by Susan Itell | Apr 7, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Here is a super quick and easy “happy card” for you today! By now you know that I love polka dots….and these are polka dots in my eyes….just LARGER!!!!! Today for the Pals Paper Art Challenge I took a fun twist on today’s challenge!
You have to play with this challenge as the color combo is sooooo fun! Fellow PAL, Michelle Quinno’s color combination is super and WOW – pop over to the Pals Paper Art site and see what the design team came up with…FUN!
At first glance you probably thought that I used punches for this card…but NOPE, I used the circle framelits so I could “get into the middle” – I have just been itchin’ to do a card like this and with this color palette – it worked out great!
Because I adhered it to to a crumb cake base…it was super easy to adhere! Just think of the color combinations you could do….the sky is the limit! Wouldn’t it be stunning in black and white with a POP color?
No dimensionals or foam needed today…I let the boldness of the paper be the star.
Here is the 911 on the card….please PIN away for future reference and have fun making this clean card….no sentiment needed on the outside…just let the colors and circles be your shining star!
I am guilty….I used to use Crumb Cake a bunch…..(not sure why I went away from it) but I was happy that Michelle chose this for her challenge! I love the fact that we have envelopes that match it perfectly! The envelope liner framelit to the rescue…DONE!
I know that I do not share with you the “insides” often…but here you go! Cottage Greetings and I have been like “peanut butter and jelly” – a fun sentiment!
I hope that your day is wonderful and that I hope that you make someone smile!
- I cut the random circles out and the end result was the “Swiss Cheese” looking paper…
- I then cut circles out in the colors (use your scraps)
- For the circles that go “outside” of the edge…I adhered a small piece of tape to hold it in place and snipped off.
- I adhered the “Swiss Cheese” onto the piece of Crumb Cake
- I the used green glue to add my circles
I hope that this helps….sounds like I should do a video on it – I think it is super cute and fun. I totally agree with using punches would be easier….but you cannot get the punches into the center of the area. It goes super fast and it is super fun! 🙂
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by Susan Itell | Apr 6, 2016 | Uncategorized |
I am happy to be back but I am so touched by the amazing comments, emails and phone calls I received over the loss of my dear friend and your blog buddy….”Eddie Itell” . I miss him so, as there were years of wonderful memories but time does heal wounds and I am doing o.k.
Today’s card is one that I sat and thought….“How can I say thank you”…we all have read the Rainbow Bridge as it is a beautiful piece. This card is for YOU that have left messages….and also I made one for our Vet and also for the wonderful friend that introduced us to Eddie….(poor guy – he was dumped off as a puppy….)
The stamp set, Over the Rainbow seemed PERFECT for today’s card….and in the past I have made a dog bone…and I just knew that I could pull them both together. The sentiment from the One Big Meaning also worked great and I love the fact that it says “us”
Because this stamp set is a photopolymer….perfect placement is easy~peasy each and every color! The Bone was made from the Owl Punch and then a strip of scraps that is 3/8″ wide by 1 1/2″…I think that it is perfect. I did take a sponge and lightly sponged the outside edges.
We feel so blessed with our Vets…and they soooooo deserve a special card of gratitude for all of the years and amazing care they always gave to Eddie and continue to give to so many. I also think that this card would be perfect with a sentiment of “I’m sorry”. I know that it is just so darn hard to find the right card at a difficult time.
Below is your 911 on the card today! I decided to add the date of the post so if there happens to be a clinch when you PIN IT…you can see the date and then do a search in my blog.
Here are some “funny pictures” that I found and had to share with you…I must say that I have enjoyed having some “me time” remember, laughing and crying…but excepting the fact that we made the right decision.
I deeply hope that you have an “Eddie” in your life….he was always a friend that I could count on…..xoxoxox
Enjoy the day…and again, many thanks for your love and caring wishes you gave to us. Our animals are a HUGE part of our life…and I thank you for loving Eddie so! I do hope to see you tomorrow…it is a SUPER FUN color challenge that I know you will smile!
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by Susan Itell | Apr 4, 2016 | Uncategorized |
O.k. guys…we all know that things do not last forever and I am truthfully dreading this post to you but at the same time I feel the need to reach out to you, my cyber friends as “you will get it”
Our dear friend and favorite blog dog….Eddie is now in heaven. Trust me…it was a super hard decision to make and one that John and I truly dreaded but at the same time…he was our friend…and we knew it was time ~ but darn…the pain in my heart hurts so bad.
I chose not to share this with anyone except our immediate family (and Caleb’s Mom) but on Thursday, March 31st…Eddie went to heaven. This had been a tough month for my family…and I chose not to tell anyone as truthfully I needed to deal with this in my own way.
Normans passing was hard enough but losing one of my best and dearest friends….really hit me. I think that you know by now that I adore my animals and Eddie was simply amazing.
With John’s Dads passing….and we have had medical issues with our son….we have truly had a lot on our plate…but then again, that is life and it is also Gods way of teaching…all is good but this was a very hard decision to make.
Eddie was the best friend that one could ask for. He helped me be a better Mom in raising my children (we had many talks about what was best for the kids)…..being a Mom that has always had a home based business…..Eddie was always there for me.
