Hi everyone!

Are you enjoying the nice weather?

I know we are.

I have LOTS to share! First some family stuff, then some fun stamping stuff!

As always I have tons going on, but cannot complain because my children are happy & healthy (I remind myself of that as they are fighting with each-other like cats and dogs these last few days!).

 Alexa is celebrating her 3rd year going into remission from Leukemia! She is just growing before my very eyes into a young lady. It’s actually freaking me out a bit 😀 She is ALMOST 11 now! She got cancer shortly after turning 6. You can read her story HERE!

Any-who, I won’t get into the emotional roller-coaster that I get on this month each and every year, but I am so grateful she is alive and well 😀 Time has truly flown by.

Here is a recent photo of her, taken on Easter

I made a donation in Alexa’s honor to the Relay for Life 😀 It is the LEAST I can do to support ongoing research.

My friend Tracey is participating in the relay-if you decide to make a donation, you can view her site —> HERE!

Now I have to share a photo of the other 2 kids too, before moving on 😀

Here is Noah-

He is doing great since I shared about him last. He is SO tall. Just a couple inches shy of my shoulder (and I’m 5 ’10!).

Here is Amber (after Easter Egg hunting!-very messy)

I can’t believe she is going into first grade soon! MY BABY! How is it possible?

Now here is my 4th child Gabriella!

OK actually she is my niece-but since I was around her mom’s entire pregnancy (they lived with us) and I was there for her birth she feels like she is one of my own (kinda like I’m a dad! LOL!). I love her to pieces. She is now 15 months old! She is so funny, and full of energy! She just runs all over the place. I bought her a bubble machine for Easter, and she LOVES it-hence the bubbles in the photo 😀 I bought her that dress too! As I look at I’m getting inspired!

OK back to the creative reality!

I know I’ve been MIA, and said I’d be “around” more, but I have SO much to do in time for the next release 😀 I have SEVERAL videos done, and a few more to go! (So see I invested my time away wisely :D) I think it will be helpful with what we have to come 😀 I *was* going to do a video on how quick and easy it is for you all to use the latest Puckered Up Patterns ©, but it turns out there were SO many pattern combinations that it would be a very LONG video! So I thought I’d share a few photos instead, since I already made several videos for the next release, and I’m wiped! Plus it will allow you to better VISUALIZE them completed project.

So here is the set that is the MAIN focus of inspiration…

Puckered Up Patterns is a FABULOUS set of 14 images with ENDLESS possibilities. I love that.

The set sells for only $12!

You receive this set on a 4 X 6 acetate sheet. All our images are printed on the acetate that the photopolymer stamps (clear images) are sandwiched between.

You really need to just take some fun color combinations and P-L-A-Y!!! If you mix this set with the Paper Pattern Pieces © you will have a BLAST!

I know MOST of you are visual, and you like SEEING ideas, so I quickly stamped out a few patterns (these took like 30 minutes) to get you started! There are some more completed project samples below too-so SCROLL down!

Just some ideas for you…..

Top left is the main pattern from the set that I used to create all these combinations! There are 14 total-but I am certain YOU can think up even more! Now keep in mind that is using *just* the large pattern as my MAIN focus! There are 4 other large building “block” patterns in the set, as well as several FABULOUS accents that can also create AMAZING borders, or group patterns!

The large pucker pattern measures: 2 X 2 3/4 inches!

*Keep in mind you can also use the single pucker circle (large or small version) to make a ROW just like the grouped patterns I created in the samples to follow*

Now for some CLOSE UPS!

PS I just wanted to get the pattern ideas out-don’t mind the HORRID color choices! LOL!)

1) STUNNING pattern possibilities in a variety of colors!

Now remember you can stamp the main block several times to cover a large area 😀

2) This design has a ton of possibilities

3) This one I used the  X like flower/image and rotated it. I couldn’t see I THING since it was dark and rainy! OH! WELL! You get the idea! Plus it add character right?

4) SO cute!! Imagine this as a backgrounder!

5) LOVE this one!

6) Another one I LOVE! (I think its the flowers 😀 -that image alone can do great things!)

7) Check out Kristin’s Blog! She used this pattern below on her card today! I love it.

8) Simple, yet striking!

Now here we have 6 more patterns for you, using the SAME block as above!

9) OK my colors are awful, and my cardstock has a smooth coating which kept resisting the ink (grr) but all that aside-very cool possibilities.

10) Again-same coated cardstock, awful colors, but you can get the idea! JUST PLAY AROUND OK!

That is what I was doing 😀

11) Think how cool this could be….

12) I so love this one

13) Another great possibility!

14) I totally loved this one most.

Now we move on to the other patterns which have a TON of possibilities that I didn’t even have the time to cover (but have plenty of samples further down to share)

This one shows you how the bottom 3- Lattice, Pucker Cluster Solid, and Pucker Cluster Open- can all be used to create a pattern ALONE, or layer perfectly together, as seen in the above top 2 to the left!

