2 posts today!

Before I start – THANK YOU for all the b-day wishes for Alexa 😀 She sat here and read them all (I THINK! LOL!)

ALSO today is my hubby Jay’s 32nd Birthday! Big birthday wishes to him. We are all caked out (thanks to Alexa and Amber’s b-day stuff) so I’m HOPING today to try my hand at making his favorite (at least I think its his fave) dessert from childhood-Steamed Pudding. Wish me luck on that! I want to surprise him but is HAS to be edible!! ROTFLMBO!!! I’ll let you know how it goes. I never tried it so I don’t even know HOW it tastes. Sounds gross! (to be honest) but he always raves over his BF’s grandmothers recipe. Oh boy! Never a dull moment here is there?

OK moving on….

I’m excited about today’s Papertrey Ink Senior Design Team Challenge!

Stir, Sip & Enjoy

As you can tell by my title, it has to do with beverages!! I LOVE Coffee, and all that fun stuff.  I have to say packaging them is even MORE fun for me 😀 Since it is a simple, inexpensive gift, but so enjoyable too. There are SOOOOOO many ways to package it up, its endless.

SO that being said Nichole asked us to get creative and package up a hot treat! That is SO up my alley of fun. I really enjoy gift packaging.

Now given the fact the the weather has taken a frosty turn here, I’m so ready for a nice warm cup of YUM!!

So how about this?

One of the best gifts to give during the blistery ,cold, winter months, is of course Snowman Soup.I took that play on words, and created a fun little package for everyones favorite warm up treat!

You will suddenly be dunking your snowman into a mug before you know it!

Now how cute is he?

 As I said before-you are going to get sick of seeing me use the My Timeless Template © Its on the House, but I couldn’t resist ONE MORE sample 😀 There really is a great variety of templates going on, so you can give almost anything in a fun, and EASY package 😀

I decided I would package my hot cocoa, marshmallows, and peppermints in the template. I wanted to decorate it to be CUTE and FUN! This is one of the easiest templates to make a WOW out of.

The snowman is from Made of Snow. The cup is from Warm Happiness. I LOVE mixing and matching various stamp sets.

When I thought of snowman soup, all I could imagine was him IN the cup! I loved the idea, and lo and behold, not only did it work, but its pretty darn cute 😀

The box front was printed on Spring Rain, and the back onto Snow White cardstock.

I stamped my box, and acetate with Rustic Snowflakes, in white stazon. I then added some glitter while the ink was wet. I had some pom pom ribbon stuff, that I adhered around the window-it went along with the snowball theme I had here! I also made sure that the bag of marshmallows (aka snowballs) ended up being in the window.

Speaking of mixing stamp sets…..

For my tag, I used  Holiday Treats( HUGE fave of mine :D), to incorporate the cup o cocoa and the THEME of the challenge 😀

My large snowflakes are from the Snowflake Punch, which I punched from white cardstock, then covered with glue and glitter 😀

I have to say I truly loved this project, and challenge 😀 This is proving to be such a fun all around gift giving template for me.

Now that is all for me, but be sure to see what all the girls did

I really hope you enjoyed today’s challenge project as much I enjoyed creating it 😀

Be back tomorrow with many more samples 😀

Let me start today off by saying-SORRY this is so late! I have been beyond busy. I know we are ALL busy! So busy I haven’t hardly been home the last week. I STILL have my top faves to pick too-YIKES! Time is just passing me by.

 I  have some deadlines and stuff I HAD to get done and the computer/blog stuff HAD to be last on the list! Life gets crazy from Sept. on for me- doctors appointments, soccer, parties, practices, open house, PTO, and the stamp industry is heavy into HOLIDAY stuff. Add all that to my plate, in a fury one day-and a NEED for change-I chopped my hair to *just* below my shoulders! EEK! What was I thinking? Seriously though it doesn’t look bad! Ill have to post a photo. Its much more healthy-and EASY!

OK I’m going to be quick cause Jay and I have a HOT date 😀 YIPPEE! Dinner with a group of friends-should be a blast.

OK I know, you don’t need to hear me ramble or complain…….it is Saturday so that means time for a Challenge!

This weeks challenge is to use ANY My Timeless Template and  PACKAGE candy of some sort OR get inspired by your candy wrapper! With Halloween around the corner, and holidays this is the PERFECT time to get some gifts done.:D

Post your creation HERE:

MY inspiration came from Ghirardelli—–> CLICK HERE to view the bag of Raspberry Chocolates 😀

Then lookie here!

I think this came out so pretty!

I used my 3D idea found—>HERE to create these FAB paper punched flowers 😀 I added stamens to the centers for that extra touch. Virtually NO stamping (EEK!)

Then I added some Prima leaves to the sides. I LOVE this flower! Really adds that MUCH loved dimension and POPS out at you-literally.

I  use the template Its on the House (the standard AND Pretty Petite version (my first project using the small one)

My colors are Sweet Blush and the Scarlet Jewel. Very striking combo. Paper is In Bloom.

This is the side view of the large template

The stamped portion used the bird from Just Hatched and the sentiment is from Remember.

After I made this project I BROKE my apron border punch-GRR!!

This is the small version of the template-close up

Now as you can see I decorated the large and small the SAME! Just used a smaller punch for my flower! EASY PEASY!

