No eye candy today 

OK this is late in the day, but Im lucky to even squeeze this in. Not to bore you with the details but its been a while (thankfully) since my house has been THIS crazy.

I have 3 sick kids-

Alexa -JUNKY icky cough. Disgusting nose. She is doing good though, so Im crossing my fingers for her.

Noah-Croup as of 2 am. I hate croup. Its very scary, and just plain rotten

Amber-Poor Amber. She has gotten sick a lot this school year. Bronchitis and a double ear infection. At the doctors till 9pm last night!!!!!!Nasty harsh persistent coough that won’t quit and has kep ME up since Friday, and random hgh fevers :C No meds are helping.

She is VERY good when she is sick. Just wants cuddling

Me-exhausted, stressed, sore throat, headache, and body aches.

BLAH!

Oh did I mention all the snow heading our way tomorrow?

All I need is ONE night of sleep, and I’ll be refreshed.

I hope!

OK so I need to post the challenge posted in the Pink Cat Studio forums

so here you go! LOVE Challenge!

Looks fun. I hope I get to give it a try one day soon.

Sorry to be a downer-I’m wiped.

I will say NOT getting to stamp has put my brain in oeverdrive and I have lots of ideas brewing in my head now 😀

OK now I need to get back to the family.

Have fun with the challenge

I have now added past Veoh videos to my site!

So if you missed My Timless Templates, start to finish video-go here!

or my video tour of my Craft Space-check it out now!

Thanks

I have my Monday’s with Mytime video done, and edited.

I uploaded somewhere else since its like 18 minutes long! I know-BORING! right. But you know how long winded I am by now don’t you????

I don’t want to ALWAYS be limited to under 10 min , so I uploaded elsewhere so i do have another option.

I just need the special plug in to get enabled before I can post it. SO I am waiting on the powers that be to do that.

I was going to cut it down even more, but my edit site CRASHED and didn’t save ANY of the editing I had already done before it was cut down to the 18 minutes, so I just went with that edited version. I was SOOOOOO mad, and have no patience for this after so long.

This video thing is going to be the DEATH of me!! I need better software or my computer may get tossed! LOL!

I also wanted to add music to one part but wasn’t sure how to do that either :C I couldn’t discriminate what part of the song I wanted to play where, and yadayadayada

Bottom line I still have a LONG way to go to get the hang of this, but I feel I did get better this time.

Once my plug-in is enabled, you will have my next video.

Sorry Im not posting anything else till then. I’ve been working hard and am so annoyed with it all :C

Sorry Im running late-I didn’t get my photos done/edited.

Ill be back after Noah has basketball. Hang tight.

Sometime around noon EST.

WOW! Am I exhausted.

The Papertrey Ink release was another amazing one. I always have such a huge creative breakdown after, since I pour every ounce of creativity I own into every project.

Most of them were revealed up to the release, but I kept a few for today.

My first project today is very special, and I want to share it with you all. I did get special permission to post all this info, so I hope you get to read it.

Bethany-

I have to say with all the sympathy sentiments, while beautiful, it was emotional for me. Having been close to losing my own child a few times, I can’t even fathom the pain. I only know a portion of the pain that comes with just thinking of the “what ifs”. When Alexa got sick I planned her funeral in my head too many times. Something I hate to admit, but when she had so many close calls I couldn’t help but have those horrible thoughts not only cross my mind, but be lurking so close to reality.

This release came at a time that I really needed. It was so amazing because over the holiday a blog reader of mine-Melinda had sent me some amazing things from Australia. I was touched by her graciousness.

I was beyond amazed by her talent, but what got me was this photo attached with her letter, of her daughter Bethany.

She told me how stamping has helped her emotionally, to cope, as she lost that beautiful little girl in the photo last year to a tragic accident.

Here she is-

Every person in my home cried reading her letter, and starring at Bethany’s face.

Melinda said she has a hard time scrapping photos of Bethany, and this one was so special to her because it was the last photo she had of her-taken just a week before her accident. She was in her favorite dress. She loved pink flowers,  and butterflies!

 I knew I wanted to make her something special, to honor her. I had no idea what to say or where to start! Then the Loss of  Child set was sent to me. I knew the words were perfect.

