by Susan Itell | Sep 6, 2013 | Get Well, masking, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Super Easy, Tips and Tricks!!! |
This card is sure going to bring a smile to my wonderful husbands face when I go see him today! Many thanks for all of the emails and comments wishing him a quick recovery! He'll be just fine…just a long road but we'll get thru it!
I told you that I will become the "Queen" of get well wishes cards and I was super duper happy with this one!
As you have heard me say ENDLESS times before….I am in awe of all of the amazing talent out there! Being that I am getting "super close" to doing videos (thanks from your encouragement) I totally enjoy surfing You Tube!
I love to look at many different Stampin' Up! Demonstrators You Tube Videos and I stumbled upon this one from SUD Patty Bennett. Please click here and watch this video and you will see 1st hand how fun and easy this style of card is to make!
Being that a "file" reminds me of a doctors chart at the hospital…I let my mind go creative to make this simple card! Look at it and break it down…it uses minimal products and the "fun factor" is high!
Sometimes I think we "over think" techniques and me being the "queen" of being challenged with fussy cards…this is easy-peasy! Just follow my simple bullets ….and BAM – done and FUN!
- Take your regular A-2 card stock (8 1/2" X 5 1/2"…scored at 4 1/4")
- Put this in the stampin' trimmer and cut off 3/4" (You better have this trimmer….it is simply the BEST in the whole wide world….I have a closet full of trimmers that are collecting dust ever since this gem came out!!!)
- Take the cut side (the shorter if you had it folded) into the Envelope Punch Board and line up the left side in the Punch Board Edge and simply punch!!! EASY…hang on – you can do it!
- Slide this over to the 3" mark and punch again!
- Back to the Stampin' Trimmer….take the "dip or valley" part on the cutting track of the trimmer and simply cut this piece off!!! PRESTO….you made your 1st tab!!!!
- TIP ALERT: If you have a little ridge….no worries – simply run your fingers back and forth to smooth the edges OR lightly use the sanding block to even it out! (again….my "type A " of crafting!!!!)
- I simply could not resist using my label maker to "personalize" my hubbies name and room number!
- I only used 1 stamp set….( I think that's a 1st in a while)…and the name of it is perfect…You're My Hero Stamp Set….as John is my hero!
- The stamp-a-ma-jig is essential…by now if you have not mastered this….please email me and let me help you….I go into total STRESS ALERT if I cannot find my stamp-a-ma-jig at my workspace! ( I swear that they hid this in the new catalog as I am ALWAYS searching for the number…page 197)
- I did use the Black Staz on Ink….why???? – don't exactly know but I love it!…I did "mask off"the real red and crushed curry part….you see…..YOU NEED THE stamp-a-ma-jig!
- The sentiment could not be more perfect…."you're my hero!"….just what John is to me! (again…stamp-a-ma-jig)
Was this FUN or what….I hope that I have inspired you and my head has been constantly spinning and I have some real "keepers" for you next week!
I hope that you have stopped by the Pals Paper Art Website to see all of the simply amazing ideas for the color challenge this week! I hope you play…..it's fun…why not!!!!
I sure do hope that you have a "hero" in your life….John is the most wonderful husband, Dad,brother,son and friend one could ever have….ZOOM for a speedy recovery! I'll be with you every step of the way!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Aug 9, 2013 | Stamp-a-ma-jig, Super Easy |
It’s Friday…it’s the weekend! WOOT-WOOT! It is amazing what can be done in a 24-hour span…yesterday my husband and I made the trek to Boston to get our son settled in his new city…new apartment as he starts a new job!
Today’s card is another card to brighten my 2nd cousins day! Many thanks for so many kind emails on your thoughts and prayers for him…he has a long road ahead but one thing that he loves is cards!
This is the 1st time I have used this stamp set and I was so excited to use it! If this little guy won’t make you smile than someone needs to tickle your feet for a good laugh!
The Bug Me Stamp Set is anything and everything you want it to be! Just put your “fun and creative hat” on and make a critter happen!
Pick a color palette out that you want to work with and go to town! Today I used Crumb Cake, Whisper White,Night of Navy and the fun new Crushed Curry! I wanted to use the crumb cake envelopes so this was a perfect fit!
I first stamped my guy on the white card stock before pulling out my main man, Mr. Big Shot, and using the Window Frames Framelits – a whirl of a turn and presto…a perfect image!
Using the scraps I stamped out the “wings” in Crumb Cake and using the BEST scissors in the world, I free handed cutting the wings! Investing in great cissors will make your projects SHINE and save you lots of FRUSTRATION!
