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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is by far my fave to date.

Now for my project

Cupcake Pack a Picnic Duo-

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

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

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

Close up of the box detail

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

In case you missed the BIG news in my description-

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

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

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

Here is another size comparison

It is 50% smaller than the original template

I think its uber adorable!!

COST EFFECTIVE!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OK-back to the project!

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

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

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

Cupcake in a Jar-

About the cupcake image:

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

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

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

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

Side view of the jar

This was complete with homemade frosting in disposable decorator bag

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

Isn’t it just SOOOOO pretty?

Now you can FILL your Pack a Picnic

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

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

Now onto the FUN!!!

This is the mix when you open the jar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 MINUTE Cup Cake in a Jar !! 

4 tablespoons flour

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons oil

3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)

A small splash of vanilla extract

1 80z. Ball Glass jar

Add dry ingredients to your jar and mix well.

Add the egg and mix thoroughly.

 Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.

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

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

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

———————————————————————————–

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

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

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

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

Now here is my baked in a jar goodie

Cupcake in the jar-mixed

Cupcake in the jar, all cooked

This is the cupcake all decorated

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

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

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

(PS Yes I strategically placed each sprinkle too)

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

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

Granted my frosting skills are RUSTY!

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

Supplies:

 My Timeless Template: Pack a Picnic

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

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

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

Ribbon and Vintage Buttons: Hibiscus Burst Collection

Ric Rac and Pom Poms in white

Glitter

Nestabilities, SU! Scallop border punch for lip

8 oz. jar

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

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

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

Now for MORE template peeks:

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

Also Kelly has a peek too!

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

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

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

THANK YOU!

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

YIPPEE!! Thanks Nichole

Tonight’s peek is my favorite template to date!

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

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

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

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

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

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

This was my concept template for the release.

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

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

Punch for basket border is a EK Success slim

Template is being released June 15th.

Pack a Picnic description:

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

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

Here is the side view

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

There is still room in there for another one!

This basket is a fabulous size!

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

Now the details

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

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

You get the decorative mat layers as well :D)

Im just SOOOOOOO excited about the possibilities this template has!

I hope you are too!

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

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

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

YES! I really did have a project for My Timeless Template Challenge <—–click there to see challenge details. My team totally ROCKED out the templates! I’m in awe.

Another short and sweet post since I feel like the WALKING DEAD, and I have that field trip to go one. Its a LONG nature hike-GOOD TIMES! (NOT!)

For my project today I used my newest template Ready, Set, Wrap! I really love that one. Gets a great gift wrap done in a jiffy 😀

I was just seriously delayed in photographing and editing it 😀 SO I apologize for that. Sometimes LIFE gets in the way.

Anywho……

Here is my gift item:

Made with love

This is a large cuttlebug die. It has 3 or 4 matching embossing folders with it. I NEVER use it (insert shocked face here!) but now is the perfect time! I love how I was able to make a window in my Ready, Set, Wrap box!

I love purple AND butterflies so this was EASY PEASY for me. Once I saw that paper I KNEW that it was perfect.

So there was NO waste here either. I used the die cut pieces-that were left over from creating my window butterfly, and layered them together to use as a keytag! I love that 😀

Here is the closer view of the stamped window.

It reads: Made with love, and has a flower that I colored using my Singlo Opaque pens.

I used the JustRite Stampers set: Tiny words & Borders in white StazOn to make it. Its so sweet and subtle! You can also get them here

Inside are some Raspberry chocolates from Seattle something. All I knew was they matched my project, so I was happy. Can you tell Im sick! Im totally brain dead these days! YIKES! Can’t remember ANYTHING. Oh and too lazy to go find the info! LOL! SORRY :C

The paper is PTI pale plum, and Lavender moon, and the patterned paper NEW! to me. NO IDEA who makes that-sorry. I chopped it all up :D) Feels good to not HOARD it. Sorta!

The flowers are by American Crafts. I think they are a nice touch.

Well that is it for me.

Wish me luck on the field trip 😀

I have been uber busy creating so I hope to share LOTS more soon!

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you play along with the challenge!

OK maybe more like 3 days late!

This will be chatty! You can tell I haven’t blogged in a few days. Its like I was cut off from the world!

PS I do have my own template challenge DONE-I just need to photograph it!

I am SO late posting my Papertrey Ink release stuff! Having the newsletter in there and then my weekend festivities, really threw me off there. Plus now I sick! I like scratch sore throat, sinus infection sick! BLECH!

