by Susan Itell | Dec 29, 2016 | Thank You, Uncategorized |
As promised I have a Thank You card for you today! If you are like me, I have some notes to write and I try to challenge myself to get them completed before we ring in the New Year!
I know that I am using Holiday colors but you can use this layout all year long and have FUN with a variety of colors. I think that if you are getting notes out quickly, using the Holiday colors is “just fine” 🙂
This is a card that LOOKS hard but it is SUPER EASY and the WOW factor is there when you are holding it! (I showed it to John before I typed this and he was memorized with how the “thanks” was laid into the strip background!) LET’S GO…..because I want YOU to try it!
You can see that this is a single layer card and today I am using the White Note card & Envelopes! Not only do I adore the affordability of them, I love the size.
The “STAR” of this card is using the Hello You Thinlit Dies, (shown below) and my bet is that many of you have them…..(maybe collecting dust?) I am a true lover of sentiment dies like this and if I had a magic wand, I wish that Stampin’ Up! would have more Sentiment Words as I find them super easy to make an impact!
At first glance you might think that the “thanks” is just cut out but truth be told, I cut the “thanks” out of the striped piece but then I also cut it out with White Card Stock and “puzzled” in in….an inlay die-cut technique!
The size of the note card is 5″ X 3 1/2″ so I started with a piece that is larger than that as I find it easy to cut it to size AFTER I place the strips of scraps! Just cut strips randomly but make sure that they are long enough to cover the diagonal!
The other star of the show that I used a product called Stick It. I have blogged about this before and I am being totally honest that we all know that we have “secret weapons” that make us smile and feel productive and I must say….I love this because there is no mess – true you could cover a piece of paper with adhesive or “green glue” but using Stick It works for me!
I purchase it from Amazon – you can click here to see it and I think that you will find it to be a great product to have. A little goes a long way! Here is a video from Ken Oliver that showcases the ease of it.
I placed the strips over the white piece of paper that had “stick it” to it and I love the ease of just “placing” and then “lifting” if it is not just the way that I want it….and then at the end…..just give it a great press and you are good to go! To me, this is one of the “KEY” beauties of this product….there is “forgiveness” until you get it where you want it and then after that “GOOD PRESS” – it is there to stay!
To the Big Shot we go…. – A run through we go and just be careful to keep the insides of the loops because you will want to place them in the white “thanks” you cut out.
I know that many of you are seeing the lines that the thinlit made….no worries – just let it rest a bit and then run it through you big shot with piece of card stock and just look at the difference it makes….try it – I think that you will like it!
Here is a tip and one that I know is hard fro us to do but trust me, you will be happy that you have this. Purchase and extra set of Cutting Plates….WHY???? We all know how scratched up our cutting plates get and there are many times that scratches from heavy use can rub onto a project. (darn I hope that this makes sense)
If I have the “bumps” from the framelits or even scratches that have transferred to a project surface, I take a piece of thick white card stock or sometimes a piece of fun foam and place it over top of the project that I created…..run it through the Big Shot with CLEAN PLATES and it really makes a difference in minimizing the frustrating bumps etc….(hopefully the below card picture will help you see compared to the one above) 🙂
I truly wish that you could “TOUCH” this card as it is sooooooo cool how it is one piece…it is impressive, especially when you open up the card and cannot see a thing other than a notecard!
It was weird to list the products for you today, there are soooooo few as this card takes a minimal amount of product. You can see that there is really not much to it.
The envelope love…it is from the Subtles DSP Paper Stack, I adore this paper and this is why I always include it in my product shares as it is a keeper and I want you to have a “taste of it” without having to break the bank!
You like???? I hope so as it is an easy technique to do and one that YOU will be so proud that you did! Have a great day…..tomorrow is another thank you card – (totally different concept) but one that is a keeper 🙂
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by Susan Itell | Dec 28, 2016 | Just Because..., Super Easy, Uncategorized |
Happy HUMP DAY.…is it REALLY Wednesday? Are you like me that when a Holiday is on a weekend…that you get so confused with what day it is? I am just one confused Silly Susan!
