by Susan Itell | Mar 6, 2018 | Fun & Cute!, Super Easy, Uncategorized |
Morning!!! 🙂 …I think I should say, Good Afternoon!
Yep, it is Tuesday and yesterday did not happen but I know the delay will surely make you smile and also show you that minimal products can make a HUGE IMPACT.…as this IS my kinda card that I adore to create!
I actually created this card to be one of the offering of my monthly card kits but unfortunately with the “life” happenings…I need to hit the “pause button” on my kits ……so this is a great taste of the offerings that I do!
In November when I was at Salt Lake City for the On Stage Stampin’ Up! event…..I saw a card on display and I knew that I needed to snap a picture of it and CASE it. How stinkin’ cute and clean is this beauty? I invite you to think about this….it is all about the basics! (trimmer, big shot, nesting dies, white paper….punches)
For my Monthly Kits….I was going to offer ideas showcasing the Fruit Basket Bundle. Yep…it’s a keeper as it is a Photopolymer Stamp Set….plus the “bundled portion” is 4 punches and we know what that means….easy peasy as using a punch is super easy 🙂 …
One of the things that I adore about this card is the amount of “white space” that it has…as my Mom always said….you just can’t go wrong with white….always clean and classic …..and ALWAYS in style!
I made the squares with the Layering Squares Collection of Framelits….(a must have basic) for your stash. True….it is tricky with lining up the squares but that is what a handy ruler is for plus your own eyes! Having basic shapes like this make perfect layering a cinch….I adore the white on white effect of the squares….but you could also easily do a color for one of the squares!
A card design like this is always on trend and one that you can use OVER and OVER again…(a formula)! The best way to master this is to get the center row where you want it….and then you can eye-ball the rest! Just look at the simplicity of this – a blue ribbon winner…
The punches with this bundle make this a fast one to whip together and then the stamping is also a breeze as you can see through the stamps because of it being a Photopolymer Stamp. The beauty of this particular stamp/punch set it that it is very forgiving…..WHAT??????
Seriously, after you stamp the image the punch is smaller than the stamped image so it is a breeze to line up and punch – no worrying about getting is “just right” – it is just wonderful when things like this happen!
For me, this would be a card that you could make up in the masses (again, I was going to use this design for a kit) as I know….I know – there is a bunch of cutting of the squares….but think of it this way – it is a GREAT WAY to use up scraps and it is also something that you could work on to cut a bunch of….put them in baggies …..and then pull them out as needed!
I always have a “key” to work from…after you figure out the spacing….make sure you write it down (the measurements) or better yet, make a template and BAM – you are good to go!
I also encourage you to use a Stamp Postioner. I used the Stamparatus and it is a dream tool. I know that if you were not the smart/lucky stamper to have preordered it…you will have to wait until the new catalog comes out in June. (I’m sorry…as I warned you…..) It is SOOOOOOO worth the wait and we know…..June will be here before we know it!
It is a wonderful tool and one that Stampin’ Up! should be super proud of. As I have blogged many times before, I have many other stamp positioners but this one….BLUE RIBBON – why? …I adore the (2) plate system. I could go ahead and have it all ready to stamp the sentiment on the front….and have the other plate ready to rumble to stamp an inside sentiment! (Actually with the (2) plate system, you could line up up to (4) different stamps as you can easily remove a plate and flip it around)
How about the POP of color with the envelope? It is from the Tutti-Fruiti DSP 6 X 6 pack and I am sure many of you are thinking…..why didn’t you use the strawberry print paper?
Here me out….(I do have an answer for you)…
- I think with the classic feel of this card, that the strawberry print was a bit whimsical for the POP. I adore the boldness of the paper that I chose….does this make sense? I would love to get feedback – please feel free to leave a comment!
- The other reason was….I adore the flip side of the strawberry paper…the classic Night of Navy polka dots is in my alley of a fun, clean & simple print!
This is a sweet paper pack and I know when you see all of the bright colors and different shapes….it looks super busy but when you see them in person and allow yourself to think of how you could best use it for your style…you will see it is a great addition to our paper collection.
