by Susan Itell | May 26, 2014 | Make it MINE Monday, Photopolymer Stamps, Thank You |
Happy Memorial Day to everyone! I hope that you are enjoying the weekend and I hope that each of us can take some time today to think, thank and be grateful for the men and women who served and have served in the Armed Forces for our wonderful country!
It is Make it Monday and here is your sketch for you to play around with! There are a couple of "challenges" (websites) that I like and this one was a past sketch from Freshly Made Sketches…. I hope that you can find some time for yourself and create a masterpiece from this sketch! Here's my take…..
If you have subscribed to my blog for a while….you always know there is a story behind the cards that I make! We just celebrated my Mother in Laws 80th Birthday and it was wonderful to have a special dinner with my in-laws!
Sitting there – looking at how amazing my MIL looks with all that she has on her with taking care of my Father-in-law that is not in the best of health I realize how blessed I was. My FIL loves Memorial Day and his little town always has a parade. In the past he always went and was so proud.
My FIL was in the Korean War an has some very repressed memories of his time serving for our country. Sitting there I realize how much we take for granted…and this card is for him…to thank him for being so brave!
How can you go wrong with these colors and so fitting for this day!
- The card base is a note-card size, 3 1/2" X 5" in Real red.
- The Whisper white piece is 1 3/4" X 3 1/2 and then the Not So Navy from the Regals Designer Series Pack and is cut at 2" X 2 3/4"…love these papers!
- For the sentiment, the stamped piece is 2" x 3" and then I stamped it with the MUST HAVE "Thank You" set and it is in the new catalog….
Comment: – I am so happy that with the new catalog that Stampin' Up! is offering more and more photopolymer stamp! I am doing the happy dance as they are so easy to see when you need "quick placement" –If you go to my Shop Now you will see that this stamp set does not show up…it is on backorder but it is in the NEW CATALOG!
- After stamping the sentiment from "Another Thank You", I did a quick mat in the red 1/8" larger, and then the white is 1/4" larger – I thought a quick stitching in night of navy was appropriate to "break up" the white!
You know what is left – the envelope! Easy-peasy with the Big Shot and the Envelope Liner framelits! Please pop back tomorrow to see my offering for the Color Collections Paper swatch offerings and also ribbon…WOWZER – we have some GREAT NEW ribbons!
Today is a special day…one that I truly hope that's "reflection" touches your heart1 After seeing my FIL and seeing his love for his family and so excited to be "out" with family…..it made me STOP and reflect how we take many things for granted…if you can…thank someone that has had the courage to honor their country!
Until tomorrow….
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by Susan Itell | Mar 19, 2014 | Paper Pumpkin, Photopolymer Stamps, Super Easy |
I admit…I never thought I would be excited to get this little orange box in the mail each month! At our house…John always stops at the end of our lane to get the mail and when I got home from work last night…he knew that I would be excited!
I had a late meeting and did not get home until after 8 and I "changed my post" for today to bring to YOU the latest Paper Pumpkin! It is sooooo funny as earlier yesterday I emailed the Pals Chat asking if others received their pumpkins….some did…some did not…but I felt like a kid as I walked in the door and saw the box!!!
I did say a quick "Hi John"….swooped up my box and went right up to my work area!
Remember, if you join Paper Pumpkin before March 31st, not only will you receive the "Starter Kit" – you will also receive a pack of in-color markers! This is only until the 31st…so please click here and sign up! You will be soooooo impressed with the direction that this program has gone!
This months kit contains all of the goodies to make 8 cards – plus the "woot-woot" of getting 2 photopolymer stamps that you will use over and over on other projects and also 2 ink pad spots, one in Island Indigo and the other in Calypso Coral!
I apologize in advance that the pictures are not the best but at the time that I was taking pictures, I was very limited! Below are a bunch of pictures showing you different options in using the kit in other fashions! This is another reason why I am lovin' this program…you can switch it up to reflect your personality!
This picture shows a sample that I took directly from the suggestions that Stampin' Up! included in the kit!
The Kit comes with these gold liners that are beautiful! TIP! – you can cut the in half…and with the piece you cut off….it will allow you to make another liner with the envelope liner framelit or it is great to use for punches! The little gold sparkle dots already have adhesive on the back!
Now to some changes I did to show you a variety of the kit! Remember…let YOUR personality inspire your work! It was so fun and I do hope that you join this program! You have nothing to loose as if you want to stop….that is YOUR choice – just notify Stampin' Up by the 10th of the month and you will not be charged or shipped a kit! How is that for incredible customer service!
