by Susan Itell | Dec 8, 2014 | Make it MINE Monday, Thinking of you |
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Good morning….great week ahead! I hope that you are getting your daily dose of me this morning! I have been having problems with my posts going out and being delivered to you as you are used to!
I think I know what the problem is…..ME! (I am going to call a very patient Customer Support this morning for guidance)
Here is your sketch for you to play with this week…I realize that we are all getting super busy with the holiday but I say….Stampin' will cure all stresses!
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That darn calendar is WHIPPING by…..so let's get going! One of my all time favorite words is "JOY" – I think that as I have become older I appreciate that this little word can fill your heart in so many ways….some that are obvious to others and some that are just special to you!
This is a new stamp set called Banner Blessings and I am sure that you can see the potential and versatility of it for so many of the variety of cards we make and send.
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Many of you know that I do card volunteer work for Breast Cancer patients, this card I am personally sending to a very young Mom that has Breast Cancer, she has a set of twins and another older child - her husband died suddenly of a massive heart attack last year.
She knows what "Joy" is and she has such a beautiful and postivie outlook. We all need to step back at times and allow the joy of others to enter into us! I adore this set and I am so excited that we have it!
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I think that these colors together are just stunning! How can you go wrong with Black and White with a POP of color and today's color is pool party! I honestly just looked at the sketch and said – go for it!
I think that eveything is pretty straight forward for you to CASE this design but here are the quick measurements for the stamped part! (naturally just adjust it to whatever size your sentiment is that you are working with!
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- The White stamped part is 2 1/2" X 1 3/4" and then matted a "smidge" larger 2 5/8" X 1 7/8"
- The DSP is 2 1/4" X 1 7/8" (left) and 2 1/4" X 1 1/8" (right)
I always like using the "green glue" to adhere the embossed part (lg Polka FUN dots) and then the rest I POPPED up with good old Stampin' Dimensionals! I did punch holes to thread the cotton ribbon thru and then did a simple Susan knot!
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I was going to stop at that but then I thought it needed just a special added touch….out came the itty bitty accents punches (these are like a little black dress) – they always come to the rescue when you need something quick!
I always like pushing down the centers to give the flowers some flair and then a simple glue dot does the trick along with a pearl!
That's it…..I just love the fresh colors and the sentiment is just wonderful! I know that it will be very special to my new friend! Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers….
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Tomorrow is a "not to be missed" blog posting….as I think you might want to print it out! (hmmmmm….wonder what it is….???? – I know that you will be smiling) Enjoy the day….pace yourself….we can only do so much (trust me – I need to honor this myself!!!)
I am an email away, I adore your comments and I love helping you reach your goals. Together we can accomplish tons! Until tomorrow!
p.s. – I only have (2) spots left for my Stamp of the Month Club. I am cutting it off at midnight tonight as I want to place my final order tomorrow. Please click here to see this months kit and remember that you can substitute a stamp set or product if you already have this one.
The kit cost is $40.00 and comes complete with samples, an extra goodie from me and of course the stamp set! Please email me and put in the subject line December Stamp of the Month Kit.
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by Susan Itell | Dec 5, 2014 | Make it MINE Monday |
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Now I ask you….how could I say no to this precious little girl…(well we almost did) but it was amazing what 24 hours did to her and she was our Thanksgiving unexpected addition to the family…but as my wonderful John says…."What's one more" – (he is great…a saint!)
With the holiday…the extravaganza…all of the days are all mixed up this week but I couldn't let you all down on trying a personal sketch! Below you will see the sketch I picked (thanks to the wonderful internet) and I hope that you give it a try and also like my take on it!
And don't forget….TODAY the Clearance Section is FILLED with NEW goodies to roll out!!! Click here to see and get going….remember, while supplies last!
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I woke up to give you my top picks and YIKES – there are so many great products in there…just look and then re-look as there are some real keepers.
True these items are going to be discontinued, but if YOU like it and YOU think that you will use it….I say go for it! To me Bright Blossoms Stamp Set is in this group….I still use that set all the time as I adore the simplicity of it and it is a "go-to" stamp for a quick thank you!
And the ribbon….HELLO to packaging – my Cherry Cobbler "go-to" is still there and some great bakers twine!
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It's a very basic but a fun layout…I would call this a "keeper" on when you are in a time crunch to come up with an idea! Can't wait to share with you my take!
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Some designer paper here….some solid there….some stitching here and some dimensionals there! This card came together in a snap!
Here are some quick dinensionals for you!
- The Flower Pot DSP is 4 1/2" X 2 1/2" and the Night of Navy is 3 3/4" X 1 3/4" and then stitched with the White Gel Pen.
