OK ladies (and the few men who read too) grab a cup of coffee because this post is JAM packed with goodness!

You will definitely want to check out Katie Cotton‘s blog today for her take on today’s template!! I am covering for the fact that we are one girl down (for this month only) so I’m making up for it by posting 2 full projects. I hope you take the time to read all the yummy details 😀 There is so much to share.

My obsession with gift packaging started after I made my very first 2-4-6-8 box, and a bag-a-lope! LOL!

My Stampin’ Up! demo, turned friend Paulette showed me how at one of her workshops. Once I saw how it went together I became obsessed with making them, and learning HOW I can make my own little boxes. I started buying all sorts of templates for envelopes, gable boxes, and whatever else I could find.

I began looking at the world in a whole new way. Instead of looking at PRODUCTS in the store, I started looking at their PACKAGING.  Before I knew it I was able to just look at something and figure it out myself. It was exhilarating. That joy and passion has just grown and grown, and now NOTHING is off limits to be made into a 3D package of some sort! I have tons of stuff to come. Most of all is the feeling I get when others receive something they know I made with them in mind 😀

One of my most FAVORITE things to give are bath and body products. I think most of us love to feel pampered and smell good 😀 Often we don’t want to SPLURGE on those items for yourself, so giving someone something like that is so fun for me (maybe it is because I personally love that kind of stuff too). I think I have found a way to use every template I ever created with these types of products! LOL!

Well, this time I designed my packaging specifically for those types of gifts!

I wanted/needed that PERFECT presentation and fit for such items. So after purchasing, and measuring MANY varieties of the size/style/type bottles that these things are generally packaged in, and I designed the perfect fitting template.

This is the Take Time Pocket ©

Take Time For Yourself

Take Time Pocket © $5 

Completed Project Size

Tall: 6 1/4 Inches

Wide: 4 Inches

Deep: 2 1/2 Inches

 This template was designed to coordinate with the Take Time © and Just For You © Pretty Impressions stamp set. Now you have the perfect items for packaging gifts for any occasion. Finally the perfect packaging for all types of gifts! Be it short, tall, thick or thin, store bought or homemade, it will be perfectly presented in this template! This template is the epitome of easy elegance! Goes together in a snap but looks like so much work!  Not only is this a gorgeous packaging wrap but it looks amazing when used as your room decor for storing your everyday type of items! Perfect for any room in the house! Cut a hole in the top, and you have a sweet treat door hanger for a friend or neighbor.  

All you have to do is take a little time and you are sure to make someone feel as special as they really are!

Now this template looks like this before you decorate it

The curves this template has makes it so unique, and eye catching. It LOOKS like it would ahve taken you forever, but goes together in a SNAP! You will fall in LOVE!

Now below, here is that same box all decorated with our Take Time & Petal Perfection stamp set, as well as the GaGa for Gingham, and Carousel color of our Fanciful Flourishes Pretty Printables © digital paper, which I added some color to using my markers! The centers of all the flowers have Liqud Pearls.

WOW! What a difference huh? I especially love adding that quick detail of color to the paper.

The template comes with the decorative layers for the inside back panel (can be used on the back of the template as well), and the side panels. It also has a label that fits PERFECTLY with the label image from our Take Time © stamp set! You can use a circular image/sentiment on the front, or the label!

I used the Petal Perfection © to stamp my large flower in a dark purple ink, and sponged the edges, and used the Petal Perfections Cut File to cut it out 😀 Now with little to no work it looks amazing. OH! And coloring this……a dream! You will more on that soon 😀

Here I used one of the circular sentiments for the front-it reads: Take Time For Yourself

Those of you with personal cutting machines can resize this too!

The Take Time & Petal Perfection stamp sets are sold in a “package” this month! You will get all 29 images for $18!

Truly stunning.

As you can see this template easily fits your standard size bath/body wash, lotions, bath salts, bubble bath….you name it. This serves not only as a way to GIFT these items but showcase and store them too! They also fit bottles from Bath & Body Works (my favorite!) as do the labels in the stamp set.

When I began designing my own stamps in August, I knew there was one set that I FOR SURE had to make! I personally felt there was a huge lack of images for giving such gifts! So I began creating the stamp set that is called Take Time ©. I chose that name because we really do need to take time for ourselves and give our-self a little but of pampering!

Take Time © Set of 21 images

 This set was designed to coordinate with the Take Time Pocket template © as well as the Petal Perfection set. The label in this set coordinates nicely with the Just For You © stamp set (available in digital download as well) which is an “everyday” themed set. This is the perfect set for creating cards, gifts or tags for the items that PAMPER!I have so longed for a set that I can utilize to personalize homemade or store bought bath & beauty essentials. Now it is easy to dress up those special gifts I give most to everyone on my list! Who doesn’t love to be pampered? Well now you can take those creations and make them that much more personalized! The large sentiments are perfect for fitting in our custom designed label, while the smaller sentiments fit perfectly underneath! The flowers in the set are sure to dress this up or be used on their own.  

Sentiments read: 

Shower Gel 

Bath Lotion 

Bath Salts  

Bubble Bath 

Pamper Yourself

 Simple Pleasures

 Mind* Body* Soul 

Rest* Rejuvenate* Relax 

Wash Away the Stress 

You are scent-sational 

Add one capful and enjoy!

Lather & Rinse

Here is a sample of the labels and sentiments used in conjunction with the flowers that are in the set!