What did I do here! I used the versa mark pad and then heat embossed it with black embossing powder and the heat tool! I think this is a super cute card! I also added the flowers with the Petite Petals Punch (love this punch!)
This is a super cute 3 X 3 enclosure card using one of the stamps (love them…so basic for many cards) and then stamping over with the sweet "thank you" from the Another Thank You Photopolymer Set in Black Staz on!
The liner is from the Sale-A-Bration goodies and remember that it is only good until the 31st – less than 2 weeks away! This is such an amazing collection of paper and I wish it was in the regular catalog as it is a keeper! It can be yours for free with a $50.00 order! I added a bit of bling…the Rhinestone Basic Jewels added the perfect touch!
Isn't this fun!?!? I heat embossed this with the Melon Mambo Embossing Powder and tehn the triangle punch witht the finale of the envelope liner with the Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper!
You can see all of the fun and versatile cards and projects you can make! This kit will make 8 cards and envelopes plusyou will have the stamps…the ink pad spots….and if you are "creative and resourceful" – you will find ways to use up the extras!!!
It was hard to get a good shot but here you can see the wodden images and the contents of this months kit!
Soooooooo….how to get started….click here and you will go to the Paper Pumpkin Website! You then click the subscribe button and it will walk you through the information they need!
When it comes to having a demonstrator – I would deeply appreciate if you put my name, Susan Itell and it will ask my city & state = Williamsport, MD!
As I have said before, your 1st kit will be a starter kit and besides the stamps and product, it will also have a clear mounting block so every month when you get new stamps – you have a block to use!!!! (that a woot-woot!)….and remember – before the 31st – you will get the in color markers to!
I have ordered many extras of this months kit…so if you want one of these – please email me and I will respond back to you and send you one! When I was at Regionals on January and had the opportunity to see February and March's kits…I knew that I wanted to order more as I knew that those of ou that just purchased the "starter kit" would wnat one of these!
In closing, the best news is….
Once you become a Paper Pumpkin Kit Member, you will have the opportunity to contact Stampin' Up and order extras of ones that you really love or maybe ones that you would like to give as a gift!
I hope that this has inspired you! I had super fun making these for you and I would appreciate if you would become a pumpkin with me! I do something special for my Pumpkin Patch members and I would like you to be in the patch with us!
Enjoy the day…..stampin' hugs and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Mar 2, 2014 | Photopolymer Stamps, Super Easy, Thank You |
I am doing the Simple Sunday happy dance!!! Now THIS IS my kind of card!!! Please do not get me wrong…I loved showing you the past 2 days of posts with Will’s goodies…and he loved them…but this is the type and style of card I am all about!
This is my “Breast Cancer Card Week” and I always try to create cards that are super simple yet uplifting! Naturally I will change the sentiment on this…but it looks like Spring to me…how about you?
I wanted to pull off the shelf a stamp set that I have not used in a while and the lucky winner was…Bright Blossoms! This is a cute set and one that I have not used in a while!
Let’s get to the fun…I am a bit bummed that the pictures did not turn out better on the close up’s of the flowers but I am sure you will get the idea!
- Pulling out the handy-dandy stampin’ friend, the Stamp-a-ma-jig…lets put it to work! The vase was stamped in Pacific Point and then the flowers were stamped in Wild Wasabi….(these 2 colors look fantastic together!!!)
- Using 2 of the fun little punches from the Itty Bitty Shapes Pack…I popped out (4) in each color and shape! The paper colors are Pink Pirouette and Strawberry Slush! Using the mini glue dots, I adhered (1) each over the green flowers!
- Here’s the fun tip! Pull out the mat from a stampin’ piercing and get your Simply Scored Stylus out…gently “push” down into the mat and PRESTO – you get a fun shaped flower!!! I just love the effect this gives when you layer the “curled” one on top of the flat one!
TIP ALERT! – I like to use the liquid Mono glue to adhere the 2nd flower…why? I think if you use another glue dot you will see it …just a teeny tiny dab of glue is all that is needed…press down with the stylus again!
- Where did that darn tiny dot come from for the centers of the flowers? That Owl again….he sure does come in handy…I need to do a post with him as the focal point…I have been using all of his body parts and neglecting him!!! Again…use the mono!
- Let’s get to the fun sentiment – isn’t that font gorgeous! It is from the Another Thank You Photopolymer Set! I am so happy that Stampin’ Up is going to be coming out with more of these great “clear stamps” …I just love them!
