by Susan Itell | Jun 1, 2016 | Uncategorized |

This is an exciting day! I am typing this as we fly back to Barcelona and I was thinking…isn’t it wonderful that we get so excited for a new catalog.
It brings back memories that I had as a child when the Sears Catalog came out and I could hardly wait to go thru and mark my wish list!

As I was preparing my order to place today I thought – “Wow…Stampin’ Up! really did a great job with this catalog” One thing that always happens to us…when we get something new we flip through the catalog but I invite and encourage you to take time and look many – many times, look at the samples, they are always wonderful and a great way to get great ideas! 🙂
There are 3 exciting things about today:
#1 – The New Catalog – click on the catalog image to see this beauty. (One tip I will give you is to take your catalog to an office store and ask them to spiral bind it for you. It does not cost much and it is wonderful to have your catalog lay flat!)

The hostess code for this month is MBASQKP7 (you can always find it in the upper corner!) 🙂
#2 – $35.00 extra dollars in Stampin’ Rewards in June with qualifying order/party sales of $350.00 or more.

- Not interested in gathering up people to have an event – no worries….email me and ask me for a hostess code and I will be happy to set you up with one. A hostess code will allow you and your stamping friends from all over to shop online and you provide them with your hostess code….and you will reap the benefits. Their orders will ship directly to them, easy-peasy!
#3 – Get ANY 2 Stamp Sets of YOUR CHOICE with the Starter Kit. This is a fabulous opportunity for you to get your wish list filled in a jif. I adore hobbiest … I adore a great deal and this is a great deal! Click here to get started!
This is the way that I look at it – if you adore our products and I know you do – I would take advantage of this opportunity as there is absolutely no risk, no obligation AT ALL to purchase anything further and no penalty AT ALL to drop at any time! 🙂
- The starter kit is $99 and you can pick $125 of ANY PRODUCT you want PLUS the 2 Stamp Sets of YOUR CHOICE…and it SHIPS FOR FREE!!!
Getting a starter kit is like taking a car out on a test drive….there is no pressure for you to do one thing (if you do not want to) and you would have until October 31st to make a decision if you wanted to order anything else.
That seems like eons away and just think – you will also be in the timeframe of the Holiday Catalog unveiling…to me, that is an extra perk and a woot-woot!

It is a pleasure, joy and honor to have you pop on my blog, be a customer and better yet – a cyber friend! Enjoy the NEW KID ON THE BLOCK and I hope that you are able to find a bunch of “me time” to take the catalog in.
I look forward to seeing you tomorrow because we are going to play a fun game that will allow someone to win a stamp from me!!!! (I love games)
YIPPEE-SKIPPEE!!!! I am happy that the catalog is here…..have FUN shopping away!
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by Susan Itell | May 31, 2016 | Uncategorized |

Good Morning to all…here is a “Susan Card” that is so easy and classic! This is my kinda card as it will always be in style and you can have fun with using a variey of colors for the flowers etc…Also have fun using other colors of base color (Crumb Cake or So Saffron would be beautiful) to have as you base and then also to cut out your “Hello”
Today is the last day to order the Botanical Blooms in the Bundle form, to save 15% and remember today is the last day that I am offering you FREE SHIPPING (just until noon Eastern Time) as I need time on my end to close up the orders as you know what tomorrow is….THE NEW CATALOG!!!!!
Please click here to see yesterday’s post about the free shipping offer, an offering from me!

The product that I feel makes this card special is using the Vanilla Coaster Board . This is on the retired list and it is still available (well – the last time I checked) and I highly recommend this as the extra depth it gives…makes such a statement. I use the “green glue” to adhere the coaster board to the white card stock. I used 2 layers of coaster board on this card and I must say, when you are holding it – it is stunning and classic!

This is a top folding card but what I did was also cut a 5 1/2″ X 4 1/4″ and did the scoring and then adhered it to the card base. I know, this is the type A in me but I like to open up a card and not see the scored lines. I like using the simply scored board to make deep scored lines, these are 1/2″ in width.

Sadly the envelope liner framelits are sold out…but who knows – if you do not have them…still try to order it – they will tell you if they are gone. You can see how the white space allows the cleanness of this card to shine!
Here is the 411 of the card for you…I adore a card like this – I am sorry that the pictures are not the best with the lighting but I think that you can get the idea! For the flowers, I just used a small piece of dimensional to POP!!!

