by Susan Itell | Aug 12, 2017 | Baby, Simple Saturday |
Happy…happy to you and there is nothing more happier than the joy of a baby! I do not make a bunch of baby cards but I will say, they are fun! But then again…anything is  it you have the right things to work with!
Today I am using the super sweet stamp, Moon Baby! You know that the end result is going to come out…“just right” when you look at an image…have an instant smile because you can say…“all I need to do is stamp and done”!Â
Before I started to design this card…I surfed! I think that we have all done this many times but one thing that happens to me (actually many times is) I get overwhelmed and time FLIES out the door and I end up ultimately feeling like I have gone in a circle! Does that ever happen to you?
There are so many AMAZING….simply AMAZING clean and simple cards with this set. I encourage you to google it as I saw some “keepers”. In the end I thought – Susan…just get it done, That is what works for me as I knew that I needed a baby card and I needed it now!
I am serious, the internet is an AMAZING tool that naturally we all love and appreciate BUT….I think that you will agree with this – it can be the BIGGEST VACCUM OF TIME…now does that ring a bell with you?
I learned a lesson from the above…WHAT WAS IT? Well this is easy….I have had this stamp set for a while now and I have know for a while that there was going to be a baby born and we all know that there are 2 ways to go…Girl or Boy! Just get it done, That’s my motto and that is what I did!
Super simple I went – making it to a square card I at least felt that this would be special for the new arrival as there is just something unique about seeing and feeling a square card. The overall size of it is a 4 1/4″ card.
Out came the Stamp-a-ma-jig for perfect placement and out came the Aqua Painter (the colors I used are at the end of the post) but here is a funny – this guy just about made it into the “Circular File” in my work area, the TRASHCAN!
WHY??? Let’s call it patience and that was something I was short on. I thought that I ruined the little babies face.
I first put a layer of Blushing Bride and I thought he looked too pink. I then added some Sahara Sand over top….now he was a weird brownish icky color (this is when he just about made it into the circular file) and the phone rang…I yacked and saw that the sun was out (it had just rained) so I ran outside with my camera…as I am a rainbow chaser and YEP – there was a rainbow!
After walking away from my little cherub and returning, I looked at him and thought – He deserves a life line….he’s not too bad! A bit more Blushing Bride for the cheeks and he was all set!
I am telling you all of this because it shows…we need to walk away sometimes. I know we all know the feeling of not having “mojo” or being frustrated that something doesn’t work etc….WE ALL HAVE BEEN THERE.,,but when this happens – WALK AWAY as when you come back, you usually have a fresh set of eyes and things work out! Remember, this is made from YOUR HANDS…not HALLMARK!
Another tip and addition I did was to take a wee bit of Sahara Sand and outline the entire image…I think it makes it POP a bit more and adds a subtle depth to the card. I think that you will find this to work in your advantage when you watercolor….try it, I think you will smile!
And here is my rainbow. I know that it is not super brilliant but it was there. There is something just magical about a rainbow to me…every time I see one I think of my Mom and she adored them as well. I think that they appear for me to STOP and enjoy and this is exactly what I did and in the end – I loved the card!
I cannot believe that it is the middle of August and we are have grass as lush as it is in May. We are mowing constantly and the horses have some fat grass bellies!
I learned a lesson…the lesson of why did I put off doing something that I knew was going to happen and the lesson of patience. My card turned out and I am happy that it didn’t get tossed. đ
I wish that I had the time to play with and make a more detailed card…but I knew I just needed to roll with what I felt comfortable with. There will always be times in the future to “play with my stamps” and create something more technical.
This is a super sweet and oh so special baby stamp set and we all know…baby cards are something that are inevitable!
I honestly do not have a bunch of baby stamps but I knew that this one would be a classic one to have. The sentiments are a classic with the sweet and simple images…SOLD!
I could have put this card in one of our regular envelopes and it would not only fit but it could have mailed with a regular stamp but you know me, I needed to make a custom envelope so out came the Punch Board.
