by Susan Itell | May 20, 2017 | Simple Saturday, Uncategorized |
Good weekend to all….I just adore this sentiment as to me, it makes me smile! Isn’t it funny that 2 little words put together can mean such a BIG meaning….so here you all go – as I hope that you all do these 2 words –
“enjoy today”
There is something just so simple and fun about this card to me. I just love the card stock color of Emerald Envy and I think in the new catalog we have several NEW DSP’s that pair up wonderfully with this color! I am just clickin’ my heels with the NEW Lemon Lime Twist and I am thrilled that we have this green, Emerald Envy for at least another year!
I can hardly wait for you al to see the new DSP’s but I can say this one, Pick a Pattern is right up there in my top 3. I only have a handful of the new offerings and I am trying to be like you – patient for the date of June 1st to get here.
You can see the ease I had picking the “cut out critters” that are looking through the window. This paper pack has a couple of different “critter offerings” and wow – it was a cinch to fussy cut them out, The best tip I can give you is to just do it….do not get “fussy” about how your cutting looks…it always seems to work out in the end!
This is a great example of how the paper swatches are a life saver. It is a cinch to do a quick flip to see the colors and patterns but it is even going to be better when I have all 15 of the new dsp’s in swatch books complete. This is stampin’ heaven because many times I will be working on something and then want to see other dsp collections that have the same color and a quick flip – PRESTO…I have options!
This sentiment is part of a stamp set called Pieces & Patterns. At a first glance you might be saying…..hmmmm – not much there for me but I invite you to hold your judgement on this one as there are LOTS of fun and simple options with this set. (hang tight…we are just getting geared up with the new catalog)
The thinlits that I used for this sweet card is the Hearth & Home. I am thrilled that this is being carried over and I admit, it took me a while to use it but once I did I was kicking myself with why did it take me that long! It seems so basic and simple yet it is a great “addition” to add fun and interest to a card.
This little bear looks like it is looking for a friend and I bet that bird is “kin” to “our chicks” from SAB – (I think that it is a 2nd cousin twice removed) and I bet the bird is giving him an earful!
A product that I often forget to use on a regular basics is Embossing Folders! WHY? – DON’T KNOW…but this is a new folder on the block and it is a great simple and clean addition. Appropriately called, Oh My Stars…you can see up close that it is a keeper.
Embossing Folders give you a quick POP with little work and heck – they are super inexpensive for all they do. It is very rare that I do not purchase all of the offerings of newbies because when in doubt – it is easy to pull them out and let THEM do their job!
Now let’s chat. I need to say right out of the gate I ADORE THIS ENVELOPE PAPER but….there is a problem – I also ADORE the flip side of it -another keeper in Black and White – click here to see a post that I used that. Here is another great example of why and how the swatch books are friends to you.
I would remember this fun floral being in this dsp collection but there are chances that I would forget where that fun black and white one is from because it is such a classic that you might not think of it being in a whimsical collection like this. A simple…..flip – BINGO – there it is!
There you go….one super simple and sweet card that I know would be a smile maker to anyone that received it! This DSP paper is really fun and unique. The colors are great, the prints are great and it is so fun to be able to do a quick fussy cut to make the “critters” part of a card!
I hope to see you back here tomorrow to see the changes I made with this sweet card. I just get a bit giddy with a card like this as it is a “happy card” and one that is a “joy maker”!
Do something fun today….we are having some great weather and we plan to be outside working….one thing that is for sure…..weeds and grass do not stop growing 😎 I know that this might not seem like an “enjoy today” but for me…it actually is because of the end result!
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by Susan Itell | May 19, 2017 | Product Shares, Uncategorized |
Now this is a way to end the week….with a PRODUCT SHARE!
The official launch date of the new catalog is less than 2 weeks away and that means it is time to take advantage of a product share!
Yesterday I bogged about the Share # 1 (Swatch Books) and Share #2 (Ring of Card Stock) and today you will be able to see ALL of the offerings that I have for you!
The BEST WAY for you to navigate and be able to quickly see the offerings is to click on the tab above on my header. I will keep it up there for several weeks so you do not have to scroll through blog posts to find it!
What is a product share? EASY – it is a way for you to get a taste of the NEW products coming out without having to purchase a whole pack…a whole roll of ribbon etc…..
Remember, I am married to my Accountant (ha-ha….but it is true) and he helps me do the math to make it fair. Basically I take the product – divide it – divide the cost and then package it fun for you and off to the Williamsport Post Office I go!
