OK, so I told you I had a BIG surprise today!

This is also why I have been a LITTLE more busy than expected 😀 A very good kind of busy.

When the world lost little Ethan Weiman, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt like I lost a member of my family. I never lost a family member that was close to me, so the feelings of sorrow and grief were unexpected, and just so raw. I knew I had to do “something”. So I took my emotions, and got some ideas, then made them  into something I felt would be an amazing tribute to Ethan.

I am over the moon, that with the help of Melissa at Pink Cat Studio, the design team, and My Time To Create Team (who seem to be like my unpaid assistants these days), we were able to make a wish a reality! Without them it would not be possible. Also I want to thank the Weiman Family for being so open to this idea, while they had just lost their precious little boy.

Well that BIG SURPRISE is ……..the NEW! Digi Stamp set The Weiman Wranglers!!

How cute are they?

This is a NEW! Digi Stamp release designed for the Weiman Family!

 ——–> CHECK IT OUT <———-

Seriously! Can you believe how AMAZING that it?

Now you can get some UBER cute images, and help a worthy cause!

Now these are a Digital Download-so you pay NO SHIPPING, NO STORAGE 😀 and you get them INSTANTLY! LOVE IT!

When I contacted Melissa with my ideas, she didn’t even hesitate! She is literally in the middle of moving, and MADE time to help out this family! I think that speaks volumes about her. I am so honored to be able to work for such amazing people like Melissa! I cannot even thank her enough for taking the time to do this.

Help us honor the life of Ethan Weiman by purchasing the Weiman Wranglers Digital Stamps. All proceeds will go to the Make A Wish Foundation of Illinois, per request of the family, in Ethan’s honor! Make A Wish fulfilled Ethan’s wish last year, when they gifted him with his horse Sanador, and a barn! Later, when Sanador passed away, they gave him another horse, named Questions! This organization really helped make Ethan’s dreams come true! It will be nice to be able to honor him, and give back something, to help brighten the day of some other sick child!

If you are not familiar with Make A Wish please read their site —>HERE

Make a Wish helped my own family, and I always donate to them, as well as the American Cancer Society!

SO let me share my samples with you, and let me know what you think! I’m so excited about all of this I could just scream 😀

In honor of Ethan, and his lil cowboy hat he always wore

I just adore shaped cards.

I hand cut this cowboy hat from chocolate cardstock! Yes, I was proud 😀 I just tried to make it a smidgen similar to the one on Cowboy Ethan. A little distressing and paper piercing, and it was looking pretty good. NOT perfect! But good all the same.

The top has the fold. I used some pretty “masculine” ribbon from My Little Ribbon Shop. Love that place!

I adore the star center piece, made from brushed copper paper, and poppy!

It was the perfectly simple, finishing touch it needed.

The Ethan hat rim, and Sanador’s (his horse in heaven) face is 3 D!

I loved it.

Now something for Ava…..

I have had the MDF letter “A” for quite some time now. This is about 12 inches. Always meaning to use it. NOW, is the perfect time 😀 I have been on a MDF kick these days eh?

I wanted to send Ava an altered letter, using her NEW! Digi Download image. Maybe she can hang it somewhere, or put it on a shelf??

I had some pretty paper from Imaginesce, so I chose that for my base 😀 and my color inspiration. I wanted it to be sweet, and simple, yet COW-Girly, but not typical Cow-Girly! Nice cheery colors. I think I got it 😀

I used New Times Roman alpha set from JustRite Stampers, to create Ava’s name tag.

I kept it all relatively simple, and loved the 1/2 and 1/2 patterned papers on the “A”. The ric rac ribbon border added to the girly feel. I felt the angles of the paper,  brought your eye to the Digi Ava image, and sentiment: “The journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step” which is from Unity.

That sentiment has so much meaning to me, personally. The day Alexa finished Chemo, I saw a silver bangle with this message on it. It really spoke to me, and our journey through Cancer. My friend Paulette actually bought it for me!!! I wear it EVERYDAY, and it reminds me (especially during tough times) , that you WILL get through it, one step at a time. I just liked it for this project.

So those are my projects!

Please be sure to check out the Pink Cat Stamps Blog for more samples! Some of the Design Team were able to jump aboard, on last minute’s notice 😀 THANK YOU!

Oh and of course, the my My Time To Create Challenge Team  ROCKED out the samples with these images, so have a peek!

Thank you again to everyone who has helped with this process.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, and THANK YOU in advance for purchasing these images.

Here is where the FUN begins!!

I am personally donating a $25 GC to Pink Cat Studio  chosen via random.org, ONE WEEK FROM TODAY ( Monday June 28th) to the winning entry picked.

To enter to win, you need to make something using the NEW! Weiman Wranglers Digi Download, and link it here!

You can enter as many times as you want! You MUST make a new project each time.

Random winner will be picked June 28th.

So let’s get started!

Thank you again for all the support, and the kind words and comments so many of you leave. You are all just WONDERFUL, and always make my day.

PS I know! I didn’t do a Father’s Day Post :C Sorry! I had to get things together for today.

OH! BOY! Am I ever running late:C

Quick post that I will return to edit.

I DO have a sample, but didn’t get my photos edited. I had last T-Ball game today (in which Noah lost his tooth while running the bases!) and PROMISED Jay I’d take him out to a Chinese Buffet Lunch! So I have to run.

