by Susan Itell | May 12, 2014 | Make it MINE Monday, Super Easy, Thank You |
It's Monday and that means lets have fun with a sketch! I was surfing around on pinterest and I found this sketch and I immediately said YES – this is it for this week? Ready for your own personal challenge?
Now this is the type of card that you will want to print off the sketch…hang it on your work area, as it is a “keeper” as I call it. This card is the best to use up scraps and to use a multitude of different sentiments.
The other thing I like about this is – it would be perfect for so many color schemes – think about it for a baby…use a soft sky or pink pirouette card base…this would be super for a 4th of July card with Red, White and Blue…a birthday, an anniversary, a thinking of you – the sky is the limit!
When I became a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator I can remember asking Mary for some advice about which stamp sets to invest in. She gave me great advice and one that I remember and I will share with you …when you are on the fence between stamp sets – buy the “sentiment” one!
When she shared this with me I had to think about it…my take on it is there are so many things that you can do with paper, think about it – we have embossing folders, framelits to cut out shapes and if we have “sentiments” we can do just about anything! Today’s card is a perfect example.
Before we get to today's post….the lucky winner is #44 – sorry, I do not know your 1st name…sooooo happy for you….please email me with your info!
My favorite memories are of time spent with my mother and sister. We travel somewhere every year or two; sometimes close to home, sometimes far away. The memories we've made are treasures to me. We've seen so many great things and have a great time together making memories we will always hold close.
This is so straight forward that you do not need me to give you dimensions…just pull out the scraps and have fun! For the Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper I looked at it and wanted to make the width be “2 of the columns” of the pattern – just have fun!
This sentiment came from the Four You stamp set and I am super excited that it is carried over…you can clearly see that this is a must have set in your collection. Again…using up scraps is the best!
Adding simple things like “stitching” and Stampin’ Dimensionals just makes this simple card have a little bit of fun!
Well…how about it? Pull out your paper and have fun! I have been so tickled with several of you that try these challenges and share with me your work. I truly hope that it is helping you figure out a style that you are comfortable with! Way to go – I am proud of you.
Again, woot-woot to lucky #44 for winning the blog candy! I loved reading each and every one of your comments and it is so clear to me that you also enjoyed going down Memory Lane! Please email me with your info so I can mail you the goodies….
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions and I know that you are getting excited for the new catalog to begin! I mailed my catalogs out on Friday so you should be receiving them any day!
If you do not work with a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator I would be happy to mail you a catalog – just please email me.
When the new catalog starts…I am excited to share with you a ribbon share as well as Designer Series Pack Paper swatches (I was not able to order the new In-Colors with the pre-order) but once I can, I will offer the swatches in the collections (Brights, Neutrals, Subtles, Regals and In-Color)
To me, these are such a “must- have staple” of paper and having them in a swatch format will be a lifesaver for you to flip through to see the colors (PERFECT for lining envelopes).
With the new catalog, I will be starting some new and fun programs and offerings for you. As I said, I will be doing ribbon shares & paper swatches as well as offering online stamping clubs – please feel free to email me with any questions you might have.
This new “stampin’ up!” catalog year is very exciting to me! I can hardly wait to dive in and create with new stamps. Yesterday was a great day and with being in the car for over 7 hours, I finally had a wonderful block of time to take the new catalog in – very exciting and I will anxiously wait for June 2nd to be here!
Ted was GREAT and so happy to have many of his friends and family be together for a beautiful Mother’s Day Brunch. A “life lesson time” for John and I as his strength, positive outlook and love shines so strong.
Let’s all have a wonderful week! You all are the best…until tomorrow…
p.s. – I have sat hear and read all of these amazing comments about memories with their Mom. If you need some inspiration, laughs and total "feel goods" – than please read some of these wonderful comments!
I miss my Mom so…but I try to keep her memories alive each and everyday…just like many of you do!
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by Susan Itell | May 11, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Super Easy |
1st…HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all of you great Mom's out there…
I hope that each and everyone of you do something fun (if that's what you want)…have some "me time" (if that's what you want)…or simply do nothing (if that's what you want)!!!
This is what I am going to do today…I think I am a bit crazy (as it is 1 3 1/2 hour drive) but I know that my heart will be filled with joy. If you follow my blog you know that my best friends Dad is terminally ill – I am speaking about "Ted". I stopped to see him when I went to see my daughter in March and had such a GREAT visit – he is such an inspiration of positiveness and determination.
