by Susan Itell | Jul 7, 2018 | New Product, Uncategorized |
Happy Saturday! Are you as confused as I am with what day it is? This happens to me every time a holiday is in the middle of the week and I just can’t seem to get it right! Oh well…what can I say but let’s all have a great day!
I know that this is another LONG POST but heck – I am the co-pilot as John, Milo and I are rollin’ down the road with the truck and trailer to load up Hannah’s apartment (again) and to pick up Stanley (her horse) to bring him home! I admit, I am a bit nervous having Stanley at the house as John and I laugh….we call him (pretty boy) and I will have to make sure that he is pampered to the max!
This trip was not in the original plan to be doing this over the next couple of days….but we need to get it crossed off the list! We are always at the mercy of having someone cover the animals… (Daisy can be picky about who sits for her) We thought we would be going next Tuesday – Thursday…..but oh well! What are parents for…??? John and I sure are good animal sitters and movers!
Hannah will be moving to Seattle later next month to work and continue her education for the next 6 years so…heads up stampers in the Seattle area….I will be embarking on your state and with it being SOOOOOO far from little old Maryland, I plan to have extended stays!!!
Let’s get going as this is a fun group of cards that I have for you today! You can tell that I have done a bunch of editing on the pictures…as truth be told I am trying to keep my head down as it makes me nervous to have John drive the truck and trailer…..you betcha that I will be doing the driving home on Monday as when there are fur babies…..I’m the driver!
I have a beauty for you today and I admit, I was super happy that I hit that button in Monday to have this gem of a bundle come to live on Randall Lane! I admit, this purchased was TOTALLY UNPLANNED as I did not even know it existed…let me explain!
Last Friday I was all set to place an order for the NEW BLENDS (woot-woot) and have them expedited shipped to me….well truth be told I always forget with the time difference for the cut off in ordering expedited orders from Stampin’ Up! and yep, I missed it! After having a brief pity-party with myself I thought….OH WELL….what the heck is one day – and I am super glad that I waited until Monday!
With July and its HEAT & GLORY…Stampin Up! also has something HOT to reveal… a promotion for a limited edition bundle….appropriately called Color Your Season! You can CLICK HERE to see the flyer showcasing this beauty! It does just that…having a little from the season with some fabulous and oh so classic sentiments!
Before we get to the cards that I made for you today…..let’s look at the images that Stampin’ Up! took showcasing this bundle. You better get your glass on to see the details….but I can say that there is one thing about “us stampers” 🙂 – we can spot a newbie and also something exciting when we see it!
This will be available starting August 1 – 31 (while supplies last) and we know what that means….the early bird will get the worm so I think you know by now how things like this just SWOOP right out the door! As a demonstrator we could order it in July and this is why I was so happy that I had to wait to order until Monday!
I admit, (I always try to be totally upfront and honest with how I feel about my stampin’ goodies)… and when I saw this I thought….
- Wow…this promotion came out of left field….
- I am not sure that I am going to take the bait and get it…..
- Hmmmm…l love the images and the STITCHED FRAMELITS…should I….should I not!?!?
Then…I allowed that to settle in my simple brain for a “nano second”
and did what every die-hard stamper would do…
HIT THE BUTTON!
OK – I caved and when it actually arrived I squealed louder than Daisy….as the stamps are sooooo much larger that I thought from the picture and the stitched framelits….WOOT-WOOT! I am also very partial to fall…the leaf framelit and also Fall stamps made me smile!
Did you also notice on the flyer (again, CLICK HERE) that there is a new set of water color pencils making its debut!!! Here are the watercolor pencils that we currently have but WOOT-WOOT – more colors!!! Yep….that’s right – new colors – 10 pencils in Stampin’ Up! colors. (Balmy Blue, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Coastal Cabana, Crushed Curry, Flirty Flamingo, Garden Green, Gorgeous Grape, Granny Apple Green, Night of Navy).
Here is the best thing….you can go ahead and get both of these products now and use them towards the Ultimate Bundle….of getting $125 of product for just $99! YEP, that’s right and then there’s more….(YIKES – I am feelin’ like an infomercial on TV) but honestly stampers…why not.
Like most direct sales companies there are always incentives to join and face it, we do love our products or you would not be on my blog. This is the perfect time to get the Ultimate Bundle. In my opinion, I think July or January are the best months to join but the offer now with getting an entire collection of ink pads…..TRUMPS IT!
