME was once again on my shoulders and I went to my FUN AREA and….kept saying to myself…you can do it…you can do it…and POOF – I did it! Not only did I get my gift mission accomplished…I thought that they were so cute that I made up 20 more for myself as they are just too sweet!

There really is not much to tell you about making them….but you know me, I will share and I do hope that you come back on Friday as there will be a Part 2 to this post with my packaging and another….GREAT TIP!!! You know me, I love to share and I love to inspire!

 

 

 

 

 

Now I admit, I do not “get it” why there are some of you that do not embrace the love for the Note Cards & Envelopes? They are such an AMAZING bang for the buck (as the saying goes).I ask you???….how in the world can you get 20 pre-cut and pre-scored bases in THICK cardstock with envelopes for just $6.50….let me answer this for you….you can and if I were you….I would CLICK HERE to get them in White and then CLICK HERE to get them in Very Vanilla!

These are just one of those Stampin’ Up! staples that you just have to have on hand. Now if it is the size that bugs you….o.k. – but really….this is a super size for a note (5″ X 3 1/2″) but if you insist to do it in an A-2 size…..go for it as we both know it will be beautiful!

There are those darn Basics that I blog about all of the time that made this a BREEZE to do. You will see that I am  showing you (3) different color combinations but I thin that you can see that you can do whatever  your heart desired. I made up (20) of eash color combination….yep – a total of 60 and it was a fun thing to do!

 

 

 

 

 

The Stamparatus made it a breeze as all I had to do was put the paper in….stamp….do all 60….the change to the next stamp…..put the paper in and stamp…..it goes super fast! A stamp positioning tool makes the process a delight to do. I feel SOOOOOOO strongly about a stamp positioner that honestly, if you do not have one….buy the Stamparatus.

Ir is a great tool. I have shared that I have had a MISTI for years as well as a Tim Holtz one….but truly, Stampin’ Up! nailed it with this beauty! It truly is unique with having a (2) door system…I am just very, very happy and also proud of the product!

 

 

 

 

 

At the end of the post you will see the list of inks that I used. I think that you will find it pretty easy to see which ones went where…etc but if not, please feel free to leave me a comment and I will clarify it for you!

Here is the SCOOP on how to make them. You will say, NOW EVEN I CAN DO THAT! Well, you know what I am going to say right back to you….OF COURSE YOU CAN DO IT! I am such a FIRM believer that we all can do whatever we want to achieve as long as we take the time to practice and also have the right tools to get the job done!

  • Use the Notecards & Envelopes
  • Cover the front panel of the notecard with a piece of cardstock (to coordinate with your color palette) to 3 1/2″ X 5″
  • Cut a piece of Whisper White to  3 1/4″ X 4 3/4″
  • Stamp the Whisper White piece to your liking
  • After you have done all of the stamping….take this to your simple scored and score lines as you can see in the pictures…..THIS IS KEY TO ME…as trust me, it is that PERFECT ADDED TOUCH that we have been talking about lately!
  • The envelope….same drill as usual BUT because the flap is narrower that our regular envelopes…..you can just make the DSP 5 1/2″ X 1 1/2″ under the 1/4″ strip of paper!

 

The reason that this is WOOT-WOOT…as you will be able to get (4) envelope flaps per (1) sheet of DSP…..I used the Garden Impressions Stack but then I also used the AMAZING Stacks from each of the color families! You know HOW I LOVE them and this is why I put them BACK ON my Product Share Offerings……as so many of you wanted them again (Add-On #2). It is a GREAT way to get all of these without having to buy them all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well…there you go! I hope that I have inspired you today and I also hope that you will come back on Friday to see how I packaged them! I just LOVE to package things up as let’s face it…that is what sets the tone…the 1st impression is how a gift is wrapped!

Enjoy the remainder of the day and I will see you on Friday!!!!

 

 

 

 

I’m back!!! Let’s get inspired…..

Hello and HHD (Happy Hump Day)…Happy August…Happy everything!!!

Before we get going on some inspiration for you with a super clean and simple card….I think that the below graphic sums up how I feel inside. (well…that might be stretching it a wee bit as actually I feel like I am chasing my tail with all that I need to get ON TOP OF) but we are back and it was the time of my life over the past weeks….

