by Susan Itell | Aug 15, 2013 | Halloween, Super Easy |
BOO! Halloween will be here before you know it and with all
of the new and fun Halloween items in the new catalog, you are sure to “brew”
up some gems of cards!
Today is the Pals Paper Art Challenge and it is a sketch challenges
from PAL Margaret Moody…please play along – it’s super fun and you can just let
your creativity go wild!
The minute I saw this sketch I knew what I was going to do!
I just love that when this happens! I am one to take an interpretation
literally and not go too wild and I think that this is a fun card!
Using the Witches Brew Designer Series Paper was a no
brainer for me and I was able to use it in 3 different ways! Are you looking at
that spider and wondering where it came from? It is in this paper pack and I
simple used the circle framelit to cute it out! (see it below!!!)
The “Eat if you DARE” Sentiment is from the Halloween Bash
Stamp Set…super cute and I have been missing embossing so I thought this would
be the perfect time!
Using the embossing buddy to wipe away and dust etc from my
paper, I stamped the image using the Versamark Pad and then sprinkled black
embossing powder over top…a quick ping-ping to get the excess off and then plug
in the heat tool!
TIP ALERT!!! Turn your heat tool on for a second to let it
get good and hot and then in a circular motion go back and forth until the
“magic happens” I can remember that this is one of the 1st
techniques that I learned when I started to stamp and I was WOWED with how cool
the effect is!
I do use the Tombow glue (just a little) to adhere this to
the perfect pumpkin circle (I do this because sometimes I find the paper gets
curvy and this adhesive it super strong and it always lets it lay flat)
Using a “Susan method” that I always did when I scrapbooked…I
“dotted” all the way around…I just feel like it give you a fun effect!
Stampin’ Dimensionals to the rescue…lifting both if the
circles and you will have to “double up” on the edge of the spider to make it
even! DONE…one fun and simple card!
This card would be a perfect card to “mass produce” (true
you would have to find a substitute for the spider) but I would recommend using
an image from the Halloween Hello Stamp Set…there are some super cute stamps in
there!
The envelope was easy-peasy with the Envelope Liner
Framelit…so easy yet so classic! I will say…it is wonderful to be able to use
the adhesive on the envelope!
I know that there are many out there that enjoy my blog…my
question to you is…why don’t you become a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator?…I clearly
joined to support my habit as I felt like I already had soooo many products
that I paid full price for and figured – why not – get them at a discount and get inspiration from others…a win=win!!!!
It was the single BEST decision I have made for myself and I
have never doubted or looked back since! The relationships you develop are
wonderful and also the best thing is…you never have to feel that you need to
teach…blog…and there is NO penalty what so ever if you decide to leave. You do whatever you wish . – heck – most demonstrators are hobbyist!
I would love and be honored to have you on my team and be a
part of the super fun group of Pals in Mary Fish’s line! Inspiration to the
max!!!
Email me and I would love to talk about how this opportunity
can fit into your lifestyle!
Until tomorrow…
by Susan Itell | Aug 14, 2013 | Super Easy |
This
card is a “less is best” kind of card that will certainly touch the heart of
the recipient! A CAS (clean & simple) at it’s best!
You
know that I adore and often post cards using the “Note Card” size often (page
162)…They come in the Whisper White and now the envelopes come in Crumb Cake
but today I wanted Very Vanilla!
Isn’t
it always so true that we want something that they simply do not make!?!? Well
– with the help of some Stampin’ Up! Tools we can make them ourself! The
Stampin’ Trimmer and the Diagonal Scoring Plate was all that I needed!
This
super sweet card is a cinch to make and I used the help of something I have yet
to use…the Shaker Frames! I used this as not only my “template” for my wreath
but I also loved the “lift” it gives!
TIP
ALERT!!! Don’t stress yourself out trying to stamp in the center of the Shaker
Frame…simply stamp your image on a scrap of Very Vanilla Paper and then POP it
out using a circle punch or pull out Mr. Big Shot and grab the super easy
circle framelits and PRESTO…it will fit perfectly behind your shaker frame!
I
used Soft Suede Ink and the sentiment is from the Blooming with Kindness Stamp
Set. We have many sentiments that would be perfect for a circle…I just thought
this was super sweet!
