by Susan Itell | Jul 12, 2016 | Tips and Tricks!!!, Uncategorized |
Happy Tuesday and today is our day that we chat about tips and try to learn about different topics that revolve around stamping, organizing and basically “whatever” for this wonderful habit we have, STAMPING!
Today lets get some chatter rolling on adhesives and what we like and what we do not reach for! I am a firm believer that we learn from one another and hearing what works for some might make us dust a product off the shelf and give it a try!
I am going to take a dive and list the 4 Stampin’ Up! products that I reach for on just about a daily basis. You can click here and see the adhesives that Stampin’ Up! offers and also refer to page 182 in the catalog to take a look!
I have also created this PDF for you to read about adhesives. Remember, these are just my picks and thoughts. I will be adding a section in my Blog Header about Tips and Product Reviews (This is my 1st one, adhesives)
- Fast Fuse – This is the adhesive that I reach for the most. Trust me, it TOTALLY was my least favorite adhesive when it first came out but after we learned to like one another, it is a Blue Ribbon Adhesive. I love the fact that you can purchase a refill and I know at a glance, this adhesive seems expensive but look at the amount of yards you get….a GREAT DEAL!
- Glue Dots – Love these little gems. Every-time I use them I say, “Why didn’t I use them years ago”…a life saver!
- Tear & Tape – Thank you Stampin’ Up! for creating this so we do not need scissors. I think that we all agree that this is a great adhesive and a favorite for many with making 3-d projects. I admit, I have become pretty slick with the Fast Fuse and I will use that for 3-d’s but you still love this great tape!
Please make sure that you read the PDF that I created for more details and thoughts that I have about these products. You can see that there are adhesives that I have not mentioned…..that does not mean that I do not like them….most likely it is that these 4 are the ones that I gravitate to.
Please leave me a comment and let me know what you like. This is how we learn…as maybe I too will pick up a “light bulb” nugget and try a product in a different way!
With the Bonus Days in full swing and also the LAST 2 Days of my offering of DOUBLE PAW PRINTS, I say….look at your supplies, running out of adhesives is just the worse!
You know how were are about “stocking up” when a snow storm is in the forecast? Trust me, my adhesives are ALWAYS stocked as I would not be a HAPPY SUSAN is I ran out of one of my go-to’s! 🙁
Tomorrow is a PALS Blog Hop….this is a monthly “fun day” where there are LOTS of great ideas! I love being a part of the PALS community. Through them, I have learned so much about many aspects of stamping, tips and just sheer friendship! (they were the ones that helped me through the learning curve of using a Fast Fuse) 🙂
I can’t wait to hear your feedback!
p.s. – Stampin’ Dimensionals in my opinion are not even in the running for this post as YOU ALL NEED MANY PACKS OF THESE….I call them my Stampin’ Vitamins! Of course you need them EVERY DAY!
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by Susan Itell | May 20, 2016 | Tips and Tricks!!!, Uncategorized |
Good Morning! Today I wanted to share with you some tips…some thoughts…to make you be ahead of the game when the magical date of June 1st rolls around (I know that we are all super excited and the time will ZOOM by)
I would grab that cup of coffee and read this post and hopefully it will help you…there are LOTS of great goodies in this new catalog…but we do not need EVERYTHING…that would be super silly and also that is why I offer a Product Share so you can get a taste of the huge buffet!
I do hope that this post help you with some thoughts for you to think about when looking at the new catalog! 🙂
- Grab a piece of paper and use it as your wish list. What I like to do is make a column of an “A list” and then a “B list”. I do this for stamps and then also for tools/framelits.
- When you are going through the catalog, take note of the bundles….as you will receive an instant 10% off by purchasing them together (yep, it used to be 15% but now it is 10%) 😥 – Many times I have written down the wrong number and was sad when my order came in and I did not use the “bundle number” so make sure you have the correct numbers and don’t be a Silly Susan!
- By now we all know that June 1st is the magical date and I highly suggest to “BE READY” to avoid any unforeseen back orders etc…we all get so excited and there are going to be some “HOT ITEMS” (I think) so I would not wait. I will do another post on the items that I think are going to be HOT! 🙂
- In the new catalog you will see that Stampin’ Up! grouped together a cardstock pack to coordinate with the Designer Series Paper. This is a brilliant as you will get (8) sheets in 3 different colors to work together with the Designer Series Paper (look on page 142 & 143 of the current catalog to see what I am talking about) This is a great way to have a nice selection of complementary colors for you to USE UP that DSP (you know how passionate I am able this)
- For those of you that are NEW to Stampin’ Up!…I think that the best way to get to know our cardstock is to purchase the individual collections in the assorted packs as you will get (2) sheets of each color for just $8.00 a collection – this way you can really see what paper colors you use more often before making a purchase of a whole pack.