Large or small I think they look GREAT! This is a gift for a special friend-who I NEED to send a special TY to!

Well that does it for me!
You can see what my team of girls has done for this challenge-Just click their name:

As ALWAYS thanks for stopping by! I hope you get inspired 😀

Yes! I am alive!

I’m just super busy.

Thank you ALL for the comments on the party and all our new photos 😀 The girls enjoyed me reading them everything.

So I do have something fun to share 😀 A great project that I hope you will enjoy. It includes a video-so be sure to check it out!

Today I am being featured as a Guest Designer at Scrapbook News and Review! 

You will need to go there to see my project and post today.

Well I wasn’t sure what to think when Erika emailed me, asking me to participate as their first guest designer!

My initial reply to Erika was-“I don’t scrapbook (well not much, and I’m not good at it), so I don’t know that I can be a guest!” She quickly replied that Scrapbook News & Review was all about everything! Just do whatever I want, and it should be fine.

Well, needless to say I was of course “nervous” about WHAT I would do! I always feel that way any time I’m “featured” in some way, be it a My Timeless Template release, group project, newsletter or of course-guest spot. I never want to disappoint anyone.

That being said I figured the majority of readers are most likely scrappers! So I kept in mind the fact that they ALL use photos-a lot! I knew I wanted to do SOMETHING special with them, but was unsure. Myself, on the hunt for great, inexpensive gift ideas found the PERFECT idea!

I HOPE you like it 😀 (here is peek)

Hope you enjoy this project, and find the time to give it try for your gift giving this year, no matter what season, or occasion!

Thank you for joining me.

Oh man! I’m a busy girl! I’ll get my other post up tomorrow or Sat. I have to take Alexa for her post Chemo check up this am, and have a few TIGHT deadlines…..so gotta get that stuff done ASAP! I took a special one on one class yesterday so that took up quite a bit on my time yesterday, but will be SO worth it in the end! 

I hope you all don’t mind me sharing Amber’s 5th Birthday Party!

I can’t even believe she is 5 already. KILLS ME! My baby-growing so fast. I just want to FREEZE her right now!

As you have read, over what seems like MONTHS, Amber had a Princess Costume Party. I feel like I planned a mini Wedding!! She was so particular about every detail (wonder where she gets that from! LOL!), and needed this like that, and OH! How cool would this be….and so on. I actually think I should start saving for her Wedding NOW! LOL!

In all seriousness I truly loved every minute of it. I was really cool for her to give her feedback, and convey her party “dream” to me. So, after MUCH prep here is what we ended up with!

First we needed a dress!

We found this little number at the Disney store back at the end of JULY!

She was so excited! I have to say I think she looks alot like a little real life Sleeping Beauty

We completed the outfit with glittery shoes, wand (lights up!) and her crown.

I loved this photo-too bad the wand gave me some BLING on her face :C

If you haven’t noticed by now Amber TOTALLY loved posing and being a Princess! LOL! I didn’t have to tell her anything, she just got into Pretty Princess mode! LOL! It was so funny. I actually had to tell her to stop!

Now when Alexa saw Amber’s dress she wanted the same one. Well, Amber was NOT going to let her wear the SAME thing, so we opted for a different version

Getting these two to look at the camera at the same time was a huge feat! I’m NOT looking forward to Christmas photos.

Let me tell you the claws came out and sister rivalry really showed its ugly claws for this situation. Alexa even tried to get Amber’s dress on herself, before Amber knew it was laying out. Alexa claimed it was HER dress! OH! BOY!! Anyway…….here is Alexa-who hates when I make her take pictures (on most days!)

Her hair actually looks really pretty since it was all curls

She is very shy, if you can’t tell 😀

Sadly she won’t wear this at the town Harvest Parade-she wants to be a SKUNK! LOL! I was hoping to get my money’s worth.

Now we have the PARTY SCENE! Set for 8 Princesses

PS-Sorry I’m not sharing photos of the girls-some people don’t like their kids photos shared on the internet

We had a room FULL of balloons and streamers (you can’t see them here) It looked really cool.

Amber decided we NEEDED a centerpiece for her table! When we were at Michael’s she saw a plain wooden castle. Well, she HAD to have it! So she picked out some paint (pink, dk pink, pale yellow and purple) we got some sponge brushes, and away she went!

She was SO proud of what she did. I was even MORE proud than she was!

I seriously cannot tell you what an AMAZING job she did painting that castle ALL by herself!! I showed her quickly HOW to get it painted, smoothing out an globs of paint once she was done getting in the crack, and she did the rest!

The top she did yellow (and that did make me cringe but I kept my mouth SHUT! ) and the top inside she did purple (-again mouth shut! LOL!) It was just painted so perfectly I wasn’t even expecting that!

She then took glitter glue, and added the jewels. I was scared to let her do that in fear it would ruin her amazing painting, but it was HER castle, so I left the room and let her be. When I came back I was in SHOCK! It was beautiful!

After the castle was done she wanted some ribbon. We both thought that filling the top with flowers (that match her favor boxes) would be a really nice touch too! (and it covered the purple! LOL!)

I cut over a 100 flowers and leaves for this party, with my Cricut Plantain School Book cartridge, in like 3 minutes! Can you say LOVE!!!

