by Susan Itell | Feb 4, 2014 | Thinking of you, Tips and Tricks!!! |
Today's post is a bittersweet one as I received very sad news that the sweetest man in the world past away over the weekend! The one thing that I adore about blogging is that I get to intertwine my life…my dailiness…and my love for paper crafting all at the same time!
As I have posted before, Hannah's boyfriends family is from the UK and Aiden's grandfather, Skinley, passed away. Most of the time…the oldest grandchild usually names the grandparent and I think the name Skinley was the funniest, cutest name for this special man! Just look at this picture of him…how do you not want to give him a big hug!
I know that this is a big card 6 X 6 but I sure do have lots to write to the family as my memories of Skinley are so vivid in my heart and in my memory! He adored our daughter Hannah and used to love watching videos of her riding in competitions….and would make comments as to what he liked and what he didn't! He was 84 and he daily used a computer,he knew how to Skype, he loved to look up family trees, he cherished and treasured his floral and vegetable gardens and he lived independently up to the day he passed. A full and beautiful life!
He took care of this garden and LOVED every bit of it….the next picture is him looking at a family tree…we went into his living room and it covered the length of the room….he loved doing this!
Thanks for listening…and here is to the card! Before we get to the in's and out's….if you follow my blog regularly you know I adore and use Black StazOn Ink…well….I have ALWAYS had a love/hate relationship with the white craft ink pad we carry….and I totally overlooked in the catalog that we have WHITE STAZ-ON Pad & Refill…a HUGE woot-woot as this is what is on today's card!
I HIGHLY recommend you get it! It dries super fast just like the black version! I will say that the color is not super intense but I am doing the happy dance and I feel like my frustration has been solved…I love white and I am in love with this product!
- The finished size of this card is 6" X 6" in Whisper White! Start with a 5" X 5" piece of Pear Pizzazz and then using the BEAUTIFUL floral/scroll stamp from the Everything Eleanor Stamp Set and I used the White Staz On that I talked about above and just stamped randomly…BEAUTIFUL!
- Pulling out the Stampin' Trimmer, I cut the stamped piece into 1" squares…TIP: – I like to use the 1" measurement to the right of the blade…to me, it makes it life so much easier!
- The white piece that I put the 1" tiles on is a 5 3/4" square…I figured this size as I wanted to do a 1/8" gap all the way around….pull out a ruler and make 1/8" all the way around….then another line in the center….then it makes is a breeze to put your stamped pieces on! I used the multipurpose liquid glue…I like that the wiggle it gives you to line up straight!
- Using the Rich Razzleberry Ink, I stamped the flowers out and then a quick "fussy cut" with the best little scissors in the world…paper snips! Don't stress…it is easy and remember…use the BACK of the scissors, not the tip!
- Trying to find the right sentiment, used the Peaceful Petals Stamp Set and I thought that the sentiment resembled a square…..so I let the theme continue!
- Stampin' Dimensionals are "key" for this card! This is one thing that I never skimp on….as they make such a huge difference! I ALWAYS have a large surplus of my Stampin' Vitamins on hand!
- We have so many great products that have been unveiled this past year….and I think that the Envelope Punch Board should win a blue ribbon….this card is a perfect example! I made my own envelope with a 9 1/2" square of whisper white and then scored it at 4 3/4"….easy-peasy! I stamped the front of the envelope and then lined the outed flap…..
I hope that you have enjoyed this special card and I hope that it brings comfort to Skinley's family! I feel "very full in my heart" that John and I had the opportunity to see him in the UK and had a wonderful time with him…his garden…his sparkle in his eye…his passion and love he has for his family…. just one wonderful man! I am sure in heaven there will be a spectacular garden for him to tend to that will bring joy to others!
Don't forget….Sale-A-Bration is on full swing and how about this for a "Susan Pick Kit" – the FREEBIES are fabulous!!!
$52.70
- StazOn White Ink and Refill (106960) – $11.95
- Whisper White 12 X 12 paper (124302) – $5.95….perfect for odd size cards & envelopes!
- Very Vanilla 12 X 12 paper (124301) – $5.95….perfect for odd size cards & envelopes!
- Envelope Punch Board (133774) – $19.95
- StazOn Cleaner (109196) – $4.95
- Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110775) – $3.95
Thanks for popping by and make sure come back and see me tomorrow…..it is a 3-D Wednesday and if I were you….I would buy a couple rolls of "rolos" – you are going to smile!