About 2 weeks ago I received a call from his house while I was at work…my heart instantly sank as I was fearful to answer but when I did I heard…."Hey Susan – it's Ted….we are going to have a party on Mother's Day and we want you and John to come down!!!"
Needless to say I was shocked…but my heart was filled… and I am getting more "crows feet around my eyes" from smiling so much (that's a good thing in my opinion). Naturally I instantly said yes, we would not miss it for the world. I think that it is sooooo amazing that he wants to be surrounded by family and friends for a brunch when he is going thru so much!
Lesson learned =
Faith, determination & the will to embrace what is dealt to us makes us who we are!
This is so much like my late Mom…she passed away from Pancreatic Cancer and from the time she was diagnosed to the time she passed, it was about 3 1/2 months. It still amazes me how someone so healthy found out that she had this terrible disease to leave this world so quickly.
It was the worst 3+ months of my life but I can also say it was the best 3+ months of my life because I learned a very valuable lesson…we CAN stop many things that we do and it really does not matter – I stopped life basically for this time and dedicated my time to her…and I never looked back!
One thing that she always taught me was to always be gracious and thank those that are gracious to us…so naturally I would not go to Ted and Billie's without a gift!
What better gift to give than a practical gift of enclosures!
This post came from a post I did before….please click here to see the scoop and you will see the measurements etc…when it is a keeper – it's a keeper!
In a nutshell the box is a piece of paper:
- On the "short side" (5 1/2”) and score at 1” and 4 1/2"
I hope that you enjoy this parade of pictures and I also hope that you can see how an easy gift like this is not only practical….but meaningful!
You can see that all of these cards were made with 1 stamp set, Sassy Saluations and the Brights Designer Series Paper Stack! You can see how fasr and easy it is! Love this fint…love the sentiments – they just work and I am so glad that it iin the catalog for next year!
I can fit (8) decorated cards and lined envelopes in this one little precious box = great gift!
There are times that the basic's and "go to's" just work…this project is one of them! I truly hope that you play around and have fun with this size of card – it is fun. I am so thankful that Stampin' Up! carries these cute, small envelopes.
For all of you Mom's out there…..woot-woot – have a great day! Please remember to leave me a comment so you have another chance to win "Blog Candy" – click here to see the post and also the Blog Candy.
I hope that you take some time to read the AMAZING comments from all…there are some that make me laugh…some that touch my heart….some that just bring tears of joy to my eyes!
Memory Lane is such a great lane to be on!
I am personally looking forward to a fabulous day – John and I will have lots of time to talk! Remember – tomorrow is Make it Mine Monday, I am so happy that many of you have been playing with the sketches and having fun learning!
Until tomorrow….
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by Susan Itell | May 8, 2014 | Super Easy |
Good Morning! I feel like I have neglected you all for inspiration but today I think you are going to smile! I have for you a "sneak peak" of NEW products but then I am going to share with you another version with current stamps so I can walk you through how I made these cards!
Warning…lots of pictures, but I think that you enjoy the pictures. I was inspired by Stampingschool.com but I made some tweaks here and there to make it work for me! Let's get going!
The top picture is from the NEW catalog which will be here in a blink of an eye with how the calendar is rolling along…such a super cute stamp set called, Sea Street and the paper is from the new DSP stack called, Moonlight.
The bottom picture is from Starburst Sayings Stamp Set and Framelits! There are also some other sneak peaks in this picture….the new in color…Lost Lagoon (my favorite In Color) of the year and the "heavier" bakers twine in Strawberry Slush…(this is like what was offered during Sale-A-Bration…it is wonderful)
- The bases are flat = 5 1/2” x 4 1/4” for base of card. The layered piece is 5 1/4” x 4”.
- The Designer Series Paper is a simple 4" X 3"..that's it but here is what you do…fold…adhere…fold…adhere and DONE to the white piece! EASY-PEASY!!! Look below!
- When you do this to both ends it and fold it up…you can see the fun happen! Now is where you can have fun and play with shapes according to the shape of the stamp etc! Remember – this is a flat card but hang tight with me…you will see where you will have space to write a message.
- On the above, I used the square framelits to cut the Lost Lagoon Square (#5) and then the Starburst Saying was in Strawberry Slush. Using the new twine I made a simple knot and "fluffed" up the ends to make it fun!
- You can how adding Stampin' Dimensionals and simple dots using the white gel pen…just works and just fun! What's under the flap? A simple sentiment….from the must have – carry over stamp set of Four You – love it!
