Well this finally wraps up all the design team projects from our May release!! Today we celebrate with a blog hop!

Please make sure you visit the entire team today:

They should all help get those creative juices flowing for you, as each one shares a unique project idea!

This was a fabulous release! I really enjoyed all these projects, and I still have MORE ideas that I really want to put into fruition.

CLICK HERE to view all our latest and greatest products!

I am going to try to keep the ideas rolling this month after I take a little break 😀 I’m exhausted!! I do however have another project idea for you using the Trendy Tool Tote ©

Funky Flowers For You

How cute and fun is this?!

I LOVE the colors : Charcoal, Green, Pink, Yellow & Red! So summer!

I really wanted to use the flowers from Sensational Stems ©, and images from Paper Pattern Pieces © to create some super fun and funky flowers for my tote! I was surprised at how many different looks I was able to actually achieve, and am just over the moon with all the ideas.

So I used the stems then a little imagination to combine and layer all sorts of flowers! I made sure there was a lot of dimension too!

The butterfly is the open line butterfly from All A Flutter. I stamped a layered flower on the right part of the wing. That butterfly ROCKS because you can make it look like you have a MILLION other butterfly stamps, just by stamping other various images inside!

The “grass” was made using the diamond (or as we like to call it at MTME Lattice) pattern, and a row of adhesive black rhinestones! This just ADDS to the funktified awesomeness of this!

In my Trendy Tool Tote © I packed in 6 various trail mix pouches from Target! They are SUPER yummy and relatively healthy to snack on.

As you can see this tote hold a TON of great stuff. Plus as previously stated it is very sturdy 😀

I made mine for a friend who is trying to eat healthier. When they are all gone she can put this somewhere to store whatever else she wants! As we all know there are ENDLESS possibilities for this template!

I may just make one for my own counter, so hold pens and notepads etc! It could even be a great mail sorter, recipe holder, seasoning holder, perfect for bath and body products, maybe even in the living room to sort your remotes, and TV guide 😀 I can always think of a million things.

Seriously look how cool my funky garden is! I love this one! It will be hard to part with.

Supplies:

Pretty Packaging © Template -Trendy Tool Tote

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Sensational Stems, Paper Pattern Pieces, Puckered Up Patterns, All A Flutter

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Informant

Ink: Momento & Sei

Ribbon by May Arts, Adhesive pearls/rhinestones

Well thank you all for stopping by the past week or so! I have enjoyed sharing with each of you 😀 If I don’t get back here to post for Mother’s Day I hope you all enjoy it!

I want to share a poem with you, that my friend Tanya shared with me last year. I loved it so much, and thought any mother could relate!

I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day, and remember that mother’s shouldn’t be celebrated just ONE day a year! Our kids do something everyday, that makes even the hardest times worth every second. So try to look for your moment, in each day.

                                   Before I was a Mom,
                I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
                I didn’t worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
                          I never thought about immunizations.                                 

                                  Before I was a Mom –
                                I had never been puked on.
                                        Pooped on.
                                        Chewed on.
                                        Peed on.                 

               I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
                                    I slept all night.
                                  Before I was a Mom,
                I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do
                                          tests
                                      Or give shots.
                        I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
                    I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
                I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.                                 

                                   Before I was a Mom,
              I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn’t want to
                                      put her down.
                I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I
                                        couldn’t
                                    stop the hurt.
              I never knew that something so small could affect my life so
                                          much.
                      I never knew that I could love someone so much.
                          I never knew I would love being a Mom.                                 

                                 Before I was a Mom –

              I didn’t know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
                I didn’t know how special it could feel to feed a hungry
                                          baby.
                I didn’t know that bond between a mother and her child.
              I didn’t know that something so small could make me feel so
                                  important and happy.

                                  Before I was a Mom –
                I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10
                          minutes to make sure all was okay.

                  I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the
                                      heartache,
                  the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
                I didn’t know I was capable of feeling so much, before I
                                          was a
                                          Mom.

I will be spending the day with my children, and cherishing each moment I can!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Sorry the day has escaped me! All this editing stuff can be time consuming! I’ve had this project done for a bit, I just didn’t get everything completed in time! Good grief.

Today I have a super simple, masculine project for you all, using the Boxed Lunch template ©

I call it Packed with love!

One thing I know my hubby loves is a variety of these trail mix packets you can get at Target! He keeps them at his desk to snack on. I’m always buying him a variety to try out, and this time I wanted to package some up in a cute way, so I made this for him to take to work!

It has been mentioned by just about everyone seeing this template, that not only can it be a lunch box, but a suit case too! Father’s day is just round the corner, so why not turn it into a briefcase or a suitcase?

I took some simple chocolate gingham ribbon to dress mine up

I wanted to keep it simple and un-frilly, so I used Oat cardstock as my base, and of course chocolate for my lid!

I chose to create a masculine pattern using one of my FAVE sets: Argyle Amazement! It truly makes the most amazing backgrounds! So many building options. I was able to easily create this pattern for my main focus. I then used the sentiment from Lunch Box Love Notes © for my tag. I was going to use a tag from the All Tied Up! collection, but kept it SIMPLE for now!

What you CAN’T see is the double score line on either side, next to the argyle.

