by Susan Itell | Nov 8, 2017 | Birthday, Christmas |
Happy Hump Day! I have a card for you today that I think will make you happy and also say…I could use this layout/design fro so many occasions!
When I was in Houston, the gal across from me created this layout (hers was the Happy Birthday one) and when she showed me her worked I perked up and said, I would love to take a picture of it and also CASE it! I just knew you all would love it.
To me, this is one of those cards that hold the test of time because they are a classic and also a card that you can use so many different color combinations /sentiments.
The frameits that are used are the Botanical Builder Framelits and they can still be found on the clearance rack (just $19.80), I was shocked when she shared with me that this is what she used as honestly, this was a set that I did not use often but trust me, I cranked out a bunch of these puppies!
I decided to give it a try with a Christmas Theme and I think it worked out….what do you think? You can see that the layout itself is very straightforward. All you need to do is cut out (3) of each of the elements.
The sentiment came from the Snowflake Sentiments Bundle and YES – I would get the bundle on this one as the framelits are over the top on this one….
Look at what you have and just make it work. You can see that the Birthday one used pearls for the accents….and for the Christmas one I used the wee bitty dots from the Owl Builder Punch with Red Glimmer to create the accent….just have fun!
I happen to adore the “movement” that the flowers give…you can pull them forward for a dramatic look or simply leave them flat!
Here is a tip….if you are watching a game…a movie etc – why not pull scraps that you have and go to town cutting away. Plop your Mr. Big right with you and get ahead of the game (ha-ha) as you will be so happy that you have elements cut and ready to rumble when you want to make a card,
Here is also something that I would do…I would make up a bunch of these at one time with different colors and simply leave off the sentiment so when you need a card….POOF……stamp the sentiment and you are good to go!
I think that it is very fair to say that we all have a copious amount of product and even if you do not have these framelits I am sure that you have a floral one that will do the trick. It’s all about the (3’s) – just taking 3 of the same elements and use that as your focal and go from there! It will never let you down!
I used easy-peasy glue dots to put this whole thing today. Not only does it work like a charm ii is sooooo darn fast! Remember, there are ALWAYS ways to make projects simpler.
Well, there you go… a super card that can go through the test of time. These are the types of cards that catch my fancy; I ask you, why do we complicate things so?
Well I am in air right now on my way to Salt Lake City. I am blessed that I have 4 team members and a new gal that is by herself that is joining our fun……after all – I am the very 1st person that loves to rescue dogs and the name that we call our team is the Top Dogs…..so of course my heart is always opening to welcome someone. (She is going to think we are crazy….but it will be fun!)
The 6 of us are going to have a fun time together. Last night we started the slumber party early at Ramsey’s as we needed to be at the airport by 5:15…we made it and we are excited to have a fun time!
I brought my big camera so I am hopeful to take some great pictures and of course I will share. You know me, I love to share with you and I truly wish that each and every one of you could be with us.
I just keep pinching myself that I feel so lucky to laugh, learn and make these amazing friendships with so many amazing and talented crafters.It is always fun and healthy to be with people that make you laugh, make you smile, simply make your day!
I will see you on Friday as I will share with you my swap card that I made. Trust me, it is a total “Susan card” being that it is super simple but I was tickled with it…..it’s a keeper and one that I am actually going to make more of to send.
Enjoy the day, make a memory and don’t forget how incredibly blest we are! 🙂
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Jul 25, 2017 | Blog Candy, Christmas |
Good Tuesday to all and I will say that it feels great to be back in the saddle BUT….I wish that I physically felt better! It is July and I have a cold like people get in the heart of Winter…YUCK! I am excited to share with you some of the “fun” John and I had in Thailand and I decided to add a drop down box at the top of my blog so I am not clogging up blog space! (they should be up this afternoon….I need to talk to my dear helper, Brian Watt as you know me….technical difficulties with the computer)
I will continue to add some fun times and pictures as time warrants throughout the week but I can say…we arrived home late on Friday and we are both still out of wack with the time thing and then Sunday it happened….a cold from nowhere and I feel like a bowling ball!
Enough of the saga….let’s get to this sweet card…..a total “Susan kinda card” and while I was away I came to “truths with myself” and that is – I really do not care for the whole concept of Christmas in July.
While we were away…it was July…there was no push for the Christmas in July concept that the media loves to do, the stores and even “us, your bloggers” seem to do. I already made this sweet card up before I left and I do adore it so naturally I want to share it with you…but I am going to try to embrace the rest of July.
I was lucky enough to see the NEW Holiday Catalog and Stampin’ Up! spoiled us with many of the new products on the trip…(super de-de duper cute) but they will have their place in time…..just let the calendar go forward a bit more. The preorder does start for demonstrators on August 1st (and that is exciting) and of course…I will place my order but until then….I want to enjoy the goodies in the Annual Catalog.