I have been working on a BIG announcement coming (possibly) Monday! Depends on if I get everything done-but its looking good so far :D)

SO trust me my excuses are good and valid 😀 (Oh and I DID get ALL my 23 teacher gifts-Noah added his new teacher to the mix! LOL!) They all got a Pack A Picnic in some version, with home-made strawberry jam OR Orange marmalade jam 😀

So here is the challenge:

Template Challenge: Use any one of the My Timeless Templates ©, and CREATE your OWN patterned paper!

Link your creations HERE

Now my “paper” ended up being MUCH simpler, as I ran out of time, to do my original intended project-so I will try to post that this week.

All in all I LOVE my project 😀

A Strawberry Picnic

OK this totally counts for MAKING my own patterned paper! LOL!

I used Polka Dot Basics and White Craft ink, on Pure Poppy cardstock, to make the polka dot patterned paper. (I know! EASY PEASY! SORRY!) My lid was done usingNew Leaf cardstock, and an EK Slim border punch.

I used my newest template Pack a Picnic ©, to create a large and small Strawberry like basket!!

I know this is UBER simple-but people, I had 23 teacher gifts to make, I’m all about the SIMPLE WOW! This set took about 30 minutes.

It is going up for sale on my Etsy Shop!

 I didn’t give the large one away (and kept one small one for the complete set) I love how the mini fits nicely in the larger basket! I have gotten so much feedback on this template! So many surprised at how large it is, and roomy! All GOOD comments!! Only BAD thing (and its totally not bad :D) I heard was “Its so much bigger than I thought, now I have to go get some more stuff to FILL it!” -Jennifer C.

YEAH! That is a great thing to hear!

Strawberry mini close up

 I made a bunch of the mini Pack a Picnic“Strawberries” to hold my Strawberry Jams. The minis took about 7 minutes to complete each.

I fell in complete LOVE with JustRite Stampers soon to be released set (yes! I got a sample :D) called  Preserves Set. So cute: Grown, Picked & Preserved. Wait till you see the set-LOVE IT!!!

The strawberry is from Lizzie Anne Designs Tutti Fruity

The berry tops are flocked with green.

Isn’t it cute?! I had fun making them and that is all that matters!!

Check out the team:

Thank you for stopping by , and I hope you find time to give it a try at some point in your own busy week.

The end of the week is near and I HAVE to finish teacher gifts!

PLUS I am updating my Etsy Shop today! As soon as this is typed! (YES! This item will be posted as well!)

I just got the last of my Strawberry Jam (Thanks to Paulette’s mom!), so I’ll be decorating the jars, and printing off MORE Pack a Picnic templates 😀 I’ve also already started on my next month’s samples 😀 So my “behind the scenes” life is crazy.

I have had a hard/emotional week after the loss of little Ethan Weiman. Alicia’s Caring Bridge update helped me through yesterday.

So I poured ALL my emotions into this little umbrella. It was great therapy.

I love you Rain or Shine

I love this shape, and think it would be so cute hanging on a door, or in a girls room! I hangs at an angle. Adding the tag and little umbrella, I think makes it totally perfect-o!

I also decorated the edges with the patterned paper. You NEED to make sure ALL sides of your projects are clean and finished!

I then added ALL those adhesive pearls! OH MY! I don’t think I’ll ever try that again! LOL! BUT it’s all about the details, and end results! A true labor of love! I think this took me 3 hours! LOL! But, I took my time, and just kept my mind busy.

Love the details and I think it was well worth it.

I adored the MDF shapes I bought a few months ago at Say It With Letters!Now Im NOT affiliated with them, I have just had a blast using them. I was introduced to them byJulie Masse, when we went to Stamp New England!

NOTE: There is a Stamp New England happening in Conneticut on July 10th & 11th—>READ MORE HERE! Sign up by June 23rd! While I have received SO MANY emails, asking if I were teaching there, sadly no I am not. But they do have some amazing people teaching, so check out their site! I had a blast at the one I attended.

Supplies:

Stamps: Scattered Showers

Cardstock: White, Aqua Mist

Ink: Hibiscus Burst, Aqua Mist

Patterned paper: OOPS! I have NO IDEA! Ill go look it up later (if I still have any left :C) Sorry!

Ribbon: Stitched Hibiscus Burst

Button: Aqua Mist

MDF Umbrella- Say it with letters

Crochet flower made by AmyR! (she sent me some for my birthday :D)

Prima Flowers, Adhesive Pearls, Dew Drops

Thanks for stopping by! Cross your fingers I get EVERYTHING I need to—> done 😀

Only ONE MORE SLEEP until the kids are on vacation! (UH OH! LOL!)

Have you seen the Papertrey Ink Homepage? I think it looks great!

Now my 2 NEWEST My Timeless Templates are available!!

Card Couture © & Pack a Picnic ©

I think it was obvious I had a BLAST!! My head is still spinning with ideas. Plus, I know I am STILL making teacher gifts! I have several to complete, and I will share them when I am done 😀 I should get them completed this week in no time.

I had 22 teachers to get gifts for between Alexa, Noah and Amber! I had to get all the therapists and whatnot in there too. They are a VITAL part of our lives. Some have a couple that work with Alexa-don’t want to leave any out. Plus I also give the bus driver something too. You know she has NEVER even said thank you! She sees me everyday! I think that’s weird.

