by Susan Itell | Mar 4, 2019 | Sale-A-Bration, Thinking of you |

Hello and here is to a NEW WEEK! I am doing the HAPPY DANCE all week for the time to change this coming weekend! I know that many if you are i my camp of….I AM DONE WITH WINTER….and I am sooooo ready for Springtime to be here….plus the longer days!
Yesterday we had snow….this morning we were plowing and shoveling…..right now it is sooooo beautifully sunny out (that I cannot believe that I am inside typing this) but I am trying to get into a schedule!
I had a FABULOUS time in Boston visiting my son….I plopped myself for 2 days at his school and the grasshoppers he teaches were just adorable! They are from 6 – 9 years old and let me tell you…..they do things now that I never dreamed a grasshopper could do – all in all – I perfect time and he sooooo appreciated his Mom being there!
Let’s get to this BEAUTY as I truly think it is just that…..a TRUE BLUE BEAUTY of a card and I have been excited to share with you! I was in the mood to use the good old aqua painter so all of the cards that you see are with the aqua painter and the shimmering white paper!
? for you….do you have the shimmering white paper?
Chances are….if you are anything like me you are not that familiar with it! I had heard of it but I really did not use it until my dear friend and partner in crime with paper, Jeanie Stark said – that is just the best to watercolor with….so being the stamper I am – I hit that button and bought it and she was right, it is GREAT to use with the aqua painter!
Let’s face it…there are several items that we do not use often but when we are in the position of needing it…you are thankful that you have it readily available as it is things like this that pull projects together!
Keep reading as I am going to share with you the dimensions of this card as it is one of those that I clearly call “a keeper” and I think that you can also see that the sky is the limit with the colors that you can use and also the DSP!

I was NOT going to get another Stampin’ Up! Rose set as I have some from the past BUT…the reason that I hit that button to purchase this bundle was simple!
- I loved the sentiments and the font styleT
- The Bundle price point was great
- The floral image would be SUPER easy to color
- The trellis and the sentiment die were over the top vesatile
- That stamp of the shapes (not sure what to call it) – this would be perfect to stamp off as it is very unique.
I highly encourage you to ask yourself questions before you make an investment, Also, use the samples in the catalog for inspiration as you can see some similarities to my card!

One of the things that I was super tickled with was….I was able to heat emboss on Vellum and hide the adhesive! Vellum is another item that we do not use often but watch out as when we do…..next is usually a smile!
How did I hide the vellum? After I stamped and heat embossed the sentiment and it was ready to be assembled…I took the green glue and added a super thin layer of it over the entire vellum banner and then popped it up with mini dimensionals just on the left tucked under the floral image…when the glue was dry….you could not see it!

This is one of those cards that is much prettier in person than what the pictures can do for it so please trust me, it is just stunning! True your fingertips are sticky but to me a simple wash of your hands is better than seeing adhesive peek through vellum!

The other think that I think makes this a keeper is the scoring lines I did on either side of the layered whisper white piece. This is something that I do quite often and it is something that truly makes a difference when you hold the project in your hand. I ALWAYS prefer to use the Simply Scoring over the trimmer when scoring lines like this – you just get a much deeper impression!
Here you go…..and if you want one of these cards as well as 1 yard of EACH color of the Organdy Ribbon…..is is your for free with the purchase of this bundle from me!
This Organdy Ribbon as a Sale-A-Bration item that SOLD OUT…..but I have an extra package of it so I can make (5) people happy with a yard of each of the 5 colors!

Here you go….some quick bullet points on the ins and outs of how I made this card! I do hope that you will try it! Remember, if you purchase the Bundle from me…..I will send you one of these cards and envelopes along with a yard of each of the 5 colors of ribbons (5 yards total)
- Card Base – thick Whisper White in vertical fold, 4 1/4″ X 5 1/2″
- Regular weight whisper white 4 1/8″ X 5 3/8″ and scored on each side 4 x’s as shown
- The Gingham Paper is 2 1/2″ X 5 3/8″
- I used (3) of the trellis and adhered them together with green glue
- The floral image was color with the aqua painters in the colors listed below on shimmery cardstock
- A simple bow out of the Organdy Ribbon tied on the Flax Ribbon added the perfect simple bling!
Remember, we are on the LAST MONTH of Sale-A-Bration…..so make sure that you take full advantage of the freebies that you can earn with every $50.00 increment. Stampin’ Up! has added more….so CLICK HERE to see all of the availabilities!