You can CLICK HERE to see each of the collections to see which one you want. (to make the image larger…simply click the + sign on the right of the PDF or put your readers on!!!) We all gravitate to certain color families but I think that the Brights Collection has the most of the new colors in it.
After trying them at On Stage in March, I knew that the minute they came out I was going to bite the bullet and make the change to them. I know that it was an investment….but I looked at it like this – I get a discount….I can even use a 50% off item for a bundle and the most important one to me is…IT IS A BASIC that makes a difference in what I do with loving to craft!
It is like having the right items in your kitchen…if you do not have the basics and quality ones at that…then you will either do one of 2 things…
BUY MORE (cause’ we bought lesser quality ones) or BECOME FRUSTRATED as
BASICS work all of the time!
This is why you hear me say over and over…get the basics…and then build from there! Not to be “flippy” (a term that my wonderful Mom use to say)….but I really do not care – I am simply being 100% honest with when there is a good deal…SNATCH IT UP!
The very first thing I hear from people that are intrigued and purchase the Ultimate Bundle is…..Susan, I just want you to know that I am doing this only as a hobbiest as I have no intentions in teaching a class…having a workshop….doing a blog…or anything… and you know what – THAT IS GREAT!
Again, being 100% honest….yep, Stampin’ Up! does require a quarterly minimum ($300 RETAIL) to remain active but remember when I said that July is a great time to join…reason is, your quarter that you join does NOT count so in reality, you would have until January 31, 2019 to meet your quarter minimum! We just started the 3rd quarter (July, August & September)…so no worries about that quarter…
Let’s face it….we have THIS NEW ANNUAL CATALOG…and then the Holiday Catalog (demos can get the pre-order August 1st)...and then the Occasions Catalog (demos can get the pre-order December 1st) and also Sale-A-Bration all before you would have to worry about January 31st and I know “us” well enough….we WILL have many things that we just HAVE TO HAVE…..so really….now is the time!
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or you can also CLICK HERE and build your kit! Have fun with choosing the $125 product of your choice…..I think that it is always so much fun to see what people put in their Ultimate Bundle…..
If it were me….I would go for this Blended Seasons Bundle ($64.75) …the NEW watercolor pencils $12.50….then fill in with the NEW STAMPIN’ BLENDS (you would be able to get 5 sets of the new colors)….with $2.75 to spare and I would get the Vintage Trim in Clearance and then you only left .35 on the table (you did GOOD) and remember – IT SHIPS FOR FREE PLUS (music to my ears) and also – you can pick the set of ink pads…..that is another $67.50 free to you….all for just $99.00!
Here you go..it is PICTURE TIME and today I have lots of tips and tricks edited for you so you can Pin it…and then refer right back to it so you do not have to come back and search for what colors I used!
ENJOY…and always remember…there are MANY WAYS that you can create clean and simple cards….with little tweaks here and there….to make them look totally different! Trust me, I get it that we need a change up every once in a while….do you have a favorite? Please feel free to leave me a comment as it would be super fun to see what everyone likes!
Card #1 – This new paper, Gray Granite it my new favorite Neutral…..I invite you to play with it as your focal color of a card base. It will surprise you…..looks GREAT with many color combinations! Also….LOVE the liner – it is from the Best Routes DSP….I told you that was a great pack of DSP….as I know at a glance it looks soooooo busy!
Card #2 – Fun and Fresh! These new blends in Lovely Lipstick and Pineapple Punch are WOW! I am just so happy that Stampin’ Up! has a line of Alcohol Markers….and the best thing – they match our color collections!
Card #3 – This color combo is stunning and I keep forgetting to say…the Granny Apple Green Blends were the “green” that I used in all of the cards! It is so bright and clear! How about that envelope…..LOVE IT!!!
Well..there you go! I warned you that this was long…..we are on 95 right now and my computer is about to expire….so…..I guess if I do not want to watch the road (with John driving) – I might just just join Milo and sleep!
I hope that this post inspired you today and I hope that you know how much I believe that each and everyone of us have an inner gift….I am just so thankful that I caught the bug on cardmaking as it is a wonderful outlet/therapy for me! I do think of my Mom often as she truly was the “queen of cards” …she would be proud of me knowing that I am creating works of art from my own hands….
I would take handmade ANYDAY over store bought! Have a wonderful day and keep us in your thoughts!!!! HUGS!!!
