I’m back!

Make sure you check out all the posts I have shared the last week or so! They are JAM packed with ideas and inspiration.

You will want to read this to the end because we have added a new category to the store 😀

Hope you are having a great weekend. I’m making my post today short and sweet. I spent the day with my niece and have a Super Bowl party to prepare for.

Its been a while since I posted so many days in a row!! I have been a creating machine….and have shared so many various ideas that I hope you have gained some source of inspiration to get creating your own projects in no time.

Pam has a great post to share today. Here is a PEEK

Words from Pam

Hey girls – do you struggle to make some fun stuff for the men in your life? Husbands, or dads, or sons, or grandpas or brothers or uncles… 

etc? If so pop over and check out my little project for you today. 

I’ve used both stamps and a template for you. I hope you’ll enjoy it. 🙂

Check our her blog—>HERE!

I figured it would be a good time to highlight one of our newest Pretty Packaging © templates Under Cover ©. This is a super cute template with SOOOOO many uses and possibilities.You can use it as it is….add a window, make it a shaker box….or of course use it with the Cute Critters Cut Files– Heart Stealer Raccoon ©, and Whooty-Love ©

Today I am sharing the sample that is on the website. This uses some of the products from last month’s release.

This box was filled with truffle filled Hershey Kisses! An entire bag fit in here!

I created the slider cover from Rusty Hinge cardstock. I then added an additional patterned paper layer that I printed using the Pretty Printables Fluttering By © collection. I  combined 2 patterns from the collection to make my own customized pattern. I printed the text in the pink color, then the daisy pattern over it. It made for a stunning pattern. It was fun to customize that.

I used my Cricut Expression with the circle that comes in the software to add a window (for both the slider and decorative cover). I did make the decorative cover circle a 1/4 inch larger. I then covered the circle opening with acetate. The acetate is sandwiched between the pattern paper and slide base layer.

This uses the All A Flutter © image set.

I stamped the butterfly on the acetate window in white stazon, and brushed on some pearlescent pastels.

I stamped the butterfly again on acetate, repeated the pastels, then cut out, attached with a clear glue dot and popped wings forward. So simple, so easy, and so pretty.

I added some flowers, and May Arts ribbon.

For the slider portion of the template, I used the Rusty Hinge colored polka dot pattern from Shutt-erfly © Pretty Printables paper. It was the Perfect accent to the box. If you haven’t tried the paper you should! Its STUNNING!

If you love the look of this collection, you will love what I am about to share next.

We have put together a NEW! Collection of items for you called the Perfect Package ©—->Click here

Now you can choose from 2 different packages, and get a collection of select items at a discount!! Be sure to check it out.

We have a few more collections being added Valentines Day too!

Supplies

Pretty Impressions stamps ©- All A Flutter

Pretty Packaging © template: Under Cover ©

Pretty Printables Paper ©: Shutt-erfly and Flutter-By

Cardstock from Couture Cardstock: OSW white, and Rusty Hinge

Other: acteate, pearlescent pastels from Pebbles Ink, White StazOn May Arts ribbon. Prima Flowers, buttons by Foo Fa la.

Thank you for stopping by! Return tomorrow for even more projects and ideas.

You asked, I listened.

That is my goal as a fellow papercrafter, and store owner.

I spent some time making a video to show you the step by step process for the basic things you need to know when using your Cricut and SCAL for the Pretty Packaging © templates or Pretty Pieces © Cut Files!

VIDEO:

PLEASE NOTE: I had to hold the video in hand, type and record. SORRY!! I hope my camera base gets fixed so I can put it in the tripod next time.

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If you want to safely view  ALL the videos I published on Veoh, please CLICK HERE! 

NOTE: DO NOT CLICK ON THE THUMBNAILS !If you click ON the thumbnails AFTER the video it takes you to the Veoh site. Some of the content there I am told is “R” and even “X”rated (EEK!) and you may not want to do that around young children. So if you just watch the video here on my blog, and avoid the thumbnails you should be OK. Not sure WHY they don’t have ONLY stamp related videos pop up, but I guess some aren’t.

Bottom line: Click at your own risk!

I am not responsible for content that links to the videos from the Veoh site.

Thank you

I also put together a step by step PDF download with the instructions for the basic steps that are covered in the video, so you can utilize your Cricut and SCAL. Now you have both a text and visual reference.

If you for some reason cannot view the video, no worries! All the needed info is attached below.

PDF:

my-time-made-easy-guide-to-using-cricut-with-scal-software.pdf  <—-Click that to download/print/save a PDF of the general instructions for what you will want/need to know to get started in MINUTES!

There are SO many various things you can do with your Cricut. This was made to serve as a quick reference! Play around and have fun with it. Now you can print it out and keep it next to your computer as you get ready to download your Pretty Packaging © template or Pretty Pieces © Cut File!

Since many of you are so nervous, feeling technically challenged, or may be on the fence about learning how to use the Pretty Packaging © templates in our fabulous cut file versions, I want to tell you to CUT IT OUT! (I mean that literally :D) Put down the scissors……and keep reading.

I should make it known that all our Pretty Packaging © templates or Pretty Pieces © Cut Files come in  files for just about every cutting machine available!

We offer our files in PDF-for those of you with a home printers, as well as SVG, WPC, DXF, and GSD.

For more details please read —>HERE.

I want all of you to know that YOU can accomplish ANYTHING. There are NO limits. If I can do something to help you achieve that accomplishment, then I am over the moon to do that for you. I take pride in especially helping you make AMAZING coordinating cards,tags and gifts EASIER and more affordable than ever!

There is no better feeling than learning something you thought impossible.

So with that being said I am here today to show you how to use the Pretty Packaging © template or Pretty Pieces ©Cut File with your Cricut and Sure Cuts A Lot software.

NOTE: The Cricut  is the most popular type of personal cutter, and the one I get the most requests/questions about. It is also the cutting system that I personally use, so that is why I am using this cutter for my tutorial.

I do advise you to look in to ALL other personal cutting machine options before making the choice to purchase one, should you be considering that investment. We all have different prefernces/wants/needs, as well as budgets! Make a decision based on what is best for you.

You may not even want a personal cutter, as you enjoy our PDF version. That is perfectly wonderful. I ensure you that I will continue to always offer my products in that format 😀 No worries!

To get started:

You would need the Cricut, ANY Cricut Cartridge, Sure Cuts A Lot Software, and a USB cable

You can find the Sure Cuts A Lot software for the BEST price I have ever seen–> HERE! YES! There is a MAC version too.

I forgot to mention that they are offering a coupon code right now.  The code will take an additional 10% off of the entire purchase. The code is FEB14 and it expires at midnight EST on 2/14/10.PS I don’t get a commission or ANYTHING from Cricut, or CandaCraft. I just enjoy sharing what I love and a great deal!

MANY of us are visual learners so that is why I put together a quick video for you! I knew once I was able to show you just how easy it is to download  and use our Pretty Packaging © templates or Pretty Pieces ©Cut Files with your Cricut you would feel more confident in knowing YOU can do this.

You can access a FREE Pretty Packaging © template in our store —> Cutesy Cover. Now you can start with a great template RISK FREE!

All our template cut files come with a PDF version. Each template has full color photos, with step by step instructions. It is very clear and easy to understand, no matter what your skill level!

When you download your Pretty Packaging © template or Pretty Pieces © Cut File make a folder for JUST those types of files.

This keeps your files organized so you can easily access them. Then each time you go to obtain a file to cut, it will be readily available in that same folder you opened in the Sure Cuts A Lot program.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. I hope you found it informative and helpful.

Now if you are looking for actual eye candy you will want to see what Tracey Cuccia has in store for you!

Look what she did!

