by Susan Itell | Mar 14, 2014 | Birthday, Sympathy |
I know that it is hard when you need a sympathy card as many times we find out that we need one and I think that it is good to have some on hand…just in case!
Yesterday John said to me – “I need a sympathy card for a client – can you make me something special” Mission accomplished, as I needed to do it before I went to work!
Here is a great little card that has a clean and simple WOW factor! Actually you could change out the sentiment and put Happy Birthday, Thinking of you etc…
Let’s go….
- Note-cards and envelopes to the rescue…What am I ever going to do if Stampin’ Up! discontinues these gems! Go ahead and cut the mat at ¼” smaller = 3 ¼” X 4 ¾”
TIP ALERT: You have seen me do this a bunch of times and I think that this is the 1st time I have said this to you…I cut up a whole stack of these mats in Whisper White…Very Vanilla and Crumb Cake as these are the base colors that I seem to “go-to” often! The way I look at it is…a time saver. When you have things at your fingertips – things just come together like peanut butter and jelly!
- The Stamp Set I used was the Stippled Blossoms Set, it is a beautiful set and when you play around with different colors….WOWZERS happens all the time! (please go back to previous posts I have done with the stamp set…they really show you a larger spectrum of the flowers….gorgeous! Just type the stamp name in the search button above!)
TIP ALERT #2 – When you stamp…use the light color 1st and then go over with the darker one….it is a 2 step process and I HIGHLY recommend that you use the Stamp-a-ma-jig!
- For this card I used the Pink Pirouette 1st (lighter) and then went over top with the more detailed stamp in Strawberry Slush (darker)
- The leaves were Pear Pizzazz 1st (lighter) and then Old Olive (darker) next. HOW EASY!!!
- The sentiment came from the hostess stamp set Simply Sketched and using the stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement it fit perfectly on the card! WOOT -WOOT – this is just $10.00!!!
- I wanted to add some simple ribbon so you can see in the pictures below how I anchored the ribbon! I am trying to share with you ways to “hide the mechanics” of your card projects! By using simple glue dots on the ends, you can wrap the ribbon behind the mat and have a very clean and professional finish!
- Add dimensionals to the mat….POOF!!!! Done in no time! What would we do without out Stampin’ Vitamins !?!?!?
- To the envelope we go….I was happy about this! I lined the outside of the envelope with the Strawberry Slush Paper from the In Color Collection and then thought – how about using the Large Scallop Edgelit to add a bit of pizzazz!
I was tickled “pink” with the end result of the envelope and all in all…this is one beautiful, fast, easy card that will touch the heart of John’s client!
You have heard me blog before about the “just in case” phrase that I use – when I say that it is like the “little black dress” ! We need to have some "go to’s" for when we are in need of a quick card to send!
I want you to think about what your "go to’s" are for…
- Birthday Cards
- Anniversary Cards
- Sympathy
- Get Well
- Thinking of you
- Just Because
It’s a great idea to have a file of some of your favorite "go to’s" so when you need them…they are ready! One thing that I am guilty of is that I send my cards out (but trust me – I have a nice stash in a basket) and it’s a good thing I have my blog as I often go back and look at different themes!!!
Enjoy your day…get ready for a fun weekend…stay warm and I thank you for popping by today!
Please feel free to email me and as always, I love your comments…you all make me smile and are my source of inspiration!
Shopping in your jammies while drinking a cup of coffee is also super fun…hit that SHOP NOW button and have fun…remember, Sale-a-bration is coming to a close in 2 weeks…
Until tomorrow!
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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 | 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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by Susan Itell | Dec 3, 2013 | Sympathy, Tips and Tricks!!!, Watercoloring |
Naturally there are times that we need to send sympathy cards…and most of the time, the timing can be unexpected so my 1st tip of the day is to have some sympathy cards made up so you can get them out in a timely manner!
I also like to have cards on hand that can be made easily in multitudes…and steps! Making a bunch of cards in a step by step method makes it a fun task!
What so I mean by step by step = that is when I can break down a card…like for this card – say if I were going to make 12 of them…I would in steps…
- Cut my Crumbcake Card stock (6 sheets) and score it!
- Using the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, I took the "with sympathy" sentiment from the Loving Thoughts Stamp Set and did a quick stamp and BAM – done!
TIP ALERT! – Can you see how large and uniform my piercing holes are? I like to do them this way and how I did it is a 2-step method:
- I do the initial quick pierce…pierce…pierce all the way around!