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by Susan Itell | Jul 3, 2018 | Thank You |
Hello and Happy HOT Tuesday! I have a beauty for you today that I had planned for you yesterday but heat, life….and lack of power got in the way! There is no way to sugar-coat this but….it is darn HOT! I know…I know – it is summer but this gal does not like the heat and humidity!
I just have to share this with you as it truly was one of those, “you can’t make this stuff up” and at the end of this post I will share with you my “funny” of the power going off on Sunday…it teaches you how spoiled we are and how we simply take so much for granted….all is great and I have a fun card for you today!
Let’s start by asking…did you breeze right by this stamp set on page 151 in the New Annual Catalog? It is called All The Good Things and I think it is one of those classics that can go for many card making ideas we need as well as a great masculine card. (They always seem to be tricky to do for most of us!!!)
I would bet that most of us work look at the fish and say – that’s weird but actually if you google it – there are many great meanings – my favorite –determination and flexibility…I encourage you to take some time and look at the elements of the stamp set…many great potentials! The sentiments are just wonderful and I love the way that they use 2 different fonts (both being clean and simple)
I would call this a “formula type card” – If you are new to my blog….1st, welcome and then a formula is just a layout that you can do over and over with just about any stamp set you have…just change up the stamp and the colors and PRESTO….you have a blue ribbon winner card!
Stop and look at the elements of this card. Very simple and very clean – using your basics will always allow you create over and over without feeling defeated – REMEMBER…..we did this thing we do to HAVE FUN and if it is not FUN…than you will get grumpy, it is as easy as that!
Shapes….be it a rectangle, square, circle or oval will always be your friends as they allow you to create with little fuss and keep it easy on the eye. When you create a card in a simple way…there are some tips and tricks you can do to step it up a bit and later I will share with you the 2 things I did for this simple card.
I am sure that you have seen, heard and already know that Stampin’ Up! is having a promotion on select DSP’s……with the buy 3 and get 1 free offering that will be this whole month (you can click the link) I will be putting a “SU Promotions Tab” on my blog header soon (where the Product Shares is) so it is easy for you to just click and take a look…..it’s just that darn thing called time but it is on my to do’s!
I honestly did not have one full sheet of this paper….just scraps from making up swatch books from the Product Share….but peek at the card and you will see that all I used was a wee bit! This DSP is Tranquil Textures and I think that it can go through a long span of time for projects we make throughout the year. This is just a 1 1/2″ strip of paper but it does the trick!
Do you remember when I said that I have (3) tricks to make this simple card a bit more special…..did you figure out what they were??? Well here you go….always remember that there are super simple things that you can do with little time or effort with a fun and wow end result!
- I used an Embossing Folder for both the Tranquil Tide on the card as well as the envelope flap! This embossing folder, Subtle Dynamic Textured Impressions is a must have staple for your stash! It produces a very subtle (ha-ha, it’s name) and “non-fuss” feel giving instant texture and depth! I did run it through in both directions……
- I pulled out the Simply Scored and score the sides of the stamped image piece. I know that it is hard to see in the picture….but doing this little trick always makes a project step up a notch. When I score, I always use the simply scored tool over the trimmer as I think you can get a much deeper impression…
- I had FUN with the Bakers Twine! You know that I adore Bakers Twine and this offering…..is a home run!!! It is called Natures Twine and you get 4 rolls of twine in a pack in the colors of Blackberry Bliss, Crumb Cake, Grapefruit Grove, and Mint Macaron. I am offering this for the Host Code Gift with Purchase this Month…..(the current host code is always on the right of my blog header…)
If you peek at this picture above you will see all 3 elements! This embossing folder is just wonderful and classic….we all know that there are times that we need a little “something-something” but do not want a bunch of fuss! This DOES the trick!
When you play around with scoring….I always flip the stamped side down as I like the raised potion of the scoring to be visible to the front, but honestly….it is just a personal preference. I also like to go over the scored lines 2 times to get it nice and deep.
Lastly, the Bakers Twine… I first just anchor it down to the back of the card and then come back with the bow/fru-fru etc….a simply glue dot all balled up works like a charm each and every time! I invite you to play around and have FUN with different ways of adding accents to your projects!
Just look….doesn’t it make you smile? I love it when I can create something that it so versatile and also knowing that all I need to do is change the colors and DSP and BAM – I will have a totally new card with a new feel!
This sentiment is right up my simple alley….just having the word “kindness” makes me skip a beat. For this card I am using it as a thank you but look at this sentiment – you could easily use this as a simple “just because” card as who would not beam with joy receiving this?
