There are 2 posts today-so scroll down! OK!

Ruffles Get Well Soon

I made this for my hubby Jay!

He just had his back surgery yesterday afternoon. Is still in the hospital today.

He had a Discectomy. The surgery took 3 1/2 hours! The doctor said he believed Jay had this herniation for much longer than anticipated, because the herniated disc was all tangled up in a lot of scar tissue! He had to be very careful untangling it!

Thankfully Jay has full sensation in his legs and whatnot because when you mess with scar tissue like that you risk a lot of scary things, I’m too scared to even type!

I thought it was just perfect for the event.

The kids are making him their own cards as I type now.

I couldn’t let him have surgery, and NOT make him a special card (I never got that Father’s Day card done! Shame on me :C). Plus it gave me the opportunity to tell him how important he is to us and how much we love and appreciate him. Oh yeah and that he better WAKE UP! (I know that is terrible but it is always in the back of your head! )

I will be bringing him home in a couple hours. He is an hour away.

It was weird sleeping alone! I missed him already.

After surgery his face was so puffy (from being up side down for almost 4 hours!) and he was in complete agony.

 I hope I can manage his care and pain while he is home. The kids are dying to spend time with him, but I hope they will be quiet and let him rest up! He said he didn’t sleep at all, despite the sleeping aid he received. I’m sure he is exhausted.

He always takes such good care of me, I just hope I can do the same for him. He deserves it.

Funny thing happened at the hospital! I brought my entire bucket of Copic markers, and PAGES of stamped images to color while I wait. Many NEW! to be released stuff I have to work on 😀

The hospital staff was just wondering WHAT I was doing! LOL!

They were just in awe when they asked me about WHAT I was doing! LOL! They never heard of stamping! LOL! I went on to explain what I do for my “hobby” and the design teams, and then went on about My Timeless Templates. They were just crazy over it! Each nurse called another nurse, who called another, and another……you get the idea!

Even Jay’s doctor was interested! Each time a new image was colored, they’d come running to see it complete! LOL! It was so funny.

 It was so fun to share my excitement and to see the excitement on the faces of others. Very refreshing. They all said they were jealous that I USE to be a nurse, and now I got to color (who doesn’t love that right?) and do what I really love each day for “work”. I have to agree!!! I am very blessed 😀

OK so onto the card itself! The name of this stamp is Ruffles Get Well Soon

Are you wondering yet WHERE that fantabulous image came from???

Stampavie has another NEW! Designer named Helz Cuppleditch. <–Check it out!

Three words for it —> OVER – THE – MOON!

You don’t need ME to tell you how fantabulous these new images are! You can totally see for yourself!

The BAD part (insert sad face for you) they don’ start shipping till end of August! I know! That stinks! You need them NOW!!! I know the feeling! I waited rather impatiently as my box was being delivered.

I have much more to share in the mean time 😀

Jay likes a LOT of detail on my cards. So I always try to do my best for that.

For this I loved the bandaged paw!

I made it really pop by adding 3 layers.

The main layer is 1, the couch cushion with the dog was layer 2, then just the 2 paws was layer 3!

Oh and the slippers!

Here is another angle.

Seriously, how cute, and cheery is this?! I so loved it to pieces

I loved the ripped paper too.

I had a BLAST coloring this one (in case you can’t tell!)

The sentiment was perfect! It comes from Papertrey ink: On My Couch Additions

Since the puppy needs to “recover” and he is ON a chair I thought it was a definite mix and match! He is just the cutest puppy, ever!

So I want to thank you for all the well wishes for Jay’s recovery! He really appreciated all the kind comments and emails over the last few weeks. He has a long recovery ahead.

I’m glad I took the time I needed for my family too. They are always #1!! I’m one big stress ball this week.

Thanks for stopping by.

I’m off to bring Jay back home and let the REAL work will begin.

Enjoy the day, and thanks for letting me share my life with you all.

PS If you emailed me, I will get back to you over the next week or so. I’m just a little crazy busy this week Thanks for you patience 😀

Hi all!

Hope your week is going well. I have TONS to share over the next few weeks as there are MANY new releases to be shared, starting tomorrow 😀 We have All That Scraps, Pink Cat Studio, Papertrey Ink (and MORE My Timeless Templates! YEAH!) and JRS next release! So much going on. In between that I have our town Annual Balloon Rally and Amber’s 5th Birthday! That is a biggie.

So I hope you stop by each day over the next few weeks to see what I have been up too!

Thankful for the little things

Today I thought I’d share my take on another sketch. This is from the  2 Sketches 4 You blog!

Here is the sketch

JustRite Stampers is sponsoring that sketch, so check it out!!