How about that hardware? I used an actual lunch box latch, and a paint-can handle for this! I just wanted to share some additional ideas, other than the cardstock handle that this comes with. Not that the cardstock handle isn’t FABULOUS on its own! But you know how much I love versatility!

Now these treats fit perfectly inside!

Isn’t that a sweet way to send your hubby off with something delicious?!

I think so 😀

All the Pretty Packaging templates can dress up the simplest most inexpensive gifts! These packs cost ONLY $1.00 at Target! So I think I see some masculine teacher gift sets for the end of the school year!

Imagine finding these in stores? You’d pay a fortune! Now you can make your own! As MANY as you want! Even resize them 😀

Supplies:

Pretty Packaging © template – Boxed Lunch

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Lunch Box Love Notes © & Argyle Amazement

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: Millet, Ganache, Oat

Ink: Momento/Sei

Latch, Paint Can Handle, gingham ribbon by May Arts, Buttons by SU!

Well I hope you all can stop by tomorrow because the entire team is getting together for a blog hop! Together we will have like 10 MORE projects for you to get inspired from! You can never have too many ideas 😀

Thanks for taking the time to stop by!

Ah! So much to share so little time!

Today I’ll be brief since the first week of the month is generally INSANE for me. OK maybe I should say the last and first weeks of every month! While I’m busy sharing details from this release I’m also usually finalizing details of the next one, and am also working on the month after that!!! Throw in a family and you have a crazy week! I am the queen of multi-tasking I think. I generally have at least 3 major things to do daily, and several “appointments” for something during the week! LOL! Not complaining, I’m just sayin.

Now I have a couple other projects to put finishing touches on, then there is another counseling appointment for Noah and I have to go back to finish my hair straightening after that-so I’ll be brief.

(PS thanks for allowing me to share about my son. I have heard that this isn’t an uncommon problem, so that helps hearing from others too :D)

He *just* came home with a heart shaped card for me that reads:

The most important thing about my mom is

She is nice

She feeds me

She keeps me safe

She gave me a life (LOL! that cracked me up)

but the most important thing about my mom is she loves me.

Love Noah

AWE! This is the FIRST card I ever got that says nothing about Daddy! LOL! I usually get Happy Mothers Day! I love my dad. I love playing games with my dad. I love you Noah

Every book or poem he writes is about his very best friend: dad! They have an amazing relationship that I am so happy about, but it is nice to get some sort of mommy love once in a while! LOL!

OK back to the peeks!

I just got a fancy NEW! video camera for my birthday, so I can do even better videos for you, so I really hope to find some time to do one soon 😀 Maybe on backgrounds?! If there are any requests, let me know! I’m out of ideas at this point.

In the meantime to whet your creative pallet Tracey Cuccia has a peek!

Here is what Tracey has to say about her project:

“My daughter Shannon is my crafting buddy – she loves to come and ‘play’ with Mommy.  She has her favorite items she likes to use, glitter pens, glue, scissors, flowers…so I decided that I would make her her own little caddy to keep her crafting goodies together at my table.  There will be NO mistake that this is for her, fun, bright, and cheery, just like Shannon…”

So be sure you stop by and visit Tracey

Now for my turn.

You all seem to be LOVING the NEW! Puckered Up! Patterns ©! They are simply fun and easy to use. The layering possibilities are just endless. You can make so many various patterns it is great! I designed this because I thout it to be a perfect addition to the Pucker Up template! The puckered shapes were perfect together. Plus you can never have too many background builders!

This could make some simple rockin guy stuff too!

I was recently inspired by the design on some of my most FAVORITE raspberry cookies when I made this!

When I showed this to my husband, inspiration in hand, he honestly said “What?! I don’t get it. Where do you see cookies?”

MEN! They just have no creative vision sometimes! LOL! I pointed out the cookie pattern and he STILL didn’t get it. Oh well, I got it! LOL!

Now the Pucker Up template is a great size and can hold lots of googies! I wrapped 8 of these cooloies to fit in here, not even problem! The tuck in sides allows you to easily access what you put inside too without ruining the packaging.

As I said, inspired by my YUM-O cookies, I stamped the largest pattern in the Puckered Up! Patterns © , stamped in a raspberry like ink from SEI (I recently bought like every color in SEI ink!). I then stamped the same style open pucker pattern in a green ink by Momento. Then, I added ONE more! The paler pink filler center! I have to admit I fell in LOVE with the look of this!

Now for my center piece!

 I thought that pairing the solid pucker circle with a stem from Sensational Stems would create the PERFECT retro flower for this! I finished off the flower center using a spiral like flower from the Puckered Up Patternsset. I then added a page pebble and a lil’ bling center. Complete with a perfect sentiment  from Sensational Sentiments: “Grow old without growing up”

I’m really in LOVE with all the New! All Tied Up! frame/tags/ribbon holders we just released! They fit the sentiments and images perfectly-plus you can re-size them with the click of a button. Here I used the All Tied Up! Oval. It was the PERFECT addition to this.

Supplies:Pretty Packaging © template – Pucker Up!

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Pucker Up PatternsSensational Stems,  Sensational Sentiments

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Blushing, Sweet heart, Brandenburg

Ink: Momentoand SEI

Pretty Pieces Cut Files– All Tied Up! Oval

Page pebble

Well that is all for today.

Tune in tomorrow because we are not done sharing yet!

