by Susan Itell | Nov 12, 2013 | Fall Cards, PALS Blog Hops, Thank You, Watercoloring |
Thank you for joining us for the November Pals Blog Hop. We are thankful you are visiting today and hope you enjoy our thank you inspired projects.
You should have just left stop number 16 on the Pals Hop – Shannon Jaramillo at ezpeasycards. If so, you are in the right spot.
If you get off track, the full blog lineup below will help you move along
from blog to blog so you see all of the amazing creations!
I
think receiving a card at this time of the year is so special, as with the
seasons changing, the time changing, everyone seems to be “down–shifting” with
trying to get a “grasp” on the next time of rush!
To
me, this is such a time of Thanksgiving and letting friends, family and simply
people that touch your life and that you admire…sending them a card letting
them know that you are “Thankful” with how they touched your life is a powerful
and fulfilling gesture!
It
will be 3 years on December 1st that I lost my Mom and every year I
send her caregivers a card of “thanks” as they were so amazing and I still
deeply appreciate all that they did and they are always in my heart!
Today’s
card I wanted to do something different than leaves! This is from the Wetlands
Stamp Set and it is just elegant! Now you know what I am going to say…YES – you
need to use Water Color Paper when doing this technique of water-coloring!
Water
coloring is super fun and with the Aqua Painters it is a breeze! I get many
comments saying that they are not comfortable with water coloring. The best tip
I can give you is practice…practice and practice!!!
It
truly is easy and in time I have learned that it is important to get the
“puddle” of your ink color fairly wet as if you go over it again and again as
it dries, you will create a softer and in depth look! It’s kind of like
blending!
Look
at this picture (I know it’s kind of weird to look at) but before you open your
ink pad, give it a good squeeze to get a blob of ink on the top…then you can
see how I made a section much wetter with the aqua painter! I have found that I
like adding a lighter effect and it dries super quick and then going back over!
The
size of the water color paper is a 4” X 4” square and I stamped the “wheat
grass” in Soft Suede and then Goose in Black Staz-On Ink…. why did I do it this
way? Because the Soft Suede is not permanent, I wanted a bit of “bleeding” of
color as I was painting and then with the goose…I simply wanted the crispness
of him to pop! The total size of the card is 5" X 5"!
Here
are the colors that I used. I know it seems like a lot but truly you are “taking a little her and a little there”
to create an effect that you are comfortable with! Soft Sky, Old Olive, Cajun
Craze, Soft Suede for the grass area and Sahara Sand for the goose!
Remember
to gently squeeze your aqua painter and have a paper town handy to keep the
water consistently the way you like it. I only keep a tiny bit of water in
mine…a little goes a long way! Again, PRACTICE!!!
Because
this paper is meant to hold and absorb water, you still might get a bit of
“waviness” on the end result! Because of this, I would recommend using the
sticky tape to mat it to the soft suede…now as you can see it is super flat!!!
WOOT-WOOT!
The
simple sentiment of thanks is all that is needed! I love to write very
heartfelt notes of how and why they touch my life and let them know “I thank them for what the mean to me”
Because
the size of the card is not your traditional size…no worries – the envelope
punch board to the rescue! Just follow the handy dandy guide and a cut of the
paper…a punch of the board…a score of a line…PRESTO – all you need to do is use
adhesive and you are good to go!
A
card would not be a card to me without a liner! Following my dear and wonderful
upline, Mary Fish, she created this great video that you need to watch! Click
here and see how easy it is to make a liner to fit the odd size cards!
Needed to be kind to the mailman and make him smile…so I stamped the Wheat Grass on the lower edge of the envelope! Cute…..right!?!?
John has aked me to make him up a new wave of cards as he is running low of the last batch I made him and he asked me if I would make a dozen of this one up for him! You might think – WOW….that will take forever…but it really is not a big deal….
TIP ALERT: – because you are layering these bases…take full advantage of cutting shapes out of the Soft Sky and the Soft Suede Paper…use punched, use framlits etc….SAVE PAPER when you can!
Water-coloring to me is total therapy! I am happy as a clam watching "The Voice" and I can easily color all of these for John!
Remember, break your projects down into steps…doing this will save you so much time and frustration! You can do it!!!
Now you have a lot to get to….since it is the PALS Blog hop…you need to continue to be inspired! I hope that I have inspired you today…Until tomorrow!!!
The next stop is Martie Pollard at The Crafty Bandit, stop number 18 on
the Pals Blog Hop! Thanks for visiting – and I hope to see you next month!
- Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven's Retreat
- Ann Schach at The Stampin' Schach
- Katy McGloin at Just Fun Stamping
- Carmen Sublasky at The Creative Stamptuary
- Shirley Sumption at Look at my Cute Stuff
- Mary Fish at Stampin' Pretty
- Connie Lindsey at Crafting a Joyful Life
- Michelle Gleeson at Stampinmojo
- Shannon Hokanson at Paper Works
- Colleen Mollema at Uncanny Crafting
- Lynn Kolcun at Stamping With Avery's Owlery
- Kerry Willard Bray at Stampgoodness.com
- Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper
- Amy L. Lazzell at Just A Thought…Cards by Amy
- Lisa Davis at Cherry St. Paper Treats
- Shannon Jaramillo at ezpeasycards
- Susan Itell at Simple Stampin'
- Martie Pollard at The Crafty Bandit
- Donna Kopenski at craftycardmaker
- Rae Harper at Wild West Paper Arts
- Sherrie Gross at Stampin' Sunshine
- Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
- Linda Callahan at Stampin' Seasons
- Diane Roberts at Score at Four and a Quarter
- Brian King at Stamp with Brian
- Beth Beard at My little craft blog
- Debbie Crowley at expressivelydeb…
- Dawn Tidd at Tiddbits from Dawn
- Sue Becker at Sue's R n R Stamping
- Nancy Gleason at My Stampin Space
- Peggy Noe at prettypapercards
- Marlene Heringer at So Many Toys in Schertz
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Nov 11, 2013 | Congratulations, Watercoloring |
I
bet you are smiling right now! This is a very fun and whimsical Stamp Set
called, Giggle Greetings! When the new catalog came out and I saw this – I knew
it would be coming to my house!
I
adore using the Aqua Painters and this is the type of a stamp that lends itself
to water coloring! YEAH!!! You know what I am going to say…use the watercolor
paper as it really holds the water and gives you great coloring and shading!!!
Being
that I love square cards, this stamp was the perfect shape to use the Square
Framelits to bring this card to life! The card is a 5” X 5” card and the color
is Night of Navy!
TIP
ALERT: This is not necessary but I will say it maybe adds 1 minute and it is
worth it as you will get it “spot on” – take a ruler and measure both ways to
find the center…put a mark and then when you use the framelits your “hole” will
be it the perfect spot!
The
outer square was super easy to make and it is the In Color – Baked Brown Sugar!
Using the Stampin’ Trimmer, I cut slivers of the White Naturals Paper to add
some interest and then with a black candy dot the fun came together!
When
I water colored my image, I used Crumb Cake and Real Red…remember – go light
and then you can always go back over for shading!
ANOTHER
TIP ALERT: to get perfect placement for the image to show through the “window”,
I suggest you use Mono Liquid Adhesive…remember – a little goes a long way. I
like this as you can “wiggle” it around to get it in the perfect spot!
The
envelope was made with the White Naturals Paper with the help of the Envelope
Punch Board! Did you notice that I stamped the outer part of the envelope to
make the mailman smile?
Remember
to always use the Black Staz-On Ink when you water color… it came out fine but
the color and the texture is so much better using the Water Color Paper!
Lining
it with fun polka dots from the Regals Designer Series Paper is the perfect
choice! It is just wonderful not to have to think of what paper to choose
as a liner when everything we have
matches up so nicely!
It
feels great to show you a simple card! I think cutting out the front is a
clever and fun technique to do and it lends itself to so many stamp sets we
have! Try it!!!
Tomorrow
is a special day to the PALS…. as it is our monthly Blog Hop! You will want to
make sure you HOP back as it will be a parade of cards with the theme of “Thanks”
I
think you all will like my card…I focused on water coloring and it is a
beautiful card that looks like fall!
Here’s
to a great week…I have some fun projects brewing for you! Thanks for popping by
and get ready for a SUPER day of hopping from one inspiration to the next!!!
There's lots of talent out there…be a sponge and absorb it all in!
Until
tomorrow!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Oct 16, 2013 | Christmas, Watercoloring |
YIKES…can you believe that next Wednesday we will be in the single digits for the weekly countdown until Christmas! ZOOM…the calendar keeps flying by! 10 weeks from today is the big day!
Here is a "classic" one for you today! Now…this is my kind of card!
Why?…simple - it is clean, simple, uses minimal product and packs a big statement!