This is my side view

I used a NEW! Release set from JustRite Stampers called Autumn Blessings Borders & Centers Oval 2-1/4” x 3-1/16”

I love the basket of fruit. I think its definitely “fall”.

I stamped the sentiment on a vellum cardstock layer.

I somehow manage to get the sketch a little “wrong”. The frame to me, was a card base, with a smaller card on the front! LOL!

Also  my panel trios should have been on the “little”card-not the base. Oh well! I like it anyway 😀

I think this is a fun look.

This is the first time I went for a more water-colored “look” using my copic markers!

I like it. Not sure WHY my camera is picking up a blue tinge! YIKES!! Trust me its not blue! Refer to top photo for color reference. The bkgd is pale yellow with white peeking through.

Well I have much to do, so I better run. Check out the sketch —> HERE!

Thanks for stopping by!!

This week I did a quickie card for the CPS card sketch 125

If you get to play, link your creation  –>HERE

It is being sponsored by JustRite Stampers, so I figured I’d give it a go!

I used my JustRite Stampers Girl Time Borders & Centers Set 2″

Stamped on lemon tart cardstock, colored, then glitterized! Easy peasy.

I let the paper by K& Co. be my color guide. I thought it was PERFECT for a “happy hour” mixed drink 😀

Seriously, I think this shows just how easy and quick a card can be! These would make perfect invites for a cocktail hour, or girls nigh out!!

Now looking I didn’t follow the sketch to the “T” but I’m happy with the outcome.

Well now its your turn to try out the sketch!

The COOL thing……

CPS will be announcing later this week what our prize is for one lucky participant.

Good luck

Hi everyone

Hope you are having a great weekend. I’d love to hear what everyone is doing this summer! Maybe give me some ideas 😀

 We are trying to squeeze out as many FAMILY day trips we can before Jay’s surgery next week. Today we spent the day at the beach, getting ice cream and Chinese food. OH MAN! I can feel the fat sticking to me already! LOL! Tomorrow will be a HARD CORE workout! LOL!! Its good to splurge here and there though (or so I tell myself! LOL!).

As I said before Im not on a diet of any kind! Just healthy lifestyle. Making better choices and limiting BAD foods. Overall I eat healthy daily, and when I do splurge I feel so awful! LOL! Its a good reminder why it is better to eat good foods regularly 😀

I have begun the Tony Horton’s 10 Minute Trainer DVD series. Honestly this week I only did it 3 times. So I can’t judge yet. I’m going all out this week-I swear!! I like to really follow the calendar set up, and give it 110%. Since I knew we’d be eating bad, I just stuck to my other workouts, so I can TRULY judge how effective the workouts are, when I actually do them as directed.  I have to say, from what I have done, that the work outs are HARD CORE KILLER!! For it being only 10 minutes, it TRULY kicks your hiney. Which I guess is the point! Maximum results in 10 minutes. You have to plan on working HARD! It is just what I needed! The bad part was I was STARVING!! Must have kicked my metabolism into high gear and I was CRAVING fatty foods, which means it was definitely burning fat! Again, I’ll let you know after the week of sticking to the program, what I think. In 10 days I’m suppose to see results, so I will report!

I can HONESTLY say it is NOT the type of series I would begin if I wasn’t in some sort of shape. That is just my opinion. BUT! If you stick with it,  (like ANY program) you will get better and be stronger and able to do more! The key to all these workouts is DON’T GIVE UP! Just do your best and stick with it. Before you know it, you will be able to do stuff you couldn’t! I wasn’t able to do the entire Mitch Gaylord workout when I started, then before I knew it I was kickin butt 😀 So I’m looking forward to seeing the same thing with this series.

In between  all I have been doing I FINALLY updated my Etsy Shop! <—-Check it out!! I’m happy to have gotten that done.

While I wait for Jay’s surgery I’m going to upload all the cards and other stuff I have too. Keep my mind busy. I don’t like to have time to THINK about stuff, and I think that is why I make so much stuff. If I didn’t stamp I’d definitely have an ulcer.

OK lets get to the reason for my post (boy did I ever get off track!)

Post Card for you

If you didn’t know Stampavie has a NEW! line of images! Oh yes! They are FAB!!

I love CUTESY,  and this line is definitely that, and then some! The images are by a designer named Tina Wenke <—-click to view collection 😀 Prepare your purses people! The “sad” part is they won’t ship till end of July.

I have to say I adore this particular image to pieces.

When I saw this raccoon-called Thinking of You, I about fell out of my chair. It brought back a great memory from my childhood!

