Be sure you check out all our NEW! Products-released today! CLICK HERE!  Each release just gets better and better!

Last month when we added the addition of the entire design team sharing their card creations with you, as a group, it was a hit. You all seemed to really enjoy having a day dedicated to how all these sets can be used for your card creations as well!

So if you all want to continue to have a day dedicated to *just* cards, then I am happy to make this part of our release projects!

Be sure you hop around to the team to see lots of card inspiration!

Now today I thought it would be a great opportunity to show you what you can do (for starters!) using the Lunch Box Love Notes & Additions, with the Lunch Box Love Notes Cut File (also available in PDF :D). I’ve talked about how this set is perfect for making little love notes to tuck away in someones lunch bag, in a briefcase, maybe a jacket pocket…..even stick them under the pillow!

We can all use a little “love note” of encouragement from time to time.

These “love notes” don’t have to be time consuming, just serve their purpose of making someone know you are thinking of them, and you love them.

So let’s start with a VERY simple set of “love notes” that you can EASILY reproduce!

Lunch Box Love Set

This used theLunch Box Love Notes & Additons

First: let me say that this note card is beyond FAB! I love it. It’s the perfect size, and the tuck tab means NO envy needed!

Second: Can you say 5 minutes? Sometimes simple is best.

YUP! All 4 (after my Cricut cut them out) done in under 5 minutes!

I first printed my Elementary patterned paper from the Sensational Staples collection, and cut them to fit my love notes.

Then I simply stamped the elements from the Lunch Box Love Notes & Additons set in black ink, onto white cardstock (already cut into circles, with black mat layers) and assembled. A little glitter and before you knew it-DONE!

Here is the Just a note to say…..

I stamped the XOXO on the paper (its another sentiment in the set)

Then on the inside I stamped

I’m so proud of you!

How super sweet and simple is that? Totally gender and age neutral!!

Now what about this one?

I love that the Oreo cookie says “smart cookie” right on it! I really thought it was a great addition to the set.

Now on the inside I had several options I could have chosen, given my image, but I chose

as sweet as you are!

I love it!

Inside the You’re a star one reads: you are so special

Then inside the My Lil Cupcake reads: Packed with Love (that a great one when you send a special treat (like a homemade cupcake!! for a snack)

OK now how about trying an actual card? (I have so much more to share!)

For A Special Teacher

I adore this!

I LOVE red, black and green together! ESPECIALLY for school theme. I know its totally predictable, but if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

This card once again used the Elementary paper, and a sentiment from Lunch Box Love Notes Additions.

I used the alphabet lunchbox front to create a cute “old school” chalkboard looking tag!

The red panel paper is the Sensational Staples ABC’s pattern, printed on the red cardstock for a subtle detailed patterned paper.

Now my LUNCHBOX!! 

Sadly you cannot see that it is cut out and on dimensionals, or that it has glitter on the flowers. SUPER CUTE! I love it. I adored the little juice box stamped next to it too.

I love having the ability to interchange my lunchbox fronts to suit ANY occasion. It can also be a briefcase. You can add OTHER images that fit inside that open rectangle too! You aren’t limited by just the lunchbox fronts you see in the set! You can obviously use ANY of  the single images in there too, but feel free to mix it up with some other sets! That goes for sentiments as well.

Supplies:

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Lunch Box Love Notes © & Additions

Pretty Printables © Digital Paper- Sensational Staples

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Slate, Candied Apple, Meadow

Ink: Momento

Pretty Pieces © Cut File- Lunch Box Love Note!,

Ribbon by May Arts

Copic Markers

Well I have a BUSY week, and so much more to share, but I will save more for tomorrow 😀 I’m sure between myself and the design team you are getting ton’s of samples and ideas!

So be sure you stop by and visit everyone.

Tomorrow I will return with even MORE!

So stay tuned.

Today is the day of the My Time Made Easy ™ LLC May Release!

CLICK TO VIEW ALL OUR NEW PRODUCTS!

We have released: (click the highlighted link to be directed to that area of the store)

6 NEW! Pretty Impressions © stamp sets

In our large sets you receive two 4 X 6 sheets of acrylic stamps for $20

In our smaller sets you receive one 4 X 6 sheet of acrylic stamps for $12

*Several of the sets this month is also available in a digital package!*

Lunch Box Love Notes Set of 25 images $20

Lunch Box Love Notes Additions Set of 12 images $12

Sensational Stems Set of 27 images $12

Sensational Sentiments Set of 16 images $12

Paper Pattern Pieces Set of 10 images $12

Puckered Up Patterns Set of 14 images

3 NEW! Pretty Packaging © Templates

Boxed Lunch ©

Puckered Up ©

Trendy Tool Tote ©

7 NEW! Pretty Pieces © Cut Files

4 of the Tall Tied Up! Ribbon Slider/Frame/Tags: Circle, Oval, Rectangle, and Square

Lunch Box Love Note

Steno Paper

13  NEW! Pretty Printables © Digital Paper Packages

Lunch Box Covers

Sensational Staples

Flower Fusion

Hearty Stripe

Retro Lunch

Alphabet Soup

Snips and Snails

Mini Leafy Stripes

Sugar and Spice

Basic Blooms

Stars for Students

Get Graphic

School Ruled

1 New! Perfect Package © Collection (coming soon)

So happy shopping!!!

Hi everyone! I will announce the winner of todays contest later tomorrow!

Time to announce the winner of Perfect Peeks Day #1 and Day #2!

