by Susan Itell | Jul 21, 2014 | Make it MINE Monday, Thank You, Tips and Tricks!!! |
YIKES…when I saw that it was week 12 I was smiling from ear to ear! I am so proud of you and I need to give a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to Sharon H. She has emailed me EVERY week enjoying these challenges and when I receive her email…my heart is super happy! ( her sister is joining the fun)
Here is the challenge for today and it is a super simple one! I am sure that you all can come up with some beauties. Now that my busy weekend is over, I have Thank You's to send to a variety of people to send notes to that helped me over my busy time!
Now you can see that I made this into a BIG CARD…a 5 X 7 as the gals that are receiving this are fun…love bold colors and love bling! They are sisters that represent a jewelry company and were guest speakers for a ladies luncheon that I was in charge of!
Now before we go any further…are you wondering where that adorable DSP came from? Well it is the Gold Soiree DSP but I changed its color…..how???
My inspiration came from Stampin' School, a weekly inspiration that I subscribe to and I was so excited to see that IT WORKS! I took this DSP and changed it's color….that's right – I changed its color…..so easy!
Here is a tool that I think I have never blogged about….a Brayer. It is the easiest tool to use and it cleans up like a dream! Because this DSP is a bit heavier and also has a gold touch to it…the "ink" that you apply soaks into the paper and then the sky is the limit!
After you do the coloring…just take a simple paper towel and "rub off" the excess and presto – you have a new and unique DSP!
Here is the next star to this card…heat embossing (Wow – I have been doing this a bunch lately and lovin' it) When you heat emboss there are 3 things that you need…
- Embossing Buddy – this takes the static off your paper to allow a clean and crisp image
- Embossing Powder – this is a NEW on – Calypso Coral
- Heat Tool – I love ours…I had one from a craft store and donated it and bought ours – a world of difference!
Because my friend loves "bling", I am using something else that I rarely use – Rhinestones! I know that it will make her smile!
Can you see how crisp the embossed image it…this is all because of the Stampin' buddy…this is so bold and crisp!
I stitched with the Calypso Coral pen to break up the space and add a bit of interest!
Because the card size if a 5 x 7 – naturally I needed to use a piece of 12 X 12 paper. I highly recommend that you keep in your supply the basic colors of these sizes as they come in handy! Using the envelope punch board made it a totally cinch for both the envelope and the liner!
Well…how did you like this…I think it turned out super fun and I also know that Annette and Rhonda will enjoy these cards! Please give this challenge a whirl….you can do it – I know you can!
Now to FUN pictures for you. John came home and had a GREAT visit with "peep" James and when he came home – the animals were happy to see him….( Daisy and I were too).
Enjoy these below pictures of all 5 of the dogs taking a "ride" in the truck with their Dad! A simple joy that they love!
As always, I thank you for popping onto my blog and I appreciate and value your time! Please share my blog with your family and friends and email me is I can be of help!
I am super excited about this weeks of posts….I have a blog candy opportunity for you…and lots of great ideas! I think taking the day off yesterday re-charged my battery!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jul 13, 2014 | Super Easy, Tips and Tricks!!! |
Whew…I feel like it has been such a long week (actually it WAS a very long week and I am glad it is behind) Our power was restored late yesterday afternoon and I could hardly wait to regain a bit of normalcy! WOWZERS, was the house HOT and well….we sure do have a clean refrigerator and freezer!
Today's card is how I feel – HOORAY! HORRAY!
Daisey Mae was the PERFECT PROTECT PIG and she is happy that the air-conditioning is on and she has given all house watch responsibilities to the dogs…she has done her job and now she need to catch up on her beauty piggy rest!
I sure hope that you missed me as much as I have missed my daily blogging! Feeling guilty is an understatement…I truly missed creating, playing around and inspiring you! I think that you will find this card fun.
Ready…let's go! I will say that the thrill of heat embossing is still so special as the first time I ever did it…at the end of this post I will share with you some tips that made making this card easy.
