by Susan Itell | Apr 14, 2017 | Class to GO! |

Good Morning! We have a couple of things to chat about! I am going to list them so we make sure we cover everything. Lots have been going on …Randall Lane has been in full swing….
- My April Monthly Kit
- My Pre-Order came….
- A Bird got in the house
- How do I decide which stamps must go….(for me personally)
#1 – April’s Class to GO!
Every month I do a kit or rather shall I say….a Class to GO! I am super proud of my offerings and if you have purchased a Class before….please chime in and let everyone know how you like it!
My kits are a fabulous “me time” for you to sit down and create 6 cards, (2) of each of the 3 that I design but the best part is that you will receive each of the 3 handmade cards from me to use as an inspiration for you to see that YOU can do it and I also will provide you a PDF of instructions and a video for each of the 3 cards!
Here is a “teaser” for you….and you can see that it is BRIGHT…BOLD…CLEAN…FUN…and SIMPLE – just like the kinda cards that I like to make and share with you. The best thing is that you will receive (3) samples made by ME! Everything is included…all you need is to sit and create! If you already have tis stamp set, no worries….when you email me you can substitute to the value of the stamp set, $20.00.

This month I am focusing on the stamp set, Sending Thoughts. I realize that this is “walking the plank” but that does not concern me one bit. This is a fabulous stamp set chocked full of great sentiments and more specifically….messages that make a card SUPER SPECIAL for make “touchy” cards that face it, we need to send.

The cost of the kit is $45.00 and it includes the stamp set as well as shipping. If you are interested in this kit – please click here and email me to save a spot for your kit.Please put in the subject line – APRIL CLASS TO GO! so I can spot it!
I only can make a limited amount so it is totally first come-first served basis. My kits are very popular with other demonstrators as well as you all know me well enough….sharing is the way for all of us to have grown, gain confidence and be able to share ideas!
This kit is filled with some great basic but fun techniques….a belly band card, a heat embossing and a fabulous “formula card” that you can use over and over again with so many stamps and DSP’s!
#2 – My Pre-Order came…..
What can I say but I laugh at myself when I know a package is coming. I knew that my pre-order was coming and in my mind….it should have been there when I woke up because after all – when you know it is coming on Thursday – well that happens the minute my feet it the floor…..I waited and waited….I kept a dog on look out – one on the sofa to see the Brown Truck coming down the lane and another on lookout at the front door. It was a long and boring day for the pooches!
Nothing happened until around 4. That is LATE for me but it came (oops, they came, I had multiples) – Just look at these beauties waiting to get ripped opened! EXCITING TIMES! I truly wish that we were all together to open and yack!

#3 – A bird in the house!!!

As you can imagine….John is burning the candle at both ends and has been working so hard to get through Tax Season. Truth be told, I am usually in bed when he gets home with the dogs and on Tuesday night…..I was dozing off and WOKE UP to a door slamming…..dogs barking….and John’s voice (LOUD) 🙄
You know it is spring when you find birds making their nests wherever they can….well John made a mistake – a big one. It has been sooooo nice out and he turned the grill on and just sat outside waiting for his burger to cook and left the back door open because of the great weather….well – IN CAME THE BIRD that is making a nest right by the back door.
He had all tools covered….a broom, a tennis racket, a lacrosse stick (now THAT I would love to see in action) but it went pretty swiftly….the broom and an open window did the trick! Never a dull moment around here!
#4 – What do I do with my Stamps that are RETIRED?