In the meantime thank you all for the kind comments, emails and support you’ve ALWAYS offered to me and my family! It is always appreciated 😀

I’m excited for today’s project-once again! I hope you are all stock piling the amazing projects and gift ideas! What is there to NOT be excited about. I think we all love a dose of daily inspiration rigth?

Today’s peek is from Pam Imholz!

Here is what Pam had to say:

Lauren’s newest Pucker Up is one template that will quickly go on your must have list. Goes together easy-peasy, especially if you let the fabulous designer papers do part of the work for you 🙂

Be sure you stop by and see what Pam  has to share!

Now it is my turn!

This is a very special gift for my son Noah.

(sorry I didn’t get a photo of it inside. I had I all could do for my son to let me have it long enough to photograph!)

I used the Lunch Box Love Notes & Additions © stamp set/digital set,  and Boxed Lunch © template with the Lunch Box Cover © and some other Pretty Printables © digital paper!

I wanted to do something special to let him know how proud I am of him and that I think he is SUPER just the way he is!

The part in orange is WHY I am giving this to him. It is family related, so feel free to move past it if you wish to hear solely about the project.

I can tell you that my son Noah has had some medical issues the last few months. I contemplated sharing this but maybe some of you can relate! He began “ticking” around Christmas (come to find out it has been longer just not in such an obvious manner). It is anxiety/stress related. He begins blinking repeatedly. Sometimes to a point where you wonder if he can even SEE! This was very upsetting for me to witness and all I wanted to was to help Noah.

 We have been working with neurologists, our pediatrician and the school to help him develope more confidence and coping straegies for any stressful situations and to build his confidence (another reason for our garden!) I honestly didn’t want to just throw him on some pills, but teach him HOW to deal with his feelings, and learn it is OK to get upset.  The use of stress balls have REALLY helped!! We have also started him with s pecail counselor to help him with anxiety reducing strategies, games and confidence builders. Also ways to work out what stresses him out and why, and to help him realize “it’s OK to make mistakes”. While I’m not sure WHERE all the low confidence and need for perfection came in to play, as we are very encouraging parents, we are doing our best to help alleviate these feelings for Noah.

He has some areas where he feels he needs to be perfect, and that holds him back. He doesn’t like to make mistakes and this affects him DAILY. He like to always be the best at everything (wondering where he gets this from! LOL!). A lot for a little kid to take on. I often wonder how much our family situation with Alexa getting cancer, played into this. He had to become the “big boy” and care for his sisters. I was often SO focused on Alexa (even before the cancer) and her future that he somehow slipped through the cracks. That is a lot of guilt for another day, let me tell you! With Amber I had more time because the other 2 were in school, so she seems to excel in every aspect (see another reason I feel guilty about Noah!) I wasn’t home for like 9 months when Alexa got sick, so I missed a lot with him. AHHH! Anyway, I am doing everything I can to help Noah deal with daily feelings he has. Since he is aware of the ticking, as are his teachers it is easy for him and us to know he is getting upset and he needs to do something to help himself (or we help him work it out). He always received lots of praise and encouragement but he needs a little bit more these days. He is doing MUCH better than he was around the holidays since we figured all this out.  Noah has many of the same issues myself and my mother’s side has with needing things a certain way and whatnot so I understand how he feels. It is quite possible he will outgrow this, and as I said as he get more comfortable with dealing with things, it has already significantly decreased! I hope to continue this journey “med free”. It is working so far. Granted it is “work” but that is part of being parents right 😀 He is working hard and I couldn’t be prouder of him.

Please note: I want people to know I personally have nothing against medication. I think these things vary case by case and family to family. I am just sharing what we are personally experiencing and trying. Each person needs to do what is best for thier own family.  If we found that is what Noah needed to help him then we would do that. So far we are able to be helped without it.

One thing Noah LOVES is music! He is forever singing! So as a gift for all his hard work, in all aspects of his life, I bought him a MP3 Player, and we included a card to get some music for him to download! I thought this could be an additional fun way to de-stress for him too!

Now back to the gift set….

Reach for the stars

How cute is this?

I made my 3D version of Boxed Lunch © to match the stamped version of the Lunch Box Love Notes & Additions © on my card!

With the release of the Boxed Lunch ©, many of you saw my girly rainbow one, and many pondered if the Lunch Box Love Notes & Additions © stamp set and Boxed Lunch © template would favor a gift for a boy. Well I hope this gift I made opens the flood gates of possibilities and ideas! (I will have another masculine sample soon too :D)

I used the heart version of the  Lunch Box Covers © for my front panel! I had “cut out the heart, then layered the star on instead! I used the Lunch Box Love Notes & Additions © Digital set to make my Super! Star center image! (digitally colored too!)I was able to layer it on no problem. I printed the star twice, so I could have it be 3D! I then layered some additional papers to the panels to tie it into my card design.

I stampes the sentiment: Reach for the stars from the Lunch Box Love Notes Additions © set.

My template base was created using Rain Drop cardstock.

For my lid I printed the Alphabet Soup Collection 1, then created the lid! I printed a notepad piece of paper for the decorative layer on the lid and another of the decorative panel too! It is SO fun and easy peasy!

Now there are perfect cardstock handle pieces that come with this, but I wanted to share some options, so for this I just used some ribbon and brads!

The large button had a graph like pattern that is in my designer paper too! A perfect match! So I added that to appear to be my “closure”. This template stays closed on its own, but it is so fun to add stuff!

