by Susan Itell | Feb 6, 2014 | Uncategorized |
It's Thursday and you know what that means…time for a Pals Paper Art Challenge and today's challenge is a color challenge…so pull out your paper, stamps and ink and put your "thinking cap" on and PLAY! This is open to everyone and everyone means YOU!!!!
At first I was going to go with a Valentine's theme…but I figured I would switch it up a bit….I would go a different route and I like the road I was on! Super beautiful and meaningful… but at the same time classic!
I think that this color palette is sooooo darn' tootin' classic….I would love to have a dress in these colors! I think grey and pink are super-de-duper together!
Let's go!
- The card is our good old A-2" size but it is scored at the vertical side…..5 1/2"
- When using this paper….the next step is the sanding….this process let's the fibers of the paper expose! ( I know it's hard to see with white)….but it is classic!
- The stamp set that is the focal point is from the From the Heart Stamp Set, one that I adore and use often with card to my friends – it is soooooo heartfelt and guess what – it is ON SALE this week…a reason in itself to say woot-woot!
- After stamping this - the Labels Framelit Collection Framelits was the Blue Winner to make this happen! It did not stop there….I cut it out again with the focal colors to make it POP!!!! Stampin' Dimensionals were my friends….as these gems ALWAYS produce the WOW factor!
- Can you see that I cut the grey one out larger – as this is the BEST time to use the piercing tool and the Festive Paper-Piercing Pack...WOW – so simple….so fast….so fun! Doing this simple yet effective paper piercing makes a statement and just think how easy this is to do!?!?
This card is one that is classic and one that can be duplicated many times over and over again! I hope that you pull out these colors and have fun! PLEASE play along with us…..we have fun….there is lots of talent!!!!…..and the talent is from YOU!!!!!
If you would like me to help you upload your card…please email me and I will be happy to help!
The envelope was a bit different than usual! I did not want a Designer Series Paper…so I thought…how about using the Blushing Bride and running it through the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine and them adhered it to the back flap…and guess what – I LOVED IT!
If you have not seen this super quick video on the Embossing Gem…..please click here – Stampin' Up! does a great job showcasing them! I love the size of it and the fact that it is not so heavy!
Please POP back tomorrow as I am SUPER excited to inspire you to make some SUPER fun…SUPER cute….3-D PROJECT that you will smile from ear to ear! They "whip up" quick and are just adorable for an extra "something" for Valentines!
Please be sure to stop by the challenge and see all of the great cards using these 3 colors….make a note to check back over the weekend as well – it is fun to see all of the different interpretations that we all come up with! Isn't paper crafting FUN!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jan 16, 2014 | Uncategorized |
It is Thursday and you know that that means! Another week of the Pals Paper Art Challenge! This week is a "sketch" challenge and below you will see the sketch that our very own…very talented….Margaret Moody created for us this week!
If you follow me…and I hope you do…and if not (subscribe to my blog) – I usually do not like the sketch challenges as well as the color ones but the minute I saw this one….I knew I loved it! Please play alng with us this week….you have absolutely nothing to loose!
Let's get to what you popped by for!
- The card is a standard A-2 card but I made it into a vertical card…scoring at the 5 1/2" point! The color is the super yummy So Saffron!
- CONFESSION TIME: – When Hannah (my beautiful and fun daughter) was home for the holidays…she helped me unback an order! As she was helping me un-do the Designer Series Paper…she said a BIG WOW – I love this collection! It is a keeper and it is called Retro Fresh…fun, fresh….just a crisp new vibe for us! I was "on the fence" with it until I saw it in real life!!!
- Adding a bit of a fun twist to the left side…I used the Scallop Trim Border Punch in Tangerine Tango…this is a sooooo simple touch that creates a WOW effect!
- Time for the "focal part" of the card…the OOBER FUN NEW Stamp Set of Perfect Pennants made is soooo easy…a stamp with Baked Brown Sugar…and then using the 2 1/2" Circle Punch made it a cinch to bring together! This is ONE GREAT STAMP SET!
- The simple and wasy touch of double matting the circles and then doing the "Susan dots" around the edge makes it soooo simple! I popped this whole piece with Stampin' Dimensionals!
- I just felt it needed a little something more….so out came the Boho Blossoms Punch…and using the 3 focal colors and a quick punch was all that it needed! I "balled" up the flowers to give them some texture and then adhered them with a glue dot. Simple…DONE!
- A quick and simple pearl in the middle was the BINGO-BANGO finishing touch! Love these little gems!
- The finale was to line the OUTSIDE of the back flap of the envelope! It's fun to switch it up a bit!
I hope that you CASE away as I think this turned out super cute….this sketch os a keeper and can be easily adapted in many ways!
