by Susan Itell | Sep 28, 2016 | Fun & Cute!, Just Because... |
I am super excited about the theme of this weeks Global Design Project Challenge as it is “Random Acts of Kindness”…this topic touches my heart and I just had to take a break from the new catalog to play along with this challenge!
We all need some “Vitamin D” at this time of the year as the days are shorter. I invite and I encourage you to take a day….take some extra cards you might have that you have made and…JUST DO IT – take some “me time” and write a note and send them out……trust me – your heart will be happy!
If you follow my blog (and I sure hope you do) – you know that I do like to use “fun foam or foam sheets” to add dimension to my cards and today you can see thst i used it with the sentiment….I personally LOVE the look and feel it gives!
How can you go wrong…the image of the “sun” with the word “sunshine”…to me – that is the best type of kindness that you could give! This would be an easy card to “mass produce” and you know me, I love making multiple cards when I sit down to have fun!
I hope that you will pop over to the Global Design Project Website and see all of the GREAT cards that are there…and then – GO FOR IT…we all need to share “Random Acts of Kindness”...trust me – when you do…you will smile, you will be fulfilled…you will feel joy!
Here is your 411 – Directory Assistance photo….FUN card – SUPER easy….TOTALLY timeless….HAVE FUN!
The month is coming to an end….but the beginning of October.…is a special day…WORLD CARD MAKING DAY….so I hope that you will find some time to make a difference on someones life….random acts of kindness are the best and there is nothing better than getting a card in the mail…..DO IT!!! You will 🙂
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by Susan Itell | Sep 21, 2016 | Fun & Cute!, Uncategorized |
Well….did everyone feel the SHAKE of the HAPPY DANCE going from Coast to Coast yesterday? Yep, my upline and friend Mary Fish became a MILLION DOLLAR achiever with Stampin’ Up! I think that we all can agree that this is an amazing milestone! I am so proud of her and the community that she has grown, the PALS are all “proud as peacocks” for this special time!
I get asked often, how did I pick Mary to be my upline when I live in Maryland and she lives in Arizona…well you know me, I love stories so grab a cup of coffee and let me tell you. I was like most of you….following many blogs trying to be a sponge and take it all in…learn, get ideas etc….and I stumbled onto Mary’s Blog and fell in love with her clean and simple style.
I was at the time trying to figure out “what my style was” and just having fun with this wonderful paper crafting FUN we all do and I decided to email her and ask her about the starter kit. I had been involved with Direct Sales for many years and knew the ins and outs of what to expect.
I will never forget, I was at a horse show holding a horse and my phone rang – it was Mary. I was over the top excited and quickly we hit it off. We had many things in common but one thing that we talked a bunch about was our girls, they are the same age and basically the same in their passion to learn and grow!
I clearly told Mary, when I get back to the hotel….I am going to sign up….and then place one BIG order and then go “bye-bye” – I had no intentions of doing this for anyone else but myself. That was 4+ years ago. I did not tell a soul, not even John for a while ( he is a such a keeper, he would have said – “If it makes you happy -go for it”)
In the fall of that year, Stampin’ Up! opened up the Leadership Convention to any demonstrator. I mentioned it to John and he said – GO…you will have fun. Now let’s put this in prospective…I did not know a soul…not a soul – I went into the PALS Chat and took another leap of faith and said yes to room with someone that I have never met.
She was from Wisconsin and I thought – what the heck, I have never met someone from Wisconsin. John drove me to the airport and off I went “pulling up my big girl pants” and went to Florida. I found my way to the hotel…met my “roomie” and took a DIVE into a FUN TIME!
Naturally I knew what Mary looked like….but she had no clue who I was – (remember, I was in it for the big purchase and ready to leave)…..and I admit I was super nervous as I was truly the FISH OUT OF WATER. Everyone was so gracious to me and made me feel welcomed. I had one person ask me if I was swapping and I thought….WHAT THE HECK IS SWAPPING (I told you I was really in it for me and my discount) but I quickly learned what a swap was and I would never not have a hugs stash of cards to swap with!
I have known that Mary was close to hitting this magical number of a million….and I instantly had a card in my head to make for her! I wish that you could see if in person as it is so hard to get a good picture with gold but trust me, it is a classic and I know she will love it!
I think that we all know….this below bundle has made such an impact. There are so many different great idea out there…and when I saw that FISH – I immediately knew that I was going to make her a super simple clean and simple card with it for her and the Gold Heat Embossing….PERFECT!