When I was a child, my Aunt Becky would ALWAYS send me the cutest animal stickers with a card for my birthday. She LOVED raccoons, and would always make sure the stickers were FUZZY!! I loved them! I would just feel them all the time. I always felt special, that she remembered me on my birthday.

 I loved collecting stickers! I had a HUGE Pink sticker book, with a pretty Unicorn and rainbow in it. While posting this I got sidetracked for over 2 hours TRYING to find that same book online!  I loved that book, and was always very particular about WHERE I put WHAT stickers. I remember that album like it was yesterday! I’m sad typing this because I have ALL my toys in MINT condition from my childhood (yes I was OCD about my dolls when I was a girl!) and for the LIFE of me, I cannot remember where that book is, or what happened to it!

So I made this card, all the while thinking about those special memories as a girl. I also thought it was funny that I remembered the sheer JOY of getting a card in the mail! I feel like my journey towards this craft started so long ago! LOL!

This is the close up photo of my raccoon, that I flocked, in honor of my childhood stickers

Like I did as a girl, I just reminisced as I rubbed the cute fuzzy image 😀 I colored it just like I remembered the stickers I use to receive. She would also always include SOMETHING with my NAME on it! Back in the 80’s Lauren was NOT popular, at all! So I loved having something personalized.

Now given the “mail” theme going on, I have had the Post Card Sizzix die cut for AGES! I dusted it off and got some more use from it with this card. I also used the mini envelope/card Sizzix die I had too. So fun.

Its is no nice to be reminded of times like that. I so love this hobby 😀 This card brough back so much to me.

Anywho, thanks for stopping by and reading my ramblings! I did get off on a tangent, didn’t I?

I’d love to hear too, if you have a memory to share from your childhood 😀 Maybe a certain toy or something that you loved and lost (like me :C)

Thanks for sharing.

Till tomorrow

OH boy!

Im sorry this is SO late (again) life has been crazy and challenging here! Summer is always busy at my house.

Here is a photo of my kids at Story Land from the other day.

The kids had a great time! They are at perfect ages to do stuff with.

I have a photo of Alexa and Noah in this same pumpkin YEARS ago, long before Amber was even a thought. Cool to see how much they have grown.

I always have lots of things I want to do with my children and have just been busy. I love taking advantage of the nice weather.

JASON UPDATE:

The GOOD news is I went “off”, tactfully I believe, on the OR scheduler and Jay’s surgery will be Monday July 27th! Not too far away. Jay wouldn’t let me talk to them before (for fear of what I may say! LOL!), but since he was at work I took it upon myself to call! LOL! I am the “fighter” in the family. Jay is very easy going and passive, so I always take on that role! LOL!

I am authorized to all his medical stuff, so I took full advantage of that! I think because I have been fighting for Alexa since pregnancy, that I’m just used to having to fight for what my family needs.  I make no apologies for it, and make sure that I’m realistic when it comes to what I am asking or expecting. I feel like I am kind of like a mama bear protecting her cubs.

 I am so glad I did because we were looking into late Sept. He wouldn’t make it that much longer.

Many of you mentioned we would have had a call for all the preliminary blood-work and procedures, and we did have all that done already. When I had my gallbladder surgery they called the NIGHT before to set everything up for that next day, so when we didn’t get a call sooner, we weren’t curious about WHY.

On another note, Jay had tried every avenue possible for his condition to avoid the surgery. This have gotten progressively worse, and this was his only option. His test results showed that there were no other safe options without risking permanent nerve damage. There is no guarantee it will even work! Poor guy.

I threw my back out yesterday, and have been in so much pain since! I can only imagine how he feels daily. I know, usually by day’s end today that I will feel better. I don’t think I could do this every day!

Today we have what is called Old Home Day! It is when our town has a parade and crafts and stuff for the kids. I LOVE living in a small town! Its so great for “family”

So I am going to make this QUICK so I can go.

Anway……today is Saturday, so that means it is time for a My Time To Create challenge.

This is the inspiration challenge. Get inspored by the pattern, or colors…….whatever!

If you play link your creations here:

Keyword MTTI 03

I used variation of the colors.

Here is my card—>Using paler versions of the inspiration colors! LOL!

I adore The Greeting Farm images! I have bought many, but sadly forget or don’t have time to use them! I decided if it killed me, I would use one this week 😀

This is Dahlia! She is just the CUTEST! So I decided this sentiment “Cutie Pie” from JustRite Tiny Words Borders & Centers Set 1-3/16″ would be PERFECT!!

Close up-

The paper is by Basic Grey! I love the colors and they really made my image POP!!!

I *just* got the nestability Pinking Circles. They are so cute too.

