by Susan Itell | Jun 23, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Thursday are the FUN days that the PPA Challenge comes out with either a new sketch or a new color combo for you to be inspired with and then for you to play with the PALS! It is fun, it is rewarding and it is super great to see your work online!
Today’s sketch is from the AMAZING ~ Mary Fish….I am blessed to have her as my direct upline but even better to have her as a friend! She is the “Queen of Clean” . I admit, I was just like her, just bought the “ultimate bundle” to get a discount….but we stayed, and I am glad! I do hope that you play with this clean and simple sketch!
This is the first time I have used this Bundle, Sunshine Sayings and this one is sooooooo “right up my alley” – to me, you get the best of both worlds…a great stamp set but the coordinating framlits are WOW….this FUN FLOWER and more shapes but the “word sentiments” – I am in heaven!
Do you see the dimension on the flower? I used “fun foam”, remember the stuff that you played with when you were young? I like the white as it goes with just about everything and it cuts perfectly through the Big Shot with our framelits and dies. I used the “green glue” to adhere them together!
I do not know about you….but I think that the flower is so whimsical yet classic (I think that is why I love it – it can go many ways). I cut part of it in Daffodil Delight, and then the stem in Cucumber Crush.
I used the linen thread to hide the start and stop of these 2 colors! A simple glue dot works each and every time! A quick chat about this embossing folder – AMAZING….right? To me it is timeless and just plain FUN – The new platform for the Big Shot really helps the texture come to life!
Copper is hot…it is all over the place and I think that SU outdid themselves with this DSP! The slight POP of Copper makes this DSP so unique. The thing that I like about this paper is the fact that the copper is very subtle, but you know it is there so when you use it – all you need is a “wee bit”, just enough to make a simple statement.
One last look at this fun card. I hope that it makes you smile as much as it does me. The textures, the fun paper, the simple flower and the great layout makes this a “keeper card”. Please remember that a simple layout works. Pop over to the Pals Paper Art Website to see what the other designers came up with and then I hope that you will play!
Below you will see the “scoop” of the “ins and outs” of products that I used to this fun card. Shopping in your jammies is FUN…and I know that many of you are “early birds” – I do not know about you but when I get up early….I have a GREAT DAY! Let’s all have a great day!
I hope to see you tomorrow as I am going to share a “Blast from the past” with measurements, you will smile…promise! 🙂
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by Susan Itell | Jun 22, 2016 | Just Because..., Uncategorized |
Happy Hump Day and here is a super sweet card that will touch you heart strings as it is just too cute for words! You know I adore Square Cards and this is a 4 1/4″ Square card so you have options! 🙂
Are you wondering what I am talking about? I realize that many of you do not like square cards because it requires extra postage BUT you can fit the card in one of our regular envelopes and it will be no additional postage (but just think, you will not have the super cute matching envelope like I am showing you today) but I totally realize that envelopes are not a huge deal to many….that is why OPTIONS are great!
I have been having lots of fun with this stamp set and true it is a hostess only set, but I will be happy to show you how easy it is to have a hostess code and have your own cyber event with family ad friends all over the US – (Each of the orders are shipped directly to the customer) so it does not matter if your best friend lives across the US from you! Please email me and I will be happy to help you!
Remember, if your order is $150+, you will automatically qualify for hostess benefits…
Simple is the name of the game today! There is absolutely no reason why we need to complicate things when you have the basics. I was going to use the Aqua Painter to color my friends in but when I looked at it, I really liked the way it looked. A simple bakers twine bow is all that was needed.
Below you will see how I “doubled up” on the height – I think that this makes a huge POP to focus on the simple little lady bugs.
There is soooo much to say about these “layering dies” – I know that this is a big game changer for many and I will admit, it is hard for me to get to know all of these goodies….I am just so thankful that we have so many options. With having the Scallop and the regular squares, the sky is the limit for the possibilities. I think that the best thing is that it really helps with storage….having them as framelits makes it super easy for storage.
I would suggest that you cut out all of them in 2 different colors, one for the straight edges and another color for the scalloped ones. Then I would number them on the back so you have a reference. By doing this, you will clearly be able to play with all of the options! Just saying…..
Yep, you know me…I just had to make my own envelope. One thing that we need to chat about is….(and I am sorry if I have already blogged about this) BUT….when you look at the envelope punch board, there are no measurements for a 4 1/4″ card….so here you go. I would suggest that you write them down and tape it to the bottom of your envelope punch board for reference!