Amber had her last day of Pre-school. I was the ONLY parent who balled! I was shocked at how emotional it was for me.

How can MY BABY be going to school 5 days a week next year?!

You’d THINK I’d be jumping for JOY, but I’m actually very sad over the whole thing.

Amber is just growing so fast! (they ALL are!)

Here she is with her diploma! They also worked hard and made a REALLY nice book for each child with photos through the year, and info on each child in her class. The kids put their hand prints AND signed their name in every book! So sweet! I will cherish it forever!

It was at a park on a VERY rainy, then turned MUGGY day-So excuse my FRIZZED out, horrifying do.

Amber & I (thank goodness I had no makeup all over my face! I was a mess I tell you!)

Amber & Daddy

Daddy was too embarrassed by mommy crying to even THINK about getting emotional! LOL!

Now a quick family photo (Oh gosh I can’t believe my hair did that in public. It needed a time out!)

Sometimes those lunging exercises come in handy! We were squatting for a while. Normally Id be on my butt!

OH! How did I go from a BABY to  kindergarten? How did I get an ALMOST 10 year old? I don’t feel OLD enough!! Jeepers.

Yesterday she asked me if I would have another baby! But one that wouldn’t grow up! LOL! (Um, NO! All done Amber)

 I told her she was my baby, and would always be. She then said Mommy! I’m almost 5! I’m not your baby anymore. I’m a big girl!

OH! man! Why do they grow so fast? She is also an OLD 4. I think our family situation with Alexa made her more mature. Plus she absorbs everything around her. We are always teaching Alexa SOMETHING. She always wanted to learn too. OK I can see I’m going WAY off course here-sorry. Just emotional today.

OK this does tie into the PTI release! I swear!!

So I made EVERYONE my Pack a Picnic basket, OR The Card Couture template in some way, shape or form! I shared most of my peeks during the countdown.

 I LOVE Vintage Picnic to pieces. You will see lots more here with that.

The Cupcake collection-ADORABLE!

 I have to say I was totally inspired by Candice’s Fruitful set! I actually LOVE it. Weather or not you make jam, if you like fruit images, you will adore this one! I really LOVE the Fruitful sentiments too!

My favorite project was put into the Exclusive Idea Book for My Timeless Template: Pack a Picnic-so I hope you get to check it out!

So I packaged Strawberry Jams for everyone, and for Amber & Noah’s teachers also included a Strawberry Plant! (Alexa went with a Rose bush and another flowering plant for her teachers! Leave it to her to decide on something totally different! LOL!)

Fruitful & Fruitful Sentiments

I made about 12 planter sticks for all the plants in about 10 minutes! Seriously NOTHING over the top and fancy. I need QUICK!

I thought that the sentiment from Teachers Apple was PERFECTION for a plant gift!

Sentiment reads: Its not so much what is poured into a student, but what is planted by the teacher the really counts.

I used the strawberry image from Fruitful in the corner, then layered it onto a stick, and stuck it in the plant

The backs were signed by the kids.

These are the ones Amber did for Mrs. Slater & Mrs. Bartlett

I think it was cute. I wanted to cover the bottom, but didn’t want to ruin the instructions-so I let it be. Plus it gave me an excuse to do ONE LESS thing! LOL!

Now onto the Strawberry Jam!

Holy easy peasy! LOL!

I had my BFF Paulette’s mom MAKE me jam :D) Oh! boy is it ever YUMMY!

I then stamped some of the PTI adhesive/label sheets, and punched out my label, stuck it onto the front!

I had some fabric laying around, so I cut it up, and put it under the ring.

I then stamped the Made with love border, and punched out scallops.

Addressed it to whomever was on the list-and done in 20 minutes!

(minus the cutting fabric! and I had 22 jars to do-I only shot 6 here)

I think they are cute!

They can also be re-gifted easily if someone isn’t a JAM fan. Its the thought that counts!

So you don’t have to take TONS of time to give nice gifts. I love the clean and simple stuff (in case you haven’t caught on to that yet!).

OK moving on………

Heavenly Medley

Now we have Lisa’s set. I was SO inspired my her corner decor, that I used it for my focus.

I felt like this looked similar to a church window!

The bkgd paper is a velvet paper by SEI. I ran it through my cuttlebug to emboss it! WOWZERS is it ever LUSCIOUS!

I used the side of the Labels 4 nestability to create my own cool shaped layer! Punched the bottom layer, and I love it!

Scarlet Red is just gorgeous!!! I’m happy PTI is delving into rich tones now too.

I added adhesive pearls to be like berries.

I think its such a pretty card.

Well that is all for this post. I have much to do today.

You are JUST getting excited about this release and we are already on to the next one! LOL! Funny how that works.

Enjoy the day, and remember to STOP and hug your children! Amber asked me to color with her, so after I get one more thing done, I cleared my “to – dos” to do that with her. Before you know it, she won’t want me to “bother” her at all.

I also appreciate all the support and excitement you all share with me with each release, and daily here!

THANK YOU!

Well I am working feverishly to finish up my projects, teacher gifts, and preparing for the big Papertrey Ink Release tonight!

Im VERY excited about this months release, and the 2 newest My Timeless Templates 😀 I really enjoyed each peek day more & more. Your feedback really keeps me going too.