Don't forget to check out the Weekly Deals that Stampin' Up! is offering this week! It is wonderful that they do this every week! Remember – they go from Tuesday morning to Monday evenng! Click here to see what is on the week!
Please pop by the Paper Arts Website and see all of the great inspiration that is out there….remember – these challenges are open to everyone and that means YOU!
As always, email me if I can be of help to you and I truly appreciate you popping by today! This has been such a busy week for me at work…it is great to take a creative break and spend time with you!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jan 12, 2014 | Uncategorized |
First, I want to give YOU ALL A BIG THANK-YOU for your dedication, comments, tips and inspiration that YOU GIVE TO ME with leaving me soooooo many wonderful, helpful and useful comments over my 3 Blog Posts sharing with you……
"The Products that I love….."
I was going to give you a bunch of feedback to some on the most commonly left comments BEFORE I shared who the winner was but then I thought that was not fair…..but I do hope that you read the entire post as I will be talking about some of the popular comments and questions etc….
WOWZERS…I had 292 comments and it was not the easiest to calculate but I have kept everyone's comment on my computer as there as some people that email me instead of leaving a comment on the blog…..
and the winner is…..drum roll…..drum roll…..
Jane from California…
Jane left me an email and below you will see her winning comment!
Please email me so I can get your address!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Here is Jane's email to me:
Dear Susan,
Please put my name in your Pot of Gold group. I appreciate your blog so much.
I have been toying with the idea of the paper stacks and think I will try one soon. I have some DSP that I haven't used because I don't particularly care for the whole stack. I end up using my embossing folders more that the DSP. I do like the mini stacks of the DSP though…they seem to be more usuable and I don't feel as bad if I don't use it all:)
Hope you have a Happy New Year!!
Your fellow stamper,
Jane in CA
WOOT-WOOT to YOU!!!
Jane… WAY TO GO and a big thanks!!!! I should have photographed the 14 Cards and Envelopes that I will be sending your way before I left for Houston….but I will be sure to do so and share it with everyone! I love sharing my cards with you all….so please always remember to check my blog as you will never know when I will be doing a blog candy!
Here are some of the highlighted comments from each post:
Post #1 – By far….this post had more comments on the fact that you wanted to order the Craft Scissors! That made me laugh as I waited FOREVER to get them and then once I got them….I was wondering what I did before as they cut our ribbon like butter!
I was THRILLED to hear that many of you use your Stampin' Scrub….this is soooo important to keep our stamps both clean and conditioned…….good job stampers!
We all agree that we could not live without the paper snips and the Magnetic Platform!
Post # 2 – I knew it…I knew it……I just knew that I would receive lots of comments about the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig….it seems like many of you have a love /dislike (nicer way to say it) relationship with this piece of plastic!!!
PLEASE trust me on this one…..it is NOT your enemy….keep trying….keep trying….I was exactly where many of you are with it when I bought it…..I actually bought it and never attempted to use it for over a year…every time I would try to teach myself….I would say – this is silly…..well – it is NOT…and it will become your friend and not only will you save paper…you will stamp straight each and every time!
I will even be happy to Sykpe with you if you need help…seriously – once you get it….you will laugh at yourself with how easy it is!
Other highlighst on Post #2 – We all adore our Stampin' Dimensionals and I was thrilled to hear the great feedback on the Grid Paper and tickled that you all enjoy the paper piercing tool…..Paper Piercing is such a great effect in making a card go to a quick WOW!!!
To Post #3 – This post had the most comments and feedback on the Tombo Multipurpose Liquid Glue and also the Ink Refills for our stamp pads!
This adhesive was the only adhesive I bought with me to finish up my swap cards while away! You truly get the best bang for your buck and you will realize quickly how a little goes a long way! LOVE IT!!!!
I also was so happy with al of the comments and feedback about the ink refills…think of these little gems as our secret weapons cause when you need them….YOU NEED THEM!!!! (Also- they are a great way to get an order to the exact point you want it to be at….as for just $2.95 – they are perfect when you are soooo close to hitting a certain point!
SOOOOOO glad to hear that we are all in agreement that we have the BEST punches on the market! As I said before, start small and but smart and one by one you will get a great collection of our wonderful punches! If you are like me – you have had many that you feel like throwing across the room because they get stuck or do not punch evenly!
Again, many thanks for playing this fun " The products that I love" posts….it has been fun and it has been wonderful reading your comments and tips!
Yesterday at convention…..WOOT-WOOT….so inspiring, so exciting and below I want to share with you a picture of myself, Mary Fish (my up-line), and Lisa Pretti (Mary's up-line)….this has been a wonderful time with such amazing people that you are instantly "feeling great" about being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.
I have been involved in direct sales for many years, and the overwhelming message that I ALWAYS walk away with from Stampin' Up! is…they truly believe in their customers, their demonstrators, their employees and they have such strong and amazing values!
