Happy Winter Sadie

Well today Christine posed a special challenge for the team, and I actually found time to play-TWICE!

Go Lauren! Go Lauren! OK in all seriousness I don’t get to do challenges often so I’m happy with myself right now 😀

Here is the challenge: Theme: Snowflakes (you have to incorporate snowflakes somewhere on the item.
Can’t use: Christmas paper

No problem-o!

So I just used some pretty colors that I loved, some K & co paper (definitely NOT Christmas paper!) and some felt snowflakes, and I was ready to go!

I used circles as my focus, and the Snowfall set for my sentiment, and snow-flurry trail 😀 Lots of sponging too. I love sponging a colored bkgd these day.

The color combo rocks-IMO ;D)

Close up

This is Sadie & Pepper. Aren’ t they adorable? I love those two. I made spots on the dog when I colored it.

Just had fun with it.

Now my next one is called Yummy Wishes

This set is by Diane-Cookie Crumbs called Cupcake Occassions. This et basically gives you some cute cupcake options for EVERY holiday 😀 Really cute idea. Me, loving penguins, had to use this one.

NOTE: Upon typing that I am suddenly in shock as I realize I haven’t used ANY penguins this winter season YET! OMGosh! That is terrible. I need to get on that.

I love the lil penguin. I felt it would be a cute winter hello, or birthday card even.

I just punched some snowflakes out of my red layer, adding white snowflake dots. I layered with dimensionals so the white layer comes through.

I just used my snowflakes cuttlebug folder to emboss only the sky portion of my circle layer. Like a snowglobe, so sorts.

Then I had stamped/colored/cut my penguin. Added some chunky glitter (from Michaels kid section) and I was all set 😀

Easy peasy card, but I liked it.

Well thanks for checking in. We have a very busy day here to prepare for our New Year’s Eve party.

I want to wish you ALL a happy, healthy and SAFE New Year! I have lots to say on that, but will save it for my New Year post 😀 You know how long winded I can be so I’ll save it all up for ya.

Enjoy your the last day of 2008! I may be back before the end of the year to reflect.

Definitely see you in 2009-hopefully with a video. And of course more rockin projects!

OK so the new year is approaching and I have a million emails, and projects to get done. You have no idea how behind I am, I could scream. Granted I have accomplished a lot today, but no where near done. The holidays put a huge lurch in my other planned projects.

I have some really cool stuff to post, just need the time.

So I need to focus on all those MUST DO’s, before I can play more. Im also STILL trying to get my video thing going. That is high on my priority list. Not sure I’ll ever figure that out :C We did have some success playing with a test run, but we will see when it comes to the REAL thing. Then its trying to upload it-YIKES!

So if you emailed me Ill be in touch once my pile of work is complete. Many of you are starting blogs and have lots of ?’s for me, so be patient with me, I’ll get to those once I can. Tomorrow we are also having a party here, so I need to get going on that stuff too. Rest is for the weary! The good thing is my MOJO is in high hear. I have a challenge card to post tomorrow so don’t miss that.

In the meantime my friend Ellieis hosting a RAK request for a special little boy named Garrett. He is just 7 years old. He had the same Cancer as my daughter Alexa, and sadly his cancer has returned :C He will have to find a donor and get a bone marrow transplant. I can only imagine the pain and fear and everything else his family is going through, all over again. It is worse when it returns. Its a whole new ball game! She really wants to cheer him up and fill his mailbox! So if you have time PLEASE check it out! HERE! A great time to exercise those boy card making skills or stamps 😀

Then my friend Alana is having a Rhinestone share 😀 CHECK IT OUT! I LOVE my bling and if you do too, and want a good variety of it, then shares are always an awesome more affordable way to get a lot 😀 I love joining shares, and that is how I obtain a lot of variety in my supplies, like ribbon, glitter and things like that.

