by Susan Itell | Nov 26, 2014 | Uncategorized |
Good Morning! I feel so darn special that I was missed yesterday! I honestly did not have my computer on as I had a bunch of “life” things that happened, as there is never a dull moment at my farm!
All is good and hopefully tomorrow (Thanksgiving Day) I will be able to share with you something that is exciting for me as if you follow my blog, you know I adore animals! (Fingers crossed as I spent all day yesterday trying to help a furry friend)
I wanted to touch on some of the tips and tricks that I think you will find helpful for the posting I did on Sunday and also Monday. Many thanks for your emails about more specifics and I am glad to share with you some tips.
I think that both projects are great and I am flattered that you want to make them as to me – that is THE BEST form of a compliment! Let’s get going on Sunday’s post using the Larger than Life Photopolymer Stamp Set.
I think my instructions on Sunday were pretty straight forward but here are (2) tips that I think will help make this project have stellar results for you. (You know that I am a bit type A but I think that using these 2 tips will be the “icing on the cake” for you)
1. – The proper and useful tools:
- A good ruler – this is such a lifesaver when you want to get exact measurements and I love the fact that this goes to the 1/8” plus you can see thru it!
- A mechanical pencil – why? I think that the lead is softer and all you need is a light touch of a line, as it will ultimately be erased. I never have to worry about hunting for a pencil sharpener with these gems!
- A good eraser – I love this easer and I have a ca-zillion all over the house. My kids always used them when they were in school and I always find that they do a great job!
2. – The Stamp-a-ma-Jig:
- O.k. – DON’T click me off….please hear me out and also please email me if you need help with this tool! I will admit that when I was in the stage of having to have everything before the “light bulb” came on and I decided to become a demonstrator and get a discount….I had this “PIECE OF PLASTIC” and just simply did not “get it”
I really want you to “get it” as it really will become a friend to you. I know many of you hold it in different ways but this is how it works for me! (I am right handed)
- Take the Stamp-a-ma-jig and stamp your image on the “clear sheet”, I like to hold the Black part with my left hand to hold it firmly and stamp! You will see that I always place my stamps of a diagonal….it is habit and ever since I started doing this I do not get the “wobble” with my stamping! – Try it!
- Now (without stressing) take this clear sheet and place it over top of the area that you want to stamp. With this project, the look I am going for is a nice deep, clean and crisp image on an initial so I would most likely stamp it twice. (Because you are using the stamp-a-ma-jig you will get it in the same spot as you never move your left hand for the 2nd stamping…) I know that many of you are thinking why use this when you can "see through" the stamp….I like to be sure that I am going exactly over the same place I stamped (the type "A" thing again)
- Remember….when you use the stamps….say to yourself – TAP-TAP-TAP…..DO NOT SQUISH! The tapping will give you better coverage on your stamps! (hope this makes sense)
- PRESTO….a great clean image! Because you have used so much ink I would set it aside and wait a minute for it to dry and then just go back and erase your pencil mark…works like a charm!
Another thing that I did with this project was to use the Simply Scoring Tool and Scored at ¼” on all 4 sides. It a total personal preference but I like to take my stamped image and place it face down to score…I like seeing the embossing raised towards you with these cards!
I hope that these tips helped you and were not too basic. I know that we are all at different levels with our stamping but I feel if I can give you a tip that sticks – MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
WOW – I will post later about Monday's card….this took me a while to put into words etc….but I do hope that this post is helpful…..later today I will pop back on…..sorry – time is getting away and I need to run some errands!
Please reach out to me if you are still confused about Sunday's post….I think that they are great and practical cards!
Until later! GOOBLE-GOOBLE!!!!
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by Susan Itell | Nov 24, 2014 | Uncategorized |
Hello….again! This is the 2nd post today so click here to see the 1st post and then this will make sense to you! I love this card and I am glad that many of you do as well….
I have received a bunch of emails about the measurements and the exact "how to's" with the circles so have no fear – I will blog about it tomorrow in great detail. This is a GREAT card that truly does come together fast and a great way to use up DSP that you have…
Next….I have also received many emails (you guys are great) about Sunday's Post, click here for that……tomorrow I will also go into more detail as to how to make this "pin perfect"……it is always a balancing act in figuring out how much to share/show but I am happy to do so tomorrow!
Now to the last thing and WOWZERS…..this is an important thing…..I totally forgot to give you a hostess code for taking advantage of the Online Extravaganza……SILLY SUSAN….please use this Hostess Code when you place an order….
UAD6ZDV6
Remember, the doorbusters that are below are just for TODAY and then the other amazing items will be all week.
I will close out this Hostess Code at the conclusion of the sale (Dec. 2nd) and one lucky person will be able to reap the HOSTESS BENEFITS !
Door Busters : TODAY is a special DOOR BUSTER DAY…..These ONE DAY ONLY DOOR BUSTERS sales are incredible. Drum Roll…..