He watched the kids learn to ride a bike….he was skunked (2 times…and had to live in the barn with Lucy for several days)….he could catch a mouse in a second….he helped me with the horses….he taught the “younger dogs” the rules!
I could go on forever but my heart feels like I lost my best friend. I am ok but I knew I needed to wait several days before I could blog about this. The other dogs seem different….maybe I am just imagining it but we have kennels in our bedroom when we leave and they know which one to go in….Eddie was always so easy that we would kennel him with a buddy…..
Eddie was loyal. Eddie was basic and very simple. Eddie was a good boy.
He tolerated more “4 legged friends” coming to our home and excepted all of them except Daisy Mae (he really did not like the pig) but in general, he never forgot his job….in being the special Jack Russell to me.
Because I have always had a love of horses and most horse people also love Jack Russell’s…..we helped out a friend that had a kennel as someone dumped off a dog, Eddie….and she did not have the room for him for the weekend. Knowing that John and I were “friends and animal people” ~ she reached out to us to foster him for the weekend until she had room to find him a home.
The rest is history…he came…he never left. He was loved. He taught me so many things and he tolerated so many things. Most people think that Jack Russell’s are “full of themselves” but Eddie was different. He was wise. He was loyal to the end.
I know that this is not a “normal post for me”~ but please know that it is a hard one as this little guy touched my heart so much. Please grab an extra cup of coffee and let this special boy come into your life….he was one in a million and my heart hurts so but at the same time, I know that it was the humane thing to do. Cancer is a terrible disease and we have helped him as much as we could do….
Wednesday night….we knew that we needed to accept the fact that his eyes were telling us it was time….please read at the end of the post and I hope that you will always save this and share it with someone that goes through the pain that we have gone through…
Enjoy the pictures of our blog buddy – he truly loved life and was loved by many!
I think that you can see that he is one sweet boy that touched our hearts (and everyone that knew him)…..animals do something special to ones life that you simply cannot put words to it…
When we lost Norman…I was heart broken and received many cards and calls. I am embarrassed to say that I cannot remember who sent this to me but I will say….I cried when I read it….I kept it in my planner and read it often as I knew that it would come “full circle to me with Eddie”….
Click this ~ Why Humans Live Longer Than Dogs….I miss my buddy… he was the best ~ I know that animals do not last forever but I am blessed to have this special little Jack Russell in my life…..I will always have a “jack” in my house…..loyal, sensitive and simply the best….Love you Eddie…
I am going to take the day off tomorrow from blogging….I will see you on Wednesday and please know ….I am doing ok – I can honesty say that I have shed enough tears over the past several days to clean my floors….but time, memories and pictures make me feel better and know that it was the right thing to do!
I hope that you have a friend..a special someone in your life that you can share the special times with! I know that you might think that this is crazy but….Eddie was my buddy for many, many years….a loyal boy to the end….I know that he is in a better place (and I hope he is sitting on my Mom’s lap) but please think of him whenever you see a tennis ball (his all time favorite) or a dog toy…he loved his toys…he loved life!
Please do not let things pass you by that touch your heart….life is precious!
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by Susan Itell | Apr 3, 2016 | Step it up Sunday!, Uncategorized |
Good Morning! WOW ~ I am so glad that you enjoyed yesterdays card and I sure hope that you like today’s version…still basically the same…just a bit stepped up! I know that I say this all of the time…but I really do not think that you could go wrong with either card!
I hope that if you are new to my blog…1st welcome and 2nd…on the weekends I do a (2) day post showing you the same card….just 2 different ways. Some weeks…the Simple Saturday might suit your fancy…and then there are the Step it up Sunday version that make you roll….which ever it is, it is my goal to inspire you to find some “me time” and just have fun…
Here you go….you decide!
My pick this week…today’s version. I think the POP of the splatter from the gorgeous grunge stamp set makes the washi label punches POP… Here is a tip ~ if you do not own the gorgeous grunge stamp set and want this effect…take a paint brush…and “flick” ink onto your card stock. ( I will say…this IS a stamp set that you would use a bunch so I say….GO FOR IT)
Below you will see how I “built” the focal part. I just found this to be easy using a scrap piece of paper. The paper size that I used was 3 1/8″ X 2″ and then simply adhered the piece on it. I made a dozen of these cards in a snap…this IS a great card to mass produce and it is FUN to make.
Here are some great close ups that will show you how the contrast of the grunge stamp accents the FUN from the Washi Tape Punches. This method/design is perfect for small prints of paper and also have fun coming up with different sentiments!
The other difference I did today was to add a very simple piece of Thick Bakers Twine to the front. Here is how I do it as I get super frustrated trying to tie a bow…..I took a piece of twine and just anchored it behind and then took another piece….tied a bow and used a glue dot to hold it in place!
I am sure that there are many of you that are surprised that I do it that way….but heck – I am just being honest as this works for me and causes no frustration! (when that happens…I smile!)