Yesterday was a weird day for me…the peeps left and I cried, I do it each and every time they drive down the driveway and I do the same thing….tears, the dogs and I stay outside until I can no longer see them. We had a fabulous holiday….just fabulous and I will share with you some of the “funnies” of our time as I know, you’ll laugh!
The other thing that happen yesterday was that the BEST young lady in the whole wide world (my wonderful god-daughter Emerson) had her tonsils out. She is 20 and it is a bit rougher when you are older so this card is for her!
I know that I have not been flooding my blog with the new catalog but this card is all about the new catalog! Speaking of catalogs….if you have ordered from me in the past 6 months, you should have received a copy of the catalog by now…if not, please email me and I will be happy to pop one in the mail to you.
This is a very straight forward “Susan style card” just keeping it very clean and simple. I am letting the FUN DSP and the stamp set to set the tone.
I know, I know – you have heard this from me many times….but this is a stamp that I would definitely purchase as a bundle as not only is it a fun classic set, there are soooooo many die cuts that make it so much easier to create a super fun card and truth be told – who does not like to save money…..buy purchasing it as a bundle you will save an instant 10%. 🙂
FUN…right??? The colors are yummy and I thought that this theme would be perfect for Emerson with a couple of boxes of Popsicle’s to make her smile a bit!
You can see that the POP factor of the card is just clean and simple layering! By taking (2) rectangles and turning them a bit….and then letting the white rectangle be the anchor for the Popsicle’s and the sentiment ~ you end up with one simple and clean card!
I did something that I have not done in a L O N G time…I took a marker and drew a line just 1/4″ in on all 4 sides to add some interest. I felt I need just a little extra something and this seemed to do the trick! I did this in Pool Party.
Having a good see-through ruler is a must in what we do, here is one that I use SEVERAL times a day…..you can find it at many stores but I seem to have good luck at Jo Ann’s as I like the 12″ length. (Many stores carry the same but it is 18″ long)
You can also see that I did the “Susan dashes” on the pool party in the white gel pen. I know, I know…..we do not sell it anymore (and I am still sad 🙁 ) but you can easily find it many places…I recently purchased it at Amazon with the Silver and Gold – click here and it will take you to them! I am lovin’ the gold and silver as well!
Let’s chat real quick about this sentiment…..super cute!!! This is from the new must have sentiment set in the Occasions Catalog called Sending Thoughts. Below you will see all of the goodies that are in the set.
I ADORE the fonts and I am doingt he happy dance that there are great sentiments for the inside of cards. For this card I used, HUGS.PRAYERS.LOVE. – isn’t that a great sentiment that can be used for sooooooo many cards!
Well….thoughts? Do you remember when you had your tonsils out? I was 21 years old and it was not fun….it seems like when children were young, the doctors seemed to do it….but when you are older…you do have several miserable days! This young lady has THE CUTEST smile you will ever see…her eyes twinkle and she has dimples~ you can see that I love her to pieces!
I am getting my hair cut this morning and then over to see my little friend with some cool treats! Below you will see the “scoop” on the fun card. I am excited for Emerson to see it as I know I will get a smile 🙂
After I return home I have a HUGE DATE….with my computer! 😀 I have played “hookie” for a LONG time and I need to go through emails (yikes, I am dreading seeing how many) and then I am going to work on Product Shares! I will be sending everyone that has emailed me that they want in the 1st wave of my Product Share by 9 p.m. this evening. (I need to put a time limit on MYSELF)
I want to share with you one love we have as a family when we get together….SIMPLE – putting puzzles together! I was sooooooo excited about this puzzle as you know that I adore dogs. This was FUN puzzle to put together but I will say, it was a bit frustrating to get going but if you look closely your will see…another thing that seems to happen to us….we have 999 pieces…..yep, we lost one somewhere along the way. (I am determined to find it even if I have to go thru the vacuum) It was super cute and fun to work on as a family.
Enjoy the day….I must say, it feels great to share with you a blog post. I hope that you enjoyed it and I look forward seeing you back here tomorrow with a super fun Thank You card that would be so appropriate for the season right now!
