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!
by Susan Itell | Aug 29, 2013 | Baby, Thinking of you |
At a glance, this card looks like it would be a bit complicated or should I say "time consuming" but actually it was not! As I break down the steps for you…you will have that "light-bulb" go on and see that this is actually a simple card to make!
The inspiration for this card is when I went over to one of my super fun customer's house and she was showing me some of her masterpieces…I look at one and said - "What color is that?"…Rose Red! I immediately thought WOW – this is beautiful…why do I not use that color? So this is exactly how I received my inspiration…
Before we get into the "how to's" another question that I get asked often is…"where do you get your ideas and inspirations from" well…most of the time I think about who I need to send a card to and what type of card that would be. I also try to look at stamp sets that I have not used lately to show you something different!
I knew I needed a card for my friend Caren as her only daughter just left to her 1st year at college and is missing her terribly! Caren adores flowers and I thought she would get a huge smile opening up this beautiful card!
- The Flowers came from the super popular Stamp set, Secret Garden! Not only is the an "A list" set…and it comes with matching Framlits to make exact cuts each and every time! A big Woot-Woot!
- I used the Rose Red ink and stamped and cut out 6 of them. After finding the center of the card, I adhered the middle flower and then the sides! I also drew a Always Artichoke line all around the border of the card for a simple interest to the card!
- To the other 3 flowers, using my paper snips I cut in each petal towards the center and then pulled them forward a bit and using a mini glue dot….BAM! The sweet touch of a Neutral Candy Dot was the perfect finale for each flower!
- The "leaf" part I just used the framelits and cut them from the Always Artichoke Paper. Knowing that I only really needed the 3 leaves on the end, I cut the others off and tucked them here and there!
- TIP ALERT: my flowers were really adhered down – I simple used my paper piercing tool to gently life an area to get the leaf under…worked like a charm!
- I knew I needed a sweet sentiment and after looking through the catalog….the stamp set, My Friend, spoke to me….perfect choice! Using the brush ends of the pens…I inked them up and stamped it on this sweet card!
I know that this will brighten Caren's day! It is fun to make some know you care. Too many times we rely on the computers, texting and the phone…but a handwritten note and a mailed card really means the world to the recipient!
The bigger bonus is that YOU took YOUR time to not only think of them, but YOU made the cards with your own hands! PRICELESS!!!
Thanks for popping by – tomorrow I have a super quick and easy Halloween treat for you! These gems come together in no time! I started to make some up for my daughters dorm! (getting a jump start)
Have you ever considered being a hobbyist demonstrator? It is super great to be able to order your Stampin' Up! products at a discounted price whenever you feel like ordering and the best thing is….there is no penalty to stop! I would love for you to be on this fun ride with me and become a part of Mary Fish's PALS group – what an amazing group of fabulous individuals!
Email me….I would love to set up a time to talk with you….best decision I ever made and I know it would be the same for you!
Until tomorrow!
by Susan Itell | Aug 21, 2013 | Super Easy, Thinking of you |
I was tickled with the end result of this card….and this is going to be a card that we will make for the Breast Cancer patients in September! The volunteers are going to love making these but the best thing is that the patients are going to have a HUGE smile when they receive the card!
A CAS (Clean and Simple) card….is all about me – and this is what this card represents! Using minimal supplies with a BANG of a result is the way to go…and this card is a card that can be mass produced in no time!
Many posts ago I showcased this gingham stamp, It is actually a wheel but I turned it into a stamp! Click here to see the previous post ….it's cute one!Why do I do this?
- The Wheel Stamps are very affordable! This is on page #82 in the catalog and you can see that is is just $6.50! It is called Gingham and it's a keeper!
- You all know I have yet to venture into the video world…but check on the super video that Mary Fish did showcasing how easy it is to transform the wheel into a stamp! One you see this – you'll understand why I love to do it!
