by Susan Itell | Feb 28, 2016 | Step it up Sunday! |
Hello and welcome to Step It Up Sunday! If you are new to my blog…WELCOME and I hope that you will subscribe to my blog as I blog daily and I love to share and teach you clean, simple and practical cards that you will have fun making along with tips and tricks along the way!
You can click here to see yesterdays post and then you can decide…which one you like! My goal is to share and show you that you can make some simple changes and great results.
So…Side By Side… You Decide!
Today’s card I cut the white stamped piece a bit smaller = 3 ¾” X 5” – Again, letting the WHITE be a focal part of the card. To the left side I adhered a ¼” strip of daffodil delight!
Before I added that strip I did my stamping, same as yesterday and I hope that my pictures and explanations of “masking” are not to elementary to you but I always feel like never assuming that everyone knows different techniques.
I highly recommend that you play around with masking. It is super easy and the results are always super fun. I know that when I first gave it a try, I was terrible…but then once I had a roll on it – LOVE IT!
There is no secret I adore Bakers Twine. It took me years to see the light but I am glad that I “caught the ray” as it is SUPER AFFORDABLE and so effective.
I simply places a small amount of adhesive on the back to secure the twine and then I wrapped it around 3 times (love this look) You can see that this is crushed curry twine but you can also see that it blends great – do not be afraid to use what you have!
To the sides of the sentiments I added White Perfect Accents. Darn, I wish and hope that Stampin’ Up! would continue to add more colors to these enamel dots…they are fast, fun and effective!
Here is the final picture…(sorry for so many) but I think pictures truly help you learn! I know that there are times that when you see the list of the products that I use for my projects….looks sooooooo big – if you really break it down, I think I do a great job in using the basics…
It’s like setting up a kitchen….WHAT?????
Just think, when you had your 1st kitchen ~ it took time to build up the basics….you start with empty cabinets and then you add to it. That is exactly how I view starting a craft like this….start with the basics and then build…..you can do it! There is no reason that you have to have everything. I do not have everything and I am super happy – I purchase what I LIKE and what I think I will use!
Thank you for your time….I hope that you have learned how to take a simple card and still keep it simple but make some small changes.
Please click here to see the post that I shared at the beginning of the month about the goodies that you will receive from me with an order! I adore this card and I have been having fun making them….please feel free to email me if you have any questions!
Still having FUN in the South and what a joy to be with Hannah. She had a fabulous day yesterday and looking forward to another great day ahead! My “Joy Tank” is filled to the brim being with my Horse Show Friends!
See you tomorrow….enjoy the day!
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by Susan Itell | Feb 21, 2016 | Step it up Sunday!, Uncategorized |
Well…I told you….I said that you will see a difference with today’s card that was soooo simple yet sooooo effective! I know that this is a stamp that could easily be brushed over but step back and look at it – it really is fun and different with all of the different “thanks” in different languages.
Here you can see them side by side and I think that you will like today’s version….having that “little extra sentiment” tips it up and over! In getting back to our little talk the other day about where do we come up with ideas…..today’s card was inspired to me by my dear friend and downline, Jeanie. She sent me this card with the concept of the extra sentiment and I have always kept it.
When I see a card that I really like….I keep it…sketch it down….or have a file in my computer. I encourage you to do this….there are times that you can go back to ones that “touched your heart” and either case it….or make some simple changes and roll with it!
To me, the heat embossing with the clear powder makes this card. Embossing with clear powder is such a classic touch and it gives that tone on tone WOW that is simple, yet effective.
Today I trimmed down the embossed area and matted it on very vanilla that was just a wee bit larger. To this, I cut a piece of white fun foam to lift it up – I am lovin’ this as when you hold a card in your hand…it is super solid – just a great feel!
This sentiment is from “one of the great ones” from the Annual Catalog…..Something to Say Stamp Set. I invite you to look at sentiments that you have and see how you can add it to a card to give a different twist like I shared with you today!
You’ve heard me time and time again….use what you have….look at what you have and then see how you can it work in a different, non traditional way! Punches are our friends…they are our speed tools and you can see how a quick POP out…layer them together and BAM!!!