In closing, you can easily see that a fun and classic card CAN be created with a minimal amount of product. I invite you to cut up your scraps and get them organized on baggies so you are more likely to use shapes …
I also bet that many of you have punches in shapes in a variety of sizes…..see what you have and how you can use them. You just simply cannot go wrong with nesting collections of basic shapes (circles, squares, hearts etc….) They WILL BE a go-to for years and years!
There you go….a clean and simple card that is SUPER duplicatable so I say….go to it! This stamp set will be one that you will use over and over as it is a basic…and the sentiments…. – super fun and the font is a keeper as well. Remember, these are key questions that I ask myself when I decide if I am going to invest in a stamp and the other thing….I only pick stamps/bundles for my kits that I believe in…..
Now to my weekend….do you remember I talked about the WIND on the East Coast? Well…..let me tell you – we were smart ladies and did not leave home until 11 a.m. as the wind did get better. We did what we should have done….checked the advisories…..checked the main highways for accidents etc…..plus we had 8 husbands looking after us to make sure that it was safe to leave…..
We left at 11 – made a stop for a fun lunch and guess what…..we were about 1hr. 15 minutes from the Philadelphia area and BAM…..we hit SNOW…yep…SNOW that came from no where and the PA Turnpike was one hot mess….we used out navigation systems for different routes….only to have roads with fallen trees on them….closed roads because of accidents….just one thing after another.
We ended up getting to the hotel at 7:30 Friday night…..missed our Museum ticket/tour….but all thankful to be safe! We stayed in the hotel and talked into the wee hours of Saturday morning like we were on a slumber party….all 8 of us! The next day…..POOF – still windy but the temperatures rose and everything melted!
We went to the Garden Show on Saturday night and it was FABULOUS – it was the opening night and the theme was the 70’s – music was GREAT and the Village People preformed (yep…now that is dating ourselves) and there were (2) of the originals from 4 decades! They were a hoot and the last song…..yep, YMCA – I wish that you would have seen all of the amazing costumes!
For my Dad….we went to the Doctors yesterday and on Thursday they will be doing a procedure to get him ready for hopefully the bigger surgery. I hope to see you back here tomorrow…..if not – it will be Thursday as I will be sitting waiting for many hours!
I hope that this post inspired you and I do love this bundle…so fresh and fun…..have a GREAT DAY and many thanks for popping into my little blog of “me”! Below the paw print, you will see the supplies I used!
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by Susan Itell | Feb 28, 2018 | Paper Pumpkin, Uncategorized |
HHD to you….(Happy Hump Day)…
Tuesdays are the “happening…scoop days” at the Stampin’ Up! home office when they announce a weekly update to Demonstrators . Yesterday when I hopped on I saw something interesting…actually very interesting as it was a HUGE HIT for Paper Pumpkin!
Let’s back up…..do you remember when I blogged that I was able to see a sneak peak while at On Stage for the next Month’s offering…..well – IT WAS THIS ONE pictured below!
When I saw this I did the HAPPY DANCE….yep, right there in front of many, I did the HAPPY DANCE and then immediately went into my Paper Pumpkin account and change the little 1 that I get monthly…..to 12 kits!
Rumor has it, that TODAY – Stampin’ Up! will be offering this below kit to CURRENT Paper Pumpkin Subscribers. You know how things go with limited quantities of products….THEY GO ZOOM!
If you are not a current Paper Pumpkin Customer…..you need to sign up…..even if it is just for a month to take advantage of this. CLICK HERE for a 1 month subscription which is just $20.00 and then hopefully you will be able to take advantage of this oh so special kit!
Like I shared with you above, I bought a BUNCH of these and had a ball! I made so many of them and beamed with joy with each and everyone I gave away to family, friends and downline.
They made the perfect finishing touch to gifts, table settings and even a gift card holder! I know that I plan to take advantage of purchasing more not only for my own personal use next year….but also for a gift!
I had so many rave reviews over these gems that after I read the weekly updates….I thought – what a PERFECT GIFT to give to someone. I already know that they are super cute and I ask you…..what can you get for $20.00 that brings so many smiles and joy!