All you need to do is smile….I have made your day and you have the new kids on the block without breaking your piggy bank (sorry Daisy)!!! I love this below picture of Lucy….and this is how I feel when I am putting together your shares….I just wish I had an Ethel to help me!
Here is a quick listing of the shares but click on the above tab to see the detailed info about each specific share. Once you have decided what you want….just click here and email me with the subject line – PRODUCT SHARE so I can spot it.
Please list the shares that you want and provide me your mailing address 😀
I truly love to get my mailing labels and as much completed before the product comes as you can imagine that it is a bunch of product! (this is really a fun thing for me as I know how much you all enjoy it…..trust me – I “get it” as I have participated in many shares myself!
WHEW…..this was a work to put together but it is really, REALLY getting me excited for the new catalog! If you are not currently working with a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator and would like a catalog, please email me…..I would love to work with you!
See you tomorrow for Simple Saturday….it is sooooo simple that I think John could make it!
p.s. – here is a funny for you …even though Hannah is 23…she remembers the crazy fun I have always had with my hobbies!
When I was telling Hannah that I was gearing up for a Product Share she said – Do you remember when you made us help you tear, count, sort and package Mrs. Grossman Stickers – YEP, SHE IS RIGHT…..
When I was a Creative Memories Consultant I had an account with Mrs. Grossman and I would buy HUGE rolls of stickers and divide them down for my team and customers….and YEP – that is exactly what I do with Stampin’ Up! I will say…..I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love and have fun all at the same time!
Have a great day!
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by Susan Itell | May 14, 2017 | Step it up Sunday!, Uncategorized |
Woot-woot today to all of the Mom’s out there. To me, being a Mom is the best! I truly can say that I enjoy and treasured all aspects of being a Mom….no doubt that there have been times of patience and curveballs but I love my peeps and I love being a Mom.
I also want to give a hug to all of you that might be having a tough day as well….as I am in that court as well as my wonderful Mom is no longer with me to share the day with but she is and always will be in my heart! We used to love spending the day together and doing something fun and this IS the day that she would say, NOW YOU CAN PLANT YOUR FLOWERS OUTSIDE…..(she swore by the motto of not planting flowers until Mothers Day)
Well…thoughts? This post is showing you the “Stepped Up Version” and you decide! I have a confession….I was going (or should I say I planned) to do more but I STOPPED right here as I thought it was just the perfect amount of a change and I was super happy.
So…side by side, YOU DECIDE! I am over the moon happy that I bought this bundle and truly I am asking myself….how did I miss it before. I swear, when you do not see a bunch of blogs showcasing a product…..you seem to skip right by it ~ I am thrilled that I hit that button.
I have some great pictures for you so you can see closely the details of this bird with absolutely no effort as the detailed framelit does the job for you and then you can see that I added the soft suede beak and feet to our little friend….and I did that by cutting it out in soft suede and then adhering it right over the blue.
I am going to say…..I LOVE this card and the changes I made are soooooooo minimal but I think that the “feel and texture” wins! I was going to add some little yellow flowers as I love yellow and blue together but before I did so – I said – STOP…it looks great as is!
LOOK at the details in this bird…..you will see that I have stamped the images from the stamps in this bundle and YEP, there are great birds that you could color and then cut them out….but if you are in a time crunch – just use these framelits!
Below is the catalog image of the bundle, remember…..it is only available at the bundle price until May 31st, after that it it is just a la carte! Early bird gets the worm….so don’t wait, I think that you can see the possibilities of this set. You will see all of the products that I used at the end of the post.
Yesterday I shared with you that I was going to remind you how I like to condition my stamps. I ALWAYS do this with the photopolymer ones as I think that it is super important to “condition them” to get great stamps each and every time! I have a MISTI and I find it to be helpful for doing a whole stamp set like you see below.
By all means, you do NOT need a MISTI and before I had a MISTI, I simply used my stamp blocks and did the same like I would be stamping regularly. (This just saves me a bunch of time)
Here is a funny….do you see the orange? Well…when we have a paper that is discontinued….I use them to do odd thing like this – I do think that you need to stamp your images on a paper of like quality that you will be using ultimately so I always have a stash of papers that are not current that perhaps were not my favorite (for some reason I do not use orange a bunch)
I can hear the GASPS through the computer when you see that I stamped everything in black….YEP, that’s how I like to roll – I like to go ahead and get them dirty because face it – they are going to get dirty and this way I have it already done! I personally think that it is so much easier to find your stamps with they are already black ….
Now let’s get back to the card…I told you that I would share with you the dimensions of this sweet card. Please remember, you could easily adapt this to a regular A-2 Card but you know me, I adore my square cards!