For now another frame sample since Im short on time :C

This was another frame mat I did for my friend. I made 4 of this design

I used the JustRite Stampers New Times Roman Font, with decorative ends, by using the Harmony Block.

Makes it so personal. I really loved this one too!

Close up detail-

To accentuate the red & black, I used the leaf image from Papertrey Ink Beautiful Blooms set, and added the shimmery bridal confetti, which I colored with my Copic marker’s to match!

A little bling, and it was perfect!

Again-simple. Not wanting to take away from Avery 😀 Her family LOVED the frames 😀 That made me so happy to hear.

OK I think I covered everything I needed to for today-off and running.

Later

STILL trying to figure out the video software-GRR!! I am REALLY aiming for a first video post for New Years! I may need to purchase a new software, since our computer keeps crashing on this one :C

Anyway-more holiday gift projects to share.

Read on because I will talk about my preferences with some of the JustRite Stampers products since I have received many emails about my posts.

Right before Christmas my friend Erin came over in a panic needing to finish her last minute gifts. My friend is giving photos of her daughter Avery for Christmas. She asked me if I could help her dress up the photo mats, but keep it simple! We didn’t want to take away from the photo itself. The frames only cost her $4, but she wanted them to appear to be more expensive, personalized and fancy. I had 16 in total to make-4 of each design. I think when we were done, if you had a professional mat your photos with the name/year it could have cost MUCH more.

She was very happy with them, so I thought I’d share one of them today! The rest I’ll share over the next couple of days

Here is a sample of one-Avery 2008

I stamped the 2008 using my Medium/Large numbers set. 

I did the pretty decorative edge using an image from the New Times Roman Font set, which I also used the 50pt. font for creating my name-AVERY.

 I stamped the 2008, in Sahara sand ink, then stamped the AVERY using black ink. I did this using my Harmony Rectangle Stamper set. Its great for creating words, sentiments etc.

To align it perfectly I used a Stamp-a-ma-jig. That was my sure fire way to get it perfect first time.

I love the simple addition of the little adhesive rhinestones.

This is a simple, square mat, and I wanted to keep it simple and uncluttered. I think it really highlighted the photo nicely, and will look great in any room 😀

Many people asked me what I reccomend  to get started with some JustRite Stampers Products. Well I have a ton, and I think my favorite must haves would be:

* A font set that suites you. For under $22 you get 3 sizes of alphas in the font of your choice! I love that. Just pick your fave!

I honestly prefer the wood mount best. I will say to quickly mass produce the self-inking stampers  are great. They also sell empty ink cartridges for you to be able to customized your ink color if you like those.

 For me, with the wood mount you can easily use any ink in any color, any time, and its easier for me to use/clean. Also use markers and whatnot.

DON’T forget if you get one if those you need a wood block from them to use the sets!! Unless you see your set comes with a block, then you are all set.

I personally started with the Special Occassion Font & Border set, which comes with a wood block, but have really fallen in LOVE with the font sets, that have the 3 sizes.

*If you want to get any of the font sets I definitely think you NEED the Harmony Rectangle Block! Hands down! This allows you to create words, sentences, sentiments, and not be stick with just a round. or oval shape! I love mine and use it just about every time I use my font sets 😀 I also use the 1 5/8 Blister pack

* A MUST order for me is also the Small letter set, and the Numbers set! Nothing is complete without those.

* For gift sets I adore the From the Desk/Kitchen/ Library of border set! Love that too.

Now last but not least, many of you asked about buying a gift for someone. What would I choose?

I think that the Special Occassions or Damask border set I started with is a perfect start since it has a wood block, the monograms, and borders in the set! Then they can go from there!

Now for the rest of it, I think getting some borders is certainly fun, but I think the above to start is where I would go if I had NONE of it 😀

I hope that helps you. Remember this is just MY personal opinion, and what I like to use, and have been getting the most use out of.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Enjoy the day 😀

2nd post for today-scroll down please 😀

Bath Time!