I tied the ribbon around the edge, added some butterfly stickers, and then took a cut Styrofoam ball, covered in a large sheer ribbon, and added the flower details. I used a hot glue gun for that.

We sprinkled stars and glitter all over the place when it was done! 😀

The tag is a “flag”that I made it using my Cricut when I was experimenting!! It came out cool so we added that too!

Table set with Crowns and jewels to decorate them, magic wands, princess frames for them to color/decorate (which we got close up face photos at the party, then printed their faces to put in them before they left! Really cute!) favor boxes that I designed *just* for Amber’s party, which were filled with 2 beaded necklace making projects, jewels, candy necklaces, and a bunch of other stuff, and we of course had Princess lollipops!

Not getting ANY closer than this to the favor boxes-you’ll see them soon enough 😀

I also made the tags on those with my the basic download stuff Cricut SCAL came with.

Now we have her Castle cake

It came out so pretty 😀 I was very happy with it. We also had a castle pinata…….and

 YUMMY Castle Lollipops

So needless to say it was a day fit for a Princess!

I know someday I will look at these photos when she is grown and remember this day like it was yesterday…………..

I know, can you believe it?

I’m so excited!!

 Today Melissa is opening an online digital stamp store with a great selection of brand new Halloween and Christmas designs. So now PCS will have two stores, one for rubber stamps and one for digital stamps. You can check out the new store at: https://www.pinkcatstudio.com/Digital/PCSDigi.htm

DON’T fret you rubbah luvah’s (hey Paulette and Tracey, does that bring back any memories for you?)!! She will STILL have her normal rubber stamp releases! The rubber/digi images will be different images. So best of both worlds for those diving into digi stuff.

These images are $3 each.

With the economy, maybe these are more affordable for you too 😀 I mean seriously, I spend $3 at least once a week on coffee 😀

NOTE:I keep all my digi images in a special file so I can EASILY locate them 😀 Organization is key to using what you purchase.

You can see the regular store –>HERE<—

Now I’ll share 3 samples I got made in a jiffy.

First up- My FAVE!!!

Little Ladybug Box

Now cute is this gift box?

 I was recently asked by one of my readers if I had any ladybug party favor ideas! Well, yes I do!

This little ladybug box was made using the My Timeless Template: Rounded Wrap Up! It makes the perfect pairing with Melissa’s NEW! Itty Bitty Betty:Ladybug Can you imagine the FUN party invites and matching favors this can make? LOVE IT!

Now both are INSTANT downloads, so you could start making your own Ladybug box in 5 minutes 😀

For this project:

I printed my box on smokey shadow cardstock. Cut and assembled as directed.

I then lined the bottom with my bitty box basics paper.

I made my wings by cutting a mat layer in red, and cutting two 1/2 circles 😀

Punched some circles, and was ready to go!

I adhered JUST the top flap so the wings would pop forward. They have dimensionals under the wings.

The top is tied closed with ribbon, and 2 cardstock antennae were added. SO cute 😀

The girl was printed on white cardstock, then colored with COPIC markers! Easy Peasy.

Now we have : Let it snow

  My time was tight so I whipped this simple lil card up WOW! Did this ever get washed out! The coloring in the background is SO light-sorry! Didn’t have time for the photo set up. I love the lil boy elf! Of course, the penguin too!! How cute having them slide down a candy cane! WOW! Love that. There is some glittery snow on the ground 😀Obviously some silver snowflake table confetti, swirling around. I think this one was cute 😀 Since I LOVE the candy cane image…….  Much better photo! How cute is she? Again simple card-but I love it.The digi images were quick and easy, and I colored them at soccer practice! LOL! Now THAT is multi-tasking 😀   

Check out these blogs to see some fabulous cards and projects using the new digi stamps:

Becky Carafa – https://www.lakeshorestamper.com/

Emily Leiphart – https://www.leiphartonart.blogspot.com/

Inge Groot – https://www.patternedpaper.typepad.com/

Jodi-Ann Lee – https://www.inkedinspirations.blogspot.com/

Lauren Meader – https://laurenm.splitcoaststampers.com/

Lauretta See – https://www.passioncartesetplus.blogspot.com/

MacKenzie Bruckler – https://midnightscramper.blogspot.com/

Maria Bell – https://stampininspirations.blogspot.com/

Mariska van der Veer – https://www.sendingyoualittlesmile.blogspot.com/

Sparkle Smith – https://sparklecreations.blogspot.com/

Suzanne J Dean – https://www.scrapbitz.blogspot.com/

Tracey Cuccia – https://www.tmcuccia.blogspot.com/

Vicki Garrett – https://www.summerthymestudio.blogspot.com/

Let’s be honest, the images sell themselves, but once you hop around to see the eye candy, I’m sure you’ll add more to your MUST HAVE shopping cart 😀

I’m dying to hear your thoughts today 😀

Be back with more tomorrow!

WAHOO! In case you didn’t know-today and tomorrow……

JustRite Stampersis having a H-U-G-E Mega Font Blog Hop! 

They are even having a 30% OFF Promotion!! Check it out —>HERE! Perfect time to shop 😀

I LOVE my font sets. So many options! What I *really* love is that any/all the font sets are perfect with ANY images you may have bought from other companies. Sometimes we hunt for the PERFECT sentiment, and are willing to spend the $$ for that perfect one, when you can now easily make your own! No more hunting!