 Winner of Day #1

Boxed Lunch Template

Lunch Box Love Notes © & Additons (stamp or digital images-your choice)

Lunch Box Love Note Cut File (in your choice of file)

Lunch Box Cover © Digital Paper

Here are your random numbers:

158

Timestamp: 2010-04-30 20:14:22 UTC

——————————————–

misti d. |

what fun, cute projects. my 4 and 8 yr old daughters would love to help with this fun project:)
it is adorable…….
thanx

—————————————–

Winner of Day #2

Trendy Tool Tote ©

Sensational Sentiments ©

Puckered Up Patterns ©

Paper Pattern Pieces ©

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

32

Timestamp: 2010-04-30 20:15:58 UTC

—————————————-

Amy Smith |

OMgosh the Trendy Tool Tote is just so cute! It’s going to be great for so many gifts. I also love the Puckered Up Patterns and the Paper Pattern Pieces. They are going to come in very handy!

Congrats to you all!

The release is just hours away!! I’m counting down the minutes 😀

Well we are at the FINAL day of samples before theMy Time Made Easy ™ LLC Release tomorrow!!

SO you have finally get everything you’ve seen May 1st.

That just means the beginning of even more samples to follow! We have over a week of even more to share.

Today you can see more fabulous card samples using NEW! Pretty Impressions © images from

Now two of our design team members will be featuring our 3rd template for the month called Pucker Up, and a NEW! Stamp set called Sensational Stems!

Now let me share my samples with you!

A life of purpose

We all did this project at Stamp Around a few weeks ago! I was able to donate a set to each participant!

This sample uses the NEW! Sensational Stems, and Sensational Sentiments. Pretty Printables © paper is the Fresh Flowers Collection.

This is a great sized box for so many gifts and goes together in a snap! It is sure to be one you turn to again and again!

ABOUT: Pucker Up

Completed Project Size

5 1/2 Inches Tall

4 3/4 Inches  Wide

2 Inches Deep

This template has a background set called Puckered Up Patterns ©, which make a nice addition to the template. You may also want to check out our Border Builder © Pretty Pieces Cut Files © too! The wrap around those PERFECTLY! And for a whopping $1.50 you simply CAN’T go wrong. The unique part to those is not only can you weld them together, but you can make then wider (and thinner) as well as having a solid mat layering option for each shape, which is another border in itself.

As you can see, I used the layering solid scallop from the Open Scallop Border Builder © Pretty Pieces Cut Files © for the bottom trim on my Pucker Up! Using my cutting machine I welded two of the scallops together, to create a 11 inch strip! I cut two and layered them to go all the way around the template. (All sides of you projects should always look finished!)

The is the perfect flat top/bottom gift box, with a little pucker to it!

( I used the “ladybug” wing prints for my large tupil petals!)

This is a modern spin on the ever popular “pillow box”. My own personal issue with the “standard” pillow box was the inability for it to stand alone, not being able to use decorative trims around the bottom or sides (since they angles would make it crooked!) and for it to hold what I wanted due to the flat angled in side panels too! So problem solved!

(box prior to assembly)

Now another issue I had was the way the side panels folded in, but never stayed closed (unless you used adhesive!).

So, I added another FUN detail…tabs to keep the sides closed, and allow you to easily open either side to get whatever goodness is packaged up in there! NO adhesive needed.

This template comes with the front angles decorative layer, as well as the curvy side panel decorative layers!

This my have a little Pucker to it, but it is certainly the perfect template to package Up something special!

Now, about the stamp set:

Sensational Stems © Set of 27 images $12

This set is also available in a digital download called Sensational Digital Package ©

We have the perfect sentiment set to coordinate called: Sensational Sentiments ©! Wait until you start pairing these two set together!

There is a reason this set is called “sensational”!!

I think you will agree it is! Just in time for summer, this is my own personal favorite collection of images. I love fun and whimsical!

I designed a variety of flowers in various sizes, that can coordinate together with the various stems! It features my favorite flower- the tulip, a dragonfly and a “build a ladybug” image as well! The various antenna can be used on the ladybug, dragonfly or in the tulip centers! You can also use the Polka Dot Ladybug wings and add them to the large tulip flower for a fabulous pattern!

A set of 27 images for *ONLY* $12 is amazing!!

How about seeing some more samples using the Sensational Stems © ?

You Inspire Me

I have to say I LOVE this card!

I really wanted this to look like a little note I had doodled.

So, I printed the College Ruled paper from the Sensational Staples collection, printed at about 3 inches wide.

You will fall in love with the variety of flowers in this set. Having the flowers and stems with a variety of size options makes it all the more versatile! As you can see Sensational Sentiments © is the perfect pairing for this “build a flower” stamp set!

Then I stamped my flowers in the corner, and colored them in. I love the addition of the orange pencil  and paper clip in the corners 😀

The sentiment is from Sensational Sentiments ©. Perfect for my DOODLE art. The sentiments have a variety of great fonts used too!

On the green layer I stamped the open line pucker block on the side panel from Puckered Up Patterns. Subtle yet perfect.

I LOVE coordinating new sets with older sets, and with this one I used the butterfly from Just For You, and the swirl from Fanciful Flourishes, stamped in a pale gray color for my flutter trail.

Too fun.

Now we got to clean and simple…..

Cheer Up

To me this is definitely cheery! It would cheer me up on a bad day.

Another combination of sets! This uses the smallest tulip top, and stem from the set as my focal point. The dual color was from using markers 😀 Super easy. The “cheer up” and the ten cents symbol is from the You’ve Got Mail set. Those image blocks from that set would go well with this frame too 😀

I want to share one of the square tags from the Paper Pattern Pieces set, as well as another idea using the ribbon/lace border.