- Paper is a 7 1/8″ square
- Punch and score at 3 5/8″
Presto – there you go….and you are welcome!!!! (I know many of you are smiling) 🙂
Here is your card to pin away for the future. Such a classic and fun layout….just think of how you can easily change the DSP up to give a differnt feel or let’s be honest – for you to use up paper that you have!
The DSP Paper Stacks are always a must have. I do realize that they are $$$ for you to get them all, that’s why I always offer them in a product share. You know that I use them all of the time and I want you to see how FUN they are.
This month is zooming by….I know you all too well…I know that there are a BUNCH of goodies in the new catalog that you are just itchin’ to have….why not get the ULTIMATE BUNDLE….heck with that 10% discount – double it with a 20% discount!
I ask you…what (2) FREE stamp sets would you pick? There are some pricey ones that can be yours free with getting the ultimate bundle and then be done (if you so desire) – there is no expectations on my part, on Stampin’ Ups! part…just a great deal! Email me, and I will be happy to shed the light! I am not BIG AND SCARY WOLF!
Here is the scoop – for the Ultimate Bundle you get….
- To pick $125 of product and only pay $99
- It ships for free (that is another $12.50 you save)
- You get to pick ANY (2) Stamp Sets of your choice….
This is the most important part for you to be a sponge, there is no obligation for you to do one other thing….it is merely an option for you.
I am not going anywhere….and please do not thing that this would hurt my feelings, I just like to share a deal – and this is a deal!
I look forward to seeing you back here tomorrow…..it is a PPA Day and Mary Fish has provided us a GREAT layout and I am using a FAVORITE of mine in the new catalog….I have had it at my work area all day just smiling at it – it’s a keeper….just like YOU!!!!
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by Susan Itell | Jun 21, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Well I hope that this title of today’s post got your attention. When it comes to organization ideas and tips…we all seem to listen and try to take a “nugget” away and implement it to your system. Before we go any further I want to say…..(and I really mean it)…
There is no RIGHT or WRONG way to organize…
We all see and do things differently but it is fun to hear and share what works for. What works for me…might not work for you so please “take in” this post as a way to possibly help you.
Before we get to pictures, I will do my best to share with you what works for me and I will also try to link to places that you can purchase the products. I will say, when you go to organizing…there is an investment to make a system work BUT…once you have a system that works you will save money in the long run as you will not be wasting products…and buying more products…(sound familiar to anyone?)
Most people struggle with space. I get that and I will say that these containers that I use for paper storage can be stacked on top of one another, can be put into a closet etc…I use this for my scraps and I have these bins tucked in a cabinet in my work area.
I used to this bin method for my solid sheets and then right behind the solid sheet file folder, I had the scrap file. I now have “built it” spaces for my solid sheets….but this works like a charm. The bins can be found at most Office Supply Stores, the Container Store, Walmart etc…..They hold hanging files. If you have all of our paper, you will probably need (2) of them.
How do I organize my Stampin’ Up! Paper? First, I organize it by color collection….that just works for me. I find it easier to find. In the pictures above you can see that I simply put a label on the color of the paper and then in that file, holds all of my scraps of that color.
I found that I had to do it this way as if I had all of the “blues” together, again…I would go bananas. This just seems to work for me. ***REMEMBER, I used to use (2) folders before….a folder IN FRONT of the scrap folder….This way, I could simply pull out the bin….find the color and then smile, I was organized.
Here is a Sheet of Labels that you might find useful. It is a basic Avery Label using the Return Address.
I just use Mircosoft Word and then go under “tools” – click “labels” and then find the size that I need, this is formatted for Avery Label # 8167. There were a bunch more labels left blank so I just added all of the DSP’s and some extras so when you printed it off, you did not waste any labels. Below is a picture of the labels.
Now to the DSP…I love to keep my DSP in individual sleeves. In the below photo you can see an example of the retired Everyday Chic Paper. This easily holds a full pack, probably 2 and there are actually (2) products here.
1. – The sleeve – I purchase these from Amazon – CLICK HERE
2. – The flat divider – I also purchase these from Amazon – CLICK HERE. The reason that I do both is that I keep all of my “full sheets” in front of the divider and the scraps behind. This method works great for me.
I use one of these for my paper and yes, one will hold all of the DSP in the Annual catalog. Here is the LINK FOR THIS – I admit, I do have (2) of them as when the Holiday Catalog comes out….I need more space – so (2) is perfect as then I also have room when the Occasion Catalog comes! 🙂
For the DSP paper, I do like to the P Touch Label Maker…..CLICK HERE for the link and I will say….if you do not have this – STOP NOW and order it. I use it ALL THE TIME for so many things and here is a funny….this was a Christmas Gift to many and I think everyone thought I lost my mind….well, within months they caught the organized bug!