I have to admit I balled my eyes out the entire time I made it. I felt such a wave of pain and emotion, and I never even “knew” her. I never made a more meaningful gift in my life. I truly poured every ounce of love I felt for my own three children into making a keepsake for Bethany’s mom.

Supplies:

Stamps-Fresh Alphabet, Loss of a Child, With Sympathy
Ink-Berry Sorbet, black, ripe avocado, spring moss, sweet blush
Cardstock- sweet blush, berry sorbet, spring moss, white
Patterned Paper- Polka Dot Parade
Berry Sorbet stitched grosgrain, leaf pattern ribbon
B.E. Frame
Other-Prima Flowers, Prima leaves May Arts velvet ric rac, dew drops, adhesive rhinestones

Now when I asked Bethany’s mom if I could share this, she agreed. I asked her what she would like people to know about Bethany, since she isn’t just a photo for a project, or another post on my blog, but a person who is so missed and so loved. A person who’s short life will have made a difference in others. I know that despite her mom losing her, she will not let her loss be in vain, but will make a difference in others lives.

If you have lost a child and need support, Melinda has offered to help you-so contact me for her info. Melinda is also looking forward to being able to eventually working with SIDS & KIDS.

This is what she had to share-

From Bethany’s mother Melinda:

Bethany lived at fast forward all the time. She was born after a 40 minute labour on November 11th 2001. That day is Remembrance Day in Australia and each year at 11am on that day the country observes a minute silence for soldiers who fell in battle, but we also like to think the nation stops for Bethany (as of course we feel it should).
Bethany started to talk very early, weaned herself at 10 months and decided she was too big for nappies (diapers) a month after her little brother was born so toilet trained herself that very day (she was only 22 months old). She was little but had a voice that carried and would have long conversations with any and everybody she met. At nearly 5 she had just started wearing size 3 clothes and was a little dynamo. She didn’t watch TV or DVD’s but preferred to just hang out with me or her brothers and sisters. It was spring when she died and 3 weeks earlier I had bought her new sandals which she loved but refused to wear them. Her older sister, Emily, talked to her about it and found Bethany thought her toes were ugly. They went through Emily’s nailpolish and Beth chose a pretty pink (her favourite colour) to decorate her toes and then wore her new shoes. For all her speed to grow up, when I cleaned up her room after she died I found she had hidden one of her little brothers dummies (pacifiers) under her pillow and must have snuck it in her mouth after I tucked her in to bed. I will always be grateful that I was able to be a stay at home Mum and spent every minute possible with her. She was secure in the fact that she was very much loved and confident of her place in the world.
 
I’m not sure if what I have typed makes any sense, but I won’t edit it as I know I could go over and over it trying to get it perfect in her honour.

Butterflies have become very special to us all as they have appeared at significant moments as if she is letting us know she is somehow here. As we were getting ready for her funeral a butterfly somehow flew into the house and landed on her portrait, the day a friend and I went to collect her ashes a butterfly fluttered around the door of the funeral home the whole time and when we were on a recent holiday there was a butterfly who followed us as we walked around Wiggle World. So you see, the butterflies on your frame are so very special as is the sentiment. It is often these smaller things that combine into something amazing and bring great comfort.

The only thing I would add is that if there is another family who read your blog who have suffered the loss of a child and would like to contact me, please feel free to give them my email.
 
I just thought of one more anecdote I wanted to share with you. Bethany’s older brother Liam (he is now 10) has always loved to draw and create his own comics. He spends hours creating and binding them. They are really very intricate and Beth always loved them and wanted to copy them which was a cause of much dispute between the two of them. Going through Beth’s room we find her treasure draw and hidden at the bottom was one of Liam’s comic books. Beth had gone through and very carefully added her name to every page. Liam would have really gone off at her for that one but now it is his most treasured possession, almost like a little note from Bethany left specially for him.

This is a poem that Bethany’s mom finds comfort in:

The mention of my baby’s name may bring tears to my eyes,but it never fails to bring music to my ears.If you really are my friend,please don’t keep me from hearing the beautiful music.It soothes my broken heart and fills my soul with love. 

Those who wish to sing always find a song.

