by Susan Itell | Feb 1, 2014 | Stamp-a-ma-jig, Valentines |
Happy Weekend to all!
Today is a GREAT day filled with excitement for me as I am bringing Hannah’s new horse to our farm! He usually stays at her trainer’s farm but they are getting ready to head South with 15 horses to show and dear, sweet Stanley is staying here in the cold with me for the next 6 weeks!
I feel like a new Mom getting the nursery ready…. we just purchased him a couple months ago and he is a real sweetie….I will snap a picture and share with you! It has been so bitter cold here and I have been trying to clean the barn and make sure that everything is ready for him…..John just laughs at me!!!!
How about this card….kinda different for me but at the same time, I think it turned out fun! You can see that today’s post is “all about the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig”!!!
You know that it is my “go to” tool and truthfully, I have (2) of them, as I would not know what to do if I misplaced it!!!! (it’s actually great to have 2 so when I teach someone we can do it at the same time!
Hands down, I think that this is the most intimidating product we have!
Confession time…when I bought mine…I bought it because I thought I simple “HAD TO HAVE IT” (sounds familiar) but when I received it…I figured that I could figure out how to use this silly piece of plastic…only to get TOTALLY FRUSTRATED (sounds familiar)!!!!
Let’s get to it and then I will share with you another way that you and I can work together for you to learn to master how to use this tool!
- Taking another piece of whisper white in the same size….I pulled out the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig and went to town! The stamp is from the Peachy Keen Stamp Set and this comes in a bundle and I would definitely recommend that you buy it this way – you will save in instant 15% plus the shapes that come it it are “real keepers”
(After I have finished all of the stamping for this card…
I trimmed the white piece to 3 1/8" X 4 5/8" and then the real red is 3 1/4" X 4 3/4")
- I used the Black Staz On Ink….why? – I just think that this is the best black ink out there! Remember, put the edge of the tool against the plastic sheet…stamp it – now you have your template to stamp on your paper! It really is easy…put the plastic sheet with the stamped image on top of where you want it to go…HOLD TIGHT so the tool so it does not move….then simple stamp!
Because there were many questions about the "square stamp" I thought I would show you the stamp set in the larger view….just be careful that when you order this and you want the BUNDLE..use the BUNDLE code that I have above….(that's why that picture is smaller than usual as it is showing the stamp and the framelits!!!! Hope this helps!
Let’s touch on perfection!!! We are ALL to darn hard on ourselves and trust me, I am totally the 1st one that has to work on that! I am a “true blue…type A” person and it is hard to sometimes let go…but I think that we truly make more out of this tool than is needed!!!
My card today is far from being perfect…but I know I made it….and that is all I need! So the moral of this story is…celebrate WHAT YOU DO and anything you create is a gift of art from your heart!
- Let’s get back to the card…..in this same stamp set is this fabulous heart! I love the details on the edges. Stamped it on some scraps and using the paper snips….I quickly “fussy cut” it out and it was a cinch! The stampin' vitamins of Stampin' Dimensionals POP the hearts up for fun!
- I was just going to roll with the black image and the Red Hearts but I thought it needed something more….and then the light bulb came on!!! The adorable XOXOXOX is from the Oh, Goodie Stamp Set that was in the Holiday Catalog and it was carried over!!! Woot-woot….as it is a fun set for “little something’s”!!! Just simply do the exact same thing as you did with the black stamped image!
Can you see that you will be getting your “fill” with the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig? It really will be your friend…you just need to practice! Think about it like this…it is like learning to ride a bike for the 1st time…it’s a little rough at first….but once you get it – you’re good to go!
- The envelope turned out super fun in my opinion! I adore this bold stripe of Real Red and White….it comes from the Fresh Prints Paper Stack and you can line (2) envelopes from one sheet of paper!
I know that I am not showcasing a Sale-A-Bration item with you…once I saw that heart in the stamp set…I just couldn’t resist and my creativity came up with this!
Here is an idea of a “Susan's Pick Kit” for you to hit that magical number of $50.00!
$50.25….I say – woot-woot!!!
- Peachy Keen Bundle (135225) – $38.25
- Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049) – $11.95
Remember when I started this post, I shared with you another way you can learn how to use this tool? Well, I helped someone on Skype….it was fun – please email me and let me know if you ever would like to chat via Skype…..the best news is….she mastered it and uses this great tool all the time!
