by Susan Itell | Oct 5, 2013 | Stamp-a-ma-jig, Tips and Tricks!!! |
Today's card is a special card to me for many reasons…it is a card inspired by my friend, Jeanie…it was a card that we made this week for Breast Cancer Patients in treatment…it is a card that is just my kind of card – clean, crisp and just fun!
I am hoping to share with you many tips that will be helpful to you….I apologize in advance that my posts are so long …I just love to share with you tips and tricks that I have learned…tips that have helped me grow…and tips that I hope will help you!
I want to start with when the new catalog came out…after flipping through – I fell in love instantly with the Stamp Set, Flower Shop – I knew that it was going to be mine especially when you can get a super pansy punch to POP these gems out! (it does come in a bundle…WOOT-WOOT – you save 15%)
The excitement of this stamp set quickly came to an end when I simply was frustrated that I could not get the stamps and the punch to line up!
I had tried lots of different tips that I had watched on the internet from other SUD but nothing clicked ( I know – I am challenged with some things!!!!) – and then there was Jeanie – my light-bulb!
Look at the black dot to the right…this is key! I cut a piece of scrap paper and then took it out to keep it as my "security blanket" Using the Subtle Candy Dots are perfect for the center of the flower and of course, Stampin Dimensionals are a must to POP them up!
Go ahead and do this to all 6….you will be happy! It works like a charm…When you put the stamp on your clear block…just make sure that the dot is to the right….and then you can take your punch in and POP…works every time!
When in doubt…line the stamp up like below….
To the card we go….Stamp the leaf part with Pear Pizazz and stamp both up and down to get the image but do not worry one bit about making an overlap or mistake – it will be covered!
A simple strip of Strawberry Slush at 1 1/4" X 5 1/4" and then a piece of Pear Pizzazz that has been run through the Big Shot with the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder creates a super focal point!
The paper piercing adds a great little detail, this is not necessary of you are running low on time but I will say, it does add fun! The Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack allows you to piece a straight line in a jif! I chose to do every other and then after I make the quick pierce…I do go back and make a "deeper" pierce by simply pitting my 2 fingers to line the tool up and go very deep to create the nice and bold piercing!
I need to touch on a tool that I simply just could not live without….the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, I have more emails and questions about how to use this and I truly wish that we all lived closer as it is easier to show yo in person, but let me try my best! You NEED to learn how to use it as it is such a life saver and a time saver…WHY? you get a straight stamp each and every time!
Next, take the plastic mat that you "stamped" your sentiment on and put it where you want your sentiment to go on your card. This gives you the freedom of placing the sentiment where you want it…and you can get it straight each and every time!
WHEW….this is hard to put in words but I do hope that these tips helps you…please take a sentiment and play with the stamp-a-ma-jig. If you were like me…I tried it a couple of times….became very frustrated and put the tool away and vowed I would never use that dumb piece of plastic! (Sounds familiar)? This IS one of my top 10 favorite tools as it always makes me look great!
Now I ask you…isn't this one beautiful card? Simple yet elegant and the colors were perfect for Breast Cancer Awareness Month!!! ( Strawberry Slush and Blushing Bride) Another thing I ask you…wouldn't it be a shame to do the work for this beautiful card and then have the sentiment crooked?
The sentiment came from the Stamp Set, Gifts of Kindness – a great set for so many cards…just look at the great messages….and the font is fun!
Being able to have the freedom of placing it where YOU want it is the best with the help of the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig…please do not be afraid of it!
The envelope came together with the Big Shot and the Envelope Liner Framelits (both a MUST AS WELL) as they are a time saver and again make you shine!!! The liner was from the In Color Designer Series Paper and I know you are tired of hearing me say this….but here I go – all of the collections of Paper Stacks are another "must have" as they are a quick go-to to finish a project!
Many thanks to all of you that left comments on my blog yesterday and remember….if you did not see yesterdays blog posting, click here and leave me a comment on yesterdays post and today at noon I will take all of the comments and emails I received and one person will win the BLOG CANDY that I featured!
I will announce the winner on tomorrows post! I look forward to another 250 blog postings and I look forward to many more memories made with YOU! Thank you for all of your kind words of inspiration!
I hope that today's posting was a help to you and that I inspired you to use some of the great tools that we have!
Hat's off to Jeanie for inspiring me and helping the light bulb go on to LOVE and use the Flower Shop and Pansy Punch! She is not only a HOOT….she is one talented stamper!
Have a great day and until tomorrow…..thanks for popping by!!!
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by Susan Itell | Sep 17, 2013 | Tips and Tricks!!! |
In celebration of Stampin' Ups! 25th Anniversary, each month they are unveiling a stamp set for this milestone! This Stamp is from the stamp set, Best of Autumn….and it's a keeper!