I love the buttons tied to the ribbon/lace borders. Another cute, yet simple detail.

OK one more (for today anyway)

You make me a better person

You know I needed to use purple! My favorite color.

This is a spiral like flower. I love coloring each spiral in 3 shades of the same color. I added adhesive beads and stickles to the centers. This is the other stem that is in the set. As you can see it allows you to layer the variety of petal sizes on it.

Obviously I have favor towards the circular frame 😀 MOST of the sentiments from Sensational Sentiments fit in the circle and square frame, however they all fit in the All Tied Up! cut files 😀

I’ve longed for such a sentiment as this. I think we all have someone in our life that we look up to, brings out the best in us, encourages us, or helps us strive to be the best we can be! For me, that is my husband. He brings out the best in me, and makes me strive to better my best. He is the most amazing person I have ever met! I’m so blessed to have him 😀 (now I need to use this in a masculine card for him! LOL!

Winners for the Day 1 & Day 2 wil be announced later tonight. (I’m actually presposting because its my birthday weekend and I’m spending time with friends and family all weekend, so once I get a spare moment I’ll draw names :D)

Now for today’s giveaway:

Leave a comment for your chance to win:

Pucker Up template

You choice of Border Builder cut file

Puckered Up Patterns

Sensational Stems

Winner drawn on the 1st!

Supplies:

Pretty Packaging © template – Pucker Up

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Sensational Stems, Sensational Sentiments, Paper Pattern Pieces, Puckered Up Patterns, Just For You, You’ve Got Mail and Fanciful Flourishes

Pretty Printables © Digital Paper- Fresh Flowers

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Slate, Lily Pond, Meadow, Lagoon, Carousel, Fortune Teller

Ink: Momento

Pretty Pieces © Cut File- Open Scallop Border

Buttons by SEI

Ribbon by May Arts

Copic Markers, stickles, beads

Thanks for stopping by!

 I hope you return tomorrow for our release! The entire team has samples to share too.

Now we are on day two of samples!

That means even more inspiration of what is to come with the May 1st My Time Made Easy ™ LLC Release!

Today I am sharing the second Pretty Packaging © template and some of our Pretty Impressions © stamp sets!

I am pretty excited about this release as I am introducing another MUST HAVE sentiment set called Sensational Sentiments, as well as tag/border set called Paper Pattern Pieces, and a background building set called Puckered Up Patterns ©.

Be sure you stop by and visit

They will both be sharing projects using these items too!

So let’s get started! Our 2nd Pretty Packaging © template is called Trendy Tool Tote © (perfect for Father’s Day! too)

Trendy Tool Tote $5

Completed Project Size

 7 1/2 Inches Wide

7 Inches Tall

3 Inches Deep

As its name suggests, this packaging was designed after the ever popular tool box! One of my most requested gift packaging templates to date! I made sure that the handle portion was perfect and sturdy for this template!

That was the hardest part of it! When you have a template MADE to hold “stuff” it better be able to be picked up without crumbling and warping. Granted when toting 2 planters I’d take caution, but this handle is great!

 Whether or not you have a “handy man” in your life, this Trendy Tool Tote © will be perfect for “toting” around all sorts of gifts!

You can fill this with various cups, and add candy, seed packets, small plants (real and silk!) you can use it to fashionably organize your crafting “tools”, give it as a gift to hold cupcakes, candles, bath products, stationary set, small toys, and so much more!

This template coordinates nicely with ANY of our Pretty Impressions © stamps or Pretty Printables © digital paper!

I used the NEW! Paper Pattern Pieces for my circle tag, and of course the sentiment is from the Sensational Sentiments. I just stamped and cut the flower petals and leaf an additional time for some extra dimension. The flower makes the “t” in the Thank you. I loved that.

About the stamps:

Sensational Sentiments  Set of 16 images $12

This set is also available in a digital download called Sensational Digital Package © 

This is a set of sensational and whimsical sentiments that I have always loved and wanted to have contained in a set!  As if this set of sentiments isn’t sensational enough, we have the perfect image set to coordinate called: Sensational Sentiments ©!

As you can see these sentiments  fit inside the Paper Pattern Pieces © stamp set (circle here), as well as coordinate with the All Tied Up © Cut Files. Wait until you start pairing these sets together!  

Sentiments include:

Grow old without growing up 

In youth we learn In age we understand-Marie Ebner-Eschenbach 

Only look back if it makes you smile 

Life without cause is a life without effect-Barbarella 

I’m so sorry

 Every day is a gift 

Hello there. 

(Flower as the “T”) thank you, for helping me grow into who I am today 

You inspire me 

Hold hands, not grudges 

You are fabulous! 

You make me a better person 

Sending you sunshine! 

The purpose of life is a life of purpose.-Robert Byrne 

Listen first,talk second. 

Two little words that mean so much  Thank You

Paper Pattern Pieces © Set of 10 images $12 

This is a card that used the 6 circle borders, with a building circle center, the ribbon/lace border, and the circle tag-paired with another sentiment from Sensational Sentiments.

NOTE: There are smaller images that can also go in the circle centers!!! ENDLESS possibilities!!!

We can never have too many tags, or patterns to build on!

This set will have your building your own pretty patterns and tags in no time!

This set  was designed to also coordinate with the All Tied Up © Cut Files and to fit the Sensational Sentiments © set! 

The ribbon/lace border is 5 1/2 inches long (perfect for those cards!) 

