by Susan Itell | Aug 1, 2017 | Blog Candy, Uncategorized |
Good Tuesday to all!
Well I think it is fair to say that we had a FUN week last week with not only fun posts…..but a week long of Blog Candy! Woot-woot to all of the winners but the reality is….you ALL are winners in my eyes as I deeply thank you for popping on and sharing!
There are times that I think back when I started my blog….(now that was a technological challenge within itself) that I would have never dreamed that I would enjoy the “sharing” aspect of it and with that “sharing” comes the “community” that we have! There are days that I feel like I am in the “Cheers” TV Show as we are a family of cyber friends!
We need to do our computer stretch time…..because we have 1 more winner and that is going to be ONE LUCKY STAMPER because she won the LAST BLOG CANDY of our weeklong fun…..so push back that chair….stand up and stretch!!!
If your name is Peggy Hendricks then you need to squeal so loud
that I can hear you in Williamsport, MD!
Woot-woot to you and here is Peggy’s comment on why she loves stamping! This just made my heart skip many beats! I encourage you to pop back to Sundays post and not only enjoy the super sweet card…but to take an extra cup of coffee and read through the comments….they are just wonderful!
Please email me and I will get your HAPPY MAIL to you!
Now to MY answers to the week long questions!
Tuesday’s ? – Do you like Christmas in July? Yes and No….I totally “get it” that we all get caught by that calendar rolling way too fast and it is a great way to have incentives and also get you thinking ahead….but it really, REALLY saddens me to go into retail stores in July and already see Christmas items…..really??? what happen to the days of anticipation…the days of waiting for the seasons to change!
Wednesday’s? – Do you condition your stamps? – YEP, you betcha! It truly is one of those “habit things” you need to get into. I will say that I have many, many stamps sets that are on the shelf that are not conditioned and when I go to pull it off and stamp…I can tell right away. I have really tried to discipline myself to do this step of conditioning…..I guess you can say that I am rather “Type A” in having clean and crisp stamped images!
Thursday’s ? – How were you introduced to Stampin’ Up! ? – A longtime friend Margie Wight introduced me to Stampin’ Up! when we were both Creative Memories Consultants. (yikes, it had to have been over 15 years ago at least). Margie took me to one of her customers home that was a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator and I had soooooo much fun! I can remember that my first real “in the trenches project” that I tackled was to make Easter Cards! The best thing is….Margie is now a SUD and on my team under Jeanie….all 3 of us were CMC in the day!
Friday’s ? – When you make a boo-boo…how do you handle it? – WELL….now this is a loaded question – usually I tuck a “little something” to hide it – that is why I LOVE little images to tuck here and there but also….out comes the Bakers Twine….this is a fabulous way to hide boo-boo’s and my trio dots…they are another way to hide things! I also have a container by my work area that I toss things to re-purpose for a project….you will be amazed how many times you will reach for things that have already been cut out for you!
Saturday’s ? – What is your Stampin’ style and what technique would you like to master? – I consider myself a clean and simple card-maker. I am a big fan of clean and crisp lines….lots of white space…and I adore great sentiments & fonts! Polka dots, stripes and plaids make my heart skip a beat…I am fascinated with coloring….this is the one area that I never get tired of watching videos….exploring new mediums…and just practicing! I have learned to love my Aqua Painter and I also have many other non Stampin’ Up! coloring mediums that I love to play around with. I have learned that we all start somewhere and with practice…it just gets better and better!
Sunday’s ? – I love Stamping because…. – I love Stamping for sooooooo many reasons but on the tops of my list it is because: Stamping is rewarding. Stamping is relaxing. Stamping gives me my own “me time” to feel creative. Stamping makes me happy. Stamping makes me proud of myself. Stamping makes me feel good making someones day. Stamping always amazes me what you can do with something so basic as paper, stamps & ink. Stamping is the best therapy one could have. Stamping is handmade. Stamping is made from my heart. Stamping is a journey of life. Stamping allows me to meet people from all over. Stamping makes me laugh and makes me complete.
Well..there you go! I hope that you enjoy finding a bit more about me and what makes me roll!
