If you read the post the below in FULL you will read that you should not be commenting HERE to win the blog candy! You should be going to the LINK provided.

If you commented here to win, plese know that comment is not counting, and please go submit your idea to Storage Ink & More.

Sorry for any confusion 😀

Well you all know how crazy busy I am with projects! The problem is I LOVE too many companies, and I just can’t help it!!!

Well, unfortunately I don’t have it in my schedule to be a full time designer for this new company I am about to introduce to you, but I am helping out Denise over at Storage Units Ink & More, as a guest designer as she kicks off her new line of stamps!! They are ALL amazing! I am so excited I was able to take part in this great new venture with her and the fabulous design team she has going! Check her out-HERE!

New Design Teams members: OH SO TALENTED and FABULOUS!

 Susan Liles,  Kendra Giles, Leigh O’Brien, Kathie Bailey, Dawn Easton, Debbie Fisher, Bethany Paull, Kimberly Gajewski

You will get to see some peeks from me this week using her new stuff on Friday!!! Don’t miss it. Plus can you say BLOG CANDY!! AKA (here we call it) Mytime Mail:D I get to give away my favorite new set. Can you guess what may be in the set?

Now for more-

WAHOOO!!! Storage Unit’s Ink & More is having a HUGE giveaway!  Here are some details!

We’re so excited to share our news with you that one lucky person will actually WIN the “MOTHERLOAD“of new products from Storage Units, Ink & More!  You know…the whole kit & caboodle, the big kahuna, the whole enchilada, the big mama jamma!!!  All of our new products will be unveiled on July 1st but this is YOUR chance to win it BEFORE you can buy it.  Here’s what one lucky person will receive:

• 6 brand new Storage Units, Ink & More! Clear Polymer Stamp Sets!
• 6 Storage Units, Ink & More! Inkpads and Reinkers in our very own colors!
• 4 packages of Core’dinations Cardstock!
• 1 set of 8 Acrylic Blocks
• 1 bottle of Ultra Stamp Cleaner
• & 1 set of 12 Copic Markers in our hand chosen colors!

What do you have to do to enter? 

Comment on THIS post-as to what stamp sets you would like to see in the future! Only one per person please. Random winner will be revealed on July 1st!

I will come back later with some eyecandy. I didn’t want to distract you from this awesome deal!

Also those of you commenting on who is/isn’t getting email updates: THANK YOU! I have no idea what is up but am happy you all let me know!

1-2-3

I got some emails that people aren’t getting email updates.

Are you?

Just drop me a quick line here if you are.

Thanks!

Happy Monday!

I am sitting here feeling quite happy -big smile on my face! It was a very lovely and successful week/weekend, and I have gotten my HUGE to do list completed!! Granted I have more-we always have more to add don’t we? But I feel I accomplished a lot.

I have received MANY emails from many of you panicked mom’s asking me to share my end of the year Teacher Appreciation ideas.

Well, quite honestly, this year end has really crept up on me, and I decided to KISS it! That means K-keep I-it S-so S-simple. I bust my hiney all year trying to get hand-made gifts to all 3 children’s teacher and therapists/doctors. I have a huge number of people that I need/want to thank. I have now decided as the end of the year hits, what is important is the THOUGHT. Not that I killed myself to let them know that I am thankful for their hard work.

First came the cards!

If nothing I HAD to hand stamp a thank you card for each one! I needed 11 in total.

Here are 9 that I mass produced. I HATE mass producing but these went much quicker than planned. Plus since I have been teaching classes its easier for me to just cut/measure many of the same, rather than KILL myself with individual ideas.

If you want a close-up

Is this not adorable? I LOVE it!!!

There are a mix of companies/sets here! Make sure you check your stash of stuff when you go to create!

For the torn paper-I used CHF Lined Paper bkgd (stamped in blue o white) then used my SU! punch to create the torn out page look.

