It’s the last day of April, so don’t be a fool! Here is a peek at a project, that is sure to make you drool. Tell me what do you think, what could it be? Leave me a guess, and you may win a template for FREE!

Here are the details:

What could it be?

Can you guess?!

My Time Made Easy ™ LLC is having their monthly release of new products tomorrow on May 1st.

Check out all the amazing Pretty Packaging Templates My Time Made Easy ™ LLC has to offer HERE! There are OVER 100 to choose from. They offer templates in PDF (printer friendly) SVG, GSD, DXF, and WPC.

• Lauren Meader
• Dawn Barwick
• Debbie Marcinkiewicz
• Jackie Randolph
• Karien vab der Westhuizen
• Kimberly Morrow
• Lisa Kind
• Lori Hairston
• Lori Kalus
• Mary Vogel
• Pattie Goldman
• Romaine Rancier
• Tracy Holmes
• Wendy McGaffey

So take a look at all the project peeks each design team member has to share today, and leave a comment with each one of them. Every time you leave a comment at a blog it is another chance to win.

ONE person from EACH blog will be chosen randomly to win a FREE template of their choice!

Winners will be announced on May 2nd.

Welcome back to my blog.

As we wrap up our April Release at My Time Made Eaay ™ LLC we typically offer a Year in Review. This month we released SO MANY amazing products that we are going to share another day of fun new projects so you can have as many ideas as possible with our products for April! Remember Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and it is always nice to do something special for her, or if you don’t have your mom around any more, and you have ANY woman/girl in your life whom you feel is special, then use these new items to create gifts that celebrate them!

Today you will want to visit:

I decided to use my day to share a birthday gift for one of my friends!

She loves handbags, pearls, shopping, black, leopard, bling and wearing flowers in her hair!

So I combined all those loves into one great gift bag! I included a scarf, nail effects, nail polish, file, and some bath & body stuff she loves.

I created the Handbag template from a black cardstock, and layered on the leopard print from the Purse Patterns paper collection.

The tag that is on the bag was created using the Timed Write © set. It was fun and easy to do, and really MAKES the project complete.

The handbag image was designed after the Handbag template, and is from the Shop Til’ You Drop set.

I colored it to match the Handbag template I made.

I shrunk down the leopard print and clipped it onto the bag image. The L & E initials come from the Merriest Monograms © set. You could use that set to write out their name or whatever else you choose. The monograms in that set are simply stunning.

The flower on the handbag is removable.

I added some bling to the handles, and pearl details on the upper panel.

The pockets-those were so fun! I just cut a decorative layer and used a large scallop punch to add some pretty detail to the pockets.

I filled the bag with the gifts, and the scarf is acting as my “tissue” paper.

I love how it turned out, and I am certain she will too. I have to wait till May to give it to her, so let’s hope she isn’t reading!

As you can see making your own gifts allows you to TOTALLY customize your gifts to suit the people you are giving them too. You would be SO limited by what was in store if you tried to go out and BUY a gift/gift bag like this. The template becomes its own gift within itself.

How many people actually take the time to make you something? Now if they did wouldn’t you feel that much more special? I know I would. Plus you end up looking like a creative genius!

So there you have it! A plethora of gift ideas that should last you many occasions to come.

Return with us next month for another inspiring release.

In the meantime I wish you many days of creativity!

April is here and there is no foolin’ that the release is fantastic!

We have released:

4 NEW! Pretty Packaging Templates

2 NEW! Pretty Impressions Stamp Sets

2  NEW! Pretty Printable Digital Paper Collections

3 NEW! Pretty Pieces Cut Files

Also be sure you check out our  Pretty Package Collection, where you will always save 25%!

We’d like to introduce you to our 3 NEW Design Team members today who each have projects for you!

Wendy McGaffey

Romaine Rancier

Dawn Barwick

After a warm welcome, please hop around and visit:

Now it is my turn to share some more GREAT ideas that we have this release.

There is a template I am quite excited about!!