- Speaking of the cardstock….the other thing that I truly feel is the best is to purchase from me the cardstock on a ring – I have everything all labeled for you – click here to see the product share offerings and it is #4 – I literally use it daily as I like to pull out color combinations and it stays tidy as it is on a ring!
- Stamp Pads – I do not think anyone will disagree with this….Stampin’ Up! has AMAZING ink pads that are a firm foam which makes a great stamp each and every time. If you can, I would purchase the ink pads as a collection as you will save money but I totally get that this might not be practical for many. I can remember when I first started I purchased them a la carte and then “caved in” as I would see a sample and did not have that color.
- Ink Refills – I HIGHLY suggest that you purchase a refill when you get an ink pad. They really do come in handy and trust me, there is nothing more frustrating to be in the middle of a project to find out that you need more coverage and you do not have the refill – it is worth its weigh in gold…again, it is more economical to purchase them them as a collection rather than a la carte…but always know, there are options for you to do what works for YOU!
Wow….I think that this has given you a lot to think about. Please feel free to email me if you have further questions or please leave a comment and I am sure that our great “cyber family” will be there to help you get the answer!
I might have “spotty internet” while I am away. I am excited to go and get to meet other Stampin’ Up! people…..John does not know 1 person….and I know 4 people…but hoping to meet a WHOLE BUNCH!
I promise to you that I will be a sponge and take it all in and share with you pictures….stories….and ideas! I must admit…I am a bit nervous about going as I am very happy at home. It has been funny…each one of the “peeps” have been in touch several times yesterday just “checking in” with questions like….you do have your passport….you do need to get converters for you phone and laptop….you do know where you are going one you get to Barcelona etc….
We are blessed to have peeps that I think are concerned about their parents being away like we are about to do! All 3 of them have traveled abroad and are very comfortable etc…they are just looking out for us – so John and I will be leaving Williamsport and we will be like 2 kids going to the circus!
This is the 1st time that John and I have been away together for this long….we have always said that once the peeps were through college, it was time for us – here is to our first venture! I cannot wait to make you feel like you are there with me…..I will keep you in the loop and share…share….share!
I will try to be a giraffe and spread my vision. I truly love what I do! 🙂
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by Susan Itell | Mar 8, 2016 | Tips and Tricks!!!, Uncategorized |
Good Tuesday to all…I am in my last week in Mississippi and I will do a post one day with pictures of how I was able to keep my blog going and share with you my work space. In a nut shell…you just make it work with what you have! Naturally I could not bring everything but I did bring the essentials for making clean and simple cards!
Part of being able to be away for this long is to make things simple…and here are some tips that help keep me organized and things that I simply would not be without in my work zone! Crafting is so much fun and I think that it is safe to say that we all see things differently and we try things that work for other only to find out that that is not the best solution to your needs….guess what – THAT IS OK as we need to use what works for our own needs!
Here you go….4 more tips that make my life a bit easier! Please feel free to share with me a tip and I will be happy to share ot on my blog one Tuesday…there are so many fabulous ideas ~ BRING THEM ON….and I will be happy to share! (I am doing this today)
1 – Command Central ~ This is my best friend in my work area. I have it with me here as how in the world would I be able to store all of the essentials without going bonkers! I tried and tried to google to find something like this but I did not find anything ( you know me and computers if you can find something similiar….please share it in the comments with the link) or email me and I will share!
I purchased this eons ago from Pampered Chef and YES….I did look there and did not see it (It honestly must have been 15+ years ago) I never used it in my kitchen like it was meant to be but one day I saw it still in the original box and I swooped it up and have never looked back!
It spins around and it holds a TON…It would be crazy for me to list out all that is in there…but I think that you can see – it is a keeper! I find if the products are easy to reach for and easy to put back in place ~ it’s a keeper! – THIS IS SO IMPORTANT as then you can keep your area organized.
2. – Goo Gone – I think that we all can agree…there is nothing more frustrating than having “sticky’s” where you do not want them. A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY so treat it like you do your GREEN GLUE…You can find tiny bottles sometimes at check outs at Bed Bath & Beyond and also Lowes….I call it my travel size!
