And the Winner of the Scor-Tape Is...

Sharon D, who said:

My June PTI order (don't have it yet) will include Gracious Vases and Mehndi Medallion--so I can't wait to see what you do with those sets! Please use them often! I also ordered Daydreamer, Tag-its 5 and Think Big Faves 5.

I had so much fun reading all your comments. It's surprisingly satisfying to live vicariously through other people's purchases, LOL! Also, I loved Amy S's comment about shopping her own stash. I've had periods of doing that myself, and it's very healthy and satisfying in its own way!

Sharon D, please send me your snail mail address at susanraihala at woh dot rr dot com so I can send out your roll of scor-tape!

Sunday Vacation and a Sticky Little Give-Away

No card today, but I am so happy I got a ship notice on my latest PTI order! In celebration, I'm going to give away a roll of 1/8" Scor-Tape to a random comment on today's post. All you have to do is share what papercraft supplies you ordered or bought recently. Leave a comment before midnight Monday, June 20.

IMPORTANT NOTES: 1) For those reading Simplicity in your email, you must click to the blog and leave a comment in order to be entered in the drawing. 2) Also, if you're having a problem leaving your comment, keep clicking the comment button...I sometimes have to click it four or five times before a comment will post on blogger blogs. If you keep being returned to the sign-in page of Google, uncheck the Stay Logged In box. That should allow you to leave comments not only on my blog, but on all blogger blogs as well.

My PTI order includes Gracious Vases, Happy Trails, Mehndi Medallion, Grunge Me, and the Gingham background set. Oh, I can't wait!!!!!

So, what have YOU bought recently?

And the Washi Tape Goes to...

Katie! #61 said,

Oh good I'm not the only one that wasn't happy with a hot new item. It is ok to not have to have all the hot items. Sewing cloths is something I can't seem to master. I can quilt fine but when it comes to cloths I'm lost.

Katie, please send me your snail mail address at susanraihala at woh dot rr dot com so I can get this stuff out of my house send you a fun new toy to play with! Congratulations!

Know When to Say When, and Give It Away...with Enthusiasm

I was messing around and wasting a bunch of washi tape...which bothered me at first until I realized that if I never used it at all, that would be a bigger waste. So it was better to use it and fail than to never use it at all.  And then this card happened. It's not great, but at least it didn't end up in the trash!

Today's post is really about how some products seem like awesome ideas, but in practice, well, they are a LOT harder to use than it seems they should be. There are a few times when I've worked hard and overcome my blocks with products (Bic/Sharpie shading comes to mind), but sometimes it's okay to Just. Say. No.

Washi tape seems like it should be a whole lot easier than it is, at least for me. So I decided I'm going to send six partially used rolls to a) whoever wants to experiment with it without actually laying out money for it, in which case I wish you better luck than I had, or b) whoever has already figured it out and knows s/he can do a better job than I have done.

FOR THE GIVE-AWAY...All you have to do is to share your own experience with trying something new (craft related or otherwise) and deciding to walk away. Just like I walked away from majoring in chemistry in December of 1984 when organic chemistry kicked my brain's butt.

If you've never failed at anything in life, then please stop reading my blog because, seriously, you need to get out and start doing stuff.

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." --Sir Winston Churchill

Comments will close for the drawing on Wednesday, June 1, at 10:00 pm EDT. Everyone is welcome to comment. I'll mail this stuff anywhere.

Winner of the Gift Certificate Is...

#15, DenaJ! Congratulations! please send me an email at susanraihala at woh dot rr dot com with your choice of online crafting vendor and your email address!

The Winner of the Round-It-All Is...

Ruth V!

Ruth wrote:

It is nicer than any Hallmark card!
Yesterday I made 20 3x3 Mother's Day cards for a friend who heads up a nursing home ministry. They are visiting on Sunday. Ruth V


May 2, 2011 10:49 AM

Congratulations, Ruth! Please send me your snail mail address at susanraihala at woh dot rr dot com.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the drawing. It was so much fun reading people's ideas for mulching friendships!

A Friendship Give-Away: Paying It Forward

First of all, I want to thank Beth for naming me the Featured Stamper this week over at Splitcoast. Yippy!!!! I feel so honored and humbled and blown away by all the cards in the FS gallery!

Second, as I mentioned last week, kind reader Marty sent me a Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper, which is a super-fantabulous contraption that rounds corners with 1/4" and 1/2" diameters. She also sent me the sentiment about friendship below.

