by Susan Itell | Jan 30, 2014 | Photopolymer Stamps, Sale-A-Bration, Thank You |
Happy Thursday!!! I had another post for you today but I needed a quick Thank You card…so I whipped this up and was super excited to share it with you! This was made by a Sale-A-Bration freebie called "Good as Gold"…and that it is!
PLUS…..I need to let you know who won the blog candy and I am doing that crocodile happy dance as the winner is……..Chris R. from Iowa…..Chris is such a faithful daily reader to my post and I am super excited to send her the goodies!!!! I adore her emails she send me, especially her ones about her dog, Henry! Chris – I thank you and I will send you your goodies….woot-woot to you!
Traditionally I am not the biggest fans of "kits" as I like to do my own creating, but I am learning to look at these kits and not to take them so literally and try to "think out of the box" with them…and this is exactly what I did!
Below is a picture of all of the goodies you get in this kit and once you see my card, you will see that I did change it up a bit! (click on the picture to see the details)
WOWZERS! This kit has a bunch in it….enough to make 8 cards and lined envelopes plus look at all of the "fru-fru" to jazz a project up! I decided to really try something different and I like my twist on it…and just think – I will be able to make a bunch of cards and in all different ways!!!
Let's get to the card….my "other" job, I am the Membership Director at a Country Club. On Tuesday evening we had out 1st "Ladies Wine Club Tasting and DInner" we are calling it "Ladies of the Vine"….cute, right! I needed to send a note of thanks to the Wine Hosts that were not only very informative, but they were so easy to deal with and it was a perfect evening from start to finish!
- The adorable Polka Dot cards that come in the "Good as Gold" Kit is a note card size….that is a 3 1/2" X 5" card (my favorite size) but when I saw how beautiful this cardstock is….I thought …hmmmm cut it in half and you could make 2 cards rather easy….so that's what I did!
- I took the 1/2 card and cut it to 4 3/4" X 3 1/2" and then matted it with Island Indigo a 1/4" larger! (and YES….I did punch out some punches to not waste our precious paper).POPPING up the polka dot piece with Stampin Dimensionals, the fun was starting to happen!
- As you could see from the above picture of the kit, there are many fun sentiments and banners etc…but I wanted to use the WOWZER Another Thank You Photopolymer Stamp Set…would NOT be without is and if you do not have this….it's simple – you need it! The fonts are so versatile and fun!
- The sentiment piece is 2" X 3" and then matted just a "smidge" larger – 1/8".Stamping with these stamps is a dream…you never have to worry about placement ad the image is always so crisp and clean!
- Before I adhered the stamped piece with Stampin' Dimensionals I took the piece of Island Indigo Bakers Twine that comes in the kit (8 pieces and I cut it in half) and tied a simple sweet bow!
- I took one of the gold banners that has a "star" that POPS out and tucked it under and then adhered the star! Easy and just the perfect balance with the ribbon on the other side!
- Envelope time……You can see that this kit comes with 8 super beautiful gold liners already cut out….ready for you to slide them in the envelope…that deserves a woot-woot in itself!
I thought….hmmmm – how about if I took one of the cards and cut it in half longways….I could make a liner….and it worked! I know that it seems silly to do this but I really wanted this card to be great!
Hopefully you can see how I thought out of the box and made something work for me…different than what the instructions guided you to do! There are many people that love to open up a kit…put it together …..and be done – and you know what…THAT IS GREAT if that what works for them!
You have heard me say endless times before…anything we do are works of art from our heart and there are no rules except to have fun and no be hard on yourself! Please email me or leave me a comment about this card and your thoughts about this kit!
Now to a "Susan Pick Kit" to earn you a FREEBIE….how about this…I'm calling it the good old "Back to Basics" standbys that we always need with card-making! These are products that we always use!
$50.35
- Pack of Very Vanilla (101650) and Whisper White (100730) card stock – $8.50 each X 2 = $17.00
- Pack of A-2 Envelopes in Very Vanilla (107300) and Whisper White (1073010) $6.50 each X 2 = $13.00
- Adhesives – Multipurpose Glue (110755),Sticky Strip (104294), Snail Refill (104331) and Glue Dots (103683) = $20.35
See…isn't this fun!!!