I always use these little sayings like above

A day late and a $1 short

Robbing Peter to Pay Paul

Called him on the carpet

things like that, and it drives my husband INSANE! He’s never heard most of the sayings I use, and I think thye are universal. He things I’m the weird one, but I think HE has been living under a rock.

SO help me win the argument and tell me you heard these, and please share others YOU use!! Maybe they are some I use and he can see Im not crazy 😀 AND by YOU volunteering them he will know you aren’t just agreeing with me :D! LOL! Plus I’d love to learn some new ones to make him more crazy 😀

OK moving on-CKC was fun! I think I like hanging with my girls more than the shopping 😀 OK maybe its the us shopping and enabling together?! LOL!  NO! I didn’t bring my camera. How would I shop with my big hinkin camera hanging on my neck?

I went with my best girls Paulette, MollyB, Traceyand her MOM, who I like to call mom, cause I love her to death! She is just the sweetest person ever. AND I think she is more of a private person so I won’t go giving out her address and stuff! LOL! JK! Some of our other friends from last year were missing :C But maybe next year! Yes I go every year!

There weren’t a lot of “sales/deals” KWIM? I figured with the economy there would be.

I got some of the PRETTIEST paper. I swear I go there just to spend ALL my $$ on paper! Good grief! I alway promise myself I WON’T do it. Actually me and my friends had a pact to NOT buy so much paper. Before you know it we are making each other get paper from here, there and everywhere! Good friend we are. Just a bunch of enablers. How are we suppose to resist the PULL of some of the prettiest patterned paper all in ONE place, at out fingertips, ready to go home with us? Obviously we can’t! I will say we did help each other if one said do I really need X, usually one of us was strong enough to say NO! you don! WALK AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will say I spent WAY less than usual. I honestly don’t have the $$ to go all out KWIM? I brought CASH and told myself I would NOT use my card-once the cash was gone-it was gone, and you know what-I had money left over! GO LAUREN!! I was pretty reserved 😀

We got some nestabilities that were on SALE for like $18!! All of them! Now that was the TRUE test. It was hard not to go wild. I want SO many.

I did also get some cool alterable stuff which I’m just bouncing over because you KNOW how I am with alterable and gift making-its my favorite thing, got some SUPER buttons  and brads OH! and 2 stamp sets that I didn’t need but they had butterflies, so I had to get it, along with stamp singles. I also got a SLICE cartridge for my SLICE machine-Ill share more about that later 😀 YES! I have a SLICE. YES! I have played with it-NO! Haven’t actually USED it in a project-YET! But its cool. It was suppose to hold me over from getting the Cricut Expression-and so far its workin because I haven’t hardly used it, so I had no business getting that till I get my $$ worth from my SLICE! The cartridges were on SALE-which at M’s you can’t use a coupon so that justified that.

While shopping I was stopped my lots of my blog readers who were also shopping and stopped to say HI! I think that is so sweet to get to meet people who come visit me everyday!! SO HI!!

OK now moving on to the PTI release 😀 You got to see some of the peeks through the week-so scroll down to older posts, for more ideas 😀

I have to be honest before I share-I have a VERY hard time-switching from template mode to card making mode! I don’t know what it is, but I get into the ZONE with templates so working with a flat surface gets to be challenging. I have SO MANY templates designed its INSANE-and I still have about 16 ideas sketched out on my desk that Im totally ITCHING to make into reality! Its crazy. OK who cares! I know!!

So that being said this month we released 2 templates: Let’s Do Lunch, and Ready, Set Wrap! I had (and am still having FUN with those!)

More sample to come 😀

OK ALL supplies from Papertrey Ink—>Click here<—-to see whats NEW!

Background Basics-Text Style

With Sympathy

Stamps: Fancy Flourishes, Background Basics :Text Style, Mega Mixed Messages
Cardstock: Sweet Blush, Smokey Shadow
Ink:Sweet Blush, Smokey Shadow
Satin sweet blush ribbon
Adhesive flower by Prima
Butterfly punch by ek success, scallop punch

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I ADORE this background! HOLY MOLY! Its beautiful. Oh and Fancy Flourishes-must have!! I love how the swirl makes a flutter trail and just looks elegant under the sympathy sentiment. I find these cards the toughest to create. I think I need to make an entire set with this design to keep on hand.

 I stamped the sentiment on my card base, then punched the layer with my butterfly, and laid it over it, with dimensionals

Can you tell Im loving the flowers that are on my lawn? I was going to KILL Jason when he ran over them with the lawnmower yesterday! GRR!! What am I going to do now for NO FUSS photo props?! MEN! They just don’t get it sometimes :D)

 I needed a sympathy card for my friend, who’s grandmother died the same day as Jay’s-creepy huh?!