I then used my Just Rite stamper for the “From the Desk” image. I had to add teh staples to the corner! Gave it a nice OFFICE feel 😀

I used Teachabella for my main image (of course). I stamped her in white, on black to look like a chalkboard :D, the layered her onto cocoa. I WISH I had the guy teacher one too :C Oh! Well! I didn’t want to color all of the terachers, so this was a great way out! LOL! I used the Yasutomo Pearlescent Watercolor sets ( I got it at MFT, but can’t find it there :C Maybe she sold out?), which painting a shimmer onto black ROCKS!!  I just wanted the APPLE colored 😀

I then used Mailbox Greetings (love that sentiment in there), and Limitless Labels (for the apple and teacher word). I used a paper clip to add the sentiment to the card, as well as some frayed paper ribbon by The Black Dress. I don’t know WHY, but black gingham and red make me thing TEACHER/SCHOOL!

FUN huh?

Now what am I doing?

I honestly didn’t want to do notecards and whatnot. They get them from me every year, and are most likely sick of them. Plus my time was running out! I wanted to keep it LOW stress.

For Amber’s Pre-School I have Tastefully Simple brownie mix, and purchased the book Kid Concoctions for the school. It will be perfect!

Alexa- For the therapists and whatnot all I am doing is attaching the card to a large Lindt chocolate bar. They were buy 4 get one free! YEAH! A nice small gift to say thank you.

I also bought this good size box of assorted chocolates/truffles from Lindt-$12 for the box, on sale- Buy one get one free!! So there you have $6 per teachers! So Noah & Alexa’s teacher will get those. I say run to Lindt! Who doesn’t LOVE chocolate? Oh and if they don’t, they can re-gift it! I am certain it won’t got to waste.

For Alexa’s aid, and Spec. Ed person I did something different-Ill share that later this week.

So if you are like me, and have more than one kid in school (and in sports/activities) you know how crazy this time of year is. I opted for the best alternative for ME.

I have a friend who is a teacher and she is very honest about what is a great idea and what is NOT! She shared them with me, and I will share them with you.

NOTE: I truly believe any gesture of thanks-big and small is appreciated. Don’t over do it. It truly is all about the thought. I personally feel a handmade gift from your child would be fabulous too! Maybe something useful for the desk?? Maybe some sort of thing that has a photo of the entire class? Use those in class visits through the year to get photos like this, for end of the year stuff.

Some ideas are my own ,and after making this list am thinking I had some great ideas! LOL! I may start noe for Christmas! Like my print a book idea

Here is the Dirty Dozen gallery for Auguest 2007-Be True to Your School . You have to be a Fan Club member to view it. There are a TON of great ideas there!

OK GREAT IDEAS-

cards with a heartfelt thanks are always appreciated.

Gift cards-if this is the way you go teachers love cards to Staples, Office Max, Borders (book store) and Craft Stores. Often time their budget doesn’t allow for new/extra things that may help the class out, so these really help. Teachers often buy their own extras for their class. It doesn’t have to be for a lot of money.

DONATION-sometimes you can ask a teacher if their is a bigger ticket item that she would find helpful in the class. You can organize parents to each pitch in a few dollars each. That really adds up. NO PRESSURE though. Some people can’t afford to pitch in. Be considerate of that.

Craft supplies/books-what teacher doesn’t need those? Books with learning crafts are even better!! You could even go online for craft ideas and print your own book, and let your child decorate it!

Fun gift cards are great as well. If you know your teacher LOVES Dunkin Donuts (for example) get a travel mug and get creative.

consumables-things like food are yummy-but STORE/Bakery bought. No matter how clean of a person you are, alot of people have issues eatting home-made yummies, so before you kill yourself baking in 98 degree heat try to think of that. Target has fabulous stuff (I posted many ideas at Christmas time) that is wrapped and affordable gourmet style.

Gifts in a jar-teachers LOVE this stuff. Instead of YOU doing the baking, just put ingredients and directions in a jar and they can use it when they need it!! You can make many at a time 😀 Dont forget the directions!!

NOT GOOD IDEA

Home baked goods -this doesnt apply to everyone but as said above it may be given to a person who has an issue with that kind of thing.

Coffee mugs-don’t even waste your money. You know how many mugs teachers get!