- The base of the card is Crushed Curry cut to a note-card size 3 1/2 X 5 and then I made the matching envelope with the help of the Envelope punch board. (makes it so easy)
- The Very Vanilla is a "smidge smaller" – (that is 3 3/8 X 4 7/8) and the I used my handy ruler and pencil to find the 1/2 way mark…drew a faint line and also a line 1/4" from the bottom
- After prepping the paper surface with a quick swipe of the Embossing Bubby I stamped the image with the versa mark and then used the Crushed Curry Embossing Powder and heat tool to do the magic!
- I am lovin' out new Designer Series Paper and this one is one of my favorites as I like the fact that is compliments with Very Vanilla – The Flashback DSP! Remember, click here to see and take advantage of the buy 3 get 1 free with the DSP Papers! The perfect time to stock up!
- Because I had a significant amount of "very vanilla" space, I thought that this would the perfect way to show case the DSP. I know that many of you are afraid of using bold prints of DSP on the body of your card…but what do you think of this? I think it is as clean and classic as it comes! The height of this is 2".
- You have heard me say many times before that I adore the Stampin' Trimmer, well this is a PERFECT example of why! These slivers of Real Red are just 1/8" and was a cinch using the trimmer. True I could have matted this piece of DSP on Red, but I wanted to teach you that this method works great. I used the Sticky Strip and left just a little overhang to adhere the red…BINGO – adhesive worked double time and on the card it goes!
- The envelope was jazzed up with lining the outer part of the envelope flap! You can see that I cut the bottom of the flap straight after making it with the envelope punch board (sometimes I just like mixing things up!!!)
Well…I hope that you say HOORAY!HORRAY! to this card and I hope that it has inspired you to take a sentiment and use it multiple times and great a fun and simple card!
Please do not be afraid to use DSP on your card fronts…how about challenging yourself this week to try it…it's like the old commercials for "Life" cereal…."TRY IT…YOU MIGHT LIKE IT"
As promised, here are a couple of tips and tricks that made this card so much easier for me.
- The stamp-a-ma-jig makes lining up things sooooo much easier – just make a commitment to like this black piece of plastic…it really is a great tool.
- The Silicone Craft Sheet is a dream…no more sticky fingers when using the "green glue" and like this project…the sticky strip peeled right off and it did not loose and if its "stick power"
- The Stampin' Trimmer…no excuses…a must have tool – we all have a birthday every year.(make sure you order and extra set of blades and the replacement cutting mat)
- When I heat emboss, I like to have a set of assorted sizes of paint brushes. ( I use a coupon from the craft store and I purchased the assorted sizes as you can have a very teeny, tiny brush up to a wider one. You will be amazed at how handy they are.) When you get the embossing powder where you do not want it to be, it is a breeze to flick it off before you use the heat tool!
That's it my friends…I hope that you enjoyed having me back – I know that I sure am a "Smiling Susan"…remember to click here or hit the shop now button to purchase any SU goodies and especially take advantage of the DSP paper sale!
Thank you for your patience with my "lack of power" (heck – our little street made the front page of our local paper) as we live out in the country….and people less than 1/4 of a mile had power…It was a journey…it was an adventure – my fingers are crossed that we are home free!
Tomorrow is Make it Mine Monday…please pop back and see the sketch I have for you to challenge your personal skills. Again, it's great to be back and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jun 27, 2014 | Tips and Tricks!!! |
Woot-Woot – it's Friday! Last Friday I did a post on "my favorite things under $10.00" and it was well received and I thought….heck – there are still MORE items under this amount that I would not be without!
As I said last week and I hold true for this week…
this is a post that is different for me…but one that I stand behind completely!
I am going to share with you 10 products that are under $10.00 that I simply would not be without! I bet there are another group if under 10's but next week – I'll put my big girl pants and move up to $20.00!!!
There are no Stamps Sets in this….that will be a later post!
I will also let you know that these are not in any particular order…just me thinking of what I could not be without!
Remember….if you have the tools that make you shine and even if you are having a blizzard…a heat wave…WHATEVER – …your projects will come out amazing….every-time…cause having the right tools will always result in a great finished project!
Please make sure that you look at the thump nails at the end…..you can click and add them into a shopping cart right from home in your jammies – now that's my kind of shopping!