The below stamp set I adore as the font is so fun. There are some fun sayings ~ I think that it is overlooked often but take a moment and read the fun sentiments and the one I chose, YAY, YOU! is PERFEcT for Miss Mary!
Here is a quick look at the card….IT just does not get any easier than this one. Remember, less is best many times and the clean, crisp white and gold are a perfect combo! (I also love the scoring ) 🙂
If you have a chance, pop over to Mary’s blog and leave her some love. I am so happy that I decided to become a Pal, that I decided to “tinker around” and learn to blog…learn to figure out my style and most important have a solid group of cyber team members, friends and demonstrators from all over!
There will be a sea of PALS in Atlanta at the beginning of November and I can hardly wait to meet so many that I have had a relationship via the internet. There are PALS coming from all over and with this fabulous milestone with Mary, I am sure that the PALS will be showering her with a HUGE HAPPY DANCE!
See you tomorrow…thanks for listening ~ I love what I do…I feel blessed to be a part of the PALS and you know what….I’m glad I stuck around….I adore you all!
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by Susan Itell | Aug 19, 2016 | Christmas, Fun & Cute! |
Happy Friday! I have a classic one to help get your engines rolling with the new goodies from the Holiday Catalog…the minute I saw this stamp set, YEP – it was on my pre-order to Randall Lane as I love EVERYTHING about it! This IS a “Susan” stamp!
Please read to the end of the post because I will have a “funny” for you about my day with Will on Wednesday…as you are reading this, I probably have already been to Baltimore taking him to take a Big Bird back to Boston. We have had an OVER THE TOP week together as it has been the BEST to spend time, spoil him, talking, sharing, cooking together…..it is great to see your PEEPS grow up to be BIG PEEPS!
Because this is such a great layout, I am going to share with you the dimensions as this is one that I would CASE! I love everything about it and the AMAZING plaids that are in this paper stack are simply classic and gorgeous!
I know that many of you might not think that this color combination is a tradition Christmas one…but trust me, it is super rich and yummy. Poor Delightful Dijon, it hardly gets any attention but I encourage you to give it a try as it does compliment and gives balance and depth to projects!
Remember, with these paper stacks you get (4) sheets of each design so once you see the way that I cut the paper, you would be able to (16) card from each paper design. Even though it is just a POP of the DSP, it is enough to make an effect!
Here you go, I know you enjoy when I take the time to share measurements!
- The Card base is Basic Black in the Vertical Mode, 4 1/2″ X 5 1/2″
- The White Pieces (2) are 4″ X 5 1/4″ ~ one goes on the inside of the card
- The white Sentiment piece is 4″ X 2 1/2″ stamped in Garden Green
- The Delightful Dijon is 4″ X 3″ and then scored on each end 1 notch in
- The DSP is from Warmth & Cheer (LOVE IT) 1 1/2″ X 5 1/4
- The Dijon Stars are from the Jolly Friends and randomly stamped!The envelope fun was a 1/4″ piece of Garden Green and another fun piece from the same DSP Stack cut at 2″ wide
I hope that you can see that this is a super simple card layout, (remember ~ I call them FORMULAS as they will never let you down) Just change up the stamp sets….change the paper and no one will ever know that you have made this layout before!
The other reason I adore this stamp set is that there are great sentiments to stamp on the inside of the card! Below you will see how I add the trio of stars on the sides of this fun sentiment. This is something that we all want, more inside sentiments and I was doing this happy dance with this offering!
Now to a funny for you and I apologize in advance that this might be too long but here you go! I shared earlier this week that I was super excited to be with Will, my oldest peep that is a Montessori Teacher for 6 – 9 year old in my craft area and go to town because the way I looked at it is…
A teacher + Little Kiddies = a perfect opportunity to play with crafts!?!?
Well, I was a bit deflated. 🙁 Don’t get me wrong we had a blast together but I will put it out to you straight…
The last thing he wanted to do was “play crafts with Mom”
At first I was sad, but then I was over it BUT one thing HE DID want to chat about was adhesives….YES – you heard me right – ADHESIVES….I thought that I would fall off my chair. He actually wanted to know what worked and what didn’t because he goes through a ton of adhesives with preparing with lesson plans….the moral of the story – he has robbed his Mom’s stash and that made me happy!!! 🙂
Do you know what DID MAKE HIM EXCITED?!?!? He loved all of the spools from the thick bakers twine, the rings left over from Washi Tape, my organization cubes…little containers that I held buttons etc….THAT MADE HIM HAPPY and he wiped me out – he said that he could use them with the kids…..
