by Susan Itell | Feb 21, 2014 | Stamp-a-ma-jig, Super Easy |
I was trying to come up with an idea using one of the “Weekly Deals” this week at Stampin’ Up! and as I looked at the offerings…..these Dahlia Flowers popped out to me as I just saw last week a card that I made with them last year and I thought to myself….why do I not use these more often!
And…..then I had a “light bulb” moment….when I was down at the barn with my “Wellie Hunter Boots” and I the card POPPED into my head and I LOVE IT!!!
So simple…so fun…wouldn’t you simply love if you received this!?!?
Let’s get to it as I am hoping that I am going to inspire you to pull out your supplies and if you do not have this stamp set and flowers….I hope that you hit that SHOP NOW button and shop away!!!!
Today’s card does a super easy technique called “paper piecing” and it creates a great effect! I encourage you to look at your stamp sets that you have and think of other stamps that you could do this with!
- The card size is the note-card size (my all time go-to) and then I knew I wanted a big, bold and bright color as I am READY for Spring so the color of choice it Pacific Point!
- The Pacific Point is cut at 3 3/4" X 4 3/4" and then white is cut at 3 1/2" X 4 1/2"! Make sure that you take full advantage of popping out some punches with the inside of the blue piece….no need to waste!
- I stamped the “boot” in Crushed Curry and then “fussy cut” it out (it is super easy to do) I did the same in a scrap of pacific point and again “fussy cut” the blue piece– this is why it is called “paper piecing” and you will add it on top of the boot! The boot is from the Bootiful Occasions Stamp Set.…too darn cute!
- I used the White Staz On Ink….love the effect of white and I adore the fact that it dries SUPER FAST!!!! I highly suggest using the liquid multipurpose glue to “piece” these 2 together….this way you can “wiggle” it in perfect place!
TIP ALERT: When you are doing this technique….take the brush edge of the same color of marker and run it against the side….this way if you did not have a clean cut – your eye will not pick up the mistake!
- DONE with the boot…put stampin dimensions on the back but do not peel it off – You will want to place the boot on top of the card to get an idea of where you want to stamp the floral image and the sentiment as well (I take a pencil and do a little mark!)
- Now it’s time to pull off the adhesive and place the boot in place! VOILA!!!! Isn’t it adorable! I know that it seems like a lot of instructions but it really is easy – (I know I go over board)
After I made this and I was so happy with it…I made a bunch more in all different colors! Hannah and I have Hunter Boots in many, many fun colors! I sent her a box of these cards as I thought that they would be a sweet note-card to send out to her friends!
Now you know that I needed to line the envelopes – the Brights Designer Series Paper Stack to the rescue – when in doubt – pull them out! You can always have a perfect match! The envelope liner framelits was the finishing final touch that is my daily lifesaver!
So – did I do it….did I make you smile ?!?! I sure hope so!!!
Don’t forget…for every $50.00 order you will be able to pick a FREEBIE from the Sale-A-Bration offerings….CLICK HERE and you will be able to view them and also, for every order I get during this Sale-A-Bration time, when I send you a thank you note…I'll enclose this below sample of the DSP I put together from Sale-A-Bration – my thanks to you!
They are such a lifesaver and come in so handy when you want to see what paper would work for a specific project!
I am doing the WOOT-WOOT it’s Friday dance and we are to be having some great weather over the weekend! Remember last Sunday when I was Mary Fish’s guest stamper? Click here to see the post…well this Sunday I will inspire you with some ideas using the “smaller wood cases” and using them for gift enclosures!
Please pop back…you’ll love them! Thanks for popping by and the best compliment you can give to me is to share my work and my blog with others…as my Mom always said…word of mouth is the best form of advertisement!
Until tomorrow….you will "bee happy" that you had your Saturday coffee with me!
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by Susan Itell | Feb 17, 2014 | Super Easy, Sympathy |
I am a huge animal lover…and when a losing a "family member" as I feel dogs (and all animals) become members of your family…it is hard – and there are no words to comfort but "I'm Sorry…."
You have heard me many times before post about my LOVE for Stampin' Up!….my passion I have….and the feeling of being "full and blessed" to have been able to meet so many incredible people both in person and in "cyber space" through my blog….