I have another peek for you using my Pack a Picnic template! I was straight out busy yesterday, and I have 2 cookouts to go to today, so I’m really hoping to get my other sample using Card Couture done before the release! LOL! Ill post that later today if all goes well.

In the mean time I hope this ties you over.

Scented Summer Gift set

This is for Alexa’s one to one aid who I LOVE to death! She has been my saving grace being in the classroom with Alexa.

I cannot say enough nice things about this woman! Seriously, I could go on and on! But I will spare you.

I am having SOOOO much fun using the large and small versions of this template to make “sets”. This is another one!

We will do this again with future templates, where we see fit. Not ALL the templates make good large/small versions. In this case-DEFINITELY YES!!!

I love the SUMMER “sorbet” sort of colors this has! Summer Sunset & Berry Sorbet

I adore the handles being put on this way too, as oppose to over the top of the template.

I was inspired to make this because of what my gift was: Bath & Body Works Butterfly Flower bath set!

I went all out and got her the large sizes of a loofa, body lotion, body spray, lavender bath stuff, some hand cream, foot cream and a pedicure set. Not all shown in photo!

This is the Body Lotion, and the Body Spray.

I also included some Lavender Bath stuff. This went into a large bag all together.

In the mini basket will go some Orange Marmalade!

(used Fruitful (new release) for the jam jar :D)

Its the perfect size for the mini Pack a Picnic basket!

I think this is a very pretty summer fun gift basket set, to hold all sorts of bath & beauty products! I hope her aid likes it.

Supplies:

My Timeless Template: Pack a Picnic

Stamps: Spring tags 2008, Fruitful

Cardstock: Summer Sunset, Berry Sorbet, white, friends til the end paper

Ink: White, berry sorbet, black

Ribbon: Saddle stitched grosgrain in berry sorbet

Prima Flowers, flower brads, adhesive pearls, Martha Stewart border punches

Well that does it today for me!

There is one day left of peeks! So be sure to hop on over to Nichole’s, Lisa, and Becky’s blog for more!

Thanks for stopping by. Hopefully Ill be back later

No matter which is your favorite, I think I have something you *might* like!

If you can’t tell I’m totally having a blast with the templates 😀 My mind is just RACING with idea, after idea. I LIVE for making boxes/gift items. I love personalizing things and making it all matchy matchy!

I just delivered Amber’s end of the year teacher gifts, (they are featured in the exclusive Idea Book-for the Pack a Picnic ©-if you are wondering WHAT I gave them :d) and they could not believe I MADE them from paper! They were in awe. It was SOOOOO nice to see them so appreciated. I told them they can re-gift them and they looked at me like I had 12 heads! They said NO WAY! We are keeping this for ourselves. YEAH! Mission accomplished.

That is *just* the best feeling in the world.

Now I have another set of gifts here that I hope get the SAME response!

Today’s post shares samples from my NEW! My Timeless Template Release-Pack a Picnic © & Card Couture ©

They are being released on the 15th

As I said, be it coffee or tea, I think these 2 ideas are going to be a HUGE hit.

Pack a Picnic © goes Coffee Cups

Seriously?! Does it get ANY cuter, AND easier? I think not :D)

I LOVE the large and small variation of the template. TOO CUTE.

I was so over the moon with this sample! It was *almost* in the exclusive idea book, but I HAD to share it instead. I’m seriously in LOVE!

I made my own patterned paper using Heather’s Warm Happiness set. I stamped the various mags, and “coffee” sentiment all over! It was inspired by the coffee themed fabric napkin/supplies I purchased at Joann’s Craft Store.

I used my handle template to make coffee mug handles instead 😀

Large cuppa

This is the close up view of the large coffee cup. Its filled with treats for one of the aides in Alexa’s classroom who LOVES coffee.

Coffee House Cookies

This is a bag filled with my Coffee House Style cookies. My favorite recipe.

YES! I baked these! They are SCRUM*DID*DILLY*UMPTIOUS!

I have 8 in the Coffee Bag, that I stamped with Holiday Treats.

They have chocolate chunks, white chocolate, butterscotch, AND peanut butter chips too!

They are SOFT-and probably 1,000 calories easy. They are very big-Like you can only eat one :D)

I also included a matching magnetic notepad, and a gift card to Dunkin Donuts.

She always has a XL coffee, everyday!

Now in the mini coffee cup

This is one of the large round tins, filled with the Cappuccino mix that I LOVE adding to my coffee 😀

Here it is in the tin.

I bought the coffee scoop at Joann’s as well. Just 3 scoops to 80z of coffee, and YUM!!!

I made my tags to make it all matchy!

ME also being a coffee lover, am going to have a VERY hard time parting with this set.

I think she will like it :D) If she doesn’t she can give it back! LOL!

SUPPLIES:

My Timeless Template: Pack a Picnic ©

Stamps: Warm Happiness, Holiday Treats

Cardstock: Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream

Ink:Dark chocolate, hibiscus burst, spring moss, blush blossom

Ribbon: Hibiscus burst collection

Clear top tin, coffee bag, scooper, notepad, gift card

Now let’s move onto the TEA project!

Tea for you

I THINK you will really like this idea (OK- I HOPE you will :D)

Obviously I love the pairing of Tea for Two and Green Tea Leaves paper!

