We have power!!!

by Susan Itell | Jun 9, 2015 | Uncategorized | 3 comments

I AM JUST CHECKING MY EMAIL (5:30 p.m.) AND I SAW THAT THIS DID NOT GET SENT OUT…..sorry! (I actually did it around 9 this morning…..enjoy!!!)

(better late than never!!!!)

HOUSTON….we are clear for TAKEOFF!!!

This is the 2nd post from me today…..sorry but I needed to finish!!!! Hope you enjoy!

Well by now you know me….I just have to share with you the continued fun that happened with the power being out! It is amazing how quickly you forget things that happened but all of a sudden when we lost power I remember last year we were without power for 3 days…yep! 3 days….

As John and I were remembering that while we were at Panera we laughed as it truly was the pits….the frustrating part is that people that live literally a "stones throw" would have power…but NOOOOO – we would not – which meant having to bring in water for the animals…as the well does not work etc….

As we were driving down a road that leads us to our house we saw lights and were keeping our fingers crossed as we need to take a right onto our road (there are about 5 houses in a cul-de-sac) and then we live back in the middle of no-where (it sure is peaceful though)….it was BLACK…no lights but we saw a work truck.

Naturally I was excited only to see that it was not the electric company but it was the cable company….I asked him what was up and he said that there were several reports of houses with out cable/internet – I said – heck, all I want is power…then he said – DO YOU LIVE BACK THERE???…..and when I said yes, he smiled and said – it doesn't look like you will have power until morning…

What do you do…just laugh – go home and go to bed! When it was day light….still no power and then around 8 I heard a TV and saw lights go on and YIPPEE SKIPPEE……life is great!

Now let me quickly continue….

6. Which "punch" makes you the most "punchy" to own? WHY DID I PICK THIS???…EASY – a total speed tool that makes my life easier and when that happens…I smile! Seriously – this is a must have, true you can cut the paper and flag the ends like we have always done – but this makes things go soooo much faster!

(I would say my next pick is a toss up between the adorable tree punch and the washi label (that is one that is going to surprise you…..trust me)

• Banner Triple Punch (page 165)

7. Which is the best "kit & kaboodle?" WHAT WAS MY PICK???? Same as yours – this is just adorable and the box is going to be super useful as well. I am looking forward to putting it together and sharing. I think that this would be a FANTASTIC Set to get some friends together and have fun….

( My next pick is the Watercolor Wishes…THIS IS FANTASTIC – do not let the price intimidate you….it comes with a stamp set and just look at what you can make – this is not available until July but you bet it will be making its way to Randall Lane!!!_

• Tin of Cards & Tin of Cards Stamp Set (page 152)

8. Which New Ribbon has you "spinning your reels?" WHAT WAS MY PICK??? Same as yours…You know that I consider myself to be a bit "Bow Challenged" and I just think the Bakers Twine does the trick. I find it to be easy to work with and I love the simplicity of it!

(My next pick….and TRUST ME….I feel like I work at Joann Fabrics with all of the cutting of Ribbon I have been doing for my shares…the next pick for me is the 3/8" satin ribbon – it is gorgeous – the colors are great and YES – black and white!!!!

• Thick Baker's Twine (page 158)
  

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9. Which Stampin' Rewards Host Set (pages 179-182) makes you want to PARTY?

WHAT WAS MY PICK??? Happy Birthday, Everyone….WHY???? This was a tough one but I love the font of the Happy Birthday….but the "key" is the little sentiments that tie it all together – fast – easy – DONE! I can see that this will be a very helpful set!

(I will say that your pick of Best Thoughts is a strong 2nd for me…I adore the sentiments)

10. Which product gets the award for "Most Improved"  WHAT WAS MY PICK???? I admit….I CAN'T DECIDE as all 3 were sooooooo needed….I have not received the Thick Card stock, (should be here Friday) but I do have the other 2 and they are FANTASTIC.…

• Thicker Whisper White Cardstock
• Tear and Tape Adhesive
• Envelope Paper

The new adhesive has the strength of sticky strip but it is a KEEPER that you can tear it!!! WOOT-WOOT – makes life a bit easier!

The Envelope Paper….what a deal – and it is fantastic to work with!