Now I want to share some completed samples that utilize the Puckered Up Patterns © as well as the Paper Pattern Pieces ©

Paper Pattern Pieces ©  is another AMAZING set that was used in conjunction with the Puckered Up Patterns to create the following samples.

You may recognize the snippets from our past release, but having them all in one place can be helpful for you to visualize the truly endless possibilities.

1)

The lattice pattern made up the “grass” and several of the flowers used elements in the Puckered Up Patterns set!

2)

Puckered Up Patterns was used to create a cool background, and a flower bud!

3)

The smaller circle block on the left, from Puckered Up Patterns was used to create this stunning bkgd

4)

The open line pucker pattern makes a quick, easy & subtle bkgd!

5)

This one used *just* the Paper Pattern Pieces ©

6)

Here is an example of how just the large (or small) circle pucker can be used to make the same style patterns, but in rows!

7)

This used ONLY Paper Pattern Pieces © I love making various colored DOTS! EASY PEASY!

8)

This one used the outline, and solid pucker cluster-combined with the smaller single pucker flower to create a pretty feminine background!

Well, I do have 3 more (never before seen) cards to share using these pattern builders, but I will wait on those, so I have *something* to post about the next 3 days!!

I hope this got you inspired to try these sets out! They will become a welcome addition to your stamp collection 😀

Now I decided that I would create a special coupon in honor of BOTH these FABULOUS patterns! (Since I love using them together!)

My Time Made Easy ™ LLC is having a SUPER SALE!

DON’T WAIT! LIMITED TIME ONLY!Enter the coupon code –> PATRN2420  to get $4 OFF your purchase for BOTH the Puckered Up Patterns and Paper Pattern Pieces © .Details:

Coupon is good from NOW until MIDNIGHT (Eastern Time) May 24th  .

Supplies are limited. No rain checks. Limit: one use per customer.

Coupon not valid on previous purchases, and/or the purchase of any other Pretty Impressions stamp sets. Offer does not include shipping charges.

Happy Shopping! And while you are there don’t forget to check out ALL our other amazing products 😀

I’m off to go prepare for our June Release!

Well this finally wraps up all the design team projects from our May release!! Today we celebrate with a blog hop!

Please make sure you visit the entire team today:

They should all help get those creative juices flowing for you, as each one shares a unique project idea!

This was a fabulous release! I really enjoyed all these projects, and I still have MORE ideas that I really want to put into fruition.

CLICK HERE to view all our latest and greatest products!

I am going to try to keep the ideas rolling this month after I take a little break 😀 I’m exhausted!! I do however have another project idea for you using the Trendy Tool Tote ©

Funky Flowers For You

How cute and fun is this?!

I LOVE the colors : Charcoal, Green, Pink, Yellow & Red! So summer!

I really wanted to use the flowers from Sensational Stems ©, and images from Paper Pattern Pieces © to create some super fun and funky flowers for my tote! I was surprised at how many different looks I was able to actually achieve, and am just over the moon with all the ideas.

So I used the stems then a little imagination to combine and layer all sorts of flowers! I made sure there was a lot of dimension too!

The butterfly is the open line butterfly from All A Flutter. I stamped a layered flower on the right part of the wing. That butterfly ROCKS because you can make it look like you have a MILLION other butterfly stamps, just by stamping other various images inside!

The “grass” was made using the diamond (or as we like to call it at MTME Lattice) pattern, and a row of adhesive black rhinestones! This just ADDS to the funktified awesomeness of this!

In my Trendy Tool Tote © I packed in 6 various trail mix pouches from Target! They are SUPER yummy and relatively healthy to snack on.

As you can see this tote hold a TON of great stuff. Plus as previously stated it is very sturdy 😀

I made mine for a friend who is trying to eat healthier. When they are all gone she can put this somewhere to store whatever else she wants! As we all know there are ENDLESS possibilities for this template!

I may just make one for my own counter, so hold pens and notepads etc! It could even be a great mail sorter, recipe holder, seasoning holder, perfect for bath and body products, maybe even in the living room to sort your remotes, and TV guide 😀 I can always think of a million things.

Seriously look how cool my funky garden is! I love this one! It will be hard to part with.

Supplies:

Pretty Packaging © Template -Trendy Tool Tote

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Sensational Stems, Paper Pattern Pieces, Puckered Up Patterns, All A Flutter

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Informant

Ink: Momento & Sei

Ribbon by May Arts, Adhesive pearls/rhinestones

Well thank you all for stopping by the past week or so! I have enjoyed sharing with each of you 😀 If I don’t get back here to post for Mother’s Day I hope you all enjoy it!

I want to share a poem with you, that my friend Tanya shared with me last year. I loved it so much, and thought any mother could relate!

I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day, and remember that mother’s shouldn’t be celebrated just ONE day a year! Our kids do something everyday, that makes even the hardest times worth every second. So try to look for your moment, in each day.

