by Susan Itell | Feb 15, 2015 | Embossing Folders, Super Easy, Thank You, Things you just have to buy! |
Yesterday I blogged about the super cute and easy card that I think is just adorable! My inspiration came from the Stampin' Success Magazine that Demonstrators receive. Please click here to see that post and today we are going to go through the "Stepped Up" version!
The reason I am doing this is to share with you how you can take some other products that we have and simply "step it up" I must say, I like both of them. Please remember, do what works for you. It takes a bunch of "trials and errors" to develop a style that works for YOU.
I am sure that you do the exact same thing that I do…that is have fun looking at Pinterest, watching You Tube Videos etc…and there are cards and projects that make you get sooooo darn excited, only for you to go to the effort to attempt to make them to find out that "they just weren't worth it" as it wasn't your style!
When I first started card making I tried all different styles and the happiest I am is with Clean and Simple….that makes me roll and I love to help you reach your goals!
Let's get going – I will share with you the changes I did…they are very simple!
- I looked at the Something Borrowed DSP that I used yesterday and the pattern reminded me of the Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder so out it came! The piece is in Sahara Sand and it is 4 3/4" X 3 1/4". I used the corner Rounder before I ran it through the Big Shot.
- The white piece is 3 1/4" X 2 3/4" and then matted with Pistachio Pudding just a "smidge larger" – 3 3/8" X 2 7/8". I also corer rounded them.
- The stamping was just like yesterday and before I POPPED this up I added the simple yet effective piece of Thick Bakers Twine…just a quick and easy touch!
- Now for the part that always makes smile – the envelopes….you know I sure do love my envelopes! Today I took a scrap Sahara Sand and embossed it, just trying to get the focal row of the image. I then took a 1/2" strip of the DSP and placed it on above and below….and after adhering it – a quick snip! LOVE IT! (well, I probably should have made the DSO a bit narrower to make it balanced….but there is always a next time!)
Well…thoughts!?!? I truly like both of my versions…it's all about time! Remember, break your projects down and do it in steps so you are not overwhelmed! This would be a great card to make BUNCHES of in all different colors and different DSP's (if you choice todays post)
Please feel free to leave me a comment and let me know how you like today's post! I am an email away if you need help or guidance!
Our dinner was FABULOUS last night….it is wonderful to have James home as he is my helper in the kitchen….he took after me in lovin' to cook – I told you he was a catch!
Lot's of fun posts ahead this week….I hope that you will pop back!
Stampin' hugs! Until tomorrow!
p.s. – James helped me set up an Instagram Account…click here to follow…
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by Susan Itell | Feb 14, 2015 | Super Easy, Thank You |
You have heard me blog an endless amount of time that I adore being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and today's quick "Show & Tell" is another reason why!
Let me explain…as you already know, there are many advantages of being a SUD (mainly for most is to be able to get their products at a discount everyday and also be able to see and pre-order NEW product before customers) but another reason that I love it is for a bi-monthly publication that they send to us called Stampin' Success!
Mine came on Thursday and I did not tempt myself to look at it until I was ready to go to bed. (I adore reading cookbooks before I fall asleep – I know, that's a bit strange) and I was so focused on getting a project finished, that I kept this special time to read it for "me time" before I fell asleep.
When I opened up to page #17 I instantly thought…what a super sweet and easy card! When the new catalog came out last June, this single stamp, Watercolor Thank You…would be on my shelf! The minute I saw this simple, clean yet classic card – I knew that I needed to share it with you.
This IS a perfect card to whip up in a jif…a perfect card for a beginner stamper and tomorrow I will share with you a "STEPPED UP" version of it with basically the same elements. Remember what I have said, "When you have a keeper….KEEP IT – and this simple gem is such a sweet card; therefore – IT'S A KEEPER!
In this great publication, SU is wonderful about giving you step by step instructions with great pictures (another reason why becoming a SUD is a win-win) – this magazine is great and filled with great articles and ideas!
Let's get going but you really do not need me….
- Stamp the small flower in Crisp Cantaloupe and the vine in Pistachio Pudding. Both of these are from the Your Perfect Day Stamp Set (I love having small images like this to use as "filler" on clean and simple cards)
- Add a simple "pearl" to the center of the flower
- Before you clean up your stamps….add some simple love to the front of the envelope and then to the back flap…add a piece of DSP from the Something Borrowed DSP Collection and PRESTO! You have once super cute card!