Remember, you need to be a current Paper Pumpkin Customer to take advantage of this and who knows how many will be offered! Just be ready …..below in blue is the blurb in our weekly update!
- Hurray! One of your favorite Paper Pumpkin kits, Back in Plaid, will be available while supplies last to Paper Pumpkin subscribers only beginning tomorrow, February 28. We will also be sending out this announcement to all subscribers on February 28 via our monthly Paper Pumpkin email.
I hopped on Pinterest to share with you samples from this kit……CLICK HERE…but I think that it is pretty obvious – it’s a keeper! My fingers are crossed for both me and you….and that we will be able to snag some of these!
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by Susan Itell | Feb 26, 2018 | Stampin' Blends, Super Easy, Uncategorized |
Good Morning and happy new week!
Last “Hump Day” did not happen because of “life” (my sweet Dad has been having some health issues) and then I typed up everything for Friday to hit the publish button….and POOF it was all gone…….I was super sad and just tried to shrug it off as I was away and just had to do one of those …..deep breaths….“OH NO” and not let it get the best of me….so the moral of this story is…..I have a cutie for you today!
These hanging basket images are from the Hanging Garden Stamp Set that made it’s Stampin’ Up! debut in the Occasions Catalog! I have been itchin’ to play with it as I knew that it would be a dream to color and today I used the Stampin’ Blends. This image would also be wonderful to use the Aqua Painter with and watercolor but the ease and speed of the blends is what I reached for today!
I used the super affordable Whisper White Notecards & Envelopes to create this sweet card. These truly are a great bang for your buck as you get 20 precut and scored cards & envelopes for just $6.00 and don’t forget…they also come in Very Vanilla!
I like this size of a card as they are a perfect size (3 1/2″ X 5″) to write a quick note. This size also make a fabulous gift to give to someone as a gift. I do not know about you but….if someone gave me some notecards like this….I would not only be touched…I would be doing the happy dance….(BIG time!!!)
You really do not need me today for this card…but hang tight…..you are going to get me as I have some measurements and ideas for you. I want you to look at this as a “formula”…hang tight and hear me out. You already know that the notecards are super affordable…I invite you to see the impact that paper and layers do to “make” this sweet card special.
Paper DOES make a difference and if you are not comfortable with using paper with layers….I encourage you to have a little chat with yourself….and do it! I know that there are many out there that cringe and say…I feel like I am wasting it. Trust me crafters….we waste MANY, MANY other things and do not think anything about it.
Remember….this is a craft, a FUN thing that we do….so why not make it special and just add layers! It truly is as simple as that as it is an extra touch that takes your card from….a great one to a WOW one.
The other key factor is the sentiment. Choosing the right sentiment also takes a card to a new level. You all know that I am goo-goo over sentiments and truth be told…I often purchase a stamp set JUST BECAUSE of the sentiment and this stamp set, Yay You is a perfect example of that!
This stamp set is a Hostess one…and it is only $10.00 plus it is a photopolymer…..a doubly whammy of goodness! I think that you can easily see the fun and unique stamps and sentiments in this set. I think that it is chocked full of uplifting and unique sentiments….something that we all need more of in this world!
Things to remember if you are going to be CASEING this sweetie….use the Memento Black Ink when using the stampin’ blends! WHY??? Simple – you need to use it because it is formulated to work with an alcohol based marker like the blends. I am giddy about these markers for many reasons but by far the first one is the ease and speed of them.
As I have said many, many times….I get it – you all see the $$$$ of them and are fearful that you would make the investment for them and not know how to use them….and then this one that I hear all of the time…..I do not know how to blend?
Here you go again….YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW HOW TO BLEND….how about this – give yourself a break and be gentle to yourself...just have FUN and color. There is NO BLENDING here at all with this card….I just colored and I had FUN!
Another thing to remember….when you use the blends – IT WILL BLEED through the paper, that it totally normal so you will want to make sure that you have a scratch piece of paper underneath so you do not ruin your work surface!