I designed this specifically for my 13 year old daughter Alexa

Sole-Mate

Available in PDF, SVG, GSD, DXF, WPC

Completed Project Size:

2 3/4 Inch Wide

3 1/3 Inch Tall

8 1/2 Inches Long

Looking for a Sole-Mate? Then this is the perfect “sole” for you! Designed for my oldest daughter Alexa, this is a super fun and funky shoe that has endless design possibilities! Make it like your favorite classic sneaker, design it for the girls or the boys! A great gift box, or party favor, it is sure to be a perfect fit for any occasion!

Now if you really want to “step it up” a bit, you can make this sneaker and gift it in our amazing Shoe Box template! Be sure you check out our amazing set of images Sole-Mates, that coordinates perfectly with this template, as well as our inspiring collection of patterned papers that will really dress up this shoe, with very little effort!

I used the zebra print from the NEW Purse Patterns paper collection, printed on fuchsia cardstock.

I made a set with every “rocker” girl/boy in mind called Sole-Mates!

I think we can all agree this set is sure to put the fun into any project and convey the perfect message with “sole”!

The Sole-Mate is perfectly detailed, and sure to be a huge hit at any party.

Pretty HOT girl version don’t you think?

Now I will share the BOY version, as it is super easy to switch it up!

Made from just a textured black cardstock, and white accents this was definitely a jaw dropper at Noah’s friends birthday party!

It is so fun and actually easy to make.

I stuffed the sole full of candy and added a gift card to Toys R’ Us (always a great gift to have on hand too)

There are many tag options so I created mine to suit my needs.

What do you think? Pretty fun!!

A great one for the teens too.

Please view our Gallery for project samples, and alternative ways to use all our amazing coordinating products!

Also if you haven’t already, you can follow us on Pinterest, as we have over 16 pinboards full of ideas, we are also on Facebook-so LIKE US there, and follow us on Twitter!

We will return tomorrow for more great gift ideas previewing our latest products.

See you then.

Happy Spring!

While I wish I could report sunny skies and warm weather that has yet to happen in New Hampshire.

I am certainly looking forward to nicer weather. As April approaches I am just in awe at just how fast time flies by. My children are growing quickly and I find that my life is ever changing from one season to the next.

It has been a while since I posted some family photos here, so here you go!

Doesn’t seem real to me that my kids are now 13-Alexa, 10 Noah, and 8-Amber.

I’m wishing I could just freeze time and enjoy every moment I am given with my children, husband and family.

The cute little faces I am use to looking at are changing, and my children don’t look like babies any more, more like little adults.

3 Pieces of my Heart

I am always thankful to God for each and every day that passes.

I’m thankful for health and well being of my family. I feel blessed beyond words.  Every day IS a GIFT.

I wish you all the same as we enter into a new season, and get ready to celebrate Easter.

With that being said the design team at My Time Made Easy ™ LLC would like to share some projects in celebration of our release on April 1st.

Here is WHO you can visit for a sneak peek at what it to come:

Handbag

• Lauren Meader <—you are here!
• Jackie Randolph

Sole Mate

• Mary Vogel
• Tracy Holmes

So without further delay let me get ready to share my project with you all.

This month we have a FABULOUS release for all the lovely ladies who like girly things 😀

H is for Handbag

Available in PDF, SVG, GSD, DXF, WPC

Completed Project Size:

3 Inches Wide

7 Inches Long

10 1/2 Inches Tall

I made this for my sister-in-law Heather for her birthday, and as you can see in the above photo, I loaded it up with all sorts of goodies!

Let this take the place of that all occasion, “typical” gift bag we give to our very best “girl” friend.

We have stepped it up with this super girly version of a “handbag”, that is the perfect gift instead! It is a gift within itself.

Fashioned after one of my personal favorite handbags, this template is large enough, and is just the perfect size for so many gifts! You can package up a new wallet, gift cards to a favorite shoppe, a collection of beauty, hair, or bath products, cosmetics, jewelry, a clothing item such as a shirt, scarf, gloves, nightie, socks, slippers or something homemade…to get just a few of the many ideas going!

Makes the perfect template for any occasion such as birthdays, holidays, bridal gifts, bachelorette parties, or party favors for any event!

Now for the personal touches I added to this gift

The Handbag was created from black cardstock, as was the decorative “trim” pieces. The handle was cut from white cardstock. The decorative layers were made using the Dainty Damask © collection, recolored to black, and the diamond pattern is from the Flutters and Flowers ©.