Well that is my "Show & Tell" for you today….please pop back tomorrow an I will share more ideas using this single stamp! When I have people ask me when they are getting started…"What stamps should I buy" – THIS ONE is always one on the list as it makes up quick and clean cards!
Please do not forget…that becoming a Hobby Demonstrator is not only super easy, it is super smart for you as well….you can simply pick $125.00 worth of product and only pay $99.00 for it (and it ships free)….we are a very fun and healthy group of inspiring and talented Demonstrators and I would love for you to be on this fun journey with me! Feel free to email me if you have any questions!
I almost forgot….Happy Valentines Day to everyone….(When you are married to an Accountant….holidays from January 1st – April 15th become a blur" but have a special day as YOU are special! I am making one of John's favorites for dinner, braised Lamb Shanks with a Parmesan Rosemary Polenta! YUM…a great hearty meal for a cold night!
Stampin' hugs to all and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Feb 11, 2015 | Easter, PALS Blog Hops, Super Easy |
Welcome to the February Pals Blog Hop. This month we are sharing what we love – our favorite Stampin' Up! products and our favorite crafting techniques.
You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from Stop #8 Susan Lankford at Stamp and Create With Susan. Use the full lineup below to move along from blog to blog so you see all of the new projects.
The Pal's Blog Hop Day is one of my favorite days of the month as it is a joy to see all of the creativity! With 31 blogs…you better get HOPPING….so I thought that this adorable bunny deserves to shine!
Is this little guy the cutest or what…he reminds me of a toddler when they are excited! I LOVE that Stampin' Up comes out with great single stamps! This guy is called Happy Easter Bunny (original…right?)
It simply does not get any cleaner or more simple than this! This little guy stands proud on his own, all I did was use the blendabilities. I LOVE the fact that Stampin' Up! is right on trend and came out with these fabulous markers!
The blendabilites are a dream to use and on this card…I did not do any "blending" as I wanted to show you that these markers can be used "as is". I realize that many of you worry about "how to blend"….(it really easy easy though)
The key factor to the Blendabilites is the fact that you do not see any lines…it is a clean, smooth and polished look!
For the dynamics of this card….easy-peasy…the Oval Framelits, another product I LOVE that StampinUp! has…with the help of my main man, Mr. Big Shot I cut (2) white (largest Oval) and (2) Soft Sky (scalloped).
After doing my coloring, I adhered both white pieces to the Soft Sky ones. To the "inside" oval, I took it to the Stampin Trimmer and scored it at 1/2" and then using the bone folder, I gave it a good burnish in both directions and then added a piece of sticky strip to join the 2 together!
Adding some Stampin' Dimensionals under my adorable little guy….is all that is needed! I told you that it was a SIMPLE card…another thing that is GREAT about this card, especially if you are a busy Mom and stamper – you could go ahead and stamp the image of a bunch of Ovals….grab your blendabilites….and color away while you are at a game….waiting in a parking lot for the kids…( I always love to have something to do)
You know that I need to give my envelope some love, and what better way than to use another Stampin' Up! product that I LOVE….the DSP Designer Series Paper Stack in Subtles – these are total "lifesavers" to me!
The envelope liner Framelit is definitely a product of ours that I LOVE...could not…would not be without it!
I hope that you found this to be a FUN card and one that you will give it a try! With having "single" stamps…it not only makes it affordable, it eliminates "piecing" together many different stamp sets to make a statement – This guy says it all….Happy Easter!
Stampin' Up! makes it so easy for all of us as everything coordinates which makes it a total one stop shopping experience! LOVE THAT!
Many thanks for popping in and please keep hopping along the great PALS bunny trail! Please feel free to email me if I can be of help!
The next stop is #10 Rae Harper at WildWestPaperArts.com on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting and I'll see you next month!