Well I’m off and running!
Be sure to pop over to the Design Team blogs for more inspiration from the challenge! They are really Rockin out the samples!

Thanks for poppin by!

Till tomorrow.

I am excited to be participating in this months JustRite Stampers Summer Release Blog Hop!

After you leave be sure to check out the JRS Blog 😀

I have to say I LOVE the new direction I am seeing their newest releases going in (and what is to come!). There are super border selections, with center images! IMAGES! I love that! That makes me SOOOOOO happy! I have been a fan of JRS for over a year now! I have quite the collection 😀 I’m happy to add the latest and greatest to that lineup 😀 I enjoy mixing and matching not just the borders, but all the set selections I have.

Funny thing about my project today though……despite my love for the “images” I decided to use the NEW! Calendar Borders & Centers Oval 1-3/4” x 2-5/16”

I have been asked by NUMEROUS people to make another month by month card organization box!

PS Yes! This will go up in my Etsy Shop, along with my other stuff most likely tomorrow 😀 or over the weekend.

Now if you “know me” I despise repeating ANY designs I create! I always have to do something NEW! When I make something it is a ONE of a KIND! LOL! Never repeat!! When I saw the size of the Calendar Borders & Centers Oval 1-3/4” x 2-5/16” I was VERY excited!! I thought they would look FAB in the My Timeless Template: From the Desk Of: ©

A Year of Celebrations Desk Organizer

This will look SO pretty sitting out on your desk! Don’t you think? That is the KEY! Pretty and organized 😀

The font size for this project was beyond perfect!!

Front detail

My butterfly is a Tag Team Butterfly  Cuttlebug Die. I die cut the sweet blush layer, added some glitter 😀 and then die cut and embossed the vellum butterfly layer. I HAD to add that butterfly to the front 😀

I stamped my own patterned paper using Floral Frenzy and Guidelines II paper 

My colors are Hibiscus Burst, Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, New Leaf and Dark Chocolate. I paired it with some stripped paper by K& Co.

Side view

Now notice the top?

More mixing and matching going on. The “family favorite” is from What’s Cookin’ Borders & Centers 1-5/8″  I think it was a cute addition to the From the Desk Of: template!

(sorry this was taken outside since I broke my tent lights during photographing-GRR!)

Also: This template has a divider additon if you choose to use it. I did for ths project, as you can see.

I didn’t use the borders, just the month’s. I stamped each one on white cardstock, then punched out with my Wide Oval from SU! I layered those ovals onto die cut labels, also from SU!

Here are the file dividers, grouped together. Aren’t they pretty?!

I just staggered each month so you can easily see what is where.

I would just make an index card, and put the date of friends and family birthday days and file it into the appropriate month section 😀 Quick and easy organization 😀

Now here is what else is included IN my organizer……

 I made a QUICK set of 12 cards.

There are 3 of each design/color combo

I used the color combo that is on my From the Desk Of: Organizer paper, that I designed, for my color combo here!

I LOVE the little gift image and border from the Favorite Occasions Borders & Centers Set 1-5/8″ 

I wanted QUICK and EASY cards that match, no fuss!!

I just stamped my image in dark chocolate ink, then via assembly line, I colored them in with Copic markers, then punched out each one with my SU! 1 3/4 circle! I then used my 1 3/8 circle and 3/4 circle to punch additional circles 😀 I used dimensionals to layer and POP the circles.

Quick, cute and easy!

Now when you look in your Calendar month section, you can just GRAB a card and pop it in the mail!

On a personal note……

Alexa’s appointment went well (still Cancer Free! YIPPEE!!!) I’m so happy about that. Every time we get labs drawn I hold my breath. I don’t think the fear of return will EVER leave me. Any time she complains anything hurts I FREAK OUT! I have also had poor Amber tested for Leukemia 4 times! She gets a lot of growing pains, and when it happens too often I go into a complete PANIC! Those “leg pains” were Alexa’s #1 symptom!! It took 3 months or me taking her to numerous doctors to get an actual diagnosis! So to say I am a bit paranoid, is a complete under-statement.

 Now we have to see the plethora of other doctors for other issues!

I have to take her to-dentist (she needs braces! LORD HELP ME! LOL! I can’t imagine she will do well with that) a Dermatologist, Endocrinologist, Dietitian and ENT! LOL! Then a port flush.EEK! Can we extend the hours in a day please? I’m seriously NOT complaining about her other visits. Im truly grateful for her health! Im just feeling a little overwhelmed these days, to say the least.

WORSE yet, and this is a HUGE complaint: BEWARE!!!