Hmmmmm….this is hard, really hard but here is the scoop. I look at ones that are “walking the plank” and I say – Did it touch my heart ???….Did and DOES it still make me go WOW – I love that!!!….if I can say YES without doubt, then they have MADE THE CUT….they stay on Randall Lane 😀
I separate them from current stamps that are in the catalog. This just works for me and I keep them all alphabetically – this just seems to work from my purposes in blogging.
I say LOUD AND CLEAR….USE what you want it if is current or of it is retired…..if it is from Stampin’ Up! or from another great company because this whole thing is to have FUN!
I have YEARS of stamps and over the past year I have been having this WORK IN PROGRESS in trying to compile all of the stamps and dies that I want to find a new home for….and trust me, it is a huge job getting it together.
In the comments yesterday…it was asked – how do you sell them? Well…for me – in November, I did a chance for people to go into the “Vault” as I like to call it….and people were able to pick a FREEBIE from ordering with me – that was super fun and it showed me that people really like getting things that they might have passed on.
In being a PAL – we have a great resource (another great reason to be a hobby demonstrator) where we can post within our group things that we want to sell.
I know of many that see on Ebay – but personally….I think that I would be challenged with that task.
Each month I attempt to share a list for you all to see if there is something that you want….but I just do not have it all together….I know, I know – I should just do it as it does not have to be perfect etc….I sell all for 50% off plus I charge whatever the shipping is.
I hope that this helps you…..I am not upstairs right now to glance at the stamps that I have kept but off the top of my head….here are a couple – Vivid Vases, Easter Lamb,Six Sided Sampler,Larger than life alphabet, Lighten Hearted Leaves, MOST Single Stamps – Life is Kindness, Christmas Bauble, Bearing gifts…. as they are usually great…anything that has a BIG SENTIMENT.….most sentiment stamps sets….like the one that I am doing the kit with (WHY???? Easy = it is sometimes hard to find the right sentiment)
Whew….this was LONG but we had a bunch to chat about! I hope that you had 2 cups of coffee reading this and please feel free to leave a comment to get the thoughts going – this is when we learn – from one another! Speaking of coffee…..we have a FABULOUS BUNDLE coming out….one that any coffee lover will “perk up” with!
If you are traveling, please be safe. Tomorrow I will share with you some swaps….I know that many are traveling and /or busy with family so I thought that if you had a chance to pop in…I have some great ideas for you.
Please email me if you are interested in my Class to GO! I think that you will be in for a treat.

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by Susan Itell | Apr 13, 2017 | Tips and Tricks!!! |

I must say….this is the time of the year when everyone gets confused…flustered….sad….happy (because it is getting closer to the NEW CATALOG) but today I am going to ease your mind on items that are in the retired list ~ more explicitly the BUNDLES….to let you know the ones that ARE going to be in the NEW CATALOG.
I bet you are saying – WHY IN THE HECK WOULD STAMPIN’ UP SAY THAT THEY ARE BEING RETIRED if they are going to be in the next catalog?
Again, here is the retired list!
Well….I can and I can’t answer that BUT I will say that there is a “key” beside the items that does indicate that they are being carried over – THEY WILL JUST NOT BE AT THE BUNDLED PRICE. (this is at the very, very bottom of the retired list)

What does that mean to you? Easy = if you like these products that I would take advantage of them now BEFORE the new catalog because they WILL NOT be at the discounted bundled price of 10% off. Basically….they will go into the catalog “A la Carte” ….the link for all of them will be at the end of the post. (TRUST ME….seeing the pictures is easier on your eyes) 😀
All I can say is WOW….you can ease the pain in knowing that there are ALL of these carrying over. If I figured them correctly – there are 19 and WOW…..19 is fabulous!!! 😀 I know that we all push that PANIC button but before we hit that button….I want to ask you one question?
Is it that big of a deal if they are being discontinued?
This is the way that I view it…..the confessions of an honest stamper! If I like it….I would keep it and use it because it touches my heart and makes me happy. 😀
I honestly do that ….They have a special area in my work area and they are HAPPY but I just do not blog about them once they become discontinued because that would not be fair to you!
Just because it is “walking the plank” and not in the NEW Catalog does not mean that it is not a great stamp set. Do I agree with all of the choices??? NO….but when you think of it – that is LIFE….we cannot please every one!
I hope that this post enlightens you to see that there are great items that are going to still be with us! Please do not let this HUGE list get the best of you!
As I shared on Tuesday, I am super sad that the DSP Stacks are going “bye-bye” but click here to see that post and see the Product Share that I am offering! I will keep an “eagle eye” on that list but if you want to take advantage of this share…email me!
I KNOW you are going to ADORE tomorrow’s post….I look forward to seeing you!