2 Floral Circle patterns/tags about 1 3/4 inches

 2 square patterns/tags about 1 3/4 

Smaller flower circle 1 1/4 inch 

6 circle cluster 1 X 1 1/2 inches

Puckered Up Patterns Set of 14 images $12

In youth

Now we have another card using one of the background builders from the Puckered Up Patterns (as did our Trendy Tool Tote)! You will be amazed at the variety of looks you will be able to “build” with this set!

For this one I used the open line cluster to create my patterned panel.

I then stamped the solid version of the pattern inside.

From there I stamped the smaller solid version of the pattern in the centers to create retro like flowers. These pattern can be masculine or feminine, as you will soon see 😀

This is a great border and background builder set. You will easily be able to create your own borders and patterns. Also the perfect addition to the Pucker Up © Pretty Packaging Template! So many ways this set can be used to add interest to any project!

As stated in the description, I was able to pair the Puckered Up Pattern with the label from Paper Pattern Pieces ©! In the circle is the dashed circle and butterfly from lasts months release Just For You! What a pairing!

The sentiment is from the NEW! Sensational Sentiments 😀

I paper pierced the scallop border. Too fun.

OK so who wants to win something?

GIVEAWAY:

Enter a comment here to win!

Trendy Tool Tote ©

Sensational Sentiments ©

Puckered Up Patterns ©

Paper Patter Pieces ©

Winner will be drawn on the 30th. (also enter yesterday’s post too! It’s not too late!)

Supplies:

Pretty Packaging © Template -Trendy Tool Tote

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Sensational Sentiments, Paper Pattern Pieces, Puckered Up Patterns, Just For You

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Sunflower, Santas Beard, Ganache, Slate, Blushing, Lagoon

Ink: Momento

Pretty Pieces © Cut File- Lunch Box Love Note!, All Tied Up: Circle

Score lines made by scoring tool, Ribbon by May Arts, Page Pebble, paper piercer

I hope you are enjoying everything so far!

More to come tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hi everyone! Grab your coffee because I have a TON to share today, and all of it worthy of a good read!

Thank you to all of your for the kinds words and emails about my sharing of my mother’s story. As I said it was so difficult to do, but it has proven to be a positive thing to have shared with others. Quite honestly it was a little rough for my mother, and emotionally set her back a bit, reliving some of what has gone on. Many of you have been able to relate, have been there, or know someone else who has been there or is there. So thank you for allowing me to open up and hopefully help someone else.

Catherine Doucette and I are working on a special stamp set for victims of abuse! I’ll keep you posted! We want some proceeds to go towards the special cause 😀 Details will follow.

Now I need to get back to business!

Time for the May Release at My Time Made Easy ™ LLC

I’ve been crazy busy trying to balance my family and work (as you can imagine-and NOTHING went well this month! LOL! Go figure). I think I did a good job somehow pulling it all together, so I hope you all enjoy what I have in store the next 2 weeks!! I was going to get it done if it killed me 😀

Today is day #1 of our release peeks! Our actual release is May 1st.

I am sad to say that Mona Pendleton will be leaving our team after this month. Be sure to wish her well in her endeavors. I wish her the best! She has a full plate, and is focusing her talents elsewhere. While we were miss her, and her very talented hubby Scott (who has helped me on many occasions), I am very happy to say that Silke Ledlow will be joining our amazingly talented line up of fabulous designers! Be sure you check her out! She will begin next month!

Now time for some of our FIRST peeks of what is to come!

As you know the end of the school year is approaching, and it is just about that time to start thinking TEACHER gifts! I hope this release inspires you to get REALLY creative in your end of the year gifts this time! (and even if you don’t have children, you just might still fall in love-and we have some other REALLY cool stuff, so don’t miss it!)

All of us will be sharing samples using the Pretty Packaging © template Boxed Lunch! as well as our coordinating Pretty Impressions © stamp sets: Lunch Box Love Notes © and Additions set

First up with some YUM-azing card creations is Geny Cassady, and Dawn Easton!!! They are both going to WOW! you, I swear it.

Now making her first debut project for the MTME team is Lesa Rapp!

Lesa saw this adorable lunch box and pictured it without the handles as a vintage box to keep notecards in.  Pink just speaks softness and beauty.  She hand crocheted the matching flowers to go on this one.  It would be a perfect gift for someone special.  A couple pieces of chocolate added in would be the perfect addition.

Check her OUT!

Also be sure to check out Katie!! She has another FAB project using the Boxed Lunch © template 😀

Now for my project!

Let your imagination soar

How is this for a coordinating gift set?

It was all so quick and easy. Let me tell you about all the details for this part of the release!

About  Boxed Lunch –

 Completed Project Size 5 3/4  Inches Wide4 3/4 Inches Tall

1 1/2 Inches Deep

This template was designed to coordinate with the Lunch Box Love Notes © and Lunch Box Love Notes Additions © Pretty Impressions © stamps (available in both acrylic and digital download). This template also coordinates with a Lunch Box Love Note © Pretty Pieces Cut Files © too! (more on that further down)

This template will really take you back in time, and is sure to put a smile on someones face!

Do you remember those adorable metal lunch boxes we all carried as children? They are absolutely timeless! Well now we have a 3 D version that we can make for all our children, significant other, teachers, boss, co-workers, friends or family!

Now look at the handle details!

ALL CARDSTOCK!!

So no need to find, or purchase ANY expensive metal embellishments! This template has every piece you need to create this Oldie but Goodie Lunch Box in ONE great template! EASY PEASY (as are all our templates :D) Each one COMPLETE with step by step photo instructions.

This is the perfect template to give all sorts of gift in. You can put some notes in there, maybe some school essentials for student or teacher, homemade baked goods (especially for school fundraisers), put in gift cards, candy, stationary, and is even perfect for the office! Gift it to your boss or co-workers (any time of year!) Also perfect for a new grad, off to college, end of year teacher gifts, teacher appreciation, first or last day of school…..make it into some luggage instead! That adds even MORE possibilities.