This month we are trying to show you the MANY different things you can do using their font sets in ANY and ALL your creations! As you hop along you will see a HUGE variety of uses. It is SURE to get those wheels in your head turning! 

 “I” of course will be doing a gift item 😀

Now while I was posting the countdown peeks for my newest templates, I WARNED you, that you would see me using It’s on the House © A LOT!!!!!!! I’m over the moon for this template and ALL the possibilities. So I hope you don’t get sick of seeing all the ideas I have had for it.

So, that being said, I used it today, for the hop!

Sending Holiday Joy

I created this little “house box” to give some White Lindt Chocolates!

It reminds me of a vintage style gift box, given the image! I’m just in LOVE with it.

I’ll get to the “gifty” details in a minute, first let me share the sentiment story 😀

I was inspired by the sentiment in Holiday Demi Phrases Round 2” -“SENDING HOLIDAY JOY”. I didn’t want a rounded sentiment, so I pulled out my Horizontal Wood Stamper Set  and used *just* the font from Wood Stamper 2-3/8″ with Bonus 25pt Font & Center to create my own! Now I have the exact sentiment I wanted, and in the same font too!

SEE! You don’t even have to be overly “creative” to come up with good sentiments! Just look into some you like, and copy them using your own font set! EASY PEASY!

I just stamped my sentiment in versamark ink, onto brushed gold cardstock, then embossed it with gold EP!

I then, punched it out with my label punch from SU! It was the PERFECT addition to my house gift box!

Now about the BOX!

When I received the NEW! Sarah Kay line, the image Noel Charity just stood out to me. I thought it was truly stunning! While my coloring leaves much to be desired, I knew she was perfect for this project I had in my head!

This image was *just* an adorable girl, knocking on the door, I had to give her a home with it!

I just scored the box to appear more “house-like”, and scalloped the flap for my “roof”. It is distressed a bit, but it didn’t show up well in photos.

As you can see they are the PERFECT union!

The girl is 3D, as is her little package of love. She truly appears to have just stumbled upon the doorstep.

Trust me when I tell you PHOTOS do this NO justice! It is a must see in person.

I used red, gold, green with hints of a pale blue. Her coat is flocked with red. There are touches of a gold pen here and there, and of course snowflakes of gold.

I added “snow” to the “ground” of the house. Just adds to the detail.

I feel the entire package convey my main message ” Sending Holiday Joy”!

Supplies:

Stamps:

Sarah Kay: Noel 2009 Charity

JustRite Stampers: Wood Stamper 2-3/8″ with Bonus 25pt Font & Center

Cardstock: Red, Gold, Kraft, White

My Timeless Template: It’s on the House ©

Ink: Momento Black, Tea Dye ink, Copic Markers, Versamark

Ribbon: Gold

Gold Embossing Powder, Gold pen, Chunky glitter, red fun flock, Martha Stewart snowflake punch, label punch, garland/berry from Michaels Craft store, scallop border punch

Now! I’ve done my part (I HOPE!), to show you some ideas using the FONT! Time to HOP ALONG!!

Here is a list of players:

JustRite Stampers Blog

Michelle Wooderson
Sankari Wegman
Heidi Blankenship
Eva Dobilas
Beate Johns
Sharon Harnist
Barbara Anders
Sharon Johnson
Deb Saaranen
Becca Feeken
Kazan Clark
Lauren Meader <–You are HERE!
Tammy Hershberger
Linda Beeson
Jenny Gropp
Lori Craig
Tanis Giesbrecht
Jenn Balcer
Lisa Somerville
Karen Maldonado
Pamela Smerker
Karen Taylor
Latisha Yoast
Julie Overby
Mary Pfaff

See you here tomorrow as I have a Newsletter Project to share 😀 (with a video) 

Hi peeps!

Today is post #2 for today, so be sure to scroll on down!

I have been quite busy switching creative gears back and forth. It can really confuse the MOJO, let me tell you!

I know, I just took you through Christmas, but now we are switching gears back to Halloween!

We still have 1 1/2 months until Halloween, so PLENTY of time to get stuff done

Back the the Halloween talk! I have a peek at some Halloween images from Pink Cat Studio! This set called Itty Bitty Halloween, and it will release tomorrow 😀

The set is UBER ADORABLE!  Melissa developed a whole NEW! line of character’s, that are of course FAB!! They are called Bitty Betty and Bitty Bobby. OH! and don’t worry, they will be back for the next release! (WINK!)

So first up-my personal favorite project I created……

Haunted House

How cute is this little project?

The creepy monster popping out of the grave!!

I wanted to go for slightly creepy in a cute way! Make sense? I’m not a scary/creepy kind of girl. I’m more cutesy.

TODAY the My Timeless Template: It’s on the House, was released! I seriously LOVE it to pieces!  I HAD to use it when I saw this creepy, crawly image!

I printed my template, then scored it, every 1/2 inch,  to look the house boards. I also distressed it a bit. Now I could have gone TOTAL haunted house with this, but I wanted the image to be the focus, and of course—> POP!! I didn’t want to get off track by creating just a haunted house.

Going with creepy and cute…some details….

I used some layered buttons-white, avocado,  and colored BLING to make a 3D eyeball sticking out of the image! EW! The hands look like they are going to grab it!