I totally forgot to put the correct ribbon that I used on the line up at the end (just noticed it after I had it typed up)….I used this – the 5/8″ Burlap Ribbon (this IS being carried over and I would highly suggest that you have a roll of this in your stash). WHY???? easy – it works very well for an instant pop of texture and then you can also make a bow and you will have the same material used.
I could have made the bow with the linen thread but the colors would have been off a bit….just trying to give you a tip! (sometimes it is the little things that make a difference)
- The card is a 4 1/2″ Square in Thick Whisper White
- The Pear Pizzazz is a 4 1/8″ square
- The DSP from the NEW Color Theory Stack is a 4″ square.
- The birds are also from the new stack and WOW – was it easy…..just a crank through Mr Big and just LOOK at the details in the birds!
- I used the brush ends of the markers in Pear Pizzazz and Soft Suede to ink up the branch before stamping and then I did take an aqua painter to make the colors appear more solid (you could easily skip this)
- To add some texture, I took (2) pieces of the 5/8″ burlap ribbon and using tear & tape I anchored them down letting the ends flip up a bit to give movement on the card.
- I pulled apart some longer threads of the ribbon and made a simple bow and adhered it to the ranch with a glue dot.
- The Foam Adhesive Strips were the perfect adhesive for this card….you can bend them to exactly where you want them!
- I stamped the sentiment in Soft Suede and snipped it to a banner and matted it with Pear Pizzazz.
- I did use the Envelope Punch Board to make a custom envelope but you could easily use a regular envelope!
Well…that is IT for this fun weekend post! I hope that my little birds brought you some joy and hopefully have also shed some light to you in case you are like me, and MISSED IT in the catalog!
I will see you on Tuesday and I have a great post for you…it is an organizational one that is quite appropriate for this time of the year. We all know that the new catalog will be rolling out soon and we need to be organized before it comes so we make practical decisions in ordering etc.
I find that if I am honest with what I have and know what I have, I can make better decisions. Hopefully this makes sense….you will just have to POP back and see!
Have a wonderful and special day….HUGE MOM HUGS to all, I know that we all know a MOM out there that could use a hug, a way to go, a I’m proud of you…..remember, it’s the little and unexpected things that make a HUGE difference. 😀
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by Susan Itell | May 9, 2017 | Tips and Tricks!!!, Uncategorized |
Tuesday are the days that I love to share with you a tip that will make you say….“That’s a great idea”…or something like “That would work for me” etc….and this is one that I hope that many of you will think about and say – Why didn’t I think of that and I am going to HOP ON IT!
Each and every year I get emails from people asking if I have a refill for a color that has been discontinued and I will share with you what I do.
When we have NEW COLORS come out (like our upcoming NEW In Colors) and I do buy the ink pads and I buy the refills. The way that I look at it is that I naturally need the ink pads to show and share with you the colors on my blog and I do buy the refills because I do find that I need to re-ink over the 2 years that the colors are available and also I use them for different techniques.
Below is a video that shares a technique using re-inkers. I ask you – have you ever tried this? Hmmmmm….I think that I need to do a post on it…..whatcha think?
I say…if you do not own the ink pads in the In Colors that are retiring…I say – this is a great solution to get them without breaking the bank or how about this – if you have a stamping friend – share the refills between yourselves as I am sure that you have DSP that has these colors in them.
I know that many people love the size of the “spots” as they are super handy to have on the go and YEP – these are the sizes of the cubes that are in the Paper Pumpkin. They are sooooooo cute!
Now let’s talk about cute 🙂 …..here is a picture that I just had to snap as I walked through the family room…we have some “Horse Neighbors” that use our riding ring and here are Milo and Rosie perched up on the sofa watching them out the window!
Now I say….life is rough for my fur babies….it is just not worth continually saying….off the couch when they seem so comfy! Have a great day and HIT THAT PAW PRINT and take me up on this tip!
p.s. – Sonny and Chris….I know…I know – Milo is a bit “bottom heavy” but my “perfect boy” has the abs of steel to not fall off the pillow!
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by integrant.services | May 2, 2017 | SNEAK PEEK!!!, Uncategorized |
Good morning and there is a reason that this post is late in getting to you….are you curious?
Well…here is the scoop ~ Tuesday mornings are the magical day of the week that Stampin’ Up! gives us updates and general “scoop” that helps us with our Stampin’ fun!
I hope that you enjoyed this sweet bird clip and one bird is me…and the other is you.
Here is what is going on …we are having fun…we are chatting away….you are saying could I….should I….and I am saying….JUST DO IT!
