by Susan Itell | Apr 16, 2015 | PPA Challenges, Super Easy |
This week we are focusing on a sketch to guide our creativity and I must say, the talented Kerry Bray had me scratching my head as I wanted to make it a super clean and simple card as time was of the essence for me when I sat down to create! Then all of a sudden a light-bulb went off and I said to myself. "What's Up with you today….no mojo" then it hit me…What's Up Stamp Set will do the trick!
I hope that you will play along this week at the Pals Paper Art weekly challenge. I already know that there is a bunch of great talent out there and tomorrow I will share with you the cards that were emailed to me for the Monday's challenge! Let's keep moving….
When I looked at this – I see a square card…and a rectangle….and you know what that is exactly what I did! EASY BUTTON!
This is a great example of letting your DSP go to town. I know that you have it….I know that you just hate to use it…but PLEASE USE IT as there will be NEW DSP soon….and than that cycle will happen again!
Very Vanilla is the neutral of the day and I think that this is HANDS DOWN why I adore this DSP, Flashback, as it coordinates with Very Vanilla. All of our other DSP's always pair up with white.
Let me give you some quick measurements (as I know you really are happy when I do that)
- Overall card is a 4 1/4" square and then the next layer in is 4" and then I scored it (see below picture)
- The "What's Up?" piece is 2 1/2" X 3/4" and then matted with 2 5/8" X 5/8" and lastly with 2 7/8" X 7/8"
- The DSP is 2 1/2" X 3 1/4"
Because it is a square card, out comes the Envelope Punch Board. Ironically there is not a measurement for a 4 1/4" card so here you go! I would suggest that you write it down and tape it to the bottom of your punch board.
- A 7 1/4" square of paper and then punch and score starting at 3 5/8"
- Using the DSP and "green glue" I simply continued to use my DSP (HINT-HINT) and then trimmed away all of the excess!
I might of started off a bit rocky with my thought process of todays card…but at the end I was very happy! The "What's Up?" stamp set has some super fun stamps in it to send those…just thinking of you – what's up? kind of cards!
This would be a great card to send to someone that you have not heard from for a while…or even to someone that reached an achievement/milestone and then in the inside put congratulations! The sky is the limit with what we can do – just think out of the box and have fun!
Let's continue to talk about FUN….please pop back tomorrow as we have WORK TO BE DONE! I am going to give you some homework that 2 , maybe 3 people have the awesome opportunity to win some BLOG CANDY!
This will be HOMEWORK so I am giving you "head's up" that you will need to look at your catalogs, but in the long run – I know that you will be happy!
Also, tomorrow I will do a showcase of the Monday Works of Art! You all make me smile, you all inspire me to take the time each day (and trust me – it does take time but I love it) to do my blog because at the end of the day…I feel that I have inspired you and that hopefully you will go and make some work of art from your heart!
I am an email away and I look forward to tomorrows blog posting! Please feel free to leave me a comment on how you like this super simple card!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Apr 9, 2015 | PPA Challenges, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Thinking of you |
Well…it's a purple kind of day and today being Thursday is another PPA Challenge and today it is a color challenge using the below colors! At first I was scratching my head as wowzers, 3 bold colors….hmmmm…I like the end result!
This is a card that is super easy to make many of…I was running low on thinking of you cards so this was the pick. Remember, pace yourself and you can get the job done – free of stress.
The card is a vertical A-2 Very Vanilla card and then the stamped piece is 3 3/4" X 5" and then the Mat in Elegant Eggplant is a "smidge" bigger, 3 7/8" X 5 1/8" ( I know you love it when I give you measurements)
Let's talk about the (2) stamp sets I used today. The beautiful focal one is Summer Silhouette. I have not used this in eons and I do not know why as it is a fun and very versatile stamp. I will totally admit that when I first started stamping I would have probably been intimidated to purchase this.
WHY? when you look at the images of the set you see that you have to stamp twice to get the look of the flowers…this is super easy with the stamp-a-ma-jig and the end result is always fun!
I just think the flower with the little "sparkle" flowers are so sweet! I used the perfect plum and the elegant eggplant for these. A little "trip of dots" seem to be fitting today!
The color for the green is Pear Pizzazz and I would recommend that if you are to case this card, to stamp all of the green first and then fill in with the flowers. To sneak in the rich color of Blackberry Bliss, I used the smaller floral burst stamp 3 times on the leaves!
I knew that today was a purple day for the challenge but I felt the need to have a pop of color so this is where the crushed curry came in! The sentiment is from the "must have" sentiment set, A Dozen Thoughts",,,this is a set that I use all of the time – a true blue keeper!