Have a fabulous day!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Jan 26, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Valentines |
This post makes me smile! I must admit…when I 1st saw these "Monster Hugs" that Stampin' Up! came out with for Valentines this year…..I was not very thrilled – I didn't quite get why the little goober man only had 1 eye….I felt sorry for him!!!
Naturally, I did purchase them as I feel the need to show a variety of products and knowing that my son teaches children at a Montessori School in Boston, I knew that I would find a way to put them to use for him and his kids!
What I ended up finding is…I actually really like them!!!
Actually so much, I bought another pack in each color! They are fun, fresh and can easily be used for other uses than valentines! I did a search on the internet and many ideas I found used the Summer Starfruit for the blue one….and that just didn't work for me….
Let's go and you can see how you like these little guys!
I have done them in 3 different ways….with nuggets and a box on the front…..with Giradelli Chocolates and the box in the back…..and a Birthday Card for a friend that actually is on Valentines Day and I always bring him a jug of milk and fresh baked Chocolate Chip Cookies to his office, so thought this would be perfect and will make him laugh!
- To make the box to the front like above…it is soooo easy you are going to want to whop up a bunch of these! I have these filled with "nuggets" (5) fit great!
- For the "boy's" one I used Marina Mist as my box color and to the "girls" I used the fresh Strawberry Slush!
- Take a piece of paper at 4" X 4 3/8" and pull out the Simple Scoring Tool or simply use your Stampin' Trimmer as you always have the scoring part! Starting with the 4" side – simply score at 1 1/2" and 2 1/2" – next turn it to the 4 3/8" side and score this side at 1" and 3 3/8"
- Fold in all of the score lines and I highly recommend using the bone folder for crisp and professional looking edges! Look at the below picture and you will see that I cut up the score lines in the middle but then I do reccomend that you "cut in" on these edges….I think that this makes a "cleaner" project!
Put a piece of sticky strip on the outer edge of the small cut flap…see picture below! You fold up this 1st and adhere…..then the back side!
- Here is the important part….take your sticky strip and put it about 1/4" down from the edge of the "monster" and take it around but leaving a gap where the "hands" meet! I like it to be even to the bottom!
- I simply wrapped the "nuggets" in the coordinating colors of the Designer Series Papers…..use them ALL of the time!
I just think that these are just too darn cute! I adore the little eye….makes it super fun! Now let's get to the next one….the box in the back that will fill (3) Ghirardellii Chocolates!
This box uses the same principals! Here is the scoop! Take a piece of 4 1/4" X 5" piece (you can get 4 from a sheet of paper) and here are the score measurements!
On the 4 1/4" side…score at 1" and 3 1/4"
On the 5" side ….score at 2" and 3"
I know that if you do it this way you lose the back of the card but the Tags for You Stamp makes up for it! The heartsin real red are the added touch that makes the finale!
I think that this is a great option! The only downside is that you lose the "bum" of the "Monster" but you have the room to write who it goes to …….
Here is a quick and easy Birthday Card! Can you see that I scored each side….it is just 1/4" in on all sides – this is a quick and easy trick to jazz up a card!
I did wrap a nugget and he is holding it but the simple anf fun sentiment from Sassy Salutations was the perfect "Happy Birthday" for my friend!!! I think this is such a fun and fresh stamp set! This card was so easy…I just used the multipurpose glue to adhere the "Monster"….fast….DONE!
I hope that you have enjoyed these FUN monsters….but remember, these Valentines that Stampin' Up! are offering are only good thru the 27th….YIKES – that is tomorrow! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions about these little guys!
Today's post is another example of how I needed to change my mind!!! I did not "fall in love" with these little guys at first but once I start playing with them…..I LOVED THEM!!!!
Tomorrow I will be showcasing more of the "SWAPS" I received at Leadership! I know that you love them and I want to show you all of the talent that is out there! I am trying to put my creative hat on as SALE-A-BRATION starts on Tuesday!!!!!
That is a huge woot-woot and I will be sharing some blog candy to kick off the party!!!