This stamp set, Watts of Occasions is so much fun! I encourage you to pull that catalog out and turn to page 63. Isn’t it adorable? I am sure at first glance that it was breezed by but I do hope that you can see the fun it brings – to me, it is a smile maker stamp.
Click here to see another post that I did with this stamp. 😀
You all know that I adore square cards and yep, I do enjoy making custom envelopes for them using the envelope punch board but please remember, a 4 1/4″ square card (like this is) could easily fit into one of our regular envelopes therefore there would be no need for additional postage.
It’s a personal thing for me….I just love to jazz up an envelope and the custom size always makes someone feel special when they open their mailbox.
Once again, I am using the basics….WHAT??? Well where do I start….the trimmer, the big shot, the square framelits yada…yada – you see – these good old basics always help you create a clean and crisp card!
On this card I think that I have really, really allowed the simple stamp and the classic houndstooth print of the DSP be the star of the show! I adore the classic feel and simplicity of this DSP….if they sold it in single sheets….darn, I would STOCK UP!
You can see that I am trying to use this print sparingly but I just had to add it to the envelope to pull it all together! (I guess you could say that I am being frugal about it) but it works…actually like a charm! The gold foil paper and then the embossed piece adds soooooo much!
How about the gold heat embossing….super cute – right????? That always is a smile factor each and every time and you know how I adore my Bakers Twine…you can NEVER have enough of that!!!
After I had heat set the sentiment, I simply cut it into sections to make it a bit more whimsical over the card. This is something that I do not do a bunch but I will say that I like the look and feel!
I am just giddy over this card and I honestly think that it might be in the running for a Christmas Card that I would make in the masses to send out this year…..we have LOTS of time for that decision and we have many AMAZING new kids on the block coming our way very soon but there is the quirkiness of this card that tickles my fancy!
What do you do? Do you just make up 1 card and make multiples of it or do you make up several different cards? This is what I do…..I make up several different cards and then make up a dozen or more of the style…..I adore making up in the masses as it is sooooo rewarding and heck – I am used to it with my card kits….but there are times that I like to switch it up…..how about YOU?
Now let’s chat about Blog Candy! I shared with you that it is my turn to be the “Candy Man” for your amazing support to my Stampin’ Up! fun as without your support and inspiration that you give to me each and everyday….this amazing Thailand trip would not have been possible!
Everyday this week I am going to be the “sweetest person on earth with Blog Candy” and before we get to and am also “Sweetening the deal” with orders places with me.
I have updated the Hostess Code and if your order is $75.00 or more with me….you can GO TO THE VAULT and pick out any stamp your heart desires. I did this last year and it was a huge hit….but now….it is STOCKED TO THE MAX….as it is up to date from the Catalog that ended on May 31st.
I might not have had internet while we were flying and sitting at airports but I did have “Word” that I could work and get everything in order and I am a PROUD MAMA that the list is as good as it will ever get!
If you had already placed an order with me of $75.00+ this month, no worries….I will reach out to you and share the link for you to get your goodie. I know that you will be happy but also overwhelmed because it is a bunch and I am thrilled to have it in order.
Now for the Blog Candy…..leave me a comment and let me know how you feel about the Christmas in July media push…..does it get you excited????….does it get you sad/stressed????? but also, PLEASE let me know how you like this sweet card! (ha-ha)!!!
One lucky winner will win this stamp Set….
Watts of Occasions….just leave a comment and GOOD LUCK!
Now HERE IS SOMETHING to take heart of and I will say that you really should view this as a great marketing strategy…..for every $50.00 you spend in July, you will receive a $5.00 coupon to use in August!
I LOVE this promotion and have taken advantage of it personally but if I were you……I would add that extra $25.00 to be able to pick a free stamp from my fault…..(just saying as there are 100’s of stamp sets needing a new home)
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Dec 5, 2016 | Christmas |
Good Morning and as I shared yesterday – this week is a week that I will showcase with you ideas that are super easy for you to make and even if you do not have the certain stamp sets etc…that I am using, I am sure that there are plenty of stamps that you have in your stash to CASE away!
Before we go any further I have a confession. I used to NOT be a fan of gift cards because I guess….I just felt that they are the easy way out. Now let me back up….first – the season is NOT able gifts…and “one uping” the person that you exchange with – but the reality is…we do share gifts and many times they are gift cards!
I am a big one that for children…give and share something that they want -they are at that “magical” age in their life that making joy means a ton.
There is also a time that it is just “down right easier” to give a gift card, let someone get what they want….One thing that I ask my family/god children etc…that I give a gift card to – I say…“please share with me what you picked for yourself!” To me….it is a win-win for both of us and it is a great way to reconnect and chat!