Whatever you box up in this lunch box, it is a guaranteed you will also be boxing up the feeling of them being special!

Today my Boxed Lunch contains a note pad, stamped using the note paper and sentiment from Lunch Box Love Notes ©

Now cute is the notepad? This in itself is a simple, yet practical gift! You can easily stamp each page while watching TV! No brain power needed.

I also included some JUMBO Smarties candy, a jumbo Sour Lollipop (all candy faves from when I was a lil’ girl), a mini stapler, and staple puller, travel keychain notepad, and a fun fold out ruler.

This is for my daughter Alexa who loves sweet tarts and loves to write and draw!

There are MANY things this can be filled with, as you will see with all our samples over the next week or so!!

 Now for my project details today…….I printed my base from the Pretty Printables © Digital Paper- Just Perfect For my cover I used the Lunch Box Covers © for a quick & easy coordinating design! 

This is a collection of 8 printable lunch box patterns that are ready to PRINT N’ GO! They are based on the SAME images you find in our amazing Lunch Box Love Notes © and Additions set! Now making a complete coordinating gift set couldn’t be easier! Everything can match.

I used the rainbow printable image to create my decorative panel on my lunch box. Adding the rainbow was my 5 yo daughter Amber’s idea 😀 So I HAD to do it so I could make HER love notes to tuck in her school bag 😀 (I need to make her one too!)

But think how fun it could be if you just let your kids decorate thier OWN!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was able to utilize my photo editing software to digitally COLOR it in for me too!

I replicated it 3 X’s.

1- for my lunch box panel

2- for the 3D rainbow/cloud

3-for the cloud only.

Adding glitter was not only easy but the perfect, simple touch!

I used the sentiment from the Lunch Box Love Notes© Additions stamp set to stamp my image exactly where I wanted it on the panel.

Perfectly easy peasy!

Now another FUN addition to the collection is a Pretty Pieces © Cut File called Lunch Box Love Note! 

This is a cut file for $1.50

Available in PDF, SVG, WPC, DXF, GSD. About Lunch Box Love Note Completed Size when folded is 4 Inches W 3 Inches H  This is the perfect folded note card, with easy tuck in tab! No envelope needed! 

Perfect for creating some quick “love notes”.

  Here the sentiment is stamped ON the tuck in tab, but you can add it to the sentiments to the inside too! 

This was designed to work perfectly with the Lunch Box Love Notes © & Additions © Pretty Impressions © Stamp Set (available in acrylic & digital), and work perfectly with the Boxed Lunch © Pretty Packaging © Template!

But it is totally amazing on its own too! 

Now creating simple note cards (or gift card holders!) has never been more fun and easy.

Now yet another AMAZING additon to our Pretty Pieces © Cut File is the additon of a set of 4 shaped files called All Tied Up ©.  

Available in SVG, GSD, DXF, and WPC

(in my project the lunch box is stamped on the square version)

These were designed by Kristin Bueter. She did a FAB job on them 😀  

We have a complete unique collection of 4 shapes: Circle, Oval, Square and Rectangle. All a must have.

 This is the perfect collection of 6 shaped frames/tags/ribbon sliders!  Each shape having a single and dual ribbon slider feature, in plain as well as scalloped.

You will also receive the frame, and mat layer for these as well! All in one perfect package! 

Designed to be the perfect “cut n’ go” tag shapes, you will want to use these over and over again. Perfect for cards, scrapbook pages, gifts and of course our Pretty Packaging © Templates! You can never have too many options. 

These fit many of our Pretty Impressions © stamp sets, so check them out! 

Circle: 1 3/4 inches round Mat Layer: 1 1/2 inches 

Oval: 2 1/2 inches tall X 1 3/4 wide Mat Layer: 2 1/4 inches tall X 1 1/2 inches wide

 Square: 1 3/4 inches Mat Layer: 1 1/2 inches 

Rectangle: 2 1/2 inches long, by 1 1/4 inches high

Now you MUST be dying to hear MORE about the stamps right? I’m dying to share it all with you.

I put a lot of thought into this set :D, and had my own children in mind. There was a HUGE lack of anything like this on the market, in my opinion.

Lunch Box Love Notes © Package Set of 25 images $20 

Also available in digital download: Set of 37 images for $18 (combination of the Lunch Box Love Notes © & Additions)

 Be sure you check out the Lunch Box Love Notes Additions © that coordinate with this set!

There are more add on’s and sentiments to match!

This stamp set has a template that coordinates with it called: Boxed Lunch © 

Do you remember those adorable metal lunch boxes we all carried as children? They are absolutely timeless! Well now I have designed a set with those amazing lunch boxes, with interchangeable patterns and interchangeable sentiments to match! There are even little food additions that fit this theme. You will certainly fall in love with all the punny sentiments. 

 This set is perfect for sending little notes in their “lunch box”, or for making fun cards, gifts and tags for friends, family, teachers, co-workers, and anyone in between! You now have so many possibilities for sending little love notes to those we care about.

 As a child, my mom would always stick a little note in my lunch box, wishing me a good day. In turn I have done the same for my own children and husband. I’ve always longed for such a set that make sending these types of notes or gifts more fun and easier than ever. This set will be one that you pull out over and over again. 

Sentiments include: 

I’m so proud of you! 

A special treat for you to eat 

Packed with Love  

Sending you hugs and kisses 

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

 just PEAR-FECT ! 

