by Susan Itell | Apr 5, 2014 | Uncategorized |
Have you ever met someone that makes you smile the minute you hear their name?
Well, grab your cup of coffee as it is "Story Time with Susan"!!!
I have been blogging for just over a year…and one of my regular followers, Chris R. as you probably have noticed always leaves the best…funniest…in depth comments on my blog posting! Chris has become a dear friend and the best part of it…we have never met!!!
Chris also is a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and this is another thing that I adore about this wonderful company…they encourage us to develop relationships with one another…I actually have no idea how Chris started to follow me!
I feel like a little kid with an "imaginary friend" and when I do not hear from Chris…I always worry if everything is o.k. – We have shared many stories back and forth…we have given each other ideas and inspirations…and when I received my mail on Thursday and I saw the card she made for me…I instantly adored it and knew that I needed to tweak it to share with you….but one thing that is for sure is…
Chris..YOU make the WORLD a better place as you have such a beautiful heart!
Here is her card….and I adore the Basic Grey Card…but I am out of that color too…..(you can see that I need to order a bunch of paper) – (sorry about the picture…I should have placed it behind a white paper)
Let's get going today and I am sure tht this card is a card that we can make for sooooooo many people we know that touch our lives! I think it is fun….I think it is festive….I think it is a CASE card all the way around!
- The base is an A-2 card and then using the Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper, I cut this crisp paper to 4" X 5 1/4" and adhered it to the front of the card! (this technique is similar to the post I did on Thursday)
- Next…using the colors that coordinate with this paper pack, I used the Crush Curry paper and used circle framelits #5 & #6 to cut that "ring" and then using old faithful….the "green glue" I adhered it to the front!
- The Strawberry Slush circle in the inside of the card is from circle #5
- Now to the fun stampin' part…This stamp set is woot-woot and you can purchase it as a bundle and save an instant 15% and if I were you – that's what I would do in a heart beat – LOVE the bundles!
- Again, using the colors of the palette of the DSP, I samed the sentiment in Bermuda Bay..cut it out with the framelit and also stamped it in Strawberry Slush and then "fussy cut" the "WORLD Banner" and POPPED it up with dimensionals!
- The other fun stamped images were popped up with dimensionals and then I used a Black candy Dot from the Neutral Candy Dots to give it a bit of bling!
Don't you just love the fun colors!?!? I think I am going to make it again and use Gumball Green and Melon Mambo….That will look striking against this balck and white paper!
- Envelope time…you all know by now…there is NEVER a card that I send that does not have a fun envelope…today I decided to line the outside of the flap…switching it up works for me!
So…what do you think? The moral of the story today is that we ALL have someone that makes the World a better place!!! This card brought the B I G G E S T smile to my face when I saw it…this to me….is a "keeper" card…and one that I will make many of…."just in case" ….
WOOT-WOOT – it's the weekend and WOWZERS – I have LOTS to do! All good…..but I do hope that I have not only inspired you…I hope that you hop into your craft area and CASE away and let that special someone know how much you apreceiate them!
My mailman must think I am sick or something as I have been receiving so many cards for the Spring Card Swap….Jeanie is going to come and help me on Monday…you all will be smiling when I post them!!!!
Remember to tell your family and friends about Simple Stampin' and sign up for a daily dose of inspiration…I also would sure LOVE for you to go to my facebook page and "like me"…as "I really "like" you!"
Having coffee with me works….shopping in your jammies works….emailing me works….looks like you are stuck with me!!!!
Have a fabulous Saturday and Chris…YOU are one in a million to me….thanks my friend!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Apr 3, 2014 | Uncategorized |
It's Thursday and that means another color challenge! The colors for this week with the Pals Paper Art Challenge are Pool Party, Summer Starfruit and Old Olive! I think that this is a fun and fresh card….keeping it to the minimal…just like I like it!
I had something in mind with pool party and when I went to pull out a sheet of Pool Party…..my folder was EMPTY!!! I thought – how in the world could that happen…..PLAN B to the rescue – use the Pool Party Designer Series Paper! WOOT-WOOT!!!!
You have heard me say before…I love color challenges…and what I usually do is pull out the 3 colors and then stand back and look at them…letting my mind wander! When I put these together, I could not imagine or should I say, I did not have a vision as to what to do….so….
Simple works for me….I know that there are times that I use many different punches and framelits so today I wanted to challenge myself to just use one set of framelits….so the circle framelits it is!
TIP: When I talk about #'s of frames….the smallest is #1…..to #9 the largest and then I refer the scallop just as it is! Take a sharpie marker and write the numbers on your framelits….makes it super fast to grab the one you need etc…..