I stamped the body in both the navy and curry and layered them on top to give some POP!!!
Wanting to add more color, I popped out 2 more of the Window Frames in the Crushed Curry and just placed them on either side of the critter! I just love this look…how about you?
You can see that this is a great example of less is best and the card is just clean just as it is!
A Regal Candy Dot on the edges was the perfect touch of a balance!
Before adhering this whole piece that has Stampin’ Dimensions on the back….I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to get the sweet sentiment from the Four You Stamp Set in a perfect position!
The new Designer Series Papers that are from each color collection are just fabulous! This liner comes from the Regals Designer Series Paper and they are such a fresh and fun addition to the Stampin’ Up! Products!
Speaking of fabulous…how about the Envelope Liner Framelits…you know I have many ways of lining envelopes but this works great and a perfect fit every time!
I know that when Matthew sees this card, there will be a smile on his face! I am excited to come up with more fun ideas using this stamp set!
Please let me know how you like this card…I sure do appreciate your comments and I do try to answer back to you! It is a great feeling that there are “cyber friends” all over….probably someone here in Boston!!!
Shoot me an email or leave me a comment!
Tomorrow’s card is all about L O V E!!! Another card for Matthew to let him know that many love him…truly a brave person!
Enjoy the day and until tomorrow!
p.s. – sorry for the photography….I did my posts for several days in advance and the hotel lighting is not the best….but trust me….this is an adorable card….what do you think?!?!
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by Susan Itell | Aug 3, 2013 | Stamp-a-ma-jig, Super Easy |
***BEFORE I GET TO THE POST….
I have no clue why my daily post did not go off as usual so my subscribers are not getting it until 11 a.m.! SORRY – technology can drive you NUTS!!!! Because of this…I will extend the blog candy comments until 5 p.m.!!!
Tomorrow I will announce the winner***
Now is this a super sweet card or what! This will be one of the cards that we will be making on Wednesday for my monthly Breast Cancer Angel Card making evening that gives our local organization many cards to send to patients in treatment!
Yesterdays post on "Envelope Lining 411" was a huge hit! I have already received over 44 comments or emails with comments on which method they like best! Remember, you have until noon today to leave me a comment on which is your preference….and the lucky winner will receive blog candy of 10 "Susan" way liners and also 10 Envelope Liner Framelits!
Here is the super easy scoop on this card! This gem could be "whipped" up in no time to make multiples to always have a stash…."just in case" I used the Note Cards and Envelopes, the gem I often post about as you get 20 note cards and 20 envelopes for just $5.95!!! Can you say B A R G A I N!!! Click here to start your order…..
At the end of the "scoop" of this card….you will feel like you are at the eye doctors office….do you like this liner…that liner….or this liner!!! Enjoy and I hope this inspires you to make a stash of this easy-peasy card!
- TIP ALERT!!!I popped the butterfly out twice and adhered them together so after I rolled it with my pencil you would not see the opposite side of the designer series paper!
- Here comes something that I forget about and WOW…..LOVE the effect – The Needlepoint Border Embossing Folder adds a super texture to the sides of the white focal part! When did you use this last?????
- After adhering everything together, out came the stampin' dimensionals to just give this card the special effect to go from o.k. – to WOW!!!
- Let's go to the envelopes….below you will see how I did the envelopes 3 different ways!!!
- The "Susan" way…
- The Envelope Liner Framelit…from the NEW holiday catalog
- The outside of the envelope!
You see…this is why I said you will feel like you are at the Eye Doctors….do you like 1…2…or 3!!! Well….I like them all!!! You can see that I wanted the mailman to smile, so I stamped 3 butterfly's on the front of one of the envelopes!
When I do this…I find the 1/2 point of the envelope….mark it with a pencil – use thestamp- a-ma-jig for perfect placement and then erase the center line….easy-peasy!
Thanks for POPPING by and I hope I inspire you to make this simple card! Please do not forget to go to my blog posting yesterday to get in the drawing to win blog candy!!!
Let me know how you liked today's card! I love and appreciate your comments and feedback! Please tell your friends and family to subscribe to my blog….a daily dose of fun and inspiration!
Until tomorrow!
p.s. – sorry for the photography today…I have a house full of people and I usually use my guest room to do my photography!!!
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by Susan Itell | Aug 2, 2013 | Stamp-a-ma-jig, Things you just have to buy! |
Have you enjoyed the 1st day of the new…exciting catalog?
WARNING: – This is a long post…but hang in there as there is "blog candy" for you if you leave me a comment on which method you like best!