Chris R. is a regular follower of my blog and I am proud to call her my friend. She too is a Stampin' Up Demonstrator and she is one that POPS by just about everyday and leaves a great and usually funny comment!
We have never met in person and I can truthfully say that she is the only person I know in that lives in Iowa! This is what I love about Stampin' Up – you get to meet and develop relationship as grow as a person!
We email each other as she is a huge animal lover and her dear Henry has been sick…I noticed the past several days that I have not heard from Chris and I even said to John on Saturday night….."I hope Henry is o.k." - (John even knows who Henry is)!!!
I then popped in the computer and she sent me a long email detailing how the little guy was….and then yesterday I hopped on-line in the afternoon and saw the sad subject line and my heart dropped!
Needless to say, I switched my "posting gears" and went to my craft area and knew in my heart I needed to create a special card for Chris…and I think I did it.
Henry….I hope that you are playing in doggie heaven
and of you run into my dear Lucy –
please introduce yourself – she's a ton of fun!
Let's get to the card!
- I knew I could make a dog bone! I know that we have all seen the incredible "Paw Print" sympathy cards…..I just wanted to do someting different! I figured a dog bone could be made with circles and a strip of paper….and here you go! The 1" circle punch was my go-to! the middle part os 1 1/8" X 4".
- Do you see the "brown mat" – that is the MUST HAVE Silicone Craft Sheet….why???? it is perfect when you are using adhesives any excess….just rubs right off….and it is a DREAM when you are using hot glue!!! I say a big woot-woot!
- I used the liquid multipurpose glue to adhere the bone or "template" together….I like this adhesive when I want a little "wiggle room" – I used this and traced it on a piece of Crumb Cake and then used the paper snips to cut it out!
- The card is the good old A-2 card size and then I cut another piece of Very Vanilla just a "smidge smaller" – a "smidge" to me is 1/8"" and then using the envelope punch board, I corner rounded all edges!
- The sentiment came from the MUST HAVE stamp set, So Sorry, as face it…..we sometimes need this and the different sentiments are great!
- I stamped it with one of my all time favorites – soft suede – and then I cut it out with the Chalk Talk Framelits….and then cut out another one in soft suede to "frame it"!!!! LOOK AT THIS….close….AS YOU WILL SEE WHERE THE PAW CAME FROM!!!!
- Now to the paw….I used the small heart punch and then the "teeny tiny" inside of one of the chalk talk framelits!
- In between the layers, I did use my stampin' vitamins….stampin' dimensionals to give the "center stage" this card deserves!!!! (don't skimp on these – for just $3.95) – it really DOES make a difference and these gems are THE BEST on the market!
Well….there you go! I hope that you keep this post in your mind….It is so simple to create and once you get the "template" you will be able to whip this card together in no time!!!!
In closing 2 things……1st – Chris…I am truly sorry for your loss…..he was your buddy…your friend….your "child"…..keep the fun memories alive – I know I am….I LOVED hearing the "Henry" stories!
2nd.…I thank you……
Yesterday I was the guest stamper for Mary Fish and WOWZERS as I say! My BLOG hit the "high" – and I thank you…..I truly have not had the opportunity to go through the comments but I will do so as I only work a 1/2 of day on Monday's….so hopeful tomorrow I can read them! I am sooooooo glad that you like the post, and as I said – I am going to do one later this week with the 3 X 3 gift enclosures! WOOT-WOOT
Please subscribe to my blog……it is under the catalog……just enter your email and PRESTO – you are good to go for a daily dose of inspiration and tips!!!!!
This has been a CRAZY weekend for us! Our Farm is on the market and on Friday at 9 p.m. we had a Realtor call us for a showing on Sunday at 1 p.m. – YIKES – who in the world would want to come and see remote property with a ton of snow?!?!?! John is in full swing of Tax Season… Well….we pulled it together…..
I deeply thank you for popping by – my blog is something that I would have never thought I could do…..as I am "computer challenged" but I find it rewarding, a way to "get to know you" and a way that I can do what I love to do…..inspire!
Please feel free to leave Chris a comment……I know that she would deeply appreciate and cherish your words…..and pop back tomorrow as it's my wonderful Dad's 83rd birthday!!!!!
Until tomorrow…..
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by Susan Itell | Feb 15, 2014 | Baby, Super Easy |
Happy Weekend to everyone!