                                   Before I was a Mom,
                I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
                I didn’t worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
                          I never thought about immunizations.                                 

                                  Before I was a Mom –
                                I had never been puked on.
                                        Pooped on.
                                        Chewed on.
                                        Peed on.                 

               I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
                                    I slept all night.
                                  Before I was a Mom,
                I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do
                                          tests
                                      Or give shots.
                        I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
                    I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
                I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.                                 

                                   Before I was a Mom,
              I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn’t want to
                                      put her down.
                I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I
                                        couldn’t
                                    stop the hurt.
              I never knew that something so small could affect my life so
                                          much.
                      I never knew that I could love someone so much.
                          I never knew I would love being a Mom.                                 

                                 Before I was a Mom –

              I didn’t know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
                I didn’t know how special it could feel to feed a hungry
                                          baby.
                I didn’t know that bond between a mother and her child.
              I didn’t know that something so small could make me feel so
                                  important and happy.

                                  Before I was a Mom –
                I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10
                          minutes to make sure all was okay.

                  I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the
                                      heartache,
                  the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
                I didn’t know I was capable of feeling so much, before I
                                          was a
                                          Mom.

I will be spending the day with my children, and cherishing each moment I can!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Sorry the day has escaped me! All this editing stuff can be time consuming! I’ve had this project done for a bit, I just didn’t get everything completed in time! Good grief.

Today I have a super simple, masculine project for you all, using the Boxed Lunch template ©

I call it Packed with love!

One thing I know my hubby loves is a variety of these trail mix packets you can get at Target! He keeps them at his desk to snack on. I’m always buying him a variety to try out, and this time I wanted to package some up in a cute way, so I made this for him to take to work!

It has been mentioned by just about everyone seeing this template, that not only can it be a lunch box, but a suit case too! Father’s day is just round the corner, so why not turn it into a briefcase or a suitcase?

I took some simple chocolate gingham ribbon to dress mine up

I wanted to keep it simple and un-frilly, so I used Oat cardstock as my base, and of course chocolate for my lid!

I chose to create a masculine pattern using one of my FAVE sets: Argyle Amazement! It truly makes the most amazing backgrounds! So many building options. I was able to easily create this pattern for my main focus. I then used the sentiment from Lunch Box Love Notes © for my tag. I was going to use a tag from the All Tied Up! collection, but kept it SIMPLE for now!

What you CAN’T see is the double score line on either side, next to the argyle.

How about that hardware? I used an actual lunch box latch, and a paint-can handle for this! I just wanted to share some additional ideas, other than the cardstock handle that this comes with. Not that the cardstock handle isn’t FABULOUS on its own! But you know how much I love versatility!

Now these treats fit perfectly inside!

Isn’t that a sweet way to send your hubby off with something delicious?!

I think so 😀

All the Pretty Packaging templates can dress up the simplest most inexpensive gifts! These packs cost ONLY $1.00 at Target! So I think I see some masculine teacher gift sets for the end of the school year!

Imagine finding these in stores? You’d pay a fortune! Now you can make your own! As MANY as you want! Even resize them 😀

Supplies:

Pretty Packaging © template – Boxed Lunch

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Lunch Box Love Notes © & Argyle Amazement

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: Millet, Ganache, Oat

Ink: Momento/Sei

Latch, Paint Can Handle, gingham ribbon by May Arts, Buttons by SU!

Well I hope you all can stop by tomorrow because the entire team is getting together for a blog hop! Together we will have like 10 MORE projects for you to get inspired from! You can never have too many ideas 😀

Thanks for taking the time to stop by!

Hi everyone!

Lesa has a super sample for you today!

 Lesa  fell in love with these colors and had the perfect idea of what to use them on.  She made this beautiful box to give to her daughter-in-law to be for her birthday.  Puckered Up © is the perfect template to use to put a gift card in. 

Make sure you check out Lesa today!

OK so now its my turn…..and I have to say sorry, my day was INSANE so I didn’t get my photos done. Guess I can’t do it all with only 24 hours in one day! LOL! So I’ll be back later with my samples for the day.

On a super note my hair straightening was AMAZING! I would highly recommend it. I’m just over the moon with the results!! My mom paid for me to get it done and I think I’ll be hooked! What a great gift!!

I got the Brazillian Keratin Treatment done on my birthday-Monday, and the process was completed today! It was applied on Monday, you have to let the solution sit in your hair for a few days.

It is an all natural solution that they apply, then they dry/flat iron your hair. They actually say its healthy for your hair.

This leaves it FLAT looking and feeling GROSS! Now it doesn’t LOOK as bad as it feels for those couple of days, but it is hard to leave it be! You can’t get it wet, or anything for the few days. Once you go back they wash the crap out of it, and she blew dry my hair (no brush, no straightener) and it was done in 10-15 minutes!! SILKY SMOOTH! OMGosh! I’m in love!!!Normally it was taking like an hour a day! So WOOT! WOOT! It is as smooth and shiny as silk! Funny cause I’ve always wanted straight hair and now I can have it 😀

It lasts about 16 weeks.