Some words from Tracey Cuccia

“Technology is great, isn’t it?  I think back to even 10 years ago, and it’s AMAZING the things you can do from your PHONE now!  I LOVE my iPhone, and would be lost without it.  I don’t think I could ever go back to LBI (Life Before iPhone – lol).  I can keep in touch with my friends via e-mail or facebook, get the latest news, play games, and even make my grocery list!  So what on EARTH does this have to do with My Time Made Easy???  Let me show you…HERE”

Is that project not CRAZY??!!

I have some samples to share tomorrow ! I have to say creating the pdf document then all the video creating/editing wore me out! LOL! I’ve been busting my butt this release 😀 I actually need to purchase a new computer chair!! LOL!! I kid you not.

Well thanks for checking in!

I also have a very informative post all about the cost effectiveness and benefits of using our AMAZING Pretty Printables © digital paper! So be on the look out for that ( it may even be another video too! depends on the response to that)

I am spending some time with my niece Gabriella (or as we call her Gabba! LOL! OK her parents call her Gabby I call her Gabba) She turns ONE next Friday! OMG! Seems like yesterday…..I’m so looking forward to having her for the day 😀 I could just eat her up. I’ll have to get some photos! She is SO beautiful! She looks a lot like Amber. Reminds me of her too. OH! Where does the time go?

Till tomorrow.

I have a special post for you today all about the Personal Cutting Machine VS. Punches/Die Cuts

First I want you all to make sure when you are done here, you go and see what Kristin Bueter has to share today using the Pretty Packaging © templates: Welcome Home ©

From Kristin: Spring is in the air! Well, a girl can dream can’t she?

I made my own little spring dream house using the Welcome Home © template. Come see all the details —>HERE!

OK back to business 😀

Many of you are on the fence about a personal cutting machine. Many of you already have one!

Some of you may be scared to try it out. This just may be the push you need to see that it is not only easy but in the end, more cost effective.  . I am SO computer challenged and I was able to work my Circut seconds after watching the video that comes with it-and figure out the SCAL all by myself! Let us not forget the TIME you save on cutting, and the SPACE you save on storing.

Today I want to talk about our Pretty Pieces© Cut Files and what an AMAZING value they really are! I don’t just mean “talk” about it, but I am going to actually show you ! Many of us are more VISUAL, so when you see it all laid out, you will be amazed!

This is a visual of the value in Pretty Pieces©  Cut Files vs. the purchase of punches or dies. Don’t get me wrong, I adore my border punches and other die cut type of products, but we are talking about the difference and how you are SAVING MONEY, SPACE and getting the MAXIMUM product for the $.

 As I share all this you can certainly add this chatter to the many benefits to having all my Pretty Packaging © templates in a cut file too 😀 The templates can be easily resized to suit you projects! Larger or smaller, you are maximizing your use from an already AMAZING template. Plus NO CUTTING!! A dream come true. Granted the PDF version of the templates do come together rather quickly, but when you eliminate the CUTTING, you saved even MORE time, which will enable you to make MORE and spend the minutes you DO have designing a FAB project/gift.

When you purchase a  Pretty Pieces © Cut File for ONLY $2.50 you are getting a WORLD of value in that purchase!

Let me SHOW you!

Our first cut file was Flutters and Flowers.

 This cut file has 2 different butterflies,

 some layering flowers, and leaves.

In that cut file you begin with the EXACT size butterfly that you would use for the All A Flutter © stamp set. The butterfly in the Pretty Pieces © Cut File match the stamps perfectly! Now you would use that cut file INSTEAD of a butterfly punch!

You can also get SO many different sizes from one purchase. Anywhere from the smallest of cuts, to the LARGEST!

Take a look below:

This is the 1 1/2 inch solid butterfly next to the resized version of the SAME butterfly at 11 1/2 inches. WOW! That is so cool.

Here is an example of the resizing options from ONE cut file

I took the solid butterflies, and started at 1 inch. I began resizing the butterflies by a 1/4 inch.

So I have 1 inch, then 1 1/4, then 1 1/2……you get the idea.

I started sizing my butterflies at 1 inch. I increased the size by 1/4 inch, up to 11 1/2 inches. That would give me a total of 42 butterflies! That is AMAZING.

This punch is ONE size, bulky, and cost me $15.99.

By NOT purchasing only 17 punches I could have the Cricut Expression AND the Sure Cuts A Lot software!! (Show THAT to your hubby!)

Think of how much it would cost you for 42 different punches! Let alone the STORAGE! 

This is my punch collection.

There are MORE than 42 in this photo alone.

I have more on the other side of this door, and in 3 large tupperware bins

 If I purchased 42 of those punches it would cost me $672!! And I wouldn’t even have the variety of options that the Cut Files give.

 A punch comes in ONE size. Costs anywhere from $5 to $22.

 A die cut often comes in a pack of various sized dies, but is PRICEY, needs a machine (which limits the size of the cardstock you can use, the placement of your shape, and is often not the right size you wanted or needed.

 You can resize these by ANY measurement you wish. You can also add windows or shaped cut out to your projects and templates!

Using your personal cutting machine to create with literally CUTS your costs for supplies!

You may not have ever even thought about how much you can save, and how much MORE you actually get from a cutting machine.

Hopefully this helps you see the value in the products we are offering. I love sharing things I personally love. and that make my life easier, and expand my spending $$ and TIME. This is definitely ONE of those things. My personal cutter was one of the BEST items I have ever invested my $$ in to.

Now how about some projects that utilize the NEWEST Pretty Pieces Cut Files © Cute Critters: Whooty-Love and Heart Stealer Raccoon.

I dream papercrafts. I don’t say that as a euphemism I REALLY do. I have a notebook that I keep on the counter so that I can quickly jot down an idea in the middle of the night. Jay will wake up in the morning sometime and say, I take if you didn’t really SLEEP to well since it looks like you were busy dreaming of work!

If everyone had a job they enjoyed as much as I do mine, the world would be a HAPPY place. 

I am constantly thinking packaging. It doesn’t end.

Sometimes you have a dream….and it is just that! One crazy dream of something that makes NO sense once the fog of sleep disappears. Then sometimes the reality is better than what you imagined it to be!
That is exactly what happened with the Pretty Pieces Cut Files © Heart Stealer Raccoon, and Whooty Love.

When I began working with the tangible stamp form of Critters with Heart, all I could think ablout was HOW to make them into a BOX. I knew I wanted to do something, but wasn’t really sure WHAT. I’d seen some brown paper bag puppets in the store, and that was MY AH! HA!! moment.

To me, the bags were a bit cheesy. A great kids project, but I wanted cute and durable!

I KNEW at that moment that I wanted to do some sort of box body, and use the elements of the Critters with Heart © set to create these. That proved to be a whole other task! Upon reviewing the animals I have to decide WHAT would be the cutest for the boxes.

It was decided that the Raccoon and Owl would be the best for the task.

Without further delay here is Heart Stealer Raccoon

Is he not the SWEETEST creature you have ever seen? I love him to pieces.

This Cut File coordinates with our Under Cover © template (which has many uses of its own :D). I will share some uses for that box by itself another day.

I made my Under Cover © template, and the Raccoon head, ear base, arms, legs and tail from Sleuth cardstock. It is a pale grayish color. Assembled my Under Cover © Template.

I used my Raven Cardstock and cut his tail again, inner ear, and belly.

The Cut Fileincludes the PDF printed version of the face, but there is also an ALL cut file piece for those elements should you wish to do that. I went with the PDF version of the face as it is perfectly cute and QUICK 😀 The eyes have black pebbles from Cloud 9. PERFECT fit. I used some pastels to add some color to the cheek.

I then just added all the elements to the box. I chose to use dimensionals for a 3D effect. How cute can one box get? Imagine a class of kids making these for Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, any friends birthday! OH! ADORABLE!