You can see on this stamp set that it also coordinates with the MUST HAVE Itty Bitty Accent Punches….these are just wonderful for little accents. Today, I did not use the flower stamp….I just punched it out of the card stock!
It is funny…..It was very hard fro me to decide what products to take with me while in Gulf Port…and yep…this trio and the scalloped punch made it in the truck. WHY??? The are great basics and staples to have to make clean and simple cards!
The envelope, the same from yesterday is a classic cutie. When you do an envelope like this…You can get 3 envelopes lined like this from a 6×6 piece of DSP stack. I simply cut it into 2″ pieces and then when you add a 1/4″ of the solid card stock …BAM – sit back and smile!
One question I get asked often, how to I adhere my envelopes…GREEN GLUE. it works…it is easy …it is fast! Remember, if you get too much out…no worries, just let it “set up” for a couple of minutes and then add the paper. After I adhere them I take my craft scissors and cut away the excess!
I “THANK YOU” for popping in and I think that you all enjoy the clear embossing. Embossing is always a WOW….always a smile maker!. I strongly think that using the embossing buddy is KEY for clean embossing….there is nothing worse than going through the heat process to find that you have stray embossing!
I do plan to do a video on embossing…I know that many of you would like to see the process. You have heard me say this as well before a bunch! We are ALL at different levels of paper crafting. Some are new kids on the block and then there are others that have been around a while…My hopes for you and my blog is to be able to walk away inspired and also be able to teach you. I am sure that there are many that have never heat embossed….a video will help you see the fun!
Yesterday was a settle in day…..Stanley is great….Milo is great….Susan is great…..so life is pretty great! All is great on the home front….Eddie is eating up a storm (I was worried that he might slip back a bit but quite the contrary) and John has promised me that he is being nice to Daisy Mae.
Get ready for SPRING tomorrow – I have a fun uplifting card for you…..I think that a bunch of the country had a beautiful day of weather yesterday….and it “sparked” a blast from the past that always is a hit….I know that you will love it….COME ON SPRING!
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by Susan Itell | Feb 14, 2016 | Step it up Sunday!, Uncategorized |
Good Morning…first I need to say that it is SUPER fun for me to do these posts and trust me, this is a 2 cup of coffee/tea post….I have a TON of pictures for you and I hope that they will shed some insight and light for you, but please remember that you can email me if you have further questions!
Before we get going… – Happy Valentines Day to you! I hope that you can make someones day….if it is a simple phone call…a quick visit – whatever you can do…there are so many that needs a “I’m thinking of you”! I have some of my favorite soft and chewy ginger cookies ready with a simple Valentine Message to go to people that touch my life!
You all know the drill….so below you can see….SIDE by SIDE…you decide!
I have to say….I go for today’s post….it is soooo much fun to create and using the STICK IT makes it a cinch! I am all about making things “do-able” and “fun” – and this product makes both of my wishes come to life! Trust me on this one….it looks hard but it is not – I had so much fun making a bunch of cards….
Here you go with a PARADE of pictures and I think that you will make you smile…this technique makes you excited to step out of your comfort zone and try something different. You know that I am a super simple card maker…but this technique is fun and rewarding….and then you will smile, trust me, it will happen!
Go ahead and cut out MANY different roses – I hope that you can see that you can mix, match and make YOUR own flower! This Stick It Product is just a DREAM to work with….You will be amazed at how little you use, (actually just the size of the die you are cutting out) so there is little waste and a pack will lost you a long time. CLICK HERE to see it from Amazon.… you can move it around to get it in the perfect spot and then give it a good press and BAM….it is stuck!
Look in the below photo that these pieces fit in perfectly….it truly is a FUN and rewarding process that is well worth the time! I say, turn up the music and do a HAPPY DANCE! Have fun mixing up colors….that is the FUN part!
The recent rage has been the coloring books that are all over the place…I know that I bought some for the peeps at Christmas and actually on my girls weekend away all 15 of us received a super fun coloring book and colored pencils….we sat there all afternoon (probably 6+ hours) just coloring away and talking and laughing….this technique is the same feeling you get….it is fun…and when you are done….you say – WOW – DID I DO THAT?