Today is the 1st day that SUD’s can order from the NEW Upcoming Catalog. I know that you all are going to be excited to see and purchase the new kids on the block….My catalogs are on order and if you have placed a $50.00 + order from since January…then be on the look out for HAPPY MAIL from MD!
I love to tuck in a little goodie for you that will make you smile…and I know you will!
Please do not forget about my Paw Prints Reward Program that I offer to my customers! My way of saying “thank you” for your support and let’s face it…..we all love FREEBIES!
I have a new hostess code up for August and below is the FREEBIE that I will send to you with an order of $75+ using the hostess code of ZAQ9FCAZ. (you will always find the offering and the hostess code on the drop down of my blog header each month – current incentives)
I have blogged many cards using this. It is just elegant and I think my favorite is when it is embossed in white – oh so classic! Make sure that you watch the Stampin’ Up! Video on the “how to’s” in using this Textured Folder….your “sandwich” for Mr Big is different!
Enjoy your Tuesday and a BIG WOOT -WOOT to all of you for a FUN week! See you tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jul 29, 2017 | Blog Candy, Simple Saturday, Uncategorized |
Happy Saturday and if you live in the Mid Atlantic States that you know what it feels like to be a duck! WOW….we are getting some heavy rains and I am sure that the crops are lovin’ it – it is a great day to do a FUN indoor activity like STAMP!
Today I have a super FUN card for you made by a team member,Rosanne Mulhern from the great state of Pennsylvania.The timing of this card could not be anymore PERFECT as the Daisy Bundle is still back in stock and there is more BLOG CANDY for you to win today…..so read on!
Rosanne is my East Coast gal and tomorrow you will see the stepped up version from Karen….my West Coast gal! Both of these talented ladies have blogs and I will share them with you as I hope that you “take the time to see their stuff….cause’ they have some GREAT stuff!!!!”
Before we get to the fun post…we need to do our exercises….yep, push that chair back ….stand up and reach for the ceiling….give a little shake and if your name is DANA M….than you need to jump up and down…spin around and pretend that you are on the Ellen Show because you WON the Lemon Zest Stamp Set!
Dana, go get a drink of water…and then email me and I will send you the “goods” Many thanks for popping on and leaving a comment….
It sure seems like we like embellishments…bows…punches to hide the boo-boos….but read Dana’s….I just LOVE and honest stamper and I will think of her each and every time I see my trash can, the “circular file” 😉 Another thing I loved that was consistent….was that you just go forward….that is just wonderful – YOU made it – THEY will love it!
Let’s get going because there is no doubt that this beauty is one to CASE! Rosanne has a blog, Heartfelt Stamping…..and when you go there…BE READY to be inspired as she will give you all of the scoop on this super clean and classic card!
She has done a FABULOUS job with her pictures and descriptions….so the show is hers! WOOT-WOOT!!!!
Yep….you will have all of the pictures….the dimensions….the whole deal and I know that you will be beaming….please give her the great Simple Stampin’ love we do for our guests!
While you are having fun at Heartfelt Stamping….there are 2 things that I would encourage you to do…
- SURF around her blog and see the talent that Rosanne has….she is the queen of clean – her talent is amazing and she aways does such a fantastic job with giving the “inside of her cards” love…..
- SIGN UP for her blog to have inspirations in your mailbox!
I am sure that you have been back and forth from my blog to hers and I am soooooo glad that I was able to introduce Roseanne to you. Definitely one to check out as clean and classic are her middle names! Now you will just have to POP back tomorrow as you will also love what Karen has done to this little number!
We all know that this is one hot little number and today is the perfect day to swoop it up….add a little extra to your order to take the advantage of the final days of Bonus Bucks….(remember to keep your coupon codes that Stampin’ Up! sends to you…..just think if each of those numbers as a $5.00 bill)
Now to BLOG CANDY for today! YIPPEE…..more candy!
One lucky winner will win this BUNDLE….yep, not just the STAMP….the whole bundle! Tomorrow is my last day of “Candyland” for you guys….again, my thanks and appreciation for your support as without your support…the Thailand trip wouldn’t have been possible. Here’s the question!
What would you consider your “style” to be in Stamping
and what is the one technique that you would like to try to master?
One lucky winner will win this BUNDLE….so lets get the comments going and when you are leaving a comment – please do not forget to give Rosanne some LOVE…as this is one super-de-duper card! How can you NOT smile with this sweetie!