Today I heard the doorbell ring and then a fury of barks from the dogs….then the light-bulb went off…..it's UPS with my order!!!! WOOT-WOOT…I needed a box of goodies! (well…let's be honest – did I really need it…no….but it sure brighten my day!)
Opening the box up I saw this stamp set and I instantly knew that today's post was going to be using this stamp! Fingers crossed that the "moon and the stars will line up" for the card I was going to share with you….you'll just have to pop back tomorrow to find out the scoop!
It has been a while since I have water colored and if you follow my post, I adore water-coloring! To me…it's a type of soothing therapy that I love to see the end result! I realize that I am not the best at it, but I will say it brings me joy and that's just fine for me!
TIP ALERT! – when you do this technique…it does make a HUGE difference using water-coloring paper as when you use the aqua painters…the moisture that happens to "regular" paper will mostly likely make it "curl" – the water-color paper is meant to have water on it…the end result – a nice flat surface!
The colors I used for the "water-coloring" are Real Red, Always Artichoke, Basic Gray, Pear Pizzazz and So Saffron! The base is so Saffron cut to a note card size of 3 1/2" X 5"
I matted the water color portion with the I Am Me Designer Series Paper, just "cutting" 2 squares larger with the Stampin Trimmer! This tool is a must….love it…actually have 2 of them as my daughter takes mine when she is home!
A quick and simple mat of the Real Red was the pop that this Clean and Simple Card needed…but wait – a sentiment is needed….when in doubt – go to the Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set...a definite A + stamp set that will surely help you with your projects!
The perfect placement could not have been done without the help of the Stamp-A-Ma-Gig…my go-to tool! Works every time like a charm and one that MUST be on your "I need this list"!!!!
I do recommend that you adhere your water color image with an adhesive and NOT use Stampin Dimensionals …but layer it like I did here and THEN use your Stampin' Dimensionals to do the POP magic!
Mailman time….I made the envelope with the So Saffron Paper using the Envelope Punch! LOVE IT – super easy and the fact the the instructions are "right there" makes it a no brainer! I decided to get a big smile from the mailman and line the outside of the envelope with the fun and festive Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper! Fun, fun, FUN!!!! I know you're smiling when you see this paper!
There are times when you create a card and say WOW…well this one did it for me! I slipped up to my work area…made this and popped back down to show John and he said, "how did you make that so quick"? Sometimes t just happens and I adore this card an do plan to make many more to send!
John is doing better and getting stronger! I am giving him an apple a day… – keeps the doctors away"! (Good thing he likes apples!!!!) I thank you for all of the emails of concern for him! He is a big guy, a determined guy, a great Dad and a fabulous husband….and I am si darn tootin' proud of him!
True it is hard – but it is a pleasure to "Pay It Forward " for all that he gives to me and to our children!
Until tomorrow…I hope you enjpyed this….I think it's a keeper!
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by Susan Itell | Sep 6, 2013 | Get Well, masking, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Super Easy, Tips and Tricks!!! |
This card is sure going to bring a smile to my wonderful husbands face when I go see him today! Many thanks for all of the emails and comments wishing him a quick recovery! He'll be just fine…just a long road but we'll get thru it!
I told you that I will become the "Queen" of get well wishes cards and I was super duper happy with this one!
As you have heard me say ENDLESS times before….I am in awe of all of the amazing talent out there! Being that I am getting "super close" to doing videos (thanks from your encouragement) I totally enjoy surfing You Tube!
I love to look at many different Stampin' Up! Demonstrators You Tube Videos and I stumbled upon this one from SUD Patty Bennett. Please click here and watch this video and you will see 1st hand how fun and easy this style of card is to make!
Being that a "file" reminds me of a doctors chart at the hospital…I let my mind go creative to make this simple card! Look at it and break it down…it uses minimal products and the "fun factor" is high!
Sometimes I think we "over think" techniques and me being the "queen" of being challenged with fussy cards…this is easy-peasy! Just follow my simple bullets ….and BAM – done and FUN!
- Take your regular A-2 card stock (8 1/2" X 5 1/2"…scored at 4 1/4")
- Put this in the stampin' trimmer and cut off 3/4" (You better have this trimmer….it is simply the BEST in the whole wide world….I have a closet full of trimmers that are collecting dust ever since this gem came out!!!)
- Take the cut side (the shorter if you had it folded) into the Envelope Punch Board and line up the left side in the Punch Board Edge and simply punch!!! EASY…hang on – you can do it!
- Slide this over to the 3" mark and punch again!
- Back to the Stampin' Trimmer….take the "dip or valley" part on the cutting track of the trimmer and simply cut this piece off!!! PRESTO….you made your 1st tab!!!!
