by Susan Itell | Sep 25, 2013 | Uncategorized |
This is such a special time of the year when the air is crisp and the leaves are starting to change color! Hands down – this is my favorite time of the year seeing all of the natural wonders that happen!
Today's card is a simple one that focuses on all if the colors of the leaves that I see where I live when they are in their full stage of changing! The colors I used were Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Crushed Curry, Cherry Cobbler, Sahara Sand and Tangerine Tango.
Confession time…I really do not watch a lot of TV as there is not much in these days that is uplifting and positive but one show I like is The Voice….(if my children are reading this – they will laugh)!!! John and I are faithful fans of this show and it started this week….
Why am I telling you this…easy – after I had stamped the leaves on scraps of Very Vanilla (great way to use up scraps) I brought all of my stamped images along with the best scissors in the whole wide world, Paper Snips and "fussy cut" away these leaves while watching Blake make me laugh!It really is easy to do and you do not need to be perfect with your cuts – just do it!
The Stamp set I used was The Best of Autumn and I have used this set a ton lately! It is a keeper and remember that these "Best Of Stamp Set" are only here for a short time….in honor of Stampin Ups! 25th anniversary….Click here to see all of the Best Of 25 years and also how you will be able to get a free stamp set after purchasing 6!
You all know that I adore Square Cards and this 5 X 5 card is a statement size that really lets the recipient know…WOW – I'm thinking of you! A quick mat with Early Espresso made the leave have a blanket to lay on!
The fun and "statement" sentiment from the Million & One Stamp Set does make a statement! After stamping it I did a fun and whimsical cut and then matted it to create a fun backdrop! Using stampin; vitamins, Stampin' Dimensions to lift up the sentiment and then adding a couple of Regal Candy Dots was a fun touch of color!
Making an envelope was a cinch with the Envelope Punch Board and then to make the mailman smile…I did a couple of simple stamps on the lower right corner of the envelope – simple and fun!
This IS the time of the year to plan your projects that you want to work on and achieve…the calendar rolls by super fast! I have a suggestion for you…pull out a piece of paper and…
- Write down the events you want to send special cards to…make categories like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas etc…
- Figure out your list and then be realistic as to what you can handle…
- Pull your calendar out and give yourself a deadline to complete them…I suggest pacing yourself so it remains FUN not stressful!
- Choose a project that can easily be produced in quantities if you are sending out a bunch and then break your project down….one day do your cutting…another day do your stamping…another day assemble etc….
Remember, I am here for you if you need help with your projects! It brings me joy to help you achieve your goals! Click here to order at anytime of the day…..PJ shopping is the best!
Another great tip I have for you is to always keep a piece of paper in your craft area that you can jot down supplies that you need to order on your next order…sometimes you will say to yourself, "I'll remember" but there always seems to be something that you forget!
Enjoy this beautiful day and until tomorrow……
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by Susan Itell | Sep 14, 2013 | Uncategorized |
Today is my special day….my husband comes home from the hospital since he had a unfortunate and freak accident on September 1st! The great news is…he is doing GREAT…he will be GREAT….and he has a GREAT attitude and determination to gain his strength!
We are "empty nesters" and have lots of animals that keep up busy! Below I wanted to share a "too cute" picture if 2 of our boys! I caught them yesterday morning looking out the window…and I just had to snap a shot to send to John saying ….come home – your missed!!!
As you can imagine, John is super excited to get home! I have the house ready for him to be safe and be able to do his rehab etc…and I know that there were so many nurses and Rehab people that touched him so naturally I needed to do something special for John to write them a note of thanks and appreciation!
This card was a 1st inspiration from my wonderful upline, Mary Fish! I not only feel fortunate and blessed to be part of the PALS….the cyber Pals, friends and customers I have met through this journey in being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator has simply been the best!