Don’t forget to check in with the year end clearances...there are some great deals and I will say…I have used a BUNCH of ribbon over the holiday that was either discontinued from this year or years in the past….and with every order of $75.00 or more….you get to go INTO THE VAULT – my place where ALL of my retired stamps are….and there are 100’s of them!
Hit this PAW PRINT….and it will take you right to my on line store! Have fun!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 26, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Merry…Merry the day after!
I just “had to” grab my computer and sneak a post in! I truly hope that everyone had a blessed day yesterday and that this whole holiday has been filled with joy, happiness, family & friends!
I need to share with you…I have been in my glory, nothing less than SHEER GLORY as I have (and still am) taking in every second of having all 3 peeps home. All is quiet right now as John and I are up while they are still sleeping….we are getting ready for ROUND #3….having 24+ for an afternoon of family fun on Johns side of the family!
I also want to say, “I have missed you all” as my blog, my readers, the comments are all such a great part of ME….and I have missed posting but I admit, family is first and I have so much to share because we have been having a blast!
I know that many of you like my animal stories…the fun in’s and out’s of my life and trust me, I will share/journal some highlights for you in another post but for today….I just needed to grab my computer friend and shoot this out because we need to see who won from the last post…..so here you go – Kathy….get ready…..do that dance….work it Kathy – work it Kathy!!!!
Kathy…please email me you address and I will send you the gold and copper embossing powder!
That’s it for me today….I just wanted you to know that I am missing you all…..I am in my family glory….and I hope that you are having a great holiday! I know that my blog is to be posts of Stampin’ Up! inspiration, but my blog is an extension of ME…..and you all know me well enough….you will ALWAYS get great inspirations of cards etc….but right now, I am in my family glory!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 21, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Ho-ho-ho….and I think that today I am going to address and hopefully shed some LIGHT to you all about the heat embossing tip from Monday’s Post! Again, I adored all of your comments and we do have a winner….I just love being Santa……drum roll….drum roll…. it is Jennifer Newell….woot-woot….go Jennifer, go Jennifer and do that dance!!! I think I have a correct address for you but just in case, please email me and let me know!!!!
I encourage you to read the comments because there are some great ideas and also some common questions that were asked over and over again! One thing that is apparent is, there are many that just adore heat embossing. To me, my heat embossing is an instant smile maker each and every time because it is rewarding and people are always amazed at the result!
For today, leave a comment and today’s winner will receive a container of the GOLD & COPPER Embossing Powders!
Here is the “low down” in the best that I can give it to you in words! I agree – I need to do a video to show you but that is just going to have to wait until after the holidays! I think that these points will help you. Please chime in with your comments….this is how we learn!
(these are in random order….everything is rather random with the holidays!!!!!) 🙄
Here are 2 pictures that I hope will help!
- I always use a coffee filter to add the embossing powder over the stamped image. They are sooooooo easy to bend to put the powder back into your container. 🙂
- I also take a swifter cloth to wipe off my area “just in case” some leftovers were there….this powder is very fine and these cloths are perfect for cleaning your area – just keep it in a baggie! 🙂
- Always use the Stampin’ Buddy on your paper before you stamp. I know that if you are stampin’ with one of our inks it is hard to remember to do this but try to as it does make a difference! After I heat emboss I take a clean swifter cloth over top of it and wipe off any residue that might be there from the Stampin’ Buddy! 🙂
- Go to the dollar store and purchase a super inexpensive paint brush – I find having a ling thin one is great to “flick off” and strays that are hanging out! 🙂
- When I clear heat emboss….I DO NOT USE VERSAMARK….(trust me, I was silly Susan and ruined a versamark pad)….after you stamp it with the color (say Real Red) then add the CLEAR EMBOSSING POWDER OVER TOP! 🙂 There is enough moisture from the ink that the embossing powder will hold~ just be prepared to have all of the products ready to rumble! 🙂
- I do have a VERSAMRK Pen and I have tried to use it but I will say that I do not have the best of luck with it….(maybe it’s me) 😕
- In the comments, some asked about getting a clear impression ~ this is one that you are just going to have to play with. I hope that this makes sense but we all know that there are times that some stamps require double stamping to get that perfect stamp (maybe it is just me being type A) but trust me, I get it. IF you need to double stamp, I would make sure that you are using a stamp-a-ma-jig or if you have a MISTI…you are good to go! 🙂
- I would make sure that your ink pads are well inked…..again, you will need to play with this because sometimes I OVER INK mine and then that’s a mess…..(if you do this just take a piece of card stock and it will soak in) 🙂
- If you are using the White, Gold, Silver or Copper Embossing Powder than YOU NEED TO STAMP WITH VERSA MARK and then put the powder over top and then heat set it. 🙂
- Make sure that your Heat Tool is GOOD AND HOT BEFORE you bring your stamped image to be set. I have found this to be a GAME CHANGER! 🙂
WHEW…..I hope that this SHED some light! It is really hard to put into words and I appreciate you hanging in there with me! Please leave a comment and hopefully you will be the WINNER-WINNER and be able to do that dance!!!!
