by Susan Itell | Dec 7, 2016 | 3-D Projects, Christmas, Uncategorized |
Happy HUMP Day (Wednesday) and I am happy to continue the week of “practical posts” for you….for those last minute ideas! I know that these are ones that you have seen…ones that are super easy but I say – they are classics so why not show them again!
I was thinking when I was preparing for this post….there are always NEW people that hop on the fun train of paper-crafting! I ask you to remember when you started…how you felt when you learned something and this week of posts I hope are useful and helpful to you!
I love your feedback and I smile with each and every comment that you leave as I feel like “our community” of sheer fun is just soooo darn unique and I thank you for stopping in….sharing….ordering….please know that sharing handmade kindness matters – BIG TIME!
I have a TON of pictures for you…so I hope that they help and please do not hesitate to email me if you need further help. This post is about how to give a fun & festive way to give a check or cash….as we all know, tis’ the season!
Today Is all about that and also all about doing “surgery” on this single stamp….I blogged about it over the weekend and yep, I am guilty as charged – I have (2) of them ~ one for the single stamp that it is intended and then the other, SURGERY – as I cut it into 11 stamps!
Below you will see a parade of pictures but I know what you want…the dimensions – “I GET IT” and trust me. when I caught the stampin’ bug…..I was always sooo appreciative of dimensions!
Here you go! So simple, so easy to duplicate and yep…tomorrow I will show you another way to make a check/cash fun!
- The base is a 7″ X 7″ square
- Score at 1 1/4″ X 4 1 /4″
- Punch a circle (whatever you have) in the middle before you adhere – see the picture below to find the middle
- Use tear-n-tape for the edges
- The belly band ~ 6 3/4″ X 1 1/4″ and then if you add an accent color like I did – that is 6 3/4″ X 1″. (make sure that you do not make the belly band too tight ~ you need that “wiggle room”
I say…just have FUN with decorating with what you have! I know that YOU have a TON of stash….I say, USE WHAT YOU HAVE. My feeling is at this time of the year, we always get sooooooo stressed – just do what you can….and then be proud!
You can see that I have used this stamp to my advantage….I loved it soooooo much that it was easy to buy (2) of them and now that they are on sale…I say a BIG WOOT~ WOOT ~ how can you go wrong!?!?!?!
Embossing was fun…and I say ~ rewarding..as there is something magical about seeing the transformation of seeing a simple “powder” turn to sheer beauty! THIS IS the TECHNIQUE that always WOWS all!
Have a fabulous day and I hope to see you tomorrow have another version for a check/cash for you! I ask you….HOW ARE YOU DOING WITH THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING?
The calendar is rolling but I truly thing that we can only do what we can do….enjoy the journey…and do not stress yourself ~ I am super proud that as I have “grown in age” – I do not let the little stuff bother me!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 4, 2016 | Christmas, Step it up Sunday!, Uncategorized |
Good Morning! If you happened to wonder where was my morning early post….we lost internet yesterday! Sorry for the delay but you are going to love this one! 🙁 The GREAT news is that I am back and we need to have a chat about this super cute shaker card!
I adored the comments from yesterday and yes…PEEP James did love the card (sometimes I wonder if he just says that because of me being “Mom” but he liked it and John…well ~ he increased his order to 18 cards! I think they think I eat Bonbons all day!)
Here you go….side by side, you decide! I know that you like these 2 days posts and every week I say to myself, I don’t know if I can do it….and then somewhere…somehow – I pull it off!
I have LOTS of pictures for you today as I feel pictures really help but as always, please feel free to email me if you need additional help. Shaker cards are really fun to make and they are like anything else, a couple of tips and tricks and the process is much smoother!
Before we get going, here are the comments from the guys. They BOTH liked Saturday’s Card…naturally I said, does that mean that you didn’t like Sunday’s card….they both laughed at me and said that they didn’t need the fru-fru inside but they said that my readers would prefer the shaker card…..YES – I love them both but it is FUN to shake-shake-shake!!!