When you look at this card and break it down, it is a very clean and classic card. You can easily see how you can make many all at the same time and just think of all of the incredible color combinations you could use. Also, it would be a cinch to change up the sentiment for a birthday etc….a very versatile card!
To the envelope we go…think about this – your stamps are already "inked" up…so why not? Below you can see the fun on the lower right corner of the envelope….the mailman needs a smile!
I hope that this card inspired you and brought a smile to your face this morning! The stampin' dimensionals gave the perfect lift to make this card a special one. You could easily make up this card without a sentiment and then when you need it….presto – stamp the appropriate sentiment and you are good to go!
The 2 day hour glass is on….I'm talking about the FREE SHIPPING!
I will be sending out a confirmation email to all of the people that are in the April Stamp of the Month Club later this morning letting them know the colors of ink I am showcasing this month in case they need to place an order!
Also, remember that I am giving to one person that places an order with me this week during the FREE SHIPPING this "basic" bundle.
- a pack of White 8 1/2" X 11 paper
- a bottle of mono Glue
- a pack of Stampin' Dimensionals
- a white gel pen
This is a great time to earn some Paw Prints for my rewards/loyalty program!
Enjoy the day…I am getting excited to be with Hannah at her show and watch her ride, she is a beautiful rider and her young horse and her are a great team. Oscar is doing great at home and it is a joy to see his head right from my front door!
Please feel free to email me and you know the deal…the products I used today are scrolling along right underneath! A simple click will let you preview it and then if you want it….PRESTO – into the shopping cart it goes!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Sep 11, 2014 | Fall Cards, PPA Challenges, Thank You |
Is it "Fall" where you live? Earlier this week it was super "fall-ish"….crisp mornings…but the heat and humidity is back today! I adore Fall and I find every excuse to take walks in the brisk air…to sleep with the windows open…to enjoy the beauty of the leaves on the trees!
Today is Thursday which means another Pals Paper Art Challenge and I below you will see the colors that we are working with this week! I hope that you will join the fun and I also hope that you pop over to the Pals Paper Art Website to see all of the inspiration!
I was doing the "happy dance" with this color palette! It screams FALL! You can receive this card for free when you sign up for my September Stamp of the Month Club! Please click here to see the post that spells it all out!
I am super excited with the response I have receive for this! Because I am making you a sample card of each of the 3 designs and I am limiting it to an amount that I can realistic produce. I originally said that the cut off is Monday, September 22nd…but I only have 8 spots left so please email me if you want to take advantage of this kit! (I do not think it will make it to the 22nd)
Let's get to today's card! I was super happy with it and when I send it to you…it is blank…so you can send it to a friend…use it to CASE…..or simply use it for a class. "Thanks" is universal and I am thankful for you popping onto my blog!
If you look at the colors in the Color Me Autumn DSP….it uses Mossy Meadow and todays challlenge calls for Always Artichoke….great example…play with your colors….many of our colors blend perfectly! The DSP is matted on the Always Artichoke…and it works!
Today's card os showcasing the Four Feathers Stamp Set. Feather are very popular right now and I will say…I was not a huge fan but then I thought about it…took the plunge and I am happy I did…WHY? – this is a perfect example of having a "filler"…to me it is like when you arrange flowers, they are times that you need "just a little something" to hide a open spot!
This s what I thought about these feathers. In today's card, I let the variety of height just gently cover the open space. I can also see that just using one feather with a cluster of leaves would be stunning. This does have framelits and you can buy it as a bundle (see below) – this way you will save an instant 15%!!!
A simple stamp of thanks from the Another Thank You set was a cinch as you can see right through for perfect placement! (I wish you could see my set, I feel like it has been through the worse storm as it is normal for your photopolymer stamps to get stained…I have used this sooooo much, trust me it is well stained which means it is well loved!!!)
A simple and classis Gold Basic Button with the linen thread and some easy loos was the perfect finishing touch! I use glue dots to adhere – quick and easy!
Well….I "thank you" for popping in today! Please remember to tell your family and friends about my blog and it you are not currently working with a SUD, I would love to help you out! My online store is a click away and you can shop at home with your jamiies!
Also, if you would like to earn some hostess rewards, I will be happy to get you a hostess code and your friends goodies will be shipped right to their home! There are many way that we can work together vis the beauty of the internet!
If you are interested in the September Stamp of the Month Kit, please email me and put in the subject line STAMP OF THE MONTH so I can save you a spot! I am super excited about this as I am excited for you to be able to make your own clean and simple cards following not only my instructions, but you will have an actual sample of the card….
Remember, if you already own the For All Things stamp set, no worries…just let me know of another stamp set that you do not have and I will mail it to you with your kit. Please feel free to email me and I will be happy to answer any questions you might have!