I have so many other fun blog tips and tricks that I want to share and trust me, my head is swimming with ideas – it is just the TIME thing right now with the holidays!!!! I think you all “get it” – I thank you for popping in and having some “me time” for yourself!!!!
Stampin’ hugs….enjoy the day!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 18, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Good Morning…well one week from today it is the BIG DAY to celebrate this beautiful and special season! How is everyone doing? I think that there are times that the holidays bring us “speed bumps” in life but I encourage you to look at them and try to find some humor in them…just say to yourself, “you just can’t make this stuff up”
Here is the latest and greatest on our end…..WE HAVE INTERNET!!!! The cyber gods have opened up and made me happy BUT the weather yesterday……CRAZY – it was to get warm….but oh no, it was an ICY mess and it truly did not get better as the day went on. After John and I left McDonald’s yesterday (for me to finish my post) and then to the gym…..IT WAS CLOSED!!!!! (due to weather)
Last night I asked John where the mail was and he said, it never came….I could not believe it as it really wasn’t THAT bad….so I texted on of my friends that works at our local post office as John and I had a bet….JOHN WON…..she said – YEP, they told the mail carriers not to go back your road!
I am LOVIN’ being SANTA and wowzers….it looks like there was LOTS of great discussion about the Absorbers. I am glad that so many of you use this method and for those of you that are still unclear, let me say a couple of things before we get to today’s topic.
We need ANOTHER WINNER……so here you go – the lucky winner today is #4 – Carol ~ WOOT-WOOT.….do that dance and then send email me with your address!
Quickly to the absorber….
It is just a basic car drying chamois that all I do is cut into “workable” sizes for my hand. (I personally thing that if it is too big….it is super frustrating). I will be a post with the links to many ideas on non Stampin’ Up! this week but for those of you that are unclear about the product – here is a link and then here is another link. You can clearly see that the prices are different and the reason is the size…you are going to “cut it” so take that into consideration.
I will say….I think that the “absorber” brand is the best – it seems to hold up great through many hard uses and washings! You can buy this at any auto store (maybe in your own garage)…Walmart etc….I just find it SUPER handy to use and it works great for me!
O.k. – now to day! We all take soooo much pride and joy in making things and also in picking out the “special something” for gift giving – today is all about making them look their best as after all…when someone sees a beautiful presentation…now matter what the value of it is – THEY FEEL SPECIAL!
Below you will see a couple of pictures of packing that I do. I ADORE wrapping gifts, even so much that I would love to have a service to fru-fru and wrap peoples gifts! I find it fun and rewarding but trust me, I AM SUPER SAVVY!
Here are tips for you….now I know one thing that we all have in common is HOARDING paper and ribbon so 1st I say USE IT. I will then say that there are some ribbons that are TIMELESS and SUPER CLASSIC that are just tooooooo darn good of a deal to not STOCK PILE – yes, you heard me….I am saying BUY MORE AND HOARD it because it is going to be useful in many time ahead!