I made a monogram tag using the frame & letter H from the Merriest Monograms © . It is such a stunning set, and it really made this gift a WOW! The tag was cut using the Fabulous Frames © cut file.

A girl can NEVER have too much BLING! I added some bling stickers around my buckle which was cut from a silver cardstock, and added bling to the handles as well.

On the pockets I lined them with a string of pearls, and some pretty felt roses that can be removed and added to your shoes, or a headband!

This template has an amazing collection of Pretty Printable Paper called Purse Patterns that is sure to help you create a simply stunning handbag with little effort! We are also releasing the Go Shopping collection too, so don’t miss that!

Want to “step it up” another notch? Pair it with the Sexy Soles template!! Nothing goes better with a great handbag, than an even sexier pair of shoes!

Just endless possibilities for packaging up some amazing gifts for any girl in your life!

Now if you LIKED that you will LOVE everything else we have to release this month, so please stay tuned, and return tomorrow for MORE!

• Lauren Meader <—you are here!
• Debbie Marcinkiewicz
• Jackie Randolph
• Karien van der Westhuizen
• Kimberly Morrow
• Lisa Kind
• Lori Hairston
• Lori Kalus
• Mary Vogel
• Pattie Goldman
• Tangii Crain
• Tracy Holmes

Now leave a comment back here after you check out what the team has done, and tell me what your favorite project was. Then you will be entered for your chance to win a $10 Gift Certificate to use towards your next purchase at My Time Made Easy ™ LLC. It’s THAT simple.

Winner to be announced on the 7th!

Now I like to usually combine old & new products, and since I had another project using our Egg-stra Special template that fit in perfectly I thought no time would be better.

I knew I wanted to use it to create a bunny, and I had NO IDEA what colors, papers etc I wanted to use, so I let my daughter Amber decided that this color from the Fun Flowers © would be cute, so we went with it.

So we made the body, and then layered on the paper. Then the next obvious step was to make it into an actual bunny.

I used some GOOGLIE eyes I had on hand.

I used the muzzle, heart nose, arms and feet from the Bouncing Bunny © cut file.

I just used some decorative layers for the ears. Added some flowers, and a little bow to match.

Cute and simple, and my daughter LOVED it. Mission accomplished.

You can now create your own Easter Egg or bird’s egg, or design this to look like your own bunny, or try a chickie, a bird, owl, or anything that has a oval body! A little creativity will go a LONG way with this one.

We want to see what you do, so if you do decide to try something “out of the box” send a link, email us, post ir on Facebook or Pinterest.

I’ll be back to announce our WINNER of the $10 Gift Certificate on the 7th.

Good Luck!

• Lauren Meader
• Jackie Randolph
• Mary Vogel
• Tracy Holmes

I am going to share what I have created with our newest cut file we have released this month called Bag-sket.

Bag-sket

Available in PDF, SVG, GSD, DXF, WPC

Completed Project Size:

2 3/4 X 2 1/2 Inch Wide

5 Inches Tall

The team had suggested this as a card, and I felt allowing it to become a super quick “bag-sket” would be even better!

Whether you want a “bag”, or a card, this sweet little “bag-sket” is a great two for the price of one, cut file. Now you can have a super cute basket shaped card, OR a fun little treat bag, designed to look like a basket. Perfect for Easter, Spring, Mother’s Day, or whenever!

My sample here was super simple!

I used white cardstock as my base, then I cut my  Bag-sket panel and decorative layers using the Picnic of Patterns © collection, as I felt it was very SPRING and basket like! LOL!

I added my sentiment from the Secret Surprise © set, as it was PERFECTION!

I love the little felt flower sticker in the corner, and my sweet little GNOME candle peeking out of the “grass”!

I hung this on the door of my friend who actually hates GNOMES because I wanted her to SMILE and think they CAN be cute! If she still hates them than she can enjoy burning the candle. If she loves him then she can keep him on her desk and think of me! LOL!

She is still undecided as to his fate, but it did make her laugh 😀 Her daughter instantly took the basket for herself and is storing her own little items in it. Gotta love recycling.

Until tomorrow!