Apple stuff-I know! I have a hard time with this. But my friend says teachers are all “appled” out. I think if you have a good idea with an apple go for it anyway! LOL!

Scented items like candles-Now we all love a nice smelling Yankee candle, but remember scent is a personal choice. If you do try to get something like that a gift receipt is a good idea so it can be exchanged if the person doesn’t like that scent.

So that is all. Just keep it fun and stress free. This is a crazy time of year.

I hope you got something from todays post.

Im off to do some FUN stamping 😀

Till tomorrow

Lauren

Happy Fathers Day! Watch out I am long winded tonight.

My how times have changed. In a good way. Back “in the day”, men really didn’t have to do much with their children. They were just expected to work and provide for their family. The women take care of the house and kids. Even when I was a kid, many fathers didn’t participate in most things children did. It was very rare to see. It was also just accepted as how it was.

Well NOW I am happy to say most dads are very hands on! They not only help with the kids care, but they go to all their activities and WANT to be involved. You see dads at the doctors, and all their kids practices, and games, school meetings, trying to put in ponytails, and fix tutu’s at dance, and some even pitch in and do housework!!

Now I am not saying EVERY dad does this, just that I have noticed a huge change in the way fathers interact with their children, and I feel so fortunate to be able to be a part of this generation 😀 I have great hope for the generation to follow. I know I give my son the same type of duties as the girls. Nothing is based on gender in this house. We can ALL do the dishes etc.

I am so blessed to have Jason as a father to my children. I appreciate him more than words can say.

You may know he is not Alexa’s biological father, but he is who she calls dad. By her own choice. He real father she calls  by his first name. He left her life, by his choice for 3 years w hen she was just 6 months old, and then he returned when she was 3. Jason has been in her life since she was 14 months old. She use to call him Jason, then one day just pointed to him and said “that daddy”. She was so right. He IS daddy. I will never forget that moment. I felt happy that I was able to not only find a companion for me, but a super amazing “dad” and role model for her. That was never my intention, but it just worked out that way.

He attended EVERY doctor’s appointment, and therapy session she ever had. Every hospitalization there he was. Not because it was a front, or he had to, he WANTED to! He was the one going to the beach and the zoo. Helping put her in time out during those naughty phases. ALL that really made me fall hard, let me tell you. You would never know she wasn’t HIS. I cannot tell you what that means. Especailly having a child with special needs. That is a lot for a young and single guy to choose to take on. Let me say his mom did something right!!

I really shows that anyone can be a FATHER, but it takes a special man to be a dad! It really is true.

My dad wasn’t that great to be honest. I am happy that my children have a dad that loves them and wants to be involved in every step of their life. They will have very different memories than I do. Im not saying I have bad memories, but the only person ever always there was my mom. I knew I could always count on her. My children have a great home with parents who care for them, and love them.  We also love each other and I hope that sets the bar for their future relationships.

So now its time to share a FUNNY moment-of kids say the darnedest things.

Today was funny because while we were out “celebrating dad”, Noah said “Mom when is MY day?”

I said what do you mean your birthday? Its not till November so you have 5 months left.

Noah say’s “No I mean MY day. You just got your day and daddy has his day today, when is Noahs day?

(now I realize he means Mother’s Day and Father’s Day)

I said “Oh you mean a day for you. Well kids don’t have a day like that”

Noah-“Why? Man that is so cheap! I want a Noah day”

I had to just laugh at the concept. They way kids think! It only makes sense I guess.

Now onto the gift-I had the kids wrap all his gifts with aluminum foil! LOL! It was cute.

I wanted to document this amazing time in our lives. When little things our children say, do and feel are just so touching. When I saw the sentiment “5 things I love about you”  from Unity Stamps Best Friends set (also part of the random special 3)  I knew that would be the concept idea for my book. I am not including all the pages, some are more personal, but figured it would br cute to see what the kids created.

This book got jay all teary! I was so happy!!!

So here is the cover

I had the kids help me make a mini book. They each drew their own picture of things with dad. I then asked them to each list 5 reasons they love their dad. I typed up their answers in their words, onto their drawing.

