by Susan Itell | Aug 3, 2014 | Birthday, Congratulations, Super Easy |
I have shared this card before on my blog eons ago but it is one card that I get more emails about and I thought it was very appropriate as I needed to send a card to (4) specials kids that just did wonderful in the Jr. Club Championship at our Club! I just love to see kids enjoy a sport and the smiles on their faces with a medal…PRICELESS!
Please click here to see the 1st time I posted it and when I looked at it I laughed…you can see that it is before we had the envelope liner framelit and you can see that it is the old designer series paper!
If you remember yesterday I shared with you that I could not find my Oval Punch…but have no fear the smallest oval framelit worked like a charm! This is such a great card to have on hand (well…if you have golfers in your life) and make a bunch up and do not put a sentiment on it…then when you need a card – PRESTO!
Today I am sharing you (2) different sentiments and I think they both work GREAT! The "enjoy the fuss" is from the Big News Stamp Set and the "Happy Birthday" is from one of my favorites…Sassy Salutations…(I love the font!)….remember what I said yesterday about sentiments!
This card is a perfect example of this…
let the paper do the magic and the sentiment will fit in!
The base of the card is my old faithful Note Card (5" X 3 1/2") and I know…I know I have shared this with you over and over again but it is soooooo well worth repeating – you can get 20 Note Card and Envelopes for just $5.95 and remember, they now come in Crumb Cake as well!
Another thing that I wanted to share…you can see that I used the Garden Green Paper from the Regals Designer Series and from one sheet of paper, I was able to make 9 cards! I know that many of you purchased the 1/4 sheets of DSP from me when I had a paper share…you can line the backs of 3 envelopes from a 1/4 sheet.
One thing that I also love about this card is that you can really use up scraps that you have! I do not know about you…but I always seem to have pieces of white paper and I love to use scraps up! Remember, USE THE INSIDES OF THE PAPER….I cut many hearts out of the red!
Not only is the a fun and fresh card…it is super simple yet clean and crisp! When you go to put the "flag" on…let the center lift up a bit. This gives it a bit of movement.
I hope that this post made you smile! It is a SUPER SIMPLE card to make and it is perfect for avid golfers! This is one of those "keepers" to keep up your sleeve. I am excited for this upcoming week and to kick off the week is the Monday personal challege I send your way!
I hope that you will pop back tomorrow…I hope that you reach out of your comfort zone and give a sketch a try! I am so proud of many of you that are loving these Monday fun sketches!
Make it a great day and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jul 24, 2014 | Photopolymer Stamps, Super Easy |
I have a true confession – when I was making this card for you today I started to make it WAY TOO COMPLICATED and I was getting a bit stressed and then I looked at it and said – enough….do what you do best – less is best!
This card is going to a special person to all of the PALS and especially to Mary….her wonderful neice Kris Kilcoyne. I shared with you yesterday a picture of the 2 of them and it is sooooo darn cute and special I just need to share it again!
True, Kris is Mary's neice (and that is super fun in itself)…but Kris is so much more to Mary and the whole PAL team…she is Mary's assistant and is nothing short of amazing!
I think it is the "coolest" thing that these 2 incredible ladies live across the country from each other but with the power of technology and sheer "synergy"….together they make it work for all of our benefits! I am sure that Kris was beaming seeing "Aunt Mary" at convention!
I think I summed it up with this Clean and SImple Card….WOW…WOW…WOW!!!! I am lovin' these photopolymer stamps and I must admit, it was nice not having to use the stamp-a-ma-jig (but I DO adore it)
As I said in the beginning, I was being super fussy about adding stars….flowers…..arrows…..yada-yada and then I just stood back and said DONE…these words speak LOUD and GREAT with nothing!
Lesson to be learned…when in doubt – LEAVE IT OUT! Less is best and this works….just fine! I did corner round all of the edges (probably because deep down I felt guilty about being so easy-peasy!
I think when you had big and bold images…there is an opportunity to keep it super clean and simple! Also, these images are GREAT heat embossed!
I am just head over heels with this DSP Stack and YES – Stampin' up! is coming out with more in the holiday catalog! WOOT-WOOT! These are such a GREAT BANG for your BUCK!!!
You can line (2) envelopes with each sheet….they are perfect for the front of a card…the sky's the limit!
I naturally had to jazz up the back of the envelope too…..I just could not resist! This sentiment fit perfectly right on the back of the envelope and I know that not only will the mailman smile….but Kris will smile as well!