Many of you asked to keep you posted so I am. I’ll have to get a photo too! So if you are interested I say do some research and make sure they are certified to do it! I’ve been researching this for several month now!

OK so its time for me to get back to the daily grind! I’ll return with my sample soon!

Ah! So much to share so little time!

Today I’ll be brief since the first week of the month is generally INSANE for me. OK maybe I should say the last and first weeks of every month! While I’m busy sharing details from this release I’m also usually finalizing details of the next one, and am also working on the month after that!!! Throw in a family and you have a crazy week! I am the queen of multi-tasking I think. I generally have at least 3 major things to do daily, and several “appointments” for something during the week! LOL! Not complaining, I’m just sayin.

Now I have a couple other projects to put finishing touches on, then there is another counseling appointment for Noah and I have to go back to finish my hair straightening after that-so I’ll be brief.

(PS thanks for allowing me to share about my son. I have heard that this isn’t an uncommon problem, so that helps hearing from others too :D)

He *just* came home with a heart shaped card for me that reads:

The most important thing about my mom is

She is nice

She feeds me

She keeps me safe

She gave me a life (LOL! that cracked me up)

but the most important thing about my mom is she loves me.

Love Noah

AWE! This is the FIRST card I ever got that says nothing about Daddy! LOL! I usually get Happy Mothers Day! I love my dad. I love playing games with my dad. I love you Noah

Every book or poem he writes is about his very best friend: dad! They have an amazing relationship that I am so happy about, but it is nice to get some sort of mommy love once in a while! LOL!

OK back to the peeks!

I just got a fancy NEW! video camera for my birthday, so I can do even better videos for you, so I really hope to find some time to do one soon 😀 Maybe on backgrounds?! If there are any requests, let me know! I’m out of ideas at this point.

In the meantime to whet your creative pallet Tracey Cuccia has a peek!

Here is what Tracey has to say about her project:

“My daughter Shannon is my crafting buddy – she loves to come and ‘play’ with Mommy.  She has her favorite items she likes to use, glitter pens, glue, scissors, flowers…so I decided that I would make her her own little caddy to keep her crafting goodies together at my table.  There will be NO mistake that this is for her, fun, bright, and cheery, just like Shannon…”

So be sure you stop by and visit Tracey

Now for my turn.

You all seem to be LOVING the NEW! Puckered Up! Patterns ©! They are simply fun and easy to use. The layering possibilities are just endless. You can make so many various patterns it is great! I designed this because I thout it to be a perfect addition to the Pucker Up template! The puckered shapes were perfect together. Plus you can never have too many background builders!

This could make some simple rockin guy stuff too!

I was recently inspired by the design on some of my most FAVORITE raspberry cookies when I made this!

When I showed this to my husband, inspiration in hand, he honestly said “What?! I don’t get it. Where do you see cookies?”

MEN! They just have no creative vision sometimes! LOL! I pointed out the cookie pattern and he STILL didn’t get it. Oh well, I got it! LOL!

Now the Pucker Up template is a great size and can hold lots of googies! I wrapped 8 of these cooloies to fit in here, not even problem! The tuck in sides allows you to easily access what you put inside too without ruining the packaging.

As I said, inspired by my YUM-O cookies, I stamped the largest pattern in the Puckered Up! Patterns © , stamped in a raspberry like ink from SEI (I recently bought like every color in SEI ink!). I then stamped the same style open pucker pattern in a green ink by Momento. Then, I added ONE more! The paler pink filler center! I have to admit I fell in LOVE with the look of this!

Now for my center piece!

 I thought that pairing the solid pucker circle with a stem from Sensational Stems would create the PERFECT retro flower for this! I finished off the flower center using a spiral like flower from the Puckered Up Patternsset. I then added a page pebble and a lil’ bling center. Complete with a perfect sentiment  from Sensational Sentiments: “Grow old without growing up”

I’m really in LOVE with all the New! All Tied Up! frame/tags/ribbon holders we just released! They fit the sentiments and images perfectly-plus you can re-size them with the click of a button. Here I used the All Tied Up! Oval. It was the PERFECT addition to this.

Supplies:Pretty Packaging © template – Pucker Up!

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Pucker Up PatternsSensational Stems,  Sensational Sentiments

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Blushing, Sweet heart, Brandenburg

Ink: Momentoand SEI

Pretty Pieces Cut Files– All Tied Up! Oval

Page pebble

Well that is all for today.

Tune in tomorrow because we are not done sharing yet!

In the meantime thank you all for the kind comments, emails and support you’ve ALWAYS offered to me and my family! It is always appreciated 😀

I’m excited for today’s project-once again! I hope you are all stock piling the amazing projects and gift ideas! What is there to NOT be excited about. I think we all love a dose of daily inspiration rigth?