I appreciate your time in popping by and I appreciate you letting me honor Skinley….one special man that I am sooooo thankful to have had in my life!
Until tomorrow….
by Susan Itell | Jan 31, 2014 | Sale-A-Bration, Thinking of you |
I am soooo sorry that my post did not go off at 5 a.m. like it usually does….computers….I have no idea what happened but enjoy today's post!
I hope that you have been enjoying seeing the new Sale-A-Bration items! Today's post is from the FREEBIE with a $50.00 and it is called…."You're Lovely"….so appropriate as it is one lovely Stamp Set! I love the little "scroll detail" that outlines the flowers!
The best thing about this set is that it works perfectly with the Deco Labels Framelits and when you look at this card and together we will "break it down" you will see that this simple card can be so versatile for many different themes and occasions! I'll have a "Susan Pick Kit" for Sale-A-Bration after the card scoop!
Let's dive right into it!
- You know that I love the Note Card size (5" X 3 1/2") and I decided to make mine as I wanted it in the Sahara Sand color….this is quickly becoming my "go-to" neutral!
- Cutting a slightly smaller base (4 3/4" X 3 1/4") and then pulling out the Big Shot, I centered the Deco Labels Framelit and cut out the shape! Put it aside for a bit! Let's get stampin'!!!
- Doing my "card making therapy"...it is a watercolor day…..hooray! Using the Black Staz On Ink…I stamped my image on the watercolor paper.…why??? – You really need to when water-coloring as it will not bleed!
- You know what's next….out come one of my favorites, the Aqua Painters…..these gems are simply the best! Using the colors of Old Olive, Crisp Cantaloupe and Wisteria Wonder….I let my tool do it's trick…..remember to squeeze the top of the ink pad to get some of the color on the top! The icing on the cake are the placement with the classic pearls!
- I did not want to use the sentiments that were with the set and I loved the "thinking of you" from the Sweetly Framed Stamp Set….this is a hostess stamp set that you can earn when you have a gathering was th PERFECT choice with this water-colored image!
- I wanted to "jazz" up a bit of the focal part, so I cut the same shape out of the 2 colors and then cut them in half and adhered them to the water-colored focal point! You see….a simple trick like that brings the WOW out!
- Taking the Crisp Cantaloupe Twine, another Sale-A-Bration FREEBIE…I simply anchored it down in the back with some snail….and then POPPED the whole thing UP with my Stampin' Vitamins, Stampin Dimensionals!
- Let's get to the envelope…wondering where this beauty came from??? Well – it is still available and so are some of the other Valentine Goodies! This envelope came from the Sweet Saying Cards and Envelopes …I just adore these gems (plus they are note-card size – my favorites)
I was very pleased with this card….and I know that the person that is receiving it will adore it! This is one of those "keeper" designs for you to "tuck away in your memory bank"!!!
Let's see the "Susan Pick Kit" I have dreamed up for you! Remember…the magic amount is $50.00!!! I love to watercolor and I highly encourage you to stretch yourself and try it!
$52.65
- Aqua Painters (103954) – $16.95
- Black Staz on Ink (101406) – $7.95
- Black Staz On Refill (102566) – $4.95 ( I always buy a refill)
- Watercolor Paper (122959) – $4.95
- Basic Pearls (119247) – $4.95
- Sweet Saying Cards and Envelopes (134609) – $5.95 (get these now – limited time!!!!)
- Sahara Sand Paper (121043) – $6.95 (a fantastic neutral)
WOWZERS – I am soooo happy that it is Friday! My box of NEW product came last night, and I was just too pooped to open it! I am excited to dive in- and the weekend is here!!!!!
Please feel free to email me and remember to subscribe to my blog for a daily dose of inspiration and the best thing is that you can order away in your jammies…..comfort to the max!
Until tomorrow…..
by Susan Itell | Dec 9, 2013 | Christmas, Super Easy, Thinking of you |
We've all been there before…having a great shopping trip with friends! Every year, I go shopping with some of the Iquana's – you have heard me post about them before…it is an incredible group of gals that share wonderful "life moments" together…and it is the BEST "energy charger and feel good" one could get!
Today's card is what I made to let them know how much fun and how much I treasure our time together! This is a super simple card, being able to use scraps and the end result is one cute card!
So…pull out some scraps and let's go shopping!!!
Here you GO!!!
There’s really no “rocket science” to this card…and when I sat down, I was looking at my scraps of Season of Style Designer Series Paper and thought…a rectangle matted with a “smidge bigger” piece of crumb cake is all that is needed!