I ALWAYS have to include a butterfly in my sympathy cards. Its just this thing I have. I think the Smokey Shadow with Sweet Blush was a great combo for it too.

Reach for the Stars

Reach for the Stars

Stamps: Star Prints
Cardstock: White, Aqua Mist, Navy, Pumpkin
Ink: Aqua Mist, Navy, Pumpkin, Lemon Tart
Ribbon from American Crafts
Star Punch XL Fiskars

OK I love Star Prints! I so would have done more if I had time-so plan on seeing this more in the future. The sentiments ROCK! I just loved this clean and simple design 😀

This next one used Day at the Beach

A totally fabulous set that I did NO justice to, because of my card funk! SORRY!! Trust me Ill be using it more once my mojo for cards returns. Im still in template mode

Supplies: Bottoms Up

Stamps: Day at the beach
Cardstock: White, raspberry Fizz, summer sun, tempting turq.
Ink: gray,raspberry Fizz, summer sun, tempting turq, lemon tart, celery
ribbon from American Crafts

You can’t tell by my horrific photo-that all the glass rims have “salted” or AKA glittered rims 😀

I love the set and how the cocktails gasses can be EASILY layered. WAY CUTE!! The whole set is fabulous.

Next up is Lisa’s set-Let Freedom Ring

Supplies:

My Timeless Template: Let’s Do Lunch
Stamps: Let Freedom Ring
Cardstock: white, pure poppy, spring rain
ink:pure poppy, spring rain, snow white
ribbon: Spring Rain grosgrain, white bitty dot, poppy stiched grosgrain
Punch: Fiskars XL Twinkle punch, circle punch, EK Success pinking shears border punch
Other-purse handle

Inside are Hershey Chocolate Stix!

I used my Let’s Do Lunch template. I can’t tell you how much fun I have had putting that one together!

Anywho-I filled this one with Hershey Milk Chocolate Stix! They are the perfect fit! YUMMY and not too high in the calorie department 😀

Here is a top view

My handles are purse handles I found at Michaels for $2! LOVE them!!

Detail photo

I made my own patterned paper using Lisa’s set. I love how you can make the border circle and the star 2 separate colors-easlily! I went with the red, white and blue for a festive 4th of July gift giving idea.

I think its cute 😀 Plus a great BOY option!! Change the colors and its a GIRLY option.

Lisa featured ALL our designs on her blog—> HERE! Seeing them all grouped together is really cool, I think.

OK that is all I got for ya today! I’m finishing up some designs and gifty stuff to go into my Etsy shop! This lunch box will be going there too. Im excited about everything, so I hope YOU will be too. (I’ll be updating it later-Ill keep ya posted) On another note: ALL recent orders have been shipped 😀

Have a great day! And as always thanks for stopping by

HOLY MOLY am I exhausted! I know-WHO CARES!!

(on a side note I HAVE to share that Alexa has hit her 2 year post-chemo (remission) marker! Now we go every other month for check ups! But she has to have her port-a-cath flushed monthly still> Im excited and scared to death all at the same time. Talk about emotionally draining)

TONIGHT is THE night!! Papertrey Ink has their release! I’m so excited 😀 I hope to see you tonight 😀 I’ll be back later to share my Papertrey Ink newsletter project too.

I also hope you have enjoyed the peeks I have shared here this week using My Timeless Templates 😀 Each one is labor of LOVE! I have to say they do inspire lots of great gift ideas 😀

Speaking of ideas………………I have 2 more samples to share till the BIG DAY! When YOU can buy your newest My Timeless Templates : Let’s Do Lunch and Ready, Set, Wrap!

So without further delay……………..I have samples for a girly event, and boy themed too!

Are you looking for something ELEGANT? Maybe a Wedding gift, of favor?

Well you just might LOVE this!

Using Ready, Set Wrap!

Seriously-how stunning is that?

It was exactly as I had envisioned it to be in my head.

I filled this with Raspberry Dove chocolates, but truffles or wedding cake would be darling in here too! Any favor item actually. OH! How about a Cinderella Slipper for a Fairy Tale themed princess party!! OH BOY! Maybe a piece of jewelry?? This list goes on and on.

I printed my template onto copy paper. I then used the Clearly Creative Cardstock, and cut out/scored my template.

I stamped my Fancy Flourishesonto the front, and side panels using white StazOn. Using glue dots I added Prima Hydrangea flowers, with adhesive rhinestone centers.

 I added a shimmery white cardstock panel to the bottom inside, then a scallop rectangle bottom to the bottom of the assembled template.