I love you bunches!        

Hope your day is (to be used in coordination with some of the sentiments) 

Just a note to say….. (to be alone or used in coordination with some of the sentiments:)

 you are so special! 

do your best!

 a piece of cake ! 

as sweet as you are !  

Lunch Box Love Notes Additions © Set of 12 images $12 

This set is the perfect add on set to Lunch Box Love Notes © with interchangeable lunchbox patterns and sentiments to match! 

Sentiments include: 

Let’s Do Lunch

 You made the Grade

 My Lil’ Cupcake

 Star Student 

Apple of my eye 

Reach for the stars 

Let your imagination soar 

For a Special Teacher

———————————-

WHEW! What do you think?

Here is another photo of one of the completed gift sets.

Now here is where the GIVEAWAY comes in!

Leave a comment and you will be entered to win the following:

Boxed Lunch Template

Lunch Box Love Notes © & Additons (stamp or digital images-your choice)

Lunch Box Love Note Cut File (in your choice of file)

Lunch Box Cover © Digital Paper

Winner to be announced on the 30th!

You can share whatever you wish. You can say what you do for end of year gift ideas, kid projects, what your favorite things to gift are….anything!

Supplies:

Pretty Packaging © template – Boxed Lunch

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Lunch Box Love Notes © & Additions

Pretty Printables © Digital Paper- Lunch Box Cover, Just Perfect

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Bow Bells, Brandenburg

Ink: Momento

Pretty Pieces © Cut File- Lunch Box Love Note!, All Tied Up: Square

Buttons by SEI

Ribbon by May Arts

Copic Markers

Note Pad

Thanks for hanging in there!

I’ll be back tomorrow with MORE peeks and exciting stuff to share!

Hi world!

I am here, as I said I’ve been consumed with family issues, and getting ready for the May Release. I appreciate the comments, and emails.

WARNING: this is a family post, with some graphic detail. Honestly you may not want to read it. It may be disturbing, but the story needs to be told.

It may help someone else in a similar situation.

This last two weeks or so I have told you to keep my mother in your prayers. I’ve respected her privacy. I’ve done everything in my power to empower her, help her, and let her know she ISN’T alone to fight this fight. Believe me, she is truly fighting for her life.

She reads my blog and she has seen the well wishes and prayers. I’ve forwarded emails to her as well. All the while no one really knowing exactly WHAT is going on. Each one giving her strength!

Just to give you an idea of what my family has been dealing with, this was on the front page of the paper in her city.

READ HERE

Now I’m appalled that her address was given, and some of the details shared without any consideration for my mother and her SAFETY! People don’t realize that these aren’t just front page news-makers they are reporting about, but PEOPLE. My mother was beyond the feeling of violation.

As you can imagine that is only a very stripped down version of what has taken place. Words cannot describe the feeling I had when I received a phone call telling me about what happened. I immediately took action and got to my mother’s side.

Her birthday was Thursday April 8th, and on that day she had an “awakening”. All the strength she gave me over the years, to become a strong independent woman, I was finally able to give back to her. Finally able to make her SEE what her life really is, not what she wanted to see. My pleading with her to help herself, finally making sense.

 She asked that I actually share her story with you all in hopes that MAYBE it will help someone else.

My husband and I both struggled with sharing this story too. We went back and forth the last few weeks about it. But there needs to be an awareness. These things happen to REAL people. That is someones mother, daughter, sister, grandmother. Also for his family, he is someones son, brother…loved one. It’s so hard and sad on both ends.

Quite honestly I was hesitant. The fact of sharing this is VERY difficult for me, for many reasons. It is emotional, heartbreaking, upsetting, and all the while necessary too. I was overwhelmed at the aspect of it because how do “I” share a story that started YEARS and YEARS ago? Where am I suppose to start?

Well I will do my best to tell it, and pray it helps someone else.

Ever realize your life can change in one single second? The second you meet your soulmate, the second your baby takes its first breath-life altering. There are times when it changes and it is HEART-WRENCHING pain. News that ends a marriage, someone you love has passed away, been hurt, or has an illness. I have experienced all of those in my lifetime. Many all from the ring of a phone. All life altering moments that forever change life as you knew it, in an instant. It is like you cross over a line of forever being changed from one second to the next.

This is my mom.

This was taken Easter Sunday.

She looks so happy.

Doesn’t look like the face of an abused woman does it?

Funny how photos can be. Funny how makeup and a smile can hide what is really going on in someones life.

What our eyes tell us we see. Photos can be altered, or used to tell a “story”, while we have no idea what we “don’t” see. Just like the stars in magazines, things get trimmed, slimmed, covered, altered and edited.

So is this photo.

This is what this photo doesn’t tell you.

Would you believe that this photo of my mom was taken the day after her husband attempted to murder her? Well it was.

What you can’t see is that I had to photo shop this photo-a lot.

You can’t see the lump on her head from him slamming her against the wall, as he pinned her there.

You can’t see all the makeup she has on to cover the bruises on her neck that are from her husband choking her, to the point where she almost passed out.

You can’t hear the words he kept saying to her, as he attacked her, that still play endlessly in her head,  “Why! Why do you make me do these things to you! Why couldn’t you just keep your mouth shut!” (that is the nicest of it)

I cropped out her hands, so you can’t see several of the defensive knife wounds that she got from what the court calls a Machete. 

You probably can’t tell that this same woman was cowering on the floor, literally begging him to stop, as she was apologzing to him for upsetting him, just to save her life.