Now for the card

All the same papers and elements!

I used the Lunch Box Love Notes & Additions ©  on my card 😀 I so love this set! I layered the cut lunchbox onto the panel of cardstock strips. The cover again is the heart from the set. I stamped the star image, cut it out, and layered it over the heart! So I was able to use the pattern, but not have to use the actual heart image.

I love the notepad paper. The sentiment reads: I’m so proud of you! Sorry it got washed out by the lighting

 I just love that! This is a great boy themed card/gift set.

This is a set I will turn to over and over all year long!

Supplies:

Pretty Packaging © template – Boxed Lunch

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Lunch Box Love Notes © & Additions (scrylic & digital)

Pretty Printables © Digital Paper- Lunch Box Cover, Alphabet Soup 1 & 2, Get Graphic Collection 2, and School Ruled

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Apple Cider, Acorn Squash, and Rain Drop

Ink: Momento/Sei

Buttons & stick pins by SEI, Ribbon by May Arts, Copic Markers, Stapler

Once again thank you for stopping by.

 There is still more to come (I know! Can you believe it?), and you won’t want to miss anything! So come back tomorrow for even more gift/card ideas 😀

Hi everyone!

Thank you all for the birthday wishes! I had a wonderful day yesterday! Some great memories were made. The kids were so fun and excited the last few days as it seems like I had a LONG birthday celebration. Jason was amazing and pulled out all the stops!

I got my hair straightened, which I had NO idea was a several day process, but so far so good. It will be well worth it. I go back Thursday for the FINAL touch, and then NO MORE tedious straightening my hair daily.

That being said I have nothing but good things to look forward to, so long as I have my family by my side 😀 Every year I always wish for the same thing 😀

Anywho…..just because it’s my birthday doesn’t mean the world comes to a hault , although believe it or not I’ve gotten several days “off” so to speak!

I hope you are ready for even MORE ideas!

Today we have a wonderful peek from Stephanie Kraft using the Trendy Tool Tote!

Here is what she had to say:

When I first saw the tote, I thought it was really cute, but I wasn’t sure how sturdy it would be… let me tell you.. I was amazed at how well it holds up and how much it can hold! It would be so cute to make a few of these to hold some little jars of embellishments (buttons come to mind) in a craft room or even some office supplies on a teacher’s desk… the possibilities are endless!!

Today my sample uses the Pucker Up template!

From me to you

( a sentiment I’ve LONG loved and never had much of for stamp images)

I was going for a warm, summer feel to this one! I was really happy with the results, as these aren’t my “usual” colors.

I used one of the flower images from Sensational Stemsas my main focus, using the medium flower for the center image, and then the smallest version in the set to create the patterned strip along the left side. Once that was done, I layered it onto the decorative panel with the window, pre-cut out.

I really adore the “from me to you” sentiment from the Just for Youset. I also thought the butterfly from that set would be the perfect addition to the window!

I added a page pebble over the butterfly too 😀 Just that lil’ detail, OH! and those adhesive rhinestone! LOVE THEM!

 I was originally thinking of making this a full window box (which would still be CRAZY amazing), but then thought a 3D box would be even more of a WOW! if the image was dimensional enough…..

Now cool does this look? When you look straight on you cannot tell they are layered, it just POPS out at you!

So that being said I stamped my flower onto a SU! window cup thingy, in white Stazon, then brushed on my Pebble’s Pearlescent Pastels (my favorite technique :D) for the color! Once my window was in place, I added a scallop border around it.

 I then stamped my flower on a pices of scrap white cardstock, and layered it behind the window! It is far easier to get it PERFECT if you do the window first, scrap panel last! Then it can be manipulated to perfection, easy peasy!

This held the travel size of the Orange Sapphire shower gel and body lotion! I gave this to one of my dearest friends 😀 I think she liked it. (No I didn’t get a photo of it-sorry! I had a deadline for this and didn’t have my bath stuff yet)

Now after this I was REALLY inspired to create a card with similar colors! After some tweaking, this is what I came up with:

Like you

Admittedly the tulips are my most cherished image in the set! It is my favorite flower, and if it has a tulip, I love it! I LOVE whimsical flowers and this is my all time fave 😀 They are SO easy to use, and so perfectly cute (IMO) 😀

I really enjoyed using some different colors, and a new layout that showcases them too. It is even MORE fun having the “ladybug wings prints” to enable you to make them polka dot too, if you want, in a snap!

Now the sentiment is also from the Just for You set! As I said previously I LOVE combining various sets, and I am a FIRM believe in the fact that you simply cannot have enough sentiments! The one on this card is a personal favorite of mine!

I recently sent this one to one of my dearest long distance friends. I loved it so much and knew it was getting a good home 😀 Funny how hard it can be to part with our creations some times huh? I mean this one is so simple but I loved everything about it!

Supplies

Pretty Packaging © template – Pucker Up!

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Sensational Stems,  Just For You

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Sunflower, Artisian Pool, Warm Apple Cider, Acorn Squash, Harvest Basket, Fallen Leaf

Ink: Momento, StazOn and SEI

Buttons by SEI, Pebbles Pearlescent Pastels, SU! Cup

Well that does it for me today!

I will be back tomorrow with much more. I told you during my short absence I was a busy girl!! Now you get to see why 😀

See you later!