Even my SON approved! Now you KNOW its good 😀

For the tail, I cut that twice (as stated above). The base of the tail was in Sleuth. I then cut the Raven colored tail into 1/2 inch strips and adhered it to the main tail! I even scored it down the center and curled the ends a bit 😀 Imagine adding Fun Flock or Flower Soft?! OH!! LOVE!

He is holding a felt heart sticker. Tag has You stole my heart from the Critters with Heart © stamp set. I stamped the heart image from the You’ve Got Mail set 😀

Would you believe this goes together in like 10 minutes, once the file is cut?

I don’t think this could get any cuter! (actually it CAN! LOL! I will share more of that another day).

Now how about some Whooty-Love?

I love unexpected colors, but when you design with a bird I guess there is no color limits. I wanted something BRIGHT and CHEERY.

This project was inspired by this one….

I have SO many ideas for colors of this owl!! (this was from another post the other day)

I used a teal colored cardstock for the Under Cover © base, as well as the owl head base, wings, and tail (you can’t see that in the photo). I then used the lighter aqua colored cardstock for the 2nd face layer.

I decided to use the PDF version of the face (printed, layered, and cut twice) and the adorable printed belly 😀 I colored the eyes lids, beak and belly with my copic markers. I added glitter to the belly, and the smaller wings I decided to add.

Of course flowers make everything heavenly.

My sentiment is from Critters with Heart ©.

 Supplies:

Pretty Packaging templates:Under Cover ©, Heart Stealer Raccoon ©, Whooty-Love ©

Pretty Impressions Stamps: Critters with Heart ©

Cardstock from Couture Cardstock

Copic Markers

Gingham ribbon, Craft Seam binding ribbon from Martha Stewart

Prima Flowers, Glitter, Felt heart sticker

Epoxy sticker by Could 9, adhesive rhinestone

Well that is it for today. Believe it or not I have much more yet to share 😀 So stop by tomorrow.

I hope you enjoyed everything I had to share today.

I really hope you are getting inspired by all the projects that we are all sharing with you! Many of you will have the NEW! images delivered to your mailbox any time now.

Today Mona has an adorable project using the Pretty Packaging template Welcome Home © So go check it out—>HERE!

“MTME from My Home To Yours – planting seeds of friendship”

Today I am going to share some of my most favorite projects with you! They should definitely inspire so many various ideas.

I will be focusing on Critters with Heart © You can definitely check out the last few posts as I have randomly shared some other projects ideas with you.

This is an adorable set that is perfect for ANY time of year, when you want to say something sweet to the one you love. These CUTE little critters all have something in common-each was designed based on a heart! Add a punny sentiment and you are sure to warm the heart of anyone who receives something created with this set.

42 hearts were used in this set!

Can you see the hearts?

• Porcupine – has a heart shaped face, and nose
• Owls – heart shaped face, beak and wings
• Raccoon – heart shaped face, nose, ears, and tail! He/she is also holding a heart in his/her hands
• Little Chick – wings started as a heart, but got separated to make is adorable bird, and the nose was a heart too!
• Chickens – they have heart shaped wings, and the body was a upside-down heart, that was altered. Also the feathers atop their head…..two hearts!
• Piggy – the body was also an upside-down heart, as was the face. Also has heart shaped ears, nose and little heart prints on its bottom!
• Mouse – an obvious heart shared face and nose. Who would have thought that a mouse could be SO CUTE?

Sentiments Include:

• I’m stuck on you
• Owl always love you
• Whoo’s having a birthday?
• You stole my heart
• A little birdie told me…
• What’s up chick?
• You’re a hoot!
• You crack me up
• I love you “sow” much
• You make my heart squeal
• Happy Bird-day!
• Just chicken in

This set is also available in the Digital Format!!

Now you can download these images immediately and get started on making some of the cutest projects. Digital images are wonderful because they can be resized, cropped, layered, colored, flipped…..endless possibilities! Step by Step photo directions are included with every digital stamp download file. They teach you how to crop, color and resize! In just a few clicks you will be making wonderful gifts, cards, treats and tags!

I used the Digital stamp image here to create a little piggy jar!

This little piggy

This little jar was purchased in the Bridal section at Michael’s. You can buy a large pack of these cute candy jars for only $9.99 (after 50%off coupon)

This is a super sweet and simple treat idea!

I simply resized my digital stamp image of the pig’s head to be about 2 inches big! I printed it twice onto pink cardstock, then cut it out!

I layered the eyes and snout on dimensionals for a more realistic look, then Layered it on my jar lid (which I already covered with a punched pink circle). Tied a bow around the “neck”.

Then I took a pink pipe cleaner-which was cut down, wrapped it around a pencil, added a clear glue dot the the back of the jar, and adhered the curly tail I made……and BAM! ADORABLE pig jar. This took only a couple of minutes to make.

This is filled with only PINK peanut M&M’s. Does it get ANY cuter?

I think so!

You make my heart squeal

I squealed with delight after this project came together in about a minute!

I stamped the mouse tail onto my cardstock base. Added a SWEET Dove Chocolate candy with a glue dot.  They also have other heart shaped candies for sale like store brand or REESE Peanut Butter cups in hearts this year (they didn’t last till I actually made this projects! OOPS! ). YOu could even use this concept for Lollipops!!! Now that would be CUTE! I then stamped my mouse head on pink cardstock, cut out, ad added with a glue dot. Easy Peasy! The kids could definitely make these!

Well this set is certainly geared towards sending love ALL year long, but me being a mom, and having THREE kids in school, each with about 20 kids per class, I like to try to be economical and have my kids MAKE their own valentines.

It can’t get much easier, and certainly not any cuter!

Then I came up with this idea the other day that I think is SOOOOO cute.

Stuck on you

This uses the adorable Under Cover © Pretty Packaging template. I used my Cricut to cut the circle when I cut my template sliding cover. This made it ULTRA quick! I was also able to cut my white layer too.

I stamped the heart argyle from Argyle Amazement on the decorative band I made. I LOVE that set. I LOVE  the heart argyle. It was inspired by a sweater my daughters have. The argyle is so versatile.

 I then made the top a shaker box, using the Stampin Up! treat cups! I often use Crystal Light cups but they are frosted so you wouldn’t be able to see the heart confetti/glitter.

I stamped my porcupine in black StazOn, onto the cup bottom.

I filled the cup with some heart glitter. Adhered a piece of acetate to the cup bottom to keep the glitter in, and still allow you to get a PEEK in the box!

For my porcupine I took my singlo gel pen in a peachy color and colored the inside of the cup, so you can see the ADORABLE porcupine face. Put a adhesive heart shaped rhinestone on the nose 😀

Filled this up with some M&M’s and it was done!

Supplies:

This little piggy

Pretty Impressions Stamps: Critters with Heart Digital image

Cardstock: Couture Cardstock: Sweetheart

White singlo gel pen

Glass jar from Michael’s

May Arts ribbon

M&M’s

You make my heart squeal

Pretty Impressions Stamps: Critters with Heart

Cardstock: Couture Cardstock: Sweet Heart, OSW white, raven

Scallop heart border punch by Martha Stewart

Dove Chocolate

Gingham Ribbon

Stuck on you

Pretty Impressions Stamps: Critters with Heart , Argyle Amazement

Pretty Packaging template: Under Cover ©

Cardstock: Couture Cardstock: Candied Apple, OSW white, raven

acetate

Ink: Black StazOn, singlo gel pen, red, pink and berry

Shaker cup by SU!

Heart glitter/confetti

Adhesive heart rhinestone

Grosgrain ribbon in black

So that is all for today! I have MUCH more to share with you for tomorrow, so stay tuned!!

Hope you are enjoying all the projects the team and I have had to share 😀

Today Katie Cotton has an amazing sample for you. So be sure to check her out!