 Could it get any more AMAZING? Let’s get a closer look at it all.

I used the label cut file from the Take Time Pocket © template to cut my labels from an adhesive label sheet that I got at Staples!! I stamped my label image onto the cut label tag. I then colored my border, and added my stamped flowers. Once I was done that I stamped my large bath sentiments, and used a coordinating smaller sentiment for underneath.

Since my images are acrylic it is easy to line up. All the sentiments are separate so you can easily mix & match!

Now these look so much more personal than leaving them PLAIN! You can easily peel the labels off too if you want.

Here is the Shower Gel

I added the Lather & Rinse. I could have chosen “wash away the stress” or some of the others.

Now we have the Body Lotion

On this one I added Simple Pleasures, but again I could have chosen several of the others too!

OK! Are you STILL with me? You won’t want to miss what is next either!

Now once this stamp/template set was completed, I figured my “claim” that it is the perfect template for so many “everyday” sort of gifts, or occasions, I’d  be much more well received if I designed such a set!

So I got to work making images, and sentiments that coordinate in much the same way as Take Time ©, but can also be used alone 😀

Let us see what we can do with Just For You ©

*Also Available in Digital Download*

This set was designed to coordinate with the frame image in the Take Time © set. The purpose was for it to be utilized for “everyday” gift giving in coordination with the Take Time Pocket © template

This is a set of wonderful everyday style sentiments and image that are just perfect for cards. tags and gift giving all year round! Gifts have never looked better, or been easier to give with this set!

The sentiments fit perfectly in the label that is in the Take Time © Pretty Impressions stamp set

(this used the semi-circle sentiment Hand Picked Just For You)

Sentiments include:

• From (to be used with “all of us” or “me to you”)
• all of us
• me to you
• I (to be used with “care” or Love you”)
• care
• Love you
• We (to be used with “care” or Love you”)
• Thank you
• Just for you
• For Someone Special
• Happy Birthday
• A Little Something
• With Deepest Sympathy
• Mr. & Mrs.

Circle sentiments:

• Time for Tea
• Just for you
• Home Made Just For You!
• Something Sweet
• Hand Picked Just For You!
• Happy Birthday To You And Many More
• Just A Little Something
• Wishing You Well

Verses:

• Someone like you should be celebrated every day!
• You mean the world to me
• When words just aren’t enough
• Everyone should be lucky enough to have someone like you in their life

———————————————————————————

WHEW!! Wait until you see everything that comes in this AMAZING set!!

Now about the project

Barrow of Seedlings

How is this for a gift set, for the gardener in your life?

This was a special gift got my own little gardeners!

I used the Take Time Pocket © to package up some seeds for my children. This has all sorts of vegetable seeds for our family garden, as well as 2 jars of wildflower mix! They loved getting this gift with their own trowels, gardening gloves, aprons, and knee cushions 😀

By the time you are all reading this, we now already have these seedlings planted in a large case in the house, and they are already sprouting out of the dirt! We planted Carrots, Snap Peas, Watermelon, Strawberries, Cucumbers, and Tomatoes. We will spread the wild flowers an a separate part of the garden once Spring comes and we can transplant the seeds! (I’ll get a photo of the kids with thier seedlings this week)

Amber is the main one caring for them and checks on their growth process daily. We read that letting kids tend for thier own garden builds self confidence, caring, and a sense of responsibility. It helps them learn about the earth and how to nurture it, so they are less likely to pollute it.

Moving on……

This is the empty version of the box.

The base was made from Acorn Squash cardstock. It has a gorgeous texture!

I designed my label using the cut file from the Take Time Pocket template © in a natural ivory cardstock. Stamped my label in a rust colored ink, and I used a marker to color around the edge. Easy peasy. I designed my decorative layers using my Pretty Printables © Fresh Flowers © digital paper in the coral color, and printed it with my Fresh Fabric © digital paper to match (can you say HEAVEN!). The flowers in this paper match the flower stamp you see on the label! It comes in 2 sizes and fits perfectly! Don’t you LOVE coordinating items without having to THINK?!

Lastly I added the ZigZag pattern from the Random Ribbons © Pretty Pieces Cut File.

I KNEW I needed a wheel barrow stamp! My project from last month was actually inspired by this image!

(HA!! Little did you know (wink))

I stamped it twice, once on my circle layer, then again on my Fresh Fabric © digial paper, so I could paper piece it.

I used a 1.60 circle and a 1 .75 circle to create this label. It was perfection. One of my favorite images 😀

The labels on the jars, well I just used some scrap left over from my printing, punched it out and added my sentiment and flowers. This came together in just a few minutes!! If you look at it, it is all pretty basic.

So there you have it!

Are you still here? I know, a lot to digest. Can you tell I’m in excitement OVERDRIVE? Jeepers. It’s just an amazing month of possibilities….and with Mother’s Day around the corner….you better get to work!

I know I’ve been workin my hiney off, and I still have TONS of ideas to share. It will blow your mind what these 3 Pretty Impressions © stamp sets can do! Just you wait 😀 (if you are totally into them already!)