#1 Embossing Folders – (page226-227) $7.95….these are gems…totally gems and I am guilty that I do not use them enough but when I do…SHAZAM – I am happy (my friend Jeannie adores them and they are the best bang for your buck)
Too darn many to tell you what are my favorites….but I am going to go with (2) new ones – the Large Polka Dots (they make me smile) and the Lovely Lace (very fun and different!)
#2 Paper Piercing Templates – (page 218) $7.95 You know I love paper, and what better way to show off a simple piece of paper with some simple piercing! These are so affordable that the end result is total fun!
Again, there are several but I think the most practical to start off with is the Essentials!
#3 Memento Ink (Page 212) $5.95 -This is not available until Tuesday but it is a must… It provides a perfect black image and the best thing is you can clean it like you do you regular stamps! You know I love Staz on and that it a MUST with water-coloring….but you have to use a different cleaner!
#4 Candy Dots (page 208) $5.95 These just remind me of the candy that you peel off…remember??? How simple… how effective! I am cheating a bit here as I need to include the bases ($2.95) if you want – these will stick without the bases(which is what I usually do)…I do not have a favorite color collection – I have them all and love them all!
#5 – Embossing Buddy (page 213) $5.95 – There are many times that I get emails that people are not pleased with their embossing….hands down when I ask if they used the Stampin' Buddy – they say no! This takes the static and dust off of you paper so when you use the versa mark, you will get a clear stamp….which results in a perfect emboss!
#6 -Adhesive Remover (page 204) – $3.50 This is what I call a magic weapon…WHY? Love it – it is a lifesaver for many reasons…taking adhesives off….little boo-boo's of ink….a great eraser!
#7 – Sticky Strip -(page 204) $6.95 – I call this the "Red Tape" and it is a MUST for 3-D projects! Would not be without it….I would definitely get at least (2) rolls as if you run out and need it – you will be sad!
#8 – Glue Dots (page 204) $4.95 – Having the right adhesives always result in a clean project! These are fun to tuck underneath a paper, perfect for ribbon and I like using the paper piecing tool to "lift" them up off the paper….(wouldn't want to mess up my nails!)
#9 – Decorative Masks (page 205) $2.95 for (2) – These are SUPER! So easy to use…so easy to clean! Can you say easy-peasy with a HUGE WOW!!!! Click here to see the super super pig card I did and click here for the gift holder!
#10 – Gift Card Enclosures – (5.95) – LOVE THESE!!!! You get 10 in a pack and they are the best! The sky is the limit in decorating them….buy (2) of these…you'll use them! Click here to see the post I did on them!
Well…do you agree with my choices? There are so many products out there that make what we do easier! We are in the final count down to get that "Rental Car" for just $50.00…I say why not?
If you are ready to get started, click here and you fill your tank up with $55.00 worth of any Stampin' Up! products to get going…..then get ready to make a big wish list to take advantage of a 30% off discount on your first order…..it's truly that easy…
Please email me and I will be happy to help you! Hobbyist are THE BEST…..as you have the drive, passion and sheer FUN….cause' you love the product…just like I do! I just want you to do what makes you happy!
If you need to park the car…."I'll help you parallel park"
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jun 20, 2014 | Things you just have to buy!, Tips and Tricks!!! |
Woot-Woot – it's Friday! I am oober happy as it has been a tough week at work and guess what…in my dear little town, Bill Cosby is coming on Saturday! I am excited to see this amazing man and I look forward to getting more smile lines of laughter on my face!
Today is a post that is different for me…but one that I stand behind completely!
I am going to share with you 10 products that are under $10.00 that I simply would not be without! It's funny – there are actually more than 10 but I am just going to give you 10 and…..
There are no Stamps Sets in this….
(you know I adore many of the single stamps….but that is not for today!)
I will also let you know that these are not in any particular order…just me thinking of what I could not be without!
Remember….if you have the tools that make you shine and even if you are having a blizzard where you live…your projects will come out amazing….every-time…cause having the right tools will always result in a great finished project!