• Lauren Meader <—you are here
• Lori Kalus
• Karien van der Westhuizen

Today I will get to share yet another fun project using one of our newest templates the Egg-Stra Special Template.

As I mentioned previously *The bottom could be used on its own to create a “basket”, or the top could be used on its own to create a bee hive!* So I thought I’d share the basket sample here today!

Using *just* the bottom of the Egg-Stra SpecialTemplate today to make my sweet basket here:

I had a large candle from Bath & Body Works that I wanted to give to my mom’s friends sister (follow that ?) who is going through chemo for Colon Cancer. It is their Stress Relief scented one that smells amazing. It fit just perfectly in here, and it is in a silver leaf patterned holder too.

Simple gift that cost about $6

I don’t KNOW her friends sister personally, but I do know my mom’s friend, so I made this in hopes that this little something will brighten her day, and let her know my family is praying for her.

I wanted to keep it quick and simple since I was on limited time (I am currently in school! Long story.), but still wanted to make something from the heart, so I used a celery cardstock as my base, and chose the Farmhouse Fresh © paper collection for my basket. I chose this pattern because is mimicked a basket weave, but has the leaves and berries too.

So keeping it simple I dressed it up by adding my flower which I made using the Rolled Bloom Modern ©. These flowers are SO easy to use, and its so fun to be able to say I MADE THAT FLOWER!!! People’s jaw will usually DROP when you say that 😀 Gotta love it.

I believe this took about a 1/2 hour, start to finish. Not too bad considering it would take me that long just to get out the door to the store. I was able to customize it to fit my wants/needs and NOT leave the house. It took 2 pieces of cardstock (at 0.09 cents each) and 1 piece of paper that I printed myself (so maybe 0.20 cents at most, given cardstock, and ink use), then my flower was a 1/2 sheet of cardstock, so another say 0.06 cents at most! So a total gift wrap cost of 0.44 CENTS to make, and I saved my money on gas, and saved my time running out to the store.

I ended up placing this in a large cello bag, and tied it off with a tag I had created previously, and just printed/cut and went. Due to my hectic work schedule I didn’t have time or energy to get a final photo, but you get the idea.

My mom said her friends sister was very touched by the gesture and she couldn’t believe someone who didn’t know her would make something just for her. Now THAT is heart warming. I have been on the other end of such gifts when Alexa had Leukemia and I can tell you they made all the difference. From the handmade cards to anything else people sent for her or I, it was SO TOUCHING to think that people took a moment to think of us and send something along. The entire wall of her hospital room was FULL of cards from people all over the world! People/staff all over the hospital would come by to admire the handmade cards from people all over the world. It was so amazing. We still have every single one!!!!!

I’m telling you its little gestures that make the biggest difference.

So give it a try. Make something simple for anyone who may need a little pick me up. I bet you end up feeling better than they do! LOL!

OR if you make a ton of stuff and have NO ONE to give them to, try sending them to a Cancer center in your area! Or maybe you have another organization that has touched your life. Any place that people are in need of care it is appreciated, I promise you. You can spend your time doing something you love, and then you get to give back to those less fortunate.

It’s a win, win!

See you back here tomorrow.

March is here! Our winner for the entire March Release will be announced later today! So be sure if you haven’t yet, pop on by to our designers to enter yourself to win our ENTIRE March Release in the post below this one.

We have an amazing collection of coordinating items this month with Spring in mind.

My company focuses on the “complete package”. We work hard to offer coordinating products that are easily interchangeable with previously released products. We really enjoy being able to share the ideas and versatility each product holds.

Given the tough economy, we announced on the 27th, that as of today, we have now decreased our prices by 20%!

I may be a company owner, but I am really just like you. I’m a stay at home mom to 3 children, living on one primary income. I get to share what I love with the world and enjoy what I do. I KNOW how hard it can be to try to keep your family going, while maintaining your sanity through crafting, and be able to afford to buy some items without a lot of guilt! So after much debate I feel this change will help all our very valued customers 😀

So here is what we have that is NEW for MARCH:

We have released:

2 NEW! Pretty Packaging Templates

4 NEW! Pretty Impressions Stamp Set Singles

1  NEW! Pretty Printable Digital Paper Collection

1 NEW! Pretty Pieces Cut File

Also be sure you check out our  Pretty Package Collection, where you will always save 25%!