Sorry for the rant…the end result is I had a great week and was a blessing to have him home. I feel like my mojo has been a bit off and I am looking forward to some “me time” tomorrow as John has an all day Boy Scout training (yep, he is a bit old to be a Scout ut he is the best in helping and giving his time)
I know that Christmas is far, far away but then it will be there before you know it and this is one card that I would mark for the future. Enjoy the day, make someone smile, and share some simple kindness! 🙂
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by Susan Itell | Aug 12, 2016 | Fun & Cute! |
This is such a SUPER fast and easy card to whip up but it has a BIG fun factor. I do admit, the pictures do not do it justice….I am sure you know what I mean – there are times that you just need to hold it in your hand and see for yourself how something so simple can be so effective!
This fun card was made from the hostess stamp set below – FUN…right???? If you are interested in hosting an event, a cyber event…..or even a qualifying order of $150+ will allow you to purchase this adorable stamp set for just $9.50! 🙂
There really is not much to say about this card other than EASY and CUTE! It is a 4 1/4″ Square Card and then the mate is a 4″ square. The Crushed Curry DSP is a fun addition that is just the “right touch” needed. This card is a great example of “less is best”
I was going to use the aqua painter and watercolor a bit but then I thought….NOPE – not needed…..sometimes it is hard to leave things alone….but today I did just that! – BARE to the BONES!
The envelope punch board helped me make a custom envelope with ease. I still scratch my head with how this piece of plastic could be such an amazing tool. I admit, I had it for many, many months before trying it as I honestly was afraid….but I tool some time, some scrap paper and just tried! That is all you can do….right?
I know that this card is going to bring a HUGE smile to a very special person…it is simple things like this that make a difference – don’t feel bad for not taking a bunch of time to make something. Sometimes it is the simplest things in like that mean the most!
I have a HUGE treat for you! I participated in a PALS Card Swap….and I have some BEAUTIES for you! I am excited to share them with you! Being in this group is so much fun, Ronna (a Pal) put it together and I think there were 15 of us – so get ready!
Have a fabulous day….and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Aug 3, 2016 | 3-D Projects, Fun & Cute!, Just Because..., Uncategorized |
Good Morning! Before we get to the post today…I need to say 3 words to you and I hope that they hit your heart…
I AM BLESSED!!!
I returned home yesterday and with not having my own computer with me…and having very little time of being able to hop on the internet at the hotel ~ yesterday when I went to type up this post…I saw that there were 59 messages/comments left….I have not had a chance to read them but all I can say is WOW and thank you!
All is good and it will only get better. For all of you out there…you know how scary it is to see a loved one….let’s say…not them self! We are on the right track and I think that you can tell my personality through my blog, I am one determined person and when it comes to a “bear cub” – I am GAME ON…so all is good and we are on the right track!
Every month I offer a hostess code as well as 3 opportunities for you….This month’s hostess code is 3QACMWVP
- Earn “Paw Prints” from your purchases from me….(see the tab at the header of the blog post)
- Earn this card, with a purchase of $35 +
- Earn this card + a gift (this month is the Petal Burst Embossing Folder) with a purchase of 75+
p.s. – if you already have this folder (you are a smart stamper) so please just let me know what folder you would like) 😀
To me…this is a fun, practical and functional card! Keep it for yourself or gift it to a friend, YOUR CHOICE (I won’t tell)…and starting this month, I will send you a PDF with the dimensions, the in’s and out’s of this card so you can make it again and again!
One thing that I will say is….Over the next week….I am going to be showcasing stamp sets that are going to have “friends….very good friends” in the NEW HOLIDAY CATALOG! (just saying…it is AWESOME)
I know….I know…..we just were so excited for the new annual catalog…but hang onto your BROOMS (Halloween), LEAVES (fall and paisleys), HOLIDAY FUN (Christmas) and NEW YEAR (WOOT-WOOT)…so much to see – so much to take in!
Here is another look at this fun card! Isn’t it amazing what PAPER can do? With all of the great tools that we have (framelits, big shot, punches)….we can make some real beauties! I would love to send this your way….
Catching up is not easy….but I will try to make it fun! I have many “friends” at my work area, mainly Milo and Rosie…and they are great listeners! Email by email, I will get caught up!
Because I left in a “no plan rush”, John did a fabulous job with the animals! Dear, sweet, poor old Arnold….he is doing much better but it took until Monday for his abscess to give him relief so we are all good there….but dear sweet fat Daisy (the pig) lost her hair…..yep…they do that once a year and she is not pretty…actually not one bit.….good news is, she will grow a beautiful new coat and be ready for a photo shoot! (truth be told, I am the ONLY one that likes her….but that’s ok – she is a good girl!!!)