- I have been "missing" my crumb cake fix so today is the day to use this as my neutral! Your traditional A-2 card but I scored for a top fold…just a change up! Using a scrap piece of paper I stamped using the Whisper White Craft Stampin' Ink
- CONFESSION TIME: – I am not a huge fan of this ink….I am sharing this with you as I am being totally honest – LOVE the effect it gives…but it is much "wetter" and you do need to allow time for it to dry…just be careful – I honestly it's me as I do not think I use it enough!
- I just love using scraps and being able to stamp these flowers in Pacific Point from the Flower Shop Stamp Set, an "A list" set plus it is a snap being able to POP them out with the Pansy Punch!
- I added a bit of bling to the centers of the flower using some of the retired Bitty Buttons and then added a Neutral Candy Dot ( love these things)
- The sentiment came from the Thoughts and Prayers Stamp Set, but did you notice something different with the sentiment? I covered the part "Please know I care" not because I did not like it….I just want the simple "Thinking of you" This is easy using a piece of sticky note and after you ink it up well….peel off the sticky strip and presto!
- A quick mat in both colors and then a quick stitch using the Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen…IS SUPER EASY to use and just adds that special touch!
- I POPPED up the sentiment and also POPPED up 2 of the flowers with the stampin' dimensionals but I left the middle flower flat to give more interest! Cute card….right???
I know that my ladies are going to enjoy making these! They are super
cute and a card that you could switch out colors to make it look
totally different! There is nothing wrong with a basic card and making
some minor changes!!!
School is starting in many areas…time for
us to take a deep breath from the summer but then time to think about
projects that you will be wanting to do….have you considered being a
hobbyist Stampin' Up Demonstrator to be able to "support your habit" – we all like a bargain and I sure would love to have you on my team!
Email me and
I would love to pick a time to talk! My upline, Mary Fish lives in
Arizona and I live in Maryland….so you can see that there is no need to feel that we need
to be next door neighbors! The cyber people I have met are amazing…and I always appreciate your feedback!
Until tomorrow…….
by Susan Itell | Aug 20, 2013 | Thinking of you |
GOTCHA!!!
After reading the below….keep scrolling for the scoop of the super cute card today!
In total I had 76 Comments left on my blog and 11 emails sent to me about the Blog Candy Post in celebration of my 200th post!!! WOW…I deeply thank you for POPPING by! Your comments were very touching and I am si glad that many of you enjoy my blog! Thanks a bunch!
Drum roll….and the winner is……Nanci!
WOOT-WOOT for you!!!!
Please email me your address and they will be in the mail!
Here is her comment:
Congratulations to you Susan I love following you!!!Now this is funny because TODAY Aug 18 is My Birthday and we are having Ribs for dinner with homemade mac and cheese the mac and cheese was at my grandchildren request otherwise I would be having potato salad. Cupcakes for Birthday cake
This is even funnier as we both like BBQ Ribs….too funny! I hope you enjoy them and I hope you had a special Birthday!
I cannot tell you what a blast I had reading everyone's favorite meals and comments! Not only did it make me super hungry as well as thinking about yummy foods that I have not had in a while (like Ham Loaf – YUM….Red Velvet Cake – YUM…and I adore Lamb and WOW – there are a bunch of Angel Food Cake Fans!!!) but also the fact that so many said what was most important is to share a meal with your family!
This is what touched my heart so much and this is the thing that I love about Direct Sales! I have been involved with direct sales for gee…. over 20 years but only with Stampin' Up! for 17 months….direct sales allows you to express yourself….make your business whatever you want it to be and to develop relationships that you simply would never have done!
I am here to tell you that I look forward to 200 more posts as I adore Stampin' Up! and I adore YOU…my faithful followers and customers! It's the "feel goods" and "making a difference" that keeps me motivated! Thank you…
This is a perfect card for Susan as the sentiment says it all…"thanks for your support"!!! The Stamp Set is For the Birds and this is one of my favorites as I love to watercolor and get out the Aqua Painters….(makes me feel like an artist) ha-ha!!!