We’d like to introduce you to our 4 NEW Design Team members today!

• Jackie Randolph
• Karien van der Westhuizen
  
• Mary Vogel
• Tracy Holmes

We are excited to have them join our team. Each has a NEW project for you today, so please WELCOME them.  Also be sure you check out our entire team today,as we are each sharing some creative ways to use the *NEW* products for March as well!

• Lauren Meader
• Debbie Marcinkiewicz
• Kimberly Morrow
• Lisa Kind
• Lori Hairston
• Lori Kalus
• Pattie Goldman
• Tangii Crain

Today I am going to share another fun project using our NEW! Display template.

This template can be used to display ANYTHING you want…

This template actually came about because I was going to a baby shower of a family friend and her theme was FROGS!

She was having a baby girl, and her entire room was purple and green with froggy accents. I ALWAYS have to stick to the theme and I even made the centerpiece as well, my very first Diaper Cake! Photos on that at the end of the post 😀

I used a fun embossed cardstock that was double sided. It was cute because the dots reminded me of the frogs skin. One side of the cardstock was olive, and the other a very pale green.

Perfect because it was just like the frogs skin. The inside being lighter, like the belly of the frog.

I added eyelashes to the frog eyes with a marker. Brushed on some chalk for the cheeks, and used a oval to draw on a mouth! ANYONE could do this!

I found a super cute handmade SOFT baby blanket on Etsy that was a frog, and I just HAD to get it for her. Once it arrived I was trying to think HOW I would package it up. As you know I am all about the packaging. THAT blanket sparked this entire template.

I rolled it up, and placed it into my cut Frog themed Display box!

The Frog piece COME WITH the template, so no need to try to make your own. A great box for boys too 😀 Or Princess & the Frog themed party maybe?!

I love how the frog hands are holding the little tag, and the feet are sticking out.

The tag was created using the Round Off © set, colored digitally, and layered onto a tag cut out of lavender using the Fine Finish © tag cut file.

I have to say it was a BIG hit!

Here is the gift set, completed

I used the Lil’ One-sie © cut file to create my card for the gift.

The rose is from our A Spot of Tea ©set, and the sentiment is from the Bringing Home Baby © set. Simple & easy, but OH-SO-CUTE!

As was the diaper cake I made, as requested for the centerpiece of the shower!

My very first one, I was SO PROUD of it.

My 8 year old daughter Amber helped by wrapping ALL the diapers.

I then layered them and wrapped them with my receiving blankets.

I made the little frog from cardstock., and placed her on top of the diaper cake with some pretty spiral ribbon I curled.

I added some ribbon, pearls, and some little ribbon flowers. In between the layers I rolled baby socks into “roses” and I wrapped them with tulle “leaves”, and added them to the layers.

NOTHING is GLUED! The blankets and baby socks are all usable, as are the entire package of diapers!

I bought a cake board that is basically scalloped silver cardstock. It provided a sturdy base and made it look more professional.

I was pretty happy with how well everything turned out considering I never made one before. People couldn’t believe I never made one before (yes giving my own horn a little TOOT!) I hadn’t had that much fun in a LONG time!!

I had also made the centerpieces, as you may recall a while ago

These flower pots used the Tending The Garden © 50 Images – Digital set!

I LOVE digital images because you can nix, match and resize everything to suit your needs, as I did here.

Filled the flower pots with the little “rose” baby socks. Just like on my cake.

This was the back side…same little frog as my cake topper!

I made 15 in all.

We tied balloons to the centerpieces as well.

It turned our really pretty.

I hope that got your creative wheels a churnin’!

I’ll be back to announce our winner for the March Release items.

Come back tomorrow because we will have many more fabulous project ideas for you all to try.

Welcome Back!

While today I am thinking about Spring, here in New Hampshire we’ve just had quite the snowstorm with 12 feet of snow, at least. It stuck to the trees, and is just a beautiful sight to behold. It’s almost too pretty to wish away just yet!

That being said despite the snow we are plowing ahead and thinking Spring which really isn’t too far around the corner March 20th. So for our March Release we ARE thinking Spring and getting ready for the next holiday-Easter.