The reason I like to use this for the DSP is the fact that the labels peels off easily as I reuse the holders every year and say…bye-bye to the retired paper (have no fear, I put the paper to good use….promise!)
I know that I did put the DSP names in the labels that I provided for you and I am sure that you put them to good use, I just prefer the label maker for this part!
WOW – I know that this was a lot to take in….please feel free to leave me a comment if you have any questions….I will do my best to explain. I know that there is an investment in organizing, but when you have a system that works, it is worth it. We have all been there…and we will still continue to look for the answers for ease….I hope that this post has helped!
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by Susan Itell | Jun 20, 2016 | 3-D Projects, Uncategorized |
Happy NEW WEEK….and I have a question for you…WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A HORSE THAT HAS JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING? Well, many of you would first say…I would not to a darn thing for a horse on its birthday but then you know me…I love my animals and when I know of their special day….I remember, I celebrate.
Stanley just turned 7 and for practical purposes, that is still relatively young for a Warm Blood. He is a super sweet Dutch horse and most people in the horse world refer to “Warm Bloods” as “Dumb Bloods”….because they are slow growers and some say, slow learners. He is perfect in my eyes.
He is leased out to a super sweet young lady for the summer and as much as it is “Killin’ Hannah” – she knows that it is the best for him while she gets settled into her new life at Duke. She is looking for a barn to have him come down to in September.
Horses adore peppermints and actually they look for them after they do a job. Spoiled is what I call it. When we first bought Stanley 4 years ago, he did not know what carrot was…what an apple was…and for sure – he had no idea what a peppermint was. He was only in the USA for about a week before Hannah’s trainer saw him….it was an instant connection for Hannah and him as she really wanted to bring up a baby. She has done an amazing job doing that.
You all know that I do not do a bunch of 3-D’s but when one tickles my fancy...I am ALL IN! I totally was going to pass this one up until I saw it in person while on the trip and my wheels instantly were spinning with ideas! I think the main thing that I love about this thinlit (but I would DEFINITELY purchase it as a bundle) as the stamp set has some amazing stamps for general cards.
Last week I shared with you about the You Tube Stampin’ Up Channel, here is a super short video on this product and it is a must watch as it will make TOTAL SENSE how to put it together.
I followed Donna’s instructions to a tee but I did use the fast fuse to adhere the end of the box (truth be told…I just had my nails done and the tear -n-tape in such a small area stressed me out!) 😯
Below are the ones that I made! The barn colors are Grey and Navy so this is why I chose this! My dear Stanley is “on the road” so I thought that these would be PERFECT for him…heck, carrots would wilt!
Look at these “squiggle fru-fru’s” – LOVE THEM…they are in the framelit set and just think how you could use them for other cards and projects! I did take the bone folder to break the paper fibers down to make them more pliable….I adhered them with glue dots!
Not lets chat about this trim…adorable! The mini pom-pom trim is the icing on the cake! I simply used the tear-n-tape to hold it in place. So cute, so fun, so festive! I think the biggest bonus of this bundle is the fact that you can use it all year!!!
The other thing that I think is key is….our card stock is plenty strong enough for this goodie. I think that this would be a fantastic “treat” for a gift card sticking out….trust me, you will be seeing this again with other ideas I have up my sleeve! 🙂
The below (2) pictures are from Stampin’ Up and you can clearly see that they are “keepers and simply amazing” So fun, so fresh, so doable! Don’t you LOVE that floral stamp on the Birthday one? I am just itchin’ to use this on a card!
I know that this picture is not the best but you can see them side by side that they are both super fun, yet have a different feel. Do you have a favorite? If so, please leave me a comment as I would love your feedback.
Versa Mark is something that YOU MUST HAVE…..to me, it serves 3 purposes;
- Gives you a tone on tone like I did today with the “Happy Birthday”
- Is the MUST HAVE for embossing
- It is a “secret weapon” in conditioning your stamps….especially the Photopolymer Ones , (but I do the same for the clear mount, especially if they are large images)
I hope that I have enlightened you today. I truly think that many of us totally “by pass” items that are 3-d….I “get it” to a certain extent but I will say that this one is a keeper as it “fits the bill for many occasions”…
Many of you are going to be happy tomorrow as I will share with a Tuesday Tip with the colors on how I organize my paper. This is a tricky thing as we all have different ways in doing this…this just works for me and I hope that it might work for you! 🙂
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by Susan Itell | Jun 19, 2016 | Step it up Sunday!, Uncategorized |
Here you go! A couple of simple changes that make the “feel of the card” a bit different from yesterday! Both work for me, it just comes down to time and product. I am a firm believer that we can create amazing cards with the basics, the classics.