- Textured Impressions Embossing Folders at $5 each. This offer includes all embossing folders on pages 226 and 227 of the Annual Catalog (except Stylish Stripes, Chevron, Beautifully Baroque and Woodgrain)
- Card Kit Bundle (includes Everyday Occasions & Hip Hip Hooray Kits) at 30% off. #140350, $34.93
p.s. – I have already received orders this morning and have no fear, I called Stampin Up! and they have attached the hostess codes to your orders so the pot is growning and someone will be doing the HAPPY DANCE with reaping the benefits!
You can click here to see all of the great deals….and don't forget to look at the clearance rack as well….there are some real keepers (like the Cherry Cobbler Ribbon) – these all can go on your order! Have fun and THANKS!
Until tomorrow…..
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by Susan Itell | Nov 19, 2014 | Uncategorized |
Hello again…..I totally forgot to leave with you my address to send your swap card to! Silly me! Here you go…Please click here to see my 1st post this morning all about the Card Swap!
They are always so much fun and it is simply amazing at how different every ones "works of art from their heart" are!
Susan Itell
15002 Randall Lane
Williampsport, MD 21795
Also – I did a quick glance at comments and please feel free to use any product you have! (It does not have to be totally Stampin' Up!), I just want you to participate and have fun!
I feel great as John and I did get "our buckets" out of bed to make it to BOOT CAMP at 5:15 this morning….I am ready for the day!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Nov 14, 2014 | Uncategorized |
Good Morning and wow – this has been a fun week of posts for me! I hope that you have enjoyed them and also have CASED them – it is my goal to not only inspire you but is to give you the "gentle nudge" to have you go to your "create space" and not only "be yourself, but to have fun"
Yesterday's post was fun and I must say that I wish that I did a better job on the pictures, but the little boxes are soooo darn tootin' fun! Between the comments and emails that I received I thought that I would share with you the "ideas" I received!
Please click here to see the post from yesterday and I would say…..don't let that clearance ribbon get sold out! I actually used that on my Christmas Card last year so I was doing the woot-woot when it was on the clearance rack!
Before I get to the list of "fun things" that I learned for you all……I just had to share this TOTAL FEEL GOOD comment that touched my heart….I loved it all the way around and I wish that I could see these two amazing people (such a sweet story) and Kathy….
My mom (90)is in assisted living and my dad (94)is in a nursing home. They get to see each other every day! How much fun would this be for them!!! Thank You Susan for the wonderful idea…
Here you go with a list of fun! (Please feel free to leave a comment for "added goodies".…doing a project like this brings me total joy…..there is nothing like a beautiful, fun box….and even if it is a small/minimal gift….please know that the person receiving it is thrilled!
HERE YOU GO!
- nuts…(peanuts, pistachios, cashews)
- tiny bottles of nail polish
- MANY things from the Dollar Store,have fun – be creative!
- Love notes of inspiration
- Pop out shapes with our punches
- "little" boxes of raisins
- Hot Chocolate Mix (1) day with a note to wait for…
- The Marshmallows the next day!
- A 4 -leaf clover and a note to wish them luck!
- "Bounce" sheets (for the college kids that don't iron)
- "Adapter" for a 3 prong (THIS WINS THE CREATIVE AWARD)
- A note that says…"Call your Mom"
- " A note to say…."Write your best memory of me" – (wow – sooo darn cute)
- Cut some Candy Dots and Pearls
- Go into "Target" and go down the aisle with the "travel goodies"
- "Cut" stampin' dimensionals and stack them up!
- Stampin' up Pearls and Rhinestones
- A note to say "I love you"
Well, there you go….a great list of "go -to's"…here is another great comment from yesterday that I just have to share and highlight!
Wowzers Susan! I am also doing these treat boxes for a retirement party at work next month. I am filling with kisses for a sweet goodbye!
Is this the best or what! Way to go with thinking out of the box! I just love the energy and I hope that you all enjoy making others smile!
POP back tomorrow as I know that you are going to smile!
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by Susan Itell | Nov 5, 2014 | Uncategorized |
Today is a fun post for me and I hope that you do not find it boring! Sometimes I think that I am too "simplistic" in how I post but to me it is so darn tootin' important for you to learn the basics.
Think about this, when you see a young Sports Team (think little Middle School – High School) they need the fundamentals and basics to have success….it is the same with what we do!
We are briefly going to go over the weekend "polls" of the questions that we all had fun answering! One thing that made me super happy was the winner of the "Blog Candy"…Abbie, was SUPER excited to win and her cards and they are on their way to Arizona!
Day #1 – In Color Paper:
When I first started with Stampin' Up! , I was invited to a Stamp club and I loved it! I will say that I was not into the "lingo" that was going on around the table and I will say that it took me about 6 months to figure out what "In Color" was….I know I am being super basic but….