Here is a peek:

As soon as Lauren sent us the template for Welcome Home I instantly fell in love and knew just what I wanted to do with it!  I wanted to fashion it into a bank and use it to accept donations for the Thornwell Children’s Home, a cause my church regularly supports.  I wanted the little home to have the feel of being surrounded and filled with Love!  Using the super cute heart from You’ve Got Mail and digi paper from Cute Critters, I feel like I’ve accomplished my mission!  This little box will sit next to a box of cards that church members may “purchase” with all the proceeds going to the Children’s Home.It is so funny to me how one simple idea, can spark another, then that idea turns into yet another…..with a totally different outcome.

That is basically how my brain works. I generally am working on a project, and “something” within that project spurs and idea, that causes me to stop dead in my tracks, and implement my “vision”. If only I had more crafting hours in a day (sigh).

So this is the story of how Welcome Home © was created!

It began with a card…..

A little bird told me…

Inside it says “that you are adding an egg to the nest”

One of our friends is expecting their second baby! People usually don’t acknowledge a blessing like that, if it isn’t your first. I always try to make as big of a deal as I can no matter HOW many kids they have.

I had my adorable little bird from Critters with Heart ©, all stamped, colored and cut out. I even added a page pebble to the body (SO CUTE!). I had bought this really sweet mini birdhouse, on a stand (at Target) that I was going to dress up and put my little bird on. Once I got to stamping I felt the NEED to be more creative! I just couldn’t put it on that house!

 So I thought…. how cute it would be to create my own little house shaped card. I could use a LARGE button has the “bird hole”!

I thought…..and thought. I was looking at another project I had done using the house image from You’ve Got Mail. That is when the lights in my head came on. Truth be told I think that SIMPLE house it that set is just the cutest house ever! So small and simple. I just love it. So…..I decided to use that as my inspiration for the “birdhouse” card.

I got to creating by using my house stamp from You’ve Got Mail © as my “template”. Before I knew it this card was created.

I just layered 2 house pieces together. I scored the pack piece a 1/4 inch, and adhered to my card front with Scor-Tape. CUTE! CUTE! I kept it simple since I wanted the focus to be that cute lil bird!

Once it was ALL done I thought it would be the cutest cut file! I knew if I posted the card people would ask for it. So it became a cut file.

Then I moved on to make another sample with it.

Another reason I wanted a simple house shaped card….

You’ve Got Mail © is an ADORABLE mail set for ALL occasions! I’ve already received MANY suggestions of add-ons too :DI thought it would be perfect ON the house shaped card!

This was the TINY peek you saw the other day.

I love this set to pieces. SO versatile.

Once I made the mailbox, and added some flower soft I was in love. I used the Argyle Amazement © set for some detail, and was about done with my would be “card”.

As I completed it I thought “Wow! This would make a cute basket/box to give a gift in!” I planned on making a VERY simple connecting piece. As I got started I decided that I want it enclosed!

So one thing lead to another……

and the tab tuck in method was complete!

I was bouncing at the possibilities!

Now it is really cute like this, but sometimes you *may* want to add a roof. This is an option that is included with the instructions.

So there you have it! HOW this particular project turned from almost never being, to a cut file, grown template! Sometimes my brain is much faster than my hands!! Thankfully I was able to keep up. Often I end up just sketching stuff because I can’t get to it yet.

This is an adorable house shaped template that can be used over and over again!!

Be it for holidays, or every day. Welcome Home © is an ADORABLE house shaped box, with a fun tabbed tuck in closure. Those of you with personal cutters, this can really extend the possibilities of this template for sure!

Use the front and back panels as a shaped card, tag or scrapbook embellishment. I used it on a tag in a previous post.

Use it as a gift box for any occasion such as Welcome Home, Welcome to the Neighborhood, from our house to your house, get well, cheer up, thinking of you……you get the idea.

Fill it with a small house planter, flower seeds, coffee, tea, candles, bath products, a stuffed animal or doll, maybe some art supplies for a child to “decorate” it (perfect for a little party too!! VERY inexpensive party favor-turned party project). Endless uses and EASY to assemble.

Sometimes we just need a quick and cute shaped box! Nothing that takes too long to assemble, but still says “I care” so I made this for you. This one certainly fits that description.

All there is to decide is what project idea using this template will you “welcome”?

Now another idea I have is to show how you can MAXIMIZE your supplies! If you see a style or design it can be adapted to just about any type of project!

I took all the same elements in the 2 Welcome Home © samples, and created a third. How about a You’ve Got Mail © template to match?

Our friends just moved in together so we wanted to bring them a little something for their scantly decorated apartment 😀

So I used this set for presenting our gift.

Inside this Welcome Home © gift box I have THIS scented oil warmer.

I didn’t get a photo because I just filled it today.

In here I have a gift card to Yankee Candle so they can pick out their own scent for the Oil Warmer. I also added a fee Peanut-butter Lindt Chocolates, to “fill” it.

Not really a GUY gift…..but it may mask the odor from his dirty socks that he leaves all over the house! LOL! AH! NEW love!!

Supplies:

A little birdie…

Pretty Impressions © stamps: Critters with Heart

Pretty Packaging © templates: Welcome Home ©

Cardstock: Couture Cardstock:Rusty Hinge, Ganache

Ink: Copic markers, Pallette brown

Prima Flowers, Satin mini flowers by M’s,Adhesive Pearls,

Making Memories Page Pebble, Button by Foo Fa La

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Welcome Home

Pretty Impressions © stamps: You;ve Got Mail, Argyle Amazement

Pretty Packaging © templates: Welcome Home

Cardstock: Couture Cardstock: Rusty Hinge, Ganache, OSW white

Prima Flowers and Adhesive Pearls, brad

Scor-Pal to create lines in house.

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You’ve Got Mail : Welcome Home

Pretty Impressions © stamps: You’ve Got Mail, Argyle Amazement

Pretty Packaging © templates:

Cardstock: Couture Cardstock: Rusty Hinge, OSW White SU!: Cameo Coral

Flower soft, Prima Flower, adhesive pearls and brad.

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Well that is all for today.

I hope you enjoyed the samples today.

 So much more to share tomorrow! Until then.

Well I hope you are ready to see some more great projects! I’m long winded again, so be prepared!

I apologize for that. I just can’t help myself. When I get excited I RAMBLE and spew every thought imaginable.

So when you are done here…….Be sure to check out the Design Team: )

My Time Made Easy LLC Store

All projects shared are from the February Release at My Time Made Easy © LLC

Each design team member is sharing a various template/stamp project combo for you! You are sure to be inspired. One of the best things about our collection is the INSTANT availability.

Today I am sharing some samples using the Pretty Packaging called Happy Mail ©, and our stamp set Critters with Heart ©!

Critters with Heart © is so super cute! Read the details on this set HERE. It is available in digital format, and our acrylic images! It wasn’t created to coordinate with the Happy Mail © template, but it does go so well together.

Owl always love you-

CUTE! CUTE! CUTE!

Did I say cute? I LOVE the owl. Owls actually have a heart shaped face if you look closely enough. I love the 2 owls in this set. I made them because my girls LOVE owls. They actually have owl bedding in their bedroom. I had to make 2-one for Alexa and one for Amber (at least that is what I was told to do! LOL!)

I make LOTS of girly stuff. It just comes EASY.This was my attempt at a BOY themed mailbox. Sadly I could NOT resist the urge to add the flowers :C It just felt perfect. I quickly saw the BOY themed mailbox idea slide away as I added the 5 flowers. Still, it is perfect. Noah “carefully” ripped the flowers off before putting it in his room. He was nice enough to hand them back to me so I could “re-use” them on a project that wasn’t for him  (that was rather funny).

I’m in love with the heart pattern in the  Cute Critters  © Digital Paper. On the flag I used the Darling Dots © pattern. Did you realize you can print s amall swatch for projects like that? So cool

 I thought this was a great mix of colors boy or girl!