Pop back tomorrow and I will share with you some “bullet points” of the what’s been happening with the Itell family lately…some will make you laugh out loud….some will make you smile….some will make you think – it could only happen to Susan….and then….of course we need a bit of candy….so I hope you will pop back for some highlights of our time away!

I have yet to go thru all of the emails that have piled up (we all know how that can happen too darn fast) but my goal….is to be all caught up by the weekend.

 

 

 

Let’s DIVE IN and I have a cutie for you today! My niece is getting married on Saturday and here is the card that I made for the happy couple. It’s actually a bit hard for me to make wedding cards as this is something that I do not make often but I admit, I was super happy with the end result.

It certainly is a “Susan Card”…isn’t it – very clean lines, very simple and yep…it’s a square card and that always make me smile. I will have the “recipe” for you below – it is a keeper layout that is a super way to use up you paper!

 

 

 

 

I am working from the Annual Catalog today and truth be told….I think that darn annual catalog doesn’t get the “limelight” that it so deserves. We all get soooo darn excited for the annual catalog to come out and then what happens….YEP – the next catalog comes out in 3 months (the Holiday)….and then in 4 months another catalog comes out (Sale-a-bration and the Occasions)…right back to the next year! Poor Annual Catalog!!!

This stamp set, Dandelion Wishes was coming to Randall Lane the minute I saw it….WHY???? Easy-peasy as I do not know about you but….blowing dandelions was a part of my childhood that I remember. I remember asking my Mom why didn’t we have those beautiful flowers that I loves to blow into the wind in our yard.

The other thing that I instantly loved about this stamp set was the sentiments and the font.  You know that I am a BIG believer that sentiments have to “speak to me” if I am going to hit that button to purchase it and yep,this does.

 

 

 

 

I just love the feeling of using up scraps and products that I have on hand….how about you? I am sure you do as well as it gives us that instant gratification that we are using it up! Many of you think that creating a card like this might be a challenge but actually it is super simple.

You also know how I love to organize what we have. Tomorrow I will share with you (along with some blog candy and some vacation highlights) that will show you how you can conveniently store strips of paper so when you go to sit and create – PRESTO….they are all super clean and ready to use!

 

 

 

 

 

As I already share, the over all size of this card is a 4 1/4″ square (my favorite) and the technique that I used was heat embossing the main images from the stamp set. Here is the “recipe” for you and then you will agree with me…it IS super easy to make. At the end of the post you will see the entire list and links for products I used.

As I always say, it is all about having the basics as when you have the basics you can do just about anything. Why in the world do we stress ourselves out by always feeling we need to recreate the wheel. This IS a layout that you could use over and over with different color combinations, a different size of a card and different stamps…and PRESTO – you will smile as much then as you did when you made it the 1st time!

 

 

  • The over all size of the card is a 4 1/4″ Card in Thick White Card Stock
  • Take another piece of scrap paper that is say…..around a 4 1/4 ” square and adhere a piece of Multipurpose Sheet over top of it and then pull back the sheet to expose the adhesive part. Place the 1/2″ strips of paper over top of it. Now you can see how stinkin’ easy this is and how there is no mess!!! If you do not have the Multipurpose Sheets, (I’m sorry but I would hit that button and buy them as they come in handy) you can use either green glue or tear and tape.
  • Take the beautiful and colorful piece to your trimmer and cut this to a 4″ square (see how easy – by doing it this way…you eliminate the need to be so precise)
  • Use the embossing buddy to make sure the stripe surface is completely free of dust and fingerprints…now it is time to heat emboss! (get ready to smile for the magic). Use the Versamark Pad to stamp the image onto the fun piece and then sprinkle embossing powder over and heat set. Magic every time.
  • Mat the embossed piece to a 4 1/8″ square of Gray Granite – this makes a big difference seeing the “peek of gray” behind when you hold it in your handy….remember, it is these simple finishing touches that make a difference to our end projects!
  • Take a piece of scraps (this was 1 3/8″ wide to stamp the sentiment on and heat set it) Depending on the width of the sentiment this dimension might vary but I think that the white embossing powder makes a classic statement.
  • Simple Susan stitching with a white gel pen does the finishing touches that I was going for……also….do it for the envelope as well!
  • Pop up this piece onto your card base and you are in home stretch!
  • Make a custom envelope with the envelope punch board. Not only is it easy, but it makes the whole project come together!