Before we go…you know me and my envelopes……I adore them! Because I did not have a scrap of this paper wider than a 1 1/2″….I thought, just emboss the back flap! Works for me….and I hope that you will try it as well! I made my very own Soft Sea Foam envelope for this project. I thought that this special card deserved a special envelope!
I have blogged about the time and time again, the envelope punch board is the BEST PIECE OF PLASTIC you will get for $20.00! (ha-ha!!!) It does sooooo much more than envelopes but I make lots of square cards so I make lots of envelopes! It is so easy and for this envelope, it used a 8″ X 8″ piece of card stock.
Once you get the “bug” with how to use this, you will be making your own envelopes all the time…..it just make a difference! Well….that’s it folks! I hope that you enjoyed this project and now I will share with you the “weird funny” that happened to me on Sunday! If you are traveling….please have fun and BE SAFE!
The highway around us has been super busy…we are dog sitting again….but trust me, John and I will be having our time real soon with the Alaska Trip right around the corner. We are happy to help the kids out and would rather the dogs be with us than in the kennel!
Ok – here you go….the “simply sad Susan story of her Sunday” – my lower lip was hanging down…..but it was all good and trust me…there are a ton of other things that could happen, again….we take for granted many of this simple pleasures of dailiness….it was a good reality check but yes, I AM thankful for air conditioning…..enjoy!….
Sunday is a day that I look forward to….I am one of those routine oriented people and I love to start my day off with a cup of good coffee with no agenda….just some good old fashion “me time” to get the day going! It started just like I like it…John left for church around 7:30 a.m. and I was going to leave for yoga around 8:30 a.m……then just as I was going through emails – the power went off, it was around 7:45.
It was a normal day, no storms etc…just hotter than hades and I thought, it will pop back on….well it didn’t! It is funny how we get so conditioned to routine and that is what I continue to do – it was daylight so I just kept doing what I do….got dressed and looking forward to my class….went out to the garage – THE GARAGE DOOR WOULD NOT GO UP….dah – NO POWER SUSAN!
Plan B…..take the pick-up truck…..I went down to the barn and darn…..I forgot that it was hooked up to the trailer….I quickly put the blocks underneath the tires to let the trailer down and went to push the hydraulic lift…..DEAD – the battery was DEAD! I just thought….this is not meant to be!
Back up to the house and I looked at the dogs and they were not coming to my pity party….I looked at them and said – I look soooooooo forward to yoga with Phil on Sundays…..then I go to the Pressed Flour (a little local bakery that is only open on the weekends) to have my weekly indulgence of the best Breakfast Sandwich and then walk around the Farmers Market…to me, a perfect Sunday morning! It just wasn’t happening for me……
John returned home from church…..(I had already texted him to say that the power was out) and said….I called the Power Company and the estimated time for it to be turned back on is 10:30 a.m. – I thought – ok, I can handle that! I knew that there was another yoga class at noon that I could jump into but it wasn’t my routine….PHIL, SANDWICH and FARMERS MARKET!!! I am a creature of habit……I like my routine!
This would mean NO PHIL…a different teacher (but she is also great)….NO SANDWICH (as they sell out usually by 11 and are only opened until the sell out) and NO FARMERS MARKET (as it closes at noon). I go to this amazing little town for yoga that is called Shepherdstown, WV – it is about 30 minutes from my home….and it has become a “happy place for me”
John came home and kinda laughed as he knows how much I look forward to my Sunday mornings…….he said, let’s go to the outlet’s as they opened at 10 and get some things for the trip and then you can go to yoga….hmmmmm……great idea as that meant when I am with him and especially when we have (2) cars….I will leave and he can pick up the tab! It worked just like that……I was happy…we got lots accomplished and off I went to yoga….
After yoga…now its around 1:30 – I text him….is the power on? Sad answer….nope – they changed it to 3:30 now so back for more retail therapy as the heat and I are not friends…..Texted him around 4:30…..nope – STILL NOT ON…..so went to another area to shop…..I looked terrible but darn, I was cool and I got lots accomplished!
At around 5:50 he text me and said…..you can come home now….the power just came on! I thought whew……PREFECT TIMING as the store had just said, “shoppers…the store closes at 6 p.m.”! Life ended up to be great…..and poor John…HE WAS the one that said, just go shopping so I did what he told me to do!
When I came home I said…how was your afternoon….he looked at me and said HOT…..(well DUH I thought – I could have told him that myself)…..but he just kept thinking that the power would come on so in his “male brain” – he thought….I will do yard-work and then come in and watch golf…(his Sunday loves to do) …..