I wanted to play up on the 2 blues in the pattern, to make it boyish. A collection of colors I’ve never used together, but work (I think! LOL!). I know I am guilty of not doing enough boyish/masculine projects. When I showed this one to my hubby he was NOT liking it AT ALL! I almost ditched it all together. The more I looked at it, it grew on me 😀 So no matter what he thinks, I think I like it.

I thought that the Jolly Rancher candies were a PERFECT match. Noah LOVES candy, and the dentist LOVES Noah. He was in heaven over this treat.

My own children have loved using this template, and I will share some photos of their works of he”art” later this week. Every afternoon we have a craft hour. The kids and I do a “project”. This is where the templates come in handy!!

This is how I balance “family” and “mommy time”. They get my time first (and are usually sick of me by the end of the hour) and then I can do what I want/need for craft time, and NOT feel so guilty! They are ready to take some time to spend on their own. It is good for mommy and good for the kids to learn to occupy themselves as well. They are old enough to do that too, so that helps too.

Often my girls will move on to a solo craft project, and Noah, well he’d rather ditch craft/mommy time for video games ANY day!

See. Here are the girls during craft time. Hard at work. Amber is stamping, Alexa is coloring….and Noah looks BORED TO DEATH!

and another one….BORED! BORED! BORED! I don’t think he touched the mailbox at all.

I did manage to get a smile out of him.

See they have their own space with their own supplies, so I don’t have to fret over my things getting ruined. Kids LOVE having their own craft supplies, and being able to use them as they see fit. This is where we do all our art projects. The playroom is right off my craft room so I can easily help out when needed too.

We are still completing the details on our mailboxes, that is why we are delayed. We had to take a “creative break” to attend some birthday parties, and go and see Disney Princesses On Ice! THAT was amazing. Poor Alexa was TRAUMATIZED by the fact that Snow White dies after eating the apple! They even put her in a “coffin”, to only wheel her off and complete her happy ending later in the show. BOY did that make some of the show unbearable. We tried to tell her it wasn’t “real”, but she is very literal, and couldn’t get past what she SAW. Anyway….thankfully the Prince kissed her awake before intermission! LOL! I’m excited to get to sharing some more photos of my kids and their artsy stuff. Seems like forever since I’ve posted anything here with them :C BAD MOMMY.

OK now I have another sample using Happy Mail ©

Sending you Sunshine

For this sample I chose to use the ADORABLE little chickie in the set, and combined it with the sentiments and images from You’ve Got Mail ©!

How cute is that lil chickie? Love him in red & yellow. I also love lots of dimension. It is just one of those things that is quick and easy, but makes a huge impact on a project! On this the bird is popped up as is the umbrella.

This is SO spring to me.

I have to say this umbrella patterned paper from the A Loving Heart © collection is my FAVORITE! Kristin did an amazing job on all the paper! No surprise there.

I was SO inspired by the umbrellas in  the pattern that I mimicked the design on my mail flag.

I stamped the umbrella on my flag in brown ink. I stamped it again on some scrap paper, and cut it out. I added Flower Soft to it, so like the paper, flowers appeared to overflow from it. LOVE THAT!!

Now my idea of sending someone a CHEER UP sort of gift, is something along the lines of pampering

Inside the mailbox I put a pedicure set from the Target $1 spot, and some nail polish. Nothing overly fancy, but it sure makes a super cute gift, don’t you think?

This template truly  goes together in a snap.

Now obviously this template is your “traditional” mailbox! If you are like me, you have scoured store isles in search of the tin version of this, year after year. The FUNNY thing about the tin version is we buy it to ALTER/COVER! LOL! Why not make your own from cardstock?

This makes it customizable, easy and AFFORDABLE! Now you can make one for everyone, and afford to fill’er up! Cardstock usually costa a MAX of 0.20 cents a sheet, and this can use ONE 12 X 12 piece!

Don’t forget you can easily resize the template if you have a personal cutting machine, to suit larger or smaller projects. Even better.

You know I love matchy matchy stuff. Every good gift needs a card right?

Speaking of smaller projects…..did you see our Love Notes © Cut Files?

 I wanted to whip up a simple card to tuck inside my template.

Here I used the  cut files to create my card. Same design as the mailbox. Scallop layer in white. Main card layer in red. You don’t have to add the scallop layer, but it sure is PRETTY! The patterned paper being my main layer. Quick and cute.

Then I made my envelope pocket. It is just a cute pocket that your heart shaped card can slip in to.

Now how cute would these be for Valentines day? You’d pay MORE for ONE box of valentines that this cut file! Your children can have the fun and pride of making their own too!

On this I made the scallop layer meant for the heart notecard, larger, so it layered on to my heart pocket. I used the You’ve Got Mail set to decorate it too. Cute eh?

Another FAB project for the kids to do of ALL ages! My kids LOVE the Critters with Heart set!

Noah’s favorite is the porcupine. Amber loves the owls and Alexa, she loves the pig! LOL!

What is YOUR favorite Critter in the set? I’d love to hear it!

Thank you for stopping by! Lots more to come tomorrow, so I hope to see you back here.

I am so excited! I feel like I could just jump out of my own skin (in a very good way of course).

I’ve been called a workhorse all my life. It’s so true. Especially when it is something I LOVE or believe in. I pour every ounce of myself into everything I do, and I hope in some way it inspires you.

 Seriously, this release was SO beyond FUN for me, that I think you will clearly see just by the projects/samples I have to share this week. My children even had fun creating, as you will see as the week progresses.

So let me shout it from the roof tops-My Time Made Easy ™ LLC February Release is here!!

There is a LOT to share, so grab that extra large cup of coffee and prepare to be inspired! I have been a creating machine, so come by every day this week for posts FULL of ideas. You can also browse the projects in the store. I will have more details on those this week. This could EASILY be the post that never ends if I share everything at once! LOL!

I hope you are looking forward to a load of inspiration! I am just over the moon for this release! If you like cutesy, you’ll LOVE this release. We have an entire line of unique coordinating stamps, templates, digital paper, and cut files (which this month are available in PDF format too!)

Those of you who are  terrified the the words “digi paper”, “digi stamps” and even the templates….. no worries! Don’t be! Don’t forget we offer FREE Digital paper, a free templates and now even a free digital stamp for you to try so you can ensure that you are able to work with everything, and ask ANY questions you may have, before even ever making a purchase!

This collection of coordinating items is perfect for ANY time of year!! It is all about staying to touch with with ones you love!

Now it is easier than ever to send that something special for any occasion. Whatever you send, it is sure to suit the occasion and warm their heart. Near of far, sending something special to the one you love is so important!

Be sure to check out the Design Team: (Each one is sharing a various template/stamp project combo for you! You are sure to be wowed)

My Time Made Easy LLC Store

Just click the highlighted linked words, for a direct link to the store category! Once you are there, you can click on the products of interest-and that will give you more complete information about it.

For example, if it is a template, it will tell you the completed project size, and some information about the template like what is may coordinate with.

 For example:  You’ve Got Mail © stamp image coordinates perfectly with the You’ve Got Mail © template.

Let’s get started.

 February Release:

3 NEW! Pretty Impressions images: and 3 NEW! Digital Pretty Impressions images

Argyle Amazement ©

As it’s name states: This is an amazing argyle background building set!! Argyle is one of the hottest pattern trends, so this is a MUST have set! Creating numerous argyle themed backgrounds has never been more fun, or easy.

You’ve Got Mail © (It is a little large so click it to view)

 Nothing is better than sending or receiving something in the mail to let someone special you know, that you are thinking of them. This stamp set was designed to be an adorable take on the large postal box that sits outside your post office, or on the street, has perfect images for sending that special message! Coordinates perfectly with the You’ve Got Mail © template!