This particular tea pot is my fave! Most likely because I LOVE Beautiful blooms-its like my MOST used set.

Sentiment reads: Special Friend Blend

Now this gift uses my Card Couture template. This gift today is meant to be a tea sampler!

You just purchase the box of assorted teas, from Celestial Seasonings, and you can put each one in each pocket!

(I only had two left! have to buy some more-sorry)

They fit perfectly! What a delicious gift, to help sooth someone each night before bed. They are individually wrapped, so they will stay FRESH. These are caffeine FREE!

Just a nice way to keep them out on the counter, or where ever. When they are DONE with the tea, they can refill it, or use it for something else.

You TRULY will love how many things you can gift in this.

I LOVE adding a layer of designer paper to the side panels

TIP: I do the scoring BEFORE I layer on the patterned paper. I then do my folding after I layer my paper on. Because the main layer is pre-scored, it folds in and out nicely. Hardly no work to get this gift done.

I know I’d buy MORE tea if it was all packaged like that, JUST for the box!

Here are the front details.

I love the herbal tea tag too! Cute touch.

SUPPLIES

Stamps: Tea for Two

Cardstock/patterned paper: Vintage cream, Ripe avocado,  Spring Moss, Green Tea Leaves

Ink: Spring Moss, Ripe Avocado

Ribbon: Ripe Avocado stitched-other pumpkin grosgrain, cream twill

other: Prima flowers, dew drops, bling, magnetic closure, tea

So that does it for me today.

Amber is graduating Pre-School today! My, my, my. Where does the time go? Feels like they just placed her in my arms in the hospital, now she will be going to BIG school, 5 days a week. Oh, how I will miss her when she is gone. She is my little sidekick. Getting SO big.

Well I hope you enjoyed the peeks.

Dont forget to check: Nichole’s Blog as well as Lisa! Lots more ideas to spark your creativity 😀

Thanks for stopping by

Its time to share a NEW! My Timeless Template peek with you all.

I want to say THANK YOU.

 I love reading your feedback on the ideas I share here during the countdown. Lots of hours, and many late nights go into all of it, and knowing you are excited, and can’t wait to try your own, is a true DREAM for me 😀 Thanks for sharing your excitment with me 😀 And always being so supportive of my creative efforts. I so appreciate that.

If you have emailed me in the last few days I have a email JAM, and I haven’t been home AT ALL! My kids have tons going on, so that is where I am at. Ill work on returning emails this weekend sometime (crossing fingers!) Plus lots of stuff has been getting stuck in my SPAM folder-GRR!

Without further delay-

Introducing ……… Card Couture 

Merci

This will be released on the 15th.

There is nothing better than organization that is decorative, and beautiful! We don’t all want to shove everything into a closet or cabinet-and even then, we want it to somehow be pretty, don’t we? Well keeping up with the trends is very important, as is keeping things together. This is not only the PERFECT organizer, but make a fabulous couture presentation. I love giving a variety of cards as a gift. Often the receiver has no idea how to store them until used. Maybe they have begun collecting various occasion cards, and need something to help them stay organized! Well problem solved. We now have a very fashionable organizer that you can make for those special people in your life, or make it for yourself to keep organized!Talk about a fashionable way to store, sort and organize your card creations!  Now remember this couture case isn’t *JUST* for cards-you can use it for your children’s notes, your own receipts or coupons, photos, inspirational items, sketches, a birthday organizer, meal planner, …….you name it. 

All I know is WHATEVER you decide to use this for, you will certainly be the most fashionable.

So this was my concept project for the template-I made the Couture Holder, without the CARDS! LOL! Oh! WELL! You get the idea right?

It can easily hold standard A2 size cards (4 1/4 X 5 1/2) with envelopes, only in a much more FANCY way.

Close up of the closure:

I love the curves, and mat layers.

Now for the side view:

See the fan folding?

Now you would think this is difficult to put together, but after MUCH work and tweaking, it all folds together easily!

Now the MOD/Couture part is the very pretty curvy details of the lid, decorative layers, and the inserts

INSIDE VIEW

EEK! Bad photo. It was a late night when I designed this one-SORRY

Now you get the idea. You can make the inserts POP! Or make them blend. Up to you.

Supplies:

Stamps: Beyond Basic Borders, Bird Watching, Mega Mixed Messages, Borders & Corners circle

Cardstock: Black, white, Bitty Dots 2008

Ink: True Black

Ribbon: Saddle Stitch black

Here is a sample of another idea use Card Couture

Home Sweet Home- Rolodex

Now-Who doesn’t need a way to keep phone numbers/addresses organized AND handy?

Better yet, have an attractive way to keep then on display, while in reach?!

I know I do!

This idea would make the perfect TEACHER gift, and or a NEW! Home, Bridal shower……any time really! Oh! or new business! All you Demo’s out there , for home based companies-perfect!

Top view:

This has an elastic closure.

I got some elastic white ribbon at Joann’s. It is just perfect for this!

I used some pretty paper First Fruits-for this design. The leaf paper lines my fanned side panels, and top/front decorative layers as well.

I LOVE the house image from Boards & Beams

I used masking to get only a portion of it in my paper pierced circle. Love the look pf the partial image. Plus it’s a big house to color! LOL!

Loving the twine too .

OK how about an inside view?

Now what I LOVE is the fun curves the holder has! Each insert is so cute!