He said to me….while you were doing your “peaceful namaste thing”…and then shopping around…. it was eventful around here!
- the dogs got a groundhog….6 against 1 – the poor guy did not have a chance….
- the stupid donkey got out of his field and ran around….
- I ran out of gas on the tractor in the middle of the field…
I immediately said….oh no, how is my perfect Milo?
I wish you all could have seen his face….that wonderful 6’5″ husband of mine looked at me and said, your “little Mr Perfect” has a new name….MILO the MURDERER…..I went to see what all of the barking was about and here is this poor Groundhog….Milo has him by the neck – Leo has his back end….the other dogs are barking and trying to get into the action….and then John looks at me and says, that poor little thing was looking at me with those ugly little teeth and he tried to imitate what the poor groundhog looked like……and all I could do was BUST OUT LAUGHING!!!!
YIKES, I like the way the “female brain thinks”….RETAIL THERAPY!
Oh well….live and learn!!! Hugs to all…and if it is that darn hot where you live….I would say – STAY IN AND STAMP!
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by Susan Itell | Jun 29, 2018 | Blends, Fun & Cute!, Super Easy, Thank You |
Happy Friday! I am sure that many are going to be getting a head start on the upcoming Holiday with it being a “Hump Day Holiday” next week…not us though – we are home for the weekend babysitting the “grand-dogs” and cleaning out the barn! My job is power washing and John’s is to cob-web and get rid of the barn swallows!
I am sure that you have HEARD THE NEWS……..as it has been on every blog I subscribe to…..
THE NEW BLENDS ARE IN STOCK!!!
Yep, it’s true and yep….I know many people are super happy…..soooooo happy that their hips and legs probably sore and stiff from doing the HAPPY DANCE that we tend to do…..(my pups look at me like I am nuts!!!!). I have done my cyber share therapy and they are on order ready to roll down Randall Lane!
Let’s chat about this SUPER -DE-DUPER sweet card that I have for you today! I think it is just adorable and one that I knew the minute I saw this image in the new catalog…I new it was coming to live with me! It is called the Bee Thankful Stamp and it is a single stamp (which means the price point is super…) and it can be found on page 125.
I knew that I was going to be using this gem over and over as there is something so special about many of the single Stampin’ Up! Stamps….they are usually chocked full of FUN and with some simple touches, BAM – you have a keeper! When I look at some of the retired stamps that I still have because I love them so much….many are a single stamp – Vivid Vases, Bearing Gifts (love that Polar Bear), Watercolor Than You, Get Well Soup, It the Broom Fits….yep, I do like them!
I used the Stampin’ Blends that have been out since last Fall but you bet that I am just itchin’ to give the newbies a spin! We all seem to love the new Color ReVamp and I think that the 11 new Stampin’ Blends are a PERFECT fit to the line that we already have! You will see the whole line up at the end of the post.
Today I used the Night of Navy, Rich Razzelberry, Old Olive and the Light Crumb Cake Blends to color the image. Are you wondering what I did for the BEE? Well….I thought that the Daffodil Delight was a bit off….and because I do not have the Pineapple Punch Blends yet….I pulled out the Aqua Painter and dabbed a wee bit of the ink from the matching stamp pad….it will work just fine for a small area…
Making this card was super fast as I used the Stamparatus. If you have not used the Stamparatus or for that fact, any other Stamp Positioning/Alignment Tool….than this is simple….YOU NEED TO DO SOME CYBER RETAIL THERAPY! It makes stamping and lining up soooooo much easier and if you are one that loves to mass produce cards – you’ll be doing the happy dance and this is a dream for that!
The strip of Whisper White is 2 3/4″ wide so I just went ahead and stamped (12) of these images and then I will have them ready for the future to color in. I am one that likes to take things on the go with me….so having a bunch already stamped is a fun project to do later! With this stamp, the sky is the limit with how you can color it.
I did a super quick job coloring this image and I also went outside of the lines…..now stampers…..PLEASE HEAR ME LOUD AND CLEAR!
It’s OK to “oops”….. It’s OK to go out of the lines….
First – it is A CARD….and second – IF YOU THINK THE SKY IS FALLING…well there are ways to fix it. I simply took the colored image back into the Stamparatus and RE-STAMPED IT IN BLACK….you see….another great reason to have the Stamparatus as you can easily go back and stamp a darker line of ink!