I paired it with an envelope stamp from Just a Note, a clear set from Hero Arts, and a fun heart-shaped rhinestone I picked up at Michael's. And of course I chomped the corners using the 1/4" side. I placed the envelope at the end of the quotation so that the quotation would remain the focal point, with the envelope as an accent.

Now, for Christmas I bought myself a 1/4" Round-It-All, mainly to round corners on book covers made with mat board. The Crop-A-Dile renders my Round-It-All redundant, so I'd like to give the Round-It-All away as "a little mulch" for our friendship here on Simplicity.

All you have to do is leave a comment telling me A) how cute my card is, and B) an example of something you have done to provide mulch for one of your friendships.

Comments will close at 9:00 PM EDT on Wednesday, May 4. This drawing is open to everyone, regardless of country.

New Day 1 Winner

Since one of the selected winners for Day 1 never contacted me with her snail mail address, I drew another winner using Random Number Generator, and the lucky person is...

Janet a.k.a. swanlady21, who said...
I got to have my lovely sharp Victorinox knife!

Congratulations, Janet! Please send me your snail mail address at susanraihala at woh dot rr dot com.

The Rest of the Little Things Winners!

First of all, I want to thank each and every one of you who posted comments for the Little Things Blog Anniversary celebration! I enjoyed reading all the little things that make you happy in so many areas of life. I also want to thank the Sue in South Carolina (you know who you are!) who sent me a microfiber cloth of my very own. Big hugs, prayer buddy!

If you're lucky enough to be listed below, please send me your snail mail address at susanraihala at woh dot rr dot com.

Day 4's winner of the glitter and glue pen is...

Charlotte, who said...
I will be copying the fine glitter trick -- sometimes my cards need a bit 'o bling. I use a lambswool duster to clean the cobwebs and dust from upper ledges and shelves and angles on high ceilings. Love that little thing. You can also immobilize a spider in it and transport it safely outside.

Day 5's winners of the Smooch are...

Christine - Cndn Stamper, who said...
Great cards. I haven't tried Smooch yet, I have so much that I didn't want to like anything new in case I need it multiple colours. Your ink enabling was bad enough! I used to happy with just my SU inks - no longer... Another story. My favourite piece of jewellery is a pair of small garnet earrings that my DH gave me even before we started dating. I should have known then. Anyways, they are on small hooks, like the old fashioned dinner sets with pewter wire coiled around them to look like flowers. They always make me feel loved.

Brenda R, who said...
I am always loosing earrings from the cheap to expensive ones, so I tend toward inexpensive ones that my niece makes from beads. I wear the "fish hook stoppers" and that doesn't guarantee I won't loose one. My favorite jewelry is a three diamond ring with white gold made by a CA designer in a very unique design that does not have the standard "prongs" to hold the diamonds. Sorry I don't have the exact words to describe it, but it is beautiful to me.


Day 6's winners of the metallic Prisma markers are

Susie, who said...
Casting Crowns - Jesus, Hold Me Now. I must look at your tutorial to see how you get the lines straight.

Cassie_lu said...
beautiful card and my tops has got to be any song by Toby Mac. Really not picky about which one of his as long as it's him singing :)

Finally, Day 7's winners of the scissors and dimensionals (which will not ship until I receive the dimensionals on my SU order) are...

stampjourney, who said...
Lovely card! I love using dimensionals--they just add that little perfect touch! Someone framed our wedding invitation with beautiful pressed flowers. It's on a shelf and I smile every time I look at it.


Nancy L., who said...
lots of pictures of my family :)

Congratulations, everyone!

Day 2 and Day 3 Winners...and Some Questions Answered

The lucky winners of Stardust clear pens for Day 2 are

jennvonklein, who wrote: "I know it's Spring, when all I need is a light coat: no scarf, no hat, and no gloves! :)"

and cathystamps, who wrote: "I love the Gelly Roll pen too - I use it for discrete shimmer, especially when I don't have time to wait for my Stickles to dry. I know spring is just around the corner when I leave work at 6:00 and it's still light out!! JOY!"

The lucky winners of bling and pearls for Day 3 are

diana, who wrote: "Thanks for this advice "Use it. Freely and without regret." I need to start using my stash of supplies rather than unintentionally hoarding them. There will always be more pretty papers & supplies to replace anything I use up. My 'little thing' today is my favorite perfume. A little spritz gives me a lift every morning! That and a great cup of coffee! ;-)"

Catherine Bowers, who wrote: "Hands down, it's eyeliner! Gotta love how simple it is, but it gives a big boost. Thanks for all your thoughts and lessons on design, I've learned a lot."

and Ann, who wrote: "Your cards are always beautiful!!! I can get along without my electric toothbrush."