You will be able to get another FREEBIE with just getting these "staples"!
Please contact me if you want me to set up a hostess code and you can have an event where ever you live…together we can make a plan of action to have a fun cyber time. (I will be happy to provide you with some ideas)….this way YOU can collect orders ( it will all be online and the products will be sent to the customer and YOU reap the benefits of being a hostess!!!
"THANK YOU" for popping by today! Have a great day…..bundle up….and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jan 23, 2014 | Thank You |
I looked at the catalogs and I felt sorry for the Annual Catalog….that poor thing has been totally neglected since the new Occasions Catalog came out! I thought today…I am NOT going to look at the Occasions and I am NOT going to look at the Sale-A-Bration stuff…so with that said…here you go!
Today is the Pals Paper Art Challenge and it is a sketch challenge from our very own Nicole Watt! (WOWZERS – she is one talented lady, I had an opportunity to do a one on one with her using the MDS)!!! I am determined to use that software more!
Let’s get to the sketch and today’s post…
This was a super easy and fun sketch…I usually do not use much DSP on the front of my cards in a big and splashy way but today's a new day!
- The base is your good old A-2 card base….5 1/2" X 4 1/4" (half of a sheet of paper – this is why I always make (2) of the same cards….why not!?!?)
- I have not used this Eastern Elegance Designer Series Paper for a long time…(poor paper – must have felt very neglected) and I thought that this would be perfect for today! The colors are so amazing and it is such a rich paper! The size is 4” X 3 ½”
- Next as you will see in the below picture…I took a 2” strip of Crushed Curry Paper and ran it through the Big Shot with the Beautiful Baroque Embossing Folder! Now…. because I wanted the deign to go a certain way…you can see in the below picture that I did not stress as a quick “snip” is all that I needed to do as it will be covered by the sentiment piece!!!
- The sentiment is from the From My Heart Stamp Set and it is such a beautiful set of heartfelt sentiments! The size of the Whisper White is 3” X 3 ¼” and then matted with Crushed Curry at 3 1/8” X 3 3/8” and then finally in Smokey Slate at 3 3/8” X 3 5/8”
- With the help of some Stampin Dimensionals and basic snail….the card came together quickly! Did you notice the itty bitty bling? I was so excited to remember that there is a teeny tiny heart on the Owl Punch! This was the PERFECT added touch to my card….but wait – a tiny rhinesone was the icing on the cake!
- To the envelope….since I adore this paper, I wanted to give the mailman a smile and line the outside of the envelope! This is such a quick and easy way to dress an envelope up!
So…what do you think? Would you be happy to receive this card? I know exactly who is getting it…and I know when she opens it – there will be a smile on her face as she adores the color of yellow!
I personally find the sketch challenges to be more challenging for me…. this is why I make an effort to do them even on the “off weeks” that I am not on the PPA Design Team! I think we all need a bit of a push every now and again….so…..
Can I P U S H you to share your talents with the Pals Paper Art! This weekly challenge is open to everyone – and everyone is YOU!!! We all start somewhere and I will be happy to help you upload your picture. You do NOT need a blog and you do NOT need to be a demonstrator…you just need to be YOU!!!
Thanks for making my day and popping in for some inspiration – it is you guys that make me want to put my creative hat on and play…. I just wish I had more play-time!
If any of you live where is warm….I am jealous….and if any of you that live in an area of the country that these crazy temperatures that we are having is normal for you….please tell me how you deal with it!!!!
I wish there was a candid camera to take a picture of what I look like going down to take care of the animals! I feel like Doctor Doolittle in talking to the animals….I think they like it!
Have a great day…..get excited for Sale-A-Bration….and please email me and let me know how I can help you reach your Sale-A-Bration goals…..WOWZERS – there are some great freebies!