Today’s peek is from Pam Imholz!

Here is what Pam had to say:

Lauren’s newest Pucker Up is one template that will quickly go on your must have list. Goes together easy-peasy, especially if you let the fabulous designer papers do part of the work for you 🙂

Be sure you stop by and see what Pam  has to share!

Now it is my turn!

This is a very special gift for my son Noah.

(sorry I didn’t get a photo of it inside. I had I all could do for my son to let me have it long enough to photograph!)

I used the Lunch Box Love Notes & Additions © stamp set/digital set,  and Boxed Lunch © template with the Lunch Box Cover © and some other Pretty Printables © digital paper!

I wanted to do something special to let him know how proud I am of him and that I think he is SUPER just the way he is!

The part in orange is WHY I am giving this to him. It is family related, so feel free to move past it if you wish to hear solely about the project.

I can tell you that my son Noah has had some medical issues the last few months. I contemplated sharing this but maybe some of you can relate! He began “ticking” around Christmas (come to find out it has been longer just not in such an obvious manner). It is anxiety/stress related. He begins blinking repeatedly. Sometimes to a point where you wonder if he can even SEE! This was very upsetting for me to witness and all I wanted to was to help Noah.

 We have been working with neurologists, our pediatrician and the school to help him develope more confidence and coping straegies for any stressful situations and to build his confidence (another reason for our garden!) I honestly didn’t want to just throw him on some pills, but teach him HOW to deal with his feelings, and learn it is OK to get upset.  The use of stress balls have REALLY helped!! We have also started him with s pecail counselor to help him with anxiety reducing strategies, games and confidence builders. Also ways to work out what stresses him out and why, and to help him realize “it’s OK to make mistakes”. While I’m not sure WHERE all the low confidence and need for perfection came in to play, as we are very encouraging parents, we are doing our best to help alleviate these feelings for Noah.

He has some areas where he feels he needs to be perfect, and that holds him back. He doesn’t like to make mistakes and this affects him DAILY. He like to always be the best at everything (wondering where he gets this from! LOL!). A lot for a little kid to take on. I often wonder how much our family situation with Alexa getting cancer, played into this. He had to become the “big boy” and care for his sisters. I was often SO focused on Alexa (even before the cancer) and her future that he somehow slipped through the cracks. That is a lot of guilt for another day, let me tell you! With Amber I had more time because the other 2 were in school, so she seems to excel in every aspect (see another reason I feel guilty about Noah!) I wasn’t home for like 9 months when Alexa got sick, so I missed a lot with him. AHHH! Anyway, I am doing everything I can to help Noah deal with daily feelings he has. Since he is aware of the ticking, as are his teachers it is easy for him and us to know he is getting upset and he needs to do something to help himself (or we help him work it out). He always received lots of praise and encouragement but he needs a little bit more these days. He is doing MUCH better than he was around the holidays since we figured all this out.  Noah has many of the same issues myself and my mother’s side has with needing things a certain way and whatnot so I understand how he feels. It is quite possible he will outgrow this, and as I said as he get more comfortable with dealing with things, it has already significantly decreased! I hope to continue this journey “med free”. It is working so far. Granted it is “work” but that is part of being parents right 😀 He is working hard and I couldn’t be prouder of him.

Please note: I want people to know I personally have nothing against medication. I think these things vary case by case and family to family. I am just sharing what we are personally experiencing and trying. Each person needs to do what is best for thier own family.  If we found that is what Noah needed to help him then we would do that. So far we are able to be helped without it.

One thing Noah LOVES is music! He is forever singing! So as a gift for all his hard work, in all aspects of his life, I bought him a MP3 Player, and we included a card to get some music for him to download! I thought this could be an additional fun way to de-stress for him too!

Now back to the gift set….

Reach for the stars

How cute is this?

I made my 3D version of Boxed Lunch © to match the stamped version of the Lunch Box Love Notes & Additions © on my card!

With the release of the Boxed Lunch ©, many of you saw my girly rainbow one, and many pondered if the Lunch Box Love Notes & Additions © stamp set and Boxed Lunch © template would favor a gift for a boy. Well I hope this gift I made opens the flood gates of possibilities and ideas! (I will have another masculine sample soon too :D)

I used the heart version of the  Lunch Box Covers © for my front panel! I had “cut out the heart, then layered the star on instead! I used the Lunch Box Love Notes & Additions © Digital set to make my Super! Star center image! (digitally colored too!)I was able to layer it on no problem. I printed the star twice, so I could have it be 3D! I then layered some additional papers to the panels to tie it into my card design.

I stampes the sentiment: Reach for the stars from the Lunch Box Love Notes Additions © set.

My template base was created using Rain Drop cardstock.

