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
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by Susan Itell | Aug 12, 2014 | Birthday, Super Easy |
I shared with you that I have had a lot of Birthdays this month but think about this…we all have a birthday every year and we all have many, many people to send cards to! I think that this is fun and a bit whimsical all at the same time!
I do hope that you will give it a try and case away….change up the colors to suit your needs! I adore these Photopolymer Stamps as they are the best for perfect alignment. I must admit, when they first came out with them I was not crazy about them…but a total 360 for me...LOVE THEM! Make sure you see the new stamp that was just released today at the end of the post!
This stamp set is called Age Awerness and it truly has endless possibilities! You can see by the pictures that I have "maxed it out" using many stamps and the "Thanks, Facebook" stamp makes me totally laugh!
I simply adore stripes….the bolder is great with me and this DSP is from the Maritime DSP and WOWZERS – is it handsome or what! I was very happy with the rich and vibrant colors that this paper offers…it does not have to be a "nautical theme" what so ever!
Stamping these adorable candles is EASY -PEASY as you can see right through the stamp! No Stamp-a-ma-jig needed today! I think that it would be super fun to do a bunch of different colors of candles! Because the width of the actual stamp is so narrow, this would be a fun thing to try!
The colors I used were from the DSP…Real Red, Night of Navy and Coastal Cabana. Now that we have the Bakers Twine in this color, I simply could not resist! Please do not stress about it…just let it roll – put some adhesive on the back of the base and go for it!
I love white space….but I did think that I needed a bit of stitching to break it up! This is one thing that I do a bunch and again, please do not stress – just let your pen roll!
You can see that I lined the outer flap of the envelope but I just was oober excited about the front of the envelope today….so easy and WOW – you would laugh if you received this?
I hope that you are smiling! I think that this is a FUN card. It comes together in a flash and this stamp set is one that will be used over again as we ALL HAVE BIRTHDAYS!
I have a word of advice for you….MAKE TIME FOR TOMORROW…it is our monthly BLOG HOP and it is a BLUE RIBBON WINNER…there are over 39 people participating and you are going to be inspired to the MAX!
Thanks for popping by……click here to see the Tuesday Deals that Stampin' Up! has for you this week…and then hit that shop now button while you are in your jammies! How easy and fun is that!
Get the coffee ready for tomorrow and we will HAVE FUN! Enjoy your day and until tomorrow!
p.s. – when I woke up this morning and checked the Tuesday Updates…Look at this new FUN Photopolymer Stamp Set – love it's name…YEE-HAW! It is GREAT! I already have a card in my head!!! Click here to see the flyer!
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by Susan Itell | Aug 11, 2014 | Make it MINE Monday, Super Easy |
Monday…Monday….and we know what that means – WOOT-WOOT, make it mine Monday and this sketch can be interpreted sooo many different ways and I have been “itching” to use this stamp so I think it works just perfectly!
When I saw this stamp in the catalog I instantly did 2 things….burst out laughing and then I knew I needed it as I have some GREAT friends to send it to! There are many ways to color this stamp but I like it best done like this – a solid to make it POP!
I am sure that you have someone that you know would adore getting a card with this great sentiment. This so sold as a single stamp and it is called appropriately , “Friends that Know”
Let’s get to this and I hope that you can see that the simplicity of this card is there but the very simple touch of using an embossing folder added not only great texture, it brought the card from a good card to a step up to enter the WOW arena!
I know that it is hard to see in the pictures but it does have a stunning effect!
I try to listen to my friends and as I have posted before about Jeanie…she swears that the inexpensive product of an embossing folder is worth its weight in gold! Today I used the Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder!
TIP ALERT: You can see that this is a vertical card…simply open the card up and just run the front part through the Big Shot…this way there is no layering.
If you read my blogs regularly you know that I have a pet peeve about ribbon showing on the under side of a card when you open it up and therefore I always use a mat of paper so it is concealed etc….but when it comes to the Embossing Folders like this today…, I actually love the look of the backside of this folder!
Hannah helped me pick out this color palette and I think our “real red” is such a great red – I love it as it is a “true” red – no orange in it. The Designer Series Paper is from the Back to Black collection and it can’t get any simpler than this…a quick snip of the scissors is all that was needed!
To stamp the image I used my new go to Black, the Memento Tuxedo, I love this ink because you can simply use the regular cleaner to clean it…just one step….and that saves time.
Because this stamp has a framelit that will give you a perfect cut, the Labels Collection Framelits and the help of the Big Shot – DONE in a jif! Remember to click here to see the great offerings when you purchase a Big Shot this month! This is a must-have for doing projects that we all love to do!