Stay warm and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jan 14, 2014 | Thank You, Watercoloring |
This is probably my favorite day of the month in being a part of Mary Fish's PALS group…I love to see the continual inspiration, talent and just plain ans simple fun that the PALS bring out to all with our monthly PALS Blog Hop! Thanks for popping by!
Welcome to our first blog hop of 2014. This month we are excited to show you the new products available in the Stampin' Up! Occasions Catalog as well as a preview of the free products you can earn through Sale-a-bration at the end of January.
You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from Nancy Gleason at My Stampin Space 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.
Let's get to it because you all know that I love the New Occasions Catalog but I wish….I truly wish that I could show you all of the incredible offerings Stampin' Up! has for us in this years Sale-A-Bration….but the great news is…it is just 2 short weeks away….you're gonna love the freebies!!!!
Here you go….as always, please feel free to email me with any questions you might have and if you have not already subscribed to my blog, please do so on the right side bar….I will give you a daily dose of inspiration with your morning coffee!
- The base is an A-2 card but scored at the 5 1/2" side to make a vertical card! I like switching it up!
- The colors of ink I used were Gumball Green, Daffodil Delight and Crisp Cantaloupe!
- The Designer Series Paper, Water Color Wonder is a MUST have from the new catalog….just look below all of the great patterns there are…it is just beautiful!
- The Water Color Wonder Paper is 2 1/2" X 4 1/4" and then I matted a piece of Island Indigo just a "smidge" bigger ( just love that word!!!)
This is a simple card to re-create and a great layout for just about any occasion and stamp set…remember what I have said before…..if you have a great layout – use it OVER and OVER again…once you change up the stamps and colors etc…no one will ever notice as it is a clean, crisp and simple card that carries a BIG WOW!
- Pulling a "teaser" from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog is the Crisp Cantaloupe Twine from the Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack….you will also get 2 more colors of twine plus a lot more!!! I say WOOT-WOOT!
I hope that you have enjoyed my post today and it makes you smile and think of "sunshine of Spring" that will be around the corner!
Please stop back tomorrow as I will share with you the 14 cards that the lucky winner, Jane Keller won as well as I have an exciting "realization" that hit me on the head while in Houston! It is a "confession" of an honest Stampin' Up Demonstrator!
Please keep HOPPING away and be a BIG sponge and take all of the posting in….there is truly soooo much talent out there!!!
Remember, We are "officially" one month from Valentines Day and do not wait to order special stamps etc….the Valentines Collection that Stampin' Up! has this year is while supplies last – Last week I did several posts on this day of love! You can hit my SHOP NOW button (upper right) and order in your jammies!
Well….what do you think? Did you like today's post….and more importantly – DO you like the new catalog…What is your favorite stamp set!?!?
As always, many thanks for popping by and until tomorrow!
The next stop is Donna Kopenski at craftycardmaker on the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you next month.
- Goldie Shaul at Punch and Stamp
- Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper
- Nancy Gleason at My Stampin Space
- Susan Itell at Simple Stampin'
- Donna Kopenski at craftycardmaker
- Peggy Noe at prettypapercards.com
- Colleen Mollema at Uncanny Crafting
- Kerry Willard Bray at Peonies and Paper Chains
- Janice Warhank at Janice's Papercraft Playground
- Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
- Michelle Gleeson at StampinMojo
- Patti MacLeith at Papercrafts by Patti
- Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
- Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat
- Diane Roberts at Score at Four and a Quarter
- Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping
- Lynn Kolcun at Stamping with Avery's Owlery
- Linda Callahan at Stampin' Seasons
- Kalyn Shubnell at The Stamping Chronicles
- Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn
- Shirley Sumption at Look at my Cute Stuff
- Beth Beard at My little craft blog
- Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards
- Rae Harper-Burnet at Wild West Paper Arts
- Lisa Gaines-Davis at Cherry St. Papertreats
- Shannon Jaramillo at ezpeasycards
- Kelly DeTommaso at Kelly's Creative Corner
- Sherrie Gross at Stampin Sunshine
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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 8, 2013 | Super Easy, Thank You |
It looks like we might be getting some ugly weather on the East Coast today and tomorrow so I thought I would “switch up the seasons” and bring some happy flowers your way!