For my lid I printed the Alphabet Soup Collection 1, then created the lid! I printed a notepad piece of paper for the decorative layer on the lid and another of the decorative panel too! It is SO fun and easy peasy!

Now there are perfect cardstock handle pieces that come with this, but I wanted to share some options, so for this I just used some ribbon and brads!

The large button had a graph like pattern that is in my designer paper too! A perfect match! So I added that to appear to be my “closure”. This template stays closed on its own, but it is so fun to add stuff!

Now for the card

All the same papers and elements!

I used the Lunch Box Love Notes & Additions ©  on my card 😀 I so love this set! I layered the cut lunchbox onto the panel of cardstock strips. The cover again is the heart from the set. I stamped the star image, cut it out, and layered it over the heart! So I was able to use the pattern, but not have to use the actual heart image.

I love the notepad paper. The sentiment reads: I’m so proud of you! Sorry it got washed out by the lighting

 I just love that! This is a great boy themed card/gift set.

This is a set I will turn to over and over all year long!

Supplies:

Pretty Packaging © template – Boxed Lunch

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Lunch Box Love Notes © & Additions (scrylic & digital)

Pretty Printables © Digital Paper- Lunch Box Cover, Alphabet Soup 1 & 2, Get Graphic Collection 2, and School Ruled

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Apple Cider, Acorn Squash, and Rain Drop

Ink: Momento/Sei

Buttons & stick pins by SEI, Ribbon by May Arts, Copic Markers, Stapler

Once again thank you for stopping by.

 There is still more to come (I know! Can you believe it?), and you won’t want to miss anything! So come back tomorrow for even more gift/card ideas 😀

Hi everyone!

Thank you all for the birthday wishes! I had a wonderful day yesterday! Some great memories were made. The kids were so fun and excited the last few days as it seems like I had a LONG birthday celebration. Jason was amazing and pulled out all the stops!

I got my hair straightened, which I had NO idea was a several day process, but so far so good. It will be well worth it. I go back Thursday for the FINAL touch, and then NO MORE tedious straightening my hair daily.

That being said I have nothing but good things to look forward to, so long as I have my family by my side 😀 Every year I always wish for the same thing 😀

Anywho…..just because it’s my birthday doesn’t mean the world comes to a hault , although believe it or not I’ve gotten several days “off” so to speak!

I hope you are ready for even MORE ideas!

Today we have a wonderful peek from Stephanie Kraft using the Trendy Tool Tote!

Here is what she had to say:

When I first saw the tote, I thought it was really cute, but I wasn’t sure how sturdy it would be… let me tell you.. I was amazed at how well it holds up and how much it can hold! It would be so cute to make a few of these to hold some little jars of embellishments (buttons come to mind) in a craft room or even some office supplies on a teacher’s desk… the possibilities are endless!!

Today my sample uses the Pucker Up template!

From me to you

( a sentiment I’ve LONG loved and never had much of for stamp images)

I was going for a warm, summer feel to this one! I was really happy with the results, as these aren’t my “usual” colors.

I used one of the flower images from Sensational Stemsas my main focus, using the medium flower for the center image, and then the smallest version in the set to create the patterned strip along the left side. Once that was done, I layered it onto the decorative panel with the window, pre-cut out.

I really adore the “from me to you” sentiment from the Just for Youset. I also thought the butterfly from that set would be the perfect addition to the window!

I added a page pebble over the butterfly too 😀 Just that lil’ detail, OH! and those adhesive rhinestone! LOVE THEM!

 I was originally thinking of making this a full window box (which would still be CRAZY amazing), but then thought a 3D box would be even more of a WOW! if the image was dimensional enough…..

Now cool does this look? When you look straight on you cannot tell they are layered, it just POPS out at you!

So that being said I stamped my flower onto a SU! window cup thingy, in white Stazon, then brushed on my Pebble’s Pearlescent Pastels (my favorite technique :D) for the color! Once my window was in place, I added a scallop border around it.

 I then stamped my flower on a pices of scrap white cardstock, and layered it behind the window! It is far easier to get it PERFECT if you do the window first, scrap panel last! Then it can be manipulated to perfection, easy peasy!

This held the travel size of the Orange Sapphire shower gel and body lotion! I gave this to one of my dearest friends 😀 I think she liked it. (No I didn’t get a photo of it-sorry! I had a deadline for this and didn’t have my bath stuff yet)

Now after this I was REALLY inspired to create a card with similar colors! After some tweaking, this is what I came up with:

Like you

Admittedly the tulips are my most cherished image in the set! It is my favorite flower, and if it has a tulip, I love it! I LOVE whimsical flowers and this is my all time fave 😀 They are SO easy to use, and so perfectly cute (IMO) 😀

I really enjoyed using some different colors, and a new layout that showcases them too. It is even MORE fun having the “ladybug wings prints” to enable you to make them polka dot too, if you want, in a snap!