Yesterday I shared with you that I used a regular envelope (but of course it was lined) and I asked you…..does that bother you not to have an envelope that is a perfect fit? If you go back to read the comments there were many views and again, I just think that it is a personal preference….
My thoughts….I like to make an envelope that fits. Trust me…this is totally a no judgment zone here, I am just being honest with what I like to do. I can remember when we used to make envelopes with the Simply Scored….(I honestly can’t remember how to do that) and then the envelope punch board came out….and I swore that I would never be ever to figure it out….(remember….that’s why my blog is called Simple Stampin’…sometimes Simple Susan doesn’t get it)
Here is the low down on the products used! Remember, at the end of the post you will see all of the items used and you can click on the image and read more about it and then if you wish to purchase it, you can simply add it to the shopping cart!
Please remember to pin your favorites so you can go back and make them – quick references are always a huge help!
Enjoy your Sunday….I am excited to hear what you think about today’s card…feel free to leave a comment….I think that we all love reading what makes us roll. I am going to make John some of these cards (layout) and change up the paper and also use a more masculine font as he needs to write some notes. He is always my best critic….he said he liked today’s card!
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by Susan Itell | Apr 2, 2016 | Simple Saturday, Uncategorized |
I must say….I am happy that we are back on track with our 2 day posts that you all have learned to loved! This is a SUPER simple card and one that the sentiment can easily be changed up!
I love cards like this…a quick change of the sentiment and maybe the DSP – PERFECT….works for me – how about YOU! Do you remember about 2 weeks ago I shared with you that as a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator we get a quarterly magazine filled with inspiration….well – this is where this idea can from!
This is a square card, you know I adore them and it is a 4 1/4″ square with the mat at 4″ and scored! The DSP is from the Pretty Petals DSP Stack. This card design works fabulous with small prints….
I say ~ go thru your stash and see what you have and just do it! How can it get any simpler than this? The speed tool of the Washi Tape Punch is the real star of this card…..I say – paper – punch – done!
Tomorrow I will give you more tips and tricks (the stepped up version) so please pop back – this is a GREAT card and one that I know you can whip up in a jif! Time is ALWAYS the thing we have against us….but with this card – no worries….a true speed card!
I have a ? for you….you can see in the above picture that I show you that you can use a regular envelope to mail this. True it is lined…which makes me happy 🙂 but I ask you….do you mine that the envelope is not a perfect fit???
You know me…I will share with you my thoughts tomorrow….one last look at the great card….
What do you think I am going to say about the envelope????? Hmmmm……guess you will have to POP back and see….and also see how I stepped it up!
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by Susan Itell | Apr 1, 2016 | Uncategorized, Watercoloring |
Well…usually I am one that likes to play April Fools Day jokes/pranks on people but I must admit, I am ready for the calendar to turn to a new month. March for me was truly “March Madness” filled with many peaks and valleys. I will be happy to watch the March Madness this weekend but personally I am glad that we are in a new month! 🙂
Every month I offer a both handmade card from me as well as a gift for purchases through me! I deeply appreciate your support to my Stampin’ Up! fun that I have and it is my pleasure to reward you with some handmade love!
The hostess code for this month is 4YXSRA9Y and you will always be able to find it in the upper corner of my blog. Easy! 🙂 If you place and order with me that is $35.00+, I will send you this card and if your order is $75.00+ I will send you both; the card and an Aqua Painter.
You know my now that I adore water coloring and I want you to try it too. It is so easy and so rewarding! Below the pictures will help you step by step! Please click on the collage picture to make it larger (I think it will help you)
I know that this might look intimidating but truly it is not. I used to be so darn tootin’ scared of water coloring and then one day I just sat down and decided – I CAN DO IT.…and yep I can and the best thing is….YOU CAN AS WELL!
I have blogged before about Micropore Tape…I love it and you can click here and see it at Amazon. You can see that it is cheaper to purchase it in 12 rolls….so go in with a friend. It is the BEST as your paper does not tear.
I just purchased a cutting board at Bed, Bath & Beyond and it works like a charm! Because you have used heat embossing…it is PERFECT as the color stays inside the embossed area.
Sorry the pictures are not the best, whites are super tricky and I took this in my work area where I do not have natural light 😡 but I think that you can get the idea….
Here is the “low down” on the card….but I would LOVE to send you one in the mail and then you will smile….PROMISE! 🙂 Naturally the sky is the limit with the colors you can use….another great way to use up DSP for your envelopes etc….
You can see that I did not put a sentiment on the card front. I thought that it was so pretty “just the way it is” that it really did not need one. What do you think? Could you see yourself trying to make this card? This would be a perfect card to make as a gift in a bunch of different color combinations and then give a bundle as a gift….Who wouldn’t love that!!!!
You can click here to see another post that I did with this great stamp set…I love the artistic look and feel of it!
Many thanks for a fabulous Sale~A~Bration season. It is wonderful to see you all get soooo excited (as I do) with the freebie stamp sets and goodies. I think that Stampin’ Up! did a great job with their offerings this year. We are back to our 2 day weekend posts….I think that you will find it super simple yet super practical that you can make with so many DSP scraps you have! (I know you have them…after all – we are stampers) 🙂
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