- This sentiment is from a NEW stamp set called Num-Num…a keeper and I see so many potential cards in the near future!
- Are you worried that you do not have enough space to write a note? No worries…I used the same size of whisper white to the back of the card and I took an OOBER cute stamp of "school of fish" to run across the bottom.
With the card being fun…I thought just lining the outside of the envelope was the perfect choice for today's card! The new DSP Stack is just fabulous and how do you not smile with polka dots?!?!
To me…this is a ton of fun! I took my friend Jeanie's advice and used the neutral candy dots for the eyes and the ribbon is a NEW in color ribbon…sooooo darn tootin' easy to work with and I am excited for you to play with it yourself!
I hope that this put a smile on your face…I think it is super cute but it is super easy! Pull out the stamps that you have and do your own creation of a work of art from your heart!
I can tell you…there are soooo many new and exciting ribbons
(and I think I know you too well…you are as excited as I am to get your hands on them!)
I am going to be offering a ribbon share with you for the NEW catalog!
I love shares…WHY??? It gives you an opportunity to have a variety of products without having to spend a ton of $$$ as I know…there are going to be soooo many stamp sets that you are going to want…..and being able to get the new ribbon without purchasing the whole roll is the way to go!
"I get it…as I am the same way….hurry up June 2nd!!!"
Tomorrow my catalogs arrive so that means all of my customers will be getting theirs shipped out on Friday! I am so excited to share the fun with YOU!!! If you do not currently work with a demonstrator, I would be honored to work with you…please email me and I will be in touch!
Let's have a great day and I hope that you try this…fun, fresh and easy card!
Until tomorrow…..
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by Susan Itell | May 7, 2014 | Super Easy |
Please do not loose faith in me…this is a super busy week and I would never let you down by not having a touch of inspiration for you! I feel like I have been in a video game and I am a space ship being shot at…
- The weather has been beautiful….and that means the yard needs some TLC…
- The blacksmith came to do the horses feet…so guess who gets to hold them…
- I am on a committee for a big fundraiser this weekend…so wrap up meetings…
- It's the 1st Wednesday of the month so that means getting 70 cards ready…
- I still need to work 40 hours….and
- MY PRE-ORDER IS HERE AND SAD THAT I AM NOT PLAYING WITH THEM!!!
The moral of this sad/sob story is…you will be inspired by a very simple card today…but watch out – tomorrow you will see something new that will be making you do the happy dance!
On the pre-order we could purchase (2) of the Designer Series Papers and WOW – they look sooooo much better in person and then the paper stack…WOWZERS – I loved the "Fresh Prints" one – but you just wait…..(smiles)
When I do my Breast Cancer Cards…they need to be super simple and practical! I think that today's card is just that…simplicity to the max but it still has a special feel! Let's go!
My goal is to only be showcasing stamp sets that are going to be carried over to next years catalog and this one, Starburst Sayings is one of them!
- The base today is Crushed Curry…I thought it would be fun to "change it up a bit" and I am also trying to use up some of my DSP and this is from the big and bold Kaleidoscope Paper. The size of the card is notecard size, 3 1/2" X 5"
- The Kaleidoscope paper is 1 1/2" wide buy 5" and then I matted it with Strawberry Slush at 1 3/4" – I just adhered that down with "old faithful" – "green glue"
- The focal star of the show is the great stamp, just love this sentiment and how appropriate for these brave ladies undergoing cancer treatment…"You make the world a better place" I popped this out with the matching framelits…just love these gems! Lastly…Stampin' Dimensionals to the rescue.
- I stamped it twice in both colors and then did a quick fussy cut and popped it with the "edges" of the left over dimensionals – super easy.
- Using th 2 3/8" Scalloped Circle Punch in Strawberry Slush was a perfect quick frame but the real fun is from the super simple white dots using the gel pen…so easy yet so effective!
- Last was the envelope liner…I did not have enough to do 18 cards so I switched it up with another complimentary print. It is wonderful that all of our paper will mix and match with a variety of textures!
I usually pre-cut all of the liners but today I am bringing the big shot and letting the ladies have fun…with the help of the magnetic platform – it will be a breeze for them and they will enjoy it! I have one lady that adores adhering the liners in the envelope and then using the bone folder to give the envelope a good crease!
A HUGE thank you for all of your well wishes and comments yesterday. I feel so thankful and blessed to be a part of your daily dose of inspiration and having the cyber relationships that I have!