Now how about this super clean and simple card!
It just makes you think of sunshine and just think about how you could change up the sentiment to make all different types of cards…birthday’s – thinking of you and like this one…thank you!
This sentiment comes from the Lots of Thanks Stamp Set…and it's a blue ribbon winner in my eyes! I love all of the different fonts – a perfect set to simply say "thanks"!
I feel like I have been sharing with you so many holiday ideas but as the saying goes….’tis the season! I will have some more holiday ideas coming your way this week so please pop back daily!
Let’s get to this sunshine card!
- Pulling out the Simply Scoring Tool, I scored 3 lines to add some interest. I scores at 1 ½”, 1 6/8” and 2”. Doesn’t this give a great effect and soooo easy!
- I already knew the liner that I was going to use for this card…and that is what dictated the colors of the focal flowers! The colors I used were Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight and Island Indigo!
- I decided to use something that I rarely use and chances are you are in the same boat! When I see the end result…I simply say why do I not use this more often? It is soooo easy and a great little die to use up scraps! It is the Floral Fusion Sizzlits and it is just $5.50!!!
- I simply attached them with the lifesavers…Mini Glue Dots! WOW – these are time-savers galore!
- To the center of the flower, I popped out a simple circle from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, this needs to be a “must punch set for you” WHY? - easy…little shapes ALWAYS come in handy!!!
- Next and lastly, I put a coordinating candy dot to the center, you could skip this, but I loved the look!
- Envelope time…the Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper was the perfect choice for this cheery card! Remember I have shares with you before…most of the time – I pick my liner to dictate the card I will making!!!
- The Envelope Liner Framelit is the tool of the year in my opinion…please make sure that Santa brings it to you….I know you have been good!
I am hoping that this card of sunshine will jinx the weather-gods and save us from snow/freezing rain! I truly love living on a farm…BUT when we have icky weather….it is not much fun! Breaking up water troughs is not my favorite thing to do and with 5 dogs….that is 20 paws to wipe off when they come in the house!
Please pop back this week as I shared before I have lots of fun holiday goodies that you can easily whip up to continue to put smiles on your friends and loved ones!
Enjoy the day, do a quick “Click Here” to shop away and go have fun! Enjoy the day….and
Until tomorrow!!!
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by Susan Itell | Nov 12, 2013 | Fall Cards, PALS Blog Hops, Thank You, Watercoloring |
Thank you for joining us for the November Pals Blog Hop. We are thankful you are visiting today and hope you enjoy our thank you inspired projects.
You should have just left stop number 16 on the Pals Hop – Shannon Jaramillo at ezpeasycards. If so, you are in the right spot.
If you get off track, the full blog lineup below will help you move along
from blog to blog so you see all of the amazing creations!
I
think receiving a card at this time of the year is so special, as with the
seasons changing, the time changing, everyone seems to be “down–shifting” with
trying to get a “grasp” on the next time of rush!
To
me, this is such a time of Thanksgiving and letting friends, family and simply
people that touch your life and that you admire…sending them a card letting
them know that you are “Thankful” with how they touched your life is a powerful
and fulfilling gesture!
It
will be 3 years on December 1st that I lost my Mom and every year I
send her caregivers a card of “thanks” as they were so amazing and I still
deeply appreciate all that they did and they are always in my heart!
Today’s
card I wanted to do something different than leaves! This is from the Wetlands
Stamp Set and it is just elegant! Now you know what I am going to say…YES – you
need to use Water Color Paper when doing this technique of water-coloring!
Water
coloring is super fun and with the Aqua Painters it is a breeze! I get many
comments saying that they are not comfortable with water coloring. The best tip
I can give you is practice…practice and practice!!!
It
truly is easy and in time I have learned that it is important to get the
“puddle” of your ink color fairly wet as if you go over it again and again as
it dries, you will create a softer and in depth look! It’s kind of like
blending!
Look
at this picture (I know it’s kind of weird to look at) but before you open your
ink pad, give it a good squeeze to get a blob of ink on the top…then you can
see how I made a section much wetter with the aqua painter! I have found that I
like adding a lighter effect and it dries super quick and then going back over!