I hope you all have enjoyed the projects shared by myself and the team for the May Release!

We have all been hard at work creating some eye candy for you all to help you get inspired by what you can do with the templates, stamps, and paper!

Today Katie has a super project to share with you all!

Here is what Katie Cotton had to say

A lot of times I’m making gifts for my super crafty friends, but it’s always tricky at what to make or give them that they might actually need!  Making a card maker a set of cards is sometimes a little silly when they make them already!  So i decided to turn the trendy tool tote into a super cute….

Now go Check out Katie‘s blog!

Now it is my turn!

That say’s it all doesn’t it? 

This sentiment is from the Lunch Box Love Notes Additions set!

Gift for teachers should be

1) From the heart! Truly it isn’t how much money you spend, it is always the thought that counts. IF someone can’t appreciate something “from the heart” then they aren’t worth giving anything to the next go round. I have done that in the past when things have gone unappreciated, and didn’t feel bad at all! 

2) Handmade: whenever possible! This doesn’t mean you have to BAKE 100 cookies! Prepackaged / store bought is acceptable and often preferred (from what I have heard). Also things your own children can do to partake is an added bonus for YOU and teacher alike.

 3) Practical-honestly does a teacher REALLY need another coffee mug? Not likely! BUT some COFFEE is a good idea. Of course organization is always a extra plus too.

4) Consumables! Those are always nice and welcome too.

All of that tucked into one thoughtful and functional gift!

That being said I think note-cards, notepads, and anything you can get at an office supply store is a great gift idea for teachers! Even gift cards to office supply places or bookstores!

Going with that theme if you want something that has ALL the qualities from 1-4 I mentioned about how about making a Trendy Tool Tote for the teacher?

What do you think about this?

I shrunk down JUST the front/back panel to 5 1/2 inches wide so it fit my supplies. I had measured the jars, and then adjusted my template, as I didn’t want/need the extra room. By changing just the width, I didn’t need to alter the side panels! I did however alter the handle to be 4 1/2 inches! , as well as my decorative from panel.

I think it is the perfect desk organizer.Finally something cute, and functional that the teacher (male/female) can actually keep on their desk, and get some use out of.

For the front of this I printed my Snips & Snails and Alphabet Soup Pretty Printables Digital paper, then punched into 7/8 inch squares, creating a quilt like block pattern.

The tag is from the All Tied Up! Circle collection. I stamped the flower ring, from Paper Pattern Pieces ©, in a Cranberry Crisp ink. I then layered a circle center of patterned paper, then added my much needed sentiment.

Just look how perfect the supplies we purchased fit inside this!

I added a stapler, and staple puller, ruler, note pad, set of notecards, some pencils, and even created a calculator cover to match!

The hangning tag I created is from the Lunch Box Love Notes © & Additions set.I adore the hanging lunch box tag,for that something extra! It is also a perfect place for your child to write their name!

Now the supplies are stored in smaller version Del Monte Fruit tin’s (that I fed the kids as a snack as I made this) which were rinsed out in the dishwasher, dried well then covered with the School Plaid Collection #2 Pretty Printables © digital paper.

Now cute does that look? Heck, they can even take out the cans and use those separately for dual storage! you can even adhere two or even 4 together to get a mega storage unit!

Perfect gift for ANYONE! Just alter the design to suit thier decor!

Supplies:

Pretty Packaging © template – Trendy Tool Tote

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Lunch Box Love Notes © & Additions , Paper Pattern Pieces ©,

Pretty Printables © Digital Paper- School Plaid Collection 2, Alphabet Soup, and snips and snails

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Sunflower

ohter-cranberry crisp

Ink: Momento

Pretty Pieces © Cut File- All Tied Up! Circle

Buttons by SEI

I hope you come back tomorrow for even more!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Be sure you check out all our NEW! Products-released today! CLICK HERE!  Each release just gets better and better!

Last month when we added the addition of the entire design team sharing their card creations with you, as a group, it was a hit. You all seemed to really enjoy having a day dedicated to how all these sets can be used for your card creations as well!

So if you all want to continue to have a day dedicated to *just* cards, then I am happy to make this part of our release projects!

Be sure you hop around to the team to see lots of card inspiration!

Now today I thought it would be a great opportunity to show you what you can do (for starters!) using the Lunch Box Love Notes & Additions, with the Lunch Box Love Notes Cut File (also available in PDF :D). I’ve talked about how this set is perfect for making little love notes to tuck away in someones lunch bag, in a briefcase, maybe a jacket pocket…..even stick them under the pillow!

We can all use a little “love note” of encouragement from time to time.

These “love notes” don’t have to be time consuming, just serve their purpose of making someone know you are thinking of them, and you love them.

So let’s start with a VERY simple set of “love notes” that you can EASILY reproduce!

Lunch Box Love Set

This used theLunch Box Love Notes & Additons

First: let me say that this note card is beyond FAB! I love it. It’s the perfect size, and the tuck tab means NO envy needed!

Second: Can you say 5 minutes? Sometimes simple is best.

YUP! All 4 (after my Cricut cut them out) done in under 5 minutes!

I first printed my Elementary patterned paper from the Sensational Staples collection, and cut them to fit my love notes.

Then I simply stamped the elements from the Lunch Box Love Notes & Additons set in black ink, onto white cardstock (already cut into circles, with black mat layers) and assembled. A little glitter and before you knew it-DONE!