Critters with Heart © (available in BOTH acrylic and digital images)

These images are sure to steal your heart!! These CUTE little critters all have something in common-each was designed based on a heart! Add a punny sentiment and you are sure to warm the heart of anyone who receives something created with this set. Make sure you see the Cute Critters © Cut File and digital paper too!

FREE! Walter and Waverly Wiggles © Digital Image

Can the usually ugly underwater sea creature, the octopus,  get any cuter? I don’t think so! This is a super cute, and whimsical octopus couple, that was designed so that you can give our digital images a try, risk free!

All A Flutter ©- Our first release of butterfly images is now available in the Digital format too! This was our very first stamp release. These butterfly images were in high demand for being offered in digital format!

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4 NEW! Pretty Packaging © templates 

You will want to go to the website for a complete view of these.

You’ve Got Mail ©

 This is an amazing 3D version of the postal box featured in our You’ve Got Mail stamp set!  You’ve Got Mail © has a whole new meaning when you package something in here 😀

Happy Mail ©

This is the cutest 3D “mail box”. There is nothing like getting “happy mail”!  We all love going to the mailbox and getting a unexpected surprise. Well, now you can GIVE  the surprise IN the mailbox itself! Could getting “happy mail” be any cuter, or EASIER!Welcome Home © This is an adorable house shaped template that can be used over and over again!!Be it for holidays, or every day. Welcome Home © is an ADORABLE house shaped box, with a fun tabbed tuck in closure.Those of you with personal cutters, this can really extend the possibilities of this template for sure! Use the front and back panels as a shaped card, tag or scrapbook embellishment. Under Cover ©  This is a super simple, yet simply sweet slider box, that you will want to recreate over and over again! So many possibilities.

Welcome Home ©

This is an adorable house shaped template that can be used over and over again!!

Be it for holidays, or every day. Welcome Home © is an ADORABLE house shaped box, with a fun tabbed tuck in closure. Those of you with personal cutters, this can really extend the possibilities of this template for sure!

Use the front and back panels as a shaped card, tag or scrapbook embellishment.

Use it as a gift box for any occasion such as Welcome Home, Welcome to the Neighborhood, from our house to your house, get well, cheer up, thinking of you……you get the idea.

Fill it with a small house planter, flower seeds, coffee, tea, candles, bath products, a stuffed animal or doll, maybe some art supplies for a child to “decorate” it (perfect for a little party too!! VERY inexpensive party favor-turned party project). Endless uses and EASY to assemble.

Sometimes we just need a quick and cute shaped box! Nothing that takes too long to assemble, but still says “I care” so I made this for you. This one certainly fits that description.

All there is to decide is what project idea using this template will you “welcome”?

Under Cover ©

This is a super simple, yet simply sweet slider box, that you will want to recreate over and over again! So many possibilities. Perfect for any party, event, or a project for a rainy day. When you want something to WOW them, but have little time, this is the template for you. The box insert simply slides out to reveal whatever treasure you tucked in there.

*This template was created to coordinate with the Heart Stealer Raccoon © and the Whooty-Love © Pretty Pieces Cut Files ©*

This transforms this template into a Whooty-Love Owl, or a cute Heart Stealer Raccoon! You don’t want to miss out on those possibilities. Whether you use the template as is, combine it with our Pretty Pieces Cut Files ©, or add a window……they hide the perfect treat inside! Design it to be large, or small, no matter what, it will leave people asking “What is under this cover?”

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3 NEW! Pretty Pieces Cut Files (also available in PDF format)

Love Notes ©

Creating little love notes have never been more fun and easy! This file makes the most adorable love notes with matching slide-in heart shaped pocket for any occasion. These were designed to coordinate with, and fit inside the You’ve Got Mail © and Happy Mail © template. This file includes a heart shaped template to create a quick and cute pocket to hold the heart shaped card, with larger scallop mat layer, along with several layered decorative hearts. You will be making Love Notes of all sizes when you purchase this cut file. Now it is time to send a little love!

Whooty-Love © (See website for sample)

Whooo doesn’t love an adorable owl?  Well how about an adorable owl box? We took our Whooty-Love owl image from the Critters with Heart © Pretty Impressions© stamp set, and made him into an adorable coordinating 3D box! This goes together in minutes. So easy, the kids can do it too! Heart Stealer Raccoon ©

Heart Stealer Raccoon © (See website for sample)

This 3D raccoon is sure to steal any ones heart! Imagine the look on the face of the loved on who receives this!Perfect to hold that something special. We took our Raccoon image from the Critters with Heart © Pretty Impressions © stamp set, and made him into an adorable coordinating 3D box! You will want to see it to believe it.

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5 NEW! Pretty Printables © Digital Paper:

Cute Critters ©

 This cute paper pack features 6 designs with fresh, fun and colorful patterns. It was designed to coordinate with the Critters with Heart © as well as the You’ve Got Mail © Pretty Impressions © stamp set! Cute doesn’t even begin to describe the adorable arrangement of patterns! You will be using it over and over again. Add it to ANY of the Pretty Packaging templates for an easy coordinating gift set that is sure to melt someones heart!

A Loving Heart ©

This package of patterned paper appeals to the more elegant yet whimsical side of designer paper lovers. We used colors that coordinate with our Darling Dots ©, and GaGa for Gingham © Pretty Printables © digital paper collections. This collection is sure to add that needed touch of elegance to any project.Darling Dots ©

Darling Dots ©

This has an amazing arrangement of colors in one of the hottest pattern trends : Polka Dots!!There will be no lack of color choices with the darling pack of polka dot patterned paper! This collection of polka dot paper was designed to coordinate with the GaGa for Gingham ©, as well as A Loving Heart © and the Cute Critters © Pretty Printables © digital paper collections.

GaGa for Gingham ©

Well, just like it’s name-this collection of Gingham paper, in a amazing variety of 12 colors will certainly have you going GaGa for it!

This collection of gingham was designed to coordinate with the Darling Dots, as well as A Loving Heart © and the Cute Critters © Pretty Printables © digital paper collections. There will be no loss if inspiration once this collection gets in hand.

Last but not least the Color Me Collection ©

Love Notes ©

This is a collection of 9 black and white patterned pieces of designer paper!

Each page can be used for printing on your white cardstock to allow you to use whatever color medium you choose to “color” in the images. This collections give you quick and cute patterns that YOU can choose the color combination for. Or you can even choose to print it on colored cardstock.

Love Notes © is from our Color Me Pretty collection of totally customizable black and white patterned paper! Let your creativity take the lead – whether you color the images by hand, print on them on colored cardstock or layer them over your favorite patterned paper and then print, the possibilities are endless!Our Love Notes© paper is designed to coordinate with the Cute Critters© and A Loving Heart© collections.

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So now let me share my samples for the day.

Today the focus will be on You’ve Got Mail ©- both the template and set of images.

 This is a coordinating Pretty Impressions © stamp set, and Pretty Packaging template ©, for you guessed it: sending something special via mail theme.

Never have I ever seen a stamp set, or template like the one I am about to share. It makes the PERFECT card and gift packaging for ANY occasion-which I think we ALL love. The idea was an interchangeable image for a mailbox.

So let me share more about the stamp set: You’ve Got Mail ©

This set has 38 images! The image pieces are used to layer elements on a mail box (or the postage stamp). Sample can be seen on website.

Now for this set there are a bunch of “everyday” images, with coordinating sentiments, that can be placed on the FRONT of each mailbox. You can change it up to suit whatever occasion you choose. The images are also wonderful on their own too (as you will see).

 When you look at an actual USPS postal box, this is the place where you usually see the post office schedule for pick up, and often the bird icon appears on the side or the front as well.  I thought it would be fun to be able to create some images just like this, and of course, how cute would a 3D template to match be??