For this…I chose to sprinkle Clear Embossing Powder over the Black Ink when it was still wet and then heat set it with the Heat Tool! Not only does it help to hide my boo-boo’s….but it gives a very finished and just FUN look of a shiny black embossing with the pop of colors from the Blends!
This card is just so darn cute and so darn simple to make that you really do not need me but I know that you enjoy the tips and tricks that I give you for your card making fun! I totally believe that we do learn from one another! How about this super fun polka dot paper…..it makes me smile and it makes me smile even more as we now have a FUN POLKA DOT PAPER in each and every color of paper that we have!
YEP, that is one my most favorite things that Stampin’ Up! has done with this new catalog. You will find ALL OF THE COLOR FAMILIES on page 191 of the catalog…..and if you want to get a SAMPLING of THEM ALL….tomorrow is the LAST DAY for my Product Share offering!
Share #3 is what you would want for these DSP Paper Stacks. This way you will have the whole spectrum of the new Color ReVamp without having to break your “Daisy Bank” (tee-hee-hee)…this addition of paper makes a clean and simple designer like me super happy as we will always have something to match up with!
Below you will see a cheat sheet in how I can save the DSP….heck, we will take every bit we can! By cutting it into 1″ strips I was able to do the card and the envelope with one piece of paper and I still have another 2″ piece that I can use for another project or envelope!
You know that I use fun foam a bunch….and honestly I looked it up for someone last week as I do usually get it on Amazon. I have a big container of scraps and it gets used up just like we use every bit of scraps on the Stampin’ Dimensionals! I do adhere it with Fast Fuse (as I still have some) but I would recommend that you could use tear n tape or even green glue will work! I personally love the feel of the card when it is in your hand with the fun foam…..
Well…as the saying goes…THAT’S ALL FOLKS! I hope that I made you smile…and I hope that I inspired you to be gentle to yourself with perfection! To me, the most important part is…YOU MADE IT! That in itself is a true blue gift and one that has no price tag on it.
Please do not forget to EMAIL ME if you want to take part in the final Product Share from the NEW Annual Catalog. Shares are a great way to get the newbies without the expenses.
Have a fabulous weekend and stay safe if you are diving and also hydrated if you are out in the heat….last weekend John overdid it a bit with the heat and WOW – it really gets you! Water, Water and MORE WATER!
Many thanks to many that sent me an email asking if I was near the Maryland shooting yesterday. No, we live about 2 hours away but Jeanie and I were just there on Wednesday to see 2 other Top Dogs….they both are from Annapolis (Ramsey and Jill) and they are fine but it is sad, super sad. Our wonderful country has had way too many of these senseless shootings…..
Monday starts the DSP Paper Sale…..you can click here to see the post that I did about that and this is one more reason why taking advantage of the Product Share (share #2 for the 10 different DSP offerings) is a win-win for you as then you will be able to see if you want to take advantage of the buy 3 get 1 free of full packs!
I know that the below line up looks HUGE….but it is because the blends – it would be soooooo much easier if there was just one button to click and POOF – they are are there! I am very thankful that the newbies of Blends are here! See you Monday and I hope that each and everyone of you have a special weekend!
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by Susan Itell | Jun 26, 2018 | Organizational Tips, Product Shares |
Good Tuesday to each and everyone of you! Summer is officially here…and today I have another ORGANIZATIONAL Blog Post for you so grab a cup of your favorite and let this settle in!
You might also wanna grab your catalog and a piece of paper and pen – we have lots to go over!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of me attempting to explain my system of how I tackle my DSP….I have 3 point that I am going to be covering so if you are one of those….scan through people – here are the 3 main topics of this post!
- How I organize my DSP (both 12 X 12 sheets & 6 X 6 sheets)
- FINAL CALL for a Product Share from the NEW CATALOG
- UPCOMING SALE on DSP from the NEW CATALOG
You just have to chuckle when you read and look at this image. It is soooooo darn true for me at least…
We all seem to DO IT…we “get and get” before we declutter and/or have a system! It is a viscous circle we seem to get ourselves into!
I am the very 1st to admit that how one chooses to organize is a personal preference and lets face it, there are no right or wrong ways! The thing that I think we can all agree on is that….having an organizing system that WORKS FOR YOU…makes the journey a happier one!
I am one that adores a challenge of using a space to the best advantage. For me, it is a game/challenge to me and trust me, there are many times that I revisit a way that I organize and perhaps change it….for when it comes to organizing my Designer Series Papers….I have done it this way for DECADES!