Then bound them into this little book.

Noah-this is him and daddy so happy playing xbox together! LOL!  He had to print it himself and everything-hence the crooked print. He is so independent sometimes.

Amber-She drew a lot of happy people!! Oh and a flower is in there too.

Alexa’s page-she still needs to get her handprint done for it.

She said that was her heart, and inside is all love love-her card reads-I love dad-

she had to also sign her FULL name.

So cute! I love when they help do little projects like this, and they feel so special and important too.

Now another fun and BIG event!

Amber got her ears pierced!! Can you see them??

I don’t know WHAT got into me today. We went shopping for video game stuff for Daddy. Well in the mall there was a ear piercing place with a lot of sparkly earrings (we NEVER go to the mall). Amber was just mesmerised by this. She has been putting stickers on her ears for “earrings” for sometime now. She has been DYING to get her ears pierced. I have not has th courage to let her do it. But, I said you know, why not! So she picked out her earrings Pretty pink stone flower ones-14K gold. Not cheapies by any means. Anyway I began filling out the paperwork when daddy showed up. I told him I was letting her get her ears pierced and he turned WHITE! He was like “No way. You are not doing this.”

I said she loves earrings and its better to let her do it now”

He then went on to scare her and tell her it was going to hurt- A LOT!

So I BANISHED him from the event immediately! LOL! He was trying to scare her out of it. Heck he was scaring me! LOL!

Now if she was scared or freaking out there is no way I would make her get it done.

I told her it would sting like a bee. I reminded her of when she had labs done a while ago, and say it may hurt like that (she was awesome for that BTW!)and asked her if she still wanted to do it.

She said yes. She got her earrings and sat in my lap, and didn’t even flinch when they did it. Jay peeked out from where he was hiding and could not believe how amazing she did. Then she said “Daddy look at my pretty earrings! Im a big girl. It didn’t hurt at all!”

He said “Well I had my ear pierced and it hurt a lot”

She said “You are a big baby. It doesn’t hurt.” “Maybe someday when you are a big girl you can do it again and see”

THAT was hilarious!!

The woman said younger girls do really well. I thought for sure she may cry right after, but not a tear. She then asked if we could go buy some sparkly nail-polish like I had on (she wanted the exact one that the spa put o0n my nails) and off we went!

She has then had us call like every person we know to tell that that she got her ears pierced! LOL!

Well that is it for me tonight. Gotta get dinner cleaned up and the kids into bed. Its the last week of school (OH NO!!! LOL!).

I LOVE this month’s Papertrey Ink release. Then again, don’t we all.

This month allowed me to do such a variety of cards, and use many techniques, my head was just spinning with ideas!!

They go from simple, to more involved. I love that versatility in a set when you see a bunch of possibilities.

I went crazy combining both the Birds of a feather set, with the Flower Garden set. They are a perfect match! You would think that they were designed by the same person!!

Congrats to fellow DT member Lisa Johnson for completing her very first set!! 

OK so now I will share my creations. I always LOVE your feedback on which is your favorite and why. I realize I often love very different ones than most. I think I have bad taste! LOL!

This month my most favorite project was Lady Bird Window. My idea just flowed onto the paper.

OK enough blabbering

Simple Seeds

A great card for those times you need many of the same card, or this makes a great gift set. The 2 step stamping made this card a super simple option.

Supplies

Stamps-Flower Garden, Flower Garden Sentiments, Birds of a feather
Ink-black, positively pink, gable green
Cardstock-PTI select white
Other-stickles

Just a simple card, for those times you don’t have time!
This one uses the 2 step stamping this set offers

Sow Many Colors

I think this is my 2nd favorite. No idea why. Maybe the simple clean look, circle and colors-lets not forget the bling

Using various pieces of cardstock, I made a quick and colorful thank you, in under 5 minutes! ALL the Papertrey Perfect Match colors coordinate beautifully.