Here is to a great Sunday….unitl tomorrow!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Jan 25, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Valentines |
Last week when I did the post on the Paper Pumpkin and how excited I am with how Stampin' Up! has listened and re-vamped the entire program and product etc…I showed one of these gems and was asked for the dimensions!
Well…today is your lucky day as I am going to share with you 2 different sizes that are SUPER-DE-DUPER easy to whip up in a flash! I adore quick and easy goodies like this…they are always so well received and an instant smile will be on the face of who is lucky to get a little "thinking of you goodie"
Think out of the box with what you can put in them….you can see here that I have simple candy, a Movie Ticket and more candy(hard to see as it is red) and for my daughter Hannah, I put some lip gloss in one to make her smile!
Let's go! The reason why I am showing you 2 different sizes is easy….I wanted to show you how you can use a paper stack (as that paper is 4 1/2" X 6 1/2" and make one…and the GREAT thing is – you will still have enough paper to line a 3 X 3 envelope or punch out a heart etc…
- The above example is from the Fresh Prints Paper Stack and you cut it to a 4" square! Pull out the envelope punch board and slide it to the 1 3/4" mark…PUNCH…SCORE…turn to 2 1/4"…..PUNCH…SCORE….turn again to 1 3/4" – do the same and lastly 2 1/4" and the same!
- Before you get too fold happy….remember you will only fold in 3 of the sides….I used a small piece of sticky tape (as I like the strong hold) and then you can decorate it however your little heart desires!
- Isn't this cute….I wanted to show you that you can make these gems and do nothing else but a simple ribbon with a knot and PRESTO – one super cute way to package something!
Now let's get to the other ones….they are made with a 5" sqaure piece of paper!
- These follow the same principal as above but the score/ line measurements are 2", 3" ,2" and 3"!!!! OOPS – I forgot above, use the corner rounder on all edges for a clean and fun finishing touch!
I hope that these cute examples inspired you to make some! These come together in a jif and it is a great way to use up paper!
I am super happy that I have added some "Paper Pumpkin People" to the new, revamped program! It taught me that it us ok to change my mind and after seeing both February and March's kits….I know they are BLUE RIBBONS and the best thing is….if I want to stop – EASY-PEASY…..just send them and email and you have stopped!
One confusion that has come up with many…..when you go to the Paper Pumpkin Website and you sign up……please copy and paste my code –
https://mypaperpumpkin.com?demoid=2106552
……this way not only will I be able to stay connected with you….I promise to email you the 1st of each month to see how you like the program and if not, remind you to cancel it before the 10th of the month!
EASY – right!?!? For just $19.95 a month you will get an inspiration kit mailed to you and you will be like a kid on Christmas Morning……ready to break open your package and PLAY WITH YOUR NEW TOYS!
If you sign up before February 10th, you will receive a free marker set
(5 "in color markers" – heck this is $14.95 value in itself)!!!
I say WOOT-WOOT!
Thanks for popping in and if you can – pop back tomorrow, I am going to show you what you can do with the oober cute valentine monsters that Stampin' Up! had just until Monday…..they really are cute!
I know that everyone is waiting for Sale-A-Bration and I hope that you will pop by on Tuesday the 28th as I will be having some BLOG CANDY to kick off the PARTY!!!!
Have a great day….I hope you make some of these and unitl tomorrow!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Jan 19, 2014 | 3-D Projects, Super Easy, Valentines |
Here is a SUPER quick & easy 3-D fun that comes together in a SNAP!
Just think of how you can change up the theme to make just about anyone smile! This would be a great party favor…a cute "tie on" to a gift…a little "giftie" that anyone would enjoy receiving!
I am giving you an idea that would be great for Valentine's and another for a "just because"!!! After I made the pink one…I thought – this would be a PERFECT table favor for my daughter's sorority Silent Auction Dinner! She is in charge of the silent auction and her roommate is helping with the dinner….would this be just adorable as it is for Breast Cancer?
Let's go…I am sure that many of you will be going to get Tic-Tac's….it's a cute and practical project to whip up in a jif!
- Take a piece of Real Red at 2 5/8" X 5 1/2" and score at 1 1/8',1 6/8",3 1/2" & 4 1/8"! I use the Simply Scored and also use the markers as when you make a bunch of these….it makes it a super cinch!
- Use the bone folder and get a good, crisp fold – to me this is soooo important especially with 3-D projects!