- The card base is the good old A-2 card base and then I cut and adhered a piece of Pool Party DSP from the Subtles Designer Series Paper Pack….LOVE THEM! This is just 1/4" smaller = 4" X 5 1/4"
- Opening up the card and placing the #7 Template on the front of the card…I did a quick run through with Mr. Big Shot! –
Basically, you are cutting through 2 layers…the base of the card and the DSP that has been adhered! (Save this for another project….we would not want to waste this perfect circle!!!)
- Pulling out a scrap piece of Summer Starfruit Card Stock, I made a ring using the #7 & #8 Circle Framelit! The magnetic Platform is a H U G E help when making rings etc….I adhered it using the mono glue…works like a charm to wiggle it in perfect placement! This lays flat on the front of the card!
- Again….pulling out some scraps…I cut the circles out using the #1 & # 2 circle template. I adhered them with the "green glue" and then for the little ones, I folded them in half and then gave them a good cease!
TIP: This flower is in the INSIDE of the card….it was easy to center the flower but if you want….trace a pencil line of the circle…adhere the "flower" you make and then erase the pencil lines if you feel more comfrtable!
- I made a little "puddle" of the "green glue" and then dipped the edges where they are folded/creased and lightly dappled the edge in….(remember – a little goes a L O N G way)…and pressed it down using the stylus… Doesn't it look super fun!
- Popping out a small flower from the punch pack and adhering it to the middle was the icing on the cake….well – kind of – the icing is really the simple and elegant pearl in the middle! The White Gel Pen was the perfect "dash – Susan – touch" to the outer edge….again, less is best!
TIP : Store your pens on the side…I get asked this all the time "how do you keep yours from clogging?" I honestly have never had a problem….I probably have 3 of them for when I do events…before I start to use them…I get the white flowing by squiggling a circle on scrap and then off to dsah away!
The below picture appears that I have used dimensionals but I did not at all with this card (surprising…right????) – it is just the front of the card "up" a little bit……the flower is on the INSIDE of the card….I should have taken more pictures….!!!!!
- Last…the envelope! Because the card was so fun…I wanted to keep the liner very simple and classic so I was able to "squeak" out a liner in pool party from scrap! To me…less is best on this one as I really wanted the focal part to be the fun card!
That's it! Super easy and a bit different but still allowing it to be clean and simple! True you could add a sentiment to the card…but I liked it just the way it is!
Think about how you could use up "left over" Designer Series Paper and scraps with this layout! I sent one to my friend to see how "crunched" it would get in the mail and she said it was not bad at all. Because you have a good crease in the small circles…they tend to "bounce" back to life just fine…..
I hope that you check out the other designers interpretations of this color challenge and then I hope that you play as well!! Click here to the website!
I am SUPER proud of 2 of my downline that have been doing these challenges…I know that people think it is hard…but just keep saying to yourself – WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO LOSE….NOTHING!
I am excited with the cards that have been coming in for the Spring Card Swap! You will be smiling when you see them!
Guess where I am going in one week from today….ARIZONA!!!! I have never been there and I am super excited to go to a Stampin' Up! training with Ink Big Academy…it will be a very short trip but I am eager to be a sponge and take it all in! Being with Mary, Patsy and many of the PALS that I have never met is going to be a huge treat!
Brian King and I together….watch out – fun times ahead! I have rented a "compact" card and get to go to the airport to get Brian…I already can imagine that….he is SOOOOOO tall! We are doing a swap as well…so I need to put my thinking cap on as to what to do!
Thanks for popping by…we are all so blessed to love what we do with paper crafting…my "feel good" evening last night reconfirms why I do what I do…we do make a difference!!!
Stampin' hugs and until tomorrow!!!
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by Susan Itell | Apr 1, 2014 | Uncategorized |
It's that time again…the 1st Wednesday of every month is an evening of fun, inspiration and a total "feel good" to give to our local community in making cards for Breast Cancer Patients that are in treatment! We make (4) different cards and I make up 2 samples for the volunteers to copy! When we leave…the office has 60+ cards to send out to these brave patients!
Before we get to the card, I want to say - please do not under estimate the power of what you do…take a minute and send a card to someone…it does make a difference! I am lovin' receiving the Spring Cards that are coming my way for the swap…wow – there is so much talent out there…don't hide it…It does make a difference and YOU make a difference!
I do have a tough time coming up with different ideas as I want them to be uplifting and bring a smile to their face…and I always feel like I am going with flowers….so I decided to do something totally different! I took bits and pieces from a video I watched at Stampin' School but then I needed to make it super simple and something that a beginner could do!