Stamps-Flower Garden, Flower Garden Sentiments
Ink-Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, Summer Sunrise, Lemon Tart, Spring Moss, black
Cardstock- White, Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, Summer Sunrise, Lemon Tart, Spring Moss
Other-black satin ribbon, circle punch, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Hero Arts adhesive rhinestones

While this card was quick and easy the gorgeous colors pack a real impact. I used the solid flower, stamped on the edges of my circles, and scattered in various positions on the card, for a whimsical look.

Seeds of Love

2 step stamping on colored cardstock, a little sponging, and cutting and you get a gorgeous look!!

Supplies

Stamps- Flower Garden, Flower Garden Sentiments
Ink-Summer Sunrise, Pumpkin, Wasabi, Berry Sorbet
Cardstock-PTi white, lemon tart, summer sunrise, vellum cardstock, sweet blush
Other-sponge, singlo gel pen, copper brads, keytag punch, CB folder

I just love when images fall over the edges! this one was so much fun to create, as I utilized the 2 step stamping this set features. I just stamped on colored cardstock, cut and sponged. A beautiful effect.

Ruby Red

Supplies:

Stamps- Flower Garden, Flower Garden Sentiments, Birds of a Feather
Ink-Black StazOn, Old Olive
Cardstock-black
Paper by Scenic Route, Acetate Sheets
Other-Art Glitter Glue, Martha Stewart Glitter, circle punch, corner punch, black brads, red button

I love that this set has open and solid lines. In this card I utilized the open lines to create a glitterfied and beautiful flower garden! This set and birds of a feather seem like they were made for each other!! I can’t seem to use one, without the other.

 Lady Bird Window-MY FAVORITE of the release!

Supplies:

Stamps-Flower Garden, Flower Garden Sentiments, Birds of a Feather
Ink-Black Pallette, Gray
Cardstock-Sweet Blush, black, bray
Other-Scor-Pal, Nestabilties, Fantasy Film

I am in love with this card!! I love how the panel creates a window for the bird, to showcase its beauty. The flowers are the perfect soft touch. The combination of open line images, and solid ones are perfection!

This window card really shimmers and shines with 3D
flowers made using Fantasy Film. A great card to give to someone special who needs a lift.

New Beginnings

A sweet card for expectant parents, who plan on adding to their nest. I LOVE the unusual colors of this one, and the piercing.

Stamps: Birds of a Feather, Out on a Limb
Cardstock-PTI white, burgundy
ink-summer sunset, berry sorbet, sweet blush,  burgundy
other-onare piercing template, paper piercer, tag

I loved making this simple card for new parents-to-be. The mix of colors is so fresh, and fun.
The window adds a nice touch, and highlights the nest of eggs. A great new beginnings card.

Need a card in like 2 minutes? Here you go!

A Little Note

Stamps-Birds of a feather
Cardstock-berry sorbet
ink-black

New Home Duo Planter-this is when an idea just transforms into a perfect creation. I was pretty happy about this one.

This is the perfect house warming gift for any new neighbor of friend, to say Welcome to the Neighborhood or Congratulations on your new home! A great way to present those new plants and house-warming gifts.

One plant out view

After much review the most popular type of house warming gift is a plant of sorts. I chose to use use 2 Parade Rose bushes as a gift, and present them in a nice way. That way they can be planted when the new home owner settles in. They will have them for many years to come, and it should add some beauty to their garden.

 The interesting holder makes a nice presentation. I simply measured my little pots for the rose bushes. I then measured and cut 2 holes using my circle nestabilties. I then added a sturdy handle to carry them, and a tag to match!

Supplies

Stamps-Home Sweet Home
Ink- Pallette black, Lavender Moon
Cardstock-PTI Vanilla, Lavender Moon, Plum Pudding
Patterned Paper-Guideline 12 x 12 collection in Valencia, and Cabrera
Ribbon-Plum Pudding Twill
Other-acetate, souffle pen, 2 plants, circle nestabilities

Grid Lines Set

Great Masked Grid

This set has endless possibilities. I got this one rather late, and so wished I had time to create more fun things for you to view. Hey I have time after the release right?