Tied the top with a Satin ribbon to match.

I think this is just gorgeous!

Supplies:

My Timeless Template: Ready, Set, Wrap!
Stamps: Fancy Flourishes
Cardstock: Acetate, shimmery white, Raspberry Fizz
Ink: White StazOn
Ribbon: Satin Raspberry Fizz
Other: Prima flowers, adhesive rhinestones
Scallop nestabilities

OK moving on to an entirely different direction…..BOY!

Owly-a gift for a boy!

MANY of you have boys out there! I’m with you. Many of you ask me WHY I don’t make ANY boy samples using my templates?!  Well, I heard ya. Its not that I CAN’T do boy stuff, I just find GIRL stuff so much more fun, easy and pretty 😀

So that being said- I made a boy gift. I used Let’s Do Lunch for this one .

I used a paint can handle, and large eyelets for the handle.

I LOVE Wise Owl 😀 so I made my own patterned paper using Guidelines 2 cardstock with the owl and bellies 😀 I think its super cute. You can’t see that each row of owls is colored differently-but thats OK

I added the sentiment to a button center, and covered it with a page pebble.

It is held closed with buckles-from a hodge podge hardware kit I had.

Just unbuckle the ribbon-

Now INSIDE……………

I added a notebook, some crayons-

which I designed my own box for, as well as a “office” set I got a Michaels Craft Store for $1!

I think this is a super adorable BOY themed art box, don’t you?

Supplies:
My Timeless Template: Lets Do Lunch
Stamps: Wise Owl
Cardstock: dark chocolate, white, Ripe avocado
Paper: Bitty Dots 2008
ink: Copic Markers, Ripe Avocado, Dark Chocolate, Pumpkin
Ribbon: Twill Ripe Avocado
Vintage button in new leaf
Paint can handle, brass large eyelets, brass hodgepodge hardware

Now if you want to go EASY PEASY-this is the sample for you:

Just use patterned paper, and a SIMPLE tag-done in under 5 minutes!

I shared a peek of this during the Blog Hop

This was my concept sample when I created the template. The concept samples are the finished template idea samples, that go to Nichole for approval 😀

This is the back

This is the side

This one was so cool and retro!

yes, like many said-almost like a bowlers bag 😀

No matter what it reminds you of-its cute, fun and has so many possibilities 😀

I cannot tell you how much I adore this specific template. It took quite some time getting the idea to work, but in the end I am so happy with the result.

Template: Ready, Set. Wrap!
Stamps Spring tags 2008
Cardstock: Black, white
Ink: Black
paper Black and white basics

Alrighty-that is all for me for now.

Tonight is the release party. I have my newsletter project due, and this weekend I am off to shop at CKC in Manchester with friends. I can’t wait. I need a day for ME!!

Thanks for stopping by

Now for more peeks be sure to check out   Nicholes blog, Becky, Melissa, Lisa and Candice.

😀 See ya later!

 One of the best gifts to give is bath and body products!!

I LOVE packaging these items because:

1) They are fun-and generally pretty

2) They look awesome in my templates :D)

3) They really dress up a simple, and inexpensive. yet thoughtful gift

4) EVERYONE loves to smell good (right?)

5) SAVES YOU MONEY!

Seriously, you can spend SO MUCH (or so much MORE) when you get a bath set already wrapped up in something somewhat “fancy”. They KNOW that presentation is EVERYTHING! I could say that till I’m BLUE in the face, but think about it!

WHAT attracts you to certain things? OK basically everything in life-is the advertisement!

The packaging of a product, the store sign, the advertisement logo or jingle! Its all about presenting something in a attractive way. Even when you go for a job interview. You try to look your best, right? People notice that stuff, and as far as advertising its all in your subconscious but it totally works.

Today I will show you how you can use BOTH templates from this months release to make a great gift set for UNDER $12!! Actually, you can obviously get even less expensive stuff and do it for far less, but this is what my sets would cost.

Now I did MORE of making my own patterned paper.  Both gift sets use my newest template releases

Let’s Do Lunch and Ready, Set Wrap!

I’m totally in LOVE with both for very different reasons.

I thought I would show you SIMILAR designs using both templates, and packaging the same items too, so you can see just how cute they BOTH are!

I used Everyday Classics (the anniversary set, not available for purchase :C SORRY!) to make my OWN patterned papers. If you can’t tell I’m LOVING that these days, and saving myself from BUYING paper too 😀 Use what you have! Making your own patterned paper is taking you BACK to the BASICS!

OK first up-Ready, Set, Wrap!

I needed a QUICK gift for Amber’s dance teacher.