The stamps are also able to be used on the template too! Wait until you see 😀

Here is a sample of the card:With Love

Isn’t this so cute? I went with a “love” theme in honor of Valentines Day. I love red, black and white together.

I made my actual card look like a large postage stamp. I simply punched 1/2 circle around the black mat layer.

This post office box was stamped in black. I used the layering images within the set to color the letter door. That door was cut “open” using my hobby blade. I then popped it open and put one of the little letter images popping out, and scattered across the card. TOO FUN!

I also stamped the front of the mailbox red, using the additional layer in the set. This makes it SOOOO easy. You can also color the entire box, or paper piece with patterned paper.

For the image center on my mailbox, I used the solid heart block stamped in black, and stamped the smaller single heart in red, inside that.

There is a “postage stamp” image in the set that you can build upon. You can easily layer any of the images and sentiments within the set to create all sorts of “stamps”.

Can it get ANY cuter?

In this creation I used the postage stamp, and the heart for my “stamp”. I added the 10 cent sentiment, and the “with love”. I adore the possibilities this set has.

Now I knew upon creation of this stamp set that I would HAVE to figure out a way to create a cardstock version. C’mon does it get any better than that?

 You’ve Got Mail © template (with more to come!)

Sending Love

Those of you who said it was going to be like a USPS mail box were correct!! There are many things you can do with this template, and it is a wonderful size for adding so many wonderful treats!

I designed it to be similar to my card above.

I stamped my door image, and the front image too. Perfect for the template. I love matchy matchy!! Now it is EASY PEASY.

We even have some pretty mat layers for you to easily dress up the template

It is SO much like the real thing. It even has the cute leg base 😀

No detail was spared. Best part is, like EVERY template I have ever designed, it is EASY for YOU (no matter what skill level you are) to assemble.

We have full color, step by step photos , with clear written directions and now that you can get these to work with every cutting machine on the market, easy to whip out too! Plus let’s not forget the ability to resize with the click of a button.

You can now afford to give treats to anyone, near of far. That is the best part 😀

Now you may be wondering….what are you going to put in there?

How about this

Do you not LOVE it? This is a JUMBO Chocolate Hershey Kiss! Fits right inside.

Now that is what I call sending LOVE! That is definitely the kind of kiss I want to get in the mail 😀 Of course the mini versions are a diet friendly option too 😀

Who wouldn’t feel loved if they got this?

Are YOU in love with this stamp/template combo yet?

Well, I have even more to share…..

How about seeing some CARDS? I told you that this set makes some REAL great images for cards…..so let me share that.

Cheer Up!

How cute can a SIMPLE card be?

This one was made in under 5 minutes!

 You could use this layout and create a gift set with EVERY image block in the set for an amazing assortment of cards for a gift. You can also just change out the colored layer for a new color each time.

I stamped the postage stamp image in teal. Then I stamped the flower block (lightly for a distressed look) in black ink. Colored in my flowers, with copic marker, cut out and layered it.

Simple,

This is sure to cheer up anyone!

Speaking of cheering up…how about sending some sunshine?

Another under 5 minute card using some more image blocks from the You’ve Got Mail © set.

I love the bright colors. Each image is popped out on a dimensional.

The sun has glitter on it-naturally 😀

Now let me move on to a favorite of mine-the little house image.

From my To your

This little house is the image that spurred me to design the super cute (and quick to assemble) Welcome Home © Pretty Packaging template. I just fell in love with its simplicity.

This sentiment is suppose to mean : From my ” house”  To your “house”. It can also be used with the heart image above as well!

(The red gingham paper is our GaGa for Gingham paper collection :D)

My design team member Tracey suggested this sentiment in honor of a PSF name Pam. She said that everyone has sentiments that states ” from “our” house”. Well what if there is no OUR. What about SINGLE people, or if it is just from you? So I agreed and added this sentiment to the set, just for Tracey and Pam 😀

There is also a WELCOME (perfect for the baby carriage in the set (as is special delivery) and HOME MADE sentiment for the house image too.

Speaking of the house (you will see more on the template VERY soon! I promise)

I designed a card using the house and the little snail (which I also ADORE!)

Snail Mail

I LOVE the snail and the sentiment. Heck, I LOVE this card!

LOOK very detailed but was actually quite simple. This has a Welcome Home © project to match too (see below)

I stamped the mailbox on Kraft cardstock, in chocolate ink. I cut out, and once again cut my door to pop some “mail” in to. I layered on my stamped snail layer. The snail has a page pebble in the “shell”. Just a cute, easy and simple WOW factor.

How cute is the house “stamp”.

You *may* think that cutting this out is a grueling task, but it is actually quite easy.

Let me share a “quick” trick with you.

Punch out your “stamp” with a 1 1/4 square punch.

Then take your 1/8 hole punch and punch the 1/2 circle pieces.

 SUPER quick and trims perfectly!

Cute eh?

Here is the Home Made © Project to match

From my To your

I love NOTHING more than creating coordinating projects (obviously!)

You will see this on the Website sample.

This Welcome Home © template is meant to be quick and cute. I truly adore its simplicity.

I used this to package up my newest favorite item: Cafe Escapes Mocha K Cups for the Keurig. (can you say YUM-A-LICIOUS) Certainly a wonderful gift to give anyone this cold, and blustery season.

While this project ISN’T the focus of today’s post I just had to share it, since it is matchy matchy.

It was designed after the house image in the You’ve Got Mail  © stamp set.

It has an amazing tab, tuck in that is hidden by the optional roof.

This is the box prior to any decorative elements, all opened up.

It can open on both sides…depending on how YOU want to make it 😀 You will be taken with this one I am certain.

Then with the decor….

AH! What a difference.

This is the side view, in all its GLORY. Super quick and cute.

Now we move to the back. I added some tied ribbon behind the windows, so they look like curtains. Just in case you were wondering. Looks super adorable in person.

How about that tag you say?

How cute is that? I put the heart image in the center of the house.

Would you believe I SHRUNK down the Home Made © template to be 1 1/2 inches, for my tag? Now that is cool.

You also see some GaGa for Gingham paper too 😀

Wait until you see more with this template. You will be over the moon.

You are *also* looking at the Argyle Amazement © stamp set on the bottom of this (and the card too). Is it not delicious? You can build all sorts of wonderful patterns with this set. Create a simple and quick border, or an entire background, there are ENDLESS possibilities for that set-ENDLESS! I’m totally in love with it, so be prepared to see it LOTS!

Trust me when I tell you I have LOADS more to share, as does my amazing design team, which if you didn’t know them before, you will want to know them now! They are amazing, and have each designed some wonderful stuff.

WHEW! Are you with me still? How many cups of coffee did that take you through? I drank 3 just typing it all up! LOL!

I’m dying to hear your thoughts on the NEW! Release and any of the projects by myself or anyone on the design team shared 😀

Thank you for your support, and keeping me inspired to keep pushing my own creative limits.

Come back tomorrow for lots more 😀

Supply List

With Love/Sending Love

Pretty Impressions © stamps: You’ve Got Mail

Pretty Packaging template: You’ve Got Mail

Cardstock: Couture Cardstock: Candied Apple, One Sheet Wonder White, Slate (black)

Ink: Pallette black, red

Ribbon: Black & White Gingham from Michaels, Red & Blakc polka Dot by May Arts

1/4 inch circle punch, Hobby Blade

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Cheer Up

Pretty Impressions © stamps: You’ve Got Mail

Cardstock: Couture Cardstock: Slate, One Sheet Wonder White SU! teal color

Ink: Black, Copic Markers

Ribbon from a chocolate box

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Sending You Sunshine

Pretty Impressions © stamps: You’ve Got Mail

Cardstock by SU!

Ink by SU!