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by Susan Itell | Apr 12, 2017 | PALS Blog Hops |

Welcome to the Families First Pals Blog Hop for April 2017. We are thankful you stopped by to take a look at our 2017 Blog Hop monthly themes. This month we are featuring projects that are all about our families. This is a great time of year to think about what to make for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or upcoming graduations. And, family vacations are just around the corner… how would you want to remember those special family moments? We hope to provide you with lots of ideas and that you enjoy our creations.
You may just be starting the Blog Hop or may have come from the previous link from the Line-up on the Pals Blog Hop listing shown below. The full lineup will help you move along from blog to blog so you may see all the projects.

At first glance you might be saying…..WHAT THE HECK SUSAN? What does this have to do with families? Well, hang tight! My peeps are all grown and it is far and few that we get to be together…but let me tell you ~ when we do….TOTAL FUN (and yes, I still cry as they drive away)
When this stamp set came out, Layering Love… I knew that it was coming to Randall Lane. I simply adore sentiments and when they are BIG SENTIMENTS….I say a double whammy! The reason that I chose this card for this hop it that this simple sentiment, “live, laugh, love” are 3 words that sum up family to me!

I think that you will agree that the other sentiments in this stamp set are equally wonderful – a HOMERUN all the way around and the best thing – IT IS BEING CARRIED OVER into the NEW CATALOG….yippee! 🙂
If you follow my blog you already know that simple is me and I think that you can agree that this is a super simple card but the sentiments makes it have a BIG WOW. I would easily send this to a family member or dear friend after having a great time together. To me, it is all about the message…and live,laugh,love sums it up for me!
I know you have a bunch of hopping to do today as there are 30 of us on the hop…so I won’t keep you too long – Here is a quick scoop for you in case you want to case (you really do not need me as it is soooooo easy….but here you go!) The full line up of products used will be at the very end of the post.

- The Base is in the NEW THICK VERY VANILLA Card Stock – (did you let that SINK IN????) YEP, in the NEW catalog we will all be doing the happy dance with the THICK VANILLA! (I am so excited)
- The next layer of Very Vanilla (regular weight) is 4″ X 5 1/4″ and then run through the big shot with the Large Polka Dot Embossing Folder (that’s walking the plank 🙁 )
- The FUN POLKA DOT NEW PAPER is from the NEW CATALOG, and it is called Eastern Palace and truth be told because I do not have a bunch of this paper, so this is why I have a 1″ strip on the left edge but honestly – it does the trick!
- The Sentiment was stamped in the NEW TRANQUIL TIDE (super yummy color) and then cut out with the largest Stitched Circle from the Stitched Shapes Framelits Die (a must have…just sayin’ 😀 ) I also cut another one the same size in the NEW In Color and off set them a wee bit.

- Here is a tip because I am the FIRST TO ADMIT that this thin silver thread can be ONE HOT MESS to work with. After having many struggles….we came to terms and this is the EASIEST way I can tell you to do it. Ready…??? Just hold your hand out and wrap it around all 4 fingers (the width of your hand) several times – cut it and just press it into the adhesive that is already on your circle. Trust me…it is when you start fooling with it that you loose your crackers and get super frustrated 👿 ….Once we had an understanding…we are happy and I think that it adds a fun flair….how about you?
- The Dapper Denim Bakers Twine is from the April Paper Pumpkin Kit and I added a bow and secured it with a simple glue dot.
The envelope…same thing I do just about each and every day as I do love my envelopes….lovin’ your envelope makes the world happy!!! (well, in my world at least)….it’s like not making your bed in the morning – YIKES….my day would not be in order and that is how I feel about my envelopes!
I realize that this is a twist to our theme….but this makes me roll when I think of family…..I think that this is a perfect card that you can send many times to many different loved ones…because the way I feel about it is we all need to live, laugh & love more!
Now go be a bunny rabbit and HOP on….there are so many amazing ideas out there….take them all in and I thank you for POPPING into my little simple world…..