Guess what?!

You asked me to keep you posted, so I am doing my enabling duty to you :D)-LeLo Designs Stamps are in at All That Scraps!

Isn’t he adorable?

Can you tell I have been in “blue” mode?

I also got a peek at some more of the newest-to be released images from Stampavie and I am so blown away! Wait till you see 😀 I think it won’t be till AFTER CHA though 😀

Enjoy!

So this week I have some more gifts to post that I created for people during the holidays!

Santa met up with me the other day to get Alexa her Baby Alive doll. All day she kept saying “I’m so happy Santa found my doll. I can’t believe it!” When I left and told her I was going to a “secret place” to meet up with him to get it for her, and then I wrapped her in the car before I got home ! The look on her face when I came home with that doll was priceless. She was jumping up and down, and just smiling ear to ear. She just kept saying “Oh! Im so happy to have my baby. Im so happy!” Over and over again. That doll was truly all she wanted. Its so funny how we work so hard to get them nice things for Christmas, and when it comes down to it there is usually just ONE thing that they truly want. She could have opened an entire toy store, but if Baby Alive wasn’t in that mix, it didn’t matter. Anyway, I’m so happy I got it because its things like that, that we remember forever! It would be “Remember that time all I wanted was Baby Alive, and I didn’t get it” I work hard to give my kids good memories and I hope this one will be in there.

Speaking of gifts-I had fun (and loads of stress) last week whipping up all this stuff LAST minute-YIKES! All that matters is it all got done, and on Christmas Eve I still was able to make the time to make cookies from scratch with the kids (for Santa, and guests) and do some last minute ornaments! It was really nice.

I love making personalized stuff. I have said before, I think its because I LOVE seeing my own name on things, since growing up-Lauren was far from popular! I was the only one, even in a huge High School. Granted it was nice, but as a little kid, not so much.

I also think being able to make personalized items really is fun, and shows how much thought went into the gift. Not to mention when you BUY personalized stuff, its expensive!

I decided to make a personalized set of stationery for Noah’s reading teacher Mrs. Trefrey. She has been a Godsend to Noah, and I so appreciate her.

Here is a close up view of the personalized tag I made using JustRite Stampers From the Desk/Library/Kitchen of border set. I then personalized it with her name using my small letter set. The “T” is one of my favorite font sets-The Special Occasions Font & Border set. I love the scripty-ness (is that a word?)

I made a set of 8 cards, with stamped envelopes to match.

What better way to box them up than to use my My Timeless Template–Desk Top Stationery holder!

Now when making this set I decided to do ALL stamping! No patterned paper.

What I make this set its often easiest to-have my envelope be the cover for my card set, so I put that in front.

I used a very pretty set from Inque Boutique-can’t remember the name or find a link since the business changed hands :C I used it to stamp behind my monogram, and my box and envelopes :D. I love the softness it has. Noah insisted it be blue, so he got blue.

Here is the stationery holder, with the sample of the card

PS-After I took the photos I realized this particular embossed panel was up-side-down! LOL! So I changed it. Figures that is the one that got in the photos! All the rest were applied correct with birds ON the branches, not UNDER! LOL!

Another view-

This is a side view of the box. I just wrapped some pretty ribbon around the outside.

OK last photo-then Im off & running! Going to a new stamp store with  my friend Paulette!

Thanks for checking in-I hope you liked this version of a card set. I had fun with it

Be back tomorrow!

OK today is short and sweet. Lots to do. And no, no photos yet. I am still opening boxes of stuff from the holiday-insane! 

Im still so “after holiday busy” that Im having a hard time getting back to the real world. Plus Jay has all next week off 😀

I blog daily and having a few days off has been nice.

I am looking forward to stamping again, but with it being the weekend……….not likely. I do have some things to share so that is good

I am trying to still figure out my camcorder editing software stuff. The camcorder itself is easy peasy-the software is not going to well. I’ll keep you posted. I WILL get this to work!