1 1/4 square punch

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From my house card

Pretty Impressions © stamps: You’ve Got Mail

Pretty Printables © Digital Paper: GaGa for Gingham

Cardstock: Couture Cardstock: Bran, Tranquility, Dill, One Sheet Wonder White, Ganache

Ink, chocolate, white craft ink

Ribbon by American Crafts

flower by American Crafts

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Snail Mail/From my To Your box

Pretty Impressions © stamps: You’ve Got Mail, Argyle Amazement

Pretty Packaging © template: Welcome Home

Pretty Printables © Digital Paper: GaGa for Gingham

Cardstock: Couture Cardstock: Nomad, Bran, One Sheet Wonder White, Ganache

Ink: Pallette Brown, Copic marker

Punch: Postage Stamp border by EK Success, 1 1/4 square, flower, 1/8 hole punch, tag by Marvy, mini flower EK success

Brad-flower/ yellow by SU!

Buttons by Foo Fa La

Ribbon by May Arts, twine

Prima Flowers-hydrangea 

Other: Page pebble, adhesive pearls

See you tomorrow.

The My Time Made Easy ™ LLC Release is almost here.

We have a WINNER for the entire release!  

Here are your random numbers:

217

Timestamp: 2010-02-01 03:41:57 UTC

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Patsy Villareal |

Three sleeps is tooooooooooooo long….can’t it happen today?
I think it will be something about moving into a new home or something like that.

Keep up the great work…waiting patiently for the new release.

Patsy

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Congrats to Patsy! I will be in touch!

My Time Made Easy ™ LLC February Release is in just 3 sleeps! (can you tell I have kids?)

I am busier than ever because this release just grew and grew as the ideas kept flowing. Certainly NOT a bad thing. You are going to FLIP over all our coordinating products this month.

I figured today would be the perfect day to post a giveaway of our entire February release-which totals $108.50! (yes this is open to ANYONE, ANYWHERE in the world-no restrictions)

We have coming:

3 NEW! Pretty Impressions © images

4 NEW! Pretty Packaging © templates

3 NEW! Pretty Pieces Cut Files (also available in PDF format)

5 NEW! Pretty Printables © Digital Paper

So to get the wheels spinning, I thought I’d share a PEEK, and a hint at what is to come….

We all love happy mail don’t we?

How about a Pretty Packaging © template to match?

This is all you are getting out of me until February 1st!

Stay tuned.

Now to enter just leave a comment here!

Tell me what YOU think we are coming out with, or your thoughts.

I will draw a winner Jan 31st, via www.random.org

Good Luck 😀

Well I am so excited today, I have SOOOOO much to share.

I’ve been REALLY busy here (a very good kind of busy-not sick kids and errands busy, but creative busy-thankfully the kids are fabulous) I love being able to share what I have been busy doing. February 1st is the next release for My Time Made Easy ™ LLC and I’ve been uber busy preparing for it.

My Time Made Easy ™ LLC is going to be a MONTHLY template sponsor over at the JUGS challenge blog!! Here comes something exciting…… if you play along this month, you will be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to My Time Made Easy ™ LLC!!! With our next release around the corner, that could come in HANDY!!!

Now to kick off the first month sponsoring, not only am I giving away one $25 gift certificate (chosen via www.random.org) I had the JUGS Girls play with a NEW! Pretty Packaging © template AND NEW! Pretty Impressions © acrylic stamp image!!

So you get an early PEEK at what is to come.

So……let me share the JUGS challenge:

Now see that little mailbox?

THAT my friends is one of four templates this month!

ALL our Pretty Packaging © templatescome in the following formats :PDF, SVG, WPC, DXF, GSD!!!

ALL our Cut files include the PDF version. Please view our product details –>here<–

Introducing….Happy Mail © ! Releasing Feb 1st

I’m dying to hear what you think about it.

Completed Project:2 1/2 inches tall2 1/2 inches wide

4 inches long

 (Those of you with a personal cutter can make this larger or smaller too!) Happy Mail ©

There is nothing like getting “happy mail”!

We all love going to the mailbox and getting a unexpected surprise. Well, now you can GIVE  the surprise IN the mailbox itself! Could getting “happy mail” be any cuter, or EASIER!

This mailbox made of cardstock can hold endless ideas!

This project is perfect for anyone, young and old, male or female. You can make it for any occasion! I can easily see love notes, birthday gifts, letters to Santa, a bank, a virtual post office for children to play with, and dress it up to be more elegant, and you have a mailbox for the Happy Couple at a Wedding!  Personalize one for everyone you know.

The only limit is your imagination!

No matter what you package inside this mail box, the receiver is sure to be HAPPY!

Speaking of happy, it is time for me to share my completed project!

I went with a country theme

Just Chicken In

Now how cute is this??? (I got the framed window idea from the MTME (and JUGS) design team member-Pam :D)

I love the little chicken! Love! He is part of the new release called Critters with Heart. He is just so flippin cute. I love cutesy stuff and this set is certainly CUTESY.

I told you above that the JUGS girls were not only peeking a template, but a new stamp set too!!

This is the close up.

I made him sit in a nest 😀 (he does have legs BTW!) He/she was stamped home in a cranberry ink, and colored with Copic’s. I love the paper, faux stitching and sligh distressing.

Critters with Heart -21 images  

This is an adorable set that is perfect for ANY time of year, when you want to say something sweet to the one you love.

These CUTE little critters all have something in common-each was designed based on a heart! Add a punny sentiment and you are sure to warm the heart of anyone who receives something created with this set.

*Available in Pretty Impressions ©  acrylic stamps or in Pretty Impressions © digital images.*

YES!! You read that correctly!

* Coordinating Pretty Impressions © Digital Images:

We are excited to be adding this option to our store! Customer service and satisfaction is our #1 priority.

Upon the opening of My Time Made Easy™ LLC, we have had an overwhelming request to offer our Pretty Impressions © acrylic stamp images as digital files. Given the nature of our products, and coordinating product lines, I feel that is certainly a step worth taking! However, we will be offering only SELECT image sets in the digital download format. This decision will vary on the stamp set style and purpose.

For ALL our images, please be sure to view our Pretty Impressions © acrylic stamp sets.

I’m so in love. I made this template some time ago, and have been DYING to to share it. With Valentines day around the corner….I knew it was perfect timing.

Don’t get me wrong, this mail box is perfect for ANY time of year, but I can see LOADS of cardstock Happy Mail templates designed in classrooms, offices, and everywhere else, all over the world!

My kids are making these today, actually 😀 Yes, I will share photos of that too. It is a perfect afternoon craft for the kids. I do pre-assemble to save time! I just ask them to pick the color and way they craft.

I’ll soon share my children’s projects too so you can get some ideas what your children may want to try. We always have an afternoon craft hour, and my templates are ALWAYS their first pick!

I know I have a bunch of friends who enjoy a variety of specialty tea’s, so I packaged some up in this cute mailbox. An entire box fit in here!! I even brewed a cup for myself for “after” the photo shoot 😀 This template was PERFECT for sending to them! It would also be great for someone who is sick. I thought about packaging a  set of chicken noodle Cup-o-Soup packets, since they “travel” well, and go with the “chicken” theme too.

I made my base template from Kraft cardstock, and my botton/front flap in candied apple.

Now the cool thing about this template is your flag can go on either side of the template! I love that option.

The gingham  paper you see, in candied apple is in one of our Pretty Printables ©digital paper packs!! It is stunning and made this so perfectly country, as does the lacey ribbon from May Arts.

The tag on the mailbox reads: Just chicken in (how cute!) and perfect for sending this to that special someone. Love it.

I’m just so excited about this project and what the entire JUGS team has created too!! I hope you are just as excited to see what the team whipped up for projects using our soon to be release Happy Mail template and combining it with the Critters with Heart.

Be sure to check it out—>HERE!

I can’t wait to see what YOU do too.

Thank you for stopping by. Only 8 sleeps until our next release 😀