Jay was suppose to have surgery on his back this morning. He is to have a discectomy. He was mentally prepared and everything was set to go!

BUT, get this………… the OR scheduler FORGOT to book the OR for him! So he can’t have it! They are now scheduling 3 weeks out, and then his doctor is on VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So we are at the least a month and a half away!

Words cannot even tell you how MAD I am about that! We waited for this date for several months.

 FINALLY got his work stuff organized (he is in a management position so getting 6 weeks off is NOT an easy task) and short term disability was all set, and we actually had CHILD CARE set up for the kids (which our families are ALWAYS too busy to help so that was a feat in itself), to have THAT happen! OMW! Im sorry, I’m just FUMING mad. Worse yet, poor Jason is in a TON of pain everyday. He has a desk job and commutes an hour each way to work, so that KILLS his back.

I wanted to tell the OR scheduler “Well ,until Jay does have his surgery, let me hit you in the back with a bat, every minute, until then!” That is what Jay tells me the pain feels like. Plus it travels down his leg, which often gives out when he walks.

I just feel SO bad for him. This has been going on for 6 months. He has had PT, cortisone shots and everything else they suggested before resorting to surgery. NONE of it helping.

OK that just put a HUGE damper on this post. I’m sorry! I’ll keep you all posted!

On that note though, I truly believe EVERYTHING happens for a reason! So we are just keeping the faith that it wasn’t meant to be then. It was just very strange that something like that would happen, so I truly believe that it was just not meant to be, yet.

In the meantime, thanks for stopping by and sending up prayers for my family!

Now head over the the —> JRS blog <— for a list of people playing along 😀

Well it is finally here! The Papertrey Ink Release!

All samples shown here today use supplies from PTI! So check it out. 

I am wiped people! Thank you for the prayers for my family! We will need them.

Now Im keepin it short and sweet because I have a few busy days ahead of me, and time is a ticking.

I want to say thank you for all your sweet comments, emails and support! Creating is my one true stress outlet. I don’t know where I’d be without papercrafting.

OK let’s get started. I hope you get some inspiration from what I had time to make 😀

WOW! What can I say about Everyday Button Bits!

LOVE IT! LOVE!

When I saw the “hot air balloons” I about fell out of my chair! One thing I LOVE about living in small town, EVERY year, first week in August we have a Hot Air Balloon Rally here in Pittsfield. It is the highlight f our summer! Amber’s birthday is the following week and she THINKS the entire town gets together to celebrate HER birthday! LOL! She cracks me up. How do you tell her its NOT for her?

Anyway……..seeing this set I just swooned.

The mix of paper patterns on this is just plain fun!

I wanted to use my circle punches and various papers to create my hot air balloons. You don’t have to use ONLY buttons with this set! You can have a world full of uses! Buttons are the jumping point.

I LOVE this card! The colors, the layout….all of it. Just makes me SO happy.

Stamps: Everyday Buttons Bits, Beautiful Blooms (dotted leaf image)
Cardstock: Raspberry Fizz, Spring Moss, white, Ripe Avocado
Patterned paper: bitty box basics and patterned paper by K& Co
ink: black , ripe avocado and copic marker
gingham ribbon, felt flower, flower brads, bella dot

Need a couch day?

I absolutely LOVE Lisa’s set! I wished I had more time to use it 😀

So adorable, with many uses and possibilities. You can bet you will see more of this one!!

TOTAL love!

I created a SIMPLE scene by using patterned paper, as wall paper. Easy peasy.
I made my couch ultra 3D by stamping and cutting it out twice. The bottom being popped out an additional time. Then adding the 3D pillow

Supplies:

Stamps- On my Couch
Cardstock: Spring Moss, Ripe Avocado, Aqua Mist, Teal
Ink: versamagic, brown
Patterned paper-unknown
ripe avocado grosgrain
buttons, twine, gel pen by Souffle, nestabilities

Set Sail

Another layout I loved creating!
I had fun with this nautical style set! Perfect for any “guy”. I loved all the elements it had! I obviously cut each one out and had fun layering the images. The compass and star at stamped lightly with the tea dye ink duo. Did some scant weathering!

I ADORE the oar image especially!

My family always took day-cations 😀 to Maine, and this reminds me of that time.