To all the lucky winners, please send me your snail mail address at susanraihala at woh dot rr dot com.


swanlady21 asked if Smooch is like Liquid Pearls. Not really. It dries flat...not as thick as Liquid Pearls. Smooch is mainly an opaque ink with lots and lots of shimmer in it.

Sue asked about Smooch Spritz. I've not used it but I have used Tattered Angels spritzy stuff and got very frustrated with it. Other people seem to have great success with it, but I am not one of them. The plain Smooch, however, is very easy to use.

I'm loving reading all your responses to the questions! Some of them have been really touching and sweet, some hysterically funny. I realized I forgot to answer the questions about beauty products (Covergirl Outlast lipcolor) and cleaning (rubber gloves...although I think I seriously must get a microfiber cloth!). 

And the Sizzix Folders Go To...

Chris Simon! Chris wrote:

Just because 4,893 other people can make cute cards with that stamp set, doesn't mean that I can. Knowing my style, and more importantly, what's NOT my style, is useful.


February 3, 2011 6:31 PM

So very true, Chris! Congratulations! Please send me your snail mail address at susanraihala at woh dot rr dot com.

I cannot tell you how wonderful the comments were on the give-away post. Y'all outdid yourselves...so many funny words of wisdom, insights, and observations about our obsession hobby. If you haven't read through all 192 comments, please take time to do so. They are wonderful!

A Postcard, Some Random Thoughts, and a Give-Away!!

I was walking down the stamp aisle at Hobby Lobby around my birthday last November, and the stamps were 50% off, and this Penny Black postcard stamp just called out to me in such a pitiful way I had to bring it home and give it some inky love.

The part that says "Message" doesn't stamp right (it looks smooshed even with a light touch...this was my second try), but it's also superfluous, so I'm just not going to ink it up in the future.  The postcard is 3 5/8" x 5 1/4". The front is decorated with a StampinUp umbrella and a sentiment from Papertrey's Round and Round Anniversary set.

To finish it nicely, I rounded the corners with scallop scissors. I expect to have LOTS of fun with postcards in the future....

The other night, after thumbing through some stamping magazines, I jotted down some random observations about stamping and thought you might enjoy reading them. Feel free to disagree with me...these are just MY random observations, some of them sparked by cards in magazines and some by sitting in my craft room at 12:30 in the morning when I should have been sleeping. Your feelings on these topics might be quite different, especially if you're not obsessive-compulsive, an insomniac, or weird like I am.

1. Just because something is "original" or hasn't been done before doesn't automatically make it a good idea.

2. Hat pins on cards look dangerous.

3. Loose glitter makes a mess. Stickles does not. Usually.

4. Coloring is harder than it looks.

5. No matter how many ink pads you own, you'll never be able to match all the paper you own.

6. You can never have enough stuff, but you can have too much stuff. I don't understand how this is possible, but it is.

7. Extra postage can be worth it...but not as often as the magazines make you think.

Now, for a give-away! This lovely set of embossing folders has come into my possession from Mark's Finest Papers, and seeing as I don't have a machine to use them, I figured one of YOU might appreciate them.

I will pick one random commenter on this post who shares one or more of her/his own random observations about stamping. The deadline for the drawing will be midnight Eastern Standard Time on SuperBowl Sunday night, February 6th. One comment per person, please. For those of you who read Simplicity in your email, make sure you click over to the blog and leave a comment to be included in the drawing!

And if you're like me and can't use embossing folders, please still comment. I'm really eager to read what you all are thinking about our obsession hobby. Just mention that you don't want the folders.

And because I just can't shut up tonight...if you have a problem getting a comment to "take" on the blog, keep clicking. I've found on many blogs using Blogger that it can take four or five attempts to get a comment to post. If you accidentally double-post, I'll delete the extra for you...no worries.

Clear and Simple Stamps Give-Away Reminder!

If you entered the OLW37 challenge, click over to Clear and Simple Stamps Facebook Page and leave a comment on the OLW37 Post to be entered in their give-away of the Thinking of You limited edition stamp set! You can click to their FB page on their website HERE. The deadline is midnight tonight!

Give-Away Winner!