I used Berry Sorbet, Melon Berry, Sweet Blush, and Spring Moss with Ripe Avocado ink for these colors-stamped onto vintage cream.

I added little pearls to the flower centers.

Side view

I LOVE the look.

Now this template comes with the decorative curved layer.

 I used my technique for making an additional mat layer. As seen in this video

I hope this video is helpful for you to try even more layering options, for those of you who love lots of layers! Now you don’t need to be intimidated to try it.

Now for the tag-

I love the touch of this flower I punched/layered to be like what I thought this flower would look like in 3D form!

It was a quick and simple touch, but I felt it really made the gift a WOW! Amber signed her name to the back (I was very tight on time and didn’t make a card! GASP!)

Now here is what is inside

These are aromatherapy body wash/body lotion from Bath & Body Works.

I just laid them down, side by side, and they were a perfect fit.

I then just folded in the sides, and Amber was off to dance rehearsal with a pretty and easy gift for her teacher!

Supplies:

My Timeless Template: Ready, Set, Wrap!

Stamps: Everyday Classics, Mega Mixed Messages, Garden of Life

Cardstock: Sweet Blush , Berry Sorbet, Melon Berry, Vintage Cream, Spring Moss, Vellum cardstock, Bitty Dots 2008

Ink: Berry Sorbet, Melon Berry, Spring Moss, Ripe Avocado

Ribbon: Ripe avocado

Other: Flower punch, butterfly punhc, adhesive pearls, tag punch

Now we move on to another gift-using Let’s Do Lunch!

I used the same stamp set:Everyday Classics in Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, River Rock, and Ocean Tides for this paper creation.

I love the colors in this.

I am using no handle. No fancy closure. This is presenting as just a gift box! Now imagine it on a desk somewhere?! Love it.

I went to Bath & Body Works and purchased some small body wash/body lotions for about $5 each.You could totally catch a SALE and stock up, but I bought full price.

The Sea Island Cotton is my FAVORITE!! So I went with that for this box.

There are two in this gift set. Just a nice, simple gift.

Now for the detail flower on the ribbon-just like the other creation above.

You can fit 4 of the small size body wash/lotions in the Let’s Do Lunch template! But for today I used 2.

I had some really pretty tulle to set inside.

If you laid them side by side-4 would fit.

Seriously look how pretty and elegant these are-without TONS of work or MONEY invested!

Supplies:

My Timeless Template: Let’s Do Lunch

Stamps: Everyday Classics

Cardstock: Vintage Cream, River Rock, Blue Bayou

Ink: River Rock, Vintage Cream, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Ocean Tides

Ribbon: SU! Blue Bayou

Flower punch, adhesive pearls

So that is my fun peek for today! I have so much more to share, but need to get my other projects done!

Tomorrow is another day 😀

I hope you like seeing the same idea for the 2 separate templates. I had fun with this one.

Thanks for stopping by.

Now for more peeks be sure to check out   Nicholes blog, Michelle, Melissa, Lisa and Candice.

I hope you all had a great Mother’s Day!! I know I did. Amber did AMAZING at her dance recital!!! I was SOOOOOO proud of her. She looked adorable and knew every step. I’ll share photos soon. We spent the day doing all sorts of fun stuff. It was great.

Anywho…..

 OK another day of PEEKS! YIPPEE!

If you like Stars, you are going to LOVE Star Prints!

I had so much fun with this set this month. What I TOTALLY love is the co-ordination of Star Prints with the punch 😀 I don’t like CUTTING stuff like that out, and having this quick & simple option is fabulous for me. Makes great star themed projects easy peasy.

Nichole had the girls all use Star Prints to create a variety of cards/gift ideas!

My Timeless Templates to the rescue 😀 I used my newest-to be released in the 15th-template Ready, Set, Wrap! (No worries you will see the next template tomorrow!! Trust me its worth the wait!! Im in love it :D)

Like always, I NEVER know what I am going to do until I get to work. I usually start with ONE idea and somehow that becomes obsolete, and turns into a totally different idea!

I WAS going to do a Teacher theme (I did do a teacher theme project-but that ended up being used for the Idea Book for the other template I am peeking tomorrow :D) then had a MALE family friend have a BIG birthday-he turned 40! So, my idea turned ended up changing, to be used to create this set, for the PERFECT (in my humble opinion) MALE gift set.

I am trying to make MORE male/boy themed stuff with my templates for you all to see! I know I so lack in creating for that group! Sorry, I just LOVE GIRLY!! But, hey, guys/boys need gifts too!