Keeping to the theme this week – I did another double whammy with the envelope – I embossed the back flap like I did the front of this card and then lined the inside with the envelope liner framelit – easy…peasy!
Please give it a try…I know that you are going to come up with some GREAT Ideas and please email me to share! I am always soooo proud of you!
I am back home…getting into the swing of things…I have some great posts for you and on Wednesday, will be the PALS monthly hop…..I love the HOPS – inspiration to the MAX!
Thank you for your support and popping in, thanks for sharing my blog and inspirations with friends and family! Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Aug 10, 2014 | Birthday, Super Easy |
Before we get to today’s card…many thanks for the special and heartfelt comments and emails you send about our dear Murphy. John came down to be with us yesterday and it was great for him to see Hannah ride and be together! Each day will get better and for those of you that I have been through this…time truly heals the wounds but the great memories are always present.
I have been having so many birthdays lately and I need a masculine card and I think I like it!! After I started to play around, things just came together and then when I stood back and looked at it – I was one happy stamper!
Let’s get going! There are 2 elements that I do not use often and when I do I say to myself “Why do I not use them more?” They are the Stamp Set Gorgeous Grunge and Washi Tape!
- The base of this are is a regular A-2 card but I have the fold to the left. The color of the base is Sahara Sand. (I have to admit – this was one of my least favorite colors years ago…but please try to use it – it is a wonderful neutral for so many color options.)
- The Very Vanilla is 4” X 5 ¼” and using the Memento Tuxedo Ink I gave it a quick stamp with the fun stamp splatter from the Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Set (another confession…when this stamp set came out last year I thought it was the worst new stamp set in the catalog…WOW, was I wrong. It truly is very versatile and I find it to be a life saver for quick fillers!!!
- I scored it with the Simply Scored at ¾” and then just one more larger (7/8”)…then placed my washi tape and then did a similar score on the other side…so easy – yet so effective! True you can use the Stampin’ Trimmer but I think using this tool gives you a much deeper and effective embossed score line.
- The sentiment is from the Four You Stamp Set and this is one that should be on your shelf of goodies! Please click here and order it if you do not have it as it always is a lifesaver especially in making clean and simple cards!
- Trying to keep the masculine feel I used the hexagon punch and paired it up with the Flash Back Designer Series Paper. I adore this paper as it coordinates with Very Vanilla, many times our DSP go with the white and this is why I find this to be a refreshing paper choice!
- Just using one hexagon POPPED up I think did the trick and the trio of stars was the finale that was needed! This is another MUST HAVE…the itty bitty accents punch pack deliver a BIG punch – another great filler!
- I think just about every card I have done this week has had a double whammy envelope! I line the outer flap and then I carried the theme of the card to the front to make the mailman smile and again, I find that if I use the “green glue” the stars will stay put for mailing – just ask the postmaster to “hand stamp it” so it will not go through the machine!
Trust me, when they see me come into the Post Office, they know that I will stand in line to have my cards hand stamped!
That’s it folks! Can’t you just imagine the variety of colors that you can use to make this card different! If you wanted a feminine feel…use the flower punch and a fun and bright washi tape! JUST HAVE FUN!
FUN is what Hannah and I have been having. It will be sad to go home but I would not have traded this week with being with her for anything!
Life throws things to us for a reason….I truly believe this… she is getting ready to go abroad for her junior year in college next Saturday and will not be home until December!
As a family we talked about Murphy and knowing that his time would be limited, we asked her if what her wishes were…I do believe that animals know who is the stronger link and it is definitely John not me…aa hard as it is – we will be ok – as we will live on such precious memories!
I hope that you have enjoyed this masculine card and will keep it in your “memory bank” – it’s a keeper layout!
Thanks for popping in today and you know what tomorrow is…Make it Mine Monday!!! Woot-Woot – it is a super easy yet fun sketch that I know you will create some GREAT projects!
Until tomorrow…whew…I am sooo glad that I was prepared thru Wednesday for you! Hannah gave me some GREAT tips last week getting prepared for this week!
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by Susan Itell | Aug 9, 2014 | Super Easy |
Today I told you that I have something very simple for you today for this “Simple Saturday” – and WOW…this sure is simple! While I have been at the Horse Show with Hannah I have had lots of time to go ahead and pre-type my posts. I am so glad that I did and read on and you will see…
Do you ever believe that some things happen for a reason? I had this card scheduled to be posted for today but I did not expect to be typing this paragraph. I am going to keep this super short, as I get emotional. Murphy went to heaven yesterday. Below you will see a picture of him about 3 weeks ago…what a handsome boy! He gave our family 13+ years of love and lessons…he was doing so well these past couple of days but John said he could see in his eyes that it was time.
I do not know about you…but I know that animals are so darn smart and they know who is the weaker link…as much as it pains my heart that I was not home, I do believe there is a reason.