————————————————————————–

OK now I’m done that, and still balling, lets move on to my other projects.

This is yet another sample I made (for today’s post, not in my release gallery) using the With Sympathy set. It was going to be a countdown project but I had to wait to share it-

This box is from my newest template-The Perfect Match ©

I thought that the With Sympathy set was perfect for making a nice thoughtful set of cards.

Did you know it can hold little note cards and envelopes?

I got this set from Stampin Up! a while back 😀 Now was the perfect time to use them.

They are about 3 X 4 in size.

Here are a set of 20-with envelopes! Room to spare too.

Isn’t that so simple? Great teacher gifts without lots of work!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!! Love that.

Another sample using my Perfect Match Box was paired with Heather’s  set 😀

I used the slider cover of my Perfect Match Box © template as a basket like box to hold my body mist. I had fun with the clean, crisp design I could get easily with this set. This came together in just minutes! A perfect quick gift wrap.

Supplies

My Timeless Template-The Perfect Match Box ©
Stamps- Around & About sent.
Cardstock- PTI select white, Spring Rain, Vellum cardstock
Ink-Spring Rain

Other-adhesive rhinestone, swiss dots embossing folder, circle punches, Doodlebug paper frills border

Now another one with her set-Get Well Soon!!

I LOVE this card-Very clean and simple-but so pretty to me.

I used guideline’s to make my grid, then stamped the single flower from the set to make my own patterned paper.

I used the flower punch and stamped the circle sentiment inside, then added a button which I also stamped for the center 😀

My leaves are just some avocado stitched ribbon, folded up 😀

So there you have it everyone. Scroll down over the last few days, and let me know what project you liked best!

Thank you for visiting and thanks to anyone who gets any of the templates 😀 Don’t forget I WANT to see what YOU make 😀

Have a happy day-

Hi all

I have 3 posts today. Each one packed with ideas and info. Please scroll down so as to not miss anything 😀

Also the winner of the With Appreciation Take Along Tote: drawn via random.org is

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

308
Timestamp: 2009-01-12 08:09:40 UTC
Tamara Limestahl January 11th, 2009 at 9:08 am  308
Lauren….again, you have done it! You are such an inspiration with all of your projects and as a SAHM (I have 5 kids, 2 of them are autistic 3 yr old twins), I find inspiration from your projects and strength daily. I am so glad to have found your blog. Thank you a million times for the blog-therapy! =) You are a blessing in disguise! =)
——————————————–
Tamara please email me your address so I can send this out to you!
 Again-thank you all so much for sharing your excitment with me 😀 It means the world to me, and makes all the hard work each month so rewarding 😀
Now-keep scrolling!

From Sympathy to Everyday-just switch out your sentiment!

Today we all have a special post using one of the newest Papertrey Ink sets called With Sympathy. This will be released on the 15th.

As you will see, the set is just gorgeous! Throw in a butterfly and I am one happy girl!

 The sympathy set sentiments for this month are sure to suit any sorrowful occasion with style and grace. From general loss, to the loss of a child, or a beloved pet! Obviously none of us ever want to have to make a sympathy card for anyone, but Nichole has covered the market with these sets this month.

Now our challenge was to utilize the same stamp set, layout and colors to create BOTH a sympathy card, as well as an everyday type of occasion. This is sure to show you how versatile the sets from Papertrey Ink are, and how these sympathy sets can also be used all the time.

Here is my sympathy card.

When I create a sympathy card I always include a butterfly.

To me, butterflies are very symbolic. They signify a beautiful journey-such as the journey through life, new beginnings, and time.

I always try to keep a sympathy card clean, and uncluttered. 

As for colors, I like to cheer someone up a bit, so I stay away from using all black.

A little understated sparkle doesn’t hurt either.

I added some glitter to my leaves, and my butterfly body uses adhesive rhinestones.

Supplies:

Stamps: With Sympathy, Heartfelt basics, Borders & corners circle set

Cardstock-white, Raspberry Fizz, Ripe Avocado, black

Ink-black, raspberry fizz, ripe avocado

Raspberry fizz stitched ribbon

Other: Copic Markers

Prism glitter, 2 way glue pen, black brad, corner rounder, circle punches, rhinestone stickers

Now here is a photo of my “everyday” card-

Everything is exactly the same, I just used a different sentiment.