Using
a piece of Very Vanilla just a “smidge” smaller than my 3 ½ “ X 5” Note Card…I
soften the edges with the 3 /16" corner rounder and then also scored 2 notches in each
side with the simply scoring tool – (I love the simple yet classic effect it
gives)
Now
its time to put the shaker frame and sentiment on the front and pull out the
linen thread to make your wreath! I did add a bit of Tombow Glue to the top
just to give it a bit more “stick” TIP ALERT!!! Go easy with this glue…it is
super strong but you really do not need much at all!
Next,
using a Neutral Button that I had from last year (I love the heart shape) I threaded
the linen thread and made a simple bow and with the help of a mini glue dot…we’re
done!!!
Making
your own envelopes is easy-peasy and click here to get the BEST envelope making
chart! My upline, Mary Fish generously shares her talent and I must say…I have
this laminated as I use it often – I just love odd shaped cards!
Starting
with a 6 ¾” square and using the Diagonal Scoring Plate, I scored 2 sides at 3
¾” and the other 2 sides at 2 5/8” …cut the little notches out…add some sticky
strip (I highly recommend using this as it is super strong) and presto…you have
your own “note card” envelope!
The
liner is from the Soho Subway Designer Series Paper and a simple cut of the
width…use the 2-way glue pen to hold and trim off the excess – and here is one
beautiful envelope!
I
am so glad that I reached out of my comfort zone and used these shaker frames.
Not only does this make a super sweet card but also it is a card that can be
used for many occasions!
Tomorrow
is Thursday and you know what that is…it is a Pals Paper Art Challenge and
tomorrow is a sketch challenge and it is a fun layout! Please pop back and see
that the design team has come up with and then…YOU get busy and create your
interpretation of the sketch!
Thanks
for POPPING by and remember you can go to my online store with a simple click
here and your goodies will be shipped to your home!
Enjoy
the day…many thanks for your support and until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Aug 9, 2013 | Stamp-a-ma-jig, Super Easy |
It’s Friday…it’s the weekend! WOOT-WOOT! It is amazing what can be done in a 24-hour span…yesterday my husband and I made the trek to Boston to get our son settled in his new city…new apartment as he starts a new job!
Today’s card is another card to brighten my 2nd cousins day! Many thanks for so many kind emails on your thoughts and prayers for him…he has a long road ahead but one thing that he loves is cards!
This is the 1st time I have used this stamp set and I was so excited to use it! If this little guy won’t make you smile than someone needs to tickle your feet for a good laugh!
The Bug Me Stamp Set is anything and everything you want it to be! Just put your “fun and creative hat” on and make a critter happen!
Pick a color palette out that you want to work with and go to town! Today I used Crumb Cake, Whisper White,Night of Navy and the fun new Crushed Curry! I wanted to use the crumb cake envelopes so this was a perfect fit!
I first stamped my guy on the white card stock before pulling out my main man, Mr. Big Shot, and using the Window Frames Framelits – a whirl of a turn and presto…a perfect image!
Using the scraps I stamped out the “wings” in Crumb Cake and using the BEST scissors in the world, I free handed cutting the wings! Investing in great cissors will make your projects SHINE and save you lots of FRUSTRATION!
I stamped the body in both the navy and curry and layered them on top to give some POP!!!
Wanting to add more color, I popped out 2 more of the Window Frames in the Crushed Curry and just placed them on either side of the critter! I just love this look…how about you?
You can see that this is a great example of less is best and the card is just clean just as it is!
A Regal Candy Dot on the edges was the perfect touch of a balance!
Before adhering this whole piece that has Stampin’ Dimensions on the back….I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to get the sweet sentiment from the Four You Stamp Set in a perfect position!
The new Designer Series Papers that are from each color collection are just fabulous! This liner comes from the Regals Designer Series Paper and they are such a fresh and fun addition to the Stampin’ Up! Products!
Speaking of fabulous…how about the Envelope Liner Framelits…you know I have many ways of lining envelopes but this works great and a perfect fit every time!
I know that when Matthew sees this card, there will be a smile on his face! I am excited to come up with more fun ideas using this stamp set!
Please let me know how you like this card…I sure do appreciate your comments and I do try to answer back to you! It is a great feeling that there are “cyber friends” all over….probably someone here in Boston!!!
