by Susan Itell | Feb 6, 2015 | 3-D Projects, Party Favors, Thank You, Valentines |
Today I had a different post planned but no worries as you will see it super soon…but I wanted to sneak this post in and I am going to call the my "Indulgence Post" hmmmmm……do I have you wondering what I am talking about!
I have had a lot of time to do a lot of thinking (which could be a good thing or a bad thing) and being stuck inside I have naturally had lots of time to reflect on things!
To learn the "low down" on how to make this gem, please click here to see my original post and then you can click here to see it again in another way! I was super happy with this one – the Stacked with Love Paper stack is simply fabulous and I adore the "thanks" framelit…so clean and classic!
I think as we get older we do not allow ourselves the opportunity to "indulgence" in something that we would not normally do for ourself…if you are like me – I would rather do things for John and the peeps….the animals….and I usually put myself last – does this sound familiar to you?
Yesterday I was super frustrated that I could not accomplish a task that to me I should have been able to do…yes, it was with the silly computer but after having a pity party which only Rosie showed up for I decided to switch gears and make some gifts to thank people for dropping off dinners to us…plowing our lane…just great acts of kindness as this is John's busy season….Tax time!
I have made these "old faithfuls" so many times and every time I blog about them I get many comments. This is where indulgence comes in. WHY? – Because it uses the Big Shot…..WHY does that matter?….well clearly the Big Shot is an investment…the Big Shot is basically $100.00 and when we see that we go…..OH NO…I couldn't do that!
Well that is exactly the way I thought about it….and when I finally broke down and purchased it (I used it as a 1/2 price item and that is definitely the way I would go if I were you), I still felt guilty….then you know what is next…you need to purchase dies, framelits etc….to use the Big Shot.
The Top Note Die was probably the 1st Die I purchased….I have no idea why – probably because someone told me I just had to have it…and this post is a testament to how thankful and grateful I feel that I allowed myself to indulge in something that brings me joy….
I simply cannot tell you how many of these "Top Note Boxes" I have made and each and every time I do…I am thankful that this incredible "hobby" has come into my life!
Little things like this box of Life Savers DOES make a difference.
You know how you feel when you receive a gift that someone took the time to make for you – especially something made from their hands…that in itself is a gift!
When the new Occasions Catalog came out I was like a little kid in a candy store and there were sooooo many things that I wanted…..again – here comes the "indulgence thing" again….I really – REALLY wanted the Crazy About You Bundle and yikes the photopolymer one is $42.25….and I was feeling a bit guilty but again, I did get it as a 1/2 price item and just look how many times I have used it over the last several weeks!
The moral of this story is embrace what makes you tick…we all have gifts and many of these inner gifts that we have make such a difference. If you doubt this, go back and read some of the comments that people left on the blog candy post….you all are great….
"THANKS"
p.s. – Good Morning ….I only have (2) spots left for my Stamp of the Month Kit….please click here to see the post on it and if you want a spot, please email me and put in the Subject Line FEBRUARY STAMP OF THE MONTH CLUB.
Tomorrow (Saturday) I will send a confirmation emails out to all that are participation along with the colors of ink that I am using for the kit. It is super cute! ( I am trying to be more organized!!!)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Dec 12, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Christmas, Party Favors |
This is the time of the year that we are all super busy going here and there. There are many times that we need a quick "little sometime"…a hostess gift…something unique and practical but when you go to the stores, either 2 things happen.
- Too expensive
- Not the personal touch you were looking for!
I did a blog posting last year on this but I think that I am making it a bunch easier to follow and I do hope that you try this.
EVERYONE loves using small notes like these, they are perfect for gifts, perfect for a quick note and wowzers – the themes are endless….Christmas, Birthdays, Thinking of you, Get Well etc.
Let's get going! From one sheet of cardstock you can make 2 box bottoms and the top DSP is from the Trim the Tree Paper Stack. I love these packs of paper and I am thrilled that Stampin' Up! has (2) more coming out in January!