The “key” to doing this is to purchase wisely. When we buy wrapping paper you are almost always guaranteed that white or ivory will work. YEP – click here and then click here. I ask you, how can you go wrong for $2.80 a roll…it is simple – YOU CAN’T~
Here is another type of ribbon that I SWOOPED up on because it ties BEAUTIFUL in the simple knot….(works for me as it lays flat and always looks great) – are the 5/8″ Striped Cotton Ribbon. These are also $2.80 per roll – they are fantastic ~ (I seem to use the Hello Honey and the Blackberry Bliss the most)
Now you might be surprised on this one….this is what I have on one of the packages you see in the picture! It is the Wild Wasabi Seam Binding Ribbon – this is another keeper for many papers! Here is another sleeper for many of you….the Craft Rope Trim. This was from the holiday catalog and it just gives a great homey feel to a package and I trend to use it for things that I pull together tissue paper around.
Here is a FUNNY FOR YOU…..when I was taking down the cornstalks from our front porch I found a surprise (remember….John did the decorating)….I went to cut them off of the pillars and guess what he used – THE CRAFT ROPE TRIM!!!!! Here is goes, you just can’t make this stuff up! I asked him about it when he came home that night and I loved his answer….the baling twine on the hay bales at the barn were blue so I went upstairs to your stash and thought that was perfect! 😀
Here is the last ribbon I will share today as I think by now “you get it” where I am going with this post. It is the Real Red 3/4″ Stitched Ribbon. It is beautiful and I have used it a bunch this season. It is now $5.10 and I do not mean to sound cheap etc…but I have been on the fence waiting to see if it would go lower in price so I haven’t gone “too overboard” on this one…..I do love it and it made decorating Mason Jars a breeze! (this would be great for Valentines Day as well!)
Let’s chat about paper…do you know where I love to get super cute paper for just $1.00 a roll. Michael’s Arts! If you go to the section in the store that has the $1.00 bins…you can always find fun and different paper patterns. That is always the 2st place I go when I go to Michael’s as those bins are great!
The other great place that I find FUN tissue is Hobby Lobby. When they have a sale….they have a great sale! This fun polka dot tissue is 50% off and I bet it will be 75% off soon….I will SWOOP that up as it works for Valentines as well plus I always give my product shares lots of love on making them look pretty for you!
We all cannot forget the dollar store…..here is a great one that I love to do for a little “giftie” for my mail carrier. He loves to go to the movies…I buy him (2) movie tickets that he can use whenever and purchase a popcorn box form the dollar store….put some $1.00 boxes of candy, a cute card….BAM!!!!
Here is another GREAT GIFT that anyone would love to receive. I did this for my brother that is a single dad. I bought him a bunch of different wrapping paper like I talked about….a bunch of our ribbons, a “good” scotch tape dispenser with refills and a great pair of scissors….this is such a practical and useful gift that would nake someone happy not to have to do the “guess work”
There you go…another post that hopefully has brought some insight to you! Now here is the FUN…..leave us a comment and give us some feedback of the products I highlighted and also some tips and tricks that you do.
One person will win several rolls of ribbon that I know will make you smile!
I highlighted the specific product for you rather than showing the scrolling store like I normally do with my blog posts because “at a glance”, they do not show the discounted price……but remember, clicking on the highlighted link will take you directly to my on line store….and also click here as well!
There are LOTS of deals and remember….YOU can GO TO THE VAULT! Ho-Ho-Ho! I like to make sure that I have the “basics” so stocking up on great Year End Deals is a win-win….and then toss in some staples like paper, envelopes, adhesives…..I know getting to $75.00 is not too hard…then you can PICK A FREE STAMP from ME!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 17, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Good morning! Once again, I adored and appreciated reading your comments from yesterday’s post! I am thrilled that you all are enjoying the break from normal post to have good old fashion fun and letting me play SANTA to YOU!
Back at McDonald’s but this time John is with me and then we are going to the gym…..this weather is crazy as we had freezing rain but then tomorrow we are to be in the upper 50’S….PEEP from Boston was heading home today but he called at 8:30 last night saying he just hit the road because Boston was to get bad weather…..I heard him come in around 4 this morning and I am thrilled that he is here safe and sound.