When you use an alcohol based marker you do not get lines of streaking like you would with the Stampin’ Write Markers. Please do not get me wrong, I have them and I do use them but I would never enjoy coloring with them like I do with these.
Think about it in this way…we all have shoes – we have some shoes that are just the favorites….that when you wear them you could walk and walk…and then there are others that you really like but they just aren’t as comfy…..that’s how I feel about the blends.
For me, coloring is relaxing. Do you remember when you were little and the excitement you have when you got to dive into a NEW box of Crayons? I can still remember the WOW that I saw with all of the pretty colors lined up and I was excited but I didn’t want to mess up the pretty box.
As kids – we got over that and played with the crayons and this is how I look at an alcohol based marker.They just open up a whole new world of fun and YEP, I am happy that Stampin’ Up! has them and I do hope that the continue to come out with more colors.
Right now we have 12 color families. Each marker has a light and a dark. The majority of the time…I just color with the light and if there are any “sketchy” black lines that the stamp has in it….I take the dark marker and use it where the black lines are….that’s MY LEVEL OF BLENDING….
It truly is as simple as that. I have shared with you that I have made the plunge of making an investment with Copic Markers as Stampin’ Up! did not have an Alcohol Based marker until now …and trust me – I have spent a bunch of $$$$$ with them but I can also say…..I do not regret it one bit as I love them.
I have 2 complete sets of the blends as I have one in my work area and another in a grab and go bag that has stamped images in it. I often take that with me if I know that I will be waiting (like at an appt) as practicing is the best way to get comfortable!
You can get the WHOLE complete set right now for just $99 and then pick 2 stamp sets that tickle your fancy……the ultimate bundle during Sale-A-Bration.I know that you get super scared when you hear the word or think about the concept of joining Stamp Up! so how about this….just email me and I will be happy to talk to you about it.
It is nothing more that you taking advantage of a sale.
Yep – all of the Blends for $99 ships for free and you pick any 2 stamps!
Over this past weekend…I spent time with 2 amazing women that also happen to be downline but more importantly, I am proud to call them friends. We stamped….colored….cut….played and just had fun! Below my sweet little Milo went with me and let me tell you….he is amazing….staying up late with us and hearing all of the laughter!
Unfortunately I have had some “trying times” over the past several weeks with my Dad and his health. He is doing better but I knew that I needed this time away and it was the best medicine a doctor could ever order. In reflection as I drove home….I felt very blessed that this wonderful little thing that I do…..called Stampin’ Up! has allowed me to meet people from all over.
In April….there are 7 of us going away for a fun getaway that you would think we are kids going to Disney. Yep, that works for me and I am super excited for our time together!
Back to reality and as I opened up my computer….I saw over 300 emails…..let’s all have a great day and please remember, just have FUN with the wonderful thing that we have in common…..making cards and making people smile.
It DOES make a difference and so do you!
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by Susan Itell | Feb 16, 2018 | Sale-A-Bration, Uncategorized |
Well…the day is here – that is the day that Stampin’ Up! is offering to you 3 new offerings from the great group of Sale-A-Bration products. This year there are (2) tiers of offerings.. at the $50.00 threshold and then some at the $100.00 threshold….We are at the half way point as Sale-A-bration ends March 31st! This IS the sweetest time of the year with Stampin’ Up!
Today I took this yummy paper and did a simple coloring using the light and dark Old Olive with the Stampin’ Blends. They just glided over the paper to add some pizzazz to this simple card. It is super hard to get a good picture of this paper with the camera because of the Silver and Copper foil…but from the polls that I had on my blog, you all love this paper!
Below are the 3 new offerings for Sale-A-Bration…
You all know that I adore sentiment fonts in a die cut and in my opinion…we could never have too many as they just leave an impact and also make creating a clean and simple card a breeze to whip up in no time! The below die word, “celebrate” is from the Celebrate You Thinlits…also a Sale-A-Bration freebie!
I know that we are all so funny about our paper….some may call it hoarding…others may call it an obsession….but I call us “Proud Mamas of Beautiful Paper” – a title that I am proud to call myself. The problem is that we are fearful of cutting it…but come on – we DO NEED TO USE IT as the next reality we need to face is…there will always be other great DSP!