Today is an extra special day because today is the day that we will be able to see what “selective” products that we will be able to order as a “pre-order” for the launching of the NEW annual catalog that goes live on June 1st! To me, this is a HUGE perk and sheer FUN to be able to order and also “play” with the new goodies.
I know that you know that the Ultimate bundle allows you to pick $125 worth of product and it costs you $99 and it ships for FREE (so that in itself saves you $12.50) and if I were you….these are (3) items that I would add to get that Ultimate Bundle! (Because we cannot share images within the catalog yet…you will see that I have provided you a Pinterest links and also a video that will show you many samples that many have made)
By now you know me, I like practical products and these 3 are very practical and will be marathon additions to your collection…another way to say it, KEEPERS! 😀
As the saying goes…it is as easy as 1,2,3 and I have the 3 products to make it easy!
- Colorful Seasons Bundle # 145348 – $54.00 – CLICK HERE TO SEE SAMPLES of fabulous ideas using this bundle and I am sure you can see images of the stamp set and bundle! I LOVE bundles….as framelits are our friends!
- At Home With You Bundle #145351 – $50.25 – Below is a video….you are going to LOVE this as it is bundle that you can use all year and for soooo many different occasions! YIPPEE…we love our framelits and I think that you can see in this video…these are super special!
- Crafting Forever Stamp Set #143958 – $20.00 – CLICK HERE TO SEE SAMPLES and I am just giddy of this stamp set. Not only is it super versatile but it is a perfect gift to give to your crafty friend! I was just thrilled that I received it at On Stage!
There you go…..you can CLICK HERE and get the Ultimate Bundle with these (3) above items that would have cost you $124.25 ( plus the 10% shipping $12.43) = $136.68 and you only have to pay $99 (SHIPS FOR FREE)! Can you see how that is a WIN-WIN plus your box of fun will have the new catalog in it?
I will say that I adore the fact that Stampin’ Up! allows “SUPER SMART STAMPERS” ~ let’s call you “SSS’ers” to be able to place “pre-order” goodies in the “Ultimate Bundle”…the one that YOU pick with no obligations ~ is just a no brainer….it is like going to Bed Bath & Beyond with that familiar Blue 20% off coupon that we all use!
I think…no I know that when you see that Direct Selling Agreement that you RUN as fast as you can….or you are like a dog with its tail between his legs…but the reality of it is, Stampin’ Up! has to go through this and it is truly nothing to be worried about.
Over 95% of SUD are hobbiest and trust me, that is JUST FINE as who does not like a deal….I know I do! It is funny…when there is a great SU sale …you all HOP on it.…and I think, why don’t you just be a “SSS’er” 😀 and get a 20% discount each and everyday? ( and pssst…..you could also get a 25% discount as well)
I adore and I welcome hobbiest as it is so simple, WHY NOT? I think that many think that they will either HAVE to do something…teach a class….have required sales quotas etc…and here is the truth – No. It is as simple as that. I love this quote and I hope that you let it sink in.
I can say, that the 3 days that I had with Michelle would not have been possible without me hitting that BUTTON to do something for me. True, I was only in for that one order and then bye-bye birdie…but I am sure glad that I stuck around. The relationships that I have gained are priceless and something I cherish. You can also click here and read my story and my Stampin love….
It is simple, I love what I do and I love to share the facts and truths with YOU! Now go have a GREAT day!
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by Susan Itell | May 1, 2017 | Uncategorized |
Good Morning! Well…I was like a pig in a big puddle of mud but I admit, I did not think that I would be so consumed with having so much sheer FUN with my friend Michelle! I truly thought that after each day of having fun at class we would come back to the hotel and just sit, relax, do our blogs…….NOT IN THE CARDS! (ha-ha….CARDS…get it) 😀
Before we get what I have been up to……we need to have a WINNER (well….actually no one got it 100% correct) but I have to say that I was as shocked as I think you are going to be with the answers! MANY people got #1 & #3 correct but it was the middle one that STUMPED YOU…..here you go! The answers are…..
- What is the name of Stamp Set that has been in the Catalog the longest? LOVELY AS A TREE
- What is the most popular bundle from the Occasions Catalog? NAILED IT BUNDLE
- How many pages was the first Stampin’ Up Catalog? 64 Pages
As I was driving on Thursday I was thinking that I was going to be short on time that night to post so I called Demonstrator Support and had fun with asking different trivia questions. The gal was so sweet to email me a list of fun facts and these were just 3 that I picked so I might to this in the future.
Are YOU AS SHOCKED AS I AM about #2 question? I admit, I think that it is a super unique set and I do have it but I was surprised….I for sure was thinking many of your guesses would have been the correct one.