I have not been giving “crumb cake” much attention lately so
today is the day for it to come back into my Stampin’ world! The size of this
classic card is 5” X 6”….fun and easy with the help of the Envelope Punch
Board!
Let’s get to it…soooo easy…soooo easy to make many and when
you really look at it…it really uses minimal products and with the incredible
$25.00 offer to join the fun as a hobbyist, you could simply order your goodies
at 30% and get going on your cards!
Are you asking yourself where are the stamps? Are you are
not seeing them in the Holiday Catalog? Well…these were carried over from last
year…click here to download the flyer so you can see more great holiday stamps!
The focal tree is from the Evergreen Stamp Set and it is a
GREAT set and one that to me is the holidays! I have seen so many beautiful
cards made with this stamp set!
You know what I am going to say…using the watercolor paper
is a must…let the aqua painters do their magic and this paper will absorb the
water and the paper/image will remain flat!
The sentiment came from the Greetings of the Season Stamp
Set…aren’t they all amazing sentiments? Pulling the Cherry Cobbler for the
sentiment was perfect with the totally classic Cherry Cobbler 1” Stitched
Ribbon…every year SU comes out with a wow ribbon…this is it this year to me –
sooooo darn easy to tie!
Did you notice a bit of glimmer on the tree…a bit of bling
with the Dazzling Details was a soft and festive touch (yikes – I cannot think
of snow) A little is all that is needed for that special, yet festive touch!
Envelope time!!! The Holiday paper, Season of Style Designer
Series Paper is beautiful! I adore polka dots, stripes….it is a WOW paper and
it also comes in the paper stacks….double WOW and for just $6.95!
Making your cards for the season does not have to be a chore….please do not look at it as a chore as it is a work of art from your heart! Plan your time accordingly so you do not become overwhlemed! Today's card is a great example of how you can make many and have fun!
I totally understand if you do not want to have to put more postage on an over size card….you can easily adjust the size to a regular A-2 card and just use the Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon! BAM…little adjustments make is a cinch!
Tomorrow is Thursday…it is time for a PAL Paper Art Challenge and I have a Halloween Card for you! BOO!!! How about playing along this week? It is fun and it is always open to everyone and that means YOU!
Guess what came out yesterday…another new photopolymer stamp set, and it is a TOTAL keeper! It is all about Christmas – the Endless Wishes Stamp Set and you can betcha that I will be making a card with it one Wednesday!!! WOOT-WOOT!
I never thought that I would like these stamp sets but I love how they cling and how you can "see through" them! (click the link – the picture would not come up in the correct size for you to view)
The "hour glass" has turned and we just have 6 days left to take advantage of the $25.00 hobbyest offer to join Stampin' Up! This is a fablous way for you to get the necessary tools we all know that we love to Stamp with! Heck – it's a great way for you to get some gifts for family and friends!
Please email me and I will be happy to answer any questions you might have….I'm not going anywhere…I love Stampin' and I love being a PAL!
Until tomorrow!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Oct 14, 2013 | Sympathy, Watercoloring |
We all need to have a special "Sympathy Card" unfortunately from time to time…and I think this is a beautiful card! To me, it is one that you can stamp many and "paint" them while you have some down time and have a stash for when you need them!
Do you remember several posts ago I used the Naturals Whites Paper (one that I said is often overlooked)…well today this is what I have used for the base and envelope of today's post! I relly love the natural effect it gives….to me, it is sothing and also soft!
The Apothecary Art Stamp Set is the focal stamp today! Naturally I used the Water Color paper as you know I a a "stickler" to using this paper when you use the Aqua Painters!
Why wouldn't you use the correct tools that are meant to go together? Using this paper will insure you to have a flat end result after you use the Aqua Painters!
The colors I used to color this image were…Always Artichoke, So Saffron and Sahara Sand!
I am learning more and more everytime I watercolor, I am finding that I like to have a "good bit" of moisture on the aqua painters and use LESS color…letting them dry – and then go back over again if needed for a deeper effect!
The sentiment came from the Loving Thoughts Stamp Set, and it is super fun that you can have the help of the Stamp-a-ma-jig to get perfect placement each and every time!
After I do my stamping and coloring, I then use the Labels Collection Framelits to make a perfect cut with the help of Big Shot! (What would we do without this amazing tool)
TIP ALERT: Always use Black Stazon Ink…as it will NOT bleed at all when you watercolor!
Do you see that I took a sponge and "swirled" So Saffron to give a bit of bling…this is something that I do not do often….but it does create a wonderful effect!