Shoot me an email or leave me a comment!
Tomorrow’s card is all about L O V E!!! Another card for Matthew to let him know that many love him…truly a brave person!
Enjoy the day and until tomorrow!
p.s. – sorry for the photography….I did my posts for several days in advance and the hotel lighting is not the best….but trust me….this is an adorable card….what do you think?!?!
by Susan Itell | Aug 8, 2013 | Super Easy, Thinking of you |
Wow…it is already Thursday – and we know what that means….time for the Pals Paper Art Challenge and this means that it is YOUR TIME to play and have fun with this color palette!
Every week there is either a color challenge or a sketch challenge and I hope that you consider playing along!
It is fun…it is rewarding…and it is open to anyone! There is so much talent out there and let's all share our works of "art" from our "heart"!!!
As I have shared before, doing challenges was a resolution from me this year and I am so glad that I have been holding true to my word!
It truly has made me "challenge" myself and think out of the box! I am now on the Design Team (a big honor in itself) and I am always amazed with the talent out there! Come join the fun and play with this fun color challenge!
You all know that I love "odd size" cards and today's card is not the traditional A-2 card size! I still have some (not many as I adore them) this fun size envelope that Stampin' Up! used to have….the flap is on the end….just love them!
Here is the simple scoop for the challenge today! Please feel free to email me or leave me a comment if this "Happy Day" card….make YOU happy!!!
- The Whisper White Card Stock is cut in a 6 1/2" square…then scored in half!
- The "smaller" Whisper White is 6" X 3" ( I just love seeing a bunch of "white" on a card – always gives a clean and classic look and feel!!!)
- TIP ALERT!!! – Use your ruler and mark the center of your card area…this case it was at 3" and then you will have your center point! I also did that for the sentiment as well as I wanted the balance to be in line! ( I know the picture is not the best….but you'll get the idea….click on it!)
- The flower comes from the Flower Shop Stamp Set – a definite "A List" stamp set to have!
- TIP ALERT!!! Trust me on this one….USE THE STAMP-A-MA JIG!!! Not only will it save you a TON of time in the long run – you will get it exact the very 1st time and your flowers will have the same symmetry across!
- Have fun and here you go!!! STAMP…clean…STAMP…clean…STAMP…clean and DONE = 3 beautiful flowers!
- Doing the exact same thing with the sentiment…line your stamp-a-ma-jig image right on your pencil line and PRESTO!!! This great sentiment came from the Happy Day Stamp Set!
- For a simple finishing touch to the card I simply placed a white candy dot that came from the Neutrals Candy Dots! These gems are addictive – I have yet to use them with a brad!
- It's envelope time!!! I just couldn't resist making the mailman smile! I first gave a good and juicy stamp and then stamped it off twice for a fainter look and then stamped the sentiment!
I hope that this card finds you having a "Happy Day"! Please consider playing along this week…these are fun colors and I just love seeing everyone's approach to a challenge!
You can simply click here and order any of these products and then you will be having a"Happy Day" in about a week when the UPS Man arrives! Thanks for popping by!!!
Until tomorrow…..
by Susan Itell | Aug 5, 2013 | Super Easy, Thinking of you |
I hope that you had a great weekend!
I had a F A B U L O U S weekend…
as it was truly very special as I had all of my "peeps" under 1 roof….their home ….and it was super special! Times like this become far and fewer as they are all grown and independent! It was a great weekend!
Today's post is a special one as it is one of the cards that will be for Breast Cancer patients in treatment, something I do monthly with volunteers that meet to make lots of cards! It is a fun and rewarding evening! I love creating cards for them as they are not only special….they are hero's! I know that the recipients will love this CAS – (Clean And Simple) card!
Let's get to the "good stuff" of this card! The focal part and sentiment is from the Lovely Romance Stamp Set and I think the sentiment says it all …..
"I think that you are Amazing…just wanta let you know!
Well I am here to tell you – these ladies…the volunteers and also the patients are amazing! This is such a "feel" good for me!
The fun part about this card that gives it texture and a bit of pizazz is the Framed Tulips Embossing Folder! Running this through the big shot is the start of this show stopper card!
The super sentiment does stand on it's own and I used the pear pizazz ink to stamp the sentiment and then again, pulling out the big shot with the help of the Chalk Talk Framelits.…the sentiment was a cinch to POP out!