Take a moment and watch this quick video…this shows the beauitful spirit that this company has – Tami White is Stampin' Ups! 4th million dollar Demonstrator….they showed this at convention and it reconfirmed to me why this company makes me smile!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZsjCZG0vZ4&feature=c4-overview&list=UUaytKFValhfW2z3T0jsdemA
Enjoy your day aand again, way to go Jane – please email me and I will see what you want to order……
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jan 11, 2014 | Uncategorized |
Good Morning to all…..WOWZERS – I am one tired but energized stamper! I am having a fabulous time and getting my "tank" full of….
Inspiration + Positiveness + Friendships + and sooo much more =
ONE HAPPY SUSAN
but I feel like this!
Before I show you some of the GREAT Card swaps I want to share with you some EXCITING over the top news of something NEW that Stampin' Up! is coming out with !
Trying to always play "by the rules" I can not show you actual pictures of the product but I can share with you this…
To me…this product is going to be super-duper….over-the-top exciting for many! It is a NEW product called Blendabilities – and these are Alcohol Based Markers!
You all know that I LOVE to watercolor and I think that this new product is going to be a great "Bridge" for those of you that are fearful f water-coloring but want a little something more than just the markers!
This was a BIG WOOT-WOOT for me and I could hardly wait to go to the booth and play with them in my own 2 paws! LOVE THEM!
We will still be carrying all of the WONDERFUL markers we have…and these will be available in packs of 3 for $11.95 and the BEST news is…..they will be available sometime in the 1st Quarter!!!!
Perfect timing with Sale-a-bration around the corner!
Last night we had a HUGE stampin' party and below are some of the goodies we had at our table…it was soooo much fun and as we walked into the room, the Stampin' Up! wonderful staff was cheering all of us as we walked in….WOW – what a great group of people!
Here is a picture of my dear friend and roommate last year, Deb Simonis….this year she brought her husband so we cannot have our late night chats…but it is wonderful to be together!
Several of the PALS got there early to get tables near each other so we could be together and her is a picture of some of the PALS – we have been having a ball!!!!
Let's get to the Card Swap pictures….these are just some that I have received ….I am showing you ones that are keeping in the theme of this week….."Love is in the Air"
I am going to roll right through them as I really want to get my Beauty Rest – another big day ahead tomorrow! Hugs to all of you and many thanks for the sweet emails that many of you have sent to me hoping that I am having fun!
Have fun with this inspiration!
I forgot to mention this…by the time I returned to the hotel it was dark…..and I needed to snap these pictures for you….well to let you know how much I appreciate your dedication to me…I took these in the BATHTUB!!!! The lighting was the best!!! Thank goodness it was big and I just propped them up and snapped away!
You all would be laughing if you could have seen me…it felt like an episode from I Love Lucy!!! I am still laughing about it!!!
Until tomorrow……
Stampin' hugs!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 16, 2013 | Uncategorized |
Yesterday's post was super fun and I let my dear husband do the talley's for me as I had my "hands to my work space" and finished up Holiday orders …and I am THRILLED to say – I am done!
Between comments left on my blog and emails that were sent – I had over 42 comments – (votes) and the winner is……
1st place = #6…WOWZERS – here is the link!
2nd place…at a very close race was #1 – here is the link!
and third place was #3 – here is the original link……click here!
I went ALL day without looking at the computer as I really wanted to get all of my orders behind me so I can continue to have fun making things for my family and friends…..and a BIG thank you to my hubby for helping me!!!!
I am going to take your advice and I will show you some "tweaks" that I might have to do because of paper etc…This was a FUN way to get great feedback! I am going to change up some colors of paper and I have some ideas ready….we'll see how it works out!
Do you remember that I had a pity party last week when my order did not come in…well it did and I was "strong" – (I guess a bit) that I did not DIVE into it until I fulfilled my orders and then…….when I saw a new vellum paper…..WOW – I can see a beautiful Holiday card in the making!
Monday's I only work a half day….so after doing some errands – I can hardly wat to get home and create! My mind is already spinning and I know that you will smile!!!!
A BIG THANK YOU for helping me with my holiday cards…..I am going to try to change the color of the poinsettia and see if I can get an "Ivory" color! I will be sure to report back!!!! I also LOVED the comment about how it mails! – I am going pop one in the mail to a friend that will be TOTALLY honest with me…and I will let you know!!!!
Let have a SUPER week and keep telling yourself…..PACE YOUESELF – HAVE FUN – REMEMBER what the JOURNEY is about…..
One thing that I tell my children time and time again…..
"If there is no joy in the journey…there is no joy in the journey's end!