Supplies: 

Pretty Packaging © template: Take Time Pocket ©

Pretty Impressions © stamps: Take Time, Petal Perfection, Just for You

Pretty Printables Digital Paper: GaGa for Gingham, Fanciful Flourishes, Fresh Flowers, Fresh Fabric

Cardstock from Couture Cardstock:Carousel, Lancelot, OSW white, Acorn Squash, Thistle Stalk

Other: Natural Ivory, Adhesive Label Sheets

Pretty Pieces © Cut File: Petal Perfection, Random Ribbons

Ink: Versamagic, Momento, Copic Markers

Ribbon: May Arts

Other: Liquid pearls, branches

Well that was plenty for one day. I swear I took a nap in between posting these two projects, so I can imagine how it feels reading it (if anyone actually DID! LOL!). I am WIPED OUT!

I hope you can return tomorrow for our next round of peeks before the release on April 1st!!! On release day we have a special group post that I hope you all will enjoy too! LOTS of inspiration 😀

Thanks for stopping by.

Let the peeks begin!!

Well it has certainly been a busy month with LOTS to share!

Today you will definitely want to check in with both Pam Imholz and Mona Pendleton! They each have a special project that peeks one of our NEWEST stamp sets & Pretty Packaging © templates called Pick of the Petals ©.

If you missed it we announced that we are now on Facebook (FINALLY!!)

So come by and become a Fan of My Time Made Easy ™ LLC —>CLICK HERE!

I also announced 4 NEW! Design Team members who EACH have a giveaway (so be sure to check out their blogs to enter to win), and I have a giveaway —> all those details HERE too!

I really want to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you. My fellow stampers, cyber friends, and real friends and family, all of you whom have supported my dream of doing something that I TRULY love, and sharing it with the world. It is an unbelievable feeling, and I couldn’t do it without you. It’s really amazing. I read every email and ever comment, always So many of you have followed my journey from my “early” stamping days on SCS, and watched me go after each goal I’ve set. You’ve come to know me, and my family too. Where else can you get support like that? Seriously, it has meant the world to me.

Now I begin another month where I share more stuff that I have created and love, in hopes that it inspires you and makes your crafting time easier and more enjoyable!

Today I’d like to share a NEW! Pretty Packaging © template called Pick of the Petals ©

I have to say this is one of my most favorite templates I have ever created. PERFECT for any occasion, especially something elegant!

Completed Project Size 

Tall: 3 1/2 Inches

Wide: 4/12 Inches

Deep: 3 1/2 Inches 

Pick me! Pick me!

This is the epitome of the perfect “flower” box! You will have everyone’s jaw dropping with this beauty. The box is hexagon shaped. It is truly going to be the “pick” of your gift packaging choice over and over again! The top and bottom are 2 separate pieces. The box lid folds in to create a 6 petal flower design. The bottom can be used alone, or with the lid!

(more ideas on that later!) 

Now the only question is WHO will you “PICK ” to send your first “petal “box creation to?

Now this stunner got it’s name from the 6 “petals” that the top forms when you fold it in! I designed this box shortly after I created this stamp set (back in August). I have been DYING to release it!

There are 6 “petals” within the template so you do have the option of making your “petals” another color, or use patterned paper! Endless possibilities, as you will see over the next 10 days or so!

I have previously seen gift boxes with a 4 petal like design on the top. They just sort of fold in on the sides. I knew I wanted to tweak that to co-ordinate with my stamp set release. I have to say it was a bit challenging to get it to work as perfectly as I envisioned, but now all my hard work will pay off for you when you make yours!

As you can see I kept my design very clean and simple! It didn’t take much work to make this a total WOW!

I used a NEW! Pretty Impressions © stamp set called Petal Perfection ©. It has 8 large images (and sells for only $12), and a Pretty Pieces © Cut File to match!  So all I did was use my personal cutting machine to cut my flower/leaf pieces, then stamped them in a red ink, and layer! NO CUTTING! This stamp set also coordinates with one of our stamp sets called Take Time © (more on that later!).

This set will also be available in Digital format as a “package” deal, combining it with the Take Time © stamp set. You will get a total of 29 images for $18!

You can see another template peek and sample using this stamp set —>HERE!

Now you may be wondering WHAT I am using this gift for……..

Actually it is a sympathy gift.

This sentiment is from our So Sentimental Set. (this will be back in stock April 1st!) It also used the So Sentimental Frame © Pretty Pieces Cut File. It is the perfect way to let someone know you are there for them.

Sometimes, when someone I know loses someone they love, I prefer to send them something they can cherish longer than flowers. Its nice to give them something they can plant in remembrance of their loved one. Year after year they will be reminded of the one they love when they see the seedlings bloom year after year. (that being said I do my best to ensure I choose a perennial flower/plant!)

I often like to investigate which flower is the flower of the “month” that they lost that person, or sometimes what was their favorite bloom? I try to go from something that comes back year after year……..the flower for the month of March is Daffodil.

The flower for April is a Daisy (you can view the chart –>here). This happened to be a favorite of the loved one lost, so I chose to send that instead. The Shasta Daisy is a perennial version of this flower, so I am sending a packet of Daisy seeds, with a pot, and soil pod.

My planter fit perfectly in here! I just tied a matching bow around the pot to dress it up. The May Arts ribbon makes that easy!

I also like to investigate color when I create such gifts. Colors have various meanings. I like to try my best to be mindful of such things. Given the fact that this person lost a battle with Cancer and they were courageous I chose red.

I looked up the “meaning” of the color red. Here is what I found:

Red is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love.

Red is a very emotionally intense color. In heraldry, red is used to indicate courage. It is a color found in many national flags.

