by Susan Itell | Dec 22, 2013 | 3-D Projects, Christmas, Super Easy |
Is this super cute or what! Sometimes it is fun to make a “simple gift” like cash or a check…be hidden and when they see the gift…they are really getting a 2 for 1!!!
Who wouldn’t love to get “cash” & have a bunch of M & M’s at the same time!
Good Old Fashion Mason Jars are the simple trick to this post!
I originally saw this idea on a post that Catherine Pooler had shared and she used the washi tape but I wanted to do something a bit different and I cannot believe how easy and fun this is….I know you are going to want to making these….so head over to the grocery store and get some jars!
Wouldn’t this be just adorable at Valentines and tuck a special “love note”
and then use conversation hearts or red candy hearts!!!
Let’s get to the fun!
The key to this fun is a “toilet paper” roll or you could use a paper towel roll and cut it in half! I used the Season of Style Paper Stacks and this works perfectly! I am sure that all rolls might be a bit different in size…but this was a quick 4” cut and then adhere it around and you are good to go!
TIP ALERT: Use your bone folder to help loosen up the fibers in the paper…our paper is fantastic and doing this will make it very soft and easy to work with! It will adhere much easier!
I simple put the decorated roll in the Mason Jar…filled it with M & M’s before adding the money…this way it is “anchored” a bit…and then easy-peasy…fill the jar up and you are good to go! You have “hidden the gift”!!!
Decorating the top could not have been easier! The 2 ½” Circle Punch works PERFECTLY….I just love it when things like this happen!!! So easy….so fast…DONE!
For the rim…I had plenty of leftover paper from the piece and a ¼” cut fits perfectly around the edge! Once again….can you say easy!
The card is a 3 X 3 card and I used the Gumball Green at 2 ¾” (I thought that this color looked better with the M & M’s) and then the fun reindeer is from the Very Merry Tags Stamp Set (I used soft Suede). A simple punch of a cherry cobbler for the nose and then the simple yet effective “Susan Dots” using the white gel pen!
Did you see the Cherry Cobbler Sweater Trim…I adore this and for just $3.59 for a roll….LOVE IT!!! – it is in the CLEARANCE RACK….click here and check out all of the goodies…..
I hope that this post will make you smile like it makes me smile! I have had soooo much fun making them and I just came up with the idea of doing one for my “dog sitter” and I think I am going to fill it with little dog bones…she will love it!!!
It is fun to think out of the box….there are times that it is just easier to let someone pick out what they want but making them feel extra special in how it is presented is truly the "icing on the cake" I hope that this post inspires you to have some fun making someone smile!
I thank you for having your coffee with me…I thank you for your comments…I thank you for inspiring me each and every day!!!!
As always, I am an email away with any questions! This is such a special time of the year….I truly wish each and everyone joy and happiness…..and fun of course!!!!
Huge stampin' hugs your way and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 21, 2013 | Love, Super Easy |
I thought that this clean and simple card would send the message…
"I love you to the moon and back!!!"
It is happening and I am SUPER excited as my "peeps" are coming home one by one…tonight, my oldest son Will is coming home! He is the one that has lived in China and this will be his 1st Christmas home in 5 years now that he lives and works in Boston!
I think that I could shoot to the moon with excitement that my children will be home…I do not know about you…but I think the older I become – I appreciate and cherish the simple things and to me….
I have asked them one by one….what cookies do you want???….what dinnersdo want???…what do you want to do???…what do you not want to do???….it is strange as this is the 1st time that I am working full time so juggling everything is a balancing act but worth it!!!
Let's get to this fun as it is a SNEAK PEEK from the Occasions Catalog that YOU WILL LOVE!
- The stamp set is from the NEW Occasions Catalog and I adore giving you a "sneak peek" – this stamp set is appropriately called "Love You To The Moon" (darn….wish I could show you the whole stamp set)
- The measurements of the card stock are…Whisper White – 4" X 2 1/2" and the Black is 4 1/4" X 2 3/4" and the Bermuda Bay is 4 3/8" X 2 7/8"! (This is a great and simple layout the always works out as a wwinner with just a simple change of the stamps!)
- The fun and festive fun came from the simple hearts that I punched out with from the Owl Builder Punch! It is amazing how many times I use this for just the "simple things"
- This whole card was created around the NEW designer Series Paper from the Occasions Catalog…called – Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper.…love all of the fun and festive prints!