- To make the "bone" so easy….I used Blushing Bride for my little girl and the dimensions are 4" X 1 1/8" and then the "ends" are a 1" circle punch.
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Heat Embossing the "It's a Girl" was perfect for this card. I adore this stamp set and I have used it sooo many times! It is called A Dozen Thoughts and it is a keeper of all keepers….and it does need to be on that UPS Truck to get to your house! You can click here and get going!
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As I posted last night….Stampin' Up! just added a bunch of new goodies into the Clearance Rack…."swoop them up" as many of the new items will be gone before you know it….remember, it is while supplies last Click here to see the items!
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Now let's get to my new little girl! She is just adorable and acts like she has lived here for years! She is just 1 1/2 years old and was not in a good home. She already had a littler of puppies (which should NOT HAVE HAPPENED and she only had 1) and was for sale at a yard sale for $25.00.
A friend of mine that knows that I adore Jack Russell's shared with me her picture and the dog rescue that was trying to get her from the people. I adore a challenge and when it comes to my animals….I will stop at just about nothing!
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The night before Thanksgiving John and I drove to meet these (2 very interesting to say the least) individuals at a gas station and "Mission Accomplished" we were able to have them agree to give her to us and if we did not keep her, she would go to the rescue until a foster home was found!
The rest is history….she ADORES John (I am still a bit green over that) but her 4 big brothers, Eddie, Jack, Charlie and Norman love their new sister! She's a keeper and it is a wonderful feeling giving her a chance to be a dog and have fun….but more importantly…be safe!
Tomorrow is a magical day for John and I….please pop back and see why…..enjoy the day – thanks for popping by and until tomorrow!
p.s. – I am a smart shopper….in the clearance today is the Burlap and Blooms Wreath Kit….if you use the burlap (you get 7 yards) and linen thread – it is worth getting this as you will get the ribbon alone a lot less than if you ordered it separately – remember, I adore to pull the threads of that ribbon for accents….it makes such a soft and fun feel!
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by Susan Itell | Nov 24, 2014 | Blog Candy, Christmas, Make it MINE Monday |
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Woot-Woot – it is the BEST week of the year….the Thanksgiving Holiday! I went to Boot Camp at 5:30 a.m. this morning and I am gearing up for the feast with no regrets what so ever!
I am MERRY…MERRY…MERRY as this is a great week and time for Stampin up!
WOWZERS – a lot to cover and I am going to try to make it as short as possible……but please read everything as there is a lot to talk about today, so let's get going!
Can you smell the Brownies…..????? When I returned home this morning from working out, I was tortured by the smell of my decadent brownies…that I will be sending to Lynn L. along with the (2) retired Stamp Sets! Please email ASAP with your address as I would LOVE to get them in the mail so you get them before "Turkey Day"
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I adored….absolutely adored all of the comments, tips, suggestions and advice and I think that it is pretty clear that "DON'T MESS WITH TRADITION"...here is Lynn's comment! Does this touch your heart or what…how special and WOWZERS – I needed to make a double or triple of brownies!
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A huge "WAY TO GO" and I loved your comment…..thanks a bunch for popping on and sharing your Thanksgiving with all of us!
So much to cover….so little time! Monday's are my "Make it Mine" Monday and I have to be true to my schedule (or Sharon ( my die hard MMM) will not know what to do) so here you go! I "surfed" and found this sketch and I must admit….it came together in NO TIME….and I adore it! Here it is!
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I need to give this special day of the week the time it deserves as I know that many of you love the Make it Mine and I equally love to see what you do! Please email me your take on this sketch if you would like!
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With all of the "ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA" going on with Stampin' Up! until December 2nd (YIKES – did I say DECEMBER????) darn that calendar I needed to honor the wonderful stampers that look forward to Mondays!
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Door Busters. TODAY is a special DOOR BUSTER DAY…..These ONE DAY ONLY DOOR BUSTERS sales are incredible. Drum Roll…..
- Textured Impressions Embossing Folders at $5 each. This offer includes all embossing folders on pages 226 and 227 of the Annual Catalog (except Stylish Stripes, Chevron, Beautifully Baroque and Woodgrain)
- Card Kit Bundle (includes Everyday Occasions & Hip Hip Hooray Kits) at 30% off. #140350, $34.93
OK – back to the card….(I told you there was so much going on!
I was pleased with this card and I think that I am showcasing another Stamp Set that is overlooked…..it is called Holiday Invitations but it can be used for sooooo many different ideas! I love the font and I think the "extra" stamps are perfect!