Update on living in the boonies….I was coming home from getting shavings for the barn and I spotted the Cable Truck……I think I PUSHED ON THAT GAS PEDAL in excitement to see if he was there for “our problem”….are you ready for this…..I pulled up beside him (Milo was with me in his dear little red plaid coat) and I put the passenger side window down…. and kinda yelled “hello”…NO RESPONSE….
Next I tapped the horn of the truck (I really hated to do this but I did) and the guy JUMPED in his seat – HE WAS ASLEEP!!! I burst out laughing and then I thought – you just cannot make this up….I then said – by any chance are you here for a repair call for 15002? He first apologized (heck it was around 1 p.m. ~ maybe he was in a food coma from his lunch) and then he said also 15004 & 15007.
When I heard that there were (2) other cases I was SOOOOOOO HAPPY because I believe in the POWER OF NUMBERS…..because we all know when there are more people having the same issues….things happen! I really wish you would have seen my face as I was just ecstatic that other people had issues! (that’s kind of mean if me…..I know, shame on me)
I then said, by any chance do you know what the problem is? He said he thought it was because of the drastic drop in temperature and that he needed to go back to a transformer on a road that is probably 2 miles from my house. (I again thought to myself, how silly is that that we would be hooked up to that box way down the road…but I didn’t say a word!!!!)
I went home, unloaded the shavings – came up to the house and decided to head back out with a secret weapon….Homemade Cookies and Hot Chocolate (thank you Christmas time with having cookies around)….his truck wasn’t there where I saw him coming home earlier…..I went down to the end of the next road, no truck (at this point I was thinking….did he ditch our job ~ and if he did…..hmmmmmmm)
I went down another small road and THERE HE WAS…….I pulled up to his truck and this time he was out working (guess that cold air was going to keep him awake) and said, I thought that this would taste good to you as you can see…..I am hoping….really hoping that you are going to get to the bottom of this and have our internet back because I am going through computer withdraw (and that makes me grumpy)
He laughed and thanked me and said that he was still working on figuring out what area it is and what the issue was etc….I went back home….told the dogs my story (aren’t animals the best to talk to – they kind of tilt their heads back and forth like, YES MOM….I GET IT! ~deep down they probably know what I am saying and are thinking – you are nuts)
Back out again I went to go to an appointment and when I came home there was a note taped on the front door from my “new friend” – he said…I found the problem and we will be back out tomorrow. There came the happy dance (again, the poor dogs thought I had lost it)
Ok – ENOUGH about the “story time with Susan” (I am thankful that I can use WORD and just save it) we have a winner from yesterday….it is…..Gracie Harrell.…WOOT-WOOT to YOU – please email me your address and your pens will be in the mail to you! I know that you are going to love them ~ they are great! (thanks for popping in)
For today…this is THE KEEPER OF ALL KEEPERS! I know that I am sharing a bunch of great tips but even if you do not win today...YOU NEED TO DO THIS as it is the best! (One day next week I will be doing a post on my top 10’s of different things and I will feature this with the links etc…so keep watching)
I can hear you right now….THIS LOOKS LIKE ONE HOT MESS…well, let me tell you – it does look icky but it is THE BEST and one of YOU will be a lucky person to win the container and I will cut you (4) little squares!
All you have to do is leave me a comment and let us know if you use this method and if so…how do you like it…..or just leave a comment and let us know something that works for you.
I just find this to be SUPER fast and easy to keep my stamps clean and then I throw them in the wash machine every so often. They always looked stained (I call that well loved) and they are great as it is the perfect amount of moisture to clean and then they dry super quick!
Again, next week I am going to be doing (3) in a row of posts of MUST HAVES (in my opinion) and I will share with you the links for them! Remember, shopping in jammies is not only FUN but ON TREND…..(just saying) 🙂
Please do not forget about the Product Share…I will send out confirmations by next Tuesday so if you have not heard from me, please do not think that I did not get your share request…..and also, DO NOT FORGET THE VAULT…….for those of you that I have been IN THE VAULT – you know that there is a TON of FUN!
See you tomorrow….another GREAT tip and fun give away! (FINGERS & TOES crossed that we get the internet back)
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