Playing up the idea of stars, I took the Oh My Stars Embossing Folder and added that little bit of detail to the back flap and also ran the Aqua Painter over it with a super quick wash of So Saffron!
That’s it for me today! Now don’t get your hopes up for an “over the top” transformation for tomorrow….I think that I had already painted the “time factor” to you and I really needed a card and that is just what I did. Please pop back tomorrow as you will get another dose of this card….just changed up a bit!
My job and hopes for you is to teach you and inspire you to be realistic with what you can do. For me, it just wasn’t in the cards for me to take oodles of time and in the end….I love this card just the same! Now go have a great day!
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by Susan Itell | Aug 11, 2017 | Birthday, Watercoloring |
Hi there! I have a fun and fresh one for your Friday! (now say that 3 times super fast!!!!) I have been itchin’ to get this beauty inky….as I think we can all see that this is what I call, “a keeper” I ask you, how about these sweet images and the fun font!
The Happiest of Days Stamp Set is found on page 70 in the Annual Catalog and I hope that you did not breeze right past it! It is a super sweet and simple set but one that definitely can hold the test and mark of  an amazing card!
You have heard me say this before, I adore stamp sets that have small images that are super simple. WHY? Simple just works!
This is a very straight forward card (except the fun fru-fru bow) and we will get to that in a bit. It is all about the basics with clean and crisp lines….works each and every time and will never, ever go out of style,
You know me by now, I just adore white. There is something just magical about a white card with a POP! Â This card really uses minimal products but still produces a big punch.
Since this is a new stamp for me, I conditioned it, stamped all of the images and put the image paper in my stamp set for future references and went to town. After I saw how incredibly simple these images are….I thought – all I need is a super quick swoosh-swoosh with the aqua painter and inks ….presto – DONE!
I really was not sure what I was going to do today….so I did use the Stamp-a-ma-jig on the stitched square….but then again, if I had a vision for this card – I could have skipped this step and simply did my stamping and then take the stamped scrap to the Big Shot and cut it out with the squarea! Silly Susan!!!
To help break up the white and add some interest and texture…out came the Sparkle Embossing Folder. I am starting to get a bit better in remembering to use them. They DO make a difference and they are so affordable. Don’t forget, I am giving the Layered Leaves Embossing Folder for all orders of $75.00 or more this month!
Embossing folder are fast and effective and there are many different techniques and different ways that you can use them. Simple me, I go for the tried and true old fashion way….just like I do with this card but you can isolate some areas that you want embossed….google for alternative embossing ideas and I am sure you will find some great ideas!
Time to chat about this fun fru-fru. First I want to say, it is not super bulky In the picture it appears that way but it is not. The reason why is that amazing Navy Crinkled Ribbon.I am just lovin’ this ribbon and I knew that I needed a bit of oomph to jazz up the card so I thought….play around!
Are you ready….cause this is super hard (ha-ha…it is sooooo easy) ….all I did was put down 3 short pieces of the navy ribbon and then took a piece of the Lemon Lime Twist Ribbon and cut it down to be a narrower width as it is a1/2″ ribbon and then tied it in a knot!
Next I took my scissors and cut into the edges of the navy ribbon to make them into random widths to add some poof! After I had them the way that I loked them…I took the Lemon Lime Twist Ribbon and make the next knot and simply trimmed the ends. Securing it into place was a cinch with a simple glue dot!
Now I ask you…how easy is that!?!? That Navy ribbon just has a natural POOF which is giving it the visual of it being bulky but it is “just perfect” for this card!
I just cold not stop with the envelope……I was having so much fun with this card – I just could not stop! To help pull the whole thing together, I just took the coordinating card-stocks and cut them into random widths and jazzed up the envelope before also adding a small piece of the embossing paper as well.
Call me crazy for always making my envelopes fun but that is just me, that is hope I roll and it is just a habit of mine. I can honestly say that whenever I create a card, you can bet that there is an envelope that is also fun! I feel….it “sets the stage” for when someone gets Happy Mail!