That's it….but the best part is my very own handwriting inside this card letting Will know how happy I am to have him home!!! I am so proud of him…I am happy that he is happy! He is a teacher at a Montessori School in Boston – the kids love him and call him "Mr. Will"!!!
I hope that this post is a nice "change up" from all of the holiday posts and I hope that this is a SUPER DUPER day for you….have fun….get lots accomplished….and remember the reason of the season!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 20, 2013 | Love, Super Easy, Valentines |
Now let me inspire you as this card will literally take you minutes to create! I was a stamper that was not "crazy" about these "pre-printed" cards….BUT my opinion has changed!
FAST works…FAST is easy…and FAST makes you feel GREAT!
Today's card was an inspiration to me from Stampin' Ups! bi-monthly magazine called Stampin' Success….when you are a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator you will get this magazine mailed to you and it is always filled with fabulous ideas!
When I saw this…I knew that I would be making this as take a look at this picture and you will see why and then I am sure that you will have a big smile on your face as this is a beautiful picture of my daughter Hannah and her boyfriend, Aiden!
When I first saw this picture…I thought for sure that it was "photo shopped" but it was from her I-Phone and they asked someone to take this amazing picture! So young, such a great memory….such a fun time they have together! Whenever I see something with the Eiffel Tower…I usually break down and get it for her!
Another thing that I ADORE about this card is the size…yep – a BIG WOOT-WOOT as it is a "note-card" size…my all time favorite! Jazzing it up a bit, I used another go-to necessity product…the envelope liner framelit and of course, Mr. Big Shot helped me make it happen!
I am doing the WOOT-WOOT dance again, as in the NEW Occasions catalog they are having a paper stack…this liner is from the Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack- LOVE IT!!! The size of these papers are perfect for matting on a card or lining an envelope!
Let's get back to the Note Cards…remember, these are limited as they are part of the Valentines offerings….and they are called Sweet Sayings Cards and Envelopes! You will get 12 pre-printed cards and envelopes for just $5.95!!! Please do not wait to get these goodies….as they are real keepers!!!
The Stamp Set is called Follow My Heart, and I think the title sums it up! A great, clean, simple and fun set!
A simple Stamp here and another simple Stamp there…is all that is needed…..and then my "Susan Dots" for the final touch….simple – flat – and DONE!
I know that one thing we have in common is…we run short of time…we run short of ideas…we love stamping and creating but there are times that "life get's in the way" This quick and easy card will clearly bring a smile to anyone's face!
I know that you all have seen sooo many holiday ideas, I thought that it was time to show a little Valentines fun…This set will definately be a Breast Cancer Card Set and I already have an idea of what stamp/sentiment to use….just LOVE this size!
Today is Friday!!! YEAH!!! I am excited! Hannah arrived home safe and sound around midnight on Wednesday and was out the door yesterday morning to go ride her horse! She amazes me with her energy and continual passion she has for her horses!
I have a couple of "home stretch" Holiday Fun to share with you over the weekend…one that my dear friend Jeannie is going to share with me….it WILL be the holiday place cards for my Christmas Dinner!!! Please pop back and please subscribe to my daily blog!
You all are going to love the new Occasions catalog and also the Sale-A-Bration items are TO DIE FOR! Stampin' Up really out-did themselves…and to think they will be FREE when you support your fun….inky habit!
Have a fabulous day and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 18, 2013 | Christmas, Super Easy, Thank You |
A week from today is the big day of Christmas! Unreal that this calendar has been buzzin' by so fast but this is a special time of the year for many, many reasons! We all have different memories…I truly wish that we could all be together and have one big chat session and hear all of the memories and stories each of us have!
As I am typing this post, I looked at John (who is doing great – last week he received the green light to start driving – progressing amazingly with his physical therapy – so proud of his patience, positive attitude and dedication) and I said to him…this time next week it will be Christmas Eve!!!!
We had a great chat of how it will be great to have the children all home again and Hannah will be the 1st to make the trek back to Maryland! The next thing we talked about was great memories of the holidays and the checking the list….making sure that Santa ate some cookies and spilled a bit of milk…..and then as we would try to fall asleep awaiting for the big day….we would always say…."Do we have batteries!!!!"