- Next, I go back and really push the stylus down deeply through the mat to get that deep, yet uniform pierce! – Love this look!
- Now to my favorite part…water coloring! Using the Aqua Painter and the inks I used for this card were, Always Artichoke, Perfect Plum and Sahara Sand…This is sooooo fun and the best tip I can give you it just keep practicing! Did you see a bit of shimmer to the flowers? This was adding just a bit of Dazzling Details to the centers – I love the effect it gives!
- Out come the Stampin Dimensionals! Place them all over the water colored piece and the magic will happen! To me, all cards look better with some depth and dimension!
Are you seeing how you can just do certain steps at a time and then go back and do the next! As for the water coloring…I like to do this if I am watching a TV show and not that the Voice is on – this is my multi tasking…painting and watching tv!
TIP ALERT: Please conserve your paper! You can get 8 liners easily from a sheet of paper….you can get 12 but that is tight! There is no reason why you have to line all the way to the bottom!
Breaking down tasks is the way to go! Many of times when I know I am making a bunch of something, one day I’ll cut my paper, another use the big shot etc…when we try to accomplish too much we get stresses and that’s no fun!
I know it is a sad thing to send a sympathy card but reality is that we have to from time to time! This to me is a beauty and I adore the greens and purples together!
It’s Tuesday and that means more weekly deals! Click here to see what’s on sale this week! My favorite picks….well the Heart Framlits are a must for Valentines…but I ADORE the Merry Mini Pack…makes the added touch everytime…..and the Fun FLowers Bigz L Die….is just simply FUN and makes me smile!
Tomorrow is 3 weeks until Christmas…..SUPER YIKES!
I will be showcasing another Holiday Card for you! As I said before, pace yourself – get a piece of paper out and write down the list of accomplishments you want to tackle for the holidays and then break them down!
Doing this will make you a much happier person!
Need help!?!? Please email me and I will be happy to give you some tips and tricks! There are lots of fun and exciting "happenings" going on with Stampin' Up and you can click here at anytime to get your goodies delivered to your door!!! I say woot-woot!
Enjoy your Tuesday and until tomorrow….
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by Susan Itell | Oct 14, 2013 | Sympathy, Watercoloring |
We all need to have a special "Sympathy Card" unfortunately from time to time…and I think this is a beautiful card! To me, it is one that you can stamp many and "paint" them while you have some down time and have a stash for when you need them!
Do you remember several posts ago I used the Naturals Whites Paper (one that I said is often overlooked)…well today this is what I have used for the base and envelope of today's post! I relly love the natural effect it gives….to me, it is sothing and also soft!
The Apothecary Art Stamp Set is the focal stamp today! Naturally I used the Water Color paper as you know I a a "stickler" to using this paper when you use the Aqua Painters!
Why wouldn't you use the correct tools that are meant to go together? Using this paper will insure you to have a flat end result after you use the Aqua Painters!
The colors I used to color this image were…Always Artichoke, So Saffron and Sahara Sand!
I am learning more and more everytime I watercolor, I am finding that I like to have a "good bit" of moisture on the aqua painters and use LESS color…letting them dry – and then go back over again if needed for a deeper effect!
The sentiment came from the Loving Thoughts Stamp Set, and it is super fun that you can have the help of the Stamp-a-ma-jig to get perfect placement each and every time!
After I do my stamping and coloring, I then use the Labels Collection Framelits to make a perfect cut with the help of Big Shot! (What would we do without this amazing tool)
TIP ALERT: Always use Black Stazon Ink…as it will NOT bleed at all when you watercolor!
Do you see that I took a sponge and "swirled" So Saffron to give a bit of bling…this is something that I do not do often….but it does create a wonderful effect!
Now that you can get a good view of the whole card (remember…you can always click on the picture to make it bigger for you to view!)…did you notice that I matted the stamped image with the framelits in the Always Artichoke?
This is an easy thing to do and it always gives an interest and depth to the focal point! I cut 2 and then used the Tombo Glue to adhere! Such a strong hold…but remember – a little goes a long way!
Envelope time! A cinch because I used the Envelope Punch Board to make an A-2 size envelope…a square with a couple of punches and scores…to an end result of a great envelope! This tool is so easy and just so amazing that you can make so many sizes from a piece of paper!
The liner is from the must have Regals Designer Series Paper Stacks and I "mastered" the "how to" in making the liner fit the envelope I made!