You can see that I did use it sparingly but it still has a great impact. The simple coloring of the leaves made a POP and then the focal part of the Old Olive Card Stock allow the sentiment to really stand out!
Do you have the blends yet? If so…..I know that you are lovin’ them as they go on like butter and if the answer was nope….I don’t have them…then I ask you…WHY NOT? The Blends are an Alcohol Based Marker that just glide over the paper and IF you wish to use the light and the dark to produce some “shading – blending” …you can do that with ease…hence the word Stampin’ Blends!
The below images will show you the wonderful colors that we have and my fingers are crossed that Stampin’ Up! will continue to come out with more and more colors. These colors match our line of cardstock and inks….something that we all love about the Stampin’ Up!, the color coordination!
One question that I am often asked…Which colors do I need 1st?
With a big hmmmmmm I say – all of them! YIKES??? I know, I know….they are pricy but trust me, they are worth every penny as they take us to the next level. True, you will not use all of the colors all of the time but I do think that you know…there are always time that we need to reach for a certain color etc…and once you get them….you will quickly see that you want the collection and yep…
I get it as I am a – I want it all kinda gal
Why do you want to continue to pay for shipping when you get 2 colors….and then add 2 more etc….I say with pretty much confidence….I think WE ALL have plenty of stamps to play with in our homes…but there are times that we need to invest in supplies and these Stampin’ Blends are well worth it!
You know the easiest way to get them….yep, here comes the scary stuff…..I can see you running (or shall I say clicking) me away but as we know that Sale-A-Bration is the sweetest time of the year…..as yep, you can get the whole darn collection….a $121.50 for just $99 and it ships for FREE….(that is another $12.15 savings)
Then you can pick ANY 2 stamps of your choice (ANY!!!)……with the Ultimate Bundle – no strings attached…..no need to make one more purchase and yep….you have ALL of the Stampin’ Blends PLUS 2 Stamps of your choice….all for just $99!
I love people that love to craft, I love people that like to have fun, I love people that appreciate a discount EVERY single day…..it is as simple as that….PROMISE! Please feel free to email me if you have questions……or simply CLICK HERE and pick your goodies!
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by Susan Itell | Feb 9, 2018 | Just Because..., Super Easy, Uncategorized |
Happy Friday! I have been excited to do this post ever since I received an email from a customer, Sue E. from New Hampshire! I just LOVE IT when I am inspired by blog readers and this email led me to a full blown enablement and I am just THRILLED!
I need to be honest….so go grab your Occasions Catalog and turn to page 17. This is where is all begins! I totally skipped right over this stamp set, A Good Day – I naturally HOPPED on buying the punches without batting an eye as when I see a punch – SOLD as I love the ease and speed of using a punch!
I can remember my first impression of this stamp set was….images are too small….I wasn’t crazy about the Mini Embroidery Hoops as I tend to crack the wooden embellishments and then also the bulk with shipping….UNTIL AN EMAIL…..from Sue and that’s all it took – SOLD ME!
Take a peek of this image and then read on….it will make sense!
Sue said that she watched a Video that Sara Douglas did using this stamp set along with the narrow notecards & envelopes (another item I wasn’t 100% sold on) but keep reading……(I told you I was going to be honest) I then put my investigator hat on and found the video…..it was a FaceBook Live Video that Sara had up on the Stampin’ Up! Website!
I watched this and said an immediate WOW – right up my alley……
Click Here to see the video…it is cute and Sara is just adorable! After I ordered it I immediately called Jeanie and asked her if she had it to borrow….STRUCK OUT….I now know how if feels to be impatient waiting for an order to come….even though I had a ca-zillion other things to work on….I wanted it NOW!
It finally came Monday night and I could hardly wait to play with it and make some of these sweet cards! I warn you….they are like POTATO CHIPS…..super addictive to make and as you make them you start to think…..“These would be great to give to ________ for a little Birthday Gift” or “These would be great to give a set to my Mother In Law for watching Mr. Perfect” (aka Milo)
Below you can see the (2) new punches. These really made putting this project together a breeze. I think that we all can agree….when you can pull out a punch and get the job done….We are HAPPY Crafters! Stampin’ Up! Punches are always so hight in quality and value. In the product line up you will see all of the various sizes of punches….they are just super handy to have on hand…a basis that you will use over and over!