Can you believe that this is the last day? I hope that you are as excited as I am for the NEW CATALOG……and YES – tomorrow I can finally put it online! It is special, very special and I can hardly wait to share and teach you some in’s and out’s of it.
To me, there are several products that are “learning curves” for you….but once you understand it, you will see the light!
Off to be tourists! WOW – it is BEAUTIFUL here!
Remember, today at NOON EASTERN is the last for FREE SHIPPING from me! Also, today it the last day for you to take advantage of the 1st wave of my product share….I will be offering another one but it will be much later in the month! Here is the link for that offering!
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by Susan Itell | May 30, 2016 | Uncategorized |

Good Morning! I am so confused as to what day it is but I am getting things sorted out! We made it to Zurich and WOW….it is beautiful! It is wonderful to be in someones home (not complaining at all), but there is a comfort of being in a home.
We sat up to wee hours talking and laughing…having a fabulous time! One thing that we do when we are with Liz and Martyn is cook up a storm. We had a ball creating a feast and you know it is a great time when you are still sitting at the table 2 hours after you ate...I call that a perfect night!
Today is a very special day for our Country…we have so many courageous men and women that serve for us and many of us have lost a loved one or friend…please take a moment to remember their dedication and continue to pray for our country and freedom that we have.
O.k. – I know one thing that we have in common that makes us very happy…. that is –
FREE SHIPPING!!! 🙂
For today and tomorrow (noon Eastern time) I am offering you free shipping on your Stampin’ Up! orders. This is a personal incentive that I am offering to YOU , my wonderful cyber friends to say a big THANK YOU for a great year.
The Stampin’ Up! year is coming to a close on the 31st but the best thing is…when you wake up on Wednesday the 1st, we will have a new catalog! YIPPEE!!!
Please do not let products that are on the retired list slip by from you…and please do not assume that after the 31st – they will go to clearance. (I know when I was a customer I figured that this is what happened and guess what, I was wrong)
CLICK HERE to see the most up to day list of products that are on the retired list and you can see at a quick glance what is still available.

You can order whatever you want, this free shipping is not limited to just the retired stuff! I have offered this in the past…and I know that you appreciate it! 🙂
When I send you your thank you for your order…..I will include a check for your shipping charges that you incurred. Please remember to use the Hostess Code (WVZNB69Z) when you place an order. (you can always find the current hostess code in the upper right of my blog)
For orders of $35 + you will receive this card from me….details on this post….and with an order of $75+ you will receive this card plus a roll of Tear-n-Tape (As I love sticking together with you)

There are still lots of goodies in the retired list as well as the clearance…honestly, this is a SUPER QUICK look for items that make my heart pitter -patter s to me, these are classics that you will always use in making clean and simple cards. (I wish that I had more time but this is a quickie)
- Any of the bakers twine and cotton ribbon
- Punches….there are some great punches still available – the itty bitty accents – A MUST HAVE!!!!
- Candy Dots and Enamels Accents
- Sketched Dot Bags (I love these to put cookies in and fru-fru to give!!!
- Take Out Boxes and Tiny Boxes – these are great to have on hand for a gift!
- Vanilla Coaster Board – LOVE IT for adding dimension or stability to a die like the berry basket!
- Stamps….WOW – there are lots offered. The best rule of thumb I always say is when you look at a stamp set and you know right off the bat that you can create at least 3 cards….it’s a keeper!
Please remember what I have been saying about the bundles…..many of them are carried over in the new catalog BUT they will be more expensive as they will NOT be bundled anymore therefore you will lose the instant 15% discount.
Here is another “HEADS UP” – you know I ADORE the Cottage Greetings Stamp Set…..I thought that there was a misprint in the new catalog so I called Stampin’ Up! and asked…..in the new catalog is is $19.00 where it is NOW $16.00 – I asked why????
The answer was that it was misprinted last year in the catalog and they naturally could not correct the mistake as it would not be fair…..so I say, if you do NOT have this stamp set….YOU NEED IT – I adore it and I use it a BUNCH!

Yesterday I said that I was going to showcase another card that was sent to me from the swap….this you can see how you are getting a double whammy – 2 for 1 as I like to call it and BOTH of these gems of stamps are in the new catalog….WOOT-WOOT!