- Wendy Klein at Doggone Delightful Stampin'
- Jackie Diediker at Stampin' Jackie
- Natalie Bradley at Natalie Bradley Events
- Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
- Sue Becker at RnR Stamping
- Amy Hoptay at Inking of you
- Beth Beard at My little craft blog
- Susan Lankford at Stamp and Create With Susan
- Susan Itell at Simple Stampin
- Rae Harper at WildWestPaperArts.com
- September Gray at www.septembergray.com
- Pamela Sadler at Stampin Pink Rose
- Becky Volpp at inkblossomwithbecky.com
- Beth McCullough at Stamping Mom
- Sherrie Gross at Stampin' Sunshine
- Brian King at Stamp with Brian
- Martie Pollard at The Crafty Bandit
- Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards
- Lynn Kolcun at Avery's Owlery
- Kalyn Shubnell at The Stamping Chronicles
- Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn
- Amy Whelan at Amy's Inklings
- Karen Hallam at Karen's Blog
- Michelle Gleeson at StampinMojo
- Shannon K Jaramillo at Shannon Kay Paperie
- Peggy Noe at prettypapercards.com
- Candy Ford at Stamp Candy
- Jane Knudsen at see jane stamp
- Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat
- Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
- Angela Curry at Kindred Stampers
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by Susan Itell | Feb 9, 2015 | 3-D Projects, Super Easy, Valentines |
Good morning…I know that this is getting to you later than usual but yesterday was a great day and posting by blog…"just simply did not happen"…why? Well, I great drive with John in the countryside and YES – we did get to see my boys (horses) Oscar and Stanley – and then my great Dad came to dinner to do an early celebration with us for his 84th Birthday!
Here is another "OLDIE BUT GOODIE" and I know that I have blogged about this before and it has been "all around the stampin' town" but I adore it – so easy yet so fun!
How can a "Sour Cream" container be so darn cute?
Easy-peasy…..because it was made with your heart and hands! Now – I all know that we have a TON of paper and we look at it and say WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH YOU? Does this ring a bell?
The best thing is making these little dreams is the best as you can really use just bout any size of paper, Today I am using the paper stack and not cutting it one bit –
If you are like me, you stock up on these paper stacks . These make up SUPER little gifts, table decorations, party favors etc…and you really would not have to put any candy in it – you could fill it with inspiration quotes, a note…
So easy, so fast, let's get going! It is literally like 1,2,3!
- Take your paper from a paper stack, today I am using the Stacked with Love Stack and simply place sticky strip on 3 sides (1short side and both long sides)
- Expose the short side only, then I find it easier to use the piercing tool – pull off one of the long sides and squeeze together!
- Fill with FUN and LOVE and then turning the pouch to the other side, squeeze the opposite sides together to form then FUN treat! (hopefully the pictures will help!)
- To decorate….the sky is the limit but because I still have the "critters" and the "snuggle & smooches" out on my work area, I said why not! Soooooo darn cute!
I loved the sentiment on my little bear! Using the blendabilties is like having "power steering"…they are a DREAM and just glide right onto the paper!
Now for the super fun "feel good" for the day!
Get ready because this is super special…my Dad is leaving on Wednesday to meet up with his other 3 siblings to go to Myrtle Beach to spend a week together….is that the BEST or what!
I have a "bag of 6" ready for him to take with him for his Valentines Dinner table treat to have with his siblings. I just think that it is great that they are going this….(Uncle George is 87…Aunt Jean is 86….my Dad will be 84 on the 18th…and Aunt Anne….the baby is 75)
So for a SUPER quick and easy Valentine goodie to make up – I say GO FOR IT, I am sure that you have lots of paper around – it simply can not be easier!
Tomorrow I have a FUN technique that I tried….now I cannot say that it is the easiest but it is really, really cute and I think that once I made many of them – it would be super easy! I hope you can POP back tomorrow!
Sorry for the late post….please feel free to email me if I can help you and I thank YOU for YOU!
p.s. – tomorrow will be the NEW weekly deals and there is a new stamp set coming out that I am super excited about!
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by Susan Itell | Jan 27, 2015 | Birthday, Super Easy |
Woot-woot….I am doing the happy dance as I am so happy to be doing a post for you that I certainly hope that you case away! When I showed John this card…he smiled and said, "I can tell that's a Susan card" It feels so great to create and I hope that this little worm puts a smile on your face!