Have a great day and I hope that it is an “oh, happy day” as each and everyday is a great one!! I hope to see you tomorrow…there’s a baby to celebrate….in a Simple Saturday kinda way!
Don’t forget…jammie shopping is sooooo on trend (just sayin’!) I know that the new catalog is right around the corner and that is SUPER exciting but one thing I will suggest….is to get a piece of paper out and be realistic as what you want to accomplish over the next couple of months!
What am I talking about??? Well let me share!
I am sure that you are like me…that you like to make gifts with your hands – that is GREAT and you know that I am all about that but make a list of all of the things and people that you want to make things for….you will be soooooo happy that you did as it is a HUGE help to visualize that..,and then put a plan into action. I know that IF I can see it and IF it is written down that I have a better chance on breaking it into action steps!
Now go grab this Friday and make your mark it!
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by Susan Itell | Aug 10, 2017 | 3-D Projects |
 Do you ever had times when the moon and the stars just seemed to line up and work for you?
This is how I felt about the project I am sharing with you today! Below you will see the game board for the week and I hope that you pop over to the Tic-Tac-Toe Website to see what the other Team Designers came up with!
I have a video for you (that I made last year) that will make you an expert in making these fun poppers! I think that you will find the instructions – “SPOT ON” and you will be whipping these up in minutes! I make them all year around as they are always sooooo well received and face it – people just love them as they are so fun and festive!
If you are going to a friends house for a dinner together, make up these and take with you! Your hostess will love the unexpected fun it brings to the table….if I am going to lunch with someone…I often make one and tuck it in my purse – again, very unexpected but always remembered! This is a GREAT WAY to use up old DSP that you might have!!! (hint-hint)
Do you remember on Tuesday I shared with you how priceless Jeanie’s expression was on her face when I said I was going to Walmart? Well…I got her again!
As we were “chatting up a storm” she asked me…have you worked on your Tic Tac Toe project for Thursday? Quickly I said no….and then she said – it’s due today!
YIKES – I totally forgot that this is the week that our design team that we are both on are showcasing….then I said – what does the board look like – she said…1st row – Metallic – Anything but a card – Green…..without another word I said – DONE – Say no more….I’m making poppers with the Frenzy Foil Lemon Lime Twist….
WOOT-WOOT….I felt like doing the HAPPY DANCE…..and guess what….her glasses went up on her head….her jawed dropped ….and I smiled! đÂ
Well…there you go….a fun and festive post for your Thursday!!! I admit…I re-watch this video to be sure I remember but at the same time I still have that “happy feeling in my heart” when I make them – they are just so fun and easy!
Here is a “cheat sheet” for you to go by. Please watch the video as I will walk you through all of the below steps but I think that these will help for that “at a glance reminder” of making these!
- 6″ X 4 1/2″ piece of DSP or Solid Card Stock
- Score at 1″, 2″, 3″, 4″ & 4 1/2″ – use the bone folder and score well!
- Starting on the little one (the 1/2″) punch at 1″ and FLIP and punch at 1″ again…..(do this for all of the scored lines, folding down the paper on each fold) The Video will help you and once you make one…..it’s like riding a bike – YOU’LL GET IT…and CAUTION: These are ADDICTIVE to make! The key part is the PUNCH and the FLIP!
- Use a strip of Tear & Tape on the center part and simple glue dots on the little end pieces.
- Tie off one end…fill and SMILE!
Have fun and please find a bit of time today to give them a try! You will be sooooo happy! See you in the morning! đ
p.s. – Here is another GREAT TIP that will surely be a win-win for you and the recipients! These would be a fantastic idea to take to a Nursing Home and even a School…..do not fill them with any candies but fill them with an inspirational message…a quick note of “sunshine” and for the kids….maybe do a sort of scavenger hunt – you can see that my mind is always thinking!!! đ
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by Susan Itell | Aug 9, 2017 | PALS Blog Hops, Uncategorized |
Welcome to the August 2017 Pals Blog Hop. Thank you so much for joining us today. This month weâre going to âCut It Outâ. Participants will feature projects with âcutsâ from punches, dies, Framelits, Edgelits, or Thinlits.