OK so here is the sketch today: mytimess17

(NOTE: I do still have to comment on last week’s players! Sorry-this has been a crazy week for me)

This was taken from a card I had published in the February Crafts n’ Things page 48. I meant to make another card-but didn’t get too.

Bloomin thoughts of you

I love the POP these colors have 😀 This is a set by Lizzie Anne Designs called Dreaming of Dots. I love that set, and this image is my fave from it.

So have fun layering it.

Pray I figure this video thing out soon. Im going crazy, and its killing my mojo.

I’m so happy to hear you all had a great holiday!

Hope you get some stamp time to try the sketch. In the meantime let’s see if the sketch team was able to get in on the fun this crazy weekend

Till tomorrow-

OH I feel like a little kid!

There are going to be some fun changes on my blog 😀 I HOPE!

Thank you to all of you for the warm Christmas wishes 😀

Jason got me a Insignia 720P HD Digital Camcorder for Christmas! I could fall over. That means I may post a few little videos of me here doing some video tutorials! Now that would be so cool. You can not only come here to see some creations but maybe “talk” to me too! LOL! Maybe you don’t want to do that, but I think it will be a blast.

I just need to figure this all out.

My mom also got me a really nice jacket, and Jason a GPS system which was really cool too. We actually had to use it the first time we left the house, to find my mom who got lost! LOL! I think she needs to bring hers with her when she goes out more often.

I got some other stuff but nothing that would overly interest everyone-little things we all love.

So Im taking a creative break to play with the kids & their toys,  and my new toy, and hope to return with photos and it all figured out.

I also have TONS of deadlines that I need to get completed.

That all being said we had one the of the best holidays this year. Christmas Eve and Jason’s grandparents was so nice and relaxing, as was our holiday feast with my family yesterday. Just what I had hoped for.

I do feel terrible as the ONE thing I guess Alexa really wanted she didn’t get. So I told her that Santa sent me an email because he accidentally left it on his sleigh and that we could go to the store to get one today.

Her face lit up like crazy when she heard that. I had no idea she wanted that particular doll so bad!~

So I’ll be back tomorrow with a sketch, and some holiday photos.

OK now I want to hear what YOU got! Anything special? How was your holiday?

From my family to yours.

Thank you all for coming here, through the past year (or longer/shorter), as I share so much of myself and my family.

I want to get a better photo-but don’t want to spend my time on the computer today.

May you have safe travels, and warmth of family around you this week.

What a wonderful time of year.

I like to STOP and reflect before the season is over. Enjoy the traditions we have as a family, with my children. Get over the RUSH and hustle bustle of TO DO’s! Take a few days of spending time with just the kids. Not worrying about everything else that I normally do.

I want to take the time to say that I am so very thankful for every blessing in my life.Thankful to God for providing me with these blessings, and allowing me to see the rainbows after the many storms and trials. I have truly been blessed. I have an amazing life-really!

What more does one person need?

I have everything I could possibly want in life-my 3 amazing children-who I get to stay home with during the most amazing years of their little lives, a man who loves me unconditionally-my soul mate, family, health, a nice roof over my head, I’m able to have a hobby and do what I love! What more could I ever need?

I’m just so thankful for the time I have,  my family, and friends (-that includes you all as well) , our health, our home, and everything in it.

When Alexa got sick it blew my world and my perspective apart. I saw all too clearly the things that were and aren’t important. That in ONE moment things can change forever. I transformed a lot from the experience. I know, I always say that, but its so true. So many things that would have driven me clinically insane, I see aren’t important. Things maybe I would have put off for later, I do not.

Christmas time for me is season of reflection. A earmarking of memories, and milestones from one year to the next. I come into the new year transformed from this past year. I feel I have changed and grown so much, every year. I like to think for the better.