This adorable stamp is from the "Hostess Stamp Set" that is in the Occasions Catalog and I am just "head over heels" in love with it! It is called Time to Celebrate and the images and sentiments are just wonderful.
Don't forget….you can have a "cyber event" and I will get you a hostess code and then you can email and call family and friends from all over and have a cyber party – each persons order will be shipped directly to them!
That is a woot-woot and the best things is – you can not only earn FREEBIES from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog as well as be able to have hostess $$$ to get whatever your heart desires….(but I would definitely swoop this one up…..it is just $11.00!
I used this adorable card for a Card Swap that the theme is Birthday and I just couldn't resist this little, adorable worm. I used the sentiment from the "must have" And Many More Sentiment stamp set. I know that I have blogged this before by it is definitely worth repeating…
If you are on the fence with a stamp set…BUY THE SENTIMENTS!
WHY?…this card is a great example. We all have lots of stamp set already, but sometimes the sentiments that go with them are not exactly what you want or perhaps you want to just "switch it up"...you can always easily mask off the sentiment and use something else! This set is just wonderful and I use it a bunch!
Let's get going to this fun card! This is one of those that cn easily be mass produced. I did use the Blendabilities as I just adore how easy they are to use. Once you a"feel" the ease of using them…it's hard to go back to the markers but the markers would work just perfect as well!
- The card size is my go-to Whisper White Notecards and envelopes! I had someone point this out to me and they are sooooo right, these are a heavier card stock than our regular card stock. I do love them and I hope that you try them…(they are like potato chips…they are addictive!)
- The Strawberry Slush is 1/4 smaller and then the Deco Labels Framelits made their appearance and then I used the Decorative Dots Embossing Folder for quick texture!
- Stamping our little friend and sentiment with the Memento Ink was a quick 1-2 and then a quick coloring was all needed!
- Stampin' Dimensionals gave the Strawberry Slush piece a focal lift and then the little accents of flowers was the simple yet finishing touch.
- Envelope time….double whammy – I stamped the front with our friend and then used a fun piece from the Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack…so darn fun and fresh!
Well…that's it my friends! I am excited to see the Birthday cards I get back from the "Sip & Swap" and you bet that I will have "Show and Tell" with you! Thanks for the fun comments yesterday and it looks like we are going to have our own fun time this week during Leadership!
You know what today is….the unveiling of the weekly deals! Please click here to see what is available this week. What is your favorite!?!?
NEWS FLASH: I jusy woke up and saw the offerings….I say READY….START….SHOP!!!! Woot-woot – Embossing Folders to the Max, plus the cute little boutique tool. Remember, I follow Jeanie's advice….when in doubt – pull out an embossing folder – it creates an instant wow!
Time to be honest… I think HANDS DOWN the most important tool to have is the Big Shot…this is the Cadillac of all and it is something that we use OVER and OVER…the cute little Boutique Machine is PERFECT for just doing embossing folders…but just remember – it is just for Embossing Folders, the Big Shot does it all – (I get asked this a bunch so hope this makes sense)
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or perhaps you want a hostess code to have fun with your family and friends! Thanks for hanging in there with me…you all are the best and it feels great to create!
Stampin' hugs….unti tomorrow….
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by Susan Itell | Jan 8, 2015 | Super Easy |
Good morning! This is not the original post I was going to share with you as these darn holidays – I am still getting confused as the day of the week…Thursday means its time for a PPA Challenge and this color challenge is a beautiful and uplifting palette!
Please read to the end as I have an animal story for you (it's about a turkey)…I swear – you just can't make this stuff up!
How about playing along….please make sure that you go to the Pals Paper Art Website and see the masterpieces that others create and then its your turn…submit your own work of art and be proud of yourself!
I still am "pinching myself" with this new catalog, I just think that it is FANTASTIC and I can hardly wait to go to Florida in a couple of weeks for the Leadership Conference and be a SPONGE and soak up ideas and tips and tricks from amazing SUD's….(they always have FUN boards of samples and I know that there will be a ton of great ones….so much talent out there!)
Let's get to the super simple card! I call it a "Wham Bam…thank you Maam" card….why – there is not much to do than stamp and let the sentiment shine and do it's work! The stamp set i called Big on You….and I am thrilled that SU is offering HUGE stamps like this!