WOWZERS….what a difference 24 hours makes! It was 43 degrees here today -is that crazy or what! The sad part is….we still have a TON of snow…..but I am being positive!!!!
Many thanks for all of your comments…I do enjoy them and I do try to respond to them but it made me laugh about the donkey….he really does not like me….we have this love/hate relationship and I truly do not get it… he is a babysitter to Arnold…an old 28 year old retired show horse and they have been having a slumber party together most of the week….he should be doing the donkey "happy dance"
I think why he does not like me is that I make him do a job every year….his "Nativity Scene" duty and he does a great job….I go visit him but I think he holds it against me that he has to "hang out" with 2 sheep and a bunch of "Nativity Stuff" for a month! Arnold has several bad days when he leaves….but he gets over it!
O.k. – enough with that darn donkey…..let's get to why you are here!
Can you say S I M P L E …..and to me, simple works today!
(simple works for me everyday)
You really do not need me for this card….as it really is simple…BUT – it is the type of card that you can duplicate over and over again…..remember earlier this week I told you about having a card…"just in case"??? Well this is one of them!
The base is the Notecard and Envelope – my all to go-to! The color of choice for the day is Marina Mist….so clean and crisp! The size of this is 4 3/4" X 3 1/4"!
The whisper white is 3 3/4" X 2 1/4" and this card goes to show you how important it is to keep your ink pads well inked! WHY??? When you have an image that is a "flat coverage" like this elephant…you really need to have a good ink coverage!
The Stamp-A-Ma-Jig was my friend for this card….I know….many of you are thinking – "I do not like that thing" – well THAT THING IS THE BOMB……it is so easy once you give it a chance!
Woot-Woot…I only used 1 stamp set for this card….and it is the Zoo Babies Stamp Set…and it is soooo cute!
A "Susan stitch" was the border to the stamped image….this time I did a Dash-dot-Dash-dot….works for me – try it….you'll like it!
The envelope was a no-brainer for me….I ADORE polka dots….to me they are like baloons – they make me smail…..and I adore the Polka Par Parade Designer Series Paper! Fun…Fun…FUN!!!!
Again, this card is soooooo easy but easy works! Don't try to stress yourself out but making things hard…less is best….and less works!
I hope that you have enjoyed this "SIMPLE" card! "SIMPLE" works for me…….anything that gets the job done but still creates a WOW factor….I love!
Please POP back tomorrow as I have a super fun post for you! I am excited for the the weekend…and I promise, I will try to get the donkey to "like me"
Until tomorrow…..
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by Susan Itell | Feb 13, 2014 | Sale-A-Bration, Super Easy |
With Sale-A-Bration in FULL swing…I think that is is only fitting to showcase the incredible Designer Series Paper (Sweet Sorbet) that is a FREEBIE for you with a $50.00 order! I am in love with this paper and try to use it sparingly as I do not want it to end….but there is still LOTS of time left for this super sale!
Today's card is one of those kind of cards that is a "secret weapon"….the kind of card that you always want to have extra of….for a "just in case" quick note you want to send! I know…it is simple…but it is cute and the "curling" of the flower gives it great dimension so lets get going!
Using the note-card size (AGAIN) I cut a piece of Sahara Sand at 3" X 4 1/2" and YES….look below as I did save paper and punched put some shapes…..no need to waste!!!
The adorable and very subtle DSP is cut a "smidge smaller" (that's 1/8" to me)!!! Using the Blossom Punch, I POPPED out a flower in So Saffron and then took the bone folder and "curled" it upwards – always gives a great effect!
The stamped image came from a sale-a-bration stamp set called Petal Parade.…a great set to use for backgrounds and also clean and fast projects! I pierced through the center and added a Neutral Candy Dot and Stampin' Dimensionals were on both parts of the flower!
The sentiment is from the Sweet Essentials Stamp Set and this set always has "keepers" when you are looking for the right sentiment and the font is always so great! I did use Baked Brown Sugar as I thought it needed a deeper color and then the Banner Punch (another SAB item BUT it WILL be in the next Annual Catalog)
I told you it was easy-peasy….but next I needed to give that mailman something to smile about! They work so hard for us….let's make them smile! I lined the back of the envelope in the same DSP but then "jazzed" up the front envelope with some stamping! The perfect finishing touch!