Let's go! This card is a very inexpensive card to make in quantities…it looks like a bunch of product but when you break it down…it is very economical
- I made this into a "note card" card as Stampin' Up has the Crumb Cake Envelopes in this size….so I cut the paper at 10" X 3 1/2" and then scored it at 5" to make a vertical note card!
- The melon mambo piece is a 3 1/2" square and then using the same color for a tone on tone effect, I randomly stamped the little flower.
- Using a product for the 1st time…I pulled off the shelf the Delicate Details Lace Tape…it's not me…but I will say…I was wrong – I really liked it! It is also very forgiving as it is not permanent at 1st…you get (2) rolls (different designs) for just $7.46 this week!!!!
TIP ALERT: – I was able to make 18 cards out of just one roll…WOWZERS!!!! See below a tip and trick in how I maximized the tape!
- For each card, you only need 3 of the flower pieces of tape…as the banner will hide where the "empty spot" is…cut a single one and then 2 …arrange them as shown below and place a Stampin' Dimensional in the empty space!
- Take the Island Indigo Bakers Twine and wrap it around twice (aren't those demensionals the best!) The start and stop of the twine will stick to the dimensional!
- Add some dashes around the banner and then POP it and place it in the empty space!…It's coming together!!!! Now look at the below picture and you will see that now is when you add the extra piece of twine and tie the bow!!! WOOT-WOOT….I DID A BOW!!!!
- Do you remember how I have said many times before that I pick the lining that I want to use sometimes before the design of the card? Well this is a perfect example! I know that this Lace Tape would be perfect with the Gingham Garden Designer Series Paper. Just love it together!
Today is "April Fools Day" do you remember playing tricks on people…perhaps you still do? If so…woot-woot to you as I really do not know why this day exists – does anyone know where it stemmed from!?!?!
True it is April Fool's day….but I'm not fooling that the Delicate Lace Tape is a DEAL this week….just $7.46 this week! WOOT-WOOT!!!! Please click here to see the other weekly deals for the week!!!! The Fun Flower Bigz L Die is a "keeper"….maybe I will make a card with it to tease you!!!!
My dear hubby is an accountant and the countdown has begun! He is doing GREAT…so proud of his recovery and he has worked so hard this tax season! His birthday falls on Easter Sunday so that will be a great treat to have Easter with the family this year! (Most years – Easter is before April 15th)
Thanks for popping by today….thanks for a super-de-duper Sale-A-Bration…thanks for just being YOU!!!! Please share my blog and my passion for helping you with your projects! Email me if you need help!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Mar 29, 2014 | Uncategorized |
O.k. – today is actually a GREAT day as today is the day that my wonderful daughter turns 20….it's official – I no longer have any "peeps" in the teens…Hannah my dear….HAPPY 20th and have fun at the Carolina Cup and naturally I would not show your birthday card to everyone to spoil the surprise……(you'll see it tomorrow on my post)
Now let's get to this pitty party that I had….(you noticed I said HAD….because no one showed up for it and I'm ok now)…you have been hearing me say that I am OOBER excited about the Blendabilities that Stampin' Up! is coming out with….and that they announced it at Leadership in January that they would be unveiled in the 1st quarter….well….there are not – but don't worry – they are still coming!!!
Here is a picture of what I am talking about! They are alcohol based markers that will make coloring/shading not only fun…but a dream! I have been so excited for these to come out and I need to understand and I hope that you do as well….that Stampin' Up! is waiting because they are afraid that the vendor will not be able to keep up with the high demand and until they can get all of that figured out….they are waiting!
They will be coming out in 12 shades/palettes and each set will give you (3) markers with a variation on the color to get great shading! It is obvious that SU is predicting that they are going to be a HUGE hit…(and they are)…but I must say – even though I was sad…they will be here soon and I will forget all about the time-line! Ok….enough…but when I was sad on Thursday, I thought of this card and I am happy with it…
Let's go – I think this is tooooo darn tootin' cute!
- The card base is the A-2 whisper white and the pool party is 5 1/8" X 3 7/8" and then the other white is 5" X 3 3/4" TIP: get the cutting out of the way…especially if you are going to be making a bunch! I am a big believer that getting this part behind you makes the stamping part soooo much more fun!
- Pulling out the "tree branch" from the Take Care Stamp Set…I inked it up with Early Espresso and then using the Stamp-a-ma-jig I stamped it once and then a little bit more to make the branch longer!
- Doing something I have not done in a L O N G time…..I squiggled each of these colors on the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig plastic sheet (Island Indigo, Pool Party, Crisp Cantaloupe and Sahara Sand) and then picking up the color with the blender pen…I colored in the adorable owls!