Please click here and see the super great video that my upline, Mary Fish did on the how to's! It is a wonderful video and I suggest that you give it a try and then make several ones of the sizes on envelopes that you like to use….write down the measurements and PRESTO – you're good to go!
Today marks only 1 more week to take advantage of the $25.00 opportunity to become part of the fun…no strings attached and you will be in awe with the talent, inspiration and resources that will be available to you!
I have learned and continue to learn from Mary and the PALS and I would love for you to join my team! I am very dedicated to help others learn how to make clean and simple cards and never forgetting to have fun!
Please email me with any questions or concerns you might have! It is a super opportunity for you and I know that you will be fulfilled!
If you are ready...click here and get going! Remember, your order needs to be at least $25.00 but no more than $26.95 and then you will be ready to have fun and ready to go!
This is a big week for me…lots of Birthdays and hopefully a great Doctors report for John…It has been 6 weeks and hopefully he will be able to start putting weight on his legs and progress with therapy!
Thanks for popping by…and tomorrow is my son's birthday….please be sure to pop back to see his simple yet fun card!
Until tomorrow…..
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by Susan Itell | Sep 16, 2013 | Sympathy, Thinking of you |
Sometimes it's just hard to find the right words to let someone know that you are heartfelt sorry for their loss and then pain they are going through! If you have followed my blog you know that I am a HUGE animal lover!
When you lose your pet…it is a terrible thing and one that I know personally that I like to be left alone as I am so attached to my animals that when I have had to deal with the pain…I prefer to be myself to cope and remember the great times!
I will say…that when I have lost a pet, I am so touched with the amount of cards, emails and just wonderful and beautiful gestures as anyone that knows me…knows the connection I have for them!
I hope that this card will touch the heart of my friend that loss her best friend and companion! I often laugh that if my dogs could tell my family everything that I talk to them about……everyone would think I am nuts! This is how her relationship was with her 4 legged love…she was home and her little buddy was with her every step of the day!
The inspiration for this card came from the Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper! It is so beautiful and I adore this particular plaid…the soft sky and the chocolate chip together are so classic! It has been feeling like "sweater weather" the past couple of days and I am lovin' it!
The Stamp Set, the Wetlands is so versatile and I love the softness of the wheat grass! Stamin' that image in the soft sky color was going to make the sentiment pop…missions accomplished – exactly what I wanted to do!
I thought using a circle would be a fun touch so the softness of the grasses would be reaching up towards the edges! I used my main man, Mr. Big Shot and he had some help with the circle framelits to make this magic happen!
Not to get the perfect placement and not to deal with a "re-do" (total waste of time)….out came the stamp-a-ma-jig to have my sentiment perfect….(I probably could have stamped both sentiments 1st and then used the framelits – silly me…next time!)
The other sentiment that I used on this card is from the must have set, "So Sorry"….it simply is a set that fits the bill when we need to say meaningful cards to our family and friends!
I wanted to add a simple yet softness a "bling" but I think here it looks more like a classic finishing touch to the card! It was using the Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon. Works like a champ every time and always produces the perfect "Susan knot as I truly am bow challenged"
The finale before the mailman gets it….was lining the envelope with the same plaid using the Envelope Liner Framelits! These have been a lifesaver and time saver! I often take many of the designer Series Paper and go ahead and make liners….just to save time as I know I will work a card around it!
It's hard to believe that the weekend is already behind us! As I mentioned before, we have been having fantastic weather and I am "fingers crossed" it will stay around!
I know that it is hard to find the right words when someone loses a loved one, an animal or just a simple sorry for something that you have done…we all know it is the right thing to do – sending a card! I write from my heart and I know that this brings comfort.
Need some staples in your craft area?…remember you can hit the shop
now button and shop all day and all night….don't we just love
technology!!!
Please do not forget the power of your own handwriting and a card that was made by you! It does not need to be perfect as the truth is….does anyone really know what perfect it…and also what fun would perfect be…not my cup of tea!
I like to keep on learning, exploring and lovin' the simple things! This is exactly how I feel about my PAL friends I have met and I have grown with…a year ago I would have never imagined I would be doing this…but now I can say with a full heart – I cannot imagine not doing this!
I would love for you to be on my train with this Stampin' Up! journey…email me and just say – "let's talk"…it really is win-wn and you will have a heart that will continue to grow!
Here's to a new week and I hope that you have enjoyed today's post!
Until tomorrow!
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