When my scissors or mat that I work on gets icky…I squirt a small amount onto a paper towel and rub it back and forth until it is gone! PRESTO – works like a charm!
3. Quickstik ( in 2 different ways!) ~ Does picking up small tiny things make you frustrated? Well…this TIP is for you – there is a product that you can purchase or you can make a DIY version and they are both great! This is in my COMMAND CENTRAL as I do go for it….OFTEN!
You can find this on Amazon and usually at the big craft stores but you can also make it on your own! Last week I had an email from Sharon Gibbons with this tip that she uses…..BRILLIANT 🙂 and oh so easy!
In the second picture you will see that Sharon uses a toothpick and some “green glue” kinda dried up….a big blob and it works like a charm!!!! THANK YOU for your email and please, please send me your tips! (Thank you Sharon)!
4 – HIT THAT EASY BUTTON! – I find that this is a fabulous tip that save soooo much time and you will be so happy that you did this! The other thing that is great about this idea as this is the PERFECT time of the year to stock up on the basics, like card stock and take advantage of a FREEBIE with Sale-a-bration!
What the heck am I talking about????? Take a bunch of card stock to a store like Office Max, Staples, Kinkos, etc….and they will cut your paper for you! Most of these stores will charge you $2.00 a cut and trust me, if you use the Whisper White and Very Vanilla a bunch….stock up on it, take it in and have it cut in both ways….for vertical cards as well as horizontal cards….they you are ready to rumble when you sit down to work!
This is a game changer as it makes things so sooooo fast! I would suggest calling around and seeing – it is well worth the effort as they can cut MANY packs of paper at one time for such a SMALL PRICE TO PAY…..Love it!
That’s it my friends! I hope that you have found this post helpful. I just think that we all have a wealth of tips and trick that work for us! Please feel free to share with me an unique tip that works for you….I would love to share it with you!
Yesterday was a truly fulfilling day….Mondays are quiet days at the barn but we all chipped in and gave the guys a day off and went to the barn…did all of the stalls (26) of them….rotated the horses to get turned out….groomed them…and it was a fun time having all of the owners there working and having fun!
Milo and I hit the road to bring some joy to others! He is simply the best….(well Eddie is the best – that’s for you Caleb) but we brought smiles to people in a nursing home. He is a gift that was brought to me and I have been in touch with Earlene to share with her the “happenings” with our little man! Each and everyday I think – how in the world could anyone give up this special dog!
Ok – ENOUGH ABOUT ME….let’s get to the weekly deals!!!!! YIPPEE-SKIPPEE…..thanks you stampin’ up! for offering fun deals for all of us to enjoy each week.
Enjoy the day…make some memories….and make someone smile! Until tomorrow!!!!
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by Susan Itell | Mar 1, 2016 | Tips and Tricks!!! |
Good Tuesday to you and as promised I am sharing with you some more TIPS & TRICKS to inspire you! I know that you enjoyed the ones that I shared with you last week and I hope that this week you will be smiling too! 🙂
I do hope that you find these helpful and as I shared – there are times that you need to think about how we set up a kitchen….ALL DIFFERENT and just like your kitchen to my kitchen…what works for you might not work for me….and guess what – THAT IS OK!!!!!
Here you go…..please feel free to email me if you have any questions and also, feel free to leave a comment if you have tried any of these “remedies” before….we all enjoy seeing comments from so many (this is how we learn, grow and also get to know each other)
I totally realize that I am showing you items that are not Stampin’ Up!….but that’s ok….let’s go back to our kitchen….do you have all of the same items from the same company on your kitchen….NO!!!! I am just trying to help you with ease…..I am sure that you can find many similar products from your hometown stores….(I just love the ease of shopping online)
#1 – Do you remember on Sunday’s Post I said that I would share with you a secret weapon that helps me A BUNCH with Bakers Twine…..YEP ~ here you go….just “pull” your bakers twine through and it makes the BEST bows…the most “behaved” fru-frus!!! Here is a link from JoAnn Fabrics…LOVE IT!
#2 – A GREAT RULER…this is such a handy tool and one that I would never be without (the type A person that I am)…here is a link for you….but remember, you can probably find this at other places as well!