Me, LOVING gift giving, had a BLAST adding a masculine twist-so show you that ALL my templates  REALLY are GENDER NEUTRAL!

The BIG 4-0! Set

Here is what I made him. Kept is clean, simple and FRILL FREE :O) That is easier said than done. I did add some bling STARS, but felt that was acceptable!

I used the Star Print with the numbers, and colored JUST the 4-0 RED for some POP!  Lucky for me they were RIGHT next to each-other! YEAH!! Gotta love when things just work like that.

Here is the card

Crisp, clean and as I said FRILL free!

(the swirl is a little peeky at another set you will LOVE-coming out on the 15th)

Since it was the BIG 4-0, I thought the sentiment was perfect too.

Honestly my photographs took WAY longer than the MAKING of this gift set.

I had this DONE in 15 minutes!

The Ready, Set, Wrap!  is my newest template! It is SO fast and EASY! You are going to LOVE it.

Making a card/gift box set has never been easier! I swear! I used the largest SU! oval punch for this one.

Now I made this literally one hour before the dinner. So my GIFT was bought ON THE RUN! I got him a $40 (because he was turning 40 :D) gift card to his favorite sporting goods store! Gift cards are ALWAYS the perfect option for me, especially for MEN!

So, I popped it inside here!

I have to admit stuffing in the filler wasn’t easy, without having pieces try to POP out of it! LOL! But it looked cool when you open it, so I made it work. My trick-pull out the pieces that pop out! LOL! OR snip them with scissors. This is the foil kind, not the paper-which is much easier to manage.

Supplies:

My Timeless Template: Ready, Set, Wrap!

Stamps: Star Prints, Fancy Flourishes

Cardstock: Pure Poppy, White, True Black

Ink: Black and a red marker

Punches: 2 inch circle, XL Twinkle Twinkle Star Punch by Fiskars

other: Adhesive Rhinestones

Be sure you check out the entire team for their gift ideas using this set and their choice of My Timeless Templates!

• Becky Oehlers
• Betsy Veldman
• Dawn McVey
• Debbie Olson
• Geny Cassady
• Heather Nichols
• Lisa Johnson
• Melissa Phillips
• Michelle Wooderson
• Nichole Heady
• Niki Estes

Tomorrow I will share the peek at my second template for this month!

HINT: Lets just say Lunch is the theme 😀 HAHAHAHAHA

I think you will all really be excited for it 😀 (Or I HOPE you will be.)

 I’m loving it.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing my excitement. You all make my day:D

 I also hope you like that more masculine stuff I will be sharing this release.

Till tomorrow :D)

Hi everyone! If you are tuning in Happy Mother’s Day!!

I’ll share more on that at the end!

Today is day one, of a jam packed post, filled with excitement! AS ALWAYS :D)

As you know the Papertrey Ink countdown is here, and I always GUSH each month over and over at how excited I am. I know it may get old, but I REALLY am. Each month I fall in love the newest releases, and latest and greatest templates! Plus it makes me get a head start on my gifts.

I now get to FINALLY share a peek at my newest Timeless Template  called Ready, Set, Wrap!

 This one is SOOOOO cool and fun. Seriously.  It is so super adorable, fun and easy to make TONS of gifts for just about anyone you can imagine. Perfect size for SO many treats.

READY, SET, WRAP!

Looking for the perfect way to WRAP up something? Then this is the template for you!Ready, Set Wrap! will have you whipping out the perfect packaging for every occasion! Use it as a party favors or a fun project with the kids too.This is just the cutest box you could ever make! Perfect for that special something you want “un”wrapped in a fun way!The curves of this fun box will have the receiver in complete awe! You will be amazed at how fast this one comes together.

Go get READY, get SET-WRAP something special!

I also get to give you a peek at a NEW! stamp set called Bird Watching from Papertrey Ink.

NOTE: These items will not be released until the 15th

Today I am sharing a video that will HOPEFULLY help you  maximize the use of your stamps, and view them in a whole new way, save you MONEY, and add great embellishments to those My Timeless Template gifts you create for EVERYONE!!

This video shows you how EASY it is to use your stamps to make your OWN chipboard embellishments!!

SOOOOOO, the focus of my tutorial today used a large bird from Bird Watching.

When I saw Bird Watching I fell in love. I immediately KNEW it had to be by Melissa Bickford! I LOVE her stuff!! LOVE!

I knew the bird would make the CUTEST Keychain toggle for my Ready, Set, Wrap! template.

I like to use lightweight coasters for my projects. Usually you get 20 coasters for $2.00. That is ONLY 0.10 CENTS each-and you can get several images per coaster-HELLO!!! So affordable!