The VAULT is still there ready for you to go in and pick a freebie……yesterday I had someone pick a stamp that was originally $35.00 (an alphabet stamp) and someone else picked a stamp that was part of a bundle and then bought the matching framelts at 50% off (she swooped up a whole bundle for under $12.00)….they were THRILLED…..I am tellin’ you – this is the best I have had it organized and it will be GONE from Randall Lane…one stamp at a time!
When you think about it – it is a great return….you will get a $5.00 coupon from Stampin’ Up! and then a HOT stamp from me…..all for a $75.00+ order!
If you are affected by the wet weather…..please be careful – we have many roads that have been flooded and what am I planning to do today??? Well…..cook up a storm as I bought a bunch of corn to put up….can some peaches and STAMP! Sounds like a perfect day!
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by Susan Itell | Jul 27, 2017 | Uncategorized |
Hello…hello – It is Thursday and that means that is it time to play Tic-Tac-Toe and I think that I have a fun post for you! I hope that you POP over to the Tic-Tac -Toe Challenge site to see what the others have come up with… My hopes are that you will find some “me time” to PLAY this week!
Here is the game board for this week and I chose to do the Rectangle-Circle & Square….and you might be thinking…WHAT THE HECK – I do not see this….hang tight – I’ll explain!
Read about the project today and then at the end I will share not only the WINNER from yesterdays post (and I will also make some comments about question asked) but I will share the blog candy for today – this sweet stamp set……A Little Wild! I told you – this week is all about YOU…my thanks for your support to my Stampin fun!
I just think that Stampin’ Up! was brilliant to design a fun stamp set that has a “front and a back” and guess what – you might be seeing more in the future. (hint-hint)
Just look at this trio of fun! When you use the framelits you will have a mirrored image to it is PERFECT for an interactive card….but today, I chose to make it a sweet and handy Post it to make someones desk smile!
I have a secret….hmmmmm – what is it? I used a Whisper White Note Card to make it!
Are you saying W H A T ?
I had my note cards in arms reach and I guess you could say that I was being lazy and I made it work! I took the notecard and cut it at 3 1/2″ to make a square – (check the square off). Using the sweet soft sky paper from the Coffee Break DSP I adhered a 3 1/2″ square to the front panel of the card.
Using the trimmer I scored at 1″ and at 2″ and gave the scored lines a good crease with the bone folder. I think that this is super important when you are making project that need to “stand up and behave” and plus…it looks soooooo much more professional!
Hmmmmm….time to (check off the rectangle) – I know that it stretching it a bit but heck – this is a game and we are to be having FUN.…I am showing you this because I want you to see that YOU CAN PLAY ALONG and have fun.
It is all about getting inky…playing with paper and scissors and having FUN!
Now to the main man….sweet Mr. Elephant! I simple stamped him on a scrap of whisper white – ran him through Mr. Big (LOVE the framelits in the set) and I did something I have not used in a long time….I pulled out the Watercolor Pencils!
You know why I did this….EASY – it was the inspiration from our “Chris R from Iowa”….do you remember on her post that she used the Watercolor Pencils to color her adorable Eskimo?
I admit, I have not given them the love they so deserve so I gave them a spin and I loved the outcome! Very fast and I thought that the overall coverage was great and when I wanted a wee bit of shading….just go back over!
I adhered the front and back of the elephant together and snipped off the little circle thing…POPPED out a 1 3/4″ circle (check the circle off) snipped the bottom off so it would lay flat…adhered just the lower edge of the circle and PRESTO….I have a super cute little holder for a mini post it note!
You can clearly see how fast and easy this is to whip up and the fun factor…yep – it’s high as how can anyone not smile with this little cutie! These mini size post its are like candy to me – I reach for them all the time so why not make them look cute!
I made 2 of these for my ladies at the Post Office as I truly am WILD about them…..and I think I am going to tuck a roll of lifesavers in the hole as they are always so helpful! You see – it is fun to think out of the box and have fun when we are crafting!