We all owe our dear “CHRIS R from Iowa” for helping me with this as I texted her and asked if she would be so kind to scroll through the comments and give me the scoop. What I decided to do (with Chris’s help) was to take the ones that had the #1 & #3 answer correct and then pick the random winner…and that was……
So the moral of the story is…Andrea H, YOU WON so please email me with your address and when I am able to order you the “new goods” I will do so!
I really thought that Dragonfly Dreams or Tasty Treats was going to be the winner….and it goes to show you how wrong I was! Thanks for playing along with the fun and I will do trivia again as I just love games…..NOW TO WHAT I HAVE BEEN DOING……
We were in Columbus Ohio at a Simon Says Create event and there are no words to say other that WOW. We went from one thing to another and having a ball and I will say that I have learned a bunch but more importantly I had FUN and meeting lots of great people.
I thought that we were making a long trek to go…..from Maryland and Florida but WOW – there were people from the UK….Texas, California, Washington State, Tennessee, Montana, Maine….it was just unreal that there was so many from all over and in total there were only 120 people…and WOW – it was great and were we spoiled!
After I picked her up from the airport…..FIRST STOP.…The Container Store…we both we in heaven, sheer heaven…..that is like a TOY STORE to me as I love to look for goodies that make my life easier!
Next door there was a great home decor store (sorry, I can’t remember the name) but it was beautiful and fun. Naturally the horse decor made me pitter pat….but I hope that you get a kick out of the hand towel! 🙂
This event was sold out as fast as you can say SOLD OUT….and we were thrilled that we secured a spot! Not only did we have a blast being together but we had a blast creating, learning and doing what we all love…..crafting!
I adore Jennifer McQuire and I just could not wait to take a class from her and Kristina and wow ~ it was fabulous. As they were going over the way the class was going to go….they said – “This would have gone much faster if we all had a MISTI” but we are going to do the best job we can….and then…..they both said as they were smiling and laughing…..YOU ALL ARE GETTING A MISTI!!!!
Naturally that was FUN and oh so generous but then we received 2 more amazing stamp sets…..I could go on and on but these past days were a “pinch me” time for me and even though I felt terrible that I have not had time to pop on the computer.
You can see from the above line up of teachers…it was amazing. I cannot begin to tell you how incredibly engaging Tim Holtz was. He is one talented crafter but equally a talented instructor. I was truly blown away from his presentation.
Even though many of his work is not my style….I walked away having FUN and feeling so rewarding and proud of the creations I created ~ a great example of it is good to go away from your comfort zone. He is just a dynamic person and sooooo talented. He ability to be able to control and have 60 people do 4 projects was just amazing as there was so much detail and technique that he puts into his work.
Walking away from the time together, I truly learned to appreciate the fun it is to really try something that is out of the box for you. Tim’s wealth of knowledge of the crafting world and his obvious passion he has in exploring so many different mediums was a true eye opener to me, just one fabulous instructor.
This was the HUGE TOTE that I brought (as I drove) and Michelle and I had these GRAND DREAMS of playing with many of the new Stampin’ Up! goodies that we already have our hands on….and also to practice techniques and FUN that we learned….this was re-zipped up and brought right back to Randall Lane!.
Our days were jammed backed from early and then after we had dinner….we came back to the hotel and crashed! It was sheer FUN and by the ends of our 3 days together we felt that we had sooooooo much jammed into the 3 days we looked at each other and said – I AM EXHAUSTED (but in a GOOD way)
One night…..one of my team members drove over (a long way!) and we had dinner together and it was soooooo fun to grab a hug and share some time with Pam….(as we have never met in person) ~ another great example of this whole thing that we do…..IS SIMPLY THE BEST! The buzz that was surrounding me while away was so apparent that many people have met and developed relationships from simply connecting from blogs, the internet etc…..
Simon Says also had a POP UP SHOP (oh so smart of them as they had a captive audience of 120 crazed crafters) so that was another highlight if fun. If they did not have it at their shop…you could order it and the warehouse was very close and every couple of hours they would fulfill orders that were not at the Pop Up Shop.
By the end of our time there – they knew that my number was 004 and Michelle’s was 003 and it was fun to just add to the bag and check out at the end! Here was another brilliant move that they did….during the classes if you saw a product that they were demonstrating that you wanted, PRESTO….raise your paddle with your number and POOF…..someone walked wrote it down and into your bag it went!
Michelle and I were in our stamping glory and by the end of our time….our joy and smile tanks were filled to the brim! Back to reality….until tomorrow!
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