My kids are growing before my eyes, into these amazing little people. People that I helped create. I’m in awe of that some days. Actually sometimes they seem like mini adults! LOL! I am really cherishing these years where the magic of the season is.

I don’t know what is to come in this next year-or what I will have to say next time-but I pray its more of the same. I just want my family to have health, happiness and love of  each other. Most importanly be just be thankful for today. Make the most of each day we are blessed

The journey of a 1,000 miles begins with a single step.

That is what my bracelet says, and it reminds me, one day at a time.

I want to wish you & yours the same.

Merry Christmas (and Happy Hanukkah)!

Or know someone who does?

Then this is THE post for you 😀

This is a super last minute gift idea, that I hope you find useful.

I needed to finish making teacher gifts, and Amber’s teacher is a HUGE cookie swapper. She has special parties several times a year where they swap cookies and recipe’s!

While pondering what on earth to make her (she stamps too!) I figured why not a Cookie Swap Recipe Holder?! She can bring it with her and have her recipe’s ready to go, and it’s a great holder to house the favorite one’s she receives.

Here it is! Laurie’s Cookie Swap Recipe Wrap up

My Timeless Templates ©to the rescue. I mean it when I say my own templates saved me time this season on time, creative effort, and $$ . I have had fun sharing all these homemade treats with so many people. I keep hearing that I should open a store! LOL! Um, not sure about that.

I used my FREE template-the Recipe Wrap-Up for this gift. I have to say I have really enjoyed being able to easily personalize my gifts with my HUGE collection of JustRite Stamper Letter sets. I have several and they also saved me this year too. I use my small alpha ALL the time. Not sure how I lived without that one. As you can see it made this wrap really special and personal.

I then stamped, colored and cut a cookie for the center design.

Since she loves pink, I thought of a way to combine her favorite color for the holder, and keep it cookie related-using Kraft, dark chocolate, sweet blush, berry sorbet, and white. Ribbon is also from Papertrey Ink.

The polka dot patterned paper is from Polka Dot Parade.

The main paper you see-with all the cookies, and snowflakes, I made myself! I’m beyond in LOVE with the way it came out. I would TOTALLY BUY IT if I saw it.

I have had this set from A Chemistry With Paper called Holiday Treats. I LOVE that set, and it was absolutely perfect for what I needed today. I also used some other small stamp elements from the Holiday Treats from Papertrey Ink.

Here is a close up view to the ties.

I decided that I would use eyelets to keep this sturdy for lots of wear and tear from tying closed, swap to swap.

All unwrapped

As you can see In modified this version from the original as I didn’t make 6 pockets for my recipe cards, instead I did 2 panels with a altered large paper clip to house any little notes or other things she may want to have handy!

Here is a closer view of the clip-

I used my same design element, as on the cover of my Wrap-Up! Stamping again my personalized info

Close up view on the pockets-left

Now do you see my pockets? I found a way to make this go even quicker! Little envelopes that usually hold 3 X 3 notecards! They are PERFECT for the Recipe Wrap Up, and the recipe cards. I just added a strip of designer paper, and some ribbon, then my cookie decoration embellishments, made to match 😀

Other view of pockets on right

Each pocket holds 10 cards for this one. So she has 40 swap cards, blank- for her to do with what she likes.

Now you may be wondering what the LONG Tube like thing is!

Well, I thought a great companion for her gift would be a magazine of all Gourmet Cookie Recipes, so I purchased the newest Martha Stewart Cookie magazine to give her some great recipes to try for her next swap. I honestly contemplated keeping it for me! LOL!

I didn’t want to give it in a plain ole bag, or plainly wrap it, so I made a tube from cardstock, and added cellophane to the ends. Rolled it up, and decorated. Just untie the ends, and slide out the magazine! Pretty cute huh?

I think it was a really nice co-ordinated gift 😀 Plus it was  fun to make.

The dotted borders are actually Doodlebug Paper Frills-colored with my Copic’s to match 😀

PERFECTION!