Well Kris…hat's off to YOU for being the amazing helper to all of the PALS! I know that I drive you nuts in emailing you at the wrong address but you are an amazing organized person and I appreciate all that you do! I marvel at your computer skills and ability to have everything at your fingertips!
Kris is an amazing photographer and also adores My Digital Studio (something that I need to do more of as it is amazing). She loves Yoga….is a great Mom and Wife and the BEST to all of us PALS!
Congratulations Kris for all of the hard work that you and Mary do….I appreciate YOU!
Until tomorrow….
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by Susan Itell | Jul 13, 2014 | Super Easy, Tips and Tricks!!! |
Whew…I feel like it has been such a long week (actually it WAS a very long week and I am glad it is behind) Our power was restored late yesterday afternoon and I could hardly wait to regain a bit of normalcy! WOWZERS, was the house HOT and well….we sure do have a clean refrigerator and freezer!
Today's card is how I feel – HOORAY! HORRAY!
Daisey Mae was the PERFECT PROTECT PIG and she is happy that the air-conditioning is on and she has given all house watch responsibilities to the dogs…she has done her job and now she need to catch up on her beauty piggy rest!
I sure hope that you missed me as much as I have missed my daily blogging! Feeling guilty is an understatement…I truly missed creating, playing around and inspiring you! I think that you will find this card fun.
Ready…let's go! I will say that the thrill of heat embossing is still so special as the first time I ever did it…at the end of this post I will share with you some tips that made making this card easy.
- The base of the card is Crushed Curry cut to a note-card size 3 1/2 X 5 and then I made the matching envelope with the help of the Envelope punch board. (makes it so easy)
- The Very Vanilla is a "smidge smaller" – (that is 3 3/8 X 4 7/8) and the I used my handy ruler and pencil to find the 1/2 way mark…drew a faint line and also a line 1/4" from the bottom
- After prepping the paper surface with a quick swipe of the Embossing Bubby I stamped the image with the versa mark and then used the Crushed Curry Embossing Powder and heat tool to do the magic!
- I am lovin' out new Designer Series Paper and this one is one of my favorites as I like the fact that is compliments with Very Vanilla – The Flashback DSP! Remember, click here to see and take advantage of the buy 3 get 1 free with the DSP Papers! The perfect time to stock up!
- Because I had a significant amount of "very vanilla" space, I thought that this would the perfect way to show case the DSP. I know that many of you are afraid of using bold prints of DSP on the body of your card…but what do you think of this? I think it is as clean and classic as it comes! The height of this is 2".
- You have heard me say many times before that I adore the Stampin' Trimmer, well this is a PERFECT example of why! These slivers of Real Red are just 1/8" and was a cinch using the trimmer. True I could have matted this piece of DSP on Red, but I wanted to teach you that this method works great. I used the Sticky Strip and left just a little overhang to adhere the red…BINGO – adhesive worked double time and on the card it goes!
- The envelope was jazzed up with lining the outer part of the envelope flap! You can see that I cut the bottom of the flap straight after making it with the envelope punch board (sometimes I just like mixing things up!!!)
Well…I hope that you say HOORAY!HORRAY! to this card and I hope that it has inspired you to take a sentiment and use it multiple times and great a fun and simple card!
Please do not be afraid to use DSP on your card fronts…how about challenging yourself this week to try it…it's like the old commercials for "Life" cereal…."TRY IT…YOU MIGHT LIKE IT"
As promised, here are a couple of tips and tricks that made this card so much easier for me.
- The stamp-a-ma-jig makes lining up things sooooo much easier – just make a commitment to like this black piece of plastic…it really is a great tool.
- The Silicone Craft Sheet is a dream…no more sticky fingers when using the "green glue" and like this project…the sticky strip peeled right off and it did not loose and if its "stick power"
- The Stampin' Trimmer…no excuses…a must have tool – we all have a birthday every year.(make sure you order and extra set of blades and the replacement cutting mat)
- When I heat emboss, I like to have a set of assorted sizes of paint brushes. ( I use a coupon from the craft store and I purchased the assorted sizes as you can have a very teeny, tiny brush up to a wider one. You will be amazed at how handy they are.) When you get the embossing powder where you do not want it to be, it is a breeze to flick it off before you use the heat tool!
That's it my friends…I hope that you enjoyed having me back – I know that I sure am a "Smiling Susan"…remember to click here or hit the shop now button to purchase any SU goodies and especially take advantage of the DSP paper sale!