 

 

Now for the parade of pictures that I have for you. I know that you all love pictures so please enjoy and also please feel free to leave me a comment and I will get back on track in answering your questions! As I always say when I share a card with the dimensions or also call it a “formula type card” …I encourage you to go to your work area and make one.

WHY???? Easy – by doing this while it is fresh in your creative head it will help you understand the process. I am a visual learner and then I need to try it myself. I would write down notes on your “trial run card” and also write the blog date of this post so in the future you can easily find it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There you go…..a great card that is super easy to do! I do love this color combo together….Bermuda Bay, Pool Party, Granite Gray and Flirty Flamingo…fun yet classic! I do hope that you will try it out!

I am sure that you all know what is this month at Stampin’ Up!…..well….many things –  but the one that I admit that I love now and then even like it better next month is the Bonus Dollars Days…..for every $50.00 you spend, you will receive a $5.00 coupon to use next month…(YIPPEE as the Holiday Catalog will be live) but remember to keep the email that Stampin’ Up! will send to you….with a code for next month.

 

 

I would have no way of doing a “search and rescue” for you and I do not want you to loose that discount. What I do is –  the minute I get the email I print it off and then I also write it in my calendar in case I misplace the copy.

Gotta run…..I will pop on tomorrow with some highlights of our time away and also some blog candy for someone! It feels great to blog to you…it has taken me a LONG TIME to type this but I hope that it inspired you and made you smile!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

So darn tootin’ sweet!!!

 

 

Happy Friday! I am sure that many are going to be getting a head start on the upcoming Holiday with it being a “Hump Day Holiday” next week…not us though – we are home for the weekend babysitting the “grand-dogs” and cleaning out the barn! My job is power washing and John’s is to cob-web and get rid of the barn swallows!

I am sure that you have HEARD THE NEWS……..as it has been on every blog I subscribe to…..

 

 

THE NEW BLENDS ARE IN STOCK!!!

 

 

Yep, it’s true and yep….I know many people are super happy…..soooooo happy that their hips and legs probably sore and stiff from doing the HAPPY DANCE that we tend to do…..(my pups look at me like I am nuts!!!!). I have done my cyber share therapy and they are on order ready to roll down Randall Lane!

Let’s chat about this SUPER -DE-DUPER sweet card that I have for you today! I think it is just adorable and one that I knew the minute I saw this image in the new catalog…I new it was coming to live with me! It is called the Bee Thankful Stamp and it is a single stamp (which means the price point is super…) and it can be found on page 125.

 

 

 

 

 

I knew that I was going to be using this gem over and over as there is something so special about many of the single Stampin’ Up! Stamps….they are usually chocked full of FUN and with some simple touches, BAM – you have a keeper! When I look at some of the retired stamps that I still have because I love them so much….many are a single stamp – Vivid Vases, Bearing Gifts (love that Polar Bear), Watercolor Than You, Get Well Soup, It the Broom Fits….yep, I do like them!

I used the Stampin’ Blends that have been out since last Fall but you bet that I am just itchin’ to give the newbies a spin! We all seem to love the new Color ReVamp and I think that the 11 new Stampin’ Blends are a PERFECT fit to the line that we already have! You will see the whole line up at the end of the post.

Today I used the Night of Navy, Rich Razzelberry, Old Olive and the Light Crumb Cake Blends to color the image. Are you wondering what I did for the BEE? Well….I thought that the Daffodil Delight was a bit off….and because I do not have the Pineapple Punch Blends yet….I pulled out the Aqua Painter and dabbed a wee bit of the ink from the matching stamp pad….it will work just fine for a small area…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Making this card was super fast as I used the Stamparatus. If you have not used the Stamparatus or for that fact, any other Stamp Positioning/Alignment Tool….than this is simple….YOU NEED TO DO SOME CYBER RETAIL THERAPY! It makes stamping and lining up soooooo much easier and if you are one that loves to mass produce cards – you’ll be doing the happy dance and this is a dream for that!