I love making things pretty and unique…there is no reason that a simple gift card cannot look great…..have fun!
Here are the dimensions on how to make this! Super easy and one that you can use ALL YEAR LONG….we all have gifts that we give throughout the year and this is a great one, especially for a guy!
If I were you….I would jot these dimensions down and add it to one that you make~ this way you will always have it handy!
- The base is 5 1/2 X 4 1/4″
- The Print DSP is 4 1/4″ X 4 1/2″
- The Black Strip is 4 1/4″ X 1 1/4″
- The Garden Green is 4 1/4″ X 3/4″
- The white piece on the back (the part that you can write a message on) is 4″ X 4″ but you could have easily made it larger, I really do not know why I did not make it larger! This is where you can write a message!
Here are some tips:
- I did heat emboss the sentiment with Clear Embossing Powder – make sure to use that Stampin’ Buddy!
- Use Tear – n – tape on the 3 sides to make a pocket for you to slide the tag/gift card in
- For the tag – I just took a piece of 5″ X 2 5/8″ paper and then added a fun DSP 4 7/8″ X 2 1/2″ (you can really make it what you want – just make sure that it is wide enough for the gift card.
- I added the “pull” so the recipient would know…there is more inside the pocket!
- I adhered the pines and linen bow with glue dots – can you say EASY!!!!!
There you go…..sorry that the post seems soooooo rushed but time was against me! We have a FABULOUS time yesterday at the Ravens game! It might have been my first….but it will not be my last – I was in my glory and I adored the fun and spirit that was surrounded by us.
They WON BIG TIME and we had great seats – this was us before the stadium filled up – a great day with my guys! COming home to FOREVER but that was ok – we yacked and yacked…..a great day!
I hope to see you back here tomorrow as I have another gift card idea for you. This is one that I like to use as it is a bit “stepped up” from todays….but I have a hunch that it will make you smile.
I am a believer that when you have a keeper…than KEEP IT!!!!! This is what this WHOLE WEEK OF POSTS IS ABOUT….sharing with you ideas that are practical and fun!
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Nov 29, 2016 | Christmas |
Here is to a TERRIFIC TUESDAY! I had so many comments and emails about the Acetate that I used over the weekend (thank you to Linda Droege) for the inspiration! Click here and then here to see the posts.
I have a new card that actually is even more economical that the one that I share over the weekend. I know that it is a different look and feel but it is a WINNER- WINNER….CHICKEN DINNER one and YEP, it is a part of the Stitched from the Heart sale that is ending tomorrow!
This stamp set, Oh, What Fun Photopolymer Stamp…is a carried over one from last year and I was not surprised as it is a great one, filled with amazing sentiments!
You can see that there are layers and different widths of cuts but can you also see that it is still a “clean” card. You have heard me say time and time again, USE THE BASIC TOOLS THAT WE HAVE AND LOTS OF PAPER…..you will always come out with a winner!
For this card, the basics are the use of our trimmer, the Big Shot and the ovals! Today I combined the stitched ovals (Cherry Cobbler) with the nesting ovals (Very Vanilla). We will chat about the “fun leaves” later…..
Here is the acetate! Remember, one side is silver and the other is gold. I think that the silver would look sunning with Navy! This cuts like a dream with our trimmer and on today’s card, I just used a very small piece. It is 2″ X 4″ piece.
This is the DSP that I used, This Christmas. It is in the annual catalog and I really like it. It is a thinner paper and when I first felt it, I was worried that it would not be sturdy enough but I was wrong, it is a dream machine. The other thing that is super unique about this is that you get (4) sheets of each design = you will get 24 sheets of paper.
The other win-win for me and this paper is, it pairs with Very Vanilla. To me, there is just something classic about Very Vanilla and Cherry Cobbler together.
Here is a great shot of the Gold Heat Embossing. This font is just beautiful and FUN. Remember the tips that I have shared with you….the Embossing Buddy, a paint brush and a good and hot heat gun BEFORE you bring it to the image = a perfect end result!
Now we will chat about the fun “fru-fru” that I tucked around the oval. They are from the Pretty Pines Thinlits Dies. You could easily use these 2 images that I cut out to be a “filler” for other cards throughout the year. They are just simple “greenery” and simple “berries” that work all year long.
This is what I meant when I said at the top of the post….have and work with the basics – and you will be good to go! 🙂
Before I get to the measurements for you…I want to point out the Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon that place between the 2 prints. This is on the clearance rack along with the same in white and if you do not have this luscious ribbon, you need it. For $2.70 – I ask you, how can you go wrong?
Here is anther tip…when there is ribbon in the clearance rack – I stock up on it. I always find a way to use it to make things “pretty” – it is those simple touches that make people smile. I did a craft show and placed goodies in a clear food storage bag (from the grocery store) but added a beautiful discontinued ribbon and people were wowed but the simple yet finished look!