Thank you for your patience with my "lack of power" (heck – our little street made the front page of our local paper) as we live out in the country….and people less than 1/4 of a mile had power…It was a journey…it was an adventure – my fingers are crossed that we are home free!
Tomorrow is Make it Mine Monday…please pop back and see the sketch I have for you to challenge your personal skills. Again, it's great to be back and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jul 6, 2014 | Super Easy, Thinking of you |
Happy Sunday! Having a holiday on Friday sure is messing me up with what day it is! We had a FABULOUS surprise….one of the "peeps" came home yesterday so I knew that needed to make this a cute and "to the point" post…but even though it is SUPER simple – it still carries a big punch!
To me…this is what I call, "my kind of card" – WHY??? Easy – it uses minimal products and still has a high level of classic simplicity at its best! I am using (2) stamp sets that have been "carried over" from last year – to me I call that an oldie but goodie!
Embellished Events = #126497
A Fitting Occasion = #127049 (do you see a little daisy-mae)
The "go to" for this card is the Note Card Size and envelope and I cut another piece of Whisper White at 4 1/2" X 3" As you can see in the below photo (sorry it is not the best photo) I used my ruler to be my friend!
I did use the stamp-a-ma jig and I just love using it as it gives me perfect placement the 1st time!!! Remember, it's like a bicycle…once you get it – it is second nature to you every time!
Here is the end result….so fast yet still super cute! Look at all of the adorable stamps in this stamp set…many, many possibilities! Remember, sometimes less is definitely best!
I am the first to admit that this is a very "Plain Jane"" card…but I like "Jane" – to me the sweet message gets accross and I adore all the "white"….and the single color of ink and then letting the POP of color from the super fun DSP from the "Flower Pot" collection…gave the finishing touch!
Don't forget…that all this month you can buy 3 DSP Papers and get one free! This new catalog has a bunch of beauties….so stock up and be ready!
The Envelope Liner framelit with the help of the Big Shot was a cinch to line the envelope! Isn't this a fun paper, I love all of the different colors in it as well as the variety of sizes of flowers make it so interesting!
FUN…BRIGHT…BOLD – The Flower Pot DSP #133698 is a keeper!
Tomorrow is Make it Mine Monday and I have a fun sketch for you! I hope that you will take on this personal challenge. I am so proud of so many of you in trying them each week – WOOT-WOOT to YOU!!!
Have a fabulous day…we have been blessed with amazing weather over the weekend! Be safe in your travels if you are on the road today.
Until tomorrow….
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by Susan Itell | Jun 30, 2014 | Make it MINE Monday, Super Easy |
WOWZERS….the last day of the month! YIKES….it's official – half of the year is gone! Today is the last day that you can take advantage of the $50.00 Rental Car that Stampin' Up! is offering…so if you are on the fence and need a step ladder to get over, email me and I will call you! (I only work 1/2 days on Mondays) – it truly is a great opportunity if you remotely think that you are going to order $50.00 or more of product!
Today is OUR FUN DAY TOGETHER….it is Make it Mine….a time for YOU! I was soooo over the top happy with how many sent me pictures, great comments and super sweet emails on how you enjoyed Saturdays post! It is a keeper and one to "keep up your sleeve"!!!
Here is today's sketch and I know that you are going to have fun with it!…Very easy but so versatile!
Super straight forward but I encourage you to think out of the box! I have a confession….I had this card in my head and I visualized it to be a vertical card and when I cut everything and started to put it all together…YIKES – it did not fit…but no worries – I just turned it to open to the side!
Let's get to it and please give it a try….I know that you will come up with some winners!
- The Base is Whisper White 5 1/2' wide X 4 1/4" high….isn't the DSP amazing….it is called Back to Black and this is 3" X 5 1/2" and then I matted this with Strawberry Slush at 3 1/4" X 5 1/2"
- Grabbing a piece of scraps, I stamped the great sentiment from the Stamp Set…Really Good Greetings – and this is a really good stamp set! After I snipped it to a banner, I matted it and snipped it one more time!
- The "star" of today is the Star Framelits and the Eclectic Paper Piercing Pack….remember – a simple technique that creates an instant WOW~
I must admit…I was very skeptical about paper piercing as I simply did not think it was for me….but I gave it a try and I will say that I think this simple effect still gives you a clean and simple end result! Have you tried it before? If not, give it a "poke"!