I love this method as it takes up a wee bit of space, I have everything I need at my fingertips. It is clearly a “do it once and you are done kinda task” Let’s dive in. I will try my best to hyperlink items for you when I can. I want to point out…being organized takes a focused period of time on your part but trust me, when you are done…you are one happy person!
I use these containers to store all of my DSP in. YEP, just ONE CONTAINER will hold all of my paper….I do have another one and once the Holiday Catalog and then after January when the Occasions/Sale-a-Bration offerings come out..I can hold all 3 catalogs worth in just 2 of these containers.
To me, the key is having the file folders for each DSP offering. I know what you are thinking….Susan – this is great but it costs! I think you know what I am going to say…..
YEP, it does – but it is a one time investment and when you have the feel and enjoyment of organization with your paper…you will thank me!
Like I have said, I have used this system for YEARS and I totally would not change a thing! Now you all know I probably have a BUNCH OF PAPER…and YEP, I do – but to have the amount in just one of these containers is the best feeling in the world. Ready…!!!
- This is the lifesaver Storage System that I use! Remember, you can most likely get everything you have in 1 but I do have 2 for when more paper comes out! Ions ago there was a company called Cropper Hopper and that is where I originally purchased them from. To save you a bunch of time running from store to store to see if they have them….I would just order them online!
I am linking these to Scrapbook.com as they are the cheapest right now and shipping is free for orders over $60.00.
- Next, you need the folders to go into your holder. I know you all are thinking – this is getting $$$$ but I am trying to my best ability to share what works for me. Trust me, if you DO NOT GET A GRIP ON YOUR PAPER…..you will do one of 2 things……continue to buy more or become resentful to the whole crafting process and feel defeated! You can do this!
I have a folder for EACH of the DSP’s. When you purchase these folders…remember that there are 3 in a set so plan accordingly to what you think your needs will be. They are made from a super think vinyl and the labels that you create with your label maker will peel right off…..that is why I use the P Touch Label Maker for these over using the Avery Labels.
You will see below how I reuse these labels once the product has been retired. Darn, this is SOOOOOOO HARD to put into words – I hope that this is all making sense to you!
- Lastly you will also need these dividers to go INTO each of your folders to separate the Scraps from the full sheets of paper! Again, these come in a set of 3 so order accordingly. I place another label on the front of this saying the DSP Name and then the word SCRAPS after it…..(for example: Animal Expedition Scraps) I will re-use this label again after the paper is retired!
In a nut shell….if you choose to organize your paper like this (trust me, you’ll thank me) you will need 3 components – (1) the storage organizer, (2) the files for the DSP’s and (3) then the dividers to go into the files as stated above with all of the hyperlinks for you!
For my 6 X 6 DSP…I use simple cubes that can be found at Walmart (around Back to School time which will be soon – they have these in FUN COLORS and they are super cheap then) or any Office Store has them usually in Black. They are meant for storage for CD cases but they are a great organizer tool to have!
- I take my 6 X 6 papers and then make a label just as I did for the above and store my paper in the container. You can use the heavier cardboard that comes with the 12 x 12 DSP Packs and cut them to fit in between each paper collection.
With the NEW DSP Collections (page 191 in the new catalog) this is a great way to keep them separated. I have sold SOOOOOO MANY of the Product Shares #3 and trust me, if you do not keep them separated you will drive yourself NUTS trying to figure what color family they came from! You will be able to keep all of the 6 X 6 paper from this catalog as well as future catalogs in one cube….you see – a lifesaver!
The LAST Tip on DSP Paper Storage….
- When a new catalog comes out…I take all of the DSP that is being retired out of the storage sleeves and cut it into 6″ X 6″ pieces and take the label that I made with the P Touch Label Maker (that was on the storage sleeve) and place it on the divider that I cut from the packaging from DSP and put it on there.
- I put the other “label for the SCRAPS” and place it on these great bags so when I have scraps…they can easily fit into this 7″ X 7″ bag.
The reason that I use and adore these bags are that they are a super quality of a storage solution. I cut them down to the 7″ X 7″ size for this need…but I usually use them for large stamp sets that I might buy from another stamp company….(that is for another organizational post) as you know…there IS method to my organizational madness….ALWAYS!
These bags are super strong and you can use them forever. The reason that I like using the label from the P Touch Label Maker is that you can easily pull it off the front of this storage envelope without residue of the label behind and use it over and over…..as you know – THERE IS ALWAYS new paper coming out!