In Color is the "special and limited" color palettes that Stampin' Up! unveils for a 2 year time-frame. This year are the below colors and here is a card that t I made when they 1st were unveiled earlier this year….(you might be seeing this card layout again!!!)
The overwhelming results were that Blackberry Bliss was your favorite! It is such a deep and rich color! I actually liked all of the In Colors when they were unveiled – I knew that Lost Lagoon was going to be a hit but I could easily see me using Mossy Meadow at the Holidays!
What is the In Color of 2013-2015 that you are going to be the saddest to see leave!?!?!
Remember, the 2013-2015 are:
Strawberry Slush, Baked Brown Sugar, Crisp Cantaloupe,
Pistachio Pudding & Coastal Cabana
Please leave me a comment and guess what?!?!?!
YOU CAN WIN MID-WEEK BLOG CANDY…
I will give you 12 of my Handmade Cards and fun envelopes!
I just love our "conversations" thru comments and trust me, I have lots of cards that I would love to share with you so this is a super fun thing for me to do for you !
I already have my answer in my head and I am excited to see if we are on the same page. I think that it is great that Stampin' Up! offers new colors and sometimes if they are super popular, they might add them to the collection!
Day #2 – Your favorite Adhesive…
Well this was interesting! Hands down I used the snail when I first started with Stampin' Up! It was easy, predictable, and was very versatile but then I caught the sticky tape bug….just love that red tape adhesive (and I still do) but then everything turned GREEN to me…THE GREEN GLUE…..
When I first used it – I despised it…..it was too darn sticky, it was a HUGE MESS…it clogged up…..a total mess – and then…..I saw the light….
I simply could not be without it….and it is a bargain – just $3.95! Please do not get me wrong, the 3 adhesives I use most are : The Green Glue, Snail and Sticky Strip! I totally feel the need of Sticky Strip for 3 D projects – always the best choice!
Here are some pictures for you that I think will help you with the amount of Green Glue that works and that does not work….
DAY #3 Stamp Preferences…
If you had a magic wand and all of our stamps came in all 3….Photopolymer, Clear Mount and Wood Mount…which one would you prefer?!?!?!
The choice was very, very interesting again to me! The photopolymer was a huge hit ! I have to admit, I purchased the very first one that Stampin' Up! came out with and I totally DID NOT like it. It actually took me a while to order another one and now I admit, I love them!
I totally "hear" all of the comments about the fact that they do not like the way they stain…(I agree, as the "type A" in me flairs up) but I have learned to live with that! It truly does not effect the way they stamp…they just look dirty!
The majority of my stamps are the clear mount! I find them super easy for storage and I think that the "key" factor in keeping them to stick is to not only keep the blocks clean (I use Dawn Detergent about once a month) and dry them very well and then also make sure that the tops of the stamps are clean from your fingerprints! (sometimes it is helpful to keep some alcohol swabs handy so you can keep the tops clean.)
I will say, If I have a choice for LARGE stamps…I do like the Wood Mount…..I just feel like I can get a good grip! There were many comments that people feel that they can get a good grip on the wood mount and I can see their point…I think it all comes down to preference and isn't it great that Stampin' Up! gives us that opportunity to choose?
Now to the Mid Week Blog Candy…..
So bring it to a close…the question for you to have the chance to win 12 handmade cards from me is…..sorry that I do not have a picture for you…but by now – you know me – I will "hand pick" you 12 beautiful cards that I have made…just leave me a comment!
This has been fun and Iook forward to more fun in the future! Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Oct 24, 2014 | Uncategorized |
Today's post is a fun post for me as a mystery has been put to rest and I am happy! I felt so bad that a card did not make it to my little mailbox in time for the card swap and Wednesday John came home and said – the mystery is solved!!!
Liz's card made it and the poor dear did mail it on October 9th and I just recevied it on the 22nd….that is CRAZY!!! So let's all give Liz a bunch of woot-woot's as I get the chance to showcase not only her swap card…but I am going to share with you a super sweet card that she sent to me as well!
Here is her swap card and I just love this wreath set….it is a "keeper" set and I adored how she heat embossed the sentiment…..so clean and crisp!
Here is the sweet card that Liz sent to me and you betcha that there will be a CASE on this gem! I think that I am going to use it for a Breast Cancer Card….it sure is cheery and fresh!
I must say….when John came into the house and shared with me this envelope…..I was so happy! Do you remember looking for a pacifier when your children were little? Only one of our children used a pacifier but when we could not find one….we would look in the car…the sofa's etc….
Well…that has been me looking for this envelope. I thought perhaps I lost it but I was thankful that it arrived. I am sure that all of you will be inspired by these 2 great cards….they are right up my alley and the best thing is….I get to keep them and Liz will get something from ME!!!
Woot-woot for the mystery being solved….we still love our mailman's as they deliver our precious cards!!! Enjoy the day and until tomorrow!
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