- Envelope and then we are DONE! Since I made a 3" cut for the card….I had more than enough to do the back flap without making another cut…this paper is 12" X 12"…so fun!
You know me by now….I make my cards for a purpose and this card is finding its way to my daughter – Hannah as it is her "up and down" She is having a fabulous summer doing a biology internship that is fulfilling her to the max and John and I are so proud of her!
Being our "Red Caboose" on the train…it is great to see her so happy and fulfilled! I know that this card will brighten her week as she has been working so hard!
Please give this a try today…I know that you are going to come up with some inspiration to the MAX! Remember, if you want to order anything from the Ribbon and Paper Share….tomorrow at NOON Eastern I will be placing my order! Click here to see the post and offerings!
Tomorrow is July 1st and that is a MAGICAL day for you if you have been waiting to order the BLENDABILITES….you can order a select amount tomorrow and if you are a SU Demonstrator, you can order ALL of them as the remainders will be available tomorrow….so GET OFF THAT FENCE….and be able to order them at 30% off!
Email me….I would love to explain the SIMPLE "in's and out's"…of this clean and simple journey I am on!
Until tomorrow…..
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by Susan Itell | Jun 28, 2014 | Super Easy |
How about this super fun and super cute card for Saturday! This is another one that I say…look at the “formula” of this card and then think about all of the different paper you have and stamps! This is one of the “keepers” as I say because you could make simple changes and BAM – a card that looks totally different than this!
The inspiration for this card came from Linda Heller at Stampingschool.com. What I liked about this card was the layout and I could clearly see how I could adapt it for many themes (This will definitely be a Breast Cancer Card changing up the sentiment) I always try to find easy yet fun cards that the volunteers can easily make!
Let’s get to it….
- The base is a piece of Pistachio Pudding at 5 ½” X 4 ¼” but the fun part is the white card is a vertical fold card at 4” X 5 ¼” (this is a fun twist and also a paper saver as the bottom piece is the pop color)
- Stamp your sentiment in the left corner and yes – I did use the stamp-a-ma-jig…why? – I say why not! I laugh at myself as when I first purchased this “thing” because I thought it was going to be the answers to my stampin’ prayers and then I quickly became super frustrated with it and “bagged it”! Does this sound familiar? I then was determined to have straight sentiments and the rest is history. All I can say it practice….practice and then it will be like riding a bike – you’ll never forget how to use it!
- This sentiment is from the Really Good Greetings Stamp Set and the name says it all…there are some GREAT sentiments on this gem!
Here are the key points to making this card work:
- Your piece of 2” X 5 ½” matches you base card – (this case – Pistachio Pudding)
- Take whatever designer series paper you are using and cut (2) at ½” X 5 ¼” and (1) at ¾” X 5 ¼”
- I like to use the “green glue” as you can get some “wiggle” time before it sets up and just place your strips of paper on the base.
- Take the base and position it on the diagonal and then simply take your scissors and trim off the excess…. that’s it!
- I felt like there was too much white space so I did my Susan “dash and dot” around the border of the card as well as a trio of dots around the sentiment! I often get asked if I have a stamp for this….no I just freehand it and again…just DO IT – if you “over think” it – stress will happen and that’s not fun!
- The pop of flower is from the Flower Shop Stamp Set (I was so glad that they kept this set as I use it a bunch) and having the Pansy Punch makes it super easy! A Stampin’ Dimensional on the back to lift it up and a brights candy dot in the center was the perfect finishing touch!
- To the envelope! The liner is from the All Abloom Paper Stack and using the envelope framelits and the Big Shot! This framelit is on sale this week (thank you Stampin’ Up!!!) and if you do not have them…hit that SHOP NOW button and treat yourself to a set! (Last year this is what I bought a bunch of my friends these framelits and made them a bunch of lined envelopes!
Well….thoughts? As I was typing this I thought – wouldn’t this make an adorable baby card and use the new Baby's First Framits and some sweet DSP? Also for Christmas…use festive papers and then use an ornament where I put the flower!
Remember…think out of the box – works every time!
This is why I have been encouraging you to do my Monday challenges…. stretching yourself will teach you a lot about yourself and your style!
I hope that you have some fun Saturday plans – pop back tomorrow as I have an extremely simple yet classic Birthday Card that is fresh and fun!
As always, please email me if you need help and remember to think about taking advantage of the $50.00 kit…it ends on Monday the 30th! A great opportunity to help you with your habit!
Stampin’ hugs to all and until tomorrow!
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