Click here to see Mary's Card that inspired me…actually I think that this card was the one that pushed me over the edge to hit that button and sign up to be a Stampin Up! Demonstrator! I had already probably bought "5 kits" worth of Stampin Up products over the years….but I decided to take the plunge for no one else but ME!!! Love it and have never looked back!
Let's get to this card that will touch many peoples heart that have such a demanding yet compassionate job….there are LOTS of punches used but to me punches do add so much little special touches that make a card special! I think this is a super cute card….how about you????
Here is a run down of the punches used….
The Stamp Set I used was the super-duper "Lots of Thanks"….LOVE IT! Not only did I use it on the outside of the belly band card…but on the inside I also used the most appropriate sentiment of…"Thank you for caring"…how perfect!
You all know by now…I love odd size and fun, interactive cards! This card with a simple "belly band" is not only fun….it is different and this card is really not hard to make….you just have to "switch gears" and think out of the box of your normal cards making habits!
After making the card…I looked at it and thought there was too much Crumb Cake ( I can't believe I am saying this as I adore this paper) but I thought it needed a bit of break! Just cutting a panel and then cutting that in half was the perfect solution!
I did sponge the edges of the whisper white with Sahara Sand….( I thought that the Crumb cake would be too stark!) Oh…the hat – (sorry it hard to see – click to make it bigger) came from the "belly part" of the owl punch….just trim it a bit and PRESTO!!! Cute! (I probably should have lightly sponged that as well!)
The envelope was a simple lined envelope using the Subtles Designer Series Paper Stack and the Envelope Liner Framelit…( a must have)…so simple and fun!
I hope that this card put a smile on your face and please think of us today! It is super exciting but also scary at the same time! John is sooooo focused to do his therapy and rest that he will be back to himself in no time!
Speaking of time….I know that we are all soooo darn busy – but I ask you…if you love our products…why don't you become a PAL?
Do you realize that over 80% of Stampin' Up Demonstrators are hobbiest…there is no obligation to remain a demonstrator or if it is "just not for you"….The PALS have an over 90% retention rate….WHY???? simple = cause' it's fun and there and no boundaries of what to do….the rule is to have fun and be inspired!
To become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is $99.00 and you get to pick YOUR CHOICE of any products of $125.00 – you goodies SHIP FOR FREE and then if you choose to do nothing else…that's fine as Stampin' Ups! motto is for you to do it YOUR WAY……but I will say….I do not think that will happen becase we will have so much fun together inspiring each other!
You can click here and get started today….and become part of my team and become a part of the PALS community!
Think about it and list the pro's and con's…then ask me your questions…I'll behind you all the way!
Until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Sep 12, 2013 | Uncategorized |
It is a HUGE sale in the CLEARANCE RACK
and there is a bunch of GREAT goodies…
Have you been to the Stampin' Up Clearance Rack lately…..well if I were you I would click here and check it out because there are some super deals….
The clearance will get "swooped" up fast so look now and don't forget that you can also place any products in this order! Today is the day that the Magnetic Platform is available!!!!
Here are some of my "must have's"…..I know that some of the colors have changed from these packs but we all know that there are MANY colors that are still current – I use a TON of paper and I will take full advantage of stocking up!
There are even some of the old Designer Series Paper Packs….now we all know I love my envelopes!!!!
12 X 12 Smooth Card Stock in the Brights for just $3.99
ALREADY SOLD OUT!!!!
8 1/2 X 11 Cardstock in the Neutrals as well as the have it in other color families for $2.79!
Game Spinners….I know that these seem silly
but they do add "fun" to a card….and wow – 12 for just .79!!!
Petal Cone BigzL Die – I was soooo sad that they discontinued this but look at these beauties and you will see why you need this….and for $19.79!!!! No brainer!!!!
Cherry Cobbler Core'dinations Paper…..This is my all time favorite color for the holidays and the texture of this paper is super rich and yummy! Just $2.79!!!!