Thanks for hanging in there with me today. Don't forget to check out the weekly deals (thank you stampin' up!) my pick, snag the punch and the embossing folders!

I need to get back to cutting….I am just about to see the end of the tunnel for my shares….(well I think so) just when I think I have a plan…I underestimate how ling it takes….I do plan to be offering another Product Share offering (probably next week)….this IS the best way for you to get a taste of the new goodies….

Until tomorrow….

Now it’s my turn….

by Susan Itell | Jun 9, 2015 | Uncategorized | 7 comments

Good Morning and I hope that you enjoyed seeing the "picks" that you did with our Fun Friday post and now it is my turn to share with you what my "picks" were!

We had a bad storm and do not have power at our house (remember, we live in the middle of no where) so this will be a "to be continued" post…John is patient…but we are at a Panera…

1 – Which of these Sentiments Stamp Sets "speak " to you?

• One Big Meaning (page 16)  – WHY DO I LIKE THIS? – How can I not? This is a fabulous stamp set and with 7 wonderful sentiments….I see many super easy CLEAN & SIMPLE cards! We all need thank you cards… and this is a great addition!
  

CONFESSION TIME and I did not realize this until I am posting this…..I told you WRONG yesterday – THIS IS THE ONE THAT WAS TIED WITH OVER THE RAINBOW!!!

I loved the comments yesterday and I have to say, THANK YOU for the feedback on over the Rainbow…that was not on my "A" List radar screen but after looking at it and seeing the INCREDIBLE samples in the catalog…I see what you see in it – I love that "Happy Sun"

I also will share with you…that every time I see a rainbow I think of my Mom….she loved rainbows and I know she is with me when I see one! THANKS FOR YOUR FEEDBACK!

2. Which new Background Stamp "tops" your wish list?

• Brushstrokes (page 128) – WHY DO I LIKE THIS? Well…I just cannot resist a great stripe and polka dots….both of these make me smile! You can almost guarantee that when it is a great basic like this…I'll go for it! This is on order and I cannot wait to get it inky!
  

3. Which Floral or Garden Stamp Set will you "pick" first for your Stamping Garden? (hmmm…..guess I did a good thing on the Sunday's  post!)

• Garden Bloom (page 119) WHY DO I LIKE THIS??? Fun, soft, classic…it reminds my of Mother Love….from the Occasions Catalog, I just cannot resist a simple yet elegant flower – and the sentiments….WOW!
  

4. As of right now, which new In Color is your favorite?

• Cucumber Crush – WHY DO I LIKE THIS??? I love BOLD colors…especially greens and pinks! = This is soooo different than anything we have….but I have to say, Mint Macaron is FABULOUS!

5. Which DSP is most likely to earn "Best in Show?" 

• English Garden (page 142) – AMAZING!!!!!  Ok….I have been cutting paper and cutting paper for the products shares and I must say….(I know that they were not on the list) but DO NOT OVERLOOK School House and Sweet Li't Things = the are FANTASTIC!
  

p.s. – I ADORE Go Wild and Pretty Petals!….You are going to love them…WOWZERS!!!!!

To be continue…hopefully when I wake up…..I am sure when I get back to our farm it is DARK…VERY DARK….and it is HOT.…never a dull moment!

The Results are IN!!!

by Susan Itell | Jun 8, 2015 | Uncategorized | 13 comments

This was soooooo fun to see your picks from the Friday Fun Post and I was so thrilled that you enjoyed it as well…we will do more interactive things like this….It is funny, some of you leave responses on the post….some email me…and some do both….(I love you guys when you leave a response and then an email to tell me why you chose what you did) – you all make me smile!

Here you go….These are YOUR responses…Please pop back tomorrow as I will share with you my picks and also the picks of the PALS…..I really learned a lot….

Please leave me a comment with your feedback if you were surprised….etc….you all are the best, thank you for being so special!

1 – Which of these Sentiments Stamp Sets "speak " to you?

WE HAVE A TIE!!!!