Making a Shaker Card if fun. Making a Shaker card is rewarding as there is something special about the movement inside. Making a Shaker Card creates and instant WOW to whomever is lucky enough to receive it. I hope that YOU try to make one.
We all have the necessities of making one…you can use circles, squares, rectangles….but today I am using the Hearth & Home Framelit as I think that it is a perfect choice for a shaker card, especially for the Holidays!
You can see by the pictures that I stamped the tree and cut it out like a normally would do but then I also cut a piece of Crumb Cake to go behind the window. Below you will see that I simply adhered the tree and then snipped off the edges for the backdrop of the shaker element!
TIP ALERT: – Use the thin Foam Strips when making a Shaker Card…they are a DREAM MACHINE and make life soooooo much easier and it is a HUGE time saver! Just make sure that you have the ends together to lot allow and “goodies” to decide they want to leave the card!
Here is another tip: – I like to take the embossing buddy bag and run it over the paper and image BEFORE I put the sequins in…this helps with static when you place the acetate over and also it takes away some of the “tackiness” of the sides of the adhesive strips so the elements do not stick (You can see in the picture below that I must not have done a good job on the right side as there are many elements sticking….no worries, once you have your card together just keep shaking and shaking and they will get loose!)
I forget to take a picture of this but I think that you will “get it” – You will adhere a piece of acetate to the front windowpane part of the diecut. I used tear – n tape and where it was too wide, I simply folded it over. You really want a good and strong hold to keep the acetate in place. Also, take the embossing buddy and do the same thing – this helps for the static!
Another TIP: – before you release the adhesive strips, glue down a couple of sequins etc….randomly around the visual part. This way when your card is sitting up as a card would be on a shelf etc…you will see some elements and then hopefully (unless you are a guy) it will encourage you to give this card some love and smile as you shake it back and forth! 🙂
I went into my stash of fun and randomly used elements that I love…I just love little seed beads and also clear items. No rules, just have fun but do not put too much in because it will be hard to get the good “shake” – less is best!
Here is my smile picture, when I get to this part…I feel like I have accomplished something. I admit, guilty as charged that I have be known in my family to carry around a card and to keep saying, do you like this one – this is one that I would do with it!
I think that the tree behind the window just warms your heart for the holidays! I a getting excited (I rarely do this early) but yesterday we worked our tails off (but trust me, there still is a big tail behind me) and I will say that we accomplished 85% of the decorating! Tomorrow I will share with you a funny that will make you laugh!
Here is your 411 – picture to pin for the future! Just hover over it and take it to your favorite spot! I am sad that this stamp is “walking the bye-bye plank” but it will be one that will not leave Randall Lane…there are simply some stamps that you cannot part with!
Click here to see the items that are on the year end closeouts and remember, with every $75+ or more purchase with me this month, YOU can go into the VAULT and pick any stamp set your heart desires. I have 5 years of stamps in there and it has been a WORK IN PROGRESS trying to get them all in one place.
Those that have been to the vault as happy to finally get that one stamp set that they wanted but didn’t get. I do have marked in the vault (updated it yesterday) the items from this current catalog that I am saying goodbye to….but I can not mail them to you until after the catalog ends, Jan. 3rd as per our rules!
Have a fabulous day….”get lots done” and look for me at the Ravens game!!! Yep, James bought tickets for us to go together…..so the 3 of us are going to Baltimore today, this will be my first love NFL Game! It should be a fun day!
p.s. – this coming week of posts….they will be super fun and informative as I will be sharing with you some practical and fun ways to finish up those gifts ideas!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 3, 2016 | Christmas, Simple Saturday, Uncategorized |
Happy Weekend! Here you go with a super SIMPLE card that is a keeper for a guy! I was thinking about PEEP James when I made this as you know…dear old Mom would LOVE to make some cards for her peeps to send out! Here is a funny….when John came home last night, I showed him the cards for his thoughts!