The strip of Whisper White is 2 3/4″ wide so I just went ahead and stamped (12) of these images and then I will have them ready for the future to color in. I am one that likes to take things on the go with me….so having a bunch already stamped is a fun project to do later! With this stamp, the sky is the limit with how you can color it.

 

 

 

 

 

I did a super quick job coloring this image and I also went outside of the lines…..now stampers…..PLEASE HEAR ME LOUD AND CLEAR!

 

 

It’s OK to “oops”….. It’s OK to go out of the lines….

 

 

First – it is A CARD….and second – IF YOU THINK THE SKY IS FALLING…well there are ways to fix it. I simply took the colored image back into the Stamparatus and RE-STAMPED IT IN BLACK….you see….another great reason to have the Stamparatus as you can easily go back and stamp a darker line of ink!

For this…I chose to sprinkle Clear Embossing Powder over the Black Ink when it was still wet and then heat set it with the Heat Tool! Not only does it help to hide my boo-boo’s….but it gives a very finished and just FUN look of a shiny black embossing with the pop of colors from the Blends!

 

 

 

 

 

 

This card is just so darn cute and so darn simple to make that you really do not need me but I know that you enjoy the tips and tricks that I give you for your card making fun! I totally believe that we do learn from one another! How about this super fun polka dot paper…..it makes me smile and it makes me smile even more as we now have a FUN POLKA DOT PAPER in each and every color of paper that we have!

YEP, that is one my most favorite things that Stampin’ Up! has done with this new catalog. You will find ALL OF THE COLOR FAMILIES on page 191 of the catalog…..and if you want to get a SAMPLING of THEM ALL….tomorrow is the LAST DAY for my Product Share offering!

Share #3 is what you would want for these DSP Paper Stacks. This way you will have the whole spectrum of the new Color ReVamp without having to break your “Daisy Bank” (tee-hee-hee)…this addition of paper makes a clean and simple designer like me super happy as we will always have something to match up with!

 

 

 

 

 

Below you will see a cheat sheet in how I can save the DSP….heck, we will take every bit we can! By cutting it into 1″ strips I was able to do the card and the envelope with one piece of paper and I still have another 2″ piece that I can use for another project or envelope!

You know that I use fun foam a bunch….and honestly I looked it up for someone last week as I do usually get it on Amazon. I have a big container of scraps and it gets used up just like we use every bit of scraps on the Stampin’ Dimensionals! I do adhere it with Fast Fuse (as I still have some) but I would recommend that you could use tear n tape or even green glue will work! I personally love the feel of the card when it is in your hand with the fun foam…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well…as the saying goes…THAT’S ALL FOLKS! I hope that I made you smile…and I hope that I inspired you to be gentle to yourself with perfection! To me, the most important part is…YOU MADE IT! That in itself is a true blue gift and one that has no price tag on it.

Please do not forget to EMAIL ME if you want to take part in the final Product Share from the NEW Annual Catalog. Shares are a great way to get the newbies without the expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a fabulous weekend and stay safe if you are diving and also hydrated if you are out in the heat….last weekend John overdid it a bit with the heat and WOW – it really gets you! Water, Water and MORE WATER!

Many thanks to many that sent me an email asking if I was near the Maryland shooting yesterday. No, we live about 2 hours away but Jeanie and I were just there on Wednesday to see 2 other Top Dogs….they both are from Annapolis (Ramsey and Jill) and they are fine but it is sad, super sad. Our wonderful country has had way too many of these senseless shootings…..

Monday starts the DSP Paper Sale…..you can click here to see the post that I did about that and this is one more reason why taking advantage of the Product Share (share #2 for the 10 different DSP offerings) is a win-win for you as then you will be able to see if you want to take advantage of the buy 3 get 1 free of full packs!

I know that the below line up looks HUGE….but it is because the blends – it would be soooooo much easier if there was just one button to click and POOF – they are are there! I am very thankful that the newbies of Blends are here! See you Monday and I hope that each and everyone of you have a special weekend!