The base is the Whisper White in the Cut & Ready Card Bases…it is soooo wonderful to pull off the shelf a piece of card stock already cut…pre-scored and ready to go! Sometimes convenience pays off…and these gems come in 6 different colors! – Click here to see the offerings!
Pulling out the Old Olive as I know it color coordinates with this paper…I cut the size a ¼” smaller and then used the Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder to add the dimension that makes the wow happen!!!
The shopping bags dimensions are: 1 7/8” X 1 ½” and the matting is 2” X 1 5/8”…to card cute! Making a handle was fun and you can see that I anchored it with a piece of Sticky Strip and then I took a simple piece of white tissue paper and “scrunched” it up and added it to the back of the bag!
I use 2 adhesives to adhere the bags to the card….stampin’ dimensionals and also the Mono liquid glue – I find with the bumps of the embossing, it works great to use both!
The “fronts” of the bags needed a bit of bling and the Very Merry Tags Stamp Set was perfect! With the help of the Petite Curly Label Punch and the 7/8” scallop circle punch…the fronts became FUN!
The “Oh What Fun” is from the Christmas Messages Stamp Set and then I just “free-handed” it – a cute and simple touch! This is a GREAT stamp set!
The finale – the envelope…this “stripe” is a classic Christmas look in my eyes! It always makes me feel like eating a candy cane! I adore these paper stacks…you can easily line 2 envelopes from a sheet of paper!
I hope this card reminds you of FUN with friends!
We laughed and laughed – the best medicine one could ever have! Please remember this one and it would also be fun to have for a shower card!!!!
Let’s all have a great week…..the weather is a mess but will be better as the temperatures are climbing! Be safe if you are out in this mess…my suggestion for you is to stamp away and also make some cookies – it doesn’t get better than that!
Thanks for popping in and make sure you share my blog with your family and friends! Simply hit the subsribe now button and you will get a dose of "Susan" every morning! It has been less than a year since I started blogging and I can say…
True, it's a lot of work but the end result is worth every bit as I find it a way to express myself, encourage you and…
WOW – I have cyber friends and customers from all over!!!
Until tomorrow…
by Susan Itell | Oct 24, 2013 | Super Easy, Thinking of you |
I know that you have seen me do a layout like this before…(actually) just about 2 weeks ago…and as I have shared with you before…when you have a layout that works …
Roll with it and simply change the stamps & sentiments
and you'll be smiling from ear to ear!
Here is your question for today…
Why would you want to stress yourself out trying to reinvent the wheel
when the wheel is in perfect shape?
Click here to the post that I did for Halloween using the same method….(I know, many of you did not like the scary skull …just pretend that the pictures are of this fun and fresh flower!
All week I am going to share with you new cards that are using the stamps that are on sale just until the 28th! I want you to see that the "picks" that Stampin' Up! chose are "keeper" stamp sets!
Today's card I used one of the 25% off stamp sets called Bright Blossoms, and for $9.71 how can you go wrong…it is fun and fresh and very versatile!
The base of the card is a note card size 3 1/2" X 5" on Very Vanilla (I wish that Stampin' Up! would come out with this size and color in the Very Vanilla) but knowing that I can make the envelope myself with the Envelope Punch Board…I was totally fine with making my own!
The 1" square punch is the must have tool for this card! You could also use other punches….I'll have to give it a try and do a post one day!!!
Here is my 1st tip….take another piece of vanilla paper and cut it to
3 1/2 x 5 and then find the center and the measure down 1" (as that is
the depth of your square punch) This is a HUGE help to making a template and then you will trim off a bit (equal amounts) from the sides to make is smaller for the effect of the final card!
It is soooo much easier to find the center of a 5" than trying to figure out the center to the "cut down" piece…I take the edge of the punch to the outer edge of the card (after I pop out the center square) so I get a perfect equal distance between the squares!
After this…I take my "template" over top of my note card and draw 3 of
the squares with a pencil on the card to make my stamping easy! It is sooooo much
easier to do this from the start, use your stamp-a-ma- jig and get it perfect…a simple erase of the pencil and YOU ARE GOOD TO GO!
After I stamped the Flowers in Rose Red…I used my trusty eraser to get rid of the lines and then I stamped the sentiment again using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement! The sentiment is from the A Dozen Thoughts Stamp Set…probably my most used sentiment set from the new catalog and this gem is just $14.21!