In July, I am going to have the honor to meet Bridget (she often leaves me comments) – she has been living in France and I have the wonderful fortune to meet her in July when we both are going to visit our daughters in North Carolina.
I hope that you can get a glimpse of what the power of "what we do" makes such a difference to so many. True, I have a very busy week…but going tonight to make cards will be such a highlight. It is a fun whirl-wind and we have a great time.
Do something for someone today…even if it's a simple simle, you'll be glad you did! I hope that you enjoyed this simple card and as the sentiments says…You make the world a better place!
Until tomorrow…
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by Susan Itell | May 6, 2014 | Super Easy |
Two years ago I did the best thing for myself…I became a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and the BEST thing about it was…I made the decision all by myself…I did not tell a soul (even John)…and hit that button and took the BEST leap of faith for myself!
I am a firm believer in direct sales - and this whole thing that I do with Stampin' Up! is soooooo much more than signing up with a company…to me – it is about the relationships I have been able to develop….the help I have been able to give to so many…the ability to grow myself personally (blogging was not even a thought) and now I look back at this time and I can honestly say WOOT-WOOT!!!
My preorder came yesterday and that was super exciting! The "kid at the candy store" was happening as I was showing each of my dogs my new goodies…(I gave them a biscuit for being such a great audience)
I made a decision to just "roll" with the card I had scheduled for today as I was going to something different but then I thought…this is my type of card – it is what I stand for….clean and simple!
This is a card that we will be making for my monthly Breast Card project tomorrow evening. Sometimes its a challenge to come up with cards that do not require extra postage and have a simple sentiment tht does not reflect sickness…get well soon etc…and I think that the recipients are going to smile when they see it!
- The garden green is just 1/8" smaller than the notecard = 4 7/8" X 3 3/8" and then the white is again 1/8" smaller.
TIP ALERT: Remember when you have this big piece of paper that is going to be covered (green) make sure you save it with punches…(do you remember the Mothers Day Card I did on Saturday, I punched the petals from it)
- Using the Polka Dot Pieces Stamp Set, Stamp with both the Calypso Coral and the Daffodil Delight and then use the 1 3/4" Scalloped Circle Punch and the 1/2" Punch – a simple garden green candy dot was the perfect special touch.
- Using the Brush End of the Garden Green Ink Pen, I simple "colored" the leave part and did a quick and simple stamp. Placing the Flower where I wanted it to be – I added Stampin' Dimensionals to give it the lift it deserves.
- The "hello, you" is from the Regarding Dahlias Stamp Set (so glad this is carried over as the blendabilities are going to be A M A Z I N G with this stamp set) A couple of quick dots here and there does the trick.
- The liner is from the Subtles Designer Series Paper Stack and the envelope liner frameit with the Big Shot added that finish touch.
I will say that every month the volunteers love the fact that we line all of the envelopes. I have one lady that always does this task – she enjoys using the snail adhesive and then giving it a crisp edge with the bone folder. It literally onle take a bit more time – and the end result far out weighs not doing it.
Thanks a bunch for popping in today…it truly means a lot to me. I love blogging for you daily and I also love inspiring you to reach up and grab those goals and dreams you have set for yourself. This is the best "feel good" out there and I would not change a thing.
Please feel free to email me and if you want to do something that will give you the same feeling of fun, flexibility, and to get products all the time at a discount – than give this Stampin' Up! fun a "test drive" – if it is not for you…than return the car!
It's as simple as this – pick $125.00 worth of anything from the catalog, the clearance rack, the discontinued products…whatever and pay $99.99 (and is ships free) and then with your 1st order, you will be able to get 30% off your entire order (hint-hint…the new catalog – woot-woot)
Click here and lets have the same anniversary!
I honestly thought I was going to buy a bunch of products to get the 30% off on my 1st order to take advantage of the new catalog….well I did just that and guess what – I'm still here!
I promise that this week I will do some fun Blog Candy of some sort in celebration to this fun week for me. In looking ahead to my 3rd year with Stampin' Up! , I have set some new goals…and I think you are going to like them!
Please continue to pop by for inspiration, motivation and fun! I am holding true to my 2 words about the new catalog…fresh and fun – I know that you'll fall in love with it.
Thank you for filling my gas tank up each and everyday…I wouldn't trade it in for anything but think about taking a "spin drive" with me – you know we would have fun! Again, thanks for being YOU!