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Let's go…..This might be in the "running" for my card to send this year….it is me – clean and crisp….very easy….and uses minimal product but carries a big punch!
I am trying to showcase products that are on the "sale" this week and there are sooooo many embossing folders that are on sale for just a mere $5.00 (REMEMBER for TODAY ONLY)!
Jeanie has always told me that these gems are the BEST bang for your buck and she is totally right!
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I used my HANDS DOWN FAVORITE embossing folder, the Large Polka Dot Folder! WHY???? Polka Dots just make me smile and make me feel happy! I adore this color, Mossy Meadow and using just a bit was all that was needed!
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Let's talk about the "ornaments" – the circle framelits were the star but was the real SUPER star is the Magnetic Platform and you need to STOP right now and order this gem if you do not have it as it is truly a lifesaver & timesaver….so – THANK YOU Stampin' Up! for having this in the EXTRAVAGANZA!
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I love just using 2 colors as I think it makes a big impact! I have not used Very Vanilla lately and I love the way these 2 colors look together! The "ornaments" were from the "In Color" DSP paper stack and it was easy-peasy to add them behind the "ornaments"
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Have you wondered where the "natural" baker twine came from…..this is from the Gold Bakers Twine but I "pulled" out the gold and just made a simple bow from the twine! Using glue dots makes it a cinch!
O.k – I am sure that you have been inundated with Blog postings about the sale….please click here to see the incredible list of SAVINGS for you!
This is so wonderful that Stampin' Up! is doing this for us….when I say "Us" = it is even GREAT for me as I will get an additional 20% off of the price you see…..so I ask you….why not take a "test drive".
You can click here and get going by picking $125.00 worth of product and only pay $74.25! This is 25% off and free shipping!You will not have to do another thing until the end of April!
Please email me if you would like to chat or have me answer specific questions….it is soooo easy with no obligations other that for you to get products at a discount!
Until tommorrow…..
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by Susan Itell | Nov 17, 2014 | Christmas, Make it MINE Monday |
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Good Monday Morning to all! I adored all of the comments left yesterday about the “hashtags” and the one that made me burst out laugh was from Bridget…I totally agree with her – why is it called a “pound sign”???
And then from Chris…(she is always funny….but this was another great laugh)
This is another reason I truly love blogging…to connect and get to know you, blogging truly is a form of expression and I thank you for bringing joy and smiles to me!
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Let’s get to it as Make it Mine Monday is here once again! This is a personal weekly challenge for you to help look at a sketch and have fun doing your own interpretation of it. Please feel free to email me your take…(I have 2 die-hards that have NEVER EVER missed a week)
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This stamp set, Visions of Santa and the Designer Series Paper, Santa & Company is a very, very whimsical take on Christmas and I can honestly say that I was on the fence with it and this week I am making (2) cards with it and I really like it!
I admit that it takes a special type of person to find the humor of this set but trust me…I have some fun and colorful friends that will get a kick out of it! I will say that I think the colors are wonderful together….let’s get going!
- The overall card size is a 4 ½” card and it was fun to be able to pull out the envelope punch board to make the perfect fit envelope!
- The Real Red is a 4” square and please make sure that you use some punches to maximize the inside of this square as it will be covered up with the fun DSP which is a 4” square.
- Before I POPPED this whole square up the stampin’ dimensionals I took a piece of real red scraps that was ¾” and then took a piece of white that is ½” and then stamped the fun sentiment and the lights…
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- You can see in the below photo that I did not measure exactly what I needed, rather I left it hang over the edge. You can see that I am using the Silicone Craft Sheet, perfect as I had “green glue” along the edge but using this sheet makes it a cinch to “place it” and then after it dries, flip it over and cut the excess off! (A MUST HAVE tool)
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- The envelope was fun to make and all it took was a 7 ½” square piece of paper and the liner for the back flap was the paper on the flip side…this is also a fun print!
That’s it! I know without a shadow of doubt that there are going to be some fun…fun cards made with this sketch! I invite you to go to the website that I found this sketch…they have an archive of great sketches and practicing a sketch is super fun and a great way to help you develop a style that is a reflection of your personality!
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Hope to see you tomorrow as it is a special day….can’t wait to share it with you! I am still excited with the amount of you that took advantage of ordering those adorable boxes and clearance ribbon for the advent fun!
You still have time to order them and they will be mailed to you….trust me, the most time consuming thing is getting the “goodies” for the boxes…..while they are on order you can get together your goodies….I thought of another great one and they fit perfectly…the super inexpensive one size knit gloves (I use them all the time) and also tea bags!!!!