The new framelit is a TOTAL keeper in many ways and I did you today that I was going to give you the scoop on the SUPER NEW AND FUN Envelope Liner Framelits! Stampin' Up! is just the best in keeping on trend to the market!
You all know if you follow my posts that I adore a lined envelope…actually – I can honestly say that I never send a card out without one!
My #1 question I receive is…
"How do you line your envelopes"
This post is to show you the options of how to line envelopes…this new super cool framelit is "over the top"…super cool…..precise…Stampin' Up! great!
Yesterday my super upline, Mary Fish, did an AMAZING video on showcasing this new fun product! I have not yet ventured into the land of videos and Mary does a simple amazing job and the timing could not be more perfect for me! Click here and watch her great tips and techniques on this great new product!
As you can see…Mary has done a fabulous job showing you the 411 on the framelit but below I will showcase how I have lined my envelopes before this super cool tool! I will say…it is great to be able to use the adhesive from the envelope and using the new framelits allows you to use the envelope adhesive!
Below is the way that I lined my envelope BEFORE the new framelits!
This is so easy and it ALWAYS is a finishing touch that WILL
get noticed and truthfully it is like learning the
Stamp-A-Ma-Jig….once you get it….it will be like riding a bicycle –
you'll never forget it!
There are 3 key things that you will need:
- A Stampin Trimmer – When Stampin’ Up! came out
with this tool last year I know that there were many of you that thought…who
needs another trimmer as most of us probably have several in our homes…BUT – hands down, this is the best on the
market! Sooooo darn easy to use and sooo darn precise each and every time –
plus being able to “score” with the same tool is truly a 2 for 1!!!
- Paper Snips – I know it seems that I can justify
just about every product that Stampin’ Up! has…but seriously – these are not
only the sharpest scissors…they truly allow you to cut in teeny tiny areas –
the only problem is that once your family finds out about them…you will lose
them to a family member, so the moral of the story is = buy 2
- 2-Way Glue Pen – This gem is a “best kept secret”
tool of mine…I just love it and have many as I am always “going to them” often!
Why??? Simple – it is soooo affordable ($4.50) and it is the perfect choice for
lining envelopes… it does not leave a “bump”, it does not show through and just
a quick run around the edges is all you need!
Now to the simple "how to's" for you to be a
pro:
- Cut your paper into 3” X 5 11/16” (I think it is
much easier to think about it as one notch to the left of 5 ¾” – see picture)
Test this cut piece to make sure it is a nice snug fit but that you are able to
easily slip in into the envelope!
- Run the 2-Way Glue Pen around the outer portion
on the envelope, no need to smear any inside the bottom portion of the
envelope…. it stays just fine (trust me!) by doing just the sides.
- I then “eye ball it” to make sure that the print
is nice and straight ( I know…a bit compulsive) but what the heck – you want it
to look super!)…At this point I flip the envelope over and double check to make
sure it is even (you can usually tell by the print on the flip side)
- I run my hand all over to get a seal and then I
fold it over to get a crease – TIP: After you do this…put it back in the Stampin’
Trimmer and score it at this crease – it will give you a perfect sharp finish!
- Now use the paper snips and follow the envelope
and trim away the excess!!! Let your scissors do the work – TURN THE ENVELOPE,
as you cut the excess – do not keep turning your hands it will give you a
cleaner cut!
- Easy right!!! I know it is a lot of text and
trust me…whip a couple of them up and you will never have to read this again as
it will become so 2nd nature to you!
- Doing the outer side of the envelope…super easy
as well…do the exact same thing but simply put it on the outside and then trim!
Depending on the print of the paper, there are times that I like doing it this
way! (See picture)
- Now the next question you are probably thinking
about it…how do you seal the envelope to mail it? Easy – if I am personally
sending it myself, I use the 2 Way Glue Pen again to seal it…and if I have made
a bunch of cards as a gift to give to someone…I always “tuck” in a 2 way glue
pen for them along with stamps to make a complete and thoughtful gift!
- If I am not sending them out myself ( like when
I make the cards for my Breast Cancer Group), I put a bit of sticky strip so
whomever can peel it off at the time they need the card!
I know that this posting has been S O O O O O long and I apologize – I just want you to take it all in!
Please leave me a comment or email me about how you like either of the methods and I will randomly pick 1 person to win both……10 "Susan" way envelope liners and also 10 liners with the new framelits! I will pick the winner on Saturday at noon Eastern!
Please subscribe to my blog if you haven’t already…and I
appreciate YOU and I appreciate YOU telling your friends!
Stampin' Up! is great and so are YOU!!!