There you go my friends…..have fun taking advantage of FREE SHIPPING from ME… We are off to do some sight seeing and have another wonderful day! Darn, I just love Stampin’ Up! as I can be with you from wherever I am (well….just along as I have the internet!!!!)
Have a great day….and until tomorrow!
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by Susan Itell | May 29, 2016 | Uncategorized |

Good Morning (I think it is morning!!!) 😕 Well we are off the ship and back in Barcelona just for about 2 hours and next we are off to Zurich Switzerland until Wednesday…needless to say, we are very excited. Aidan’s family (Hannah’s sweetie) lives there so we decided – WHY NOT???? 😀
I have been editing your beautiful cards (quickly at the airport) and I truly hope that you are are thrilled with how I am showcasing them. If you do not see your card here today...PLEASE do not worry – I will be doing more days on the fabulous works of art that you all created.
My hopes were to use more days, only doing 6 at a time to take more time to add my personal comments but with my lack of technology the past week…I am really backed up and we have some EXCITING things happening this week…..(aka THE NEW CATALOG) so I am sharing more each time I do a Card Swap Post!
Please know in my heart that I am super PROUD of each of you and if you only see one picture of your card, please do not think that I do not think it is special – as it IS….there are some cards that speak for themselves and then there are others that I feel you benefit from other angles! 🙂
Card #1 – This card is SUNSHINE to the MAX….I adore the fact that Megan used (2) different DSP patterns to make this super clean and simple card! You will see another card made by her later this week (hopefully tomorrow) if the internet behaves in Zurich…..FUN card…..and I hope that YOU are having a “sunny day”, I miss my cyber friends!

Card #2 – The 1st thing that I want to share with you about Alyece is that I adore how she signs off to cards that I receive from her….“A BIG TEXAS HUG TO YOU” – this makes me BEAM!!!! Love the card she made – way to go for using sequins….something that I do not do often but it does give such a great effect! “THANK YOU” for participating in the swap!

Card #3 – Oh, butterflies – they always make you feel special! This is stunning and I took the 2nd picture for you to see the “FUN” under the butterfly. Joy – if you can….will you please leave a comment and let us know how you created this beautiful backdrop behind the butterfly!


Card #4 – Georgette Huff is an AMAZING and oh so gifted Cardmaker! Today is no different! Way to rock using your DSP….a gal after my own heart! I adnot, I have a card that Georgette made me ions ago that I adore so much and I just need to share it with you – she is one talented stamper!

Card #5 – YIPPEE…..it is a card from our dear and special Tricia. I was so happy that she was feeling up to making a card. Look at this beauty – using both DSP…and an embossing folder. The FUN flowers are from the Botanical Bundle and remember…..this is only available as a bundle through the 31st – after that you will have to purchase them a la carte !


Card #6 – Here is another Botanical Bloom beauty – they are really “strutting the runway” – that is because this is “keeper bundle” – again, another great example of using DSP to work for you! I am feeling a bit guilty that I have really been pushing this to you all….but heck – it works….what a great card full of fun and texture!


Card #7 – Sweet and Simple…just like I like it! This is a great example of how “less can work to your favor” – We are seeing a variety of DSP cards and also white space cards but the great thing is that they ALL WORK! I wanted to shoot a side view to share with you how the Linen Thread adhered by a glue dot can add just a “tad of dimension” to make it special!


Card #8 – The 1st thing that I instantly loved about this card was….It was a Crumb Cake Card. I think that we forget about the fact that we have Crumb Cake envelopes and this is just sooooo beautiful! The blues and the embellishments of pearls makes it so special.


Card #9 – Here comes that butterfly again….this one is the GIANT Swallowtail that always makes an impact. How special and on the next picture you can see how Toni brought a new interest to the card…..by cutting out the side of the butterfly! Fabulous and fun!


Card #10 – Well “HELLO” to you…..you know how I feel about die cut words – LOVE THEM and guess what – there are MORE in the new catalog…..YIPPEE!!!!! Clean and simple is this beauty! I wanted to take a 2nd picture so you can see clearly that Sandy also used an embossing folder! Just look how this makes the card come to life!


Card #11 – LOVE this sentiment as it is a true blue keeper! Again, another great example of using up DSP (yikes – I must have really scared you guys in using up your DSP). This card I needed to take (3) pictures as there are lots of details for you!. Lisa was so kind to share all of the measurements and as I said in the one picture, I will do a blog post on this technique and share with you the dimensions. Thanks for sharing Lisa! This is a fun card.



Card #12 – This is just one sweet Spring Card that can be used for so many different occasions. Change up the sentiment and you are good to go! The colors are so fun and let’s chat about that envelope…SUPER FUN….way to go in making the mailman smile! I adore how you stamped on the back of the envelope!