You can’t see the 2 phones she tried to grab to call 911, because those are both broken. He smashed them to pieces as she grabbed each one. He did finally hand her his cell phone as he told her ” You want to call the police? I will dial the number for you. But you will be dead before they have time to get here.” (also the nicest of it)

You can’t see the very dark circles under her eyes, from crying with worry over him, after he was arrested for the attempted murder of her.

You can’t see the shame she feels, and the fact that she didn’t want them taking photos of her injured, or to even go to the hospital.

In the police report, in all the photos, you can’t see everything that got broken during their struggle.  My mom’s heart, her spirit, even her will to continue life. You can’t see that she too is so broken. 

You can’t see why she would feel so bad for him, that she wouldn’t want to press charges.

Or the fact that she hasn’t slept in a week because she is so terrified and can’t stop shaking.

You can’t see that she has low self esteem and feels “unworthy”.

You can’t see WHY she hasn’t seen this coming.

Why she stayed so long, and why she didn’t try to get out sooner. 

 You can’t see WHY she ever made excuses for him.

You can’t see why she never looked in the mirror, and saw herself as an abused woman, or why she still loves a man who clearly doesn’t even know what love is.

As of late I’ve felt like my mom was drowning. I kept extending my hand, trying to pull her out, and she kept letting it go. I think now she is ready to hold on, to be saved. I think she realizes if she doesn’t hang on, she will drown.

My mother’s husband was always short tempered. No excuses. Drinking, not drinking. She couldn’t really express an opinion, had to watch her tone. Over the years she excluded herself from her family. Made excuses for bruises, or broken things, and that was exhausting. She revolved her world around pleasing someone that couldn’t be pleased.

His violence has gotten progressively worse over the years. More so as of late. This event was bound to take place at some point. Any relationship of violence, always progresses.

By sharing my mother’s story, I hope this helps someone! If you are like her, or know someone like her. It’s not too late to get help.

Facts about acts of violence

Statistics of Battered Women 7% of women (3.9 million) are physically abused by their partners, and 37% (20.7 million) are verbally or emotionally abused. Every 9 seconds a woman is physically abused by her husband. 95% of assaults on spouses or ex-spouses are committed by men against women. 30% of women presenting with injuries to the emergency department had injuries caused by battering. From 7% to 26% of pregnant women are abused. 42% of murdered women are killed by their intimate partners. Within the last year, 7% of American women (3.9 million) who are married or living with someone as a couple were physically abused, and 37% (20.7 million) were verbally or emotionally abused by their spouse or partner. (The Commonwealth Fund, N.Y. 1991) Every 9 seconds a woman is physically abused by her husband. (The Commonwealth Fund, N.Y. 1991) The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 95% of assaults on spouses or ex-spouses are committed by men against women. (Assessing Violent Couples, H. Douglas, Families in Society, 11/91) Domestic violence is a repetitive in nature: about 1 in 5 women victimized by their spouse or ex-spouse reported that they had been a victim of a series of at least 3 assaults in the last 6 months. (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 10/93) 30% of Women presenting with injuries to the emergency department were identified as having injuries caused by battering. (American Journal of Public Health, 1/89) Pregnancy is a risk factor. Several studies indicate a range of incidence from 17% to 26% of pregnant women. (Public Health Nursing, 9/87) 42% of murdered women are killed by their intimate partners. (FBI’s 88-91 Uniform Crime Reports) If you would like more information about A Safe Place and the programs we provide, please call us at 847-731-7165 or email us at [email protected].

MURDER

In 2005, 1,181 women were murdered by an intimate partner.¹ That’s an average of three women every day. Of all the women murdered in the U.S., about one-third were killed by an intimate partner.²

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (Intimate Partner Violence or Battering)

Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.³ According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, women experience about 4.8 million intimate partner-related physical assaults and rapes every year.⁴ Less than 20 percent of battered women sought medical treatment following an injury.⁵

I don’t want anyone to become a statistic. My mother almost became one!

She got lucky, that time.

Thank you for letting my share my mother’s story. It isn’t an easy thing to share, but this type of thing really doies happen, and it can be happening to someone YOU love.

I wish I did something sooner to make my mother see what was really going on.

All I can do now is be there for her. My family is rallying around my mom so she knows she isn’t alone.

So thank you for letting me share. This isn’t easy, but I know my blog has been used to touch so many lives through my sharing. I hope it can speak to someone else out there.

I’ll be back tomorrow for a GIVEAWAY post 😀 Don’t miss it

WHEW! What a release!! If you haven’t yet be sure to check out all our NEW! Products <—Click here

Today is our Group Post! So there will be LOTS of eye candy!!

Please be sure to visit each of our design team members today for even MORE ideas and inspiration.

I am happy to say that our OUT OF STOCK items will be BACK IN STOCK this afternoon! Anyone who had something “back-ordered”, your order will ship today too!

I am even MORE happy that I was able to actually get the Rambling Rose © Cut File Video Tutorial done, as promised!

Here is my card sample

This card used the Rambling Rose © Cut File, Fanciful Flowers © Cut File (for the leaf), Tag You’re It © (tag layer), Fanciful Flourishes © & So Sentimental © Pretty Impressions stamp sets.

So for all of you out there curious as to WHY the Rambling Rose © Cut File makes creating your own paper roses fun and easier than ever…take a look!

Here is a close up of the completed Rambling Rose © Cut File

How stunning does that look?

Think of all the amazing flowers YOU can make too!! You can even resize the cut files to tailor them to YOUR projects! Endless possibilities.

Also there has been an updated version of SCAL released that should fix the problem many of us were having with our SVG files. Here is a link if you haven’t already downloaded it: https://store.candacraft.com/Page-Download_5.aspx!!