Here is a BIG TIP and one that I am trying to implement…as you go through your paper and cut it into 6 x 6 pieces….look at it and if you know that you are NEVER EVER GOING TO USE IT….do this – GET RID OF IT! Yep, either give it to a friend that can use it….donate it to an organization…or YEP – file it in the “circular can” !!!
I can hear some of you gasping but let’s face it, WE CANNOT KEEP EVERYTHING!
I have started to tuck in paper/products that are retired that are in perfect condition when I ship something to someone with Priority Mail….as it is a FLAT RATE…..no worries about the extra weight to the customer. It WILL make you feel good as at least you have the wonderful thoughts of someone else using it!
WHEW….that was LONG but it was also hard to put into words, darn I wish that we lived all in one town!!! I hope that this helps you paint the picture of how a system can work. As always, please share what works for you…we have a wonderful community of tips and I know we all enjoy reading what each of us seem to do! Let’s move on!
- FINAL CALL for a Product Share from the NEW CATALOG!
Yep, it is that time…the last offering of a Product Share from the NEW Annual Catalog. Product Shares are simply the BEST WAY to get a taste without stuffing yourself and also your wallet!
I take great pride in my Product Shares not only offering you a super fair offering but also in my delivery and attention to detail with your shares~
Remember, I once use to take FULL ADVANTAGE of also purchasing shares and I know the happy feeling inside we get when the HAPPY MAIL arrives! Who in the heck does not like receiving HAPPY MAIL!
You can CLICK HERE to see the offerings and then please email me with your name and address along with your shares that you need.
The cut off is SATURDAY, JUNE 30th and I will be sending Pay Pal Invoices out Sunday Morning.
All Shares will be shipped on Tuesday (one week from today) and I ship Priority Mail so you will have them next week! Next in this post you will learn about the Buy 3 get 1 FREE DSP SALE through the month of July. Getting the share #2 (the DSP OFFERING) is a great way to get a taste of the DSP and then you can see if you want to take advantage of the sale in July!
- UPCOMING DSP PAPER SALE: Runs from July 1st (yikes that is this Sunday!) – July 31st
We all know that Stampin’ Up! does a great job with their Designer Series Papers (DSP) and if you all remember from the past…
Stampin’ Up! will periodically run a DSP sale and YEP…it is coming to the NEW DSP’s from the New Catalog. The papers are featured on pages 188 – 191 and there are 10 offerings for you to take advantage of…(below you will see the 10 offerings)
Buy 3 DSP’s and get 1 FREE DSP!!!
(remember it is just from July 1st – 31st)
What would be my favorite picks???…..hmmmmmm….that is hard but I will say bullet points #’s 3,4,8 & 9 would be my picks for the buy 3 get 1 FREE as I love the colors and the style of each of these papers as you know me, I adore color with crisp and fun patterns!
This might surprise you…..but really – REALLY close was the Best Route DSP…..I am not a huge fan of that Suite (pages 52 & 53)….but the paper is really fun.
We all know that there are 2 sides to every story and YEP, it is true with paper as well! 🙂
The more “basic prints” are just wonderful and that Maps Etc…Embossing Folder is great! Over the weekend played with the new embossing folders as YEP, I am type A with those as well and I make a sample ring of the new embossing folders so when I sit to create – I can quickly go to the sample to see if the look and feel will work with my project! It is a super fun emboss with such crisp details!
Ok – there you GO! A super LONG POST but one that I hope you found super helpful! Below I am showcasing the DSPs that will be on special during the month of July….
Please remember, the cut off for the last WAVE OF THE PRODUCT SHARE is Saturday, June 30th!
Here is the link for you to view the various offerings. Please email me and put in the subject line, PRODUCT SHARE so I can spot it! Trust me my cyber friends….I totally GET IT that it does take, time, money and energy getting organized. It is a draining process but in the long run you will be super happy!
That is exactly what I have been up to! We sure do have a BUNCH to be organized around our home and I have been trying to break it down into sections! Unfortunately we lost our guy that helped us with mowing and John decided that “we could handle it”…..well…..with all of the rain we have had and the endless cycle of hoping on a mower….John is now agreeing that we need help!
Trust me….when you hear about a HAPPY DANCE….I was sweating with joy to hear those words! Fingers crossed that the guy that is coming on Thursday to “look at it” will want the job!
Have a FAB-O day….and go get ORGANIZED!
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