Here is the simple scoop of this card, please CASE away and make someones day!
The base is a vertical Very Vanilla – 4 1/4 X 5 1/2″
To make it super fast and easy for me, I took a piece of Cherry Cobbler 4″ X 5 1/4″ (I KNOW, I KNOW….it was a shame to cover up the paper but this worked FAST for me!) The lower DSP is 4″ X 3 1/4″ and then the Acetate is 4″ X 2″.
I adhered the Acetate to the cherry cobbler with a strip of tear -n – tape as I knew that I was going to add the ribbon over top so you would not see the adhesive.
The rest is very straight forward but if you need help or clarity, either leave a comment or email me!
I ask you….did you do any shopping yesterday from CYBER MONDAY??? I am guilty as charged and I feel like I picked some keepers! I admit, I feel a bit guilty that I did have so much pleasure clicking away as I feel bad for stores….but the other side of the coin is – GOING TO STORES, stresses me, it is as simple as that as the patience of people is sad.
This is NOT what the season is about….my heart was pitter-pattering on Thursday as we were talking about Christmas…and Will chimed in – and said….“DO we have a theme this year” — I was soooooo happy as he “knows me and gets it” – my PEEPS know what the season is about….it is not the gifts, it is about the journey. True I did some shopping yesterday but it was very selective as I love HANDMADE gifts!
Tomorrow is the LAST day for taking advantage of the Stitched from the Heart SALE! You can click the below image to join in with the fun!
We are to be having CRAZY weather – it is to rain (which we need desperately) but it is to be 62 degrees – CRAZY… 😕 Guess what I am going to be doing…..I am going to a Laundry Mat that I can take Horse Blankets to to wash…..darn, I bet you wish you could be there – such a FLATTERING JOB to do!!!!
See you tomorrow….
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Susan Itell | Nov 27, 2016 | Christmas, Step it up Sunday! |
As promised…here you go with the “Stepped up Version” of yesterday’s card and I ask you…this is a beauty….right????
I cannot imagine how long it took Linda to make over 50 of these cards! She is my hero. This is why I felt so blessed when I received it as a swap card. The BIG difference and trust me, in my eyes it is a BIG DIFFERENCE is that she INKED up with (2) colors for the sentiment…..I say a HUGE WOW!!!
I can remember looking at it and say – where in the heck did this gorgeous acetate came from? – SILLY SUSAN….it was right in front of me in the Annual Catalog and I overlooked it.
I know that I share that with you yesterday on my post...but it is a beautiful and classic accent. Today you can see that it is a different pattern from yesterday and again, classic yet still fun!
I admit, I do not have the best of luck with using the markers and inking up a part with one color and then switching it to another. It can be done and I am sure if I took my time I would master it but it is just something that frustrates me. We can clearly see that it can be done and also done with amazing style 😀 To me, this is stunning as I totally appreciate and know the time that she took to do this!
When I saw this card I immediately thought – WOW….this gal is one talented stamper as the image is so clean and crisp. KUDOS to you Linda!!! 🙂
As I say to you…side by side, YOU decide!
I knew that I needed to try to make my version and yesterday you saw it. To me, both cards are super and I know that anyone would be proud to receive either one. Yesterdays green was Always Artichoke and today is Garden Green. Again, personal preference and you cannot go wrong with either one!
I wanted to comment on how easy it is to cut this acetate – it cuts like butter with your trimmer and I just love the way it “clings” to the card-stock underneath. With me being so “Type A” I thought that it might “bug me” that the edges were not adhered down…but it works ~ trust me! I just added fast fuse behind the banner.
I hope that you enjoy the 2 day post and I thought that it was super fun to be able to showcase someone’s card and not only share their talent, but also give you an insight as to how you can make it work for YOU and YOUR style.
If you are traveling today, please be safe. At this time of the year I always say – WHERE IN THE WORLD DID ALL OF THESE PEOPLE COME FROM??? I am amazed at the amount of traffic that will be filling our roads over the next couple of weeks.
You know what I say….MAKE HOMEMADE…not only is it a classic, people LOVE IT and your heart will be happy as YOU made it!
Time is ticking for you to take advantage of the Stitched from the Heart Sale, the selected stamp sets that are 25% off…if this stamp set is not on your shelf, it is simple – IT NEEDS TO BE as it covers many holidays!
Guess who is on the house tomorrow….Maurice and Marvin’s cousins!!!! – YEP, there is a Mouse in the HOUSE! (and he is excited to come out!!!)
If you click on the below images….it will take you to the direct area that the sale items con be found! Remember, tomorrow is a one day FLASH SALE along with the other extravaganaza goodies!
Like this:
Like Loading...