I really want to say thank you to my team for their amazing projects, to all of YOU who have stopped by and left a comment, sent and email, or placed an order 😀 You make my “job” so fun for me to keep doing! I get so inspired and truly run off the excitement you all share with me each day and month after month!

That being said, my family needs my attention the next week or so, so I may be quiet, but I’ll be back shortly. If you can say a prayer for my mom on Monday. We have something important that day that could use your prayers. She just needs peace in her heart, and strength to do all she has to, to make it through some tough things. I would do it for her if I could, and I am doing my best to block the wind from knocking over her sails. I have faith that everything will work out.

Thank you all again for everything, even listening to me “share” what I can.

Hi everyone!

I know I’ve been cut short this week, but as I said I do have some family responsibilities to tend to with my mother. I don’t want to share too much about my mom, but she still needs me in so many ways right now. We have a lot coming up with her and all I can tell you is that it is very physically and emotionally draining. I am finding the hardest part about owning your own company is the inability to “call in sick” or take some time off! LOL! So I’m running frazzled.

Any-who….let’s just get to the eye-candy!! (I am praying my day goes as planned so I can have my video up for tomorrow!)

Today is the first exclusive project post for our newest design team member Stephanie Kraft

I’m sure you are falling in love with her style already!

Here is what Stephanie Kraft did

Stephanie Kraft added

When I first saw the Take Time Pocket © I thought of all of the spa gifts that I like to give away and how wonderful it would be to package them using this template! I was browsing in Target, looking for some of bath and body products, and instead I found this end-cap full of Hello Kitty products… my 6-year-old DD loves the Kitty as much as I do, so I bought a few of these girly items and transformed this into a little Easter gift for her.

Now it is my turn to share!

Upon speaking with one of my design team members, Mona Pendleton – she mentioned how cute the  Pick of the Petals © would be as a CUPCAKE!! ( Now if you see her blog name you will know WHY she thinks this way :D) I thought it was a fabulous idea, and was so dying to see her take on it! Well, as you know sometimes you just have to go where the mojo leads, and Mona didn’t get to create the cupcake she mentioned, so I asked her if it was OK for me to give a try! She agreed, so away I went (OH! and when I saw that Katie and I did almost the exact same thing I had to chuckle! Great minds….)

Without further delay…..here is my take on the idea

A Lil’ Cupcake

How cute can this get?

I kept it pretty SIMPLE since I kept envisioning birthday party favors!! I plan on adding 2 Bangerang Cupcakes in a Jar to this!

I created my bottom from some Brown Paper Packages cardstock (it has a lined texture to it (unseen in photos), making it perfect for a chocolate cupcake!

I stamped my sentiment from the Just For You © set on the “cupcake” bottom. I love it!

PS: Stamp your sentiment PRIOR to putting this together! (I did mine AFTER! DUH!!)

Now the TOP

I printed my lid using the polka-dots from the Shutterfly © collection of Pretty Printables Digital Paper. Made it super easy and fun!

Most cupcakes have a cheery on top….I made this

I just stamped the cupcake from the  Just For You © set. Colored it and added crystal effects to the top. Once dry, I punched it out and layered it to a super large white button center, then again onto a scallop layer! BAM! My own epoxy embellishment. I think it is way cuter than the traditional cherry on top 😀

Super simple, super sweet!

Sure to make SOMEONE happy on their birthday.

Pretty Packaging © template: Pick of the Petals ©

Pretty Impressions © stamps: Take Time ©

Cardstock from Couture Cardstock:  OSW white, Brown Paper Packages

Pretty Printables Digital Paper: ShutterFly

Ink: Momento, Copic

Ribbon: May Arts

Other: Button, scallop punch, crystal effects

Well come back tomorrow for our BIG group post day, as we wrap up over a week worth of samples!

will make happy too!

Well today is yet another day of AMAZING samples!

There has been SO many ideas flowing, I hope you are all inspired to try something new!

Now we SOLD OUT of Take Time © & Fanciful Flourishes © – they will both be back in stock the end of the week!

Today Tracey Cuccia has a peek for you! Wait until you see it 😀

Here is what Tracey has to say

“My friend just had her FOURTH boy, and I figure she needs something SUPER girly to take over all that testosterone, lol.  Here’s a little ‘pampering’ gift set just for her…”

I have had some very serious family issues to tend to, and thank you for all the prayers. I have much more to share but due to my need to tend to them I need to keep this brief. My family has to be first.

Today I decided that this Slip Cover © project would be a good one to share!

I’ve had so much going on, and I needed something “happy”.

Whoever is happy will make others happy too. Anne Frank

I love that sentiment (it is from So Sentimental ©) . I really wanted to share the option of NOT making your mat layers with the curvy layer! You can easily use other layers, like rectangles and circles.

Here is a close up view

I took a prima flower and scrunched it up, and put it in the center for a cool effect!! I stamped it on pink cardstock and colored parts of it with the Copic markers. The leaves stamped in brown ink.

The flowers are from Petal Perfection ©, the swirls are from Fanciful Flourishes ©.

When you slip the cover off you will see a pedicure/facial kit inside (along with some lip-gloss)!

This would be the PERFECT Spa party in a box.

Supplies:

Pretty Impressions © stamps:   Petal Perfection ©, So Sentimental ©, Fanciful Flourishes ©

Pretty Packaging : Slip Cover ©

Cardstock from Couture Cardstock: OSW white, blessings, Sweet heart, ganache, sunflower

Ink: Momento, Copic Markers

Ribbon: May Arts

Other: adhesive rhinestones

Thanks for stopping by!

I will be back tomorrow with more to share 😀