Have a super afternoon and for you Voice Fans……(Sonny I know for sure!!!!) they are back on so yep, I will be watching and smiling! I hope that this sweet card perked up your day and I do hope that you will find some well deserved me time and make one! This is a great layout for many stamp sets that I am sure that you have!

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by Susan Itell | Feb 28, 2019 | 3D Thursday, Birthday |


Good Morning and today is a SUPER SPECIAL DAY for me as 32 years today my oldest son Will was born!!!
I just adore celebrating the PEEPS birthday as it is a day for me to go down that Memory Lane and smile!
On Tuesday I looked at John and said – I am missing Will…and I wish that we could be together on his Birthday and you know what?!!? That sweet husband looked at me and said BOOK A TICKET and go!
As you read this….I am probably flying to Boston to surprise Will! I am getting into Boston so darn early that I know that there is no way that he would glimpse at his Mom’s Blog and read this! He is a Montessori teacher for 6 – 9 year olds and I am “Uber-ing” right to his school to surprise him!
I have a TON of pictures for you today and at the end there is a PDF that you can print off and use! I know that many of you are just “true blue card-makers” and are a bit intimated in venturing out to making a 3-D item….but all I can say is – TRY IT….the end result will make you smile!
Before we get to the pictures and tips I want to say right out of the gate…you can make this WITH or WITHOUT the acetate (Window Sheets) and the project will still be a WINNER! I personally wanted to try to work with the Window Sheets as that is a product that we do not use a whole bunch but to me, it makes a HUGE DIFFERENCE as the end result is very polished with a fab-o presentation!

Let’s chat about Hershey Nuggets! Well….they are a crafters dream as there are SOOOOO many things that you can do and make with them and heck, let’s face it – they are super yummy! My favorite is the Dark Chocolate….but trust me, google it and you will be amazed and excited with the idea that are out there!
Here is the magic measurement to wrap….ready???
1″ X 3″ of DSP + a piece of tape = a super cute nugget 🙂
You can CLEARLY see that you can use up that DSP that you have. I like to go ahead and cut a BUNCH and then as the time comes….sit and watch something on TV and wrap and tape…throw them in a bag and they are ready for a project!
This is also a GREAT HUSBAND project….I will plop 2 bowls for John and the makings for this task…..he gets into a roll and throws all of the wrapped ones in the other bowl. One day I ask my Dad to help out and I loved his comment…..“I don’t like this job….I would rather cut ribbon”
For those of you that have DSP from the holidays….look at what you have and if you like the print on the scale that it needs to be…..go ahead and cut it up…..wrap a rubber-band around it and next Fall you can wrap some chocolates!


- Start with a piece of cardstock measuring 7 ¾” X 3 ½”
- On the short side score at 1 ¼” and 2 ¼” and use the bone folder, SUPER WELL!
- On the long side score at 1 ¼” and 6 ½ and use the bone folder, SUPER WELL!
- Notch in the sides as shown (this makes a big difference when making 3D projects.
- Place Tear-n-Tape as shown….always use a super strong adhesive!

For the FUN Die Cut piece….I went to the Birthday Cheer Bundle! showcased this bundle last month (click here) and I loved that project and this time I am using the other focal die….the cute cupcakes! I always am honest about the products I showcase….I do love this bundle. It is super unique and versatile and the price point is really good!
We all need to have a FUN Birthday collection as we all seem to make! The reason that I love these dies is the fact that the bottom part does not cut so you can make the height if the cupcakes or gifts whatever you need it to be! Today. I simply put color cardstock behind the diecut images and was good to go!

I will add some tips about the below pictures…..you can see in the above picture that there is a plain cupcake die….I cut several out and snipped them in half! WORKED LIKE A CHARM and then to cover it up….a blank one over top! (you could easily skip this step)
Elmers Spray Glue is what I like to use for tricky dies like this! Truth be told, I get a bit grumpy when my hands are sticky with glue. Using this….I can hold it on the edge and just spray where the detailed area is…..and the take it and PICK UP the other part and press it in place!
After I do this….I can add the adhesive of my choice to the lower edge and place it on my project. I bet I have had the same bottle for 4 years….it is not that I use it often at all….but when I do – it certainly does the trick. I hear that in early March there is going to be another product coming out similar to this…but without being spray with the fumes! (I will keep you posted)


The only part that you have to “piece” out of the diecut is the cherry and the heart – it is SO worth it to add these and by just having to place a 1/2 of a cupcake behind each cupcake window image…..paper piecing these 2 things is not bad at all!