I also used a button and MORE colored bling, along with some embroidery floss for a fun-and cute spider like detail on the ribbon. The ONLY spider I would ever think of calling CUTE! LOL!

Then the lil bat punched out, holds the “trick or treat” tag.

I just like it. Inside this I would put a bag of gummy bugs (they sell them at Target). My kids actually found them, and ate them before I could use them here-SORRY! Gotta love it.

Now for another project!

Taffy Treat Take Along

This project used the My Timeless Template: Lolli-pop Along 

Turning the “lolli=pop” insert base over, it creates a “bucket” of sorts to hold your goodies! My kids (and I) LOVE Laffy Taffy. I thought this was a fun item to just package up, and place inside. Plus they are in your expected Halloween colors 😀

The glittery white layer is suppose to be the full moon! LOL!

How seriously cute is the sentiment?

I love her! I love the cutesy scared look she has on her face as she holds closed that creepy cute pumpkin, for dear life! LOL!

I added a web and spider stamp to the background. The candy corn is some ancient patterned paper I found in my stash, so I cut out the candy corns.

This was an EASY PEASY project.

Perfect treat.

Well I am done for today! Lots more to share tomorrow. You don’t have to wait long since Melissa is releasing them early for you! No long ended suspense!

Check out all the designers blogs for more great samples.

Pink Cat Studio Blog

Guest Designer -Heather

Make sure you tune in tomorrow for my 2 other fun projects, and the peek at the entire set that will be released tomorrow 😀

Thank you for popping by!

On a side note 😀 I cracked open my Cricut!!

I was honestly  PETRIFIED of it! Once it was open it just looked so complicated and overwhelming. But, I watched the intro video and found that VERY helpful!!! After seeing that I wasn’t scared at all. They did an excellent job explaining all about it, I feel. Especially since I’m a visual person. I’m not good at “reading” instructions. I need to see it, or DO it myself.

I actually used it today to make the tags, layered flowers/leaves on Amber’s birthday party favors! Its a FUTURE My Timeless Template 😀 so I’m not sure when I will share the photos. Trust me though, its FABULOUS! One of my faves so far!

I also used my Sure Cuts Alot program for the tag part. Not sure if I did all that stuff correctly-I had to have a cartridge IN my Cricut to even get the paper to load prior to printing the tags I designed, using just the stuff that comes with the SCAL 2.0 program. I bought a couple of other .svg files to test the waters too, but couldn’t “play” too long as Amber’s party is Sat, and we have a FULL schedule this week. I’m on major crunch time.

I guess my bottom line is WOW! I LOVE my Cricut Expression! I can’t believe it took me so long to get one! LOL! I do need to go get the tool kit, and of course I want EVERYTHING! The time it saves me from punching or die cutting my own flowers ALONE was worth it. Oh! And I can totally see needing a new mat, and most likely will get some extra cutting blades 😀

OK I’m really done now!LOL!

Anyone with SCAL 2.0 advice-please share! LOL! I’m so clueless. I have to check out some of the links to videos people sent too! It is hard to even know where to start some times.

OK the countdown is nearing the end!

I have SO many more samples, so just keep coming by 😀

Tonight is the Papertrey Ink Release party!!! I hope to chat with you all there!

I think you are going to like the ideas I have to share today using my 2 NEWEST My Timeless Templates: It’s on the House, and Keeping Tabs!

Starting tomorrow -YOU can start using them yourself!

*If you didn’t know* The My Timeless Templatesare an INSTANT download! UNLIMITED USE! You pay ONLY $5, each of tonights template release has 2 sizes-Standard, and Pretty Petite! Oh! and NO SHIPPING! So no matter WHERE you live yo can have them right away 😀

 All the templates just print from your computer, onto 8 1/2 X 11 cardstock.

They come with step by step photos and written instructions. Any questions you can always contact me directly [email protected]

Each has an EXCLUSIVE idea book with 5 projects.

 The projects have color photos, a supply list, and step by step instructions to get you going with 5 ideas! So, if you don’t feel very creative, we have some of the ideas done for you!

People LOVE getting the finished templates as gifts! I cannot even tell you the amazing feedback I received from user’s telling me the response from the receivers they have made gifts for! Each person has said that they felt not only proud but it made being creative EASY 😀 I love hearing stories like that 😀

So enough blabbering……let’s get to the projects OK!

Star Student

The It’s on the House © template easily transforms into a backpack!

 I bet you didn’t think this template could be great for “school” themed projects and gifts too! This take “back to school” or fun gift packaging to a whole new level!!

Given the way the template comes together, I printed the back New Leaf cardstock. I just rounded the corners of the top flap closdure for my back pack top.

Teh front of the template used the “print on copy paper, and use as a score/cut guide” so I could use black cardstock for my front of the bag.

I then just made mat layers (rounding corners) for the front panel.

I found some lunch box style latches at my hardware store for $1, and away I went!

It REALLY unlatches 😀 I love it!! It’s details like that, that can totally step it up, easily! Instead of using the screws that came with the latch, I used brads! They worked perfectly!

I hand made a front pocket detail that does open and hold little notes 😀 The brad tucks the flap in. You could use little envelopes, or those small envelope die cuts by Sizzix or other die cut makers! I believe SU! has a pretty scallop one that would fit too.

No backpack is complete without the straps!

I grabbed my son’s backpack to ensure I was making them as REALISTIC as possible!