Well…what so you think – yesterdays or today’s!I do not think that you could go wrong with either one!! Would you like to see a video of it!?!?! It really is super easy with a huge WOW factor!
Look at all of the cards that I made with the different sentiments from this bundle! This is a special bundle and I think that Stampin Up! did a fantastic job with the details of the stamps and the dies!
What card did I give for John’s parents…..TODAY’S card….for sure as it is super special….just like they are! To me it is just that little extra “added touch and time” that is so worth it. Here is a picture of the bundle again and I have a “FUNNY” for you!
This is a good lesson. I know that many of you do not like the fact that the photopolymer stamps stain…..well the staining is perfectly normal….and many time for me I LOVE that as I can find the stamps easily. I had pulled out all of the different sentiments that you can see above and you can see that I did not use the “thank you” – well…..the reason was that I had never used it before and because it was clear it stuck to something in my work area and I could not find it……
I was sad as it was driving me NUTS and after pouting and tearing everything up I found it….STUCK TO MY COMPUTER…..so the moral of the story is a stained stamp is GREAT because you can SPOT IT quickly…..
Do you remember yesterday that I shared with you that there are times that it is hard to find a DSP for a liner when you are using Very Vanilla? Pretty Petals to the rescue…..this is that FABULOUS paper stack that it is the annual catalog…and I think that it works great with this card. I actually used this liner for all of the cards that you saw in the above picture…..it is a great feeling to have cards ready to go!
The other accent that I did today was the enamel dots…these are adorable! I love the colors that they are in and I would be super happy if Stampin’ Up! continued to add more colors to the line. A quick and simple accent that makes a statement!
Have a fabulous day….what are we doing today? John is in high gear with tax season…..so while he is at the office I am going to cook up a storm and have a special dinner for us! I am going to be working on some videos for you …darn, it would be sooo much easier if we all could be together and have a big class!!!! That would be a blast!
It is a great thought but I hope that through my posts you can see yourself creating projects that I showcase. Please do not hesitate to email me if you need further help with a project….we can email, talk or even skype if you want! Below you will see the products used and treat yourself this Valentines Day…..go shopping!
You probably have had to have 2 cups of coffee with this long post (sorry!) so keep on going…shop away and have your goodies come to your door! Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
HERE IS THE RECIPE!!!! Enjoy and please let me know if you have a hard time finding that Molasses….here is a picture of it – I always use the “Orange” label as in the picture….there are (2) different ones and this one is much better. I have tried other molasses and they just do not come out as good – let me know if you need help finding it…it should be around $3.00
Click the recipe to download the PDF!
Ginger Cookie Recipe: Ginger Cookies
This is what the molasses looks like:
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by Susan Itell | Feb 7, 2016 | Step it up Sunday!, Uncategorized |
Good Morning….here you go – the stepped up version for the 2 day weekend post! This is really getting hard for me to pick as I truly like both of them! It is sad that this is the last full week to be able to get this stamp set for FREE as it will be going “bye-bye” on February 15th but that great news is that there will be 3 more Sale-A-Bration items for you to have fun with through the end of March!
I have lots of pictures for you to see today’s card but before we get to the “ins and outs” of each card…here you go, seeing them side by side so YOU can decide!
It is obvious that I added a pop of color to today’s card but I still was able to keep it super clean and simple. You could easily use different colors that you have on hand but I felt that Lost Lagoon was going to do the trick for me today!
You can see that the other element that is different is that I used the stamp from Gorgeous Grunge to add depth and YEP – it did the trick! I can remember that when this stamp set came out, I thought it was the worst stamp set over….(remember, I see things very literally) but once I started to see it being used for accents like I did today, SILLY SUSAN bought it and I am happy that I did!
To me, this above stamp set is like a secret weapon….WHY??? There are times (like today) that you need just a wee bit more…and this stamp did the trick with instant depth. I tend to use it tone on tone a bunch!
One thing about today’s card is that you would not use as much of your DSP but it still gives a POP with the bold stripe! There are also other prints in this DSP pack that would be fabulous with this card layout…..like the map – WOW, that would be stunning!
Having just the one element of the card LIFTED UP makes the card come to life. I think that we all can agree that when you elevate a part of the card….there is a special feeling about it….and you know if we feel it when we create, than you know the recipient feels the same way!