The winner is ELISE, who wrote,

Our family tradition is one passed down from my husband's family. One week-end in December we make 4 Swedish tea rings - one for Christmas morning, one to share with our former neighbors, one to freeze and save for hubby's birthday the week after Christmas, and one for him to take to school. Christmas morning we do stockings one a t a time and then have warm tea ring and scrambled eggs for breakfast followed by opening of presents.


Thanks so much to everyone who shared holiday traditions. There are so many wonderful ones listed, and if you haven't read them yet, please go HERE and check them out.
Elise, please send me an email at susanraihala at woh dot rr dot com with your snail mail address!

OLW Winners on Two Blogs!

Click on over to Jennifer's Blog to find out if you are one of the FIVE winners who won the OLW 30 give-away!

The OLW27 Give-Away is also finished and ready to give. Here's the email I received from Rhonda regarding final numbers:

Just another realllllllllly big thank you from myself, our group - The Folding Angels, and the guys at the ND State Penitentiary. They have been thrilled with the cards and just knowing that someone else cares. And the places the cards came from - AMAZING. Cards came from Malaysia, two batches from England, Australia and several different states. Cards were received from 24 gals for a total of 106 cards. It is true - many hands, much work accomplished.


How completely cool is that!

The winner of the $20 gift card is Jen T. (aka superjen) in Utah! Congratulations, Jen! I need to know your email address and what online company you would like your gift certificate for: Mark's Finest, Papertrey, or another of your choice! Please email me at susanraihala at woh dot rr dot com.

OLW27 First Give-Away Winner

The random number generator spit out #19, which is Robyn! Congratulations! Please send me your email address and preferred company for your $15 gift certificate (PTI, Stampin'Treasures, Mark's Finest, or some other that accepts US$). My email is susanraihala at woh dot rr dot com.

One-Layer Wednesday 27: Christmas Kindness and a Give-Away

This week's OLW was inspired by an email Jennifer and I received from Rhonda Schmidkunz. Here's the first paragraph of Rhonda's email:

"Thank you to both of you for continuing the one layer card challenge. I don't participate in the challenges (mostly cuz I'm too computer illiterate to figure out how to post pictures), but I have been dependent for awhile on the challenge results. You see, I head up a group of gals that make cards for the ND State Penitentiary inmates to send to their families and friends. Recently one of the deputy wardens put the kabosh on layered cards. The problem with that is that it threw myself and the rest of our cardmakers into a tailspin as layered cards are pretty much all we knew how to do. I found Susan's site and we have been so excited with the ideas, examples and knowledge that one layer cards CAN be made. Susan, you have been one of the key ingredients to keeping our group going (even if you didn't realize it)."

After re-reading that, I need a minute to collect myself. *sniff, sniff*

Sorry, but it's a huge warm fuzzy knowing that your little ol' challenge is helping fellow stampers do some good in the world. All of you who have posted cards to the OLW are inspiring Rhonda's group. How totally cool is that? She and her stamping friends are showing kindness and positive encouragement to people who may not have had much of either in their lives.

And you know I'm all about kindness and encouragement.

Soooooo....

This week's OLW is to make one-layer holiday cards (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa) that meet the requirements for the North Dakota State Penitentiary, as outlined below. While it isn't a requirement of the challenge, if you want, you are invited to send your OLW27 cards to Rhonda's group, who will send them on to the prison.

To show some kindness and encouragement in this warm and fuzzy challenge, I'm doing two give-aways!

1. A random entry from the InLinkz posts this week will win a $15 gift certificate to either Mark's Finest Papers, Shady Tree Studio, Stampin'Treasures, or Papertrey. The deadline for this drawing will be Tuesday, November 9, at midnight.

2. A random entry from the cards actually sent to Rhonda will win a $20 gift certificate to any one of the four companies listed above. Send your cards to Rhonda Schmidkunz, 518 14th Street NW, Minot, ND 58703. To be entered in the give-away, you must send your cards so Rhonda receives your cards by November 30, 2010.

The cards you send to Rhonda will go to the North Dakota State Penitentiary in Bismarck, North Dakota. It is a 600+ men's prison for 18 year olds on up, with many in their 30s and 40s. The majority of them have wives, children, parents. A few of them only get a visit once a year from family so cards are a nice way to keep in touch. Even those who get more visits enjoy sharing a holiday card with their family. With 600+ guys, any Christmas cards we can send would be very much appreciated!