- Use Sticky Strip – again, a must in my opinion especially when working with something that you want to hold in place firmly!
- The "stripe belly band" is 1 1/4" X 5 1/2" and scored at the same measurements from above! This is from the super cute Fresh Prints Paper Stack! Just LOVE it!
- I stamped the great sentiment of "hey there friend" in real red….this is from the Paper Pumpkin Kit! I wanted to do something fun and whimsical and free-hand cut it in a wavy fashion….just do it – and HAVE FUN!
- Taking a simple hole punch and threading a piece of Real Red taffeta ribbon and slipped it under the knot and tied it again = SIMPLE + FUN= A GREAT END RESULT!!!
- The petite petals punch is the SUPER NEW AND MUST HAVE punch – it is adorable! Purchase it as a bundle and you will save an instant 15% = woot-woot!
- Did you notice that I used the white gel pen and did a quick stitch around the top and bottom!?!? Well, I think it made it and then I went back and did the same with the red one….you'll see it in the last picture!
What do you think – do you like today's project?
I think that the simple stitching adds a great touch and gives it the finale! It's it amazing all of the quick and simple things we can do and show our creativity!
I love simple projects to inspire you! I did this last Spring with Breast Cancer Ladies for a "Day of Creativity" that was for them! They loved making these simple Tic-Tacs!
Let me know your thoughts…..and remember – this adorable and super practical sentiment came from the Paper Pumpkin Kits! Please refer back to the post earlier this week when I realized when I went to Leadership Convention, that Stampin' Up! realizes that they need to "change it up" –
I love it that they are listening…if you sign up…you will receive this stamp – love this sentiment! I am glad I FINALLY opened it and have been using it all week!!!!
Have a wonderful Sunday and please feel free to shoot me an email if you need help!
Until tomorrow!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Jan 17, 2014 | Super Easy, Valentines |
Good Morning! I know that last week I shared with you a bunch of Valentines appropriate cards and here is another one that I simply could not resist sharing with you! I think it is just adorable and can you say…easy!
My inspiration came from a similar card that was hanging at convention and I put my thinking cap on to make it a twist of my personality and here you go….one clean, classic and simple card!
This week was my monthly Breast Cancer project and we made multiples of this card for patients but simply omitted the sentiment! The gals putting together the cards loved it!
Here you go….I hope you CASE this one as it comes together super quick! Do you remember last month I shared with you tips and tricks on breaking down a project so you are not so overwhelmed? This is a classic example!
- For ease – I would take advantage of the Cut & Ready Bases…makes multiple tasks so easy!
- I would do all of my stamping of the hearts at one time on scraps of paper – LOVE using up those scraps!
- I would stash the hearts and the heart punch in a baggie and when I was at lunch I would pop them out!
- I would cut out all of my layered papers at one time. I would stamp the tree on the very vanilla.
- I would assemble all of my cards at one time!
Time is so darn tooin' precious for all of us and if we take projects that we want to tackle and break them down, step by step, it eliminates stress and we enjoy ourselves more!
Let me get to enabling you….have fun and please feel free to email me if you need help!
- The base is a Cut & Ready Card Base in Very Vanilla.
- The Cherry Cobbler piece is 5" X 3 3/4" – REMEMBER to use this base to pop out shapes to save your paper….just love saving paper!
- The Very Vanilla piece is 4 3/4" X 3 1/2"
- Using Early Espresso Ink, I stamped the "tree" onto my base! This is from the Take Care Stamp Set!
- On pieces of scraps, I stamped the hearts in cherry cobbler and then popped them out with the small heart punch! This is from the Language of Love Stamp Set! I love that you can get the heart punch in between each heart image and not waste a stamp!
- Before I put my "hearts" on…I took the early esspresso marker and put a quick loop…(don't stress about making them….just do it )- remember…who ever is lucky enough to get it this card from you will just LOVE IT! Look at the below picture and you can see that I put a small drop of the liquid multipurpose glue that I love so…why? I wanted them to lay FLAT….and I also like that I can wiggle them a bit to get them exactly where I want them!
- Time for the sentiment…this sums it up! "Thanks for being mine" is such a great sentiment for Vantentine's Day! This came from the Love you to the moon stamp set!