#3 & #4 ~ The next (2) are like Peanut Butter and Jelly to me….this has been a game changer for me as I realized that I forgot my Stampin’ Up! Stampin’ Scrub on my trip! I have read from many bloggers that they find the “Absorber” to be a great product for cleaning their stamps and YES ~ it is…..again, I am sure that you can find similar products in stores near you…
Here is a link from Amazon.….I cut this into MANY smaller squares….One of these will last you a LONG time!!!!! Do not worry if it looks stained – being stained is GREAT as that means yo have been stampin’!!!! 🙂
Now this little gem is from The Container Store and again, you could use almost any container but I adore the shape of this! I admit, I bought (2) and have been using one for the use it was meant to be….for Onions and it is fantastic….no smells in my refrigerator!
If your towel dries out….just re~wet it and you are good to go!
There you go….4 more tips for you to make your Crafting love more enjoyable! I will share with you more next week! Please remember…these are just things that work for me…we all have differences in what we like or do not like…I just want to share what makes me smile! 🙂
Now to the FUN time of the week…..
It it is Tuesday and you know what that means….time for a new batch of Weekly Deals….click here to see the” new sale ~ bies” THANK YOU Stampin Up! for doing this for us! Enjoy the day and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Oct 30, 2015 | Tips and Tricks!!! |
Good Morning….it is the weekend and WOOT-WOOT!!! I know that you all seem to enjoy when I post about tips and tricks and also just things that I use that I ADORE to share with you as I know we all are on the same page in many ways….
TIME + ORGANIZATION = A HAPPY STAMPER!!!
I get asked often about mailing a card in the mail that has pearls, perhaps a button…basic BUMPS that make our mailman crazy etc….
Here are a couple (well 3) options that I can suggest for you!
#1 – You can take a 4 1/4" X 5 1/2" piece of paper and run it through the Big Shot with an embossing folder to place over top of your card. This is the fastest and easiest way to do it but I must admit, I rarely do it as I tend to use the next (2) more….
#2 – Foam Sheets – These are very thin. I purchased them thru Amazon and you might want to go in with a friend if you think that you need to split the order up! You do get a bunch but I like these as you can easily cut them to the specific size that you need. Click here to see this product!
I will also say…that I tend to use these for other things that I need an extra padding for when shipping. Having handy things like this is a lifesaver as you never know when you need them!
#3 –Padded Mailers - I really, really love these mailers! WHY?….the padding is great – no need to add anything else and the are WHITE so it looks super clean, simple and classic! I admit, I ran out of them about 2 weeks ago and went to Sam's Club and bought others but I like these much better!
Many times, I need to add additional postage as it might be a square card or maybe it has a "bump" that requires extra postage etc….I find that there is a minimal extra charge when I use these padded envelopes. You can also easily use these for mailing a stamp set (thin ones) and also small products like dimensionals, tear tape with a card! LOVE THEM! Click here to see them!
Mesh Bags – Now to another product that I just would not be without! I feel like I always like to keep projects "safe and clean" and I use these below bags for so many things…my stamping projects, kits, I like to keep needlepoint in them – they are just so darn handy!
I must admit, when I looked at my past history with Amazon, I paid significantly less than what they are showing up now, Click here to see them but when I went to my history of purchases, I just paid $2.69 a piece as an add-on item and now they are much more expensive…. ( I am not 100% sure how the add-ons work) but I will say, that I love them so much that I would pay this for them….BUT – READ BELOW….
Last weekend when we were visiting Hannah I popped into the Container Store (this is like a kid in a candy store – I LOVE this store) and look what I found! They are basically the same thing – I actually bought one to see if it was similar and it is.
You can click here to see them and you will see that they came in 3 sizes. Below is a picture and you can see that they are super similar!
I hope that these tips have helped you and next week I am going to do another post on how I organize cards that I have made up already…..(CALGON…TAKE ME AWAY) If I do not organize them by category….it is total chaos! (sound familiar to anyone)
Hope to see you over the weekend…Simple Saturday and Step it up Sunday!
p.s. – today is Milo's 2nd Birthday (I still cannot figure out how a rescue knows the exact day but we will celebrate it anyway) A tradition we have is Frosty Paws for every one – pop back to see a picture of the crazy party!
I could not resist sharing this with you…I came home and took my necklace off and put it on him…he loved it and as he walked past the other dogs, they looked at him like "WHAT THE HECK IS ON YOUR NECK!!!"
I am taking him over to Earlene's today for a visit! He is sooooo special!
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by Susan Itell | Sep 10, 2015 | Organizational Tips, Paper Pumpkin, Tips and Tricks!!! |
Woot-woot….I know that you all like when I post scoop on some organization tips. Please remember, we all have different ways to do things….some work for us…some don't! I think that we all have tried and tried many different ways of doing things and today ~ I wanted to give you a glimpse of some storage ideas that work for me!