OLW27 Rules

1. A one-layer card is defined as a single piece of paper folded in half. No other layers allowed!

2. Make a December Holiday card that meets the North Dakota State Penitentiary rules for cards, as follows:

• No metal (brads, wire, etc.)
• No gemstones or pearls
• Limited glitter
• Flock, ribbon, embossing, and punched shapes are okay

3. Upload your card somewhere online and link to it using the InLinkz button on the sidebar of Simplicity.

4. The most important rule of all is to HAVE FUN!


[photo removed by author]

Supplies
stamps: Mark's Finest Papers Bells on Bobtail (Nov. Release)
ink: Versacolor
paper: white (PTI)
accessories: ribbon (Mark's Finest Papers)

Drumroll, Please

The winner of the Prismacolor Gold metallic marker is Cassandra, who wrote:

Embossing powder is what I use, mostly because I don't have any of the other products (quite amazing for me really). I love what you have achieved on Snow Swirled, my favourite SU set, so will give the smooch a go. You weren't wrong about a long post, should have grabbed my cup of tea first.

October 19, 2010 1:00 AM

The winner of the gold lame Smooch is Heather T, who wrote,

I don't really have any helpful advice to give as I am currently searching for a suitable marker/product for adding gold and silver. Thanks for your helpful advice.

October 19, 2010 10:41 PM

Cassandra and Heather T, please email me at susanraihala at woh dot rr dot com with your snail mail addresses so I can mail your goodies out to you!!!!!

Thanks, everyone, for participating in the Gold and Silver post. What a great resource your comments have created!

Winners for the Week of Gratitude

The winner of the shadow ink pads and Card Style magazine is from Mary Dawn's first post of the week:

Beach Girl 115 said
What a beautiful story! The front desk staff at schools are often unappreciated, so I think your card will make her day.
9/27/2010 10:29 PM

Beach Girl, contact Mary Dawn on her blog with your snail mail so she can send you your prize!

The winner of the $25 gift certificate for Shady Tree Studio is from my third post of the week:

Jen said...
I LOVE your card. I'm so lucky to have found your wonderful blog!!! I'm so excited to see all of your wonderful cards. I signed up to get your emails and became a follower. Your work is beautiful!!!
hugs,jen(jennyscards.blogspot.com)
September 29, 2010 10:43 AM

Thanks, Jen! Please send me an email at susanraihala at woh dot rr dot com to claim your prize!

Winners Announced

First of all, thank you ALL for sharing your thoughts about inspiration last week! I'm so excited to announce the winners for all five days!

Day 5 Winner (Box of inspirational embellishments)--#76, girlgeek101, who said,

I have those leaves too! I just love them. Your card is beautiful and the golden edge is the perfect compliment. You go! Thanks for all the changes you are giving us to win!


Day 4 Winner ($15 gift card to Shady Tree Studio)--#6, scgustaf, who said,

find inspiration in magazine/newspaper ads from clothing stores. The colors are usually fresh and in new combos that I may not normally think of. Thanks for your daily inspiration and baring your thoughts with us, Susan! So sorry you returned from the Midwest with a cold. Try Reliv nutritional supplement as a preventative...


Blessings on your day ~ Carol G. in northern MN

Day 3 Winner (SU paper pile)--#42, Mary, who said,

Great card! The thing that inspires me most from nature would be colors. But that happens mostly in Fall, as it is my favorite season too! I wish I still lived further north ( Ohio! ) so I could get my fix faster. Here in NC the colors change and the temp drops but it just takes longer and doesn't last long enough.


The Fall colors really get my blood moving and remind me I'm alive and get my fingers itching to craft something!

Day #2 Winner (MFP stamp set)--#96 kingstonmama, who said,

Like most people, it seems, I love nature stamps with flowers, leaves, and trees. Also birds.


Day #1 Winner (MFP stamp set)--#23 delightfuldaisy, who said,

I just love the SCS gallery! I get most of my ideas from there~it is truly a wealth of overflowing inspiration!




If you are a lucky winner, please send me an email at susanraihala at woh dot rr dot com with your snail mail address so I can get the packages out ASAP!

Thanks again to everyone who participated. Tomorrow will kick off yet another give-away, so check back!

Oh, and I keep forgetting to acknowledge the fact that my hit count on Simplicity is now over the QUARTER MILLION mark. I'm absolutely blown away by that number and cannot express in words what it means to me that y'all keep coming back for more Simple. Thank you.