Using some hodgepodge hardware pieces, and more brads, looks pretty cool to me!

Perfect backpack! This can OBVIOUSLY be easily altered for a girl too! What I love is that this LOOKS difficult, but was OH! SO EASY!

I filled this with some fun school items! My son went CRAZY for it, as I usually do girly stuff 😀 He was so happy to have a BOY item just for him!

Supplies

My Timeless Template: It’s on the House

Stamps: Star prints
Cardstock: New Leaf, White
Patterned Paper: Bitty Star Basics
Ink: Black, New Leaf
Ribbon: Stitched Black
other: hodge podge hardware. lunch box latch, key chain toggle, chipboard, silver brad, corner rounder, CTMH brads

Just a Note set

This gift set was created using *just* the pockets from the Keeping Tabs© template using the standard template, as well as the Pretty Petite version!

They make just the perfect card holder all on their very own.

This project has a card set for A2 size cards, and then a sample with 3X3 cards-wrapped up in a cello bag with twine ribbon!

Here is the large card box

As I mentioned in the first reveal of the Keeping Tabs template, the pockets from this template are PERFECT on their own!

Even better is the fact that they are the perfect wrap for our Clearly Creative Card Box!

NOTE: Just place card box inside template, prior to adhering 😀

I used the large pocket to create a stunning Clearly Creative card box wrap, and hold 5 of these A2 size cards/envelopes.

I used the decorative mat layering template to create a pretty look on my card design as well!

So for the standard version, the box is designed much like the card. When the cards are inside, they look just like the card front.

Such a pretty gift set, don’t you think? Virtually no stamping either. Quick assembly.

Now for our Petite version

The Pretty Petite version  3 X 3 cards/envelopes!

Such a fun size when mass producing or wanting to send little notes

The card also used the layering template to create a decorative flap on our fold out note card! Just un-fold and you have plenty of room to write.

As seen in above group photo, I wrapped it up in a cello bag, then was on my way!

This is the perfect gift! Now you can see just how fun and versatile this template is too!!

Supplies:

My Timeless Template: Keeping Tabs (pockets)

Stamps: Vintage picnic, 2009 Autumn tags, Floral Frenzy

Cardstock: Kraft, Orange Zest, Spring Moss, Summer Sunset, Ripe Avocado

Patterned Paper: Autumn Abundance, Bitty Box Basics

Ink: Orange Zest, Ripe Avocado, Dark chocolate

Ribbon: Orange Zest, twine

Clearly creative card box

Prima flowers

A2 and 3 X 3 envelopes in Kraft

Slice Studio Design Essentials cartridge

Circle punch, tag punch

Well that about does it for my peeks today. I hope you enjoyed what I have shared so far. More to come tomorrow. I’d love to hear your feedback on this month’s templates, and what project you liked most so far 😀 There weren’t enough days in the countdown to share everything I made with you, but that just means more to come.

On a SUPER happy note, I completed ALL my work and I’m FINALLY going to BUST open my Cricut today!!! While the kids are at school of course! I pray I can use it rigth away! I have so many project ideas already 😀 If youa re looking for a SUPER deal on the Sure Cuts a Alot 2.0, check out my post —> HERE! I have a coupon code for me readers 😀

In the meantime, check out  Nicholes samples today!! Also sharing is Becky O ,  Melissa, Beth Silaika and Dawn McVey.

See you tonight at the release!

Thank you for stopping by.

Get it? Keeping Tabs & It’s on the House shared together.

OK I admit, sometimes my excitement gets the best of me!!!!

Are you ready for MORE peeks using the NEWEST My Timeless Template © release??

Remember, then 2  templates featured today are not available until the 15th

I decided I would share some FALL themed items! Thanksgiving is around the corner, and it IS Autumn here in New Hampshire, so why not celebrate?

These gift ideas are sure to WARM you up (wink!), even though we are “technically” gearing up for Christmas, I have the urge to do some fall themed projects.

First up-Giving Thanks Duo

You are looking at a gift set created using  the Keeping Tabs © templates.

I really like sharing both template sizes (standard fitting A2 cards, and Pretty Petite perfect for 3×3 and other larger items), side by side, yet designed the same. It shows how versatile the stamps can be, and how easy it is to use the same design elements on various sized packages! It also shows that big or small, these templates look FABULOUS!

I have to say I’m HEAD over HEELS for the NEW! Autumn Abundance themed papers 😀 I just got mine and have been DYING to play with them! So expect to see a couple projects with this new paper line!

Now lets get to WHAT is inside!

We obviously know that cards are a definite fit for this template, so I’m working on “other” ideas to get your creative gift ideas flowing!

First I will share the large/standard version

I love this! Truly a masculine gift! OR anyone really! It just oozes Autumn.

Taking from the paper the oak leaves, I used my SLICE Back to School cartridge to die cut my own, from patterned paper, in various sizes, for my tag decor.

I scored them, and distressed them with the tea dye ink duo. I’m addicted to these berry bundles I bought at Michael’s a few weeks ago! They are adding such a FAB element to my latest creations. A CHEAP and simple touch. I even usedMy Punny Valentine for the acorn (covered with a page pebble)-which is also found on Oak trees 😀

Sentiment is from Autumn Abundance set.

Now we open it up….

Well, what do we have here?