This color is also commonly associated with energy, represents joy, passion, sensitivity, romance, love, and friendship. It is also associated with vigor, willpower,  leadership, and courage.

I am hopeful that this gift will be well received.

Supplies: 

Pretty Packaging © template: Pick of the Petals

Pretty Impressions © stamps: Petal Perfection, So Sentimental

Cardstock from Couture Cardstock: Candied Apple, Santas Beard

Pretty Pieces © Cut File: Petal Perfection, So Sentimental Frame

Ink: Pallette

Ribbon: May Arts

Other: Liquid pearls,  adhesive pearls 

I hope you like what I had to share today. This template is pretty WOW! Its a great size, and it doesn’t take much to make is spectacular.

See you all back here tomorrow for even more samples!!!

(post 2 for today! So scroll down)

Finally! My Time Made Easy ™ LLC is on FACEBOOK!

After so many people asking me WHEN I would take the plunge, I finally did it.

Actually my friend Tracey literally PUSHED me into it by setting everything up for me (thanks girl! LOL!) and then letting me know I was all set! LOL! Now I’m frantically trying to figure it all out.

So come by and become a Fan of My Time Made Easy ™ LLC —>CLICK HERE!

Hi everyone!
It’s *almost* April! Can you believe it? As the next month is upon us that means I start sharing some fun stuff with you.

Well if you weren’t aware I am a monthly template sponsor over at the Just Us Girls Challenge Blog. It is now time for another challenge!

JUGS26

So this month we have another template challenge —>CLICK HERE for details. Someone will get a coupon for a FREE template just for playing along!! So make sure you check it out.

All the JUGS girls are peeking  a NEW! Release template called Slip Cover ©!! (So I’m letting you all in on an extra EARLY peek :D)

The official My Time Made Easy ™ LLC release peeks begin Monday (our actual release date is April 1st), and I have a special announcement tomorrow about what is to come! Now  as I said above TODAY I’m “slipping” in an extra EARLY peek for you of one of our NEWEST template: Slip Cover ©

Looking for the perfect holder to SLIP your creations in to?

Well  this is the template for you! This will come together in minutes, and is sure to please.

Below: This is the same template, in the undecorated state. 

The sleek curvy “cover” just “slips“on over the base.

Both pieces can be utilized alone as well. You can also design the box to be presented vertically or horizontally.

The base of this has a fun “tuck in” feature, so adhesive is optional.

This box can hold your A2 sized cards/envelopes (perfectly) and so much more! We all need that “go to” template for our cards, or presenting other gifts, with little time or effort!

All you need to decide is what YOU want to slip inside!

Don’t forget you can resize this so the gift ideas are truly endless!

This is the cover removed. SO PRETTY!What a surprise it reveals too.

I loaded this up with body wash, body lotion, and body spray, as well as a eye mask. 

As previously stated the base is perfect enough to also be used on it’s own (as you will see by looking at the JUGS Challenge participants, and more from me later!) 

Now about the stamps…….  

How simply elegant does this look? I used my Fanciful Flourishes © and All A Flutter © on this creation (bfly stamped on GaGa for Gingham © paper)

Yes! you are also getting a peek at something else NEW!  Now the gorgeous flowers you are seeing is yet ANOTHER early peek at one of our newest sets called Petal Perfection © ! This is a smaller set of 8 large images that sells for only $12!  (more on that later!) This set coordinates with a few things in our release this month! 

You will be happy to hear that there is a coordinating Pretty Pieces © Cut File to match (ONLY $2.50!!) so NO tedious cutting out of those flowers (if you have a personal cutting machine). I just cut my flowers, stamped and layered!

Done in no time.  

Supplies: Pretty Packaging © template: Slip Cover ©Pretty Impressions © stamps: Petal Perfection, All A Flutter, Fanciful FlourishesPretty Prinatbles © digi paper: GaGa for Gingham ©Cardstock from Couture Cardstock: OSW, Thistle Stalk, Blessings, Sweet HeartPretty Pieces © Cut File: Petal PerfectionInk: VersamagicRibbon: May ArtsOther: Liquid pearls,  adhesive pearls 

Well that is all I can give you for now! You will have to wait for more peeks/details Monday! Tune in tomorrow for my announcement, and you chance to win some goodies!

 I love to hear your thoughts on what you’ve seen today 😀

We have some AMAZING stuff to come! 

See you back here tomorrow!    

 I am so excited to be participating in the BIG event today! If you haven’t heard, JustRite Stampers is have a Mega March Blog Hop! I hope you all enjoy it

I’m going to start with my project, then move on to the details. So I hope you are ready for a ton of inspiration from another AMAZING group of designers 😀 I feel honored to be asked to participate amongst this group 😀

So here is my project, just on time for Spring!

I love giving gift “baskets”. I especially love creating my own and filling them with all sorts of goodness! You can easily dress up the SIMPLEST of gifts! I had a jar of Strawberry Jam that I wanted to package up for a teacher gift. Consumables are always a great idea. I had purchased this fabric to “line” my cardstock basket. I was the start of my color choices.

I absolutley love all the new “natural” images JRS released the last few months. I knew right away that I wanted to use the Beautiful Blossoms Borders & Centers Oval 2 -1/4″ x 3-1/16“ for the main image on my “basket”.  I created the basket using the Bouncing Baby Buggy template. Easy Peasy.