SO here is who you will want to visit today for the first previews of what it to come:

Egg-stra Special

• Lauren Meader
• Debbie Marcinkiewicz

Display

• Kimberly Morrow
• Lisa Kind

As you have come to know our Official Release in on the first. We have many great things to come and one of those great things is that we are decreasing our prices by 20% on the First of March, and we will be announcing 4 NEW Design Team members as well. I hope you will welcome them when the time comes 😀

Today I am previewing the Egg-stra Special template.

They always say “which came first, the chicken or the egg?”, and in my case, the egg came before the products, so all my items used are older products!! Our design team will have samples using NEW products today.

Egg-stra Special

Available in PDF, SVG, GSD, DXF, WPC

Completed Project Size:

• 6  Inches Tall
• 5 Inches Around

Looking for something a little “egg-stra” special to give this Easter? Do you love opening up those plastic eggs each Easter to see what tiny treasured treat is awaiting your discovery inside?!

Ever wish those little eggs were BIGGER?! Look no further! We have this amazing free-standing, 3 dimensional egg!

Well now you have your very own larger version made from cardstock!

These are the two pieces (Top & Bottom) opened up so you can see just how the egg opens!

I’m not yet sure what I am going to place in my egg, but I’m thinking a Lindt Chocolate bunny, and some truffles as filler.

I used an amethyst cardstock for the egg, and then chose the stunning floral/text pattern from the Amethyst Sparkle © collection.

I then cut my label using the Occasional Label © cut file, where I stamped on my text from the Occasional Labels © set. The Happy Easter sentiment is from our  Sentimental Occasions © set which is fabulous, and works perfectly with the frames and cut file. The flowers on the side of my label matched my paper, and are from the Framed Elegance © set.

I LOVE being able to mix and match everything to get one cohesive project.

Around the edge I added some velvet ric rac in eggplant, and some pearls, with some pretty Prima flowers all along the edge.

So may possibilities for this template.

You can now create your own Easter or bird’s egg, or design this to look like a bunny, a chickie, a bird, owl, or anything that has a oval body! A little creativity will go a LONG way with this one.

*The bottom could be used on its own to create a “basket”, or the top could be used on its own to create a bee hive!*

This template can be used to hold gifts for Easter, a new baby or mom to be, a plush toy, stuffed animal, candy, homemade treats of any kind, jars of jam, egg decorating kit/items, games, soup or dip mixes,  baking items…to name a few.

Whatever you decide to enclose in this fun template is sure to feel egg-stra special!

Please view our Gallery for project samples, and alternative ways to use all our amazing coordinating products!

Also if you haven’t already, you can follow us on Pinterest, as we have over 16 pinboards full of ideas, we are also on Facebook-so LIKE US there, and follow us on Twitter!

We will return tomorrow for more great gift ideas previewing our latest products.

Well I sure hope YOU do!

♥ Happy Valentines Day Everyone ♥

In honor of this day, I thought I’d release a *NEW* template, based on something that I L♥VE! On top of that I thought we’d find a way to make that special template available to you for FREE!

Keep reading!

Now through February 21st 12am (EST), when you purchase $14 of product (or more) you can earn this ADORABLE new template called Whoo’s Birthday FREE!!

THIS IS HOW:

When you place your order of $14 (or more) add Whoo’s Birthday to your cart, and enter the COUPON CODE: WHOOLOVES at checkout!

Hurry over as this promotion ends February 21st

Whoo’s Birthday *FREE!*

(with purchase of $14 or more)

Available in PDF, SVG, GSD, DXF, WPC

Completed Project Size:

2 1/2 X 3 Inches Around

4 1/4 Inch Tall

Whoo doesn’t love owls?! (Not you? Don’t worry, there are more ideas)

They are personally a favorite of mine, and I have many throughout my home.

I created this adorable owl themed gift box after viewing a FLAT version of an origami owl. I thought it was SO CUTE, but I wanted a dimensional version of the flat paper picture I saw. The idea came to me because I purchased a unique locket like necklace from a company called Origami Owl, for my daughter Alexa, on her 13th birthday.