- Time to frame this piece…just a “smidge” larger in Wild Wasabi… 2 5/8” X 3 5/8”…I think the “thin” border is the perfect to POP the focal part!
I hope that this card brought some “Springtime Joy” into your heart today! You always hear me talk about the weather and how I am not a fan of this winter…well get this – today it is supposed to be 52° and then on Monday we are in a forecast to get 8 – 12” of SNOW…crazy!!!!
We are in March…and now the Sale-a-Bration time-frame has been turned! Remember, for every qualifying order….you will not only get a FREEBIE from Stampin' Up! but you will also get a FREEBIE from me….a swatch book of the Designer Series Paper!
I am feeling like "Rocky" with my cold….I really rarely get sick and I am feeling great….(expect this snow coming)! I have some real "keepers" for you this week….
Enjoy your day…hopefully you can do something fun and remember, I am an email away if you need help! Many thanks for your support and also, I deeply appreciate you sharing my blog with your friends!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Feb 27, 2014 | Birthday, Photopolymer Stamps, Super Easy |
Happy Thursday to all!!! Today is a very special day for my dear friends son…the milestone that I am asking you to think back to…Ethan turns16 today! So I have a question for you today and it will be a hoot to see the responses…
Do you remember when you turned 16…
Well by now you know me…I love to share stories with you! I am the youngest of 4 and I have clear memories of dreaming about turning 16 and getting my drivers license…I felt like Cinderella waiting for midnight and then I was going to feel different… (just super excited to get my drivers license)
I remember having a special dinner with my parents and grandparents and that one of the gifts I received was a pair of Corduroys that were all different colors….(I would absolutely die if I ever saw a picture of me in them) - I do not know how to explain them but I was super preppy and the legs were each a different color - pink on the front…lime green….bright blue and yellow ( I think they were called panel pants) –
I think Hannah would have croaked if I gave her a pair of these gems for her 16th!
Now Ethan is hitting his milestone today and I cannot believe it…as I type this I look up at a picture of him while we were on a vacation together and seeing him eat little mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls….and to think that now he is taller than I am…has this deep voice…has grown into a independent, fun athletic young man that loves his family and school! Happy special day to YOU!!!
Let's get to the card and still another story…I am sure you have all felt this way before…when you see a card that you love…one that always comes back into your head – well this is the inspiration I felt about this card!
Last June, my dear friend, Brian King made this card for his uplines son when he was taking his drivers test…the second I saw it I knew that I was going to CASE it…well this is another reason I love what I do and I love being a PAL…
I had emailed Brian to see if I could CASE it for my blog and immediately I received an email – ABSOLUTELY! Here is Brian's card…he is one amazing person and a TON OF FUN….and a super talented demonstrator….I just adore him and proud to call him my friend!
Being a part Stampin' Up! and being so lucky to be aligned with such a great group of positive minded people that really work and share their talents…fills my tank to FULL!!!
To me, you cannot get a card that is any cuter…appropriate for a 16 year old…clean…classic and clean!!! A winner all the way around!
Because I am also going to play with the Pals Pals Arts today and I feel like the “Moon and the Stars” were lined up for me today – perfect timing with this great sketch and Ethan’s birthday!
The card size is 5” X 7” and today….I know that this is rare – but I did not make an envelope as I am personally going to deliver this to Ethan with a big batch of yummy brownies for him!!!
This card is CRAZY easy – you do not need me but here you go!
The “focal” whisper white is 4 ¾” X 6 ¾” and then the strip of black paper is ¾” wide.
The “traffic lights” were a cinch to make…thanks to the Artisan Label Punch. I used Black Staz On ink…to me the BEST black ink!
Are you wondering about how I got the “words” on the lights? I simple ran the card stock thru my printer and then used the 1” punch to make the magic happen!
The colors I used were real red, daffodil delight and gumball green and then a stampin dimensional on the back…presto – too darn cute!!!
Let’s talk about this incredible sentiment…it sure does make a statement doesn’t it! Again, so easy! This is from the new Countless Sayings 2 Photopolymyer Set and it is a keeper! Just love these clear stamps!
I then matted this to a piece of Real Red a “smidge” larger – that 1/8” to me and YES – I popped out a bunch of punches to save paper and then adhered it to the base!