This new set was a lot of fun to use, and made making this jeweled circle very easy to do!!!

I cut a circle mask using my Nestabilities, and then stamped in the circle to create this awesome imge. It used 2 of the desings in the set for a unique pattern.

Only took me 12 minutes to make this card!!! I used a plastic grid (idea courtesy of Jody Morrow-which I was told was her idea from Sharon’s blog) to create the pierced circles going around the circle. So easy to do. Great effect! I tell you I am just in awe of the talent in this area of life. You people all blow me away.

Supplies

Stamps- Guide Lines
Ink-Palette ink in Plum Pudding, white craft ink CTMH
Cardstock- Lavender Moon, Plum Pudding
Ribbon-Plum Pudding Polka Dot
Other- Nestabilites cut out for mask
Swiss Dots CB folder, corner rounder
singlo white gel pen, purple Rhinestones from Hero Arts,
cross stitch template for paper piercing

So that is that. I really enjoyed making these projects for the releases. Please share what you loved and decided to put on your MUST HAVE list. I have to say I LOVE that Nichole has some purples and now VANILLA card-stock! YEAH!!

I hope to return with my Fathers Day project soon! Cross those fingers-and toes!!

Thanks for reading 😀

Lauren

Lots to share!

PTIis having their release party tonight! WHOOT! WHOOT!! Make sure you visit the forums to chat it up!!

You won’t want to miss that now would you? My reveal will happen tonight after mid-night!! Then I hope to post a Fathers Day blurb.

I am guessing no one liked the sketch this week. Where is everyone??? I personally loved that card. You can see it HERE

I used Sing to the Lord-which releases tomorrow!! I stamped and cut the flowers on sweet blush cardstock, then painted with Lumiere, and sponged with Berry sorbet. Oh well.

Im running close to NOT having Jay’s Father’s Day gift done :C I am praying to sneak away later. Its SOOOOO close to be complete.

OK things to share-The class on Friday went well. Not sure if they now LOVE bling, or never want to see another sparkle as long as they live! I didn’t get home till 11pm, and was pretty wiped out.

Now the spa was of course fabulous. I feel great. She said I had a LOT of knots and tension in my neck and shoulders. I just found out they are open till 8pm on weekdays. I feel more massages in my future. If you never had one I really recommend it. Its really the best thing ever.

 Noah had his last t-ball game of the season. Amber had a super cute graduation, and her teacher was all teary saying goodbye to her (AWE!! Love that!!). I at least got their gifts done. I just gave them each Tastefully Simple brownie mix ( I remembered them saying they cant resist those) and I ordered the school that Kid Concoctions book I mentioned a post or two back.

I am still completing projects and trying to decide what, if anything to do for classes in July. I have DT work that needs tending FIRST!!! Lots of goodies to share too.

I got my Mini clip it up for the contest I won. WOW! So NOT a mini clip it up! Pretty big IMO!!! Really cool and I think I may really LOVE it!

I want to thank everyone for the paper trimmer advice. I am still looking into it, but for not bought a Fiskars guillotine style (not sure how I feel about that yet) since I had NO cutter, and needed something ASAP! PLUS the 50% off coupon helped sway me.

I got in my Tasetfully Simple order-Mango Margaritas here I come!! I am definitely worthy after this week! LOL! I also got some Warm in the Oven Cheese dip. My consultant told me to use it cold, and spread on your burger buns! So, we did! Can I just say YUMMO!!

Next up my PSF cyber friend Holly started a blog. I popped on over to say HI, and saw a card with a girl on it. Now this is not just ANY girl………..her daughter DREW it!!! Check it out people!! HERE!!! Can you imagine being able to draw like that? OMG! Im just in shock. I am also lovin Holly’s mad coloring skills. WOW!

OK I need to run-again. I gotta get that gift done. AND hopefully uploaded. AND I have to complete my PTI post.

See you at the PTI party OK!

Oh boy my internet is all wonky today. SORRY!

 Im on the run  to the Spa (for 4 hours!!!!) and to get Jay’s Father’s Day stuff. I had my class last night and Ambers graduation. Long story short Im running on little time here and have your sketch.