That is HOW the name came to be “Whoo’s Birthday”!

The sentiment is from the Critters with Heart © set, and the numbers 13 are from the Harriet Hop-Along Birthday© set. Pretty perfect!

Alexa also loves owls, and she LOVES pink, and of course zebra print, or anything black & white! (The paper will be released in April-sorry I couldn’t resist using it here, so stay tuned!)

The angles of the box are unique, and will allow you to use your own creativity (and maybe some of our other products) to create a variety of other “creatures”, or even characters/people.

This is the PLAIN version

Add a little creativity…

and you get this UBER cute Owl!

I can picture this being a fox, raccoon, skunk, or bunny, to name just a few.

“Whoo” ever you make this box into it is sure to be a surprise, and loved to pieces!

So make sure you go get yours FREE (with the purchase of $14 or more), for a limited time only!

Now you are most likely wondering what I gave Alexa for her very special 13th Birthday!

You can see in the background it was a ton of stuff, but the most special thing was her necklace from Origami Owl. I had meant to share this for some time now, but had to wait until we were releasing this fun new template!

ABOUT the necklace:

So I have this pretty bligned out locket, and I have chosen charms to customize it, to tell the story of Alexa’s life.

Here are the charms, and what they mean to me, for telling Alexa’s story

The Bling A is for Alexa. She has this internal sparkle, and really lights up the hearts of everyone who knows her. She is also at that age where the more BLING the better (I can totally relate!)

The Pink Ribbon is in honor of her surviving Leukemia! (Note: They DO have an orange ribbon, but since pink is Alexa’s favorite color, I opted to just go with it-it doesn’t really matter what color, it was the MEANING it had). I mean seriously Alexa is so strong and brave! I don’t know how she got through all that. Ok maybe I do…

The Cross-I pray God always watch over her, and that she have a strong Faith in him. I know I wouldn’t have gotten through anything with her if I didn’t have Faith in God. He has carrried me through many scary times in life, and always the lowest of lows, and scariest times were event concerning Alexa.

The Angel-I honestly believe Alexa is MY angel here on earth. I feel like she has shown me the world in ways I’d never see it otherwise. She IS a little part of a BIG plan God has us. She teaches me what is important and keeps me grounded. Also I believe Alexa has her own guardian angel with wings of STEEL!!! I believe it has taken her to and through many life altering obstacles.

The heart with wings, has a few meanings. Always follow her heart and love to the fullest. Also, Alexa had open heart surgery when she was 21 days old. So I associate this with her getting through that by God’s grace.

A Sapphire for September, the month she was born.

The painters palette-Alexa LOVES to paint, draw and color! She hopes to illustrate and write her own poems/books some day!

The book is because Alexa has always loved to read! It is her favorite thing to do. You will always find her with a book.

The Letter that says I Love You-Alexa also LOVES to write and dreams of one day becoming an author of children books or poems. She is forever writing me letters! I save every single one. Doctors told me I’d be lucky if she ever knew her own name, and here she is writing me notes, and creating poems, and stories with such detail, its AMAZING. I’m so glad I never let the doctors infuence me in any way because I truly would have missed out on the greatest gift I have ever received, my heart, my Alexa.

It’s amazing that one piece of jewelry can capture such an amazing story!

This was the BLURRY photo, after she got it, and put it on!

This one is much better!! She gets TONS of compliments on it when she wears it. It’s funny because she is so shy, she isn’t big on drawing attention to herself (I know hard to believe when you buy a SPARKLY shirt like a disco ball! LOL!).

I got my origami owl locket necklace and pieces from my dear friend Tessa Miller-Schweder!

If you want to view their products you can check them out here www.charmedmemories.origamiowl.com She is designer 3671.

Here is her Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/charmedmemoriesbyt
Don’t worry if you don’t have Face Book because you can email her at [email protected]

I believe she may be having a GIVEAWAY on her blog —> https://kraftymama.blogspot.com/ so check her out and let her know I sent you 😀

We will return on the 27th to prepare projects for the March Release, so please come back then!

Happy Valentines Day!

I wanted to showcase it in the most special way, for such a special day. I have to say it turned out better than I had hoped for. All the pieces just made that flat origami owl come to life. I could make so many of these.