I know that Ethan will appreciate his card and he will really love his brownies…ready for this – layer of Chocolate Chip Cookies…topped with Double Stuff Oreos and then a brownie mix…bake and get ready to eat a piece of heaven! YUMMERS!!!
As the Spicher kids were growing up and we would be together for a dinner…they would all say at the same time….after we said a prayer….just love these kids and the family times we have together!
"Miss Susan" is a gooooooood cooker!!!!
Don't forget about the blog candy that I will be giving away tomorrow! Please check back to yesterdays post to read how you can win a FREE Sale-a-bration goodie of your choice by seeing if you can figure out what Birthday Card I am going to make for my son, Will's 27th Birthday!!!!
There have been some ready great ideas…but I can say – no one has nailed it yet!!!
Thanks for letting me go down Memory Lane with you…now do you remember when you turned 16? My Mom always cooked one of my favorite meals – BBQ Country Style Spare Ribs, Baked Pineapple and a yummy salad…her homemade Chocolate Cake and the best icing in the whole wide world! Great memories – I miss her! Still can't get that icing "just right like she did!!
Have a great day…I thank you for your comments & feedback – you make me smile, you make me love to create…you enrich me to believe in Stampin' Up! even more!!!
I do see 1st hand what a difference this makes to so many peoples lives….wowzers….some time to make a card and let them know you're thinking of them…PRICELESS!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Feb 12, 2014 | Photopolymer Stamps, Valentines |
Have you ever made a card and you just loved it…but then when you see a picture of it…you doubt yourself! Well…this sums it up about this card! It truly is super cute and so simple…just the way I like it!
Before we go further in today's card…I hope that you had as much fun as I did on the Blog Hop Trail yesterday! There was endless talent one after another! As I stated in my post…these hops are one of my favorite things to post every month!
Being a PAL and under the amazing leadership of Mary Fish is nothing short of sheer fun! I invite you to consider becoming a hobbiest Stampin Up! Demonstrator for 2 reasons:
- You will be able to get your products at a discount each and everytime you order…
- You will be a part of the PALS Community and within this community we have private gallerys…chat's going on about tips and techniques….just an endless amount of resources of learning!
I would be honor to have you along this fun…clean and simple ride with me and now is a GREAT time during Sale-A-Bration as you can choose $150.00 worth of products for $99.00….you can click here and get started or email me and we can pick a time to chat….I am totally laid back and want YOU to do what works for you and your family! Well over 80% of the Stampin; Up! family are hobbiest and why not?
We all flock to stores when there is a sale….we use coupons and get gas rewards from our grocery stores….why not get your Stampin' Up products at a discount and also have the opportunity to learn from some of the most amazing people…..I think the hop showcased some of that talent!
O.k. – enough….let's get going….I have lots of pictures and I do hope that you will try a card like this! It is sooooo darn tootin' cute and I know that if you had it in your hands….you would adore this little mouse!
The base is a note card and I would start by using the handy ruler! A ruler and pencil are your friends…like peanut butter and jelly…..
Take this to the Big Shot and place the Just Saying framlit to cut out the speach bubble! TIP: – I would highly recommend purchasing the bundle – Next, cute out a Real Red Heart from the Heart Framelit – This will fit perfectly in the inside of your card!
Take the cut out top and close it and then trace the image….( it will erase easily in a jif!!!) This again will make it easier to get the placement of the sentiment!
I used my new favorite – White Staz On Ink – it dries SUPER FAST….the coverage is not super bold….but I am thrilled with having a white to work with! REMEMBER…stamp the plastic sheet…place it where you want it to go….put the black piece….remove the plastic and stamp! EASY-PEASY!
I did the same to stamp the adorable little mouse on the front! This is from the Life in the Forest Stamp Set, so cute, popular and fun!
This little guy needed some balloons…..so they were a POP with the small heart punch and I mounted them with Stampin Dimensionals (cut in half) Are you wondering where the "X's & O's" came from – these are not necessary as you can just freehand them in….but they are from the Countless Sayings Photopolymer Set….don't you just LOVE this set!
The finale of the envelope with the fresh and fun Polka Dots just makes you smile! It truly is a cute card and I look forward to making more cards with the speech bubble cut out…..really like the effect and ease!
Well that's it and this is my last Valentine Card for you…..time to think forward to new ideas…..I have a bunch of Birthdays ahead to get ready for some clean and simple cards that you can make up in a snap!