If you were to PURCHASE chipboard pieces or stickers, they would cost upwards of several dollars with only a few in each package-and NOT always in your color scheme! Now you can use images you already purchased for your projects instead.

Now you can use your STAMPS and make you own in MINUTES! AND it will MATCH any project! (like you needed another excuse to BUY MORE STAMPS?! :O)

Plus, lets face it, these chipboard pieces not only add a fun element, but dimension and interest to everything you put them on as well. Remember its the LITTLE details.

Sentiment reads: You’re so very tweet

Don’t you LOVE the chipboard bird addition to this project?! Perfect!

Now I got the little keychain toggle thingy from Michaels Craft store. They are in the back in the LEATHER section. 20 chains for $2! Not too shabby 😀

The cardstock is amethyst. I used Dark Chocolate Bitty Dots 2008 collection for this. I colored in the dots on the paper to match my project-so they are amethyst dots 😀 LOVE IT!

I began my project using my Inspiration Challenge—>HERE It was just what I needed to get started.

My felt flowers were made by me 😀 I die cut them from felt. Watch my video —-> HERE Button is from Vintage Buttons

I used the Cuttlebug Flowers #1 die for the flower, and another cuttlebug flower bundle die for the leaves.

Now to un-wrap it

Slide off one side, then the other………………..

You’ll get the idea, as I share more ideas throughout the week 😀

Supplies:

My Timeless Template: Ready, Set, Wrap!

Stamps: Bird Watching/Additions

Cardstock: PTI Dark Chocolate, Almost Amethyst

Patterned Paper: Bitty Dots 2008 Collection

Ink: Dark Chocolate

Copic Markers: BV00

Vintage Buttons in New Leaf

Punch: Small oval by SU!

Other: Lightweight coaster board, eyelet, key chain toggle, Felt, Cuttlebug Flowers #1 die 2X6 Flower Bundle, crop-a-dile, hobby blade, sm corner rounder

Now for more peeks be sure to check out Kelly’s blog for another template peek, as well as  Nicholes blog, Melissa, Lisa and Candice.

I am spending the day baking cookies from scratch with my kids! (Hopefully NOT cooking anything else for the day)*I know I can’t believe it either!* But Alexa sent me a letter in the mail about wanting to bake cookies with me Made me cry! It was SOOOOO sweet. I’ll also have to share the card/ poem she wrote me ALL by herself! She loves writing poems. I’m so proud of her writing and reading skills. She wants to write books/stories when she grows up! How cool is that?! A very good goal I think.

Amber made me couple things, that were REALLY cute. One saying she loves me because I take her shopping! LOL! And give lots of hugs and kisses.

Noah made me a card and puzzle-but told me he really wanted to make one for daddy! Um, thanks! LOL! So he took mine out of the envelope and made something for Jay instead! He is mad at me because he lost his XBOX for a week, after being TERRIBLE to my mother while she watched him, when we were at the funeral.

Oh well. He will get over it eventually!! I hope. It hurt my feelings for him to be so angry with me. I know I need to stand my ground, but its so hard to be a mom sometimes.

Thanks for stopping by!

 I’d LOVE to hear what your thoughts are for todays post and my newest template!

Enjoy your day.

Make sure you come back tomorrow for MORE peeks and endless ideas 😀

WOW! Im back! Thank you for the prayers and thoughts for Jason’s family. It was a very difficult time, as he never lost anyone before.

Sorry to be MIA. I had to take care of my family this week. Lots going on with the kids and school. Kindergarten registration, dance recitals, t-ball, and design work. Lets not forget taking the dog to the groomer, the vet, registering her and oh about 50 other things that have FILLED my days!

Lots of blah blah blah that ill share another day.

 Yes! Summer is almost here!

Well as you may know JustRite Stampers is have a pretty awesome Spring Release! I was asked to par-take in the Blog Hop, so of course I said YES!

I used a set that is COMING SOON! to make my project-NEW! Favorite Occasions Borders & Centers Set 1-5/8″ I’m totally loving that ALL Occasion set!! I could totally adapt today’s project for EACH image in the set.

SOOOOOO….. if you want a chance to WIN your own set-just leave me a comment here!

I’d love to know your favorite holiday food 😀 Any holiday!

I LOVE Cadbury Eggs at Easter, Godiva Chocolates at Valentines Day, Halloween: I don’t get too caught up in that time of year-thankfully, Thansgiving: Pumpkin Pie, Christmas-UM ALL the desserts! LOL!  I hope I didn’t forget something.

OK OK mind off food, back to the project.