Until tomorrow..
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by Susan Itell | May 5, 2014 | Make it MINE Monday, Super Easy |
Woot-Woot!!!! It's a new week and let's all have a great week!
I have some great posts for you this week and today…I am super excited to see the "Brown Truck" come down my driveway as the NEW goodies will be making their way to their new home…my pre-order will be here today!
Last week I started something new with you on Monday's…calling it Make it MINE Mondays~ Last week my blog was still "wacky" so for those of you that did not see it….click here – ( I think it is a very cute card)…but what I am trying to do is…teaching you to delvelop your own style…
I often get asked where do I come up with my ideas and how have I learned to develop a style with my cards? Well…from LOTS of places…from YOU…from PINTEREST…from the WEB…I take On-Line Classes….from the PALS Gallery… but I will say that once I started to really reach out of my comfort zone and try to work from sketches…I learned 2 things!
- It saved me a BUNCH of TIME…and TIME is soooo darn tootin’ precious to all of us….why? I was not “surfing around"…pinning here and there….taking bits from this and bits from that etc…
- I am on the Design Team for the PALS challenge every Thursday and one week is a color challenge and the other is a sketch challenge! You have heard me blog before that I prefer the color ones….but I have come to realize that the reason I say that is because I am not "stretching myself out of my comfort zone”
SOOOOOO…..I have decided to dedicate Monday’s to “Making it Mine Monday’s” where I will share with you a sketch and then show an interpretation from it….
I highly recommend YOU to challenge yourself with these Monday sketches I will share with you…look at them….see what stamps you have…and just try it!
Below you will see a past sketch from the PPA and I have BLOCKED OUT the date not to confuse…this is a PERSONAL challenge for YOU….and if you want…please send me a picture of your work…you can do it…I know you can! Take a picture and email me…I love to see your work!
This sketch is from PAL Margaret Moody, and I adore her work – clean and crisp!
Last week I had several people email me their take on the sketch and they were woot-woot…fabulous! I truly believe that if you "give it a whirl" – you will not only learn about your own style…it will teach you that you can look at a sketch….limit yourself to work with "what you have"…and then simply GO FOR IT!
I can honestly say that after I picked the sketch for you today…I literally looked over at the new catalog and it was opened to the Just Sayin Stamp Set…I looked at it …..and BINGO….done!
The best tip I can give you is do not stress…just go for it….if you are having a mental block – stop fighing with yourself – walk away and come back….trust me – this is not worth getting stressed about – it's all about having FUN!
- The card base is the Whisper White Notecard and Envelopes….my go to and the Pool Party is just a "smidge" smaller……4 7/8" X 3 3/8"…I did a quick stitch around the edges…..
- The Neutral Designer Series Paper Stack is my "fun paper" for today's card….both for the card and I decided to line the outside of the envelope – this makes the mail man happy!!!
- The black piece is a scrap ….2 3/4" X 2 1/4" and then I used the Word Bubbles Framelits and POPPED it out! Taking another piece of scraps….I simply stamped the fun sentiment, gee, thanks with Black Staz On Ink…stitch with the White Gel Pen….
TIP: – Put Stampin' Dimensionals on the back of the Black piece….(also this is a great time to use up the long and skinny pieces left over on the Stampin' Dimensionals!…This will LIFT up the black piece and give your card an instant WOW!!!
Tip #2 – Do you remember I shared with you that Stampin' Up! offers bundles which will save you an instant 15%….well – this stamp set and framelits is carried over to the new catalog…but it is NOT offered as a bundle…so the moral of the story is…if you do not have this….#1 – YOU SHOULD and #2 – but it now as you will save 15%!!! (just trying to help you out!!!)
I think from all of the pictures I took you can clearly see the fun dimension and crisp lines this card has! I saw Jeanie yesterday and I showed her this card…(as this is Breast Cancer Week and I wanted her to see the layout and then adapt it for our needs on Wednesday with another sentiment!!!)…and SHE LOVED IT!
So….how about it….wanta give it a whirl! I hope that you do try this sketch!
It is super easy and straight forward…you have nothing to lose and I would love to see your work! It's ME….I am not going to publish your work…I am here with my Pop-Poms cheering you on!!!!
Please make sure that you continue to pop back this week as there will be some BLOG CANDY in celebration of my 2nd anniversary with Stampin' Up! I am having the time of my life and the best way to sum it up is….I am fulfilled…my heart is full!
Until tomorrow!
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