Stampin Dimensionals
are also the key element to a card like this….it is great to use up
all of the "extras" that are around the dimensionals…WE DO NOT WASTE A
THING!!! What would we do without these gems – I call them my Stampin' Vitamins!
Simply place them on the back side of the template (over top your stamped images) and you are finished! Was that easy or what and the WOW factor is very high! I think this might be a Breast Cancer Card for November for the ladies!
Envelope time…my favorite! It's time to make that mailman smile!!! After making my envelope with the Envelope Punch Board I lined it with the fun Birthday Basics Designer Series Paper…isn't the color and pattern just great with this card!
To add a special wow factor I thought how perfect it would be to stamp the outside of the envelope…I already had the stamps out and the Stamp-a-ma-jig ready with the images!!! Is this super cute or what and soooo easy! I first stamped the flower on the end of the envelope and then did the sentiments – it fits perfectly!!!
I can honestly say that a year ago I would never be so confident about trying to make my own envelope but to also stamp the outer portion like this! We are all so lucky to have the resources at our fingertips…use them – ask me – I'll be glad to help you!
Don't forget about the stamp sale…it ends on the 28th and I have dangled the carrot to you to win a basket of adhesives from me!!! Make sure you look back to my blog Posting on Tuesday for all of the details!
As I shared earlier, I will highlight one or two of the 25% off stamps that are being featured! I do not think you could go wrong with both of these gems! What a keeper of a card!
Please make sure that you pop back tomorrow to see what inspiration I have up my sleeve for you! If you have not already subscribed to my blog, please do so in the field under the holiday catalog and also remember – you can shop with me 24 hours a day and your goodies will be delivered right to your door!
Thanks for popping by and have a super day!
Until tomorrow…..
by Susan Itell | Oct 1, 2013 | Stamp-a-ma-jig, Thinking of you |
I woke up this morning and had to edit my blog posting today…..PLEASE read to the end as Stampin' Up is offering us all sorts of fun specials this month!!! WOOT-WOOT!!!!
I wanted to challenge myself to try to make a single layer card…this is something that I rarely do and I adore layers and I also love my Stampin Vitamins, stampin dimensionals!
I always strive to share with you some fun and easy cards that can be duplicated in a snap! The other thing that I liked about this card was the fact that I scored on the 5 1/2" side….I've been doing that a bunch lately and I really love it!
Sometimes less is best and this card reflects this and at the same time the scoring of the 3 simple lines adds an element of depth….so….you can see the stampin' trimmer is a double-whammy and one that is an absolute must to own! I have closet full of cutters that collect dust ever since this came out!
Let's get to it….
- Start with scoring the 3 lines, TIP ALERT: Take advantage of the measurements on the RIGHT of the blade…I prefer to score in this way for this card….from the bottom the card…score at 1", 1 1/8" and 1 1/4"…and I give it a nice and heavy- handed score so the score is nice and deep!
- Ink up this fun and snazzy chevron oval from the Oh Hello Stamp Set with Sahara Sand and stamp trying to center from your top score line to the top of the card!
- This elegant floral stamp is from the Morning Meadow Stamp Set and I think using the Island Indigo created such a depth of richness with this beautiful color!
- This is one stamp set not to overlook – I have used it so many times (I think the only one I have not used is the bird!!!) It looks super in an array of colors and it is a hostess set and the price is….just $10.00!!! I say WOOT-WOOT!
- Now it's time to pull out the Stamp-a-ma-jig to get the sentiment in the perfect placement! If you are not comfortable with this tool….please email me and ask for some help and tips! This is the lifesaver for making your beautiful cards look professional and it is a stress buster for you!!!
- The sentiment is from the Best of Greetings Stamp Set….remember, these stamp sets are only for a limited time in honor of Stampin' Ups! 25th Anniversary and each month Stampin' Up! comes out with a new one and when you get 6…send in a form and you will get the 7th free! (at the end of this post you will see the new one for October!!!)
Download the monthly flyers
- Envelope time! I lined the outside of the flap with the Venetian Romance Designer Series Paper, the colors are soooo rich! Doing this is such an easy touch that makes a great impression when you go to the mailbox and receive a beautiful card!
I encourage you to try to make a single layer card…I thought it was going to be super hard but it really was not and the best part…I was very pleased with the end result and again, this IS a layout that can be adapted for so many different cards…think out of the box…play with color…but most importantly…HAVE FUN!