I went GREEN for this project!

I purchased some mini Prima’s at Michaels Craft Store for $1 (clearance). I re-used the dome shaped packing cover they came in to make a SUPER fun dome topped gift box using the My Timeless Template: For KeepSake template!

How cool is this from the side??!!

I was going to fill it with confetti, but I decided to cut a hole in the lid as well, so you get a dome window into the box top 😀

Sorry for the difficult photos! I was getting MAJOR glare!

You can SORTA see inside in this photo. Just put patterned paper in my box bottom.

I stamped the image, on the dome, in White StazOn. Then colored from behind with my Souffle Gel Pens!

See Video on HOW TO—> HERE!

TIP: When stamping on a DOME I put a acrylic block inside so I don’t bend it, and I have a surface to STAMP on the done without SQUISHING it, or risking not getting full stamped coverage. Also if you screw up-use StazOn remover 😀

I used the American Crafts Everyday paper pack for my creation! It was PERFECT! American Crafts is like one of my most favorite companies ever!!!

2 sides in dots, and 3 in numbers! Perfect-O!

I think it is just so retro and cute! A perfect tween/teen gift wrap! Dont’ you?

Now don’t you think adding a done brings a whole new life to the template? I love it!

Well that is all for me!

Now you must go Check the JRS Blog!

Then hop along to some of the other designers:

Thanks for stopping by!

PS-If you emailed me in the last week, Im sorry I am SO CRAZY! I will reply shortly!!

Well its hard to believe it’s May 1st!

That mean another Papertrey Ink Design Team Challenge! I think these are so fun & challenging (DUH! That is why its called a challenge! Time for MORE coffee). I love a challenge.

This month Nichole has a fun challenge that includes all of YOU as well! You will have to pick from each design team member’s source of inspiration photo to create YOUR OWN version! (So I guess I hope you like mine :D)

The CHALLENGE: Get inspired by a Spring Themed photo or image

Well, when I got my May 2009 issue of Family Fun Magazine, I found page 77 very intriguing! (its a great magazine if you have children! Always full of kid friendly stuff to do!)

So here it is-

How fun (and Spring!) is a Mother’s Day Tea party? I know I am SO wanting to have one with my girls!!

Look at that FABULOUS table cloth, and the tea pot! I fell in love with the idea of everything paper-made, and the colors are just gorgeous!

So I got to work!

Using Guide Lines Grid 2 paper, and the Wishing You stamp set I tried to get fancy schmancy and made my own paper, with a similar version of the pattern on the table cloth.

 I used the following ink:Pure Poppy, Hibiscus Burst, Pumpkin (SU!), and Summer Sunset

Here is my stamped patterned paper, next to the inspiration piece.

I stamped the tulips facing eachother. I think it makes a cool pattern Not exact-but that is the point-INSPIRED BY!

OK! Paper made! Now what to make????

Well I figured if I did have a tea party with my girls it would be fun to put various yummy teas in a fun box! Nothing TOO complicated. I wanted QUICK!

So, My Timeless Template- Rounded Wrap Up to the rescue!

PS Did you see Nichole BIG ANNOUNCEMENT post about the templates?

—-> READ HERE!!! So exciting!

OK back to the FINISHED project

Tea For Two

Isn’t it SO cute?!

I just used my patterned paper to make a wrap for my box. I then stamped my tea pot from Tea for Two, to match the yellow tea pot in the inspiration photo.

This is Alexa Modeling it for you all!!

 She did a great job!

Here is another. I am having SOOO much fun getting photos of my kids 😀 AND  including my projects ( killing 2 birds with one stone-priceless!) I think they make the BEST props! LOL!

Alexa LOVED being the center of attention for this project.

This was HER favorite photo-so I had to include it

Now I will show you how my finished project looks next to my inspiration piece:D

Now seriously! Doesn’t my box look like it was MEANT to be for that party in the book? I LOVE it!!!! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

You may be wondering what we did with the rest of the paper!

Now LOOK on the table! See the folded fan like thing?

Well  the magazine were directions for a fan. Alexa wanted to make it (so I helped score it and stuff) and she decided it would be a Fan FLOWER!

The way the pattern was stamped, it does make a COOL “flower”. Good idea Alexa!

Anyway-that is what I did for my challenge.

Be sure to check out the Design Teams blogs so you can pick a inspiration piece and play along (let me know if you do try mine 😀 I want to see it!)

Now I need to finish up my first post that features all my challenge team members! Wait till you see what they did for tomorrows Sketch Challenge! WOW!

OK signing off!

Hope you get lots of inspiration today 😀