With that said, I can look at a stamp set and say, “I can use that a bunch” and then there are other stamps that I can easily say….“That is just not me” – and guess what – that is TOTALLY ok – that is what makes each of us roll!
There you go…side by side, you decide! The definite agreement is that the stamp set is a BLUE RIBBON KEEPER, we can always use a great thank you stamp set and with the great sentiments, (both for the outside as well as the inside) makes this a stamp that needs to be on your shelf!
Now we will get to the differences of the cards….today I used the FUN Swirly “what-evers” shine! I love these as they can go both ways, modern and classic. I used the “green glue” to adhere them to the dot DSP. Just little dots of this adhesive does the trick!
The other change that I did was the addition of the silver thread. This gives an instant fun factor and whimsy to a card. It is really easy to work with and the best tip that I can give you is to make sure that you have a good amount of adhesive to the back that you are adhering it to. I like to use Fast Fuse and then I press it into the adhesive – then flip it over so I can see it….fuss with it to get the loops just the way I want them to be and then give a good press….DONE!
Do you remember that yesterday we chatted about the new Big Shot Platform? Well….I used it again today but I also added the precision plate. This is another must have for the things we do.
With all of the more intricate dies out there, the great combo of the precision plate and the Big Shot Die Brush make cutting these dies a breeze, each and every time.
I would love this sentiment on a square card and the boldness lends itself to a square card but I know that many of you rather have a good old A-2 card. Hopefully you can see that it will work both ways!
This also would be a great easel card, click here to see the one I did and then you can see that you would be able to do the same with this stamp set.
Thanks for sharing your Sunday morning with me and a HUGE HAPPY FATHERS DAY to all of the great Dads and mentors we have out there. I am blessed to have a GREAT Dad and John is a GREAT Dad to our peeps…..it is to be a beautiful day on the East Coast and we plan to be at the best place on the earth – HOME!!!!
John wants to be here and we will grill…..play with the critters and I am sure also do work – but working outside on a beautiful day is FUN when you can do it together! I hope to see you back here tomorrow…I will share with you what I made Stanley (the horse) for his Birthday!!!!
The products I used for today’s post are below, shopping from home is FUN and oh so easy! I hope that you have enjoyed this 2 day post and that I have shown and inspired you to see that there are always options out there! Have a fabulous day and make some memories!
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by Susan Itell | Jun 18, 2016 | Uncategorized |
I admit, I am happy that my blog posts are getting back on track with the regular features that I like to do and also it seems like you like them as well! Now let’s have a quick chat as this is not going to be a long post….it simply does not get any simpler than this….agree????
This is what I call a “P,S &I” card – PAPER, STAMP & INK CARD!
One thing that I am a tad bit sad about is that the pictures are not the best. I hope that you can imagine how clean and classic this simple card is with the White, Emerald Envy and Night of Navy – what a CLASSIC trio!
After doing the “formula” posts this week I thought to myself…there is absolutely nothing wrong in keeping it simple….to me ~ simple is doable…simple is easy to duplicate and a card like this never goes out of style!
This stamp set, Thankful Thoughts is one to have on your shelf. The sentiments, the fonts, the inside sentiments that you can use make this a must have as we can always use a “keeper” thank you set!
Just using “speed tools” like the Big Shot and the NEW Layering Circle Framelits brought this card together in a flash. You all know by now that I adore the DSP Stacks and this fun polka dot set the stage for today!
Another thing that sets the stage…the FUN and BOLD Sentiment – LOVE IT….I am over the moon happy that Stampin’ Up! has come out with many new stamp sets in the new catalog and this one is for sure a keeper!
Do you see what I mean? This sentiment inside the card is a quick stamp to make a fun card in a jif!This makes me smile and when I smile – I am happy!
Again, “P,S &I” card – PAPER, STAMP & INK CARD!
Did you notice that in the below picture that I am using (2) different DSP’s – The In Color DSP Stack and then the Floral Boutique DSP for the envelopes. This is one thing that I love about product shares…you can get a bit of everything and SEE what is new….(I will offer another Product Share at the end of the month)
I wanted to use something different for the envelopes and flipping through my swatch book….BINGO – I found the perfect paper!
I hope that you are not disappointed with the simplicity of this card. This is my kind of card. Please pop back tomorrow to see what I have up my sleeve. Remember, little changes can make a difference….can you guess what tomorrow will bring? Enjoy the day….
p.s. – don’t forget ~ tomorrow is Fathers Day!
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