It might be kind of hard to see, but today I also added some small brads on the wheels and then to the propeller area, I used a candy dot brad base with a black candy dot . The little propeller was from the Festive Flower Builder Punch…I forgot to put that in the below products….sorry! Little touches like this might be an additional step but they are steps that really add an extra level of WOW!
Here you go….some measurements for you! I hope that you feel free to email me if you need further help with this card….or anything else!!! This IS a card that I would suggest making more of….(I made 8 of them when I was doing this post) – which one did I do???? I did the one from today as it worked out perfectly with the DSP that I had. They both are truly great!
Saturdays Card:
- The Stripe Piece is 5″ X 3 3/4″ and the Very Vanilla that I stamped is 4 1/2″ X 2 3/4″ and then the mat is a smidge larger, 4 5/8″ X 2 7/8″
Sundays Card:
- The Lost Lagoon is 5 1/4″ X 4″. The Stripe piece is 4 1/2″ X 3 1/4″. The Vanilla and mat are the same as above.
It truly was funny as I knew that I wanted to do a 2 day post featuring this great stamp set (especially since it will be leaving us soon) and I truly was trying to make it more difficult on myself. Does this sound familiar to any of you? Why do we do this to ourselves….I took a deep breath and said, SUSAN….JUST DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU,,,,and there you go!
I hope that you enjoyed this weekend post and I hope that you can see that here you go – a great masculine card! It is FOOTBALL DAY…..I adore watching the commercials – how about you? I am glad that I do not have to pay for them (I think it is crazy how expensive these are) but I admit, it is a highlight to see them!
Feel free to shop away while watching the game….best of both worlds! Thanks for your time and I hope that you can get “inky” today!
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by Susan Itell | Jan 24, 2016 | Step it up Sunday!, Uncategorized |
WOWZERS…We have never ever had this much snow before and to be honest with you….I would be “just fine” if it doesn’t happen again! It snowed ALL day yesterday (and actually it is still snowing as I type this at 7 p.m.) At the end of the post I will share with you some pictures of the snow….my fur babies. We were to get high winds last night so I am hoping and praying that the power behaves itself!
Make sure that you read to the end of the post as I am offering a personal special for you today….it is good for JUST TODAY!
Let’s get to it….I made some minor….minor changes that are a cinch to do and it is amazing how just a change up in (3) things makes a difference. Some may like it, some may not and that is just fine…my goal is to try to share and inspire you to try different things!
The (3) changes were:
- I cut the DSP into (4) 1″ strips X 3″
- I added 1/4″ strips of blushing bride to the edges.
- I used Stampin’ Dimensionals to POP up the sentiment and the heart.
The other thing that I forgot to mention yesterday that I did on both cards was to use the White Fun Foam to back the layer up! Several weeks ago I blogged about doing this and I am really liking it. I purchased it from Amazon and you can click here to see what it is…I am amazed at how substantial the card feels in your hand as by having the solid piece – it makes a very solid card.
It is best to adhere this with a tape runner or I used fast fuse I (as I am not addicted to it) If you use the good old green glue, it soaks right in the foam…not a good choice! If you happen to have some craft foam, try it – you might like it! This is something that is could to try when you have a larger, solid piece like this one….also it works great on die cuts….this is what I used to POP up the numbers on the 50th birthday card I did last Thursday!
On today’s card, I did use stampin’ dimensionals to pop up both the heart and the sentiment…yesterday they were adhered flat! Either way works…just comes down to preference!
Let’s chat about the strips…yesterdays dimension for the DSP was 4 1/2″ X 3 1/2″ but today I just made the DSP into (4) X 3 1/2″ strips. You still cn do both the card and the lined envelope with just (1) sheet of DSP.
Because I did the card with the 1/4″ strip with the DSP I thought, WHY NOT??? Just continue to make this theme work on the card! I highly reccomend that you use the RIGHT hand side of your stampin’ trimmer to make small (thin) cuts…..it is much easier to see and do! There really is no science about how I added them.
This method is a fun one to do and also you can see that if you did not get it perfectly straight, no worries…the strips of paper are your friends and they will go over top of the DSP strips!