• Happy Happenings (page 103) (WOWZERS, A great set)

• Over The Rainbow (page 21) (Hmmmmm I learned something from you)

2. Which new Background Stamp "tops" your wish list? (LANDSLIDE)

• Watercolor Wash (page 129)

3. Which Floral or Garden Stamp Set will you "pick" first for your Stamping Garden? (hmmm…..guess I did a good thing on yesterdays post!)

• Garden Bloom (page 119)

4. As of right now, which new In Color is your favorite? (some what close with Cucumber Crush)

• Mint Macaron (page 3)

5. Which DSP is most likely to earn "Best in Show?" (LANDSLIDE)

• English Garden (page 142)

6. Which "punch" makes you the most "punchy" to own? (Very close….just by 2….)

• Banner Triple Punch (page 165)

• Tree Builder Punch (page 167)

7. Which is the best "kit & kaboodle?" (LANDSLIDE)

• Tin of Cards & Tin if Cards Stamp Set (page 152)

8. Which New Ribbon has you "spinning your reels?" (I was surprised but I agree)

• Thick Baker'sTwine (page 158)
  

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9. Which Stampin' Rewards Host Set (pages 179-182) makes you want to PARTY? (LANDSLIDE)

• Best Thoughts

10. Which product gets the award for "Most Improved" (Interesting….very close – it was between the winner and the envelope paper!!!)

• Thicker Whisper White Cardstock

This was super fun…I know that the NEW Catalog is fun…it's new and we are all trying to grasp it! I have learned so much from you…I am excited to share with you my picks and well as the PALS picks tomorrow

Until tomorrow!!

p.s. – Norman is doing better, he is home and on antibiotics! We have had incredible weather over the weekend…low humidity…and he stayed with me while I was having an affair with WEEDS.…such a sweet, sweet boy!

Fun Friday!

by Susan Itell | Jun 5, 2015 | Uncategorized | 33 comments

Ok…I was a SUPER HAPPY STAMPER yesterday when my boxes came from Stampin' Up! (well, they could have been there first thing in the morning but I'll take 3 p.m.) and I am a GIRL ON THE GO….cutting paper and ribbon for the Product share BUT…there is one thing that the catalog seriously does not do justice…

THE NEW PAPER…

I wish you could have seen me…I was  just going full steam ahead …going – oh my gosh…look at this…and then out came another pack of paper….and then there was a louder squeal of excitement….the poor dogs looked at me like I was crazy…(The only thing that could have been better was if Chris R would have been there) – NOW THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A HOOT!

I said that today I was going to share with you my picks of favorites but I thought let's do something INTERACTIVE and FUN…it will be interesting to see your thoughts.

Get your catalog…Grab a cup of coffee & a piece of paper and pen….below you will see 10 questions pertaining to the new catalog and I thought it would be great to get feedback from you with your picks!

Please leave a comment and just list down the question number and the answer you pick (just one…) and then on Monday I will share with you the picks!

This will be super fun…and then it will be fun to look back at the picks a month from now and see if we have changed our thoughts once we see lots of fun projects made.

I already have changed my mind on a couple of things but on Monday I will share with you my "first – gut choices" when I read these. (and then tell you which ones I might have changed my mind after having them in my hands!)

1 – Which of these Sentiments Stamp Sets "speak " to you?

1. Happy Happenings (page 103)
2. One Big Meeting (page 16)
3. That Thing You Did (page 97)
4. Me = Grateful (page 17)
5. Over the Rainbow (page 21)

2. Which new Background Stamp "tops" your wish list?

1. Watercolor Wash (page 129)
2. Brushstrokes (page 128)
3. Dots for Days (page 129)
4. It's Wild (page101)
5. Definitely Dahlia (page 129)

3. Which Floral or Garden Stamp Set will you "pick" first for your Stamping Garden?

1. Garden in Bloom (page 119)
2. Wild about Flowers (page 74)
3. Birthday Blossoms (page 8)
4. Gift From the Garden (page 81)
5. Remarkable You (page112)

4. As of right now, which new In Color is your favorite? (page 3)

1. Watermelon Wonder
2. Mint Macarin
3. Cucumber Crush
4. Tip Top Taupe
5. Delightful Dijon

5. Which DSP is most likely to earn "Best in Show?"

1. English Garden (page 142)
2. Timeless Elegance (page 143)
3. Merry Moments (page 143)
4. Farmers Market (page 143)
5. Go Wild Paper Stack ( page 144)