It also makes it easier to see what is in each section, and easy to pull particular items from the pockets out.

I bought the inserts at Staples! They fit perfectly!! I added some lined index cards too! VERY inexpensive.

Most pre-made Rolodex systems are $10 and UP! Mine was made for just a few dollars (like $3), and I was able to PERSONALIZE it.

Use your stamps and you don’t even have to buy inserts! (Sorry! I’m too lazy for that these days! LOL!) It is more cost effective, and you can make a bunch for gifts at once.

Supplies:

Stamps:Boards & Beams

Cardstock: Chocolate, Rustic Cream, Holiday Vintage Prints, saffron

Ink: Dark Chocolate, asst Copic Markers

Rustic Twine in Cream

Vintage Buttons in Scarlet

Nestabilities, Rolodex inserts, index cards

So what do you think? Pretty cute, functional and fun huh? Oh and you can’t pass up ORGANIZATION, right? :D) Can you tell I have OCD?! LOL!

I know most of you are cramming for Teacher gifts right now! Hopefully with the INSTANT download, you will have time to put the ideas to use 😀

Let’s not forget the IDEA book, that you get with 5 exclusive ideas, with each template purchase 😀

OK Im so tired I may not even be making sense, so I’m signing off. Thank you for taking time out of your own busy life to visit me 😀

In the mean time…….go see more ideas : Nichole’s Blog , Lisa, and Heather

 More TEMPLATE peeks from  My Timeless Template Guest designers blog Leigh Ann Baird

Also Kelly has another peek.

Thanks for stopping by!

Till tomorrow-MORE fun projects.

Oh my gosh! It’s THAT time of the month! YIPPEE!!

The 10th is becoming my favorite day of the month! Then of course everyday from then till the 15th! LOL!

When its the 10th that means it’s my turn to share a Papertrey Ink Countdown Peek, AND share one of my NEWEST My Timeless Templates © with you!

This month I have a UBER cute stamp set designed by Nichole Heady called Cupcake Collection!

Its a super adorable set of “build-a-cupcake” type elements! I’m in LOVE!!! SO much so that the stamp set inspired my gift idea and perfect packaging to match!!!

So I used my Pack a Picnic for today’s project! This template will be available for purchase on June 15th —>HERE

There is post about the original design —–>HERE! That way if you are seeing this you aren’t asking “How is that a “Pack a Picnic” type of template?!

This is by far my fave to date.

Now for my project

Cupcake Pack a Picnic Duo-

I decorated my Pack a Picnic templates (yes template”s”), to LOOK like cupcakes!

I think they are super CUTE!! Now think what adorable things you can make, having a large and small version of the same template!

This holds my gift of a Cupcake in a Jar! Keep reading for more on that

Close up of the box detail

Now I mentioned yesterday that I had a special announcement about this template!

In case you missed the BIG news in my description-

The Pack a Picnic template will also feature a MINI Pack a Picnic template for you!!!

This is a close up photo of the 50% smaller template: Pack a Picnic mini

ALL the files for a large and small version of the template, for ONE great price–> $5!!!

Here is another size comparison

It is 50% smaller than the original template

I think its uber adorable!!

COST EFFECTIVE!

Now I decided I would share how INEXPENSIVE it is to MAKE the boxes using My Timeless Templates!

Given the fact you can use them UNLIMITED, they pay for themselves with ONE gift 😀 (In my opinion-this box set would cost WAY more to BUY!)

When you buy your cardstock in the 50 pack it comes to 0.18 CENTS a sheet.

The large template used 3 sheets of cardstock-2 Chocolate, and one Hibiscus Burst

so it cost ONLY 0.54 CENTS for the cardstock! (You can feel free to add a few more cents for the decorative pieces-but Im certain we ALL have PLENTY of scraps!)

The mini used 1 1/2 sheets of cardstock-costing ONLY 0.27 CENTS!

EVEN well embellished- you can do the math, WAY most cost effective (and FUN!)

OK-back to the project!

I just stamped my template base with Just Journaling Lines, in white craft ink, for the cupcake bottoms.

My “cupcake frosting” lids use polka dot basics. Buttons for the “cherry”.

The large lid has a pom pom border, and the smaller lid has ric rac ribbon in white for added “cupcake decor”.

Cupcake in a Jar-

About the cupcake image:

The center cupcake design is the same on all my boxes.

I used borders & corners circle set for my border, then die cut it. I also pierced the edge on the design for the jar-only.

The bottom is stamped in chocolate ink. The top in Sweet Blush, then the “frosting layer” in Hibiscus Burst. I used White craft ink and glitter for my “sprinkles”. Added a Hibiscus Burst flat button for the “cherry”.

I stamped a solid cupcake base, in white craft ink, onto vellum cardstock, to make my cupcake bottom! Cut it out, and layered it on. So easy and CUTE!

Side view of the jar

This was complete with homemade frosting in disposable decorator bag

This is the side view of the cupcake in a jar mix, all layered!

Isn’t it just SOOOOO pretty?

Now you can FILL your Pack a Picnic

You can put the mini pack a picnic-filled with sprinkles and the frosting bag inside the larger one

OR You can put the little Cupcake in a Jar mix in the box-with room to spare :D)

Now onto the FUN!!!

This is the mix when you open the jar

I’m sure you ALL want to know HOW to make these for family, friends and teachers! (its not too late! My kids get out of school on the 19th! WHEW!)