Here is the Just a note to say…..

I stamped the XOXO on the paper (its another sentiment in the set)

Then on the inside I stamped

I’m so proud of you!

How super sweet and simple is that? Totally gender and age neutral!!

Now what about this one?

I love that the Oreo cookie says “smart cookie” right on it! I really thought it was a great addition to the set.

Now on the inside I had several options I could have chosen, given my image, but I chose

as sweet as you are!

I love it!

Inside the You’re a star one reads: you are so special

Then inside the My Lil Cupcake reads: Packed with Love (that a great one when you send a special treat (like a homemade cupcake!! for a snack)

OK now how about trying an actual card? (I have so much more to share!)

For A Special Teacher

I adore this!

I LOVE red, black and green together! ESPECIALLY for school theme. I know its totally predictable, but if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

This card once again used the Elementary paper, and a sentiment from Lunch Box Love Notes Additions.

I used the alphabet lunchbox front to create a cute “old school” chalkboard looking tag!

The red panel paper is the Sensational Staples ABC’s pattern, printed on the red cardstock for a subtle detailed patterned paper.

Now my LUNCHBOX!! 

Sadly you cannot see that it is cut out and on dimensionals, or that it has glitter on the flowers. SUPER CUTE! I love it. I adored the little juice box stamped next to it too.

I love having the ability to interchange my lunchbox fronts to suit ANY occasion. It can also be a briefcase. You can add OTHER images that fit inside that open rectangle too! You aren’t limited by just the lunchbox fronts you see in the set! You can obviously use ANY of  the single images in there too, but feel free to mix it up with some other sets! That goes for sentiments as well.

Supplies:

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Lunch Box Love Notes © & Additions

Pretty Printables © Digital Paper- Sensational Staples

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Slate, Candied Apple, Meadow

Ink: Momento

Pretty Pieces © Cut File- Lunch Box Love Note!,

Ribbon by May Arts

Copic Markers

Well I have a BUSY week, and so much more to share, but I will save more for tomorrow 😀 I’m sure between myself and the design team you are getting ton’s of samples and ideas!

So be sure you stop by and visit everyone.

Tomorrow I will return with even MORE!

So stay tuned.

Today is the day of the My Time Made Easy ™ LLC May Release!

CLICK TO VIEW ALL OUR NEW PRODUCTS!

We have released: (click the highlighted link to be directed to that area of the store)

6 NEW! Pretty Impressions © stamp sets

In our large sets you receive two 4 X 6 sheets of acrylic stamps for $20

In our smaller sets you receive one 4 X 6 sheet of acrylic stamps for $12

*Several of the sets this month is also available in a digital package!*

Lunch Box Love Notes Set of 25 images $20

Lunch Box Love Notes Additions Set of 12 images $12

Sensational Stems Set of 27 images $12

Sensational Sentiments Set of 16 images $12

Paper Pattern Pieces Set of 10 images $12

Puckered Up Patterns Set of 14 images

3 NEW! Pretty Packaging © Templates

Boxed Lunch ©

Puckered Up ©

Trendy Tool Tote ©

7 NEW! Pretty Pieces © Cut Files

4 of the Tall Tied Up! Ribbon Slider/Frame/Tags: Circle, Oval, Rectangle, and Square

Lunch Box Love Note

Steno Paper

13  NEW! Pretty Printables © Digital Paper Packages

Lunch Box Covers

Sensational Staples

Flower Fusion

Hearty Stripe

Retro Lunch

Alphabet Soup

Snips and Snails

Mini Leafy Stripes

Sugar and Spice

Basic Blooms

Stars for Students

Get Graphic

School Ruled

1 New! Perfect Package © Collection (coming soon)

So happy shopping!!!

Well we are at the FINAL day of samples before theMy Time Made Easy ™ LLC Release tomorrow!!

SO you have finally get everything you’ve seen May 1st.

That just means the beginning of even more samples to follow! We have over a week of even more to share.

Today you can see more fabulous card samples using NEW! Pretty Impressions © images from

Now two of our design team members will be featuring our 3rd template for the month called Pucker Up, and a NEW! Stamp set called Sensational Stems!

Now let me share my samples with you!

A life of purpose

We all did this project at Stamp Around a few weeks ago! I was able to donate a set to each participant!

This sample uses the NEW! Sensational Stems, and Sensational Sentiments. Pretty Printables © paper is the Fresh Flowers Collection.

This is a great sized box for so many gifts and goes together in a snap! It is sure to be one you turn to again and again!

ABOUT: Pucker Up

Completed Project Size

5 1/2 Inches Tall

4 3/4 Inches  Wide

2 Inches Deep

This template has a background set called Puckered Up Patterns ©, which make a nice addition to the template. You may also want to check out our Border Builder © Pretty Pieces Cut Files © too! The wrap around those PERFECTLY! And for a whopping $1.50 you simply CAN’T go wrong. The unique part to those is not only can you weld them together, but you can make then wider (and thinner) as well as having a solid mat layering option for each shape, which is another border in itself.

As you can see, I used the layering solid scallop from the Open Scallop Border Builder © Pretty Pieces Cut Files © for the bottom trim on my Pucker Up! Using my cutting machine I welded two of the scallops together, to create a 11 inch strip! I cut two and layered them to go all the way around the template. (All sides of you projects should always look finished!)