I absolutely love all the new “natural” images JRS released the last few months. I knew right away that I wanted to use the Beautiful Blossoms Borders & Centers Oval 2 -1/4″ x 3-1/16“ for the main image on my “basket” that I made using the Bouncing Baby Buggy © template. I think it makes such a stunning presentation.

For my main focus I knew I wanted to use this particular flower/border combination from the Beautiful Blossoms Borders & Centers Oval 2 -1/4″ x 3-1/16“

I stamped my flower twice in a brown ink, then colored it with Copic markers.  I wanted some depth and shimmer so I added some Pearlescent Pastels to the petals. I used my oval nesatiblites to cut out the entire image. I colored and cut just the flower twice, then cut and layered it. I then stamped the frame in the same brown ink, on Sunflower cardstock, and hand cut the oval to layer on flower onto.

I was thinking someone could use this  basket “after” the gift has been given, on the counter, maybe use the handle in the back to hang on a wall (or doorknob) to collect mail, or other items on the desk, or something like that. Maybe even some seed packets or a small planter? Definitely re-useable or re-giftable!

I wanted my “patterned” paper to match so I stamped a smaller flourish from So Sentimental © in coordinating colors, onto my decorative panel layer. I paired it with the Well Woven © pattern, and completed it with a simple bow of some lush velvet ribbon (from SEI).

You can never go wrong with flowers!I hope you liked my quick and simple gift idea. It really took no time at all and I feel like you can tell it is something given from the heart 😀 Nothing says love like handmade :DNow time to hop along!28 designers, FIVE shopping sprees each day.  No one knows where the prizes will be!  Each day of the hop JustRite will have five Mystery Blog Candy Prizes hidden along the hop with a total retail value of  $600.  JustRite will randomly select five mystery blogs each day of the hop and randomly allocate each of the shopping sprees.  For your chance to win, simply leave a little love (a comment) on each designer’s blog including the JustRite blog.  The more designers you leave comments with, the better your chances of winning.  Each day’s comments will remain open for three days.  A winner from each of the mystery blogs’ comments will be randomly chosen using Random.org.  Consult the listing of designers at the JustRite blog each day (each day’s designers will be different) and start out on your way!  Beginning Friday, March 26, summaries of all the winners will be posted on the JustRite blog.  Good luck to everyone and enjoy all the JustRite eye candy along the hop! 

Today during the JustRite Mega March Blog Hop (Day One) JustRite and its sponsors will be giving away the following five prizes:

· $200 JustRite Shopping Spree

· $100 Spellbinders Shopping Spree

· $100 Stampers Dream Shopping Spree, and

· Two additional $100 JustRite Shopping Sprees! 

Blog comments for Day One will be open until Thursday at 6pm EST.  On Friday, JustRite will announce on their blog which five blogs have the mystery candy for Day One.  You will need to go to the JustRite blog to determine where you need to go to find out if you are one of the five lucky winners.

JustRite Inspiration Blog
Sharon Harnist
Sankari Wegman
Marianne Walker
Michelle Wooderson
Linda Duke
Barb Schram
Eva Dobilas
Liz Weber
Jeanne Streiff
Lori Craig
Sharon Johnson
Michelle Woerner
Sherry Cheever
Keri Lee Sereika

Lauren Meader <—-You are HERE!
Michele Boyer 
Lucy Abrams
Janine Blackwelder
Edna Morrisedie
Deb Saaranen
Melody Rupple
Charmaine Ikach
Michelle Giraud
Amy Crockett
Lydia Fiedler

Thank you for stopping by!

Best of luck to you to win one of the AMAZING prizes!

I have received numerous questions about our Pretty Printables © digital paper (be sure to click each category to view it all!).

PS Don’t miss out because today is the LAST day of our 15% OFF your ENTIRE purchase sale! (see prev. post)

Many of you out there are nervous to give it a go. Many skeptical as to WHY it is so much better than patterned paper you get in the store, or is it TRULY a good deal. All that is up to the individual, but if you haven’t tried it, you should!

We have a FREE 12 Days of Snowflakes © pack for you to try RISK FREE too!

Like anything, there are going to be those who LOVE it and those who DON’T! It is totally OK to be on one side or the other. I found for the most part this is uncharted territory for most of you. I decided I would dedicate a post about digital paper and let those of you on the fence make a decision about what side you fall on.

Here is a quick video to show you how easy it really is to get started using the Pretty Printables Digital Paper.

I hope this was somewhat helpful in letting you see that it really isn’t scary at all! REALLY! If you can edit photos you can use digital paper.

To me is the Pretty Printables digi paper is one of best things since sliced bread 😀

WHY?

 It is affordable-YES! It really is! You pay far less per sheet of digital paper than you do for actual patterned paper in the store (or online-don’t forget the SHIPPING charges!) 

You pay ONCE for the digi files (which our Pretty Printables © digi paper is a steal priced @ about 0.50 cents per design (and some will be cheaper!!) and you get UNLIMITED use!