Now that you can get a good view of the whole card (remember…you can always click on the picture to make it bigger for you to view!)…did you notice that I matted the stamped image with the framelits in the Always Artichoke?
This is an easy thing to do and it always gives an interest and depth to the focal point! I cut 2 and then used the Tombo Glue to adhere! Such a strong hold…but remember – a little goes a long way!
Envelope time! A cinch because I used the Envelope Punch Board to make an A-2 size envelope…a square with a couple of punches and scores…to an end result of a great envelope! This tool is so easy and just so amazing that you can make so many sizes from a piece of paper!
The liner is from the must have Regals Designer Series Paper Stacks and I "mastered" the "how to" in making the liner fit the envelope I made!
Please click here and see the super great video that my upline, Mary Fish did on the how to's! It is a wonderful video and I suggest that you give it a try and then make several ones of the sizes on envelopes that you like to use….write down the measurements and PRESTO – you're good to go!
Today marks only 1 more week to take advantage of the $25.00 opportunity to become part of the fun…no strings attached and you will be in awe with the talent, inspiration and resources that will be available to you!
I have learned and continue to learn from Mary and the PALS and I would love for you to join my team! I am very dedicated to help others learn how to make clean and simple cards and never forgetting to have fun!
Please email me with any questions or concerns you might have! It is a super opportunity for you and I know that you will be fulfilled!
If you are ready...click here and get going! Remember, your order needs to be at least $25.00 but no more than $26.95 and then you will be ready to have fun and ready to go!
This is a big week for me…lots of Birthdays and hopefully a great Doctors report for John…It has been 6 weeks and hopefully he will be able to start putting weight on his legs and progress with therapy!
Thanks for popping by…and tomorrow is my son's birthday….please be sure to pop back to see his simple yet fun card!
Until tomorrow…..
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Sep 25, 2013 | Anniversary, Watercoloring |
I needed a quick CAS (clean and simple) card for some dear friends that are celebrating their anniversary on Friday….but I just found out that they will be out of town so I whipped this up….made them some yummies to enjoy as they go see their son at Parents Weekend at his college!
As I was going through the catalog, I really did not see a bunch of Happy Anniversary sentiments and I knew that I was wanting to keep it simple…so less was best for me!
This really is a zoom card to make…and it is very clean and classic! Let's get to it!
- The base of the card is the new in color, Strawberry Slush at a regular A2 card size but I scored it at the 5 1/2" and then use a mat of Black just a "smidge" smaller…(remember to use the inside of this black paper to punch out some shapes….use framelits etc…as it will be covered up!)
- The Stamp-a-ma-jig came into play next by helping me line up the sentiment perfectly! The sentiment is from the Express Yourself Stamp Set and I will say…this is my new "go to" sentiment set…love the font!
- Using the Oval Framelits made it a quick and easy cut to the stamped and color image! I cut out another oval in strawberry slush….gave it a quick turn before adhering it to make some interest happen! A simple yet effective little touch!
Both of the Stamp Sets I used today were from the "Hostess" Stamp Sets that you are able to use your hostess rewards for when you have an event!
Here are some tips and answers to questions I often get asked!
- Do I have to have a gathering in my home to qualify for hostess benefits? – No, not at all! If you want to send an email out to family and friends that love to make cards and fun projects letting them know that you are having a Stampin' Up! cyber party…I will get you a hostess code and all they have to do is add that hostess code to their order when they check out!
- How much does an event have to total before I receive hostess benefits? Just $150.00
- If I place an order my self that totals $150.00 or more…do I receive benefits? YEP…easy-peasy…but I will say if you are placing an order that is this much, YOU should be a Stampin' Up! Hobbiest Demonstrator!
- If I have a Stamp -a-stack event (making 4-6 cards ) will that count as a gathering? YEP – you betcha – this is a GREAT way to gather orders….I make up 4 – 6 cards that everyone will re-create….the "hands on" approach is always the best!
Here is a quick and easy chart to see the hostess tiers! Even if you live on the other side of the country, we can get together and have a great time and YOU will reap the hostess benefits!
Email me and let's get something going!
Here's to a great Thursday and I hope that you have enjoyed this Anniversary card…remember to think of the layout…and then think of all of the different ways you could change it up with different stamps and sentiments!
This is a great layout and I have given you the dimensions….now go CASE away and make some cards!
Please remember to tell your friends and family about my blog…I appreciate your support and I love Stampin' Up!
Until tomorrow….
Like this:
Like Loading...