On to the card…Just look how different this card is from yesterday’s card, click here to see yesterday’s but isn’t it funny how using the same stamp set and using totally different colors can change the whole feel!
You really do not need me for this one but I know that you like it when I give you the dimensions! The base is my go-to Whisper White card and then the layer is ½” smaller = 3” X 4 ½””
I used the Color Coach for advice today. I do use this often and I think it is a must have tool to help you go out of the box in putting colors together. I am always surprised at what it comes up with and I always smile with the end result.
The colors I used today were Sahara Sand, Strawberry Slush and Raspberry Ripple. A quick stamp with the colors shown did the trick and then I took the super fun sentiment from the “Just Saying” Stamp Set. This stamp set has matching framelits so it is a cinch to pull together!
Adding Stampin Dimensionals to both the sentiment and also the base makes this a super easy and clean, crisp and just “down right fun” card to make! I think that I am going to use this one at the end of the month for my stack and stamp – this kind of card can come in handy for so many!
Because it was so easy I thought that the envelope needed a doubly whammy! You can see that I carried the same theme to the front of the envelope!
TIP ALERT! You can see that I put the sentiment on the front! I get many people emailing about when I do this if it says on in the mail! YES it does for me! I always use Mono Glue (I call it the Green Glue) and I always make sure that it nice and flat. I also ask the postmaster to “hand stamp” my cards as it is one less machine for the, to go through!
The 2nd part to the envelope was using the Brights Designer Series Paper Stack to line the outside flap of the envelope. THAT’S it!
Now…am I right!?!? Wasn’t this simple? Wasn’t this doable?
Mix up your colors and HAVE FUN! This stamp set, Work of Art is just that…a total work of Art! I encourage you to google this stamp set and I think that you will find such a variety of ideas that you will agree that it is a must have on your shelf!
Thanks for popping in, please feel free to email me and I do hope that you pop back tomorrow as I have another super easy Masculine Birthday Card!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Aug 8, 2014 | Super Easy, Thank You |
Yesterday I ended my post with today’s card was going to be a super simple yet Fabulous Friday card for you! When I was working on it before I left to go out of town…. Hannah’s comment was…. WOW – aren’t you the artsy one!!!
This not only was super easy…it was super fun and wow – -just think of all of the different colors you could use with this! I was inspired by another SUD, Brenda Keenan, and I was so intrigued that I just had to give it my spin!
Please try this and play with the colors! I would love to see your take on it and if you can email me your card – I would love to see it! Now there is one thing about this card…you need the Work of Art Stamp Set, so if you do not already have that, please click here and order it! It is a great stamp to have as you can do so many things with it.
The overall size of the card is a 4 ½” square and then the Baked Brown Sugar is a 4 ¼” square. The colors used for this card are Old Olive, Soft Suede, Baked Brown Sugar and Crushed Curry.
Let’s get going…you can click here and watch a video that Brenda Keenan did but I have some pictures for you that I think you will find it super easy to re-create! The size of the White Stamped piece is a 4” square!
- Start by stamping the sentiment and the dot (center of the flower) in Soft Suede.
- Using the Crushed Curry…ink up – STAMP OFF ON A SCRAP OF PAPER and then start making your flower petals. Do this “Stamp off” all the way for this card – I like the soft effect!
- After you are finished with the Crushed Curry go to the Baked Brown Sugar – STAMP OFF – this REALLY softens up the total look and feel!
- Lastly…the Old Olive for the leaves but turn your stamp around to stamp the image in the opposite direction! Again, STAMP OFF or it will be too dark!
Is this super fun or what! I feel like Picasso and I actually liked what I did! I think that I am going to do this card for my Stamp Camp later this month and I also think that this would be a super Breast Cancer Card. You could easily adapt it to a regular A-2 card size!
Well….whatcha think? It is very different for my style but I have to say – it felt great to be a bit out of the box! Help me think of other combinations for the flower…any suggestions would be great!
The envelope came to life with reading the handy dandy chart on the envelope punch board! Love that piece of plastic! I was oober happy with the liner today…it is from the Lullaby Designer Series Paper. I think that the color of Baked Brown Sugar is so yummy! It truly goes with everything….
I did it again! I just had to do the front of the envelope as it was so fun to do! I really….really felt "artist" with this whole card – it was down right FUN!
Tomorrow is Simple Saturday and it is as simple as it can get! It also uses this stamp set …I just had to get it inked up again before I put it away.
Remember that you can click on the icons below and that will take you right to my store and your goodies will be delivered right to your home! Doesn’t get any easier than that!
Here’s to a GREAT weekend….I sure am having fun! Until tomorrow!
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