I have a lot for you today so grab that cup of coffee…and get ready to be inspired and then get ready to take advantage of the clearance items and read the scoop for taking advantage of Paper Pumpkin being 50% off for your 1st 2 months! TODAY IS THE LAST DAY!
LET'S GET ORGANIZED!!!
I know…I know – I am very "TYPE A" – always have been….always will be! I am a firm believer that when we are organizer not only are we happier, but we are more productive! (I can hear Chris R right now laughing!!!!)
I have shared with you before that I use organizational products from Stamp-n-Storage. I realize that the products are an investment but I will say I have purchased bit by bit and love each and every product I have! Watch the "Crafted Spaces" episodes…and you will drool….there are some amazing craft rooms….(Mary Fish's is on there and it is just gorgeous)!
With Back to School in full swing, now is the perfect time to buy these plastic folders! I cut them to fit inside and in between the sections that I categorized. I use the Brothers P-Touch Label Maker, not only is it easy to use…it is a "must have" that you will use all over your home. (Amazon has the best prices and also for the tape refills)
Moving on…here is another goodie that was in Walmart – it is just a plastic cube that probably get purchased a bunch for kids going back to college. They came in all sorts of colors and I think it was around $2.50! I have really had a hard time finding something to store my paper stack in….they were either too wide or the sides were too short and the paper would flop!
I know that it might not be the prettiest – but it sure does do the trick! I like to take the paper out of the stacks it comes in as I find that as you use the paper, the glue that holds it together gets icky and my paper gets all messed up and not orderly (I know….type A kicking in) and I also like to cut my DSP Stacks into 6 X 6 squares as it is rare that I need a cut that is longer than 6" and I find it just easier for me!
LAST DAY FOR 50% OFF
PAPER PUMPKIN!
The best phrase I can give to you about the Paper Pumpkin program is…."You've come a long way baby"! I have been receiving this monthly kits since they started several years ago and WOW – Stampin' Up! has really….REALLY put a lot into the marketing, the product and the quality!
Today is the last day that you can take advantage of becoming a Paper Pumpkin Person….(I like that a PPP'er). It is for NEW members…..so if you have been a member in the past, you will not be able to take advantage of it…BUT…..I am sure your husband would like to be "the person" (ha-ha!!!!) It just cannot be in your name if you were part of the program in the past!
In July I shared with you the kit….I LOVED it and was hoping that they would offer the refills…and lucky me they did and I took full advantage of it and ordered (4) of them! Look below how I changed it up a bit….they really are fun kits and you really have nothing to lose.
Just like we do with any cards/projects that we make, it is super fun to change things up a bit and here you can see that I put a fun sentiment in the cup and popped some stars with a small bit of bling to make it fun!
Did you see the Bakers Twine? Yep, this is the basic gray and that is in the clearance rack for just $1.19. You know how I feel about Bakers Twine – LOVE IT and yep….I will take advantage of goodies in the clearance rack – I love a deal as much as you do…..but I will even get it at a lower price with my discount (hint-hint…how about becoming a hobby demonstrator )
I even had to have fun with the envelope; you know me…I can't resist as I love my envelopes! Bakers Twine really does make a fun look that is super easy and super effective!
Now here is another Organizational Tool that I love to use….the Wide Stamp Cases…I always have a stash of these to make life easier! You can use them over and over and they snap together like a charm!
It is just like our stamp cases and you can see that I just slide the paper in the front and then stashed the stamp set in the back! Easy, Fast….DONE!
Whew…this post was LONG – but I do hope that you found it helpful! I do hope that you take advantage of becoming a Paper Pumpkin Person….you can click here and it will direct you to the website and you can sign up!
Remember, to use the code HALFOFF and you will get the next 2 months for just 10.00 and then is you want to cancel in December….that is absolutely fine!
I would greatly appreciate it if you put my name as your Demonstrator (I have a personal challenge with this promotion) and trust me, you will LOVE…LOVE Septembers Kit (yep – you will get Sept. kit and I had the chance to peek at it at convention)
Remember to refer back to my post on Sept 1st to see the goodies I have for you with qualifying orders and also, do not forget to use the Hostess Code of YHNMUJNJ to have me send you the goodies!
The clearance rack has some new goodies….the weekly deals are below and we have an amazing new catalog…..Life is great for a stamper!
Weekly Deals
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