Thanks for visiting. To continue with the hop, please refer to the Blog Hop Line-up below. We hope to see you on next month’s Pals Blog Hop!
- Mary Fish at Stampin’ Pretty
- Lynn Tague at Beyond Beaches & Blessings
- Beth McCullough at Stamping Mom
- Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper
- Amy Hoptay at Craft Carnivore
- Nicole Watt at Pixel Maven’s Retreat
- Brian King at Stamp with Brian
- Tricia Chuba at ButterDish Designs
- Wendy Klein at Doggone Delightful Stampin’
- Patti MacLeith at Papercrafts by Patti
- Karen Zaring Browning at Stamp With Me KZB
- Susan Itell at simplestampin.com
- Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
- Karen Hallam at Karen’s Stampin’ Habit!
- Pamela Sadler at Stampin Pink Rose
- Debbie Crowley at expressively deb…
- Lisa Pretto at InkBig Academy Stamps
- Julie DiMatteo at The Paper Pixie
- Becky Retzer at Just in Thyme by Becky Retzer
- Lynn Kolcun at Avery’s Owlery
- Jennifer Spiller at Westside Paper Creations
- Debra Simonis at Deb’s Stampin’ Grounds
- Rae Harper-Burnet at Wild West Paper Arts
- Jackie Beers at Blue Line Stamping
- Shawn de Oliveira at ShawnStamps.com
- Rosanne Mulhern at Heartfelt Stamping
- Denise Hoepfner at The Mountain Magpie
- Sara Hicks Stuart at Sentiments by Sara
- Jennifer Michalski at Stamping Serenity
- Maggie Mata at Maggie Made Cards

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by Susan Itell | Apr 11, 2017 | Uncategorized |

I know that you all have been flooded from everyones blogs with the Retiring List and I also know that many of you are saying YIKES – there is 10 pages of products! YEP, that’s right and YEP, this happens every year.
Make sure that you look down on this post because I will be offering a DSP Stack Share and if you want in….you need to act fast because I have no idea how long they will be available! 😀
I know that many of you are sad, confused, perhaps saying – “I just can’t take it all in there is so much” – well, I get it and after I type this for you to read today, I am going to sit down with my catalog and highlight all of the “walking the plank” items and then take a look at what I want to stock up on 😀
Like I said, I am sitting down myself to see what these 10 pages look like but I want to remind you…that when you see the BUNDLES list….remember, there are many that ARE carrying over to the NEW CATALOG but they will not be at the BUNDLED PRICE….so the moral of the story is…snatch the Bundles now to get the 10% off.




This is what I am the most sad about….seriously – this is my “lower lip down” product that I will be missing…as I use it so often…there are my go-to’s when I need the “certain color”...they are just a great classic! We are NOT having a color refresh so all of these colors are current in the NEW CATALOG.
Because of this – I WILL OFFER A PRODUCT SHARE ON THESE…..and sadly this will be the last time as they are not in the New Catalog. Whenever I offer this share, it is always popular…..so I would hop on it as this is a great way to get a taste without breaking the bank.
If you want to take part in this share, please email me and put in the subject line – DSP STACK PRODUCT SHARE so I can spot it. Please email me ASAP if you want in this share as all of these retired products are while supplies last. Once a share fills, I will email you a Pay Pal invoice.
The share will include 1/2 sheet of each color in the collections for $25.00 and then the shipping is a flat $6.95 (the cost of a Priority Mail legal envelope) = $31.95 The collections that I am doing are the following : You will get (90) half sheets of beautiful DSP paper and all of the colors will be carried over through the next catalog.
- Brights
- Regals
- Subtles
- Neutrals
- In Color 2016 – 2018 (Only this In Color)

You all know I love Jack Russell’s and this little guy is sprinting as fast as he can….and I know you all are doing the same thing with this retired list and then I invite you to see the next picture….JUST BREATHE…..
Very different messages but I hope that you can find the balance. Yes, the Stampin’ Up! website was ON OVER LOAD….be patient and know that we are all in the same boat. You all are going to love the NEW Catalog, it was a treat to be able to see it and I look forward to some “me time” to REALLY sit and take it in!


Enjoy the day….it is going to be a GREAT day and tomorrow….it’s a PALS BLOG HOP DAY…and we all know THAT will be a FUN DAY of sheer INSPIRATIONS! Hang in there…and have FUN shopping away!

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