The
size of the water color paper is a 4” X 4” square and I stamped the “wheat
grass” in Soft Suede and then Goose in Black Staz-On Ink…. why did I do it this
way? Because the Soft Suede is not permanent, I wanted a bit of “bleeding” of
color as I was painting and then with the goose…I simply wanted the crispness
of him to pop! The total size of the card is 5" X 5"!
Here
are the colors that I used. I know it seems like a lot but truly you are “taking a little her and a little there”
to create an effect that you are comfortable with! Soft Sky, Old Olive, Cajun
Craze, Soft Suede for the grass area and Sahara Sand for the goose!
Remember
to gently squeeze your aqua painter and have a paper town handy to keep the
water consistently the way you like it. I only keep a tiny bit of water in
mine…a little goes a long way! Again, PRACTICE!!!
Because
this paper is meant to hold and absorb water, you still might get a bit of
“waviness” on the end result! Because of this, I would recommend using the
sticky tape to mat it to the soft suede…now as you can see it is super flat!!!
WOOT-WOOT!
The
simple sentiment of thanks is all that is needed! I love to write very
heartfelt notes of how and why they touch my life and let them know “I thank them for what the mean to me”
Because
the size of the card is not your traditional size…no worries – the envelope
punch board to the rescue! Just follow the handy dandy guide and a cut of the
paper…a punch of the board…a score of a line…PRESTO – all you need to do is use
adhesive and you are good to go!
A
card would not be a card to me without a liner! Following my dear and wonderful
upline, Mary Fish, she created this great video that you need to watch! Click
here and see how easy it is to make a liner to fit the odd size cards!
Needed to be kind to the mailman and make him smile…so I stamped the Wheat Grass on the lower edge of the envelope! Cute…..right!?!?
John has aked me to make him up a new wave of cards as he is running low of the last batch I made him and he asked me if I would make a dozen of this one up for him! You might think – WOW….that will take forever…but it really is not a big deal….
TIP ALERT: – because you are layering these bases…take full advantage of cutting shapes out of the Soft Sky and the Soft Suede Paper…use punched, use framlits etc….SAVE PAPER when you can!
Water-coloring to me is total therapy! I am happy as a clam watching "The Voice" and I can easily color all of these for John!
Remember, break your projects down into steps…doing this will save you so much time and frustration! You can do it!!!
Now you have a lot to get to….since it is the PALS Blog hop…you need to continue to be inspired! I hope that I have inspired you today…Until tomorrow!!!
The next stop is Martie Pollard at The Crafty Bandit, stop number 18 on
the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting – and I hope to see you next month!
- Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat
- Ann Schach at The Stampin' Schach
- Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping
- Carmen Sublasky at The Creative Stamptuary
- Shirley Sumption at Look at my Cute Stuff
- Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
- Connie Lindsey at Crafting a Joyful Life
- Michelle Gleeson at Stampinmojo
- Shannon Hokanson at Paper Works
- Colleen Mollema at Uncanny Crafting
- Lynn Kolcun at Stamping With Avery's Owlery
- Kerry Willard Bray at Stampgoodness.com
- Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper
- Amy L. Lazzell at Just A Thought…Cards by Amy
- Lisa Davis at Cherry St. Paper Treats
- Shannon Jaramillo at ezpeasycards
- Susan Itell at Simple Stampin'
- Martie Pollard at The Crafty Bandit
- Donna Kopenski at craftycardmaker
- Rae Harper at Wild West Paper Arts
- Sherrie Gross at Stampin' Sunshine
- Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
- Linda Callahan at Stampin' Seasons
- Diane Roberts at Score at Four and a Quarter
- Brian King at Stamp with Brian
- Beth Beard at My little craft blog
- Debbie Crowley at expressivelydeb…
- Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn
- Sue Becker at Sue's R n R Stamping
- Nancy Gleason at My Stampin Space
- Peggy Noe at prettypapercards
- Marlene Heringer at So Many Toys in Schertz
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