Now the sentiment is also from the Just for You set! As I said previously I LOVE combining various sets, and I am a FIRM believe in the fact that you simply cannot have enough sentiments! The one on this card is a personal favorite of mine!

I recently sent this one to one of my dearest long distance friends. I loved it so much and knew it was getting a good home 😀 Funny how hard it can be to part with our creations some times huh? I mean this one is so simple but I loved everything about it!

Supplies

Pretty Packaging © template – Pucker Up!

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Sensational Stems,  Just For You

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Sunflower, Artisian Pool, Warm Apple Cider, Acorn Squash, Harvest Basket, Fallen Leaf

Ink: Momento, StazOn and SEI

Buttons by SEI, Pebbles Pearlescent Pastels, SU! Cup

Well that does it for me today!

I will be back tomorrow with much more. I told you during my short absence I was a busy girl!! Now you get to see why 😀

See you later!

 Today Mona Pendleton has a project to share. Be sure to check it out!

Happy Birthday to me!

Today I turned 32. UGH! Typing that I feel like it should be reversed: 23! LOL! When did I get to be 32? Good grief. I KNOW it’s not old (now that I’m here! LOL! but at 17 I would have said otherwise!), and  I certainly don’t FEEL it, but its hard realizing how fast time goes by. I try to value each day, and remember that in each day there is some gift to be had. Granted that isn’t always an easy task!

I have a very good life, that I an ever thankful for! I have 3 amazing children, a loving husband who is my best friend, family who comes together for each-other, an amazing group of friends, and I get to share something that I TRULY love with the world!

 What more can someone ask for, really?

Today I’m over the moon with excitement because I’m going to get the Keratin Hair straightening done on my hair! That is what my mom gave me as gift! (along with a lot of other stuff-she went overboard for sure!) I’m very excited because I currently straighten my curly hair, each day, and it is HIGH maintenance!! Now I can wash n’ go again! Having to straighten it has been so time consuming. I’d rather get back to exercising more regularly, and staying healthy than spending that much time on my hair.

Anyway, tonight I will have a nice dinner with my children and husband, and relish in how much they have changed one year to the next, remembering Every day is a gift!

Today I have yet another project for you using the NEW! Boxed Lunch © template, using the Sensational Stems, Sensational Sentiments, and the Paper Pattern Pieces sets.

Every day is a gift!

How fun is this?

Everyone who may have *only* seen this template as a “lunchbox” hopefully you can see it can be dressed up for MANY different occasions, or suit any style, and be for male or female. There are so many more samples and ideas to come that you will soon see there is truly so much you CAN do with it, and a plethora of gifties that can go inside too!

I’ve LOVE the ladybug in this set, and way just DYING to use her 😀 I have also had these bottlecaps in my craft room for YEARS!, I stamped the ladybugs on adhesive labels, then punched them out, and adhered then to the bottlecaps! They are fun, whimsical and really pack a punch with thier dimension. I paired this with the Pretty Printables Fun Flowers Digital Paper . It inspired my colors and really added to the look.

Now the tag……

I didn’t want to stamp a sentiment ON the box itself, so I used the Paper Pattern Pieces circle frame, stamped in red ink, as my tag border, then stamped my sentiment in a lime green ink. I thought the coordinating flower from the Just For Youset was a perfect touch to the tag (on dimensionals of course).

What a great sentiment I think that is!! It is perfect to add to any gift, or any occasion!

I actually made this to give to my friend Tracey’s mom! We met up this weekend for our annual shopping trip at CKC in Manchester! We always get together for dinner the night before, and always have a blast. This was the perfect presentation for a gift I wanted to give her. (every year I mean to bring something and TIME always escapes me! NOT THIS YEAR!!)

Now look at the closure- it used the handle “side clips> and the buckle piece from the template, to appear to be the latch!

I used a Basic Grey magnetic closure for this. EASY PEASY!

In the photo I have some YUMMY Strawberry Mango Fruit Twists (they are to DIE FOR!), but in reality I gave her the travelers size of the White Citrus Shower Gel, Lotion and Body Spray ! (body spray was too tall, so I packaged it all up in a large cello bag, and kept that separate) I didn’t get to photograph it that way, and the fruit twists were all I had on hand for this photo! LOL!

Now have about taking some of the NEW! Stamp sets, and creating a card that used VERY different images, yet MATCHES perfectly?!

Pretty Puckered Pattern

Inspired by my packaging colors, I created this card using the Puckered Up Patterns and the Sensational Stems sets!

There is something so vibrant, and fresh to me when white, red and green are combined. When I TYPE it I think Christmas….when you SEE it used in these 2 ways you know otherwise!

I’m in love with this card, I do have to say 😀

The sets this month are truly a fantastic addition to you collection! So many ways to use each one.

Now how about that pattern!

Here is the closeup view

I stamped my pattern then cut the panel.