The is the perfect flat top/bottom gift box, with a little pucker to it!

( I used the “ladybug” wing prints for my large tupil petals!)

This is a modern spin on the ever popular “pillow box”. My own personal issue with the “standard” pillow box was the inability for it to stand alone, not being able to use decorative trims around the bottom or sides (since they angles would make it crooked!) and for it to hold what I wanted due to the flat angled in side panels too! So problem solved!

(box prior to assembly)

Now another issue I had was the way the side panels folded in, but never stayed closed (unless you used adhesive!).

So, I added another FUN detail…tabs to keep the sides closed, and allow you to easily open either side to get whatever goodness is packaged up in there! NO adhesive needed.

This template comes with the front angles decorative layer, as well as the curvy side panel decorative layers!

This my have a little Pucker to it, but it is certainly the perfect template to package Up something special!

Now, about the stamp set:

Sensational Stems © Set of 27 images $12

This set is also available in a digital download called Sensational Digital Package ©

We have the perfect sentiment set to coordinate called: Sensational Sentiments ©! Wait until you start pairing these two set together!

There is a reason this set is called “sensational”!!

I think you will agree it is! Just in time for summer, this is my own personal favorite collection of images. I love fun and whimsical!

I designed a variety of flowers in various sizes, that can coordinate together with the various stems! It features my favorite flower- the tulip, a dragonfly and a “build a ladybug” image as well! The various antenna can be used on the ladybug, dragonfly or in the tulip centers! You can also use the Polka Dot Ladybug wings and add them to the large tulip flower for a fabulous pattern!

A set of 27 images for *ONLY* $12 is amazing!!

How about seeing some more samples using the Sensational Stems © ?

You Inspire Me

I have to say I LOVE this card!

I really wanted this to look like a little note I had doodled.

So, I printed the College Ruled paper from the Sensational Staples collection, printed at about 3 inches wide.

You will fall in love with the variety of flowers in this set. Having the flowers and stems with a variety of size options makes it all the more versatile! As you can see Sensational Sentiments © is the perfect pairing for this “build a flower” stamp set!

Then I stamped my flowers in the corner, and colored them in. I love the addition of the orange pencil  and paper clip in the corners 😀

The sentiment is from Sensational Sentiments ©. Perfect for my DOODLE art. The sentiments have a variety of great fonts used too!

On the green layer I stamped the open line pucker block on the side panel from Puckered Up Patterns. Subtle yet perfect.

I LOVE coordinating new sets with older sets, and with this one I used the butterfly from Just For You, and the swirl from Fanciful Flourishes, stamped in a pale gray color for my flutter trail.

Too fun.

Now we got to clean and simple…..

Cheer Up

To me this is definitely cheery! It would cheer me up on a bad day.

Another combination of sets! This uses the smallest tulip top, and stem from the set as my focal point. The dual color was from using markers 😀 Super easy. The “cheer up” and the ten cents symbol is from the You’ve Got Mail set. Those image blocks from that set would go well with this frame too 😀

I want to share one of the square tags from the Paper Pattern Pieces set, as well as another idea using the ribbon/lace border.

I love the buttons tied to the ribbon/lace borders. Another cute, yet simple detail.

OK one more (for today anyway)

You make me a better person

You know I needed to use purple! My favorite color.

This is a spiral like flower. I love coloring each spiral in 3 shades of the same color. I added adhesive beads and stickles to the centers. This is the other stem that is in the set. As you can see it allows you to layer the variety of petal sizes on it.

Obviously I have favor towards the circular frame 😀 MOST of the sentiments from Sensational Sentiments fit in the circle and square frame, however they all fit in the All Tied Up! cut files 😀

I’ve longed for such a sentiment as this. I think we all have someone in our life that we look up to, brings out the best in us, encourages us, or helps us strive to be the best we can be! For me, that is my husband. He brings out the best in me, and makes me strive to better my best. He is the most amazing person I have ever met! I’m so blessed to have him 😀 (now I need to use this in a masculine card for him! LOL!

Winners for the Day 1 & Day 2 wil be announced later tonight. (I’m actually presposting because its my birthday weekend and I’m spending time with friends and family all weekend, so once I get a spare moment I’ll draw names :D)

Now for today’s giveaway:

Leave a comment for your chance to win:

Pucker Up template

You choice of Border Builder cut file

Puckered Up Patterns

Sensational Stems

Winner drawn on the 1st!

Supplies:

Pretty Packaging © template – Pucker Up

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Sensational Stems, Sensational Sentiments, Paper Pattern Pieces, Puckered Up Patterns, Just For You, You’ve Got Mail and Fanciful Flourishes

Pretty Printables © Digital Paper- Fresh Flowers

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Slate, Lily Pond, Meadow, Lagoon, Carousel, Fortune Teller

Ink: Momento

Pretty Pieces © Cut File- Open Scallop Border

Buttons by SEI

Ribbon by May Arts

Copic Markers, stickles, beads

Thanks for stopping by!

 I hope you return tomorrow for our release! The entire team has samples to share too.

Now we are on day two of samples!

That means even more inspiration of what is to come with the May 1st My Time Made Easy ™ LLC Release!

Today I am sharing the second Pretty Packaging © template and some of our Pretty Impressions © stamp sets!