OH! On the left-2 individually wrapped Chocolate Almond Biscotti!

A perfect companion for our other pocket of YUM (and they aren’t too bad for you :D)

Then on the right  pocket we have 4 SCRUMPTIOUS Lindt Cocoa packets-WITH 4 Lindt chocolate SPOONS!

(yes part of my HUGE purchase at the Lindt store :D) Cocolate SPOONS! Does it get any better? I think NOT!

OMGosh! Could you just DIE! How YUM-azing is that for a gift?! Seriously! I had all I could do to NOT make myself a cup of this mix immediately 😀

OK now onto the Pretty Petite version-just as scrumptious!

I love the size of this particular one! Totally cute and EASY!

As you can see, same design, just left off the “acorns” Too big and bulky for this one.

Leaves were die cut using a smaller version as well. EASY PEASY!

Have I told you that Orange Zest is AMAZING?! Im beyond in love with it.

Sentiment here is from Vintage Picnic (LOVE that set).

Now, let’s peek at what is inside here

I found this box of Merci Chocolates. They are like truffle bars!

I can vouch that they are so delicious! There is a variety pack of various “flavors”. Oh man! I wanted to eat them ALL! But I was a good girl and limited myself to like 2.

I have to say I like my box MUCH better than the original packaging.

As you can see each pocket holds 8 chocolate truffle bars-easily.

Who wouldn’t want to open this box of heaven?!

Best part is this decadent box of chocolates was only like $5 at Target, tastes fab, and you have MORE than enough to fill this template and sample a handful or two too!

Supplies:

My Timeless Template: Keeping Tabs

Stamps:My Punny Valentine, Autumn Abundance, Vintage Picnic

Cardstock: Dark Chocolate, Orange Zest, vintage cream

Patterned Paper: Bitty box basics, Autumn Abundance

ink: tea dye ink duo, dark chocolate

Ribbon: Orange zest

Slice cartidge/machine-Back to School

tag punch, SEI brad

Now we will go to the “It’s on the House” template.

Let me WARN you now, that you are going to see me using this one A LOT! Its SUPER cute, and EASY to work with! It will easily become a favorite! I already have so many variations made to share this month!

I promised you it wasn’t *just* a house, but a FAB template for packaging up just about anything you see fit, and just running with a fun (non-house) design!

Now I will prove it.

OK, go with me here!

Think teachers, co-workers, neighbors, mailman, someone, ANYONE really. Near of far…….young or old………

Breezy Autumn day, after apple picking, or some warm apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream………

A warm cup of Spiced Apple Cider!

Now THIS is a fab box for such a gift!

(YES! This template also has a pretty petite version-I just haven’t used it yet! Patience! :D)

You saw this template made as it’s name suited- a house, and now you can view it as a great template for all sorts of gifts!

6 packets of this Cider, easily fit like a DREAM! What a cute gift.

Now this is a great “apple” themed teacher gift I could get on board with! Teachers love consumables .Or so my teacher friends tell me.

Now you can also see this template with a window of another kind, cut in the front!

The perfect little peek at what is inside!

Also another gender neutral design.

I love the apple berry detail at the top of the ribbon too 😀 A simple and fun touch.

Can you imagine the teacher coming in to school and seeing this on her desk?

She would be giddy!  (I think! LOL!)

I’m excited because this is the first time I packaged Apple Cider. I’m just over the moon for this one.

Supplies:

My Timeless Template: It’s on the House

Stamps: 2009 Autumn Tags

Cardstock:vintage cream, spring moss, pure poppy, dark chocolate, clearly creative cardstock

Patterned paper: Green Tea Leaves, First Fruits

ink: Pure poppy, ripe avocado, dark chocolate

ribbon:gold, and other gld trim from craft store

vintage buttons

scallop nestability, berry, tag die, label punch, 1/2 inch punch, gold brad

Well that is it for me today!

The fun is just beginning, as I have so much more to share. Tune back in tomorrow-

In the meantime, check out  Nicholes samples today!! Also sharing is Michelle,  Melissa, Beth Silaika and Dawn McVey.

Today we all have a group post to share!

These are always so fun for me, as I think you can really see how each person on the team is special in their own way! Hopefully between all of us, you can find something that suits your fancy 😀 and this helps get you started on getting ready (EARLY!) for your own home-made holiday gift ideas!

The idea behind this group post was to share something homemade, practical, heartfelt and economical!

I cannot even tell you how excited I am with my project today 😀 Seriously!

To me, nothing says heartfelt like great homemade gift packaging 😀  I personally love giving and receiving such gifts. Another thing I also LOVE is chocolate! Preferably chocolate treats that I didn’t have to make!! I usually try to package up something I can buy in bulk, that MOST people enjoy, then divide it up!

For my gifts this year, I got a great deal, and stocked up.

Here is the ECONOMICAL PART: I was tipped off ,by my friend Tracey, that Lindt Chocolates was having a Anniversary sale. Check it out –>HERE!

Buy 60 truffles, get 60 FREE! That is ONLY 0.25 cents a piece! WAHOO! You can pick and choose whatever you want!

I spent $98 at that store! With everything on sale, they said it would have come to $219! HUGE SAVINGS to me 😀

 Plus,who doesn’t love those chocolates?! AND, if they don’t, its a respectable re-gift item MALE or FEMALE!!