Now I am SURE that I will get people rolling their eyes about the Stamp-a-ma-jig….I think EVERY STAMPER needs to have this tool and I am shocked that Stampin’ Up! took it out of the catalog! Trust me, I adore and use the stamparatus all of the time..but there are times that you are using a red rubber stamp and need a straight stamp image….so OUT IT COMES!
You will laugh at this…..I feel that everyone needs to know how to parallel park a car….(I cannot believe that this is not on the drivers test any more) and I feel the same about this tool……and you can quote me –
“Every Stamper needs a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig and every Stamper needs to know how to use it!”
Now….you will think of me each and every time you park a car! Seriously, it is so darn handy and it save so many basic and silly mistakes that can happen.

The sentiment for this project is from the new Itty Bitty Birthday Greeting Stamp Set….a keeper for sure! I particularly like the fact that there are 2 different sizes of fonts on this image.
Here is a tip that I have done with this project…..I LOVE to make multiples of projects when I make them….so this one is no different! I made up 8 in total…assembled 3 completely for the photos for this post and then….the rest – all flat, safe and sound in a plastic sleeve ready to go when I need one!
I HIGHLY encourage you to work like this….as not only does it save a BUNCH of time….you will be so happy to have it basically ready – just wrap the DSP paper around the nuggets…..DONE!


Let’s chat about the window sheet….below you will see that all I did was score, crease well and adhere! Not only does it keep the 8 pieces of chocolate tight and safe, it looks super professional.
I go ahead just like I did the other pieces of this project in cutting and scoring….then place it in the plastic sleeve and DONE!

The last pictures show you the ribbon – of course this is totally optional as well, but I think that you will agree….it makes a great touch and my hunch is that you also have a bunch of ribbon that could use a home and brighten someones day!
John is always my “what do you thing….do you like this or that?” and his pick – he likes the acetate touch and also the bow around the project! He also REALLY likes the fact that this project has 8 nuggets – he never seems to understand why we make things like this with just 2 or 3 pieces!



There you go! One thing that I always encourage you to do is…to take some “me time” and make one up! It does not matter if you have all of the specific products that I have used…what matters is to do it while you see it and it is fresh in your head!
Here is the PDF for you to hang onto for the future!
I just love a project like this and you betcha that I have one packed for me to hand-deliver to my on on his special day. Enjoy your day as I know I as my heart is going to be skipping many beats today just being with him….and his classroom filled with grasshoppers!!!!
Anyone that purchases this bundle from me will get this project all completes….all you have to do is peel off the adhesive strip and you are ready to go! Just round it up to hit that $50.00 mark and you can pick a FREE SAB ITEM!!!!

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by Susan Itell | Feb 22, 2019 | 3D Thursday |


Hello to all and do I have a great little project for you this morning! I just need to “pinch myself” that I get to be a part of this 3D Design Team! These ladies are just “stinkin’ clever” and today, Debbie Henderson from Debbie’s Designs came up with this great project!
I have been loosing track of where my day goes but one thing that I did do today (well yesterday…I felt asleep typing this post 🙂 ) is….go to the Yankee Candle Outlet and contributed to the retail community and bought candles to make this SUPER CUTE project!

Now this is something that just about ANYONE would both LOVE and APPRECIATE! I know that we all have those people in our lives that really do not need a darn thing….but when you go to see them you like to take a little something….well THIS IS IT! Have FUN with a little enclosure note and say…you light up my life!
The other reason that I adore this project is…they would be SUPER easy to mass produce and even if you did not want to expose the release paper on the tear-n- tape…you would be able to make the project all up….(just not form the actual box) and then PRESTO….when you need a little “something-something” – you are ready to rumble!

I have shared with you my love for this ribbon and just look at this above shot….This is just one complete project that just screams a huge smile!. Are you looking at this DSP and thinking….where did it come from???? Well…it is a NEW Sale-A-Bration Bundle offering…and this time a BUNDLE OFFERING is a pack of DSP and a Stamp Set…..WOOT-WOOT!!!!
One thing that SU does super well is…their Designer Series Paper…and this freebie offering is no different. I admit, I LOVE the flip side of these patterns as they suit my simple style – call me boring,,,,plain Jane….I just love a POP of vibrant color!