I took the mailbox but "masked" the sentiment and used another sentiment to fit my needs….see just making simple changes works!!!
When you do use the watercolor method, I highly recommend that you use the watercolor paper….WHY? – simple = it "holds" the extra moisture and your card will not get "wet:" through and also it will stay super flat!
I used the Oval Framelits with the hep of Mr. Big Shot to cut out the front of the card and then used the Black Staz On Ink to stamp my images! This is a must or it will bleed! The colors I used were Real Red, Marina Mist and Soft Sky!
Using 2 of the ovals made a perfect frame for the front of this sweet card and the little touches of the Boho Blossom Punch was a great added touch! The heart came from the Owl Builder Punch ( I always forget about this sweet heart…..glad I didn't today!)
The envelope was adorned with the Polka Dot Parade Paper! I know….I used it yesterday but I really wanted that POP of red ….at least I flipped it over to show another polka dot print! This paper is just sooo darn cute!
Well – this card sums it up…
"I appreciate your support"
I am so glad that you enjoyed the blog hop and I hope that you will continue to check back and see what I have brewing! Remember, a simple click here….will let you shop at my online store and your goodies will be delivered to your door!!!
I have "grouped" all 87 of you and sent you the easy-peasy directions to make this easy box and belly band! Please email me if you have any questions!
Have a great day….congratulations to Nanci and until tomorrow…..
by Susan Itell | Aug 16, 2013 | masking, Thinking of you |
Ok….my "old faithfuls" that visit my blog – I know many times I tell you how we need to step out of the box! Today's card is just that for me.
I have never "masked" before and I was quite tickled with the end result! Not only was it fun…it is easy! I realize that there are little boo-boo's here and there but…what the heck – you can't sweat the small stuff!
Today's card is using my favorite Note Cards and Envelopes, perfect size and a bargain at $5.95 for 20 cards (already scored) and envelopes! As you know I adore white…I cut a piece of white at 3 1/4" X 4 3/4" to make the base of the card and then ultimately matted it a smidge larger with Melon Mambo!
Here you go with the scoop….I know you all love when I give you the "details"…
A simple click here will get your Stampin Up! goodies delivered right to your door….
I know that there are tons of great choices with Stampin' Up! demonstrator…but I sure would love to be yours! I am passionate to help you believe in yourself and reach your goals!
- Drawing a faint pencil line to make sure everything will be even. I pulled out the Stamp-a-ma-jig and stamped the sentiment in Melon Mambo that comes from the Four You Stamp Set, this is from the new catalog and it has 4 great different sentiments that are super-duper – a definite "A" list!!!
- Using the ruler again and the fine tip point of the Gumball Green marker, I added lines on either side of the sentiment!
- Putting "Sticky notes" to use…I carefully placed a sticky note to the bottom section first and stamped in Gumball Green the leaf image that is from the Secret Garden Stamp Set I then moved my sticky note to the right side and with the Pink Pirouette Ink – I did the same with the flower!
- TIP ALERT: Make sure you get good ink coverage when you do this method so you do not get a line in between the image and the sticky note – is this happens….NO WORRIES, just pull out a blender pen and it will be a quick and easy fix!
- I said I had some boo-boo's….no worries, the Boho Blossom Punch to the rescue…. a quick pop in daffodil delight was all I needed (I actually only needed 2…but do things in odd numbers – it helps the balance!) Using the mini glue dots and a brights candy dot was the perfect finishing touch!
I live on the East Coast and we are having some incredible cool and crisp weather….it's making me want to play with all of the new fall…Halloween and Christmas stamps!
We all know that time flies by so I hope that the inspirations I throw your way next week will get you excited to work on some projects!
Please email me if I can help you and click away here to order any of the Stampin' Up! products you need! Thanks for popping by and have a fabulous day!
Today I am doing something "totally out of the box for me" and I will share with you the scoop on Saturday…..
Until tomorrow…..
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…..