Please make sure that you look at the thump nails at the end…..you can click and add them into a shopping cart right from home in your jammies – now that's my kind of shopping!
#1 – Note Cards and Envelopes – O.k…guilty – you know I love these gems and now that there are (2) colors…it should be 2 but I am counting them as one! They come in Whisper White and Crumb Cake. $5.95
#2 – Moonlight and All Abloom Paper Stacks – o.k. – guilty again (sorry!!!!) here are 2 more but again, I am counting them as 1….these are THE BEST….not only are the color selections incredible – WOWZERS….so affordble! $6.95
#3 – Paper Snips – I simply do not know what I would do without these precious black scissors….they have been loved so much by all of my family….they each got their own for Christmas so they stop taking mine! $9.95
#4 – Stampin' Mist – I clean my stamps each and everytime I use them BUT (I do use the Stampin' Scrub but that is over $10.00 but hint-hint…you need it) $4.50
#5 – Stampin' Stylus – WHY???? I use this gem everytime to "push down" the centers of flowers – wow! #4.50
#6 – Bone Folder – Could not be without it….I love CLEAN & CRISP FOLDS….such a handy tool! $6.95
#7 – Stampin' Dimensionals – O.k. – how can you have a day without your Stampin' Dimensionals…it simply cannot happen….any Doctor will say that you need your daily Stampin' Vitamins! $3.95
#8 – Multi Purpose Liquid Glue – I call this the "green glue" and I will say it is the best – A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY…I can say that I never lift the tip off my project (that's how thin it can be) $3.95
#9 – Stampin' Pierce Mat – WHY???? This is GREAT to stamp on larger stamp images…(especially the photopolymer stamps)…PERFECT leverage! $4.95 ( I actually have 2 of these – 1 for stampin and the other for paper piercing….)
#10 – Silicone Craft Sheet – this is a "secret weapon" – LOVE IT……it is perfect to adhere things together and then let the adhesive "roll" off…this works for all of our adhesives! $5.95
I hope that you have has fun as I have had with today's post….I know it's different but it is important! We all know that when we have the "right tools" – life is easier….think about your kitchen….when you are in order...it works….think about doing laundry….when you have the right cleaners….it works!
This is the same about making projects….I hope that this has made you think and has also inspired you to make sure you have the tools in order!
You know what….???
There are only 10 days left to take advantage of picking up your rental car and being a hobbiest stamper with me and a whole bunch a great PALS!!!
If you are ready to pick up your Rental Car and go on the best drive with endless miles…then click here and get started! It is super easy to get the engine going or email me and I will call you!
Please pop back tomorrow….as I will be offering another Ribbon Share Offering and also a Paper Inspiration that I am so passionate about…..have a great day and…
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | May 25, 2014 | SNEAK PEEK!!!, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Tips and Tricks!!! |
Are you ready for a FUN technique that not only creates a great effect…it is a great "stepping stone" to develop you confidence in "water-coloring" The technique is "Coloring with re-inkers" – ready to learn?!? You are going to love this and I hope you give it a try!
- The base is a A-2 in a vertical base and then the Island Indigo is 5 1/4" X 4" and the NEW IN COLOR , Lost Lagoon is 5 1/8" X 3 7/8".
- 1st I used the Embossing Buddy to get any static or dust off of the paper…..next - the Mixed Bunch Stamp set and the versa mark ink…I randomly stamped the flowers as shown and then heat embossed it with the white embossing powder.
TIP ALERT: – I probably did not have to do this but after I did the above I then did the sentiment with the help of the stamp-a-ma-jig. (I was afraid that I would smudge the flowers if I did not heat emboss the flowers first!) The sentiment came from the Four You Stamp Set.
Now comes the fun! This is so easy that you are going to be sooooo darn tootin' proud of yourself!
- Using on of the clear mounting blocks…squeeze a couple drops of Island Indigo and another one with Pool Party re-inker! Taking a dry Aqua Painter (do not fill it with water) dip the end of the brush in just a touch of water, then into the ink and made a "puddle" – Color away and have fun! I did probably 3-4 petals before adding more ink!