I could go on and on but you need to check it out for yourself! If you are like me….you place an order….order comes and then oh no…..you forgot something!!!! This happened to me last week – so trust me…..I'll be placing an order right after this post!
Enjoy shopping….you can eaither click the "Shop Now" button or click here!
p.s. and tip: when you go to the clearance rack…click the see all button – there are LOTS of items and I find it easier to scroll all at once! Isn't shopping fun!!!!
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by Susan Itell | Sep 2, 2013 | Uncategorized |
I love the note card size of cards…Stampin' Up! only carrys them in the white and the size of 3/12" X 5" truly makes a perfect size for a quick note! ( they do carry the envelopes in Crumb Cake)
Now with the help of the Envelope Punch Board…you can make them in any color and todays card I used the Very Vanilla to make my own note card! From 1 sheet of paper, you can make 2 note cards…simply cut a 5 x7 piece and score it at 3 1/2" and presto!
To make this card was fast and fun!
- The note card base is a 3 1/2 X 5 in very vanilla and then I cut another piece of very vanilla at 3 1/4 X 4 3/4
- The mat behind is smidge larger ( 2 notches) on the stampin' trimmer in Chocolate Chip
- Using the stamp-a-ma-jig I stamped the Leaf from the Magnificent Maple in 2 colors….1st – Crushed Curry and after cleaning the stamp, I inkd it up with Soft Suede and stamped it on a piece of scratch paper and then onto the crushed curry leaf….I just wanted to soften the curry color. ( I know that it is hard to see in the picture but it does make a sublte difference!)
- The sentiment is from the Truly Grateful Stamp Set, and it was stamped in Chocolate Chip – such a simple yet super font!
- Tip Alert: LOVE this ribbon but it is very wide! I wanted the texture of the Burlap Ribbon and how I made it thinner was a simple cut BUT….use GREAT scissors or it will fray!!! I know it took me over a year to break down and purchase the Craft Scissors…I ONLY use them for cutting ribbon and I highly recommend them – because these scissors are so sharp I was able to cut at the edges so there is no bulk!
- ENVELOPE TIME!!! From yesterday's post…you learned all about the super new Envelope Punch Board and it is super fun! I knew that I wanted to use the Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper for this card…just seemed to go hand in hand!
- Using the Envelope Punch Board and following the measurements for a 3 1/2 x 5 card…it was a breeze! One thing that I do find that I am liking to do is to snip off the pointy piece that is left over…see pictures below and feel free to email me if you have any questions! A simple ruler and your trimmer will do the trick!
- Please do not forget from yesterday post about your chance to win some free paper by placing an order with me that includes the Envelope Punch Board from me…totaling to the $40.00!
I hope that you have enjoyed today's post and I hope that you CASE this card…very, very sweet! Have a great holiday today and I look forward to inspiring you this week!
Until tomorrow…..
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by Susan Itell | Aug 22, 2013 | Uncategorized |
It's Thursday and you know what that means…..time for a PPA Challenge ( Pals Paper Art ) and how about you playing too!!! It's fun and it's a way for you to go outside of your box!!! Today's challenge is a sketch challenge designed by Pal Nicole Watt…super fun!
The temperature here on the East Coast is 90 – HOT but brrrr……look at this adorable snowman just waiting to make an appearance! (not too soon I hope) – I hope you enjoy my interpretation of today's design!
When Mary Fish had a conference call and the PALS were sneak peeking through the holiday catalog…this stamp set, Snow Day, was one that I was on the fence about….I simply did not have a vision with it but I allowed myself to listen to the other much more seasoned PALS and they all thought it was going to be a "keeper" set!
So glad I "bit the bullet" and purchased it as he is a darling snowman! Knowing that I was going to use the Winter Frost Designer Series Paper today, I let the colors that are in this paper series to dictate my color choices!
The snowman I stamped in Smoky Slate and then the accent color is Island Indigo! A fun and fresh contrast! Love the little hat and fun touches this stamp set offers to decorate the snowman up!