Really…the sky is the limit and it also gets you to think of other stamps that you have that are small in image size to make up and paper….well WE ALL KNOW WE HAVE PAPER….so here is your permission to USE IT UP!
Now you can see why I am giving the Narrow Notecards & Envelopes as my gift with purchase this month! I will also tuck in several of these with the notecards……You can always find the current incentive on the drop down bar on the blog and the current Hostess Code is on the side of my blog.
As you can see in Sara’s Video there is nothing to it in whipping a bunch up! I did add a mat to the samples below…just because – you know me, I love my paper and I do think that it dresses it up a bit!
I also invite you to look at other simple sentiment stamps you have as you can see on the Easter one…..a simple Happy Easter dressed up this sweet bunny – this is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes oldie but goodie stamp!!! (I already know that I am going to make these for Easter and put on the fru-fru when I make Lemon Bread!)
I pulled out my Blends and just added some simple color to make these little sweeties come to life. You can use many different coloring mediums but I find the alcohol based markers are not only speedy….but also super easy!
In the Video, Sara showed how to cut the paper to maximize your cuts. Didn’t you think that it was so darn clever to use the 2 1/4″ Circle Punch to use as an envelope liner? I made the below visual for you to use.
So…..What do you think? Do they make you smile….
I know what I think….I am GRATEFUL THAT SUE EMAILED ME….and that I put some together!!! This would be a wonderful way to get together with friends and make some – you can yack away and have fun chatting and also pound out a bunch of these sweet cards……I literally had to stop myself and put them away as I kept wanting to make more and more….(I plan to make some while watching the Olympics)
Enjoy the weekend and I do hope that you will have time to watch the Olympics. I love watching them and I am always so amazed with the strength, dedication, endless training that these amazing athletes do! It truly is a special time to see the extreme talent.
We are to have a super rainy weekend….better rain than snow….the ice we had earlier in the week has played havic on many of our trees and we lost a HUGE pine tree and also several HUGE LIMBS…..it always makes me sad to see trees die as I think of how many years they were there.
Find some “me time” to craft away and I hope that this post inspired you to look at these sweet notecards. I just get giddy when I see a project that is fun, easy and practical. These would make a wonderful little gift to make up for that hard to buy for person as after all, a gift that you made with your own hands is the best gift as it is from YOUR HEART and HANDS!
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by Susan Itell | Feb 8, 2018 | Uncategorized |
Be that Early Bird…the Fast Fuse Sale starts today!
For today, Thursday February 8th I will offer DOUBLE PAW PRINT REWARDS when you place a Stampin’ Up! order today! This is a great time to naturally take full advantage of the Fast Fuse Sale…but also be able to take advantage of Sale-A-Bration! Sounds like a WIN-WIN opportunity!
I offer a very generous Rewards Program when you shop with me! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions! Remember, I get as excited as you do when you are able to get a perk…as together we make a great crafting team!
Yesterday I blogged about the Fast Fuse Sale – click here to view the entire post but in a nut shell it is easy…buy 1 Fast Fuse, get (2) Refills FREE……yep….let me crack another nut for you…..the Fast Fuse is $10.00 and the refills are $7.50 each……YEP — ONE AMAZING DEAL!
The below bullet is the memo that Stampin’ Up! shared with Demonstrators….I truly do not see this offering lasting for the 5 days that Stampin’ Up! is offering it….I do “get it” and respect the fact that we need to think in the future….personally, I am just thrilled that they are offering such a generous promotion.
- We will turn the promotion off if our Fast Fuse Adhesive supply reaches a predetermined threshold. The sale has been set up this way, so we are able to continue supporting you and your customers through the life of the 2017–2018 annual catalog.
So……GRAB THAT WORM and HIT THAT PAW PRINT below and smile……WHEW….now go have a GREAT DAY!
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