I am sure you are just ITCHIN’ to see the PDF that Debbie created for this Project…..(I do not blame you) – CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD and then you can print off the directions! SUPER EASY (I love that) and SUPER VERSATILE (I love that too) 🙂
I was hoping to make some up myself last night…but I fell asleep but the great news is….TODAY IS A NEW DAY and I am hoping to play! I am actually having a PLAY DATE myself this evening with Ramsey and Jeanie so this will be on the agenda for me to make!
(you can also just click the below image and POOF – directions will await you!)


Have a super day and here is to a fun weekend! I have already shared with you about my playdate today….but tomorrow is the JACKPOT as there are 7 of my fabulous crafty friends “on the road for an ADULT FIELD TRIP “ as Gina K is going to be in our great state of Maryland and we are having lunch, laughter and play time!
I tell John that this is “continuing education for the crafty hearts” and he just smiles! I do hope that you also have time to get inky and find some creativity in your day!

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by Susan Itell | Feb 13, 2019 | PALS Blog Hops |

Welcome to the Pals’ February blog hop. We’re so glad you’re here because it’s “Time to Sale-A-Brate”! Our Design Team created projects using Sale-A-Bration items to inspire you. You may be starting the hop here or coming from a previous Pal’s blog. Either way, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll find the the full line-up below to help you move, or “hop” along from Pal to Pal.

Hello…Happy HUMP day….and are you ready to HOP!?!
I say PUT ON YOUR HOPPIN’ SHOES as there are 29 blogs of inspiration for you today and I am super happy to be here sharing some FUN with a NEWBIE Sale-A-Bration item.….I call it ” SAB…round 2″
I think that it is fair to say that Sale-A-Bration is the “sweetest time of the year” as heck – who doesn’t like a freebie! Remember, for every $50,00 you spend,,,you can pick a goodie that makes your heart pitter-patter!
Below you will see the stamp that I used today! It is such a versatile one and I am just thrilled with the end result of this card! At a glance you might think that this looks super hard…..but NOPE…..2 main reasons!
- This stamp is a Photopolymer which makes it a cinch to stamp!
- Works like a charm with the Stamparatus… a stamp positioning tool is truly a “must-have” for all of us as it helps sooo much and the more you use it over and over….it is something that you say, “How did I craft before!!!”

I just adore a classic color palette and today is no different – you just cannot go wrong with Black and White with a POP! My POP is the fun Granny Apple Green!
You can see the repetition of the detailed stamp in Black and then I simply took the small heart and filled it! I did not use the stamparatus with the heart as it is super easy to look through and stamp! Just think of the fun you could have with so many different color combinations as well as different sentiments!
For these reasons….this is why this stamp set “spoke to me” ! I truly think that you need to look at stamps and think….how can I make it work for my style…my needs etc…..to me, it is just so darn clean and classic!

Let’s have a chat about this framelit that I used for the sentiment! It is from the below Climbing Roses Bundle and I admit, when I first saw this bundle I thought….I do not need more roses and then it happened – I saw the framelits and caved!
I can remember I thought 2 things…
- There are 2 very unique framelits….(the one I am using today for the sentiment) and the other, the lattice (I have a super card coming soon with that)
- I loved the sentiments on this stamp set and I do love to use the aqua painter and thought….I will enjoy this bundle!
Again, ask yourself questions that work for you and your stampin’ needs!! Another question I ask myself is…can I use the “meat and potatoes” of the stamp set….and make it work for different Holidays/Themes of cards that I would use it for! YEP, I thought it could be great for Just Because, Anniversary, Birthday, Thank You…..
BOTH of these features stamps are in the same thought pattern…you can really stretch the uses!

Below you can see up close the detail of the framelit – isn’t it just so clean and classic! Another classic and a dream to work with is the Granny Apple Woven Ribbon – this makes the BEST bows and my trick that always works for me….use a glue dot to anchor your bow to “stay put” just where you want it to be!
By just adhering the sentiment image 3 times in different colors gives you a look of instant depth on the card. I encourage you to off set images like this as it brings the focal point front and centered!

Staying in line for the theme of the Blog Hop…..Sale-A-Bration….I used the oh so popular SAB pick of the Designer Series Paper, Botanical Butterfly for the envelope decor! I always have to dress up my envelope as the way I feel about it….the envelope is the “First Impression”…and we all know what out “gut instinct” tells us about that!


More inspiration awaits! Use the Blog Hop Line-up below to visit the rest of this month’s Design Team. My fellow Pals are excited to show you what they’ve created! Don’t forget to show us some love by commenting on our creations. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 13, 2019 when our Hoppin’ Pals share their “Spring Has Sprung” projects. Don’t miss the fun!

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