It's hip to be square and today is no different! This is a 5" square card (which is the Island Indigo) and I decided to have fun and make a pool party envelope! It is great that you can choose any color for your envelopes because of the Envelope Punch Board…..remember – it's on sale….and boy….we LOVE sales!
I still get as excited as I did the very first time I heat embossed…it is an instant magic and instant gratification! I do suggest that you have an inexpensive thin paint brush to fleck away any excess powder even after you have used the embossing buddy!
I used 2 different colors of embossing powder…the Pool Party and the Clear….I firgured – what the heck….if you already have the heat tool and versa mark out….why not? I think that clear embossing is often overlooked and I added some fun to the envelope front!
I would wager to say that the stamp set that I used on the front is overlooked in the catalog…..I love it – Draw the Line…..such a great set to border and heat embossing it gives this envelope a GREAT punch!
There are so many times that we go through the catalog and just look for the instant WOW or GREAT sentiment…but sometimes it takes a while but then you see it…just like this set….this is a "keeper" in my eyes.
Adding a simple heart (which is the soft sky) – here and there was the only added touch needed. This is why I love this stamp set – you really can let the sentiment shine and stankd on its own!
I do hope that you play with these colors or any similiar colors you might have at your workspace. Playing…trying….is the BEST way to help you develop a style that is YOU!
How many times have you gone through the new catalog? If you need a catalog and you are not currently working with a SUD, I would be honored to work with you! I love what I do and I firmly believe that everyone can have FUN with stampin! Please just let me know….
Please feel free to email me and rememeber, you can shop away 24-7 and earn PAW PRINT rewards….speaking of paws…..let me leave you with this pathetic picture of the princess! She is doing great and loves the emails and comments!
Thanks for being YOU!
p.s. – I forgot to share the animal story…..on December 31st Hannah and I came home from her riding the horses in Virginia to find a turkey in our lane. We often have turkeys at our house but there are always 5 or 7 of them and they come and go….
In January 1st, John came up from feeding the horses and said…."There is a huge turkey in Arnold's's field" Hannah and I looked up and said – we saw him yesterday, Now Arnold….he is the sweetest old guy one could have around….he is 29 years old and simple the best.
On January 2nd I had a text from Arnold's owner (who lives in DC and the funniest man) – it said, Hi Susan….did Arnold get a new field mate – there is a turkey in his paddock. (Arnold used to have a miniature donkey stay with him)
The Turkey is still here….well until yesterday – I decided that it is obvious that this turkey is not either feeling well or simply does not have a Turkey friend in the world. He appeared healthy in the fact that he was walking fine but my gut instinct was that he needed help.
It is BITTER cold here and I was worried that he would freeze if he really was sick (but then dear John has been feeding him)…..I call the SPCA and they told me that they do not do turkeys and to call the DNR but they would probably shoot it. Hannah and I cringed at that thought but then the lady gave me other numbers to try.
I called a lady and she was from the DC area (about an hour from our farm) and she said that she mainly did buzzards….(well I had to laugh at that one) but she said that she would call a gentlemen that live in WV that rescues and helps injured turkeys….we talked and he said he would come by on his way home from work (now coming to my house was about 1 1/2 hours out of the way fro him) but he was most concerned about Tom the Turkey.
He came and Hannah and John went down to the barn to meet him and he had a box….and the box was for Tom…..Hannah looked at that box and said Sir, there is no way that this turkey is going to fit in the box (somehow in our talking he thought it was a baby turkey but Tom was a HUGE grown man!)
Hannah came up to the house and asked for a dog kennel – the big one that Murphy used to sleep in…I said there is no way that the turkey will fit in there….she looked at me and she was sooooooo cold (it's about 8 p.m. now and naturally dark)
To wrap this up….they had to take off one side of the kennel….they put Tom the Turkey in it (and that was not easy catching him and holding him) and then put bungee cords across the opening so his head could stick ot and he would not get loose in this poor guys car and off they went!
Hannah and John came up to the house and John said, "Just give me some space….I am freezing….I cannot believe what I just did – helped a turkey into a car" and Hannah said, "Mom, how comes things like this happen to us….I guess animals know that they are safe here".…you simply cannot make this stuff up! – Never a dull moment around here!
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