Supplies:

Stamps: Set Sail, text style bkgd
Cardstock: Kraft, white, enchanted evening, spring rain, pure poppy, dark chocolate, tea dye ink duo
Ink: enchanted evening, spring rain, pure poppy
Tag die cut from nestabilities, brads, twine

Fab Friend

Now this is a very fun and funky set! I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but these colors just screamed RETRO/MOD to me 😀

I love the layout and the butterfly detail. 2 of the flower bloom/buds are 3D. I like the funky open border, with the flowers popping out.
Supplies:
Stamps: Mod Squad
Cardstock: Dk Chocolate, Rustic cream, raspberry fizz, Summer Sunset
Paper: Bitty Box Basics 2008
Ink: dark chocolate, ripe avocado, Versamagic
Vintage button is raspberry
Twill ribbon in avocado
Glitter, butterfly punch by Martha Stewart
Paper piercer/template

Well that does it for me! I have much more to share over the next couple a days, so check back in!!

Thanks for stopping by

Well today is the 10th!

 That means I get to FINALLY give you a peek at a NEW! Stamp set from Papertrey Ink called In Bloom! It is over the top FABULOUS!! I love flower sets and this one is to DIE FOR! I was so excited when I saw it, and I think you will fall in complete LOVE with it too.

I used this NEW! In Bloom stamp set to create a FABULOUS gift! Of course that gift was made using one of my NEWEST My Timeless Templates: called Milk Made ©

I am seriously over the moon for the projects I have to share over the next few days! ALL of the My Timeless Templates © really do make your gift giving easier, more creative, affordable, and FUN!

NOTE! These items peeked will not be released until July 15th! Links are provided for those browsing in the future 😀

This template is just fabulous!

About Milk Made ©

 I always love little containers! The traditional cardboard “Milk Carton” is included in the fun gift box idea! Many types of candy is packaged in the “milk carton” style boxes nowadays, but they are very unattractive! While I liked the idea, I didn’t like the packaging. So I designed my own!   I loved the name “Milk Made”, since it was inspired by the traditional Milk carton! Now these little treat boxes are easier than ever!  The Milk Made carton is perfect to present on its own. But, good things come in multiples, right?  

Now, what could make it MORE fun, than my own little Milk Crate to carry them in?!

Included in this template you will also receive the template for the cutest “milk crate”. Complete with matching decorative layer.

You can make 2 “milk crates” and adhere them back to back! Then you have 4 milk cartons, all presented in an even more adorable Milk Crate! 

Now seriously, who would have thought that a MILK carton could be MADE so cute?

So today what you are going to see the the Milk Made © Carton (2 created), with the Milk Made © Crate(adhered back to back) to create a fabulous gift set of 2 Cartons (to fill with whatever you heart desires), a set of 10 custom designed cards, and 10 envelope slip-covers-that fit PERFECTLY into the Milk Made © Crate! 

True Friend Crate Card Set

Here is my completed project!

Here you can see the 2 Cartons in one side.

Then on the other side……I custom designed this card set to fit PERFECTLY into the Milk Made © My Timeless Template!

I went with a monochromatic color scheme for an easy, and elegant look, that just makes you say WOW!

The flowers/leaves are truly stunning, so I wanted to make them POP!

My colors are : Soft Stone, Sahara Sand (From SU!), Smokey Shadow, and True Black-with a small pop of white!

Now let me share the HOW TO!

Set of 10 Cards and Vellum Slip-cover envelopes/label tabs

To create the note cards that fit into Milk Made ©

Finished Card size 3 X 4 1/2

Cut 5 sheets of cardstock to 6 X 9

Along 6 inch side -score at 3 inches

Along 9 inch side – cut in half at 4 1/2 to get your 2 pre-scored cards!

NOTE: You will then have a set of 10 cards

Stamping:

Stamp Flower image onto Soft Stone card-stock in black ink

NOTE: Stamp as many as you will want to create-for this exact project 14

10 for the cards, 2 for the Milk Made © centerpiece images, then 2 more to layer on a dimensional center for the main images

Color images with Copic Markers. I used the T4 and T6 colors.

Color flower center with white gel pen.

NOTE: Since I stamped it on the Stone color I didn’t have to use another marker.

Cut out images, and apply dimensionals.

Simply stamp leaf image, in black ink into lower right corner of cards.

Stamp sentiment at top.

Layer on 3D flower

DONE!

Vellum Slip-Cover Envelope & Label Tags

Simple Slip-Cover Envelope

You will need 5 sheets of Lined vellum cardstock.

Cut the 5 pieces of lined vellum cardstock to 8 1/2 X 9 1/2

Along the 8 1/2 inch side-Score at 3, then 6 1/2.

Cut along the 9 1/2 inch side, in the middle at 4 3/4.

NOTE: This gives you 2 envelope slip covers per piece of cardstock.

Fold on score lines.

Now you will have 10 envelope slip-covers!

Labels

Use adhesive label sheets

Stamp circle from Borders & Corners Circle set, in black ink.