Here is how you can figure your cost:

Look into your particular printer ink statistics as to how many sheets you print per cartridge. Range is from 100-500 (maybe a few more than that). Some ink cartridges for the same printer will have ink cartridges that print an arrangement of pages so do some research and ensure you are getting the best price! (also keep in mind you aren’t needing to print FULL sheets)

Then the cost of your ink cartridge (usually $10-$40 MAX)

Add the cost of your cardstock, which usually at the HIGHEST 0.20 cents per sheet. (Another perk! You can choose what cardstock you want to use! I also LOVE using Matte Photo Paper (super for printing digital paper :D) Printworks Matte Photo Paper (Target)

SO (going with everything being the MOST expensive)

Say your ink costs $40 (max) you get only the min. of 200 prints for your ink and your top quality cardstock is the MAX price at 0.20 That means to print one sheet of patterned paper it cost ONLY 0.40 cents to print a full 8 1/2 X 11 sheet of cardstock!

Now to buy it is usually more per sheet! You can research your favorite paper packs (which usually only have a few sheets you LOVE but you pay for several others you may never use just to get them) and do the math on those yourself, as those will vary company to company. Also factor in the SIZE of the paper you are getting. Some may be smaller than a project you want to do :C

Even if you add the fact that you pay 0.50 cents a sheet for the digi file (which you get to use FOREVER ) it still only costs you 0.90 cents (and that is saying you will only use ONE digi page ONCE!!)

So obviously the choice of whether that is “cost effective” enough for you, is up to you.

But that is how you can figure it out 😀

Here are some more perks!

No actual storage-I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a huge crafting space. When you get digital paper you get have as many patterns of paper you want without needing to store it! We all already have white or colored cardstock as a staple to store, now I don’t need the storage for all the digital paper patterns I can have! They stay in a folder on my computer and I can pick and choose what I want, then just print!

Unlimited use– this means actually using the patterns I love without having to repurchase them, or hoard them for fear of running out, to only find if I want more the pattern is retired! UGH! OR if I make a MAJOR mistake I can print another one, without running to the store! THAT alone is priceless.

Resizablitly-(if that isn’t an actual word it is now :D) You don’t have to print an entire sheet of patterned paper! If you only need a 2X 2 square, print that! No more waste, and endless little scraps to find use for. You can even put several snippets of patterns on one sheet! (depending on your software) You can also enlarge, or decrease the “scale” of the print. You can crop and focus on a portion of the pattern too!

How cool you don’t have to wast an entire sheet of cardstock or worry about too much/not enough scrap pieces. OR how often does a company carry a cardstock slab that is too small for what you want to use it for? Those 8 X 8 or 6 X 6 paper pads don’t always cut it, or go far.

Mix and Match– ever wish your paper was dual sided, or this pattern was with that pattern rather than the way it was purchased? Now I can choose what pattern is on either side of my cardstock if I’m creating a project! OR use all my designs to create a customized pattern! You can even print on colored cardstock. No limits. The choice is all yours.

Layering!! You can print one pattern over another! For example, a text print over a floral prints! As stated above, mix and match, or create your own NEW pattern by layering designs you have.

These are the perfect match for any of our templates and card creations.

So there you have it!

If you have any questions let me know.

I hope this was helpful, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. I’d especially love to know if it helped you realize you CAN do this too.

I honestly had to tape this clip 18 times (you can STILL hear my kids in the background! LOL!) because my kids were jabbering away loudly in the background, and playing in the other room. I finally said enough is enough because this is my reality! I’m a mom. I have 3 kids. So it is what it is. My house is never quiet, and I’m far from perfect. My children are active and often a little “energetic” but that is what I love about all of it. So I did what I could without making my kids something they aren’t- quiet! LOL! I’ll miss that “noise” someday.

Anyway, I wish I just said that after “take #2”! LOL! A short clip turned into over an hour of trying to quickly get everything done in silence! LOL!

OK I’m back to busy life and family.

 Enjoy the day and thanks for stopping by.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Today whether you’re Irish or not, it is your lucky day! My Time Made Easy ™ LLC is having a SUPER SALE! DON’T WAIT! LIMITED TIME ONLY!

Enter the coupon code –> LUCKYU to get 15% OFF your ENTIRE Purchase.

Details:

Coupon is good until MIDNIGHT March 18th.

Some supplies are limited. No rain checks. Limit: one use per customer.

Coupon not valid on purchase of Gift Certificates, previous orders, and shipping charges.

Happy Shopping!

Also CandaCraft is having a SALE! 15% off! Check her out!

The code is MTME331 and it expires on 3/31.  

If you have waited to purchase the Sure Cuts A Lot NOW is the time.

If you already have the SCAL from CandaCraft  I want to let you know there is a new free update to SCAL2! It looks like you can do score lines!!! After drawing a line, you can select it and then change the Line Style in the Appearance window. It will change it to an offset dashed line.

 Here’s a link to the update: https://store.candacraft.com/Page-Download_5.aspx

PS I am working on finishing a video for the Digital Paper post. I wasn’t going to do one, but figured VISUALS are always better!

Be back tomorrow!

Hi everyone!
Did you have a good weekend? Any good plans? We didn’t do anything, but next weekend we are taking our last sledding trip of the season (praying they are even open).

We are drowning in rain and there is a lot of FLOOD WARNINGS. We live on a hill, so I am crossing my fingers. It is times like this I’m happy I don’t own the beach/water front home! Honestly I would never leave close to any body of water. By that I mean near my back yard. I’m paranoid parent when it comes to kids and bodies of water! FREAKS ME OUT!

I’m DRAGGING today given our “Spring Ahead” change of the clocks.