The countdown is on for the final Bonus Days Dollars – remember this ends on July 31st….but now save later….with every $50.00 you will receive a $5.00 coupon to use in August…
I LOVE this promotion and have taken advantage of it personally but if I were you……I would add that extra $25.00 to be able to pick a free stamp from my vault…..(just saying as there are 100’s of stamp sets needing a new home) WHAT AM I TALKING ABOUT?
I have finally “corralled” my retired product….and it is a CANDYLAND for YOU! When you enter the vault….you will be in heaven (I have several in there right now….so hurry and make your selection before it gets swooped up)
I have updated the Hostess Code and if your order is $75.00 or more with me….you can GO TO THE VAULT and pick out any stamp your heart desires. I did this last year and it was a huge hit….but now….it is STOCKED TO THE MAX….as it is up to date from the Catalog that ended on May 31st.
Have a great day….and I hope that you will have some time have fun with this challenge! Please do not forget to pop over to the Tic Tac Toe Challenge Site and see what the other design team members came up with!
Now to the WINNER from yesterday…..ok get ready – same drill….if your name is GENIE….than you need to GET UP….PUT THOSE ARMS UP AND SQUEAL…..you won the Paint Play Stamp Set…..so do it…shake it….spin around and then email me! You are going to have endless FUN with this stamp set!
I loved reading your responses and yep, I am a big fan of conditioning. There was a couple of comments about when I said that it was not necessary to wipe off the versamark….I don’t know what to say but I have never had any issues of my ink pads not working …but if you feel better, wipe them clean.
I figured that most of the versamark is already off because you have stamped it on a piece of scrap and the little residue that is on….will make the ink stick better! (hope this helps)
Yep, it seems like the photopolymer need some extra love in conditioning but once they are conditioned….WOW….smooth sailing!
Lastly, the reason that I use a dark or bold ink to condition is….I like to see the stamp (especially if it is a photopolymer) I use to be totally type A and like to see them clean….but I found that I tended to loose the little ones…..Staining does not effect the quality of the stamp!
Now for todays question?…..How were you introduced to Stampin’ Up! and can you remember the 1st card you made?
One lucky winner will win this stamp Set….
A Little Wild….just leave a comment and GOOD LUCK!
Please leave me a comment and also let me know how you like Mr. Elephant…..and pop back tomorrow to see who won the stamp set! We’ve got some Lemons in the house! Have a fabulous day!
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by Susan Itell | Jul 20, 2017 | Uncategorized |
You know what today is….whenever you hear the day of the week of “THURSDAY” than you know that it is time to play an old fashion fun game of Tic-Tac-Toe…but this time it is a FUN way….with the thing that we all love to do – play with paper! You see…there are still fun games when you are an adult!
Here is the challenge board this week and I hope that you popover to the Tic-Tac-Toe site to see what the other wonderful designers came up with!
I have to apologize in advance…I do not have many pictures for you today….I took all of the pictures of my projects before I left Randall Lane and for some reason I did not take many of this sweet card but I will do my best to shine that sunshine on you this morning to see the fun!
This card is from the below Bundle….and remember when you see the word bundle….than you know that you will receive an instant 10% off and if you would be a hobby demo…you would receive an additional 20% off…I say – why not?
You can clearly see in the below image all of the super die cuts that are with this sweet stamp set! Stampin’ Up! really did a bang up job this season with designing such intricate dies to make the interest even more special….
Can you see that the basic shape is cut out but look closer…you can even cut out the small flower to add some height and interest to “spot light” the flower even more….I say – WOOT-WOOT!
Now here is even a BIGGER timesaver….I stamped the whole thing in Pear Pizzazz and then “pieced” the So Saffron flowers over top so I did not have to worry about stamping and wiping off ink! Here comes another WOOT-WOOT!!!
Now you know I am simple….actually super simple as that is the way I roll and that is what comes naturally to me when I create! The base of this card is the Whisper White Note Cards….these not only are the best because they are already cut and scored but they are a great value!!!
I have to be honest with you….I just do not “get it” why there are so many that do not grab them up and give them the love that they soooooo deserve! Remember…they now come in Very Vanilla and the best part…..the card stock weight is the “thick card stock”
For me, this size is the perfect size to write that “quickie” that we all need to do from time to time and they also make a great “gift” to give….I know that my dear Aunt Jean always appreciates when I give her cards made up with this product.