If you LOOK at the Puckered Up Patterns set I used the 2nd one down on the left, stamped in a Spring Green from Momento. In between the pattern I stamped the smaller puckered like flower, in red, then dotted the centers with my singlo gel pen! EASY PEASY! Think of the variety of patterns and colors this new background building set can allow you!

Too fun.

Supplies

Pretty Packaging © template – Boxed Lunch

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

Pretty Printables © Digital Paper- Fun Flowers

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Cadnied Apple, Meadow, Thistle Stalk

Ink: Momento and SEI

Adhesive label, Buttons by SEI, Brads by SU!, Basic Grey magnetic closure, Ribbon by May Arts, Bottle Caps, singlo gel pen in white.

Well thank you for stopping by again. I hope you found the projects today of inspiration to you! There are several more days full of ideas, so come back tomorrow!

I hope you all have enjoyed the projects shared by myself and the team for the May Release!

We have all been hard at work creating some eye candy for you all to help you get inspired by what you can do with the templates, stamps, and paper!

Today Katie has a super project to share with you all!

Here is what Katie Cotton had to say

A lot of times I’m making gifts for my super crafty friends, but it’s always tricky at what to make or give them that they might actually need!  Making a card maker a set of cards is sometimes a little silly when they make them already!  So i decided to turn the trendy tool tote into a super cute….

Now go Check out Katie‘s blog!

Now it is my turn!

That say’s it all doesn’t it? 

This sentiment is from the Lunch Box Love Notes Additions set!

Gift for teachers should be

1) From the heart! Truly it isn’t how much money you spend, it is always the thought that counts. IF someone can’t appreciate something “from the heart” then they aren’t worth giving anything to the next go round. I have done that in the past when things have gone unappreciated, and didn’t feel bad at all! 

2) Handmade: whenever possible! This doesn’t mean you have to BAKE 100 cookies! Prepackaged / store bought is acceptable and often preferred (from what I have heard). Also things your own children can do to partake is an added bonus for YOU and teacher alike.

 3) Practical-honestly does a teacher REALLY need another coffee mug? Not likely! BUT some COFFEE is a good idea. Of course organization is always a extra plus too.

4) Consumables! Those are always nice and welcome too.

All of that tucked into one thoughtful and functional gift!

That being said I think note-cards, notepads, and anything you can get at an office supply store is a great gift idea for teachers! Even gift cards to office supply places or bookstores!

Going with that theme if you want something that has ALL the qualities from 1-4 I mentioned about how about making a Trendy Tool Tote for the teacher?

What do you think about this?

I shrunk down JUST the front/back panel to 5 1/2 inches wide so it fit my supplies. I had measured the jars, and then adjusted my template, as I didn’t want/need the extra room. By changing just the width, I didn’t need to alter the side panels! I did however alter the handle to be 4 1/2 inches! , as well as my decorative from panel.

I think it is the perfect desk organizer.Finally something cute, and functional that the teacher (male/female) can actually keep on their desk, and get some use out of.

For the front of this I printed my Snips & Snails and Alphabet Soup Pretty Printables Digital paper, then punched into 7/8 inch squares, creating a quilt like block pattern.

The tag is from the All Tied Up! Circle collection. I stamped the flower ring, from Paper Pattern Pieces ©, in a Cranberry Crisp ink. I then layered a circle center of patterned paper, then added my much needed sentiment.

Just look how perfect the supplies we purchased fit inside this!

I added a stapler, and staple puller, ruler, note pad, set of notecards, some pencils, and even created a calculator cover to match!

The hangning tag I created is from the Lunch Box Love Notes © & Additions set.I adore the hanging lunch box tag,for that something extra! It is also a perfect place for your child to write their name!

Now the supplies are stored in smaller version Del Monte Fruit tin’s (that I fed the kids as a snack as I made this) which were rinsed out in the dishwasher, dried well then covered with the School Plaid Collection #2 Pretty Printables © digital paper.

Now cute does that look? Heck, they can even take out the cans and use those separately for dual storage! you can even adhere two or even 4 together to get a mega storage unit!

Perfect gift for ANYONE! Just alter the design to suit thier decor!

Supplies:

Pretty Packaging © template – Trendy Tool Tote

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Lunch Box Love Notes © & Additions , Paper Pattern Pieces ©,

Pretty Printables © Digital Paper- School Plaid Collection 2, Alphabet Soup, and snips and snails

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Sunflower

ohter-cranberry crisp

Ink: Momento

Pretty Pieces © Cut File- All Tied Up! Circle

Buttons by SEI

I hope you come back tomorrow for even more!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

The random.org winner for the Day #3 giveaway was # 59!

(for some reason I can’t get it to paste here :C)

Freida F |

There is just no end to your creativity! These are all sooo fabulous! LOVE the sentiments!
Hope you have a FABULOUS birthday!

 She has won:

Pucker Up template

You choice of Border Builder cut file

Puckered Up Patterns

Sensational Stems

Congrats Freida!!