TIP: It is soooo much easier doing it this way if you are not feeling confident with using the aqua painters! I personally love them and use them often with traditional water-coloring, but I find this technique super fast, fun and easy! The embossed edges make it easy for the ink not to bleed out and over!
- A couple of quick decorating tips and DONE! I wrapped bakers twine around and the I also tied a bow on white buttons and used glue dots to adhere them….fast and cute!
- The liner for the envelope came from the NEW Moonlight Designer Paper Series Stack….such a keeper of a product!!!
This was a super fun card to make and I am excited to make more with this technique! Don't you think that it would be amazing in neutrals? I can see Crumb Cake as your card base and using sahara sand and soft suede! Please let me know your thoughts in how ou liked it!
Tomorrow is "Make it Mine Monday" where I will provide you with a sketch and then you can give it a try…a fn way to help you develop a style and also have fun all at the same time!
Have fun the holiday weekend and I am an email away! Until tomorrow…..
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by Susan Itell | May 16, 2014 | Thinking of you, Tips and Tricks!!! |
I'm guilty, I love a great cup of coffee! I think I would have a really tough time giving up this morning ritual for me! When Stampin' Up! came out with this stamp set – I immediately did a WOOT-WOOT as the size of it is perfect and it is also a cinch to "fussy cut" out!
I know that this is different style of card for me…but I must say – I was happy with it as it was fun to make. Another confession to you today…there is a "method to my madness" as I wanted to share with you the FUN of using the Color Coach and to remind you to put on your "wish list" when the new catalog comes out…to order the NEW In Color Refills!
For those of you that are not familiar with this product – let me tell you and trust me in this one – YOU NEED TO HAVE IT! Once you learn how easy it is to use and also how much stress it takes off your plate when you are having a mental block….it's a keeper!
You can see on the right that I have it turned to the Soft Suede Color and then underneath, the colors that are complimentary with this are listed – EASY-PEASY!!! (look further down and you'll see another color combination) – I just love it when you are in a hurry and it is a "quick go-to" but remember with the NEW In Color Paper coming out – you will need to order the refills (just $2.50)
Let's get to this card for the day!
- The base is a vertical A-2 card scored at the 5 1/2" in Soft Suede and following the color coach advice, I paired it up with Blushing Bride and Bermuda Bay! The white piece is 1/2" smaller.
- I "stamped off" the stamp from the Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Set as I did not want it to be so dark!
- The coffee cups were stamped and fussy cut with Pink Pirouette and then using my trusty Stamp-A-Ma-Jig for perfect placement, my sentiment was right where I wanted it!
- To add a bit of fun and interest I cut a circle out with the Circle Framelits and then using up scraps – a "stitched" rectangle seemed fitting!
- You can see in the below picture that I used stampin' dimensionals to POP up the cups of java!
- Being the bow challenged person I am, I went for the easy way….a simple knot in the soft suede ribbon but before I did that I placed a Stampin' Dimensions on the area and took several "snips" of bakers twine and linen thread to make it FUN!
- Keeping the theme going, I lined the outside of the envelope with the Bermuda Bay DSP…the perfect fun and bold finish!
I am so glad that this stamp set was carried over next year – it's a fun and versatile set to have and the gorgeous grunge….I admit – I was not thrilled with it when I 1st saw it…but I was totally wrong – it is a great stamp set to "fill in spaces" and to also add a quick dimension!
WOOT-WOOT – the weekend is here! Hannah arrived home last evening and we will cherish the next 48 hours! I hope that you have something fun planned for the weekend!
Remember – this would be a GREAT time to straighten up your craft area and take inventory of things you might need (and also some things that might need to find a new home!)
Many thanks for the emails about the Cyber Stamp Club, please email me and let me know if you are interested and I will put you on the list! It is a GREAT way to stay on top of new products and a fabulous opportunity for you to earn hostess benefits from not doing a darn thing but be a part of the club!
I am going to "touch on it" a bit more to help answer questions. Enjoy the day…go make someone smile and as always, I thank you for popping by and I appreciate you telling your family and friends about my passion!
Until tomorrow!
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