To all of the parents out there…you know what I mean but today – most things are all electronics but I would never let go of the memories of putting things together, reading instructions….see the ultimate joy in the children's eyes!
Ok…time to hop off of "memory lane" and get to this clean and simple card! We all know…we will need to send notes of thanks to family and friends!
This is a "Susan" card all the way around as it comes together super fast…can be "dressed up" or "super simple" and it is using some of my favorite things and techniques!
The card size is my favorite note card size, finished size, 3 1/2" X 5" and Stampin Up! has the envelopes in this size…I say WOOT-WOOT – I go thru this size in both the Crumb Cake and Whisper White….such a quick and easy size!
Using the Water Color Paper, I stamped this great little gift using the Black Staz On ink….(the ONLY way to go when you are watercoloring….one of my all time favorite techniques to do!!!) I feel like an artist just having the Aqua Painters in my hand…so much fun and soooo relaxing!
I matted this piece on a slighly bigger piece of Cherry Cobbler Card Stock, 2 1/4" and then matted it again wth the super fun Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper ( this is 2 3/4" square). Do polka dots make you smile? This paper is always a "pick me up" to me!
I wanted to add a BIG statement with the Cherry Cobbler Stitched Ribbon so I thought I would take the plunge and use another piece of Crumb Cake to set it "up and off" the card base!!! This ribbon in itself is a WOW statement!
Isn't this a simple yet sweet card…one that anyone would love to receive! I played around with the envelope and decided to line the "back flap" to change it up a bit….and then stamped a simple "Thank You" from the Another Thank You Photopolymer Stamp Set ( a MUST to purchase if you do not have it) – trust me, you'll use it over and over!
CONFESSION TIME: – I never thought I would like these "clear stamp sets" but I am "eating my words" as I adore them….they are soooo easy to use!!!
That's it….so quick and easy….now I ask you….ARE YOU READY? I must admit I am not, but at the same time I am not trying to let it get to me as it simply is about family, friends, love and memories…I am so thankful to have my peeps home!
Something we have not shared much about….what are some favorite Holiday cookies in your home! I need to get to baking and we always have to have some of the all time favorites…Snicker-doodles, buck-eyes, Creme de Menthe Brownies….
Please leave a comment and give me some of your favorite yummies –
it will be fun to see what's cookin' in your home!
In this season of giving thanks…I thank each and every one of you that are so faithful and inspiring to me and my Stampin' Up! fun! I would love for you to be on this fun ride of inspiration with me….sounds like a perfect Christmas Gift!!!
Email me, I would live to talk about the fun and ese of being a demonstrator! Have a great "hump day" and enjoy the journey…..
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 17, 2013 | 3-D Projects, Christmas, Super Easy |
Good Morning! With the countdown here…many people give a simple check or perhaps a bit of cash for a gift during the holiday! Even though it might not be very creative – at the same time this way the person can get whatever they like!
What can be creative is how it is presented!!!
This is a SUPER CUTE and SUPER EASY gem to whip up!!! I have made sooooooo many of these and I know that the idea has been around for years – to me…it works!!!
Remember last week when the Clearance Rack was stocked? Well….this is a great example of getting "a deal" pays off! Last night when I was making some for orders….I thought….USE THE PAPER that was a deal! It is super beautiful and it works!
I have had many people POP into my office asking for a last minute "something" and this works – while watching "The Voice" last night….I put together a bunch!
Ready….get your paper and LET'S GO!!!!!
- Cut a piece of DSP to a 7 " square. This paper is from the Season of Style Designer Series Paper!
- Score at 1 1/4" and 4 1/4"…..fold on the score and use a Bone Folder for a crisp edge!
- Use the 1" Circle Punch and pop out a cut 1/2" circle to make it "easier" to "get the goods" out!
- Take a piece of sticky tape and put on the EDGE….remember – your check will go in there!!!
- I love the Scallop Trim Border and this just MAKES this project! I start with a piece of paper at 1" X 7" and then POP it out…..below you will see 2 pictures….I know that many of you email me when you do not get this even…..it you put the edge of the paper as shown – works like a charm every time!!!
- Simply Use whatever sentiment you heart desires! I used this from the Christmas Messages Stamp Set….so fun and versatile!