6. Which "punch" makes you the most "punchy" to own?

1. Banner Triple Punch (page 165)
2. Tree Builder Punch (page 167)
3. Gift Bag Punch Board (page 150)
4. Washi Label Punch (page166)
5. Medium Star Punch (page 166)

7. Which is the best "kit & kaboodle?"

1. Tin of Cards & Tin if Cards Stamp Set (page 152)
2. Watercolor Wishes (page 155)
3. Cottage Greetings Card Kit (page 154)
4. All Boxed Up (page 154)
5. Build a Banner (page155)

8. Which New Ribbon has you "spinning your reels?" (pages 158-159)

1. 1" Dotted Lace Trim in the 2015-2017 In Colors
2. New Colors for the 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon
3. Thick Baker'sTwine
4. Metallic Thread (gold and silver)
5. 2014-2016 Cotton 5/8" Stripe In Color Ribbon

9. Which Stampin' Rewards Host Set (pages 179-182) makes you want to PARTY?

1. Happy Birthday, Everyone
2. Best Thoughts
3. Floral Wings
4. A Whole Lot of Lovely
5. Silhouettes & Scripts

10. Which product gets the award for "Most Improved"

1. Thicker Whisper White Cardstock
2. Tear and Tape Adhesive
3. Envelope Weight Paper  (In Color & Neutrals)

I hope that you found this fun. I don't know about you….but it takes me a while to get used to where things are in the new catalog…(I ADORE the layout of this catalog) and this FUN FRIDAY helped you get to know more of the products!

You know that I have said endless times that I adore being a PAL! Mary Fish offers super fun cyber monthly meetings (if you which to hop on) and 2 weeks ago we had a "Catalog Stroll"….and I am sharing 10 of the questions that we all answered…there is power in the numbers and when you get a bunch of crazed stampers….the FUN is over the top!

It is always so interesting to see how others look at the new products and how they view them. This is another reason that I adore being a PAL….I feel the support and the fun as a group! Have fun…and I look forward to tallying them up!

Rewind to the beginning if the week, the Monday personal challenge….the random winner was Robyn Carter and WOWZERS…..what an adorable card….she had fun with the Regals Collection – love the layout…very fun and fresh! I will send her a ring of swatches…all 50 pieces of solid cardstock that we have! The best "speed tool" one can have!

Let's have a great day and I cannot wait to see what you all pick! This is a GREAT way to get a feel of what is going to be "Hot"….the PALS had a blast for over 2 hours chatting up a storm…we support each other, we work with each other – we have fun!

Fabulous Kit Content Ideas!

by Susan Itell | Jun 2, 2015 | Uncategorized | 2 comments

Good afternoon!This is my 2nd post for today and if you want to pop back and see the 1st one, please click here! I have received many emails about ideas for what I would suggest to fill a starter kit!

Before we get to that….here is the link for you to view the New Catalog…(don't you just love the cover and the title) -  is just…..sooooo  Stampin' Up! – Share the Fun.

I know that many of you have big "wish lists" and play around figuring out how to justify this and that….(sound familiar???). You can purchase the $99 Starter Kit (filled with whatever your little heart wants) with $125 of goodies and then you can also pick 2 free stamp sets from the new catalog!

This incentive starts today thru June 30th. Here are (2) different "PLANS" that I put together. Feel free to look at them….take it all in and if you want to email me…great! I would love to have you join the fun with me!

Stampin' Up! Starter Kit Ideas _Plan A_

Stampin' Up! Starter Kits Ideas _Plan B_

Each have total "keepers" of products…it just depends if you are "itching to get the new In Color Ink Pads"…or it you are "itching to have the fabulous Triple Banner Punch and try out the Thick White Cardstock"

How can you go wrong – you will be getting (5) stamp sets PLUS a kit that makes 16 completed cards (this includes the 2 free ones) The Tin of Cards Kit is amazing, I would not wait to order this gem….it is going to be hot!

Want to get started, click here and have fun! This has been a very busy day for Stampin' Up! so if you are having problems with the process, please email me – I am home with my furry friends!

Hope to see you tomorrow!