I am pretty excited about this release as I am introducing another MUST HAVE sentiment set called Sensational Sentiments, as well as tag/border set called Paper Pattern Pieces, and a background building set called Puckered Up Patterns ©.

Be sure you stop by and visit

They will both be sharing projects using these items too!

So let’s get started! Our 2nd Pretty Packaging © template is called Trendy Tool Tote © (perfect for Father’s Day! too)

Trendy Tool Tote $5

Completed Project Size

 7 1/2 Inches Wide

7 Inches Tall

3 Inches Deep

As its name suggests, this packaging was designed after the ever popular tool box! One of my most requested gift packaging templates to date! I made sure that the handle portion was perfect and sturdy for this template!

That was the hardest part of it! When you have a template MADE to hold “stuff” it better be able to be picked up without crumbling and warping. Granted when toting 2 planters I’d take caution, but this handle is great!

 Whether or not you have a “handy man” in your life, this Trendy Tool Tote © will be perfect for “toting” around all sorts of gifts!

You can fill this with various cups, and add candy, seed packets, small plants (real and silk!) you can use it to fashionably organize your crafting “tools”, give it as a gift to hold cupcakes, candles, bath products, stationary set, small toys, and so much more!

This template coordinates nicely with ANY of our Pretty Impressions © stamps or Pretty Printables © digital paper!

I used the NEW! Paper Pattern Pieces for my circle tag, and of course the sentiment is from the Sensational Sentiments. I just stamped and cut the flower petals and leaf an additional time for some extra dimension. The flower makes the “t” in the Thank you. I loved that.

About the stamps:

Sensational Sentiments  Set of 16 images $12

This set is also available in a digital download called Sensational Digital Package © 

This is a set of sensational and whimsical sentiments that I have always loved and wanted to have contained in a set!  As if this set of sentiments isn’t sensational enough, we have the perfect image set to coordinate called: Sensational Sentiments ©!

As you can see these sentiments  fit inside the Paper Pattern Pieces © stamp set (circle here), as well as coordinate with the All Tied Up © Cut Files. Wait until you start pairing these sets together!  

Sentiments include:

Grow old without growing up 

In youth we learn In age we understand-Marie Ebner-Eschenbach 

Only look back if it makes you smile 

Life without cause is a life without effect-Barbarella 

I’m so sorry

 Every day is a gift 

Hello there. 

(Flower as the “T”) thank you, for helping me grow into who I am today 

You inspire me 

Hold hands, not grudges 

You are fabulous! 

You make me a better person 

Sending you sunshine! 

The purpose of life is a life of purpose.-Robert Byrne 

Listen first,talk second. 

Two little words that mean so much  Thank You

Paper Pattern Pieces © Set of 10 images $12 

This is a card that used the 6 circle borders, with a building circle center, the ribbon/lace border, and the circle tag-paired with another sentiment from Sensational Sentiments.

NOTE: There are smaller images that can also go in the circle centers!!! ENDLESS possibilities!!!

We can never have too many tags, or patterns to build on!

This set will have your building your own pretty patterns and tags in no time!

This set  was designed to also coordinate with the All Tied Up © Cut Files and to fit the Sensational Sentiments © set! 

The ribbon/lace border is 5 1/2 inches long (perfect for those cards!) 

2 Floral Circle patterns/tags about 1 3/4 inches

 2 square patterns/tags about 1 3/4 

Smaller flower circle 1 1/4 inch 

6 circle cluster 1 X 1 1/2 inches

Puckered Up Patterns Set of 14 images $12

In youth

Now we have another card using one of the background builders from the Puckered Up Patterns (as did our Trendy Tool Tote)! You will be amazed at the variety of looks you will be able to “build” with this set!

For this one I used the open line cluster to create my patterned panel.

I then stamped the solid version of the pattern inside.

From there I stamped the smaller solid version of the pattern in the centers to create retro like flowers. These pattern can be masculine or feminine, as you will soon see 😀

This is a great border and background builder set. You will easily be able to create your own borders and patterns. Also the perfect addition to the Pucker Up © Pretty Packaging Template! So many ways this set can be used to add interest to any project!

As stated in the description, I was able to pair the Puckered Up Pattern with the label from Paper Pattern Pieces ©! In the circle is the dashed circle and butterfly from lasts months release Just For You! What a pairing!

The sentiment is from the NEW! Sensational Sentiments 😀

I paper pierced the scallop border. Too fun.

OK so who wants to win something?

GIVEAWAY:

Enter a comment here to win!

Trendy Tool Tote ©

Sensational Sentiments ©

Puckered Up Patterns ©

Paper Patter Pieces ©

Winner will be drawn on the 30th. (also enter yesterday’s post too! It’s not too late!)

Supplies:

Pretty Packaging © Template -Trendy Tool Tote

Pretty Impressions © Stamps- Sensational Sentiments, Paper Pattern Pieces, Puckered Up Patterns, Just For You

Cardstock by Couture Cardstock: OSW White, Sunflower, Santas Beard, Ganache, Slate, Blushing, Lagoon

Ink: Momento

Pretty Pieces © Cut File- Lunch Box Love Note!, All Tied Up: Circle

Score lines made by scoring tool, Ribbon by May Arts, Page Pebble, paper piercer

I hope you are enjoying everything so far!

More to come tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by!