Have a great day and I hope that you enjoye this clean and simple card. Stampin' hugs to you!
Until tomorrow….
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Sep 4, 2014 | PPA Challenges |
Good Thursday Morning! It is Thursday and that means another PPA Challenge and this weeks challenge is a color challenge using the below colors!
I wanted to "think out of the box" and try not to use the NEW Holiday Catalog and here is what I came up with! I saw this technique a long time ago when I to a card making class and never had tried it! I was super happy with the end result….what do you think? Please feel free to leave me a comment if you wish!
The Blackberry Bliss seems to photograph so dark but in real life these colors are great together! Think about the card…it would be perfect for a birthday, a graduation, a promotion….a simple woot-woot to make someone day!
You can see that the main components that are this "STAR" card (ha-ha) is the Star Framelits and the simple stitching using the white gel pen..you know I love to do that and it makes just the perfect touch!
1st, lets talk about the sentiment! I stamped is from the Fabulous Four Stamp Set and to me…it is ONE FABULOUS STAMP SET! Just love all 4 of the sentiments and the other great thing is that these sentiments fit perfect on scraps you have….I just love using up my scraps!
After I stamped the sentiment I took the paper snips to make it into a banner and then measured the width…it really does not matter how wide you make it, you just want to make sure that you measure it so you know how to do the next step!
I found the center of the crumb cake and made a pencil mark an then did equal to the left & right. Out comes the paper piercing tool and I poked holes above below where the sentiment banner goes!
I simply threaded the Crushed Curry Bakers Twine through the holes and then doubled up a small piece and tie a bow on the middle one! Easy and super cute!
The finale of today's post is the lining of the envelope! East-peasy with the help of the Envelope Liner Framelit…."Heavens to Betsy"….I couldn't share a card to upi without a pretty envelope!!!
Thanks for popping in and I hope that you go to the Pals Paper Art Website and see the inspiratation that is here this week and then I hope that YOU play with these colors and submit your take on the challenge!
Many thanks for all of the kind words for Ted, I am still here but heading back home today. He is a trooper and has such an amazing network of friends. People have been coming in shifts to help stay with him at the hospital!
Enjoy the day and until tomorrow!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Aug 13, 2014 | PPA Challenges, Super Easy |
Welcome to the Pals Blog Hop for August. This month we are showing off our favorite crafting tools – those Stampin' Up! tools that we just can't live without. We hope you enjoy our projects!
You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from #19 Natalie Bradley at Natalie Bradley Events (Isn't her blog SUPER FUN) on the Pals Hop. If you get off track at any time, the full lineup below will help you move along from blog to blog so you see all of the amazing creations.
I love this Blog Hops theme…todays post will be a bit different as I know that you have 39 Blogs to hop to and from! Have fun…be a sponge and take it all in!
If you follow my blog, you already know that Polka Dots make me smile and they make me happy so I thought that it would be super appropriate to use this sentiment as it is ONE HAPPY DAY hopping from inspiration to inspiration on the PALS Blog Hop!
Today I did a double Polka Dot fun…using the MUST HAVE "Green Glue" to adhere the 1/2" circles on top of the circles from the embossed LARGE polka dots!
Also if you follow my blog - I love and adore super simple cards that are practical, doable and just plain FUN! I think that this card has all the factors of that…
Here is my MUST HAVE LIST of tools…
(I tried to showcase them in today's fun card)
- Big Shot = WHY? It does sooo much and I use it just about daily – could not and would not be without it!
- Stamp Sets that have matching Framelits – This stamp set is Starburst Sayings and I love that the framelits match perfectly! (see the peanut butter & jelly thing with the big shot = they are best friends!)
- Embossing Folders – This one is my all time favorite, Large Polka Dot Folder (again, the friend to the Big Shot)
- Our Punches….LOVE THEM – simply the BEST on the market…I say try to add a new one with your orders to gradually get a great collection. This one I used the 1/2" punch!
- Moonlight Designer Series Paper Stack…well let me clarify – we have the best DSP's but now that they have come out with the paper stacks….they are GREAT!
- Stampin' Dimensionals – aka my Stampin' Vitamins! Could not…Would not be without them!
- White Gel Pen…this simple yet very affordable pen makes projects hit the simple WOW…fast!
- Stampin Trimmer – this is a MUST HAVE….I know that many of you are like me and have a ca-zillion cutters, but this is the best! Also makes a GREAT gift for someone that loves to craft and hasn't broken down to see the beauty of it!
- Stamp-a-ma-jig – I did not use this for this card…BUT I would never make cards without it! Please try it and try it again…it's a bicycle kind of thing – once you get it….you've got it!