Stamp smallest flower into center.

Color with markers listed above.

Punch out with 1 3/8 circle punch!

Tie card/slip cover envelope set with a pretty black Saddle Stitched Ribbon!

Done

Now it fits all nicely into the Milk Made © Crate template!

Now on the other side we have 2 of the Milk Made © Cartons

You can put the label stickers you made in here, along with stamps, address labels, paper clips, buttons, ribbon….. whatever!!

They are a great size, so the sky is the limit!

Here is one carton out.

You can see the pretty curves that back panel the Crate has, complete with decorative panel!

Carton Duo

I printed the Milk Made ©Cartons onto the Soft Stone cardstock.

I stamped my In Bloom image, onto the corner of template prior to assembly.

The flowers are SO easy and FUN to color! Obviously I had a BLAST making this 😀

I used the largest flower in the set, then colored the image just like the other flowers, only direct ON the template.

I then assembled the template, as directed.

They both look so pretty in here.

Can’t you see this sitting on desks all across the country?! I know I can 😀

This is the side view of the 2 Milk Made © Crates together

Milk Made Crate:

My Milk Made ©Crate was printed (2 X’s) onto Smokey Shadow Card-stock, then assembled.

Both Crates were adhered back to back!

They have a very prety rounded style/design on the back panel.

I just created the 2 base templates, and adhered them together.

I then tied around my ribbon.

I created a scallop bottom for another pretty detail for my carton, and to continue the Sahara, Stone, Smokey Shadow and Black color combination.

I also made the same center piece for both sides, of the top of my carrier! It’s ALL about the details, and ALL sides looking clean, and professional!

Center piece is stamped/colored/cut. I also added an additional center layer for additional POP!

I think it looks so elegant!

SUPPLIES:

My Timeless Template: Milk Made ©

Stamps: NEW! In Bloom, Borders & Corners Circle

Cardstock:  Smokey Shadow, Soft Stone, True Black, Lined Vellum, Adhesive Labels

                     other: Sahara Sand

Ink: True Black

Copic Markers: T4, T6

Ribbon: Saddle Stitch Grosgrain and Satin in True Black

Nestabilities-Tall/Long Rectangle (largest) die cut X3 for scalloped bottom on template base 😀

Punches:2 inch circle, Mega (pink)Scallop by Marvy, Key Tag punch, X2 butterfly punches by Martha Stewart

White brads

So now comes the question I’m dying to know the answer to-

What do you think?! Do you like it?!

I HOPE so! I really can’t wait to share more with you!

Let’s not forget I have ANOTHER template to share too!! But that has to wait for now 😀

In the meantime check out Catherine at The Dancing Pear, this month’s Template Guesat Designer!!

Nichole’s blog(I know you already know this! LOL!), Dawn and Lisa,  also have  stamp sets this month-So check it out.

That’s all for today! More to come tomorrow 😀

Well little Ethan has been gone for *almost* a month.

I still can’t believe it. Alicia and Dave Weiman have become my personal heroes! To see the strength they have when facing such a devastating situation is an just amazing testimony of Faith in God to me. AMAZING!

I am getting ready to send the Pawsome Pony that the kids stuffed for his sister Ava (who also just got a new kitten!). We wanted to send her a hug in the mail! Something to hold on to when she is happy, sad, lonely or just needs a hug! Something to remember Ethan by too. She was always hugging and kissing him in photos, so I hope this makes her happy.

We got her everything to make a girl pony AND a boy pony! Originally it was to be dressed as a Cowboy Pony.

He has a Cowboy hat, vest, jean shorts, cowboy boots, red collar, red bandanna, and to complete the ensemble a SADDLE! Then Amber said, “What if she really wants a GIRL pony too? She can’t have just ONE outfit! That’s not fun!” Leave it to my girly girl to say that! LOL!

So we got her the grooming brush, dress, hair/tail bows, pink collar, pretty pink “horseshoes” and a pocketbook-which has several hearts so that Ava and her mom and dad can make a wish and send a prayer to Ethan, and stuff it in the pony before securing it closed (the hearts are in the pocketbook)

Pretty Pawsome

Amber did all the dressing and grooming! She was very careful to make her look like ” Pretty Pawsome! “LOL!

PS-Can you see the little shoes?-so cute!

This is what she will look like when Ava opens the box! I have a few more things to complete today so I can ship this by the weekend! But she is definitely going PONY EXPRESS by Friday! LOL!

Sending Hugs

I made a card for Ava using the —>Weiman Wranglers digi image<— I am so happy to see we have raised almost $2,000 in honor of Ethan Weiman, to donate to the Make A Wish organization! A cause that has not only touched the Weiman Family, but my own as well!