I think that the East Coast has had it's fill with SNOW this year….actually the whole country has had such highs and lows with crazy weather! Where ever you are…please stay safe and I am super excited to have a "jammies" day and do all of the things I love….stamping….some cooking….I have a new book….and naturally playing with the animals!
Going to the barn I am quite the "FASHION PRINCESS" as John always laughs at me when he sees me in all of the clothes….it has taken me YEARS to figure out how to stay warm and I could truthfully care less what I look like!
If I could get me hands on that little ground hog….I would sit him down and have a good long talk! Spring will be here before we know it and the best thing is – just keep making cheery and uplifting cards….no doubt there will be a smile on your face!
As always, thanks for popping by and please share with your family and friends my blog….you can subscribe right here and never miss a dose on inspiration and fun!
Stay warm…be safe….watch the Olympics and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Feb 11, 2014 | PALS Blog Hops, Super Easy, Thank You |
Welcome to the Pals February Blog Hop. This month we are excited to share with you what we love about Stampin' Up! – our stamps, tools, accessories and techniques.
You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from # 8… Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping 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.
This truly is one of my favorite times of the month….when we have our monthly Blog Hop!!! It is always such a treat to see what others come up with and I hope that you will pop by each and everyone's blog to see "what they love"!!!
This month's theme of "things we love"…WOWZERS – (can you hear me singing)…
"Where do I begin…..to tell the story….."
Well first… I just LOVE Stampin' Up! and today's card is a reflection of these things that I love! Here are some of the products that I used from Stampin' Up! that "I love" and that make is fun and easy to create the Clean and Simple style I like to do when card making!
- Sale-A-Bration – THANK YOU Stampin' Up! for offering such incredible "freebies" for us and our customers…and also the extra $$$ for hostess rewards!!! WOOT-WOOT!
Let's get to the card as this is such a cutie-pie and it is the card that I send to my customers this month…I am showcasing the DSP from Sale-A-Bration….an appropriate card for a "thank you" in the month of February!
I love white….did you notice that by now? I think white is always the perfect classic background to produce a wowzer card! The inset piece is cut at 3 1/4" X 4 3/4"
I knew that I wanted this to be super simple and super duplicatable….so out came the Stampin Trimmer and I used the vertical pattern on the DSP to guide me for the width!
- The vertical dimensions are 3 1/4" X 3/4" for the DSP and the pool party is 3 1/2" X 1/2"
- The horozontal dimensions are 3" X 3/4" for the DSP and the pool party is 2 3/4" X 1/2"
I just love my dots and dashes…and I often use the white gel pen….another must have and the price is right – just $3.95! No stressing….just dash away and the effect will be super-duper!
Next came the sentment! This "thank you" is a perfect size to fit in this area! I did not dare take a chance on not having a straight image so out came the Stamp-a-ma-jig ! The Stamp Set is called Peaceful Petals!
Taking the full heart punch and popping out a crisp cantaloupe heart….I ran it through the SAB Dots Embossing Folder and the end result is perfect! Popping it up with some Stampin' Dimensionals was all that was needed! The small heart punch with the DSP was just adhered with a glue dot!
THAT'S IT…..easy-peasy….right! Lining envelopes is so easy with the Envelope Liner Framelit….thank-you Stampin' Up……it is the perfect finishing touch/finale to a beautiful card!
(One question I have been asked…..can the new Textured Boutique Embossing Machine cut? NO – it can only emboss…..it is a dream with the embossing folders and because it is much smaller and light weight – it is a fun product….but the Big Shot is the Main Man to do everything…cut and emboss!)
A big, BIG thanks for popping by today!!!! I hope that I have inspired you and I hope that you will try this super simple layout and adapt it to many different themes!!! Please feel free to leave me a comment on how you liked this card and remember, you can email me too!
We are in FULL SWING with SAB so it is a great time to have a class, a stack-a-card event….or simply if you want a hostess code – I'll be glad to set that up for you!
The next stop is # 10…Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat on the Pals Blog Hop! Nicole is the super-duper gu-ru that always designs our "Blog Hop Artwork"….one talented lady! Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you next month.
Until tomorrow…..