I don’t like when they do that at all. Even when we “gain” an hour. Why can’t we just leave the clocks alone? Getting my kids up for school was a nightmare!!! The normal 7:00 is hard, but when you factor in it is “really” 6:00 its a killer. I usually spend the week saying “Well its really X time.” That drives my hubby BONKERS! He says “NO! We changed the clocks so its really X time, get over it.” Too funny.

Tomorrow I am sharing a post about the Pretty Printables © digital paper.

Anyway, I wanted to share my sample I made that is on the MTME website using the digital Some Punny Easter © set

You are Scent-sational

This really says Spring to me.

I loved this tag in the set! It was actually the first image I made for the set. I designed it to go with the lil skunk I created –>here

Since it was a digital stamp I was able to recolor the letters in “scentsationa (flower is the “l”)” to fit my color combination. That flower was too fun to color. I used my Copic’s for that.

Now the butterfly was created using the Flutters and Flowers © cut file and the coordinating Pretty Printables © paper . The flutter trail is of course on the the flourishes in the Fanciful Flourishes ©set. So simple and easy peasy.

I’ll be honest. I’m a STAMPER. I love having the TANGIBLE images in my hands so I can create. LOVE! But often time digi images can be better because you can resize them, color them digitally and no storage. For me the bottom line is if I like it, I have to have it.

Another “perk” is the price! Let’s face it, the economy is rough, and when money is tight and you NEED (:D) something new, a digital set gets you more for the $$.

Since offering the Pretty Packaging © templates in all the various cutting machine formats I have opened myself up to a wider range of customers! Which is amazing! MANY of which LOVE digi, and digi ONLY. Many hoping I will offer ALL the sets I have in digital format. Maybe that will happen in the future (along with the acrylic sets) but for now I have begun offering select sets in this format.

Many have asked how I decide what will be digital and what won’t. Well, I choose mainly images I feel best suited for the perks of digital images. To me that is images that involve coloring and not too much 2 step layering. Since I am new to this I don’t want to purchase and hold a bunch of “stock” in “holiday” specific sets such as Easter. So digital stamps are perfect! So far that is how I base my decisions.

If you are NEW! to digital stamps and you want to give it a try, without having to make a purchase you will want to download our Water & Waverly Wiggles image! It is FREE!

You just stole my heart

How cute are these two? My sentiment is from Critters with Heart

We currently have the following in digital download:

Water & Waverly Wiggles image FREE!

All A Flutter

Critters with Heart

Some Punny Easter

Tracey Cuccia is my digi guru and she created a wonderful step by step photo tutorial to walk you through using digital images, and all the fun things you can do with them! Those instructions come with every digital image set. So even if you are brand new to digital images you can give it a go!

It truly has everything you need to know about digital stamps!

I just printed these two , cut them out and colored them with Copic’s.

They are really cute.

Anyway just thought I’d share some eye candy with you using my digital stamps. I hope you all give them a try. If you have any questions let me know.

Tomorrow I will have a post on our digital paper! FINALLY! Many of you have had some good questions about it, and I hope that the post will answer all of them!

Till tomorrow!

Well let me just say thank you to everyone who has taken the time to stop by and comment! I also received many emails from you all and that was really sweet! It means so much to me. I’m sure you all can imagine the time, thought, and effort that goes in to each project, let alone the HOURS spent posting it all! Crazy. Thank goodness I truly LOVE what I do 😀

I am working on the regular posting again through the month, so that will be good! I’ve missed posting daily, and I can’t promise it will be EVERYDAY but I will do my best to get something done. Again no promises, but I am making an effort.

I’m very excited about what is to come here and at My Time Made Easy ™ LLC! I think you will be too 😀 Things just get better and better 😀 In case you missed it I am sponsoring/teaching a class at the next Stampin Around event!I will be there at Wholly Scrap Saturday April 17th! Details —->CLICK HERE! You definitely will want to sign up soon as space is LIMITED!!!

I want to ensure that I do continue to use out “older” stuff, with our “newer” stuff. While designing my sets I always try to work on making them work with others at some point. I enjoy versatility! Not only in my templates and stamps set but often in my creations….

Sometimes you just need a generic card. No “real” occasion, just something generic stamped on it. My DT member Pam mentioned in one conversation how the “A gift for you” sentiment from the Bringing Home Baby © would be perfect on ANY gift/card/tag. So I definitely took that to my craft room (thanks Pam!!) and came up with this

I am in LOVE!

These colors are so rich, vibrant and really call out that Spring is coming. (to me anyway)

Do not expect me to ever tire of this All A Flutter © butterfly set! This set is VERY special to me, as it was designed for my daughter Alexa and all the PSF’s who have supported us during her cancer treatments. Obviously butterflies have a very profound meaning to me personally.

While I haven’t really been around in a while to chat it up with all my PSF’s I always hold each of them close to my heart. They truly helped me get through the most difficult time in my life. I don’t know how I could have gotten through some of it without all of them behind us. Their letters, cards, and chatting it up in our group all hours of the day and night. Kept me sane while we lived at the hospital. They were my angels on earth.

When Alexa completed her treaments all my PSF’s got this charm from Tiffany & Co. for her (hers was on a necklace but I couldn’t find it on the site)

It was to signify her long journey through fighting her cancer-like the caterpillar in his cocoon, and her new beginning, as she transformed into the butterfly. Honestly Alexa isn’t allowed to wear it (yet!) Only on very special occasions where she will be chained to my side! LOL! I will give it to her when she is older and responsible enough to understand the sentimental value this has for our family.