His response…”LOVE them – I would like a dozen!” When I said, “John., I was going to make these for James” ~ he said great – we have different friends. I would love a dozen (or more) for some special clients! Well…I guess I should be flattered…right?????
You know how I feel about single stamps, it is simple – they are keepers. This one is very unique and yep…it is “walking the plank on the bye-bye list” I thought that it was super unique and I knew instantly is would be on Randall Lane. ( PLUS – it is on sale for just $12.75)
Now you need to admit, it doesn’t get any simplier than this!?!!? When I have a BIG stamp like this, I like to take my ink pad to the stamp and then place the paper on top of the inked up side and press with my hands to transfer the ink.
You can see that I used a much larger piece of paper than I needed but to me, it is easier to do it this was and then take it to the trimmer to get it all lined up to the exact size I need.
To me, the colors ~ the neutrals is what makes this a great “guy card”. I originally had a Crumb Cake star on the tree and when John saw tomorrows card….he said – you need to make a sparkly star like that card! (well…there is a hint for tomorrows card!)
This stamp set and framelit was carried over from last year and I say….it has not been blogged a bunch about this year but it is a keeper. (look at the products used at the end of the post). I used the smaller tree in the framelit set to adhere to the tree….works great – right?!?!
If you ever use the fun foam, remember to use an adhesive like fast fuse as it needs a “dry” adhesive….it is a heck of mess with the green glue, just sayin’ ~ been there…done that!
Here is the “pretty picture”…it just makes my heart pitter – patter when I see the envelope beside it. The COMPLETE picture…a true smile maker! The Warmth & Cheer DSP Stack had been a great addition to the Holiday Collection this year. I am a die hard lover of plaids and I was super happy with all of the yummy paper that are in this collection!
There you go! I am in love with this card and I am THRILLED that John loves it….now let’s hope that PEEP JAMES feels the same way. I know that it is hard to find a card for a “guy” – but I think that this is a keeper!
Don’t forget about the on going YEAR END CLOSE OUTS – shop away…and then TURN THE DIAL to PICK a stamp set of your choice from my VAULT OF STAMPIN’ FUN! I will send you “the list” and TRUST ME….it is a HUGE list…5 years worth of goodies and I have been making smiles!
Have a great day…..get some decorating in – make memories and JUST HAVE FUN! I hope to see you back tomorrow to see what it up my sleeve! Stampin’ hugs!
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by Susan Itell | Dec 1, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Today is not only the beginning of a NEW Month…but it is the beginning of the Year-End Closeouts for Stampin’ Up!
(Click on the below image and it will take you right to the goodies!)
I know, I know….some of you are going to be sad that certain products are being retired ~ but trust me, it will be ok.The thing to remember is, The EARLY BIRD gets the worm as there are some items that will sell out fast.
I love how they have the categories broken down…have fun taking it all in and remember, just because there are items that are on the “bye-bye” list…doesn’t mean that they are not “keepers” – Trust me, I have many stamps that I keep!
I honestly have not looked at the list and trust me, after I post this….I will grab a cup of coffee and do the same thing that you are doing….CLICKING ON THE LINK…..and taking it all in…and then hit that SHOP NOW button and grab some deals!
Here is the hostess code for this month:
3ZYWSCUE
You are going to LOVE the incentive this month….and it is one that I can get out the door to you in a jif! You know how the saying goes, “you live and learn”….well I have that taped up in my work area as I am still playing catch up in making cards.
How would YOU like to pick a FREE STAMP SET from my vault of retired Stamps! 🙂 Yep, that is right…over the past several months I have been organizing my retired stamps and I have them in a word document and if you order $75.00 + from me, you can take a trip into my “Vault” and pick a stamp set!
Remember, if your order is over $150.00+, there is no need to use the Hostess Code because YOU can take advantage of the hostess rewards, but I will still let you pick from the vault (actually you would be able to pick 2 FREE STAMPS)
This has been a work in progress as I have 5+ years of stamps. I have them all alphabetically organized and in a Word Document…(that is a HUGE step for me)…now hit that PAW PRINT and shop away!