Well….there you go my friends! I hope that you have enjoyed this post and I hope that you know how proud I am of each and everyone of you! There will be more to come…not sure on the specific day but please be assured that I will share your work!
Here is a “HEADS UP” – if I were you…I would pop back tomorrow to see a “perk” that I am offering to you all personally! Here is a hint…I would check the “Bye-Bye” list as well as the “clearance rack” as you might be happy with placing an order with me before the new year starts on June 1st!
One thing that I highly urge you to look at are the bundles….remember, many of the stamp sets are carrying over but they will not be a bundle….so I say….take advantage now….(plus the one that I am offering you)
We are just getting ready to hop on a plane and John said, “This Airport is a pretty color” – my answer as I am typing as was as I can…and said, YEP – it is Mint Macarron!!!!!
See you….off to Switzerland!!!! 🙂
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by Susan Itell | May 22, 2016 | Step it up Sunday!, Uncategorized |

Now please do not click me off….I know that there are no “Bells & Whistles” to this post BUT.….it is jazzed up a bit and sometimes you have a bit of extra time to why not?
I have a confession when I was making this…..“type A Susan” did not like the way that the dots were lined up so I decided to make lemonade and make it work! By adding the additional dots and making the overlay 1/4″ smaller….made it stepped up…a bit!

You can see that adding the extra row and overlapping the dots gave instant dimension, so fast yet so fun! I know that I have blogged a bunch about how I like to use fun foam when lifting a rather large image like this and yep, I did it today!
Trust me, dimensionals work great but again, type “A” me does not like saggy cards and using the fun foam eliminates that – I purchase it from Amazon and here is the link. I am sure that you can find it in craft stores but I like the thickness of this and using Fast Fuse or tear – n- tape works great!

I just adore this stamp and on June 1st when the new catalog rolls out, I will have a FUN challenge for you to see how well you know me and one person will win a stamp set from me….it is a keeper like this! 🙂

I have not made a bunch of posts using the below stamp set…but watch out, I am going to do so – with my son being a teacher, I thought that I could make some fun cards for him…this stamp set is so on trend and as I have said before the ideas are creative and endless

Here is your fun picture that you can save foe reference for the future, Yep, I used the envelope liner framelits and if you do not have it, you need it. So fast and easy!

The hour glass has turned over to get June 1st here – are you excited??? I am just excited to be able to share some ting that I want to teach – educate on….like the new framelits for squares, hearts etc….I was 1st thinking – wow, the ones that we have will be obsolete? Well…truth be told yes, they are walking the plank but “I GET IT” and I am excited to share with you the in’s and out’s of why Stampin’ Up! did this!
Enjoy the day,,,make some memories and make sure you laugh….the best medicine one could have!
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by Susan Itell | May 21, 2016 | Simple Saturday, Uncategorized |

Here you go….SIMPLE it is today! Just call me “Simple Susan” – it doesn’t get any simpler than this! This weekend post might “DEFLATE” many of you but I hope that you can see the FUN way you can say thanks to someone!
The 2 stamps that I am showcasing today are the SUPER FABULOUS Watercolor Thanks Single Stamp (which is going bye-bye) and the Work of Art that has made it in the catalog for the next year!

You all know that Polka Dots make me smile so naturally this card makes me smile. It is a super simple one layer card that brings you back to your childhood with playing with paint and making “Ink Dots” – (I think that there are coloring books that you can dab ink in dots – sounds like great therapy!!!)
When you break down this stamp set…you can see the possibilities of making true works of Art….plus there is great sentiments!

The card size is a note card size and yep…I love them. I still find myself scratching my head why many of you do not like them. They are made from the thick cardstock and already pre-scored and have envelopes….20 for just $6.00, I ask you – how can you go wrong!?!?

There is not much to tell you about the ins and outs of this card as it is very obviously easy…but I encourage you to have FUN picking colors and try to stretch yourself and play with new color combinations.
Let’s go back and chat about this single stamp. You need it. It is a keeper. It is a classic. It is still available (well the last time I checked) and for just $9.00 you will thank me for nudging you to purchase this!

You have heard me say before that there are some stamps that would not leave Randall Lane, this is one of them. I truly love it and I wish that you could see how inked up the wood block is that it is on. (I like to say that this is a sign of being well-loved) 🙂
My feelings are…if there is something that you love…then why not use it over and over again? It’s kind of like clothes…the longer you keep them around, the better chance they will come back in style!!!!
Please make sure that you check out the retired and clearance racks. When May 31st comes – they are gone and please do not make the mistake in thinking that the retired stuff will just go to clearance…it usually does not work that way! I say if you want it – GET IT…..if it doesn’t make your heart pitter patter…..that’s great to – Go get inky with some toys you have!!!!
Stampin’ hugs….
p.s. – please do not forget to use the hostess code found on the upper right of my blog to be able to have me send you a handmade card ($35.00+) order or both – a roll of Tear-n-Tape and the card with a ($75.00)+ order!
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