Alexa is comping up on 3 years of remission this May! Her hair is getting so long, and is as thick and shiny as it was before. We are living a “normal” life again for the most part.

The butterfly in my set was designed after this amazing gift, that forever touched our hearts. The shape is quite similar. Admittedly I do wear it time to time. Always when we go for her bi-monthly check ups to check and be sure the cancer hasn’t returned. I feel like it brings me comfort and reminds me to have Faith that God has a plan for Alexa. Far greater a plan than I could ever dream up. So I trust in that.

Now let me share some details of the card.

The tag was the start of it all! I love anything on an angle! Adds so much interest. This is one of the tags from Tag You’re It © (also available in PDF). I stamped my sentiment from Bringing Home Baby ©, then I stamped one of the smaller dashed line flourishes in the corner. I then added a mini Prima Rose to it.

My butterfly was stamped on Lineal White cardstock in a green ink from momento. I then inked up the solid wing prints from All A Flutter © in a lavender color, and dabbed some darker ink to the wing centers then stamped. The paper texture really adds the the look of this butterfly!!

On the right panel I stamped the larger flourish pattern from Fanciful Flourishes.

You will really love this set 😀 Added some more roses, and some ric rac ribbon and lace.

Perfectly elegant in just a few minutes!

I have more to share tomorrow. My daughter Alexa is going to share a poem she wrote about Spring! She is very excited I am going to share it here tomorrow 😀 I’m so proud of all her writing how can I not?

 Till tomorrow…..

Supplies:

Pretty Impressions stamp set: All A Flutter, Bringing Home Baby, Fanciful Flourishes

Cardstock from Couture Cardstock: Lineal White, Carousel, Thistle Stalk, Wool Scarf, Quest

Pretty Pieces Cut Files: Tag You’re It, Flutters and Flowers

Other-corner rounder, and lace

Where on earth has everyone been? I’m getting a complex! LOL!!

Maybe its the nice weather?

Its been very quiet here. What have you all been up to? I know you are around because the store is buzzing with orders, but HERE where all the eye candy for the store has been has been eerily silent.

Have you all enjoyed the projects shared over the last 10 days? I love hearing your feedback on what you liked, what you loved and maybe even what you hope to see from me.

I did a “test” this month sharing peeks 3 days early and am wondering how you all liked that? Should I do that again next month or did you love the original idea of INSTANT gratification and seeing everything on the first? I am doing my best to continue to improve, and YOU the customer are what helps me do that.

So let’s hear it!

Now how about my news?

If you aren’t in New England then you may not care, but if you are this might pertain to you!

I am sponsoring/teaching a class at the next Stampin Around event!

I will be there at Wholly Scrap Saturday April 17th! Details —->CLICK HERE! You definitely will want to sign up soon as space is LIMITED!!!

I am going to use a stamp set and template from my MAY release! Everyone will get an early peek :D. I hope to meet you there!

Now how about a card?

 Tis the season for all sorts of blahs and sickness as the weather turns, so I thought I’d whip up a Get Well card

Wishing you….

a speedy recovery.

This is one type I never have enough of, and always seem to need.

Once I created the All A Flutter © set I KNEW I needed a flourish set. I mean I think it is a staple for each company to have their own!! When I designed my set I was careful to make sure I had a variety of flourish styles, and sizes. I wanted a “go to” set that had something for everyone! With my flourish set you can use it on it’s own, with butterflies, as flowers stems, with sentiments or build your own flowering flourish! You can even used the dashed lines, pierce in between for a faux sewn look! Gotta love that!

As you can see the large flourish from Fanciful Flourishes © makes the PERFECT butterfly trails! That was definitely intentional, given my love for butterflies!

Now speaking of flourishes, how about that butterfly!! This butterfly is from All A Flutter ©. When I created the PLAIN open lined butterfly I had big plans for that! I knew paper piecing, layering the wing prints from the set, of stamping in smaller patterns would prove to be a JAW DROPPING possibility! So here I used the small flourish from the So Sentimental © set (designed to match the Fanciful Flourishes © set) and stamped the flourish pattern on either side of my wings!  It looks like a whole new stamp!!

There are 2 flourish patterns in the set. They go in opposite directions. That is so they can be stamped on either side of the frame that is in the set, and it just so happened to be perfect in the butterfly wings too! I just made sure to mask on side of the butterfly as I stamped it. SO PERFECT!!

I used the leaves in the Fanciful Flourishes © set to stamp some leaves under my Prima flowers that you see here. It is a subtle detail.

Now I used that same flourish that you see in the butterfly to stamp my own pattern on the bottom portion of my creation! I stamped all of the images in brown ink. On the bottom layer I did some stamping of the same flourish in white craft ink for a softer “fill in” of pattern! I used a white gel pen to dot my flower centers!

Quick and easy.

The sentiment is from So Sentimental ©. This is a must have all occasion set with sentiments and matching verses! Great for either the outside or INSIDE of any card! OR use it anywhere else!

Well I will return tomorrow with another card for you!

I hope you enjoy the gorgeous weather we are having! Spring feels so close now! I cannot wait 😀

Thanks for stopping by.

Supplies:

Pretty Impressions stamp set: All A Flutter, So Sentimental, Fanciful Flourishes

Cardstock from Couture Cardstock:Santa’s Beard, Oat, Ganache

May Arts ribbon, PRima Flowers, Adhesive Pearls, White Gel Pen