Since we are talking cookies, and swapping-PLEASE share your favorite cookie recipe here if you have time! 

 I will share my favorite cookie-the easy way 😀

Do you likeRaspberry Linzer Cookies? They are beyond amazing! My favorite cookie-I think. I have a thing for Raspberry and Lemon stuff (like little tarts or lemon square/bars, tarts-anything! PIE!! OMG! I need to go have dinner)

Short on time? Here is my cheater way to get them done F-A-S-T!

Can you tell I loathe cooking? It totally cuts into my stamp time 😀

I just buy the pre-made Pillsbury sugar cookie dough.

Roll it out, and cut with my circle cookie cutter.

Now, make sure that exactly 1/2 of the circle cookies have a shape cut in the center.

(you can also do shapes like a heart, then do a little heart cut in the center)

FYI-You need 2 cookies for the sandwich-one has a hold in it.

Bake as directed.

Let cool.

Spread Seedless Raspberry Jam on the solid shape, and apply top cookie with cut out. Sprinkle on powdered sugar and you are DONE!!

Easy peasy, and so yummy. No one will guess how super simple that was.

On more DIVINE Raspberry treat! You can have this made in less than 15 minutes-tops! (Doesn’t count chilling time)

Its a Trifle. If you use what I tell you-really low fat and pretty low calories too-if you don’t over eat!

NOTE: I omitted the macaroons for a healthier, yet still scrumptious version

2 pkgs pound cake (Sara Lee frozen section)

1 tub of Fat Free Cool Whip (it does still taste fab)

1- 4 pk of Fat Free vanilla pudding cups (they are Handi-snacks. Then you don’t have to make the pudding-just pour it out of the containers!) (OK you MAY need 2 pks, I can’t remember :C)

1 jar of seedless raspberry jam

1 pkg of fat free/sugar free raspberry jello (make per instructions)

OK direction time

Cut pound cake into slices. Spread on raspberry jam, making pound cake/jam sandwiches.

Once sandwiches are made, cut into smaller sandwich cubes.

Layer sandwich cubes on bottom to trifle bowl.

Layer vanilla pudding, whipped cream.

Repeat steps until you are at top (DO NOT TOP WITH WHIP CREAM YET!)

Now take the prepared jello mixture, and pour it over the dessert. (TRUST ME ITS AMAZING)

Be sure to poke lots of holes so the jello does coagulate and form pockets of jello. You want the pound cake to soak up the juice (and no its NOT a soggy bread thing-that would NOT go over well with me!)

Let sit at least 4 hours in fridge.

Top with whipped cream before serving.

Scoop out & enjoy!

So that does it for me here.

I will be back tomorrow to post and wish you all a happy holiday!

Thank you for stopping by

Well if you do I know 2 families who could use some holiday cheer!

A friend of mine put this tid bit into my INBOX this am-Not a great way to start the day, as I have balled over this email for about a hour now :C Too close to home for me, and makes you really THINK about how precious life is everyday.

Many of you may remember my dear friend, Chris Garman, who lost her battle with breast cancer 2 years ago.  When she was first diagnosed with breast cancer, she was pregnant with her third child. Her doctors didn’t think Chris would live through her pregnancy without treatment, so they took a chance & gave her chemo while she was pregnant. Chris survived her pregnancy & had a beautiful, healthy little girl named Hannah Faith.  Chris died when Hannah was three.

If you would like to help with her wish, please send her a card at:

Hannah Garman

704 Orchard Rd

Lititz, PA 17543

 Now I am TERRIBLE at getting cards out but I am definitely going to be getting some out to these 2 families TODAY!

Then Andrea had a RAK request for a family with a very sick baby. If you have children you can imagine how hard it is when they are sick!!

So please check out Andrea’s thread here!!

Thanks for taking the time to spread soem holiday cheer towards others who need a little oick me up.