- Envelope Liner Framelit – Again, I did not use on this card BUT it is a MUST HAVE.…again, works with the Big Shot and guess what it is on the weekly deals….so a BIG WOOT-WOOT…..click here to see the scoop! Again, this makes a GREAT gift!
Well I sure I hope that I made you smile and that you are having a HAPPY DAY! Please feel free to email me if I can be of any help to you! I blog daily and please feel free to subscribe to my blog for a daily dose of fun and inspiration!
The next stop is #21- Wendy Klein at Doggone Delightful Stampin' ( LOVE Wendy's love for Dogs) on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you next month.
Please pop back tomorrow….you'll be smiling!
- Sue Becker at RnR Stamping
- Beth Beard at My Little Craft Blog
- Susan Lankford at Stamp and Create With Susan
- Brian King at Stamp with Brian
- Rae Harper-Burnet at WildWestPaperArts.com
- Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper
- Diane Roberts at Score at Four and a Quarter
- Jackie Diediker at Stampin' Jackie
- Kelly DeTommaso at Kelly's Creative Corner
- Amanda Merrill at Inkflair
- Shannon Hokanson at Paper Works by Shannon
- Amy Williams at Stamp and Spice
- Kerry Willard Bray at Peonies and Paper Chains
- Michelle Gleeson at Stampin' Mojo
- Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat
- Peggy Noe at Pretty Paper Cards
- September Gray at SeptemberGray.com
- Shannon Jaramillo at EZPeasy Cards
- Natalie Bradley at Natalie Bradley Events
- Susan Itell at Simple Stampin
- Wendy Klein at Doggone Delightful Stampin'
- Lynn Kolcun at Stamping with Avery's Owlery
- Nancy Gleason at My Stampin Space
- Sherrie Gross at Stampin' Sunshine
- Becky Gifford at The Social Stamper
- Kalyn Shubnell at The Stamping Chronicles
- Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creatons
- Martie Pollard at The Crafty Bandit
- Amy Hoptay at Inking of You!
- Kim Jolley at Stampin' Artfully
- Donna Kopenski at craftycardmaker.wordpress.com
- Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping
- Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards
- Jane Knudsen at www.seejanestamp.com
- Candy Ford at Candy's Blog
- Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn
- Katie Ferguson at Cottage Paper
- Liz Gautreaux at Kind Deeds Stampin
- Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Jul 3, 2014 | PPA Challenges |
It is Thursday and you know what that means…it another PPA Chalenge and I hope that you will play today! I know that this is such a super busy week for all of us but I hope that you can sneak some time in to play! Here you go for this week! Aren't these colors beautiful!
I can still remember the 1st time I "heat embossed" and I thought it was nothing short than magic and guess what…I still feel the same way! There are a couple things that are super important when heat embossing!
- Use your embossing buddy! This takes the static and dust off your paper to create a super clean image each and every-time!
- When you use the heat tool…keep it moving in a circular motion..this will help keep you paper from "warping" and there is nothing like that instant SHINE of seeing an embossed image come to like!
I've got some bad news….you know that I usually give you the measurements and more details but as the saying goes…."Houston, we have a problem"….and the problem is – I left my little piece of paper along with the card at work!
SILLY SUSAN….I did not realize that until I started to type up the post but I can tell you that the size of the card is a 3" X 6" card…just love those odd sizes! I remembered that part as I usually try to go with a size for the envelope that you can easily make with a regular sheet of paper, this time the envelope was made with a 7 1/2" square of Very Vanilla.
Taking the Basic Black card stock and using the Pool Party Embossing Powder…the instant WOW happened and WOWZERS – so sharp against the dark paper! The Million and One Stamp Set is the clean and classic stamp that always stands out!
This is a "Peanut Butter and Jelly Card"…why – it is soooo darn easy and it is you basic layer and layer and then adding a simple embellishment, The itty bitty accents shape pack…works like a charm!
You have heard me talk about our stamps before….well this set is a must have…LOVE IT and it is soooo darn useful to add that special touch!
Underneath the flower, is a simple…small piece of pool party cotton ribbon…this ribbon is even "Susan friendly" which means – I can even make a bow out of it and I am "bow challenged"
The envelope punch board was the "Trump Card" for being able to make an odd size envelope and the liner is my "go-to" Designer Series Paper Stack in the new In Colors!
For "just" under $20.00 – this is a keeper of all keepers! (Make sure you pop back tomorrow as I am going to share with you another "must have products" in the $10.00 – $20.00 price range!)
I love to see the different interpretations of challenges…please make sure that you pop onto the Pals Paper Art Website to see all of the inspiration out there for this color challenge! It is open until next Tuesday so….how about it? – Please come and play!!!!
Until tomorrow!
Like this:
Like Loading...