The card is sweet and simple on its own ….I had some discontinued Pear Pizazz ribbon that I thought would be a great addition to this card! Little touches like this is simple, clean yet effective! I added a Very Vintage Designer Button with a piece of Linen Thread through it and it was a perfect touch!
TIP ALERT!!!! There is an item that gets overlooked in the catalog and I think I know why….it is pricy – BUT let me tell you honestly – once you get these gems and you use the JUST FOR RIBBON – you will say WOW….how did I ever craft before!!!!
I am talking about the Craft Scissors! Look closely at the above picture….I did NOT tuck the ribbon behind the layer…I simply CUT the ribbon at the edge – this is how sharp and precise they are…you can get them at 50% off or better yet – FREE!!!! Click here and ask me how!!!!
Envelope time…this picture does not do it justice but it is super cute! The designer series paper is called Afternoon Picnic, and the colors are soft and sweet! I choose to do the outside of the envelope as I thought it would "show off: this paper the best plus make the mailman smile!
Here is to a NEW week, a FUN week and a PRODUCTIVE week! Again, I deeply thank you for all of your support and comments you have "sent my way" over the weekend….I am getting through answering you!!!
I have not "jumped off the high dive" yet with all of the new holiday goodies but hang tight – I will….this is always a busy Breast Cancer week for me!
Have a super day….tell you friend, family and co-workers about my blog…..and
Until tomorrow!!!
by Susan Itell | Aug 3, 2013 | Stamp-a-ma-jig, Super Easy |
***BEFORE I GET TO THE POST….
I have no clue why my daily post did not go off as usual so my subscribers are not getting it until 11 a.m.! SORRY – technology can drive you NUTS!!!! Because of this…I will extend the blog candy comments until 5 p.m.!!!
Tomorrow I will announce the winner***
Now is this a super sweet card or what! This will be one of the cards that we will be making on Wednesday for my monthly Breast Cancer Angel Card making evening that gives our local organization many cards to send to patients in treatment!
Yesterdays post on "Envelope Lining 411" was a huge hit! I have already received over 44 comments or emails with comments on which method they like best! Remember, you have until noon today to leave me a comment on which is your preference….and the lucky winner will receive blog candy of 10 "Susan" way liners and also 10 Envelope Liner Framelits!
Here is the super easy scoop on this card! This gem could be "whipped" up in no time to make multiples to always have a stash…."just in case" I used the Note Cards and Envelopes, the gem I often post about as you get 20 note cards and 20 envelopes for just $5.95!!! Can you say B A R G A I N!!! Click here to start your order…..
At the end of the "scoop" of this card….you will feel like you are at the eye doctors office….do you like this liner…that liner….or this liner!!! Enjoy and I hope this inspires you to make a stash of this easy-peasy card!
- TIP ALERT!!!I popped the butterfly out twice and adhered them together so after I rolled it with my pencil you would not see the opposite side of the designer series paper!
- Here comes something that I forget about and WOW…..LOVE the effect – The Needlepoint Border Embossing Folder adds a super texture to the sides of the white focal part! When did you use this last?????
- After adhering everything together, out came the stampin' dimensionals to just give this card the special effect to go from o.k. – to WOW!!!
- Let's go to the envelopes….below you will see how I did the envelopes 3 different ways!!!
- The "Susan" way…
- The Envelope Liner Framelit…from the NEW holiday catalog
- The outside of the envelope!
You see…this is why I said you will feel like you are at the Eye Doctors….do you like 1…2…or 3!!! Well….I like them all!!! You can see that I wanted the mailman to smile, so I stamped 3 butterfly's on the front of one of the envelopes!
When I do this…I find the 1/2 point of the envelope….mark it with a pencil – use thestamp- a-ma-jig for perfect placement and then erase the center line….easy-peasy!
Thanks for POPPING by and I hope I inspire you to make this simple card! Please do not forget to go to my blog posting yesterday to get in the drawing to win blog candy!!!
Let me know how you liked today's card! I love and appreciate your comments and feedback! Please tell your friends and family to subscribe to my blog….a daily dose of fun and inspiration!
Until tomorrow!
p.s. – sorry for the photography today…I have a house full of people and I usually use my guest room to do my photography!!!