- TIP ALERT: If you have a little ridge….no worries – simply run your fingers back and forth to smooth the edges OR lightly use the sanding block to even it out! (again….my "type A " of crafting!!!!)
- I simply could not resist using my label maker to "personalize" my hubbies name and room number!
- I only used 1 stamp set….( I think that's a 1st in a while)…and the name of it is perfect…You're My Hero Stamp Set….as John is my hero!
- The stamp-a-ma-jig is essential…by now if you have not mastered this….please email me and let me help you….I go into total STRESS ALERT if I cannot find my stamp-a-ma-jig at my workspace! ( I swear that they hid this in the new catalog as I am ALWAYS searching for the number…page 197)
- I did use the Black Staz on Ink….why???? – don't exactly know but I love it!…I did "mask off"the real red and crushed curry part….you see…..YOU NEED THE stamp-a-ma-jig!
- The sentiment could not be more perfect…."you're my hero!"….just what John is to me! (again…stamp-a-ma-jig)
Was this FUN or what….I hope that I have inspired you and my head has been constantly spinning and I have some real "keepers" for you next week!
I hope that you have stopped by the Pals Paper Art Website to see all of the simply amazing ideas for the color challenge this week! I hope you play…..it's fun…why not!!!!
I sure do hope that you have a "hero" in your life….John is the most wonderful husband, Dad,brother,son and friend one could ever have….ZOOM for a speedy recovery! I'll be with you every step of the way!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Aug 26, 2013 | Baby, Tips and Tricks!!! |
Hang on to your hats as this is a different post for me! You can tell I am coming off a weekend as I had more time to "play"! This post is for my co-worker and friend Regina in honor of her new grandson!
If you follow my posts, you know that I am usually WHAM…BAM…SUPER SIMPLE!!! It really is not that hard to make…it just takes a but more steps than I usually do but the end result is worth it!
I just could not help myself as I wanted to make Regina something special as she is soooooo incredibly wonderful to me at work – truly a lifeline that makes me smile and shine!
On Thursday, Regina found out that her grandson was going to be born by cesarian several weeks early! The time was scheduled at 5:00 p.m. and my thoughts and prayers were with her family! When I came into work on Friday…..It's a boy…..everyone is healthy and happy!!! I was so excited for her!
I know a special card was in store for her as she is very special to me! I hope that you have lots of coffee this morning if you are a subscriber ( and if your not – why not!!!???) as this is a long but useful post!
Here you go…I'll try to be quick but you need to know about the envelope…so read to the end – it's worth it!
The card base is a 6 1/2" square and scored at 3 1/2"! Just love odd sizes….but what about the envelopes??? Hang tight…I have the scoop for you!
- The colors of this card are Marina Mist, So Saffron, Midnight Muse, Crumb Cake and Whisper White
- The stamp set??? what is it??? I get more ?'s about this stamp set as it is a "sleeper in the catalog"…it is A Dozen Thoughts…LOVE it and an "A list" stamp set! I "masked the words" to make it into 3 before I popped it out with the circles!
- TIP ALERT: What was a life saver and another sleeper is the Silicone Craft Mat. why??? when you use it…you can "build" what you are working on and it comes off like cookies on a sheet of parchment paper! So easy and works every time!
- The lower sentiment came from one of my all time favorites as I adore the font, Sweet Essentials!
- To the envelope – I made it and so can you….here is the scoop – nothing to fret about….I am going to run through this fast so if you need help – please email me!
- Cut a piece of card stock to 9" X 8"
- On the 8" side score at 3 1/2" and 7 1/4"
Now….we all know that there is a super cool, super unbelievable tool coning out real soon….like – less than a week, like….Sept 1st – (Sunday) that is an absolute must….BUT – I wanted to show you that YOU can make an envelope yourself!
WHEW…..I am pooped as this was long…but I want you to know that YOU can do it and if you do not think you can or if you have any question….PLEASE let me know!!!! This guy is cute….right!
Remember, I am a click away via email and you can click my new super cool button to order anytime!!! I thank you and I am so happy that Regina's grandson arrived to this incredible world healthy and Mom and Dad are doing great!
Well…what did you think about this card…I think it is super cute! Stampin' Up! used to have envelopes like this that opened on the end and I thought they were fun and different! Let me know your thoughts!
Have a great day…a great week ahead and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Aug 4, 2013 | Organizational Tips, Things you just have to buy!, Tips and Tricks!!! |
This has been a fun post and topic of the different ways of lining envelopes! The lucky winner is…..
LUCKY # 36… SELETTA!
Here is her comment…
Posted by:
Seletta
WOOT-WOOT!!! I hope you enjoy your blog candy and please send mean email with your address and I will send you your goodies!!!!