Enjoy the day…the Countdown has begun….YIKES – 24 days until Santa!!! Let’s all pace ourselves…remember to enjoy the journey, make memories along the way and have fun! Baby steps! 😀
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by Susan Itell | Nov 24, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Happy Thanksgiving to each and everyone of you. I hope that you have a fabulous day wherever you are…whomever you are with…and I have a story to share with you that was truly a “Thanksgiving” in my life this year.
This is a time of the year that I think we all enjoy the family and friends but to me, it is also a time that I like to take some “me time” and write down the “high’s and lows” of the year…the “smiles and tears” of the year, the special things that have just happened to me as I find that if I do not find “that space” to allow me to remember, I am afraid that I will forget.
I am super big on journaling. I am the very first one that does not like their own handwriting but I have learned to accept it (after all, at 53 – it is not going to change) 😀 and that I realize that when I see the handwriting of my Mom, if it is on a recipe, a card that she wrote to me or the peeps….I feel an instant connection and comfort.
If there is one thing that I encourage you to do, it is to write down your thoughts, your travels and adventures, the good, the bad, the funny…..the whole darn thing because not only is a “feel good” for you to go down memory lane…but it is a legacy for those that know and love you.
If you follow my blog, you know that I was gone for 3 weeks in October (and I am STILL trying to get caught up with being away) but it was a great time but also a super important time for me because of 2 very special ladies.
When I found out that Lydia’s retreat was outside of Austin, Texas in a little town called Temple….I immediately looked up how far it was to Brenham, TX. It was about 96 miles away. I smiled as I knew that I could do it.
By now you all know that my hubby is simply the best – I shared with him my plan, my concerns of being away and how I was actually going to make everything work because I had 2 days to be in “limo-land” before I flew to Atlanta for On Stage.
He said….”DO IT – just stay and go see Millie and Alyece ~ I know your heart is telling you to do it and I know that it will be a life changer for you”. Let me back up and say who these ladies are. I think I knew Alyece before Millie but they have purchased my monthly Class in the Mail from me.
There was something different about these ladies, I knew it right off the bat! First, Millie was the name of one of Hannah’s horses that I adored….I adored her soooooo much and she was injured and I worked with her for over a 18 months rehabbing her ~ so naturally you can see the bond we had. The minute I hear “Millie” I feel like a puppy with its ears perked up…..as it is a happy feeling!
I get cards from these ladies and they ALWAYS sign it, A big old Texas hug to you! I ask you, and I hope that you are smiling – it doesn’t get better than that!?!?
Fast forwarding….my travel plans were set and I called Alyece to see if it was going to work to meet. She wasn’t 100% sure because she was going to a Stampin’ Retreat herself over that weekend that I was having fun with Lydia but then I said, what about Tuesday? She said Tuesday would be perfect!
Tuesday morning came and I packed my bags….said good-bye to my friends that I met at Lydia’s (WOWZERS – that is another amazing story in itself) and I headed to Brenham,Texas. I knew that it was going to be a special time but I honestly can say that I did not know that it would have touched me like it did.
We met for lunch at a super fun place called Funky Art Cafe’ – it was the best of both worlds, a great place to eat and a place to shop! We talked, laughed, talked…it was simply the best.
Meet Millie. Millie is a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator and one special person. I wish that you could have all been with us for our “get together” I feel so honored and blessed that through something that I love so much and something that I am so passionate about that I was able to connect, touch and meet in person these great ladies!
There is something else super special about Millie…you will have to read on to find out, (trust me, it is worth it) Millie is a hoot, Millie is a survivor, Millie is kind & gracious, Millie is special…and LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS SHIRT – when she opened up her blue shirt and showed me this – I burst out laughing!