Hot off the early morning press (even before I have a cup of coffee in me)
Speaking of fun…have you ever considered to be a part of this Stampin' Up! fun!?!? I would love to have you be a part of my team and have even more fun together than we do on my blog! I am a part of Mary Fish's PALS partner program and I would love to have you grow and have fun with me!
Now…HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT as this morning Stampin Up! announced for
2 weeks (October 7th – 25th) you can sign up to join Stampin' Up! for $25.00!!!
That's right…that is CRAZY amazing! I am so glad that is wonderful company is having these great 25th Anniversary specials….they are special and so are YOU! I would adore you to join this fun and be on my fun and inspiring team!
Please email me and we'll talk how this will benefit you and "your stampin habit" (ha-ha) and I can share and answer any questions you have…..click here to email me!
You will be amazed at the resources that are available to you and the best part…it's fun, it's rewarding and you can do it YOUR WAY!
Guess what…another super 25th anniversary goodie your way…
In honor of Stampin' Ups! 25th Anniversary, they are making the hostess benefits for the month of October even better this month….click here to see the flyer! You will get an additional $25.00 worth of products for every qualifying hostess level….I say a huge WOOT-WOOT!!!
In a million years, I would have never thought that I would be blogging daily…and it is a daily learning experience and I am proud of my commitment and dedication I have in it….and Friday marks my 250th post…so…in honor of that – it's BLOG CANDY TIME….so make sure you pop back on Friday to win!
Now I hope you pop on everyday and if you have not subscribed….please do so…and I thank you for sharing my blog with your friends and family!
HOT OFF THE PRESS….Now here is the NEW "Best Of Christmas" Stamp Set this month….
Whew…this was long but this is all exciting!!!!
Have a great day and until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Sep 24, 2013 | 3-D Projects, Thinking of you |
O.k. folks…the weekend must have been super busy with you dedicated stampers trying to make the Post It Notes Blog Posting that I showed last Sunday….please click here to see the original post! They are super cute and super fun to give as they are practical and super easy to make!
The question I received over the weekend by 6 different followers…was – "Did I buy the wrong size…because it's not working?" Well, this post did use the mini ones and everyone was purchasing the 3" X 3" size and asked if I had the dimensions to make it!
Well…I got a little help from my friends!!!
This is what I absolutely adore about Stampin' Up! and blogging…being able to meet so many cyber friends and customers…it's hard to describe but it is a special and fun connection and most of the time we have never met!!!
My help came from Lynn and Jeanie! These are both 2 incredible ladies that have not only a love and passion for creating works of art from their heart but they both are both beautiful ladies that have hearts larger than life!
Lynn reached out to me months ago for some help when she was getting together with some family members and I was thrilled to help her! Through our emails back and forth we have many similarities and it is so fun and uplifting to receive an email from her!
Yesterday when I popped on the computer….Lynn was a life saver as she took the time to figure out the measurements for the 3 X 3 Post it notes….and the beautiful part of it was…she said, –
"I hope this saves you some time figuring it out so you can spend
more time with your family – Furry loved ones included!"
Is that the sweetest or what! Thank you Lynn and I do hope that one day we could meet in person! It's fun working together on projects!
Jeanie has been a friend and fellow crafted for years and I adore her! We have shared many laughs over the years and her talent is endless! (she also has the most incredible craft area one could ever imagine!!!) Jeanie is full of life and is a teacher to little ones…a PERFECT job for her! You know when Jeanie is in the house and her laugh is her trademark and from that laugh is the most beautiful smile you'll see!
After the details on the post, I will share with you some incredible samples of these great ladies works that they shared with me – many thanks to both of you! Huge stampin' hugs!
Please make sure that you refer back to the original post to see how to put this together and let you mind go wild…the sky's the limit!!! Here are the dimensions!
- Cut a piece of paper to 3 1/2" X 12"
- Score at 4", 4 1/2", 6 1/2" and 8 1/2"
- The DSP and/or mat paper is 3 1/4" X 3"
- The colors I used for the water-coloring are: Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, Soft Suede and Old Olive. I also used 2 Regal Candy Dots for fun!
- The colors I used to do the water-coloring with the Aqua Painters are: Baked Brown Sugar, Sahara Sand, Rose Red and Primrose Petals.
These are super great quick goodies to whip up! Here are a couple of different angles so you can get a great idea how they look when they are closed!
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions! I hope that you have enjoyed seeing the 3 X 3 version!
(more…)