- Kerry Willard Bray at Peonies and Paper Chains
- Brian King at Stamp with Brian
- Janice Warhank at Janice's Papercraft Playground
- Shannon Hokanson at Paper Works
- Michelle Gleeson at StampinMojo
- Marlene Heringer at So Many Toys So Little Time
- Linda Callahan at Stampin' Seasons
- Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping
- Susan Itell at Simple Stampin
- Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat
- Rae Harper-Burnet at Wild West Paper Arts
- Sherrie Gross at Stampin Sunshine
- Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
- Peggy Noe at prettypapercards.com
- Donna Kopenski at craftycardmaker
- Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards
- Natalie Bradley at Natalie Bradley Events
- Diane Roberts at Score at Four and a Quarter
- Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
- Jackie Diediker at Stampin Jackie
- Alison Bilohlavek at ribbon and brad
- Kelly DeTommaso at Kelly's Creative Corner
- Martie Pollard at The Crafty Bandit
- Angie Blake at Angie's Musings
- Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn
- Shirley Sumption at Look at my Cute Stuff
- Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper
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by Susan Itell | Feb 3, 2014 | Super Easy |
O.k..did I get your attention with this title…well there is a story behind it!
One of the great things about being a PAL is….our wonderful leader, Mary Fish, has all sorts of resources for us to use….one in particular is a "Gallery" – a place where we post some of the PALS work!
This in itself is a wonderful resource but another great thing about this is…..you get lots of great ideas, tips & tricks….it's like we are one big Stampin' Family!!! (well, we are!!!!) and when another PAL, did this card…..I LOVED the simplicity of it and knew immediately that I would love to CASE this for my Breast Cancer project this month!
The idea is from PAL, Ginger Toivonen….please click here to see her card and because I needed to adapt it for my use for Breast Cancer project….(I try not to not have a lot of "bulk and embellishments" as the Breast Cancer office likes to be able to have a regular stamp on it) Aren't Ginger's cards….wowzers….just love them! So clean, crisp and practical!
Let's get to it….you really do not need instructions for this one….it is really straight forward….but here you go! ( I know you like them)
- I know that this is the "type A in me" but I always get asked on tips and tricks...Find the center and draw a pencil line – makes life sooooo much easier than relying on your eyes!!! (ha-ha!!!)
- Out comes the Blossom Punch…push it all the way in and center it to you pencil line…..PUSH and PRESTO……it is starting to happen!!!! Woot-woot!!!!
- Next, I use the stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp the sentiment "Hello there!" (I love this set and I have not used it for a while…..I need to do something about that!) – Now I would not want to go to the trouble of piercing this card if my sentiment was not straight (this is another reason that I stamp it now) This is from the Timeless Talk Stamp Set!
- Look at the below photo and you will see how I lay the piercing guide over top!
This is a technique that I honestly forget about and when I saw Ginger's card…the LIGHTBULB went on…..LOVE IT…and it is a perfect item to share with you during Sale-A-Bration….This is from the Occasions Paper Piercing Pack and then you definately need the paper piercing tool!
- After you are done piercing…place stampin' dimensionals on the back! The flower was so easy….just a 3" x 3" square….and I adhered it to the front of the note-card….and then once you place the pierced portion – BAM – WOWZERS!
- The little flower is from the HANDS DOWN you need to own this bundle, Petite Petals, and I stamped it with the white staz on ink….YES – the white staz on ink….I just purchased it and am having a fun time with it!
- Besides lining the outside of the envelope with the strawberry slush In Color Designer Series Paper Stack….I stamped the outside of the envelope….a simple yet fun touch and just think….it really does not take a bunch of paper to deliver the wow that this sweet card gives!
TIP ALERT: Remeber when I said that I keep the embellishments to a minimum when I make cards for Breast Cancer….we (the volunteers) and I usually make 18 of the same card…..not the "white center" on the flower is NOT a candy dot…..it is a simple punch from the Owl Punch! (the tiny one)
I had someone the other day email me about our punches….she made me smile as she agreed with me that they are the best on the market and my suggestion is…start with the basics and then gradually add to it! We all have birthdays….how about a gift certificate!?!?
Here's to a new week…I have a busy week at work and we are to get more snow….I can't imagine that we will as it was over 50 today! WOW – felt like a heat wave!
Thanks fro popping by and until tomorrow!
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