I do think that this is a super sweet and cute card! YEP, it can certainly be used for Valentines Day but it could also be sent as a thank you for a special friend. These prints on this stack “grows on you” after you look at them over and over. I can remember when I first saw this paper stack, I thought it was JUST VALENTINES….it certainly is not at all – it is a great collection of fun and rich papers!
Well – there you go….another 2 day post that will show you that there are 2 ways to make a simple card work! I hope that if you are affected by this unbelievable snow storm that you are safe and staying in and letting nature do its thing….and then letting the road crews that are working sooooo are do their thing.
The way I look at it is = IT ALLOWS UP TO DO OUR THING….MAKE CARDS!
Please remember to use the hostess code of 3RPTW7MB (the current hostess code will always be in the upper corner of my blog) and you can click here and see the goodies that I will send your way!
Here is a SPECIAL for you JUST FOR TODAY –
Sunday, January 24th…
Because many of us are “snowed in”.…let’s go shopping! Place an order with my TODAY and I WILL PAY FOR YOUR SHIPPING……I can calculate what you had to incur with your order and I will send you a check for your shipping expenses when I send you the card and/or the Wink of Stella Pen…..
Be smart with your ordering so you can get some freebies from the SAB catalog
If you order is anywhere near $99 – than do the smart thing and get the kit... you will get $155 worth of products for just $99….Because this automatically ships for free…You can email me (3) Sale-a-Bration items that you want and I will be happy to send them your way!
I adore and welcome Hobby Stampers…
I consider myself a hobbiest just “stepped up a bit” – please feel free to email me if you have any questions! I think that many of you think there is a big commitment etc, there is NOT…trust me, I just want you to be able to take advantage of the best opportunity!
Enjoy the below pictures….it was a crazy day yesterday and I am sure that the digging out will be one for the record books – I am still dealing with one MISERABLE pig (I need to get a picture of her)
“Oscar and Colin”, the horses and “Jack”, one of our Rotten Russell’s are missing from the camera….trust me, I will have lots of time to get pictures over the next several days! YIKES – CALGON, take me away!
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by Susan Itell | Jan 3, 2016 | Step it up Sunday!, Uncategorized |
Good Morning and here you go….a stepped up versions from yesterdays card…still simple…still clean with minimal changes that make the card have a bit of a different feel but to me, you can not go wrong with either one.
I am one that LOVES white…white space is your friend in making cards…BUT….I hope that you can see that today’s card still has a bunch of white space but I added the mat of the Bermuda Bay to help POP the vases but more specifically, I wanted to let the liner shine!
I love the paper stacks as they always allow us to have a simple element of fun that will pull a project together as all of our papers and inks color coordinate together. I just love it when you do not have to think too hard and the end result will be a smile for someone!
You can see on the above photo that the Bermuda Bay mat sets off the vases but the FUN is the new enamel accents called It’s My Party Enamel Dots and they are in the colors of Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo and Mint Macaroon. This little accent if fun, shiny, modern and just plain fun!
The other difference from yesterday is that I used dimensionals today and yesterday I just adhered the white mat on the cards base. Again, it all comes down to time – you really could not go wrong with either one!
Today I decided to stamp the front of the envelope as well as adhere the vase down. I used the green glue and I have not found that they come off in the mail. If you are concerned, ask your post office to hand stamp it so it will not go through the machine and you will be good to go!
This card can be made with so many of our DSP’s….just remember that smaller prints work the best! Heck, you could use the same color scheme using the DSP Paper Stacks and use different prints….BINGO – DONE!
Well…thoughts? Do you have a favorite? I hope that this shows you haw a single simple stamp can make a fun and fabulous card that anyone would be super proud to receive….and the best thing….they will feel better sooner because of you!
Here you so with the dimensions! Both cards this weekend were made with the MUST HAVE Whisper White Notecards and Envelopes. The colors that I used with the Aqua painter to accent the flowers were the same for both days, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry and Pear Pizzazz.
Saturday’s Card:
- The White Mat on the note card was 4 3/4″ X 3 1/4″
Sunday’s Card:
- The Bermuda Bay was 4 3/4″ X 3 1/4″
- The White Mat is 4 1/2″ X 3″
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