- Lining the envelope was easy with the Envelope Liner Framelit and the paper came from the Seasons of Style DSP (the christmas paper) = I had some extra and it is perfect with this card!
Wham…BAM…cute card – do you like it? I hope that it brought a smile to your face! To me – this has seemed like a L O N G week and I am thankful that the weekend is here!
Please make sure that you check back to the Paper Pumpkin Post as I answered many questions that you left comments on….we all seem to think a like but I know you well enough that these next couple months are going to be great – plus, you will get a free set of In Color markers! Woot-Woot!
I hope that you all have some fun plans for the weekend ahead! Have a great day and until tomorrow!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Jan 13, 2014 | Sale-A-Bration, Valentines |
Back to reality!!! It was wonderful to be away but it was also wonderful to be home….as "Dorothy" says..."There's no place like home…." I was welcomed by my loving dogs…my precious pig, Daisy….and even the horses were happy that I went down to check on them and gave them a carrot!
Do you have a friend that makes you laugh….keeps you always guessing "what's next"…someone that never ceases to amaze you ….well that is Jeanie….and do you remember that the weekend before I left for Houston I shared with you that Jeanie and I had a "play session"?
Well….this card is her brain child and I asked her if I could "tweak it a bit" to make it my own! She is one talented person – I only wish that we kept the same sleep schedule as we live in the same town….she is a night owl and I am the early bird! We often laugh that she is probably going to bed when I am getting up!
Let's get to this fun, festive and oober cute Valentines Card!!! It looks like it could be hard, but let me break it down for you and you will see that it is very "do-able" Ready….set…..LET'S GO!
- The base of the card is a Pool Party Cut & Ready Base….these make it soooo easy to get the card going quick! I simply cut 1 1/2" off the top of the card…..
- TIP ALERT: This is why the Grid Paper is sooooo key – you can line up the card and "juggle around the hearts" to make sure that the hearts do not go beyond the 5 1/4" mark so your card will fit into a regular A-2 envelope! Later on this….
- Can you see the fun dimension on the Cherry Cobbler Heart???….wondering where did that come from??? It is part of the Sale-A Bration that will be here sooooo soon – actually 2 weeks from tomorrow and it can be YOURS FREE!!!! You are going to love….Love…LOVE the offerings of free goodies!
- How do you line up the hearts????….simple – put the card base on the grid paper or if you do not have this…mark a pencil mark on a piece of paper at 5 1/2" so you will not go over that mark to make sure it fits in your envelope and randomly place your hearts….cute….right!!!
- Now to the simple and wow factor that I adore…..the "love" framelit from Expressions Framelits….( I know – they were in the Holiday Catalog and are no longer available) but I also realize that many of you have it! What could you do if yo do not have them….SIMPLE – add a sentiment there or a cluster of hearts! BAM – Done!
- A tool that I think we forget about and I do not know why as it is just #3.95…the Uni-Ball White Gel Pen adding the little white "Susan dots" adds a dimension! Fun and Quick!
- Last….envelope time! The envelope liner framelit (that is STILL on sale for just today…woot-woot) makes the project come to life!
Cute card!!!! I truly hope that you case away and I hope that you can leave a comment and say a big THANK YOU to Jeanie for her great layout….If we could hibernate together without interruptions – WOWZERS – we would come up with some amazing cards….
Are you ready for tomorrow…..TOMORROW will be a fun…FUN day as it is the PALS BLOG HOP….inspiration to the max! We will be featuring projects using the new Occasions catalog as well as items from the Sale-A -Bration catalog!!!!
Back to work tomorrow…but trust me – when I come home – straight to my "creative outlet"…..get excited and be excited for many fun things coming your way with Stampin' Up!
Please tell your family and friends about my blog….I am SUPER CHARGED and SUPER EXCITED for Sale-A-Bration to be here….it is a great celebration and a great way for YOU to earn exclusive free products from Stampin' Up!
Thank you for being YOU….and thank you for being so supportive…..have a great day and let's all have a great week….
Until tomorrow….
p.s. – notice the pictures….there are "Houston Bathtub Pictures"
p.p.s. – To thank Jeanie….I am going to drop off over 65 cards for her to go WOWZERS over tomorrow while I am at work – the SWAPS!!!! ( I'll be sure to get them back for you!)
Like this:
Like Loading...