COMMENT: Back to my pitty party – this is where I cannot wait to use the new Blendabilities…these worked GREAT and did the job, but the new markers are going to be over the top!
- The sentiment was perfect for this (I thought) and it came from the Gifts of Kindness Stamp Set! I find it a fun game to go through the catalog and look at stamp sets to find the perfect sentiment! Actually when you look at this stamp set…you could use many of these sentiments with the same cute owl layout! This is a very versatile stamp set!
- From Sale-a-bration…the pool party twine was the perfect touch to the cute card! I am so proud of myself – I MADE A BOW! Being the "bow challenged" person I am…I was happy!
- Last this is the envelope and is this liner PERFECT with it or what!!!! It looks like it was made for this card! It is from the Quatrefancy Specialty Designer Series Paper and I just adore it with the card! This is a very "happy" pack of paper! LOVE IT!!
So…can you see why my lip was hanging down on Thursday when I read the news….but have no fear – they will be here…..and hopefully soon….ZOOM!!!!
I have been waiting to place my last order for Sale-a-bration for these blendabilities…but I am going to get it done this weekend! I have been going through a ton of paper lately and there are many staples that I am running low of!
Let's all have a fun and safe weekend and please think of my "red caboose" Hannah today on her special day….her 20th Birthday!
Please email me….please place your final orders to take advantage of the FREEBIES…..and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Mar 24, 2014 | Uncategorized |
Hello all….I just returned home from a FANTASTIC weekend and I have soooooo much to share with you about the weekend – and I had a fun post for you today….but as the saying goes….
I left my charger for my MAC in North Carolina and until I can go to work today….I do not think I have enough "juice" left to do a whole post as I look at the battery and I have 9% left!!!!!
YIKES – I am sorry but I will post once I get to work and get up and running!
WOWZERS – I am soooooo excited that so many of you want to do the Card Swap…..please click here and see yesterday's post for the scoop! I hope that you make a card and send it to me….it will be soooooo fun and I will share with everyone all of the "swaps" I received!!!
I have a super fun week of inspiration for you this week….it is the last week of sale-a-bration…..and it is not too late to join in on the fun!
Again…..I am sorry for you not seeing a FUN card popped up on your computer….but no worries – you'll get 2 posts from me today!
I am now down to 4% and I am M E L T I N G……
Please send me an email about the Card Swap and I will compile everyones names and send you an email with my address and the scoop……so let's get these Spring Cards going and have fun….together!
I saw that I had an email from someone from France and from Canada….wow – this is soooo fun!
Thanks for your patience and until later!
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by Susan Itell | Mar 23, 2014 | Uncategorized |
Are you ready for a treat! Today I am sharing with you some inspiration that you are going to love one right after the next…these are from a Stampin' Up! event that I went to and took place in a card swap!
I love card swaps ….and for those of you that do not know what a card swap is…it is when you simply make a card and put your name on the back and swap a card in return….easy and fun!!!
Most people only do card fronts…but I do the whole card – heck – if you are going to do a card front why not do the whole darn tootin' card!!!
So…I ask you my dear followers…
would you like to do a Card Swap!
If you would be interested in doing this – let's do it! How about making a date! If you are interest in sending me a card and then I will send you a card in return. What I will do is post everyones card on my blog so you can see all of the talent!
If you are interest – click here and email me – put in the subject line –
CARD SWAP!
I will email you back with my address for you to send me your card!
Let's make the date be 2 weeks from today – that would be April 6th If you are interested in being in this swap…make a card and lets make the theme Spring! I will send you a car that someone else made and it will be sper fun to see whaere all the cards from!
Here you go…..I hope that you enjoy these swaps that I received and I hope that you will join me in our Simple Stampin' Swap!
made by Bea Biggins
made by: Cherly Russ
made by: Rita Lin
made by: Shannon Briglia
sorry….no name!!!
made by: Barbara Kachinski
made by: Theresa Romani
made by: Tonja Romero
made by: Renee Hoppis
made by: Jane Martin
made by: Sllie Fisher
made by: Rayanne Dahl
made by: Holly Roeder
Aren't these all great! I just love seeing different ideas that people come up with! I do hope that you consider doing our little Simple Stampin Card Swap!
Remember, we are in the last week of sale-a-bration! We all know that the goodies are over the top!
Please pop back tomorrow as I have a super cute…super fun card for you that I did for a basket of goodies that was in the Silent Auction at Hannah's College! I am having a great time with her and her godmother and my visit to Ted's was super! He is doing fantastic!
Stampin' hugs…..and until tomorrow!
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