So I bought my fill, and rushed home to make my gift! OK so THAT isn’t HOMEMADE! But that is SO me-homemade packaging for store bought items! LOL!

I wasn’t sure what I was going to package my chocolates in. I have SO many fab My Timeless Templates ©, it was hard to choose. I decided I would just start wrapping up some  cello bags of chocolates, to ensure I had gotten enough for everyone, then I would worry about the gift packaging.

Well I separated my chocolate, then made this tag!

Totally retro, fun and funky holiday colors…..

Lindt chocolate colors of the Raspberry, Peanut Butter, and Mint chocolate flavors.

I ADORE this stocking image! I used elements from Vintage picnic to FILL my stocking! Cute huh?

It was THIS tag that gave me that LIGHTBULB-AH! HA! moment for my heartfelt, homemade gift!

As I was coloring the image I said out loud-“Oh my gosh! I LOVE IT!! I wish I had a Christmas Stocking like this!”

Well, no sooner did the words leave my lips (and yes, I admit, I often talk to myself when creating! Its a process OK!) I remembered my FREE! My Timeless Template : Stocking Stuffer! <—Now THAT is definitely economical!

So I ran up to my computer! Printed my template onto COPY paper.

 I grabbed my UBER cheap-o sewing machine (Its was $5 at RiteAid after Christmas last year!), and some black felt, that cost 0.35 CENTS, and layered the template onto my (folded in half) piece of black felt.

Ran it through my sewing machine, using the copy paper as my SEW on pattern, and in like 3 minutes, I had a stocking!

NOTE: Do NOT sew the top!

Once sewn, I trimmed a 1/4 inch border around the outside edge.

Since felt doesn’t FRAY I wanted the sewing to be shown. Plus I think I did a great job on it 😀

I then ripped off the paper, and added my cuff, with sewn ribbon detail.

At this point Im freaking out with excitement!

Now-time to add the flowers, like in my tag. I scoured my stamping supplies and found all sorts of felt flowers in colors to match! (see hoarding is NOT always a bad thing-I had the felt colors I wanted/needed and felt flowers to match too!) So I got out my hot glue gun, and got work.

Now for the WHOPPING cost of well UNDER $1…….here is the end result of my labor of love

Isn’t it so pretty?

I am SO happy with this. What a fab gift for ANYONE! You could even let the kids decorate their own (minus hot glue gun).

 Now this stocking can be kept around ALL year! I was going to give this one away, but I may keep it for me. I plan on creating these for gifts, but each being different. I NEVER repeat designs. Makes me ill! LOL! Everything is ONE OF A KIND!

This project took about 20 minutes to make! How FAB is that?!  (not including tag)

That includes design concept! Once you get going there is NO stopping you 😀 You don’t even have to have expert sewing skills! TRUST ME!

Just go SLOW around the toe, and you are GOLDEN!

Here are the flower details-totally inspired by my tag

I used the leaf ribbon for that detail.

Flower centers are buttons, bella bling, and adhesive rhinestones. 

Just so easy!

Supplies
My Timeless Template: FREE Stocking Stuffer Tag:
Stamps: Stocking Prints, Vintage Picnic, Polka Dot Basics 2, Holiday Treats
Cardstock: White, Black, Raspberry Fizz, Tangerine
Patterned paper: Bitty box basics
Ink: Black, Copic markers
Embroidery floss in pink & green
Slice machine and Studio Design Essentials cartidge
other-gel pen in pink, orange and blackStocking:
My Timeless Template: Stocking Stuffer
Sewing machine
Black & pink felt
Ribbon: True black polka dot, stitched, Leaf ribbon, Raspberry Fizz grosgrain
Vintage buttons, Felt flowers
embroidery floss in black
Bella dot in silver
Leaf/berry additions from Michaels Craft Store
Bag of Lindt ChocolatesNow, I’m not done yet! I have my card to share.

It used a new stamp set from this month’s Papertrey Ink Release: Tree Trimming

O’ Papertrey Tree

I love all the ornaments that came in the set. It was so hard to pick and choose WHAT I wanted to do!

You could use the ornaments, add buttons, bling, punched patterned paper……OH! I could go on and on!

Overall, I kept it simple.

Stamped my tree in olive ink, then added “snowfallen” ground using polka dot basics 2. By taking my Scor-Tape and applying it along the bottom I was able to then add glitter in a cinch!

I added my adhesive rhinestones, along the curvy lines, for them to appear to be a string of holiday lights. Now, for the twinkly light look, ran the layer through my die cut machine so they would “crackle”. The pressure from the die cut breaks them but the adhesive holds them together on the tree. Its really cool in person, and I totally recommend giving it a try.

I then went on to add my 3D, 1/2 inch punched ornaments.

Of course I needed BUTTONS too.

Just a simple design with this fun, new set!

WHEW! Are you sick of my blabbering yet?! Yikes! See what happens when I get excited?

OK totally ending now-

Be sure to visit the Design Teams blogs:

Tomorrow I will return with more peeks at the NEW! My Timeless Templates: It’s on the House and Keeping Tabs! I have been busy working on so many ideas for you.

Also I am having Kristen host the My Time To Inspire challenge today, as I didn’t even get my own challenge done :C BAD HOST!!

 So check in with her-OK! As well as the other girls

Till tomorrow