Have a great day – see you tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Nov 10, 2014 | Embossing Folders, Make it MINE Monday, Super Easy |
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I'm melting…..these dear little snowmen are just too darn tootin cute! Where do they come from???…they are on the bottom of a sheet pf DSP from the Santa & Co. collection and you can make 6 of these cards as you get (2) sheets of paper with them on it!
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These little guys are the focal part for the Make it Mine personal Challenge for today! Please give the below sketch a try…I adore seeing what you come up with!
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To be totally honest with you….the inspiration to use this DSP as the focal part came from me not putting away the product that I used for yesterday's card! Click here to see this one and you can see that I used the "stars" for the envelope liner as I did it today as well….if it works – why not!?!?
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- The card is an A-2 card in Whisper White and then the "focal" Snowmen were cut at 4 1/8" X 2 1/8" and then matted at 2 1/4" X 4 1/2" in Basic Black.
- I cut the circles with the Circle Framelits in the #6 & #7 templates and then ran them thru the Big Shot with the Decorative Dots Embossing Folder.
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- Again, the Endless Wishes Stamp Set was still on my work space so "out it came" and the quick and easy stamping made this card come to a close….so fast….so easy!
- I line the outside of the envelope just like I did yesterday as I cut the !2 X 12 paper in half si it was an instant WIN-WIN for me…I say – woot-woot!
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I must say, I feel a bit guilty that it is as easy as this but it truly is and it is a super cute card! There is no doubt that someone would smile if they received this fun card!
Please give this a try….the sketch if fun and WIDE OPEN for lots of options…I cannot wait to see what you come up with! Please email me your Picasso's, I just adore and smile every-time!
Pop back tomorrow as I will show you what to do with Hershey Nuggets and this stamp set, Endless Wishes! Thanks for your time, please share my blog and passion with your family and friends and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Nov 3, 2014 | Birthday, Blog Candy, Make it MINE Monday |
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Well my friends…you all are the best and I hope that if you have not had the time…please grab a cup of coffee and re-read all of the comments over the past 3 days! John has been my "helper" with the tallies of the different votes and at the end of last night he looked at me and said….
"Wow, do you realize how special this is that so many people take their time to leave a comment, share their opinions and inspire each other with endless ideas"
You know what? He is right! This is why I adore Stampin' Up! and he hit the nail on the head! We all love what we do with paper crafting and we all have great ideas and inspirations for all! Thank you for your comments, your ideas & insights and your inspirations you give to me!
Drum roll…..Drum roll…..
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The winner is….# 49 
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ATE – woot-woot to you and I hope that you enjoy the "candy" – please email me your address and I will put your 12 cards and adorable envelopes in the mail to you!
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The results were…(and I found this very interesting)…PLEASE pop back on Wednesday as I am going to share with you comments, tips and feedback from these past 3 days of fun questions!
Photopolymer – 49
Clear – 17
Wood – 17
Now to today's post….Make it Mine Monday! I have some real die-hards that adore stamping on Mondays and trying a challenge I throw their way! Here is my take…..remember, you can switch up the shape, change the direction of the card….simply so whatever but here is the sketch for you to go from!
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I hope that you can "carve out some time" today and try this sketch and have fun! If you wish to share with me your "picasso", please do so – I always adore seeing what you make as there is soooo much talent and it is super fun to see what you are up to!
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This is just too darn tootin' simple and you do not need me but I was determined to use a stamp set that I have not showcased for a while! Today's stamp sets are Mosaic Madness and And Many More!
I needed a Birthday Card for someone that adores purple and I thought that this would be fun…but of course …the stamp-a-ma-jig was a HUGE help for perfect placement and then the "pearls" – well, what more should I say but……after all, they are a girls best friend!
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I made the mailman smile with a stamp on the front, so easy and WHY NOT? Your stamps are already inked up!
I lined the outer part of the envelope with the Moonlight DSP and the funny thing is that this is not supposed to be the same color, but it works! Lesson learned….even if the colors are not exact…see if they work and go for it!
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I simply cannot thank you all enough for all of the feedback and inspiration over the past 3 days! I really found all of the answers to the questions very interesting and as I said above…..please pop back on Wednesday as I am going to have a fun post (hmmmmm……maybe more candy) about thoughts and comments I have for you!
Here we go for a GREAT WEEK…..I have some "keepers" for you this week…I know that you are going to like them!
On a personal note, please keep Hannah in your thoughts….can you believe that it has been 5 weeks since she has been in Africa and today she is leaving for Brazil….and also, my "peep" James (big peep = 6'5") is starting a new job today,
Until tomorrow!
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