One thing that I know that I am “guilty as charged” is the fact that I do not use embossing folders as much as I probably could. They are a great bang for your buck and I am trying to be better!
This is a newbie called Garden Trellis and it gives such a rich and deep emboss…so quick and easy with the help of our main man, Mr. Big!
The simple scoring gives this rather “plain jane” a bit of pizazz…I think I should call her “sweet jane” ….what do you think? Please do not forget about scoring for a quickie…..face it – making a sweet card does not mean that it needs to take hours and hours….
That’s it for today! If I have figured it out correctly…than we will be starting the LONG trek home….
- we fly from Chiang Mia to Beijing (6 hours)
- a 7 1/2 hour layover…..
- then from Beijing to Dulles (15 hours)…..
- get the car and COME HOME TO MY CRITTERS!!!!!
I know that we will be super tired but we will have lots of tails wagging….I hope to see you tomorrow and there is a quirky little guy in the house!!!
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by Susan Itell | Jul 19, 2017 | Just Because..., Uncategorized |
Happy Hump Day and it is time for John and I to “EXPLORE” today as we are going to see some temples today in beautiful Chiang Mia (I think I have the day/date correct). This is stamp set that I would wager to say was “passed by” in the new catalog but I just love it! (it is on page 35 in case you want to know)
You can see that this is a “Susan kinda card” as I just love those stamp sets that lend itself to a clean and simple card. You can see that this is all about the basic’s…..and BAM – YOUR DONE!
- The Stitched Framelits
- The Aqua Painter for a quick and simple pop of color
- Layers of Card Stock (that always is an eye pleaser)
- Doing a simple tone on tone stamping to create an INSTANT interest
In the below picture you can see that I did a tone on tone stamping with the suitcase stamp (I thought this would be soooo appropriate as we are traveling) but just look at the fun feel it gives to this card!
You can also see the super quick coloring I did….the colors that I used are in the line up at the end of the post and how about that linen thread? Does the trick each and every time!
To me, I just adore the color combination of Pink, Grey and White! How about you? The icing on the cake is the envelope fun as always using the Whole lot of Lovely DSP!
I hope that this has perked yo your day and that you will take a look at this fun stamp set! I see lots of possibilities for the small images and then adding a BIG sentiment from another set….that will be for another day!
We are winding down on our travels and I am hoping to edit my pictures and share with you the fun we have been having…..I am sure that our critters at home will be wanting some LOVE from their Mom and Dad – we have never left them this long!
Have a great day and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | Jul 18, 2017 | Tips and Tricks!!!, Uncategorized
Hi guys…..still away and today if I have figured it out correctly….today is the day that John and I are going to an Elephant Sanctuary! As you know I am a HUGE animal lover and this is truly a “pinch me” time so I am hoping that it will be a “heart filling and rewarding” day for us!
I am hoping to take lots of pictures and trust me, there will be a day that I will share with you some of the Thailand fun that we have been having!
You know that I love to share with you things that make my life easier when I am crafting and even though I am a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator at heart, there are times that we do not have a specific product and when I find something that makes like easier for me….I like to share it with you!
The below product is a must have (in my humble opinion). You can get them at a big box store so keep your eye out for a 50% off coupon or make it easier for yourself and hit that Amazon button and have them delivered right to your door!
Several weeks ago….peep Will was home – he is the Montessori Teacher in Boston and we had a big time doing “crafty things” together! He had asked me if I had another pair of the Craft Scissors that Stampin’ Up! used to carry and I said, I only have the ones that I used….as they had been discontinued…..
We went on a trek to the Craft Store and we found these…..I fell in love with them soooooooo much that I went back and bought a pair for myself and THEY ARE THE BEST!
Below you will see a trio of pictures that I have shared before on how I love to give my envelopes some love….but this is why I adore these scissors – they have a non stick on the blade so the adhesive does not get stuck on them….to me – a DREAM MACHINE!!!!
With all of the “sticky” that I have going on when I do my envelopes….these make the process a breeze…..I just had to share as why keep a great thing a secret!
Be careful though….they are really big – you can see that the blade is 9 1/2″ long….but you will be a happy stamper – PROMISE!
Until tomorrow! We are doing Temples tomorrow!!!!
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