- Cut the paper to 8” X 5 ½”
- Turn to the short side (5 1/2”) and score at 1” and then rotate the paper around and score again at 1”
- Use the bone folder all around to make the edges nice and crisp! Cut in as shown in the below pictures and use sticky strip if possible. Green Glue would be my next pick but you will have to wait for it to "set up"
- Peel off strip and fold in sides to create the box. I like to run the bone folder in the inside of the box to really burnish the adhesive to the card stock.
For the top! Be careful when using the DSP as it is thinner so do not press too hard when you score!
- Cut a 5 5/8” X 3 1/8” piece from the Trim the Tree Paper Stack and then score a 1” score all the way around.
- Cut and notch as shown and fold together to make the top of the box.
To make the cards is so easy! For today, I just used the same sentiment as we all know that they will get used for the holidays! I love the font on this sentiment, it is from the Wonderous Wreath Stamp Set.
These are fun and oh so practical! This is a staple for me in all different themes….but Birthdays and the Holidays I seem to use the most! Keeping it super simple like I have shown you makes it a gift to make not only in a jif, but it is also super affordable!
Tomorrow I will be sharing with you a "Santa List" of goodies for you…..one list for beginners and another of must haves for the die-hards! We all start somewhere but we all do not need everything!
This is the beauty that I adore about Stampin' Up!….make it work for you and what your needs are! Remember, you can click here and shop away. With the crowds out there, I love the click and wait for the Brown Truck!
Remember, there are still goodies in the clearance rack but many things have made their way to craft rooms all over…..go check it out!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Oct 9, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Halloween, Party Favors |
I know that these Tootsie Pops have been around before but I think that they are soooo darn tootin' cute that it brought back! I have so many great memories of doing things like this with my children!
The best thing is that I STILL LOVE TO MAKE THEM...and I still send things like this to my adult children and they always call to thank me for the memories and then naturally I have my moment to say….do you remember when you were a Pumpkin for Halloween…..
(Do you remember making the ghosts out of kleenex)!!! Well, I admit, I love tootsie rolls and tootsie pops! Making them into an adorable broom is so cute at this time of the year but I thought that they needed a little "box" to stand on so they would be straight!
Today is also the Pals Paper Art Challenge and I "squeeked" this is with the color palette that they are using! Please make sure you go to the PPA site and see what the design team came up with this week!
I have LOTS of pictures for you with tips and tricks but please feel free to email me if I can be of help to you! They are so fun and I will say they get adictive to make! Let's start with the box!
I did use the smallest circle framelit to cut out the middle but if you do not have that or want to save time…just put a couple of glue dots on the bottom of the tootsie pop….works like a charm!
In the picture below you can see the little box! (I think a little Elephant should be standing on it) I like the fact that the coffee filter drapes over it to hide it!
Now let's get the making the broom…so easy and so cute! Again, please feel free to email me if you need further help!
So I realize there are lots of pictures being thrown at you but I do hope that it helps! To tie it off I used a piece of Baked Brown Sugar Bakers Twine and then the Stamp and Punch came from the Merry Everything Bundle! (I thought that this sentiment was great as we all know that you end up chewing the center of the Lolipop!!!)
True, you could purchase this seperately but I would not….WHY??? You will save an instant 15% plus this is a great and very practical bundle! I also used the 1/8" circle hand held punch and guess what? It is on the weekly deal special! I am amazed at how often I do use it!
To me, the key adhesive are the glue dots for this project…these little gems are easy to tuck in and with using the piercing tool…it makes it easy!
Thanks for popping in today and I hope that you go to the store and purchase some lollipops and try this! I am sure that whomever is lucky enough to get this broom will be a happy camper!
I hope that you all enjoyed the blog hop yesterday….I am still trying to go through and see what all of the PALS were up to! Sooooo much talent out there!
Remember, shopping in your jammies is FUN…..Click here and smile!