I LOVE this message and I hope that it makes you stop and reflect!!!! Have a great and safe week – this IS a stressful time of the year – but make sure that JOY is in YOUR journey!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 14, 2013 | Uncategorized |
Happy Saturday to all! Today I was going to showcase a variety of Holiday Cards for you to help me pick your favorites to inspire me to "get going" on making some for family and friends!
CHANGE OF PLAN…and I HOPE THAT YOU TAKE TIME TO READ…
and WITH THAT SAID…LET THIS POST WARM YOUR HEART!
As I was typing my post I was watching the news….all of a sudden, I felt the need to pass on to you the message and importance of today.
As I was watching my heart was sadden with the pain and sadness that many families are feeling today as it marks the one year anniversary of the unnecessary shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
One message that I heard loud and clear was that the families want US to remember this terrible day by doing an "act of kindness" ….and that is what I am blogging about today! (sorry no card of inspiration, but I hope that the inspiration message will touch you and that you can make someone's day!!!!)
Tomorrow is a new day that I can get your help with my cards, but today I wanted to share the awareness that many of the affected families would like others to do! While I watched the news, my heart was so heavy and I simply could never imagine what these families have had to deal with over this past year!
As I was doing my post of holiday cards, John and I were watching an all time favorite – Toy Story!!! Our children are all grown but it hit me…here we are watching, remembering the fun we had with our children watching the "Toy Story's" Movies….and then I thought…these families that were effected by this terrible shooting will NEVER have the opportunity to share this joy! (I know that this is a minor point, but enjoying this time made me realize….)
I have learned as I have "matured with age" to appreciate and cherish special moments and to embrace what is dealt to you! After losing my Mom 3 years ago, I learned how important it is to cherish everyday!
I posted this on my facebook page, (which was previously posted by 2 people I totally admire…thank you John and Sabina) and I wanted to share it with you today and I hope that it warms your heart! This is a GREAT message and one that I honestly try to live by!
This is a motto that to me is a TOTAL KEEPER!
Today we are encouraged to do a random act of kindness…and my message to you is – do it.…and then not only be thankful that you did this, but think about the families that are effected by this tragic day!
On a totally different note but very similar in many ways….
I want to tell you a quick story about a special person named Harry!
We live in the country and I love to take walks! When we moved into our home/farm 9 years ago I was out for a walk and met a man names "Harry" that lived about 2 miles from us. We moved at Thanksgiving time and I was impressed that he was putting out sooo many Holiday lights!
Over the year I became more and more friendly with him as I walked past his house and I told him how much I admired his lights at the holidays! He always had a kind and warm smile and said "thank you….I enjoy doing it"
Well…after 2 Christmas seasons went by…I noticed he kept adding and adding to his collection of lights and lawn figures! In talking with him – he told me that he had to build a storage shed (more like a garage)…have an electrician add more power etc…..
I asked him – why do you do this?
With his wonderful smile he said, I do it for the children and families that it brings joy to! Well now, and for the past 6 + years, our donkey goes to "Harry's" house every year for about 4 weeks….to bring families joy in a living nativity scene he has! (he is a minature donkey that is adorable!)
Tonight as I was coming home from work…I went past "Harry's" house and saw all of the lights…saw my donkey in with his annual sheep (and actually I think he likes the attention)….but what I saw that totally warmed my heart…brought tears to my eyes was…the cars that were pulled over on this country road taking it all in!
(Here is another picture of him and you can see how small he is….he is actually a babysitter to the horse and best friend on the OTHER side of his fence, "Arnold" who is very old, very needy and has problems with is feet….and I had to separate them and this was just a "play group" session so everyone could see that everyone was fine while Arnold had some R & R in his stall!!!!
NEVER A DULL MOMENT!!!!
I pulled over and put my window down to say hello to me dear little donkey and out of the door came Harry to greet the cars that were stopped to see the glory….then from the side of his house came a Santa and Harry had a BIG chair in his yard! I turned my car lights off to take it all in….it was wonderful!
I apologise that I am not inspiring you with a card today….I just felt that I wanted to share this message with you!
To me, my blog is about sooooo much of me, my Stampin' Up life, my family life, and touching YOU!!!
I encourage you to do a random act of kindness today…if it is a simple smile to someone you do not know, holding a door for someone, picking up the phone to call someone you have not talked to in a while, pay someone a visit….whatever – know that you are making a difference!
Tomorrow is a new day, and I hope that you will pop back and look at my Holiday cards….but I hope that you will forward this post to anyone you know to spread the word to do something good today for someone!
I know that I am blessed in many ways…and taking the time to make a difference to others is minimal to what some have had to go through!
Thanks for listening and letting me into your heart!
Until tomorrow!!!!
p.s. – if you feel like it – please share how you made someones day….we all have gifts….let's inspire one another!
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