CONFESSIONS OF AN HONEST STAMPER: First – I really was on a time crunch to get this card made and I pressed too hard when stamping his eyes and smile….I kept looking at it thinking he looked weird and why? I had too much ink and when I pressed…I made this weird Island Indigo nose…..EASY-PEASY cover up…I snipped a piece of orange paper to cover my mistake! No worries!
Knowing that I was going to use the Regal Buttons with the Whisper White Bakers Twine in the horizontal piece of DSP…I thought it would look cute to cover up yet another mistake I made – I did not stamp my snowflake hard enough…again – a trick of a button to cover it up! Looks cute….right!?!? A quick mat on the Island Indigo was all that this needed!
The sentiment is from the new catalog and a definite "A list" stamp, it is called Christmas Messages. There are soooo many fabulous sentiments in this Stamp Set….I look forward to inspiring you with many more from this set!
The envelope was made happy with the Envelope Liner Framelit and the help of my Stampin' friend, Mr. Big Shot! I still go back and forth from my method but I will say…a crank of the big shot goes super fast!
Please…super please go to the PPA Website and see all of the beautiful cards that were created not only by the incredible Design Team, but also from other SU Demonstrators and customers like YOU!
Remember, I am a click away for you to order any of these goodies and it is never too late to start to make your holiday cards! I am also an email away if you have any questions!
Enjoy the day and until tomorrow…..
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by Susan Itell | Aug 19, 2013 | Uncategorized |
Isn't this a fun, fresh and preppy card! Square cards are my favorites…just getting a different size card makes me feel special! This card is a 5" X 5" size and making a custom envelope was a cinch! My daughter Hannah needed a special card so I whipped up this fun one for her!
I am in awe with all of the wonderful comments I received on my blog for the Blog Candy post yesterday! You all make me hungry!
Remember you can leave me a message up until 5 p.m. today to get a chance to win these super cute Birthday Cards! I will email everyone that left a comment the instructions for making the box!
Now to today's card! I totally realize that using a monogram in this fashion will not work for everyone but I wanted to show you something different…and I will say, I do use and find this Bigz Die, Typeset Alphabet a true winner when I use it!
The other item that I wanted to focus on and something that most likely you forget about as well is the Coaster Board. Now that we have so many great dies…this is a great way to add a layer in instant dimension!(click on the picture to see the depth)
TIP ALERT – I always adhere my paper to the Coaster Board with the multipurpose glue before I ran it through Mr. Big Shot!
The Scallop Circle Bigz Die created the fun back ground in garden green and then with the help of the circle framelits…the backdrop of the card started to come to life!
Because the letters are all the same size…I "fudged" it stretching the "I" a bit bigger and covered it up with the Boho Blossom Punches and then adorned them with a classic pearl!
Having the super fun Polka Dot Parade as the backdrop and also the liner for the envelope puts and instant smile on your face! Polka Dots, balloons,smiley faces and chocolate (dark) always make me smile!
The envelope came together like a breeze and thanks to my upline, Mary Fish, she generously has provided us (click here) the way to make our own beauties! With the help of the diagonal scoring plate this is a cinch!
To add an extra touch to this envelope, I punched a flower out with the Blossom Punch and then stamped the fun and fresh flower image from the hostess stamp set, Happy Flowers!
Do you realize that with an order of $150..00 you can instantly earn hostess rewards and you could get this stamp set…or how about gathering just 4 – 6 friends and have a stamp -a-stack event and I am sure you will earn plenty of sales for extra goodies! Email me and let pick a date!
I am excited for this week…I have lots of fun posts for you and I am doing the H A P P Y dance with a new Stampin' Up! product that just simply seems too good to be true!
One thing that I know is true is….YOU!!! I thank you for popping by and if you have not already done so, please subscribe to my blog so you can have a daily dose of inspiration with your morning coffee!!!
Have a fabulous day and until tomorrow!
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