Until tomorrow….I have a post for you that is very near and dear to my heart!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Sep 24, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Party Favors |
Wow…I am so happy that there are so many of you excited about the Card Swap I am hosting. Please click here to see the post from yesterday about the details….it will be fun…fun…FUN!
Well – I think we did it…many thanks for the comments for Jeanie…she must have logged on last night and knowing her as I do…she was touched by the comments! She is not only a talented person, she is THE BEST pre-school teacher in the whole wide world! She adores her job and her little ones must have given her a nasty cold!
This super cute hamburger box is for her….filled with some of her favorites! (I do think those shortbread cookies sound amazing) and I must admit – I was soooooo happy with the end result and I cannot believe that this is the 1st time I have played with it!
I have lots of pictures for you – I hope these help but please email me if I can be of help! I am going to do more of these super cute boxes on Saturday in other themes….to me – I was SOLD after playing today with it and I am excited to show you more!
This little gem is on sale this week, please click here to see the offerings for the week! I totally realize that the Bigz Dies are a bit pricey but I totally invite you to think out of the box and see how this little gem can be used for sooo many different holidays – occasions….party favors and on and on!
As you can see in the pictures, I used the new Craft Paper…I love the texture and the weight! This works GREAT with boxes…3-D projects plus I love the look and feel!
You have heard me many, many times before…the Owl Punch is a must have – soooo man things you can do with it! I confess, the little cross on her hat is a retired mini punch that I could not part with.
Enjoy this dear little treat and I am hoping that this will put a BIG smile on Jeanie's face when she gets home from teaching! (This will definitely get her to help me with the swap)
Please pop back tomorrow …you will smile! One thing I am sure that you are wondering…does the "Nurse Owl" crunch when this is closed….NO – she is ready for duty!
Until tomorrow!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Sep 12, 2014 | Halloween, Party Favors, Super Easy |
I know that when we hear Stampin' Up! we think of stamps…card making…the Big Shot…framelits …ya-da-ya-da – but I am so happy that we are "spot on trend" in offering many more options!
I am thrilled that Stampin' Up! is offering more and more bags…boxes…heavier card stock for making your own boxes….wreath….again, ya-da-ya-da!
Today is a short post as I am traveling for Ted's memorial service but this is one product that you should not overlook WHY? It is a perfect size for many things and you can decorate it in so many ways!
Today I am using the Dots Decorative Mask and these are not only sooooo affordable ($2.95 for BOTH of them...WOW) – they clean so easy and they are just FUN!
I have used them several times before on posts and I have always been pleased with the end result!
I will share with you a couple of tips that I think make this wonerful piece of plastic the best!
- If you are working on a project that you can use some simple masking tape to help "anchor it down"…you'll be a happy stamper…this helps with the "wiggle"
- Try to use a circular motion when applying the ink (you will get a more uniform look) Today I ised the white craft ink which is "wetter" and you can see that I did have some excess paint….sorry!
I am loving thie new thick twine…I wish that it came in more colors as I think that it adds a fun and fresh texture! It will fray so you need to use super sharp scissors for cutting.
I would reccommend the Craft Scissors…hands down the best for cutting (I actually have 2 – one that has a piece of ribbon tied on it so I know to only use them for ribbon and the other for paper! LOVE…LOVE them!
Let you imagination go wild with decorating….the ideas are endless and I will share with you in later posts more of the fun packaging ideas that we offer!
Please click here and you will see the grouping of all of the packaging we have now! I love that stampin' up! has it all together in one place!
Thanks for popping in today! Tomorrow I have a very unique monochromatic card for you tomorrow that it super interesting with the textures….it's different but it is very easy and quite effective!
Please feel free to email me and below is a new photopolymer stamp set…..WOW – it is very, very interesting…please help me make the decision…should it make its way to my house? I am on the fence but leaning to hit that "buy me button"….what do you think….please leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts!