Perfect.

Make sure you check outNichole’s Blog, as well as all the designers

for more ideas on just how versatile these new sets really are. I know I am excited to see what the other girls came up with!

 I hope you enjoyed today’s post!

I have posted 3 recent posts. Scroll down!

OH boy lots of emails about the movie thing-I haven’t given up on it-YET! I just honestly don’t have time to work on it right now :C I have CHA samples to get out the door for companies, and the Papertrey ink release (with my newest release of 2 My Timeless Templates– template samples to make) Pink Cat Studio, and Lizzie Anne Designs releases to work on as well. Am I crazy yet? NO not officially 😀

That doesn’t include my daily HAVE TO DO’s like care for the kids, clean the house, run the kids all over creation, move out my brother (still), help him set up his house, exercise, and cook-blah blah blah. Oh and go to Alexa’s post chemo appointment Friday-you get the idea. Im sure YOU are just as busy as I am.

Back to the post topic-Are you LOVING this release from Lizzie Anne Designs yet?

I still have so much more to show and share 😀 I had way too much fun creating. 

OK so peeking today:

LB So Much Love
LB Damask
SS Love Tattoo
SS Valentine Saying
SS Happy Birthday
SS Get Well Soon
SS With Sympathy

Friday Jan. 9th…Stamps released!!!!!!

On my sidebar I have links to all the design team members, so be sure to hop around! Also check in on the NEW! Lizzie Anne Designs Blog

I am beyond in love with the sentiments, and Damask!

WARNING: Told you I am on a red -green- black kick. You will see what I mean if you look over the last few days, and the days ahead! LOL!

Unfortunately I needed to send a Sympathy card to my Great Aunt. She is 92 years old, and doesn’t look a day over 65! Sadly when you live to be that old, you lose a lot of loved ones. Her son passed away unexpectedly, and I thought this would be a nice card to send her. I live far away, but want her to know we are thinking and praying for them.

I took the images in the set and layered them to create a pretty flourish image. This card is simple, but I just love the solemness of it. Not your typical sympathy colors-if there is such a thing, but I think its just so pretty.

I overstamped the sentiment. I love the look of that rather than just a stark, plain sentiment all lonely.

The layout is so pretty to me too.

The Labels nestability is just stunning! I used it on both my creations today. I could use it on every card I think.

OK moving on-

I also used the Tattoo single. The image is so beyond my usual style, but I enjoyed making it suit me. It was inspired by my above card.

What do you think? Did I “Lauren” it up?! LOL!

I think it looks pretty elegant, considering its a “tattoo” image.

This is a close up view-

Nothin fancy. Just had fun with it 😀

SO that is it for me today.

Id LOVE for you to help me get out of my color “rut” so if you want to leave me your favorite color combo, I’m open!

Till tomorrow-

This is post #2 for today! Scroll down to see some designs with Lizzie Anne’s NEW! Release 😀 

Well its become a monthly tradition that theMFT Design Team posts a blog hop!

If you didn’t start here, then go to Kim’s blog.

I am in LOVE with the set I am peeking today for theMFT release called Maid for you!

In “classic” Mft style colors (pink & black) I designed my card.

I think she is just so HOT! I love the sentiments in this set too. Totally crack me up.

I used a “love notes” sticker from SU! I had it about 2 years, and thought now was a good time to dust it off! LOL!

I made my “wallpaper” to match just by using a Copic marker and a gel pen. I think its cute like that.

Now the release party details:

New releases for this month include:
Maid for you (Who’s That Girl set for Jan)
Owl for all seasons Please see my other sample HERE!!!
Good Knight
Valentine Flopsey

My Favorite Things (www.mftstamps.com) is having a New Release Cocktail Party TONIGHT, January 7th from 9-10 p.m. Eastern time. This month there are FOUR new sets being released including a Who’s that Girl set that is Maid for You!

Head over to the MFT forum on www.splitcoaststampers.comto find out all the details and to find out how YOU can be the next MFT Guest Designer. We hope to see you there on Wednesday night.

When you are done here, you want to jump on over to Michele’s Blog.

Remember to scroll down!

Later 😀