- The Belly Band is a piece of Cherry Cobbler – 7" X 1 1/4" and then the whisper white is 7" X 3/4" (you would not have to use both papers – but I love how it looks) Score this at 2 1/8" and 5 1/4" (or you could just fold it around the project) TIP ALERT: – Make sure when you adhere the Belly Band together (I use sticky strip) and make sure that you do not get it too tight….you want it to slide easily!!!
Well….what do you think???
Isn't this EASY!!!! You will be AMAZED at how fast this goes….when I make them – I make a bunch – go ahead and cut all of your paper…do the punching…..do all of the stamping at once etc…..
I just love practical projects that will always bring a smile! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions! This is a great way to use up paper and then you have PLENTY left over to line envelopes…make a "sour cream paper treat" etc…..
We all know how to use up paper scraps – save them….save them – we all have so many tricks in how to use them up!!!
Thanks for popping by and you know what tomorrow is……one week BEFORE Christmas!!!
Hopefully everyone is doing well with their shopping and baking…such a busy time of the year – such a fun time of the year! Be safe….and please share my Blog with your family and friends! You can subscribe right from my blog so you get a daily dose of "Susan" everyday!
Until tomorrow…..
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by Susan Itell | Dec 13, 2013 | Super Easy, Sympathy |
Good Morning! It is finally Friday! This has been a long week for me…and I am thankful that the weekend is here…please pop back to my Blog tomorrow as I need your help!
You all are the BEST in popping by….leaving me incredible comments….and I am going to share with you my favorite Christmas Cards and hopefully you will help me decide which one to do!!!
I need to "get on it" on Sunday and I have it narrowed down to my favorites!
Now to today's card…Our community has lost a very special person and I needed to send many cards to her family and friends that she always touched! We all know that when situations arise that we need a Sympathy Card, it is wonderful to have something on hand.
I always thought that I have a nice "stash" of cards for times like this – but I did not and I figured why not make a "keeper" card that can be easily made and at the same time be special! I think I captured both of my objectives with this card!
Let get going, please change up the colors as you would like…it is so classic and simple – you'll never get tired of it and you know that whoever receives it…will be touched!
- The size of the card is a Note Card size of 3 1/2" X 5"….a bargain as you can order them and get 20 cards and 20 envelopes for just $5.95!
- I cut a piece of Whisper White at 3" X 4 1/2" to be to focal part to the card ( you can easily just make this a single layer card but I think the white on white is very clean and classic!!!)
- Using the Love & Sympathy Stamp Set, I used the "brush" end of my markers and the colors are Old Olive and Elegant Eggplant. This works like a charm…give it a good "huff of stampin' love" and the ink goes on as well as if you used your ink pads!
- I easily could have used the sentiment from this stamp set…but when I did – I just felt like it was too wide for the size of the card so I went to the Best of Greetings and used the Sympathy sentiment! This is a great stamp set as the sentiments are all fantastic – I would definitely have this set on my shelf! Remember, these "Best of's" are limited editions…..click here to see them all!
- Wanting to so a simple yet elegant special touch I used the Dotted Scallop Punch Border Punch to frame the sides of this simple card! This is on sale this week on the "weekly deals" for just $11.96 and I highly suggest that you purchase one if you do not already have one! This card is a prime example of how a simple piece of paper can bring a card to the next level!
- There is only 1 think left to do…the envelope! I have not made that mailman smile lately so I did stamp the image outside of the envelope as well as line the inside of the envelope with the fun Polka Dot Parade Paper….this paper always brings a smile to my face!
You can see by today's post…simple works and simple is effective! Do you know what would be a fantastic gift to give a friend….a bunch of cards already made us! You could use this size of cards and envelopes and with getting 20 for $5.95….you could make up…
- (4) Sympathy Cards
- (4) Birthday Cards
- (4) Thinking of You Cards
- (4) Get Well Cards
- (4) Just Because Cards….
Now who wouldn't love and appreciate this as a gift! To top it off – you could tuck in the stamps…add a pen and PRESTO – a perfect gift!
Please pop back tomorrow to help "poll" my Christmas Cards…I appreciate your feedback….'cause you all are the BEST!
Have a great Friday and please do not under estimate the simplicity of clean and classic cards…today's card would be a fabulous card to have on hand…."just in case" you need a special card quick!
Until tomorrow!
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