Its a hard one to do a printout for so here is the card

Details to follow later. This set is Sing to the Lord. It releases from Our Daily Bread tomorrow 😀

Be back later-running late.

If you try out the sketch send us a link!
Lauren

Well I know they say the 13th is suppose to be “unlucky”, but I am not sure sure I buy into that. Two of my children are born on the 13th (I admit it was the LAST date I wanted, but oh well), and can’t say I have had anything “bad” ever happen on that date (knockin on wood-I know that doesn’t make sense if Im not superstitious but whatever). Not sure where I was even going with that whole point-maybe each day is what you make it to be?

Anyway——

Amber has her mini preschool graduation! My baby is getting so big. I will be taking a lot of photos, that is for sure.

Today I hope to finish up my Father’s Day project-but it really depends how today goes. I have my class tonight! I am excited about that, and hope I have the energy to be excited when I am there. It will have been a LONG day by then.

In prepping for that my paper cutter BROKE! AGAIN!!

Here is where I need YOUR advice!

I am on the hunt for a new paper cutter-any suggestions would be much appreciated. I loved the Making Memories one I had, but I have to say its broken in some way or another FIVE times!! I kept returning it and replacing it-but now Im totally fed up with up it. It shouldn’t be breaking!! I ONLY cut one piece of cardstock at a time, and and well able to know how to properly use a cutter! One time my cutting wheel began cutting my paper jagged-it is suppose to be self sharpening), and every other time the bar near the cutting end (hold the paper down) snapped!! WHAT THE…….???? I have even had 2 that the black lines for the grid have begun to rub off-ON MY PROJECTS!! GRRR!!

Anyway please tell me what you love! I don’t care how much it is, as we all know that our paper cutter is invaluable!!

OK Now to my post for the day!

I get so many questions and comments about how I keep track of what I am suppose to do, and HOW I get it all done and so on.

As I said before I sketch a lot. I have a book just for jotting ideas down throughout my day. When stamp time arrives I have a plan and things generally go smoothly from there. Sometimes one idea runs into the next……………and Im a creating machine, other times NOTHIN.

The KEY is organization!! I think I drive my teammates insane with my need for clear cut deadlines and details. But, that is how I work. I can’t get anything done if I am not organized!!

Well me having a touch of OCD, I am OBSESSED with having a TO DO calendar (and lists of course). I have one right above my work desk so I just look up, and see what I need to do. Given I get most of my assignments via computer-I have a hard time remembering to write it down on the calendar downstairs, and find myself filling out little pieces of paper, to go transcribe to my calendar. Well those pieces get misplaced (or usually trashed as I de-clutter the desk). Obviously my system ins’t that effective, so time for a change!

 So for some time I had been dying to create a notebook JUST for that purpose!!! A calendar notebook.

I FINALLY got to it this week (while needing to create other things! I always get sidetracked into something more fun)-I created a CREATIVE note book-OK more like a huge BOOK (hahahaha) for all my design team work/assignments/projects/ideas!

Unite in Creativity Calendar Book

Isn’t it CUTE! I wanted it cute, but simple. This will take a beating over the next year I am certain of that!

I used Unity’s Create Yourself sentiment since it was PERFECT for this book. I am in LOVE with all the new single sentiments. They really ROCK!! Then to decorate, I LOVED the Best Friends set so much-so I used that here.

Brooke posted a Unity Challenge (HERE) to create a Days to Remember book. When I saw her calendar file I knew it was the PERFECT time for me to get my book done. Especially since adding a new team 😀 It really inspired me to get organized. Thanks Brooke for creating that file!! It was such a time saver for me!!

Each team has a section. See how I used Brooke’s file.

I just printed off the pages, then cut them down to the size I needed.

I can write in what I need to next to the date-which is VITAL!! I am showing you August, so I don’t give anything away! LOL! Nothing there-YET!

I used my Bind-it All to make it a spiral bound book. Let me admit that is one of my big ticket items that collected dust over the last year (or two). YIKES! But the important thing is, it was there when I needed it! LOL!!!!