The idea for this Cupcake in a Jar came to me after purchasing some DELICIOUS cupcakes from Bangerang Bakeshop Cupcakes in a Jar!

You have to try the Pinch Me Cupcake! MY FAVE!

They come in a 8 oz Ball glass jar-which is what I used in my project.

Now I was just going to order a few cupcakes (I know! BAD LAUREN!) when someone emailed me about making Teacher Mug Cakes! She was looking to find a template to package her mugs to give as gifts. We got to “chatting” and I asked her about using her mix on  my blog for an upcoming  project! She said yes.

Next thing you know one idea, turned into another-and this project was made!

I want to thank Tracy Burtt for sharing this with me, and giving me permission to use it here :D)

5 MINUTE Cup Cake in a Jar !! 

4 tablespoons flour

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons oil

3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)

A small splash of vanilla extract

1 80z. Ball Glass jar

Add dry ingredients to your jar and mix well.

Add the egg and mix thoroughly.

 Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.

Add the chocolate chips (if using), vanilla extract, then mix again.  

 Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high).The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don’t be alarmed!   

Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

———————————————————————————–

NOTE: Now I layered my DRY ingredients, and would then print a tag with the instructions and remainder of ingredients needed for the recipient to make the Cupcake in a jar.

When I made mine, I dumped the dry mix OUT of the jar, mixed it, then poured it back in.

HONESTLY-Me being the NON baker, that I am-I would just buy some cupcakes in a jar (from Bangerang Bake Shop! LOL!)and package it in my Pack a Picnic Cupcake box!!! You can MAKE the boxes while you wait for your order to arrive! LOL! But this is definitely more COST EFFECTIVE.

That is how “I” do things 😀 I call it the busy mom recipe. I’d rather work on the packaging (wink), than the BAKING stuff

Now here is my baked in a jar goodie

Cupcake in the jar-mixed

Cupcake in the jar, all cooked

This is the cupcake all decorated

I took it OUT of the jar, and cleaned it! It looked too messy! LOL!

Then I put it back into the jar to decorate with homemade buttercream frosting!

Yes! I actually cooked and frosted a cupcake! LOL! Who’d of thunk it.

(PS Yes I strategically placed each sprinkle too)

My husband was in shock! The cool thing is you can even out the volcano top with the frosting!

YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Granted my frosting skills are RUSTY!

Now seriously, who wouldn’t DIE over this gift set?! I love it!

Supplies:

 My Timeless Template: Pack a Picnic

Stamps: Cupcake Collection, Just Journaling Line, Borders & Corners Circle

Cardstock: Dark Chocolate, Hibiscus Burst, White, Vellum cardstock

Ink: Dark Chocolate, Hibiscus Burst, Sweet Blush, Snow White Craft ink

Ribbon and Vintage Buttons: Hibiscus Burst Collection

Ric Rac and Pom Poms in white

Glitter

Nestabilities, SU! Scallop border punch for lip

8 oz. jar

I’m putting this up in my Esty Shop! (sometime today-fingers crossed) So SOMEONE can use it 😀 Complete with cupcake in a jar mix! No frosting though-I think that has to be refrigerated.

(I made the cupcake in another jar, and saved the one for my project!)

So that is my template/countdown peek today! I SOOOOO hope you liked it. I put a lot of time and thought into it!! If it helps or inspired just ONE of you, it was worth it.

Now for MORE template peeks:

 Be sure to stop by this months My Timeless Template Guest designers blog Leigh Ann Baird

Also Kelly has a peek too!

Then don’t forget to hop on over to Nichole’s Blog (I know! Like you need a reminder), Lisa and Candice also have sets this month too.

Come back tomorrow-I have my 2nd template to peek for you!

Thanks for stopping by, and sharing my excitement every month! You are the best. I kow I say that all the time, but I mean it. You make all the hard work worth it, and your comments and completed projects just put me in complete AWE!

THANK YOU!

I got permission to post this template peek for Papertrey Ink a little early!!

YIPPEE!! Thanks Nichole

Tonight’s peek is my favorite template to date!

I know, I say that every month, and I swear every time I MEAN it! I think, as papercrafters/stampers you all GET what I mean right?! Every month is the best!

But, THIS one is right up Summer’s Alley! Oh and perfect for the release too!

Now you know we have so MANY templates, just waiting for their turn for a release. We bumped the original for this month up one, because of a last minute addition :D)

This month, after seeing this peek of an upcoming set release:

I was VERY inspired to take the idea, and make a fun, modern twist on a classic design!

After almost 7 hours of work (yes! Those smooth angles are a KILLER!) The Pack a Picnic © was designed!

This was my concept template for the release.

 I don’t put too much into these, so its not my top notch work, just a sampler of what is to come.

Just used Melon Berry , and Spring Moss cardstock , paired with some Green Tea Leaves paper-DONE!

Punch for basket border is a EK Success slim

Template is being released June 15th.