THANK YOU to any and everyone who has not only purchased the image/images, but spread the word. I cannot tell you how much that has meant to the Weiman Family and myself!

So as I said I wanted to send a hug to Ava, so I used this sentiment from JustRite Stampers – Tiny Words Borders & Centers Set 1-3/16″

Now for the dual color, I stamped my image in Hibiscus Burst ink, the then used a Amethyst marker to go and color the images I wanted in the purple! It only took a few seconds, and I got a super cute look! It was truly just the perfect sentiment for this gift.

I love the girly colors! This card was Amber approved so I think I’m good!

I’ll share the other projects when I get them done! LOL!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a “pawsome” day 😀 (sorry I couldn’t resist!)

friend play_w2(“F0327100”)

 (frnd)

n.

1. A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.

2. A person whom one knows; an acquaintance.

3. A person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; a comrade.

4. One who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group, cause, or movement: friends of the clean air movement.

5. Friend A member of the Society of Friends; a Quaker.

tr.v. friend·ed, friend·ing, friends

1. To add (someone) as a friend on a social networking website. <—HEY! Look what has been added to the friend definition!

2. ArchaicTo befriend.

I thought it would be fun to share the real definition of a friend today.

Maybe you have one that you haven’t been in touch with. I have been trying to get better at being a “friend” to my friends! LOL! We all have busy lives, and sometimes we lost track of “people”.

An old friend

I adore this center image of flowers! I wanted some pretty colors, but keep it soft.

I went with Aqua mist, and Smokey Shadow, with hints of a sage/moss combo for the leaves.

This image is part of the NEW! Release (TODAY!) frm JustRite Stampers called Friendship Borders & Centers Round 3-1/4”

Check out the JRS Blog <—-

For some reason I always mix and match their centers/borders as I think others pair better at times, or convey the message I want! LOL! I can never use the suggested combo! But, that is part of the fun.

I have to say I have “not met” so many amazing people that I “met” on the world wide web,  that I consider “friends”. With the cyber world these days I really feel like you most likely know what I mean!

Its all about social networking.

Some of my BEST friends are from the web! LOL! That SOUNDS pathetic! But it really isn’t (I don’t think! LOL!) since most of my “real” life friends, don’t stamp, they don’t get my insanity! They have no idea what rubber vs acrylic stamping is, why I get excited over new releases, cardstock colors, ribbon or markers and ink. When I give them a gift I MADE I don’t think 1) they believe I designed it 2) that it wasn’t a pre-made box card already decorated 3) how on earth it is even possible! LOL! Nor do they even have a clue of ANY of what I do. I don’t even explain it to people because their eyes just glaze over with confusion! LOL!

So, I enjoy my happenings with people who actually “get me” and share my excitment for these things, more than you know. Without the Internet, I’d just be some insanely craft obsessed mom, with NO ONE to share it with.

This card is going to one of those “cyber-friends” or in other words, a term my daughter Alexa came up with PSF “Pretend Stamping Friend”. The name came up years ago, when she was sick with Cancer. So many of these “cyber friends” would send cards and care packages (don’t think I ever did finish all the thank yous :C). Alexa would always say! “WHO is that from?” Then I’d tell her mommy’s  friend from the computer from the stamping place (aka Splitcoaststampers). Her 6 year old mind could not wrap around the idea that these were REAL people. She then said “OH! Mommy’s Pretend Stamping Friend sent it.” She thought that people “in” the computer weren’t “real”. She is a very literal child. So that is how the PSF came up!

All that being said, the very first person to reach out to me, when Alexa got sick, was my my dear friend Renee! You may know her on SCS as happystamper05. We have never met, but she has been my “friend” for almost 4 years! While I haven’t been a good friend, always forgetting birthdays and unable to be in cyber-land these days, I’ve also been unable to catch up on her daily happenings, (or those of my other PSF’s) I want her to know how much I cherish her! (and my many other PSF’s!). I actually have some cards to make that are LONG over-do. I could NOT decide if I should have Alexa make the thank yous, then fearing it would take too long (OK they actually may have gotten MADE and MAILED if I let her do them! LOL!) decided I would make them. Well days turned to months that turned to over a year! NOT GOOD!!!!!!!! So After the next release I’m so making them! If it KILLS me!

Renee always remember everything, is always sending me the prettiest cards, and is just one of the most amazing people I never  met, but hope to!

So I hope today, you get to make a card for a far-away friend, or maybe one you lost touch with!

I have some mail stuff to finish today before I run to the post office! Better get a move on.

Thanks for stopping by!!