For the little labels I used me Dymo Electric Label maker. Everyone needs one of those! mine allows you to change the size on the font, so I was able to do my bottom page labels, then make my tab labels all at once.

Feels good to get things organized!!

Speaking of which I gotta pack some last minute class stuff, and then get going!!

Have a great day! I hope you come back tomorrow for my Saturday Sketch!!

Till then 😀

That is my feeling for today. For so many reasons.

First don’t forget Pink Cat Studio has released Dress Up Billy & Q.T. Hooty sets!! YEAH!!

 Also check the Papertrey going on’s HERE. I can’t believe “I” inspired Nichole!! WOW!

I really want to thank every one of you who comes here and/or subscribes and is so supportive, and encouraging, those who gain some sort of inspiration, those who leave comments or emails that just make my day. All of it! THANK YOU!

While my world gets crazy at times, know that it is very appreciated to know that others actually enjoy what I have to share. Is there anything better than that?!! I’m not thinking there is 😀

I also want to thank those of you who have  attended my classes at The Paper Tree , or plan to in future, and the MANY kit orders The Paper Tree has received for my class kits. I am in shock and awe that you all really like them!! I wasn’t really going to go forward and offer them because I didn’t think anyone would really want one! LOL! So thank you. Also when you get your kit if you have questions-please feel free to email me anytime. Please put CLASS KIT QUESTION in your subject line 😀

I also want to thank those of you who ordered this very first ever, round of kits, as it has been quite the learning experience for Michelle and I. Thank you for being our guinea pigs! LOL! Also thank your for your patience!! We are larning as we go.  We are also honestly selling companies out of their stock, and everything is on order! LOL!! We have limited number of kits. So if you haven’t ordered yours, you may want to soon. Once we meet our max the kit is gone.

On a serious note-I am HAPPY to announce that Michelle is going to be able to take PayPal payments!! I made her go and set up an account to make it easier for everyone 😀 She never heard of PayPal! LOL! Now she is set to go. So contact her with any kit questions re: ordering/payment etc. Using PayPal will be much easier for most of you I am sure.

I am already working on some AMAZING stuff to share here on my blog, and have 2 new kit ideas for June (lets pray that vision works out on paper) in which I will have classes for. After the class, the kits will go up for sale. You won’t want to miss them 😀

Now I am super happy to say I got my teacher thank yous done yesterday, and all set for my class tomorrow!! YEAH! I will post that all soon too. Lots more to do, but Ill get there.

Now onto my project for today.

Our Daily Bread is releasing 2 stamp sets on the 15th!!

A nice masculine set called-Fishers of Men and a GORGEOUS set called-Sing to the Lord!!

Here I used that Sing to the Lord set to create a (in my opinion) super cool Bible Bookmark.

I stamped the bird/floral images to create a toile patterned paper. I kept the design clean and simple so many can be made. Stamp a full sheet, then die cut.

I used my LARGE LONG rectangle nestabilities to create this one. I believe its 3 X 6 (the largest of all the choices)

Now this isn’t just ANY bible book mark-inside it has a 12 month schedule I created so you can read the bible in one year!! Just check off as you go.

There are many sites where you can find the schedule to read the bible in one year!!

I do have a document I personally created, but have NO IDEA how to attach it here. Maybe I will try to post it in the comments section. I can tell you I just spent an HOUR trying to figure it out.

Each month is there, and held in place with the band. Just check off as you go.

These are fabulous ideas to sell at church fund-raisers or give as a gift with a Bible for any religious occasion that may arise.

So get your sets on the 15th. I have to say that I love that the owner Kelley has created such a great company for the many people out there who have been searching for a more religious based stamp company. It is a great place to find just the right meaning of scripture’s with images to match! Wait till you see some of the other ideas she has cooking! WOW! One set in particular is going to hit BIG!!! That is all I am saying 😀

Anyway, I do hope you have a fabulous day. I have more to do so I better get going. The day will be over before I know it!!!

Lauren