Time is sooooo precious to all of us…if I can make reaching your goals easier…..mission accomplished!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Feb 2, 2014 | Congratulations, Photopolymer Stamps |
Today's post is a big WOOT-WOOT to my friend and fellow PAL, Brian King! If you know Brian…you will know what I mean…he is larger than life…totally fun…totally a work horse….and totally a special person and I feel very lucky and blessed to have him as a friend…(and another HUGE thing is….one talented stamper!!!)
Brian earn a milestone in the Stampin' Up! ladder, becoming a Manager! He is sooo deserving of everything that comes his way! When I learned this…I instantly thought of a card that I wanted to make for him and it was a card made by another PAL that I was able to swap with at Leadership!
Today's card was an inspiration from fellow PAL, Margaret Moody, and when I saw this ….I was wowed as I never gave this stamp set a thought as I could not imagine what to do with the little "states"! WOWZERS…isn't this the cutest card!!! Margaret gave us this card at the PALS swap in Houston…..too darn cute!
Stampin' Up! unveiled several Photopolymer Stamps and they are WONDERFUL! I will admit, when I first saw them and bought the first stamp set, I was less than wowed but then they kept improving them and when the Another Thank You Set came out…I WAS SOLD!
At Leadership, they announce that Stampin' Up! will be producing them "in house" starting this year so look for LOTS more to come….I say woot-woot! Why do I like them so much…..??? They stamp beautifully, perfect placement EVERYTIME…..and great coverage!
This year as they produce them in house, they will come to us in a case…another woot-woot!
Let's get to this FUN card for Brian…(and let's see if he pops on my blog today)!!!!!
What is this all about? Well this MAP and HIGHLIGHTS are all the states that Brian has downline in to help him reach this growth in the Stampin' Up! ladder! Brian's upline is Pam Morris,and she is nothing less than a TON OF FUN!
Last year when I went to Leadership Pam was soooo sweet to me! I was clearly the "new kid on the block" with the group and Pam was always so incredibly kind to me and always….always made me laugh! I had no idea what a "swap" was…and I had soooo much fun running around with Pam with my jaw down swapping cards!!!! (She gave me a handful of cards to swap)
This stamp set is the Map It Out Photopolymer Stamp Set…..again, I first thought it was dorky but when I saw what Margaret did with it….I thought – HOW CUTE…. then I thought….you could put the state to whomever you were sending a card to….or how fun would it be mapping out a trip……of your travels!!!!
I emailed Pam and asked her if she would send to me the states of the downline that Brian has….and mission accomplished – she came through…..11 states in total but knowing him – it is probably more by now!
Brian always adds a freshness and uplifting spirit when you are with him….and even if he is on a conference call – you know that "Brian is in the house"!!! When we were at Leadersip together last month we had a great time together…he is one of the funniest guys I've met!
This is a super simple card…..just let the magic of the stamp set itself do the magic! Just think of how many cards this would reach to…..I adore how Margaret used it when we received it at leadership….but here is another idea…..I am going to make it and highlight the states that my kids live in and the use the sentiment of "I Miss You"…..
The Whisper White is 4 1/4" X 3 1/2" and the I used the Owl Punch to POP out the states!!!! Matting this "map" just a "smidge" larger (4 3/8" X 3 5/8") was all that was needed!
Using the same size for the Crumb Cake, I just tilted it…and it works – can you say EASY!!!! The key to this card is the Stampin' Dimensionals! I cut them into 4's for the states…Around the edge of the white piece, a quick stitch-dot-stitch-dot in Crumb Cake creates a fun border!
I had to think of a sentiment for Brian, and BRAVO is PERFECT! This simple yet effective sentiment comes from the A Dozen Thoughts Stamp Set! It is a "keeper" stamp set…..a little something for everyone and for many occasions!
Just a quick stamp on scraps….and then a simple trim and then matted in crumb cake….DONE! This is a quick and simple trick when you "don't know where to go"…works every-time!
I was trying to think of the genealogy of Brian and I……I think we are 1st cousins….once removed!!! (ha-ha!!!) Pam is his upline….and Mary Fish is Pam's Upline…and Mary is my Upline…..so that's how we are ALL related but the best thing is …..we have each other!
WOOT-WOOT to you Brian and it is a pleasure and joy to watch you grow and better yet…a friend!
HAPPY SUPERBOWL to everyone and to let you know….Stanley, my daughters horse is happy and settled in…YEAH….. and it looks like the East Coast is getting ready for more bad weather……..YUCK!!!!
Have a great SUPERBOWL SUNDAY and until tomorrow!
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