After lunch we went to go get some Ice Cream as Brenham is know for Blue Bell Ice Cream. Millie was so proud to point out to me that there was a scare crow contest and I grabbed some pictures of the FUN that this town was decorated with.
Alyece was the perfect tour guide as well with pointing out to me the scarecrows to look for and also giving me the “scoop” of Blue Bell Ice Cream…it IS a BIG DEAL in this town. Enjoy the images below…it just makes my heart happy to see a little town in out wonderful country get it all “jazzed up” with good old fashion fun!
This was painted on the side of the ice cream store. Who doesn’t love ice cream…and when you walked into the parlor, you felt an instant home town warmth, a place that locals are proud of and a place where visitors love to go. Look at the lower left picture in the collage – this is the local couple that are ALWAYS sitting in the parlor!
Inside the Ice Cream Shop there was this couple, as Millie and Alyece said, they have been here for years!!!! Here are these “stuffed husband and wife” sitting at a table sharing a sundae. Naturally we had to snuggle up to the Gentleman and have out picture taken.
I know that this is a LONG post but I also know that it is a story, a “life happening” that I just had to share. When we said our good-byes we had a BIG OLD TEXAS HUG together. I know that I had already shared this picture…but this is sooooo darn cute that I had to share it again.
Do you remember above I said that I had something special to tell you about Millie? Well….when we sat down for lunch Alyece said to me, how old do you think Millie is? I had no clue…and then Millie with that beautiful twinkle said, I am 90! I thought that I would FALL OFF OF THE CHAIR. To think that she is 90 years old and a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator….going strong – going to homes to do projects – I say WOW!!!!!
I was so glad that I made the trek this day as I learned so much from them, about me….and it has continued to be a part in my heart that I say…I am blessed. When I got in my little rental car to head back to Austin, I sat there and had tears of joy running down my face. It was a great afternoon, an afternoon that I am THANKFUL for…and I said to myself, I will be back to Brenham, Texas.
As I zoomed down the road about 5 minutes after leaving….I hit a BIG DOWN POUR…and then as soon as it came and left – I looked into my rear view mirror and saw this amazing rainbow. I knew that I had to pull over and take a picture as whenever I see a Rainbow I feel my Moms presence.
I know that I did the right thing that day, not only for ME but for MILLIE and ALYECE. This rainbow is super special to me as it was a sign…of THANKS – I hope that where ever you are today, there is a rainbow of love and joy always with you.
Have a blessed day….Happy Thanksgiving!
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by Susan Itell | Nov 23, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Happy Hump day before the feast! I am sure if you are like me, you have been cooking up a storm and also getting ready to have your home be invaded by friends and family! My Dad arrived yesterday and he brought us a bushel of Oysters!
I am not a fan of them but the rest of my family – they go BONKERS over them! We set up a table in the garage and the guys take turns shucking them and then we have them all different ways – my Mom was the queen of making them a “very special way”...and I have tried my best to make them for my family!
NEWS FLASH FOR YOU.…(as I told you that I would give you “heads up”)
The November Paper Pumpkin Refills are now available! If you are a subscriber you can click here and go ahead and stock up on these adorable offerings. If you are not a subscriber, you can click here and subscribe…and then you will be able to order this refill.
Remember, if you wish to cancel your subscription….no worries, just log in and cancel it. (make sure you do it before the 10th of the month). This is a great kit and I am super happy that the refills are available!
When I returned home on Sunday…..my box was there (and I smiled and popped up the steps to put it together) and then I was hoping that the refills would come…and they did!!!! Please click here to see more inspiration from the Home Office – this is just an adorable kit!
Fun week….Sale week….Food week….Thanksgiving week!
We all have so much to be grateful for…and I am getting super excited to have the PEEPS in the house!
So much going on…so much fun….. (click on the IMAGES to see the SALE OFFERINGS)
Here is that PAW PRINT to HIT….and shop away….until tomorrow – I have a special Thanksgiving Story for you….I know that your heart will go pitter patter…..enjoy the day….be safe!
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