Below is the line up of the products used for this beauty but just think – this can easily be yours…..and you know what – I know you will smile! Again, I missed you guys but I needed to be RIGHT WHERE I WAS…..and I thank you for your concern!
Remember, the Thoughtful Branches (limited edition is in FULL BLOOM that you can order now) so don’t wait – remember, it is a limited edition product that many of you took advantage of yesterday….(smart shoppers, and I have added the Hostess Code for you)…..please remember to add the hostess code of 3QACMWVP! Happy Shopping!
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by Susan Itell | Jun 15, 2016 | Fun & Cute!, Uncategorized |
Good Morning and Happy “hump” day…when I was a child, we always called Wednesday “hump” day and we always had Meatloaf on Wednesdays when I was growing up! I happen to be a big fan of Meatloaf but I confess, I forget about making it!
Well…before we get to the ins and outs of today’s card I want to say a big THANKS for the feedback from Monday and your wish will be granted….I will share with you a shaker card and then hopefully be able to break it down for you so you will see that YOU can make one as well!
I am so happy that many of you already use the Stampin’ Up! You Tube Channel for inspiration and help. I will say….if there is a tool that I am not exactly sure how to use correctly, I go right to the channel and type the product in the search and usually there is a product video showcasing what I am looking for! To subscribe to the channel you simple hit the subscribe button and then you will get notifications when Stampin’ Up! offers a new video!
Let’s get to this FUN card. You already know that it is FUN because of the classic color combo – Black and White with a POP of color (melon mambo) does it every time. This is what I call a “FORMULA CARD” as I want you to see the simple and classic layout I am using and then I want you to pop back tomorrow as I will use the exact same dimensions but change the paper, stamps etc…and you will see how using a “FORMULA” is a friend!
You know by now I adore square cards ~ but….if you do not care for them ~ no worries, just change the base card size and make some adjustments to the dimensions I am going to share with you. Here you go with the dimensions but I do hope that you will pop back tomorrow to see how I kept the same layout but made a totally different card.
Here you go: (you can see that there is no sentiment) as the sky is the limit with this…I could leave it blank, I could do a Happy Birthday….use you imagination!
- Melon Mambo Card Base is a 4 1/2″ square
- White is 4 1/4″ square
- DSP is 4″ square
- Top Dot DSP is 1/4″ X 3 3/4″ and the lower dot 1 1/4″ X 3 5/8″
- The stamped image is 2″ X 3″ and then matted in Black 2 1/8″ X 3 1/8″
The envelope was super easy to do as I used the handy envelope punch board. I often laugh when I am using this tool as I think of 2 things….
- How can this piece of plastic be just $20.00 and do so many different things
- Why did I let it sit on my shelf for so long before using it….I use to think that it was super hard to use but once you “get it”, it is like riding a bike!
I do love making my own envelopes, it is that little extra touch that finishes off your card. I have been having many requests to do a post on Envelopes….next week I will sneak on in for you all!
I hope that I make you smile and I hope that you can see that having a “formula” can and will be your friend. This thing that we all do….making cards is FUN and we all have different styles and different levels of interest with our designs/layouts. You know me, I am SIMPLE SUSAN and I find “comfort” in working from a “formula” – it is like the card I blogged about on Sunday from Lisa Poe…that is a FABULOUS “formula” – keep these in your memory bank and you will always have inspiration!
We are 1/2 way through the month…the new catalog has been launch...(and it is super fabulous) and summer is getting to be in full swing. Please do not overlook the incredible incentive that Stampin’ Up! is offering for just this month…you can pick ANY (2) stamps sets your heart desires for FREE with your “Ultimate Bundle”…the starter kit that allows you to pick $125 of ANY product and just pay $99 PLUS you can pick 2 Free Stamp Sets!
Please feel free to email me or if you want to go for the deal….click here and get the deal, (I know you will smile) 🙂
It truly is as simple as this, nothing more, nothing less. I think that many of you think that there is an obligation…there simply isn’t. It is YOUR option if you choose to purchase anything again. Period! 🙂 I love hobbyist and I totally welcome hobbyist…we all like a deal, a discount…!
In closing, this has been a horrific week for our country. I am still in such disbelief but you all know I have a very, very special place in my heart for animals…please click on the below picture and see and read how these dogs are bringing comfort to people in Orlando. There IS good out there and I hope that we all know that kindness does prevail and matter! Now go have a FABULOUS DAY!
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