Until tomorrow!!!
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by Susan Itell | Jul 24, 2013 | Stamp-a-ma-jig, Thinking of you |
I love square cards! I really don't know why but I just like having a different size of a card! This adorable gem is for my beautiful daughter to wake up to this morning with some beautiful yellow roses for her!
She had her wisdom teeth out yesterday and is sore and I thought that a sweet card and some flowers would be the perfect way to start a day! She truly "lights up my life"!!!
The card is a simple 4 X 4 card and being that we have the super great….super easy tool of the diagonal scoring plate…making a custom envelope is a cinch….especially when you have this great reference chart that my wonderful upline, Mary Fish create! PLEASE, print this off and you will use it over and over!
You can never go wrong with the classic look of white on white! To give it a bit more bling, I ran the whisper white through the big shot with the ***NEW Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder*** (available in the new holiday catalog on August 1st)
The stamp and sentiment came from the new catalog and it is a winner…I also love the name….Crazy, Mixed-Up Love! I simply masked the sentiment and then inked the stamp up with Daffodil Delight…and using the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig for perfect placement….PRESTO – perfect!
I cleaned my stamp and then using the brush end of the black marker for the sentiment I never moved my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig so I knew I would have a perfect placement for the sentiment! LOVE this tool….and to think I used to be scared to death of it!!!!
Wanting to "play up a bit" with the daffodil delight, I simple matted a piece behind for depth but before adhering it I added the 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon with a "Susan knot" – a perfect balance for this sweet card!
After making my own envelope using Mary's super-duper chart…it naturally needed to be lined and what better liner than this fun and bright print from the Polka Dot Parade Paper. I was so tickled with how the stamp and sentiment turned out from the card…I said to myself – "stamp it on the back flap"….cute, right!!!
I know that when Hannah wakes up this morning and sees beautiful flowers and this sweet card and note from her Mom and Dad…she will have a smile ( well…she might be sore….but she'll be both appreciative and happy)
Remember, joining this fun ride is easy-peasy….for just $99.00 you can pick $125.00 worth of ANY product PLUS you will be able to choose a project kit!!! WOOT-WOOT!
Click here and get started! You'll be one happy stamper!
I would love and be honored to have you on my team and be a part of the super fun PALS group! As always, I am an email away and I love to inspire you and reach your goals!
Have a super day and until tomorrow……
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by Susan Itell | Jul 11, 2013 | Stamp-a-ma-jig |
Today is another fun day to do a Pals Paper Art Challenge!!! I invite and encourage you to participate! It is open to everyone and guess what…
THAT MEANS YOU!!!
Today's challenge is a color challenge using these 3 beauties…..Midnight Muse, Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla! Please go to the Pal Paper Art Website and play along!
To me….this was a fun challenge as I simply love these colors…..so rich and traditional! I wanted to play up a little bit with it and challenge myself not to do something so "4th of July" so here you go….by now you know I love square cards…and I was pleased with the end result!
The Stamp Sets I used were Million and One and Flowering Flourishes! Both "keeper" stamp sets that you will want to have in your collection! Having the Classic Colors of Midnight Muse and Very Vanilla will always produce a clean, crisp and classic card!
Stampin' Dimensionals are the key factor to the WOW factor of the card! Simple, classic, and clean! You can never have too many stampin' dimensionals on a card!
The Stamp-a-ma-jig made this a breeze…true you would not need it but…..to me – it is SOOOO much easier to already have your square cut ( 2 3/4") and then use the Stamp-a-ma-jig to make it perfect everytime!
Randomly Stampin' the Flowering Flourishes for the back drop made the sentiment be able to be "Center Stage"….this is such a great "filler" stamp! When in doubt….pull this on out! Works like a charm each and ever time!
Bringing the Cherry Cobbler into the challenge…out came the Bitty Punches…the perfect little and subtle touch to make the WOW happen…and with the basic pearl made it happen!
You know me…I love my envelopes! Making a custom one is super easy! This was a 7 1/2" square scored at 3 3/8" with the Diagonal Scoring Plate and PRESTO….a custom envelope!
The liner was the finishing touch…and it was from the In Color Designer Series Paper…one that is a MUST HAVE….I swear by ALL of the Designer Series Papers!!!!
I hope that I have encouraged you to play with the PALS for the challenge….and I hope that I inspired you with this card! When I come up with one that I really….REALLY like…I make many…and this one I did!
Please let me know how you like this…..you can email me here and also shop from your home right now and the goodies will be delivered to your door! Enjoy the day!
Until tomorrow……
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