Whether youâre just starting the hop, or have come from a previous Palâs blog, youâll find the line-up toward the end of my post to help you move along.
Happy Hop & Hump Day to YOU!!!
The PALS monthly Blog Hop is always a day of sunshine and inspiration and I am sure that today is no different! Have fun hopping from Blog to Blog and I suggest that you be a sponge and soak it all up!
I was super excited about this theme as I think that Stampin’ Ups! “Cut it out” stuff is the best! We have so many options and today…I went for many – the trimmer, Mr. Big, Framelits and still more framelits ….DRUM ROLL…a NEW punch! WOOT-WOOT….I think that I hit them all!
At the end of the post you will see the whole line up of products! I am going to keep this post short ’cause you have a bunch of hoppin’ to do and let the pictures tell the story…I adore simple shapes…and today – it is totally hip to be square!
The focal sentiment is from the Ribbon of Courage Bundle. Now let’s quickly chat about this font….is it OVER THE TOP or what?! Not only is the sentiment amazing but the whole “feel” of it just makes you smile!
Are you smiling? I bet that you are thinking….this is hard?!?! Now take a deep breath and then look at it. It is all about the basics….sometimes I feel like the elements to my cards are so boring as I really use the “basics” over and over….but that is how I roll.
I think that we can all agree that the Stampin’ Trimmer is one great tool. I adore it. I would not be with out it. I admit, I have many….actually MANY trimmers as I think that there are trimmers that have many different uses but this one…I always go back to. It is a classic…it does everything you would need….scoring and cutting – what more could you ask for!
These squares are 1 1/8″ squares and here are 3 things that make it happen: A ruler, a mechanical pencil and an eraser. (again, basics) Take a gander at the below picture and then below you will see the “works” of the how did she do it?
Another key product that I used that made this project fun and easy was using the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets. These ARE a must have for all of us. All you do is adhere it to the back of your paper….cut it out (as I did today with the trimmer) or you can use it with the big shot and framelits.
One of the reasons that I like this product is the ease of perfect placement and the ability to move the piece until I get it “just right” and then PRESS and PRESTO….it’s adhered!
How do you like these colors together? They are right up my alley. Clean, crisp and classic! Can you see how mixing a bunch of “cutting products” just seems to work! Please do not be afraid…just try it but please remember that it is the basic tools that make it work.
If you are new to stamping….welcome, you have a new addiction. The best advice I can give you is…get the basics – they WILL be your friend and when in doubt – pull them out….they are your friends…they will be your lifeline!
Before you HOP ON…..do you see the leaf punch? WOOT-WOOT….it is a newbie in the upcoming catalog and it is part of a bundle and YEP, you need it! I am giving you heads up….’cause it is a keeper! I know that you might think that it is crazy to have it in So Saffron but WHY NOT….So Saffron makes everything better! (I love that color)
I hope that you are smiling and I would love to hear how you like my project for you today! Yikes…so much to say but I am out of time….(how about this ribbon???) I admit that when I saw this Navy Crinkled Ribbon I was not sure about it but boy was I wrong…it makes the most AMAZING bows!
OK – that’s it from me….I do hope that I brought some inspiration to your day and I hope that I shared with you that sticking with the basics is the way to go. I am a simple card maker and this layout….YEP, is my cup of tea (even thoughI am a coffee drinker) đÂ
Please take a minute to mark your calendar for our next hop on September 13, 2017 for âMy Favorite Seasonâ. Now hop along using the Blog Hop Line-up below. Thank you so much for hopping with the Stampinâ Pretty Pals today. Donât forget to leave us a comment. Weâd love to hear what you have to say about our creative âCutsâ.
Blog Hop Line-up: Â
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