Below is the liners and I threw in a couple of extra envelope already
lined for you! Enjoy and many thanks for your comment! They are all new papers and I mixed both methods of liners!
WOW….I know you guys love the attention that I to do with envelopes but I will say "HAT'S OFF TO YOU" for reading that L O N G post!
Trust me… keep think of the analogy of riding a bike….once you get the "Susan" way of doing it….you will never have to look at a cheat sheet again to make them!
In total I had 61 comments from my comments on my blog and emails! THANK YOU….for being so diligent in reading and responding! It was super interesting to read the feedback and comments!
Many like the "Susan" way because they had all of the tools/products…and loved the concept of having the look of the whole envelope lined…..but…..
Many others loved the fact that they could purchase the New Envelope Liner Framelits and it was a help from Mr. Big Shot and then presto -DONE!
And the end result was….there were just a few more that liked the "Susan" method but I would wager to say they are waiting to get their hands on this super cool and fun framelit!
The lesson to this whole post of fun is…there are sooooo many different ways to do things and none of them are right or wrong….and none of them are better than the other!
I find that we are too hard on ourselves (and trust me – I'm a good one to talk on this one) – that we feel that because something is NEW is better…and guess what? – sometimes we just have to wait and find out what works best for us!
Please do not get me wrong as when I saw this new catalog….hands down – the 1st thing I knew that I was going to order were the Envelope Liner Framelits as I knew it would not only be a HOT item…it would be an item that I wound find practical many times for my uses! (Mainly because I can use the adhesive from the Stampin' Up Envelope)
Every month when a team of volunteers make cards for Breast Cancer patients…I always have to put sticky strip on them as I really do not know when the cards are going to be sent to the cancer patients and families. In doing it this way – they can simply pull off the sticky strip and PRESTO!
With the NEW envelope liner framelit….this might change my thoughts! True I will have to get the big shot out….but then again it will be nice not to have to worry about the sticky strip….see – every situation is different!
This has been a super fun topic to show you the different ways you can line an envelope! I am with you which ever way you like and I am an email away!
You all are the best and I thank you for your support……WOOT-WOOT to Seletta!
Until tomorrow…..
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by Susan Itell | Jul 30, 2013 | Thinking of you, Tips and Tricks!!! |
First,
many thanks for all of the sweet messages yesterday with having my son come
home! He made it home safe and sound but is naturally very tired from the
journey!
I
simply love this sentiment as it hits the nail on the head! Laughing to me is
one of the best things to do and trust me, I seem to laugh at the silliest and
strangest things!
Today’s
post is what I am going to call….Tips on Tuesday and the focus today is going
to be with a tool in the catalog that I think is a “sleeper” to many of us…it
is the Color Coach!
I
ask you…how many of you have the Color Coach and then the next question is…how
many of you use the Color Coach! For just $14.95, this gem will be a “big
helper” to you when you are just having a tough time deciding on a color
scheme!
Today’s
card I knew I wanted to use the Calypso Coral (a color for some reason that I
forget about) and I went to the Color Coach and it is paired up with Chocolate
Chip and Wild Wasabi! I know that I would not have picked this combination but
I love it!
Take a minute and watch this great video from my wonderful upline, Mary Fish. This video shares with you the simplicity of why this is a great tool! I personally love the fact that you have a substantial size of the color swatch to play around with!
I
encourage you to try it…and if you have not purchased it yet and what to shoot
me an email with some certain colors – I’ll be glad to email you the color
choices the recommend and you can give it a whirl! Better yet, click here and you can order it from me today!
The
sentiment comes from the Stamp Set, Feels Good. I use this set quite often, as
the sentiments are great! I matted it on a piece of Wild Wasabi that I used the
Big Shot along with the Chalk Talk Framelits.
The best thing about the new 3/4" Chevron Ribbon is….you
can "play" around with it so much to get the look and feel you are
going after! A simple "Susan knot" did the trick for me today and the
array of colors it comes in is wonderful!
Confessing time….just as I was finished my card….I spilled something on my card and I was super bummed….then I thought – I simply do not have time to re-do this….then the light bulb came on…put a flower over it -out came the Boho Blossom Punch for a quick fix that actually worked in my favor!
I knew that I wanted to use this super fun designer paper, I Am Me, as I just love the polka dots and what better way to tie the card and envelope together! These colors and textures are fun!
I hope you have enjoyed today's post and I hope that you can have some laughter in your day! Laughing keeps us young at heart and I am convinced it also keeps you positive!
Enjoy the day and until tomorrow!
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Have
to say I very seldom used a liner in the envelope….that is till I came
upon Susan!!! and your cards always look so finished that I gave it a
try. Don't do everyone but lots more than usual. I make my own as per
your instructions, works great. Love your Blog.