It is called You've Wonderful…..love the name – you can click here and see the scoop!
Until tomorrow…..
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Sep 29, 2013 | 3-D Projects, Halloween, Party Favors |
I hope that today's post gets you so excited that you run the store and
buy some yummy Ghirardelli Chocolates and make this adorable and super
easy project!
I am both thrilled and honored to be my wonderful upline, Mary Fish's guest stamper! Mary is simply the best leader to all of her "PALS" and she certainly has paved the way for each of us and the entire Stampin' Up! community…
This is not only a super easy 3-D box to make…it is just too darn cute! Just think of the different occasions this could be used for…naturally the holidays are a given…but these would make adorable name cards…great favors for baby and bridal showers…
The inspiration was brought to my attention on the PALS Gallery from PAL Elisha Smith! There is a tutorial way back in 2009 on Splitcoaststampers but I am going to give you the easy "low down" on how to make these in a jif!
Ready…let's go and you are going to be soooooo surprised with how quick and easy these are to make! From a sheet of 8 1/2 X 11 card stock, you can make 2 of the boxes!
- Your base size is 4 1/4" X 8"
- Score the short side at 1" and at 3 1/4" TIP ALERT– if you are using the stampin' trimmer and I hope you are as it is the best trimmer in the whole world…don't forget to use the 1" mark to the right – I personally like doing smaller cuts to the right….
- Score the long side at 2", 3", 5" and 6" – you see….the stampin' trimmer is the way to go with this project!
- Now….don't panic…just take a deep breathe and get your paper snips out and look at the below picture and go to town!
- Take you bone folder and give all the score lines a really good crease! I think that this is key whenever you make 3-D projects…it makes it look so professional!
- For the next step, I totally recommend that you use sticky strip adhesive…why? – easy as it is soooo strong and when you make especially 3D projects, it is the best to use! See below on the pictures where to place your sticky strip!
- Now don't panic…FLIP the piece over and put your sticky strip where shown in picture!
- Before you start adhering the sticky strip….take the front part and trim 1/2" off as this will tuck behind your decorative piece…(hang tight – it will make sense!)
It's coming together…hang in there – it really is easy – just like the Post it Notes Posting I did….once you get it …YOU GET IT!!!
TIP ALERT: I find that when you work with the sticky strip…the red piece is always so "clingy" and sticks to your hands….I always use the end of the paper piercing tool to get it going as truth is "I don't want to break a nail"… but I have found if I have a piece of a damp paper towel…it sticks right to that and you will not get frustrated!!!
- Next just simply fold the last part and press… you're done! Now to the super quick and fun part of decorating! The sky is the limit – let your creativity go wild and JUST HAVE FUN!!!
Please remember when you are working on ANY project, there are NO rules and the are NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAYS…the way that YOU do it is YOUR choice and it is going to be a work of love from YOU!
I am merely showing you ideas to get your "mojo going" and at the same time I am an email away to help you with your projects! I love what I do and I love helping you!
Let get decorating!
- The stamp set I used was Spread Joy ( love…LOVE) as what is there not to love about peanut butter and jelly!)
- The biggest key tip can give to you is to place the stampin dimensionals very low to your embellishment so the flap can tuck in! (I know it seems weird not to place them in the middle…trust me – this will be your anchor!
- Look at this picture and you will see why it is works in place the dimensionals low! ( Can you see how I recycle paper…I made a mistake – flipped it over and presto – works like a charm!)
This is a super fun project to have some super fun with! Below is a parade of the variety that you can do…but…the ideas are endless! Please email me and let me know how you are going to use these sweet goodies!
I thank you for staying put for this long post but I did think it is a keeper and I want you to understand how to make these gems!
I adore being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and the best compliment you can give me is to leave me a comment, subscribe to my blog (I blog daily) or order from my store!
Helping you one step at a time is a true joy to me! I love being your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and I just simply love what I do!
Until tomorrow!
Like this:
Like Loading...