Pack a Picnic description:

Who doesn’t LOVE a Picnic? Did you ever think what an adorable gift packaging a oldie, but goodie, everyday item could make?  This “basket” was inspired by the style of the old-fashioned 1950’s Picnic basket, but kicked up a notch, to a modernized Picnic basket of the Millennium! I love the size, and the fun curvy shape this has to it. It is almost hard to believe its made form *just* cardstock! Now we are adding a MINI version too which make this even MORE fun, with over the top options for all sorts of gifts, be them BIG or small. The punched border option that is ONE piece gives you a beautiful clean and professional look as well! You can really take along a great variety of items in this template. This box would look perfect sitting out ANYWHERE in someone’s home, office, or classroom. OR use the smaller version for Wedding/Shower favors. party favors or treats like candy, or little jar’s of jam, or home made yummies. The handles are not only adorable and fit a pretty design, but are functional as well! I LOVE the option of the lid, or no lid at all. Opens a world of possibilities, and an entirely new look. 

Whatever you decide to pack in your Picnic basket, it is sure to be a great “present”-ation.

Here is the side view

These are LARGE bottles of Bath & Body Works Lotion & Body Wash!

There is still room in there for another one!

This basket is a fabulous size!

I think lid on or off, its just beautiful!!!!! Oh and FUN!!!

Now the details

This basket has a unique one piece lip, so that you punch your border, and fold it over, for a finished look, and this easy to achieve! No extra layering and gluing!

See nice lip to the basket! Goes together so easy too! All the hours were well worth it!!

You get the decorative mat layers as well :D)

Im just SOOOOOOO excited about the possibilities this template has!

I hope you are too!

I have some AMAZING projects to share over the next few days (OH! and lets not forget yet ANOTHER template!) so stay tuned!!

I’m over the moon to hear what YOU think so far!

Thanks for letting me share my excitment with you all! I know you GET IT!

This is my INSANE week. Not only do I have template stuff to do, but other design deadlines-END OF YEAR teacher stuff, and my kids have all sorts of field trips and after school social events. So I’m just plain ole busy.I got something very exciting in the mail yesterday!! Wait till you see.

You know how much I LOVE personalization and gifts like that right? Its seriously an addiction.

Well Upon GOGGLING such items, I found this UBER cool site called Bags of Love

After spending forever there I decided I HAD to have THIS make up bag

BIGGEST Dilemma: WHAT photo to use. I wanted all of my family on there so I used our Christmas photo. We don’t get many FAMILY photos. Let alone including our sweet dog Daisy 😀

This is what it looked like-

I about bounced off the wall with excitement! I was just over the moon. It looks great, and the photo is a very soft, satinish kind of feel. LOVE IT.

I went with the tan since it would match like everything I buy.

Side 1

I now want MORE stuff 😀 I’m thinking tote bags for Alexa, Amber and Noah with their photos! I may even ask about scanning their art work onto a bag, and sending that in for them use in place of a photo 😀 Now that is cool!!

Other side

 I was on the hunt for a cool makeup bag that would match everything! Now I needed one that would carry me for some time, because every time I get a new handbag- I get a new wallet, check book cover, makeup bag etc. I end up spending a ton of money with each Vera Bradley purchase! LOL! Now I have one that makes me smile every-time I look at it.

Plus it fits everything perfectly.

Inside view

Sooooooo, on the 29th I ordered that makeup bag, and it arrived on my doorstep on the 3rd! HOLY SPEEDY!

Just HAD to share my fun find with ya!! I’m thinking they’d make great gifts too.

The photo looks really good on there too. Honestly I was a littler leery to order, thinking it may be crappy, maybe the photo wouldn’t be good, so I didn’t spend a fortune. Now I’m wishing I got more. The quality and feel was super. Well made, not CHINCY. Im quite happy it . Their delivery time was right on. Im especially surprised since they are coming from the UK!

I’m in love with Bags of Love! LOL!

Anywho…..now for some other eye-candy.

Stampavie had a Sketch Challenge that no only was I late for, but I obviously can’t follow other peoples sketches very well! I somehow veer off and just do my own thing in one way or another. OH! WELL! It was a start it this creation:

Guess What

Are you familiar with the book :Guess How Much I Love You? by Sam McBrateny?

Its Amber’s favorite, and I always get teary reading it. Its definitely a MUST HAVE book for the family.

Well its about a mommy bunny and her baby bunny, and as they walk through the forest they talk back and forth. The theme for each page is Guess how much I love you? Then they go through and say how much, each time one out does the other.

In the end he goes through and says I love you all the way to the moon and back, as the little one falls asleep in the mommy’s arms. Its so sweet.

Well, Amber says to me-about a literal 20 times a day -randomly

“Mommy Guess what?!”

me-What?

You wanna know how much I love you?

I say “How much? This much (and I make a tiny amount with my 2 fingers)?

She says “NO! I love you THIS much (and stretches her arms as long as they will reach) and to the moon an back! And when I get bigger, I’ll love you even bigger.”

Then she takes her hugely (yet little) stretched arms and wraps them around me with a big squeeze.

AWE! That melts my heart, and no matter what is going on, in that moment, I just stop and enjoy the squeeze at my legs. Its the best feeling in the world. I know this won’t last forever, so I am just cherishing it.

So I made her this card-so we will always remember this time (I HOPE!)

The bunny image is Rachelle Anne Miller Hoppy Spring

The “Guess What” rounded tab is from JustRite Stampers Demi Phrases set, put into a small 1 3/16 round stamper!! Yes, It will go in there! I was quite excited about that.

So that is that!

Thanks for stopping by.

Im going to bed. (I HOPE!)