Hi everyone!

2 posts today! Don’t miss —> this one <— Peeks my other template this month!!

This is always my favorite time of the month!

Im so happy you all loved yesterday’s post using my newest (to be released July 15th template Milk Made ©) The idea for that one came to me some time ago, after making Cocoa to Go, which later lead to my Candy Carton Carrier :D, all mixed together to get a fun version I like to call Milk Made © THAT Candy Carton Carrier project lead to my use for the sample again today!

SO with that being said, let me move along!

Today we are all sharing a group post for the Papertrey Ink countdown, using a FUN new set called Everyday Button Bits!! This set has SO many crazy possibilities! I am over the moon for it!

The “idea” of the set is genius. All these little stamp pieces are meant to FINALLY get you to USE those buttons that you covet so much, IN your projects! They are taking the MAIN STAGE!!

I LOVE this set like CRAZY!

I decided I would use the ADORABLE little bird image for my project today! It just jumped out at me when I saw all the amazing images 😀

I wanted to package some home-made honey granola I whipped up the other day, in a fun way! I love snacking on this during the day. Its delicious, and better than a candy bar! LOL! If you want some chocolate, as some chocolate chips to the recipe 😀

Just a little something

 I would use my newest template (Release is July 15th!) Milk Made © for my project. It was PERFECT!! This template can totally be use on it’s own! As you are seeing here! Especially when you have a bajillion gifts to make! Perfect size, and goes together with ease 😀

Given the fact that I wanted my granola to be packaged in a bag for freshness, I wanted it to be easily accessible to the recipient, while keeping the adorable topper in tact 😀 The idea of someone ripping out the bow KILLED ME! LOL!

So I made the package so the topper can come off!

Seriously how cute is that?

Now here is my bag of granola inside! Easy to access, and this is totally re-giftable! You can fit so many great items in here now without worry about ruining your overall packaging design! Great for KID parties too!! They can decorate them themselves as a party activity too! This stamp set would be PERFECT too! Kids LOVE crafting, and using buttons or BLING pieces 😀

Now before I get flooded with requests for the recipe:

Fruit n Honey Granola

• 4 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 cup chopped toasted almonds
• 1/4 cup toasted wheat germ
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/2 cup raisins  
• 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
• NOTE: add 1/2 cut of choc. chips if you want some in there

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the oats, almonds, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, canola oil, and honey. Spread evenly over the prepared baking sheet, pressing down lightly with the back of a spoon.
3. Bake 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Allow to cool completely.
4. In a large bowl, break the cooled granola into large chunks. Mix in the raisins, and sweetened dried cranberries (and choc. chips if you decide). Store in an airtight container.

Here is the close-up of the Button Bird

Button Bird-close up

I wanted a pretty little label on my Milk Made © Carton,so I stamped my bird image in black ink. The tail, beak and legs are ONE image. There is a large and small bird in the set, I went with the largest bird. I then colored the beak/tail with Copic markers.

I used Polka Dot Basics II (new set :D) for my “grass”. I then die cut it with Labels 1 nestability and sponged my bordering sky!

I used 2 Spring Rain buttons. I knew I wanted to have a “bluebird”. I also wanted a  body and a head! I chose 2 buttons that were very similar in color, and had a bit of a shimmer to them, with the same sheerness.

The large button made up the body. I stamped the polka dot wing in Enchanted Evening ink, onto spring rain cardstock, then cut out. Adhered it with a dimensional to the button. This “hid” the button holes.

For the “head” I had a little button with 2 mini holes to the side. I was going to use the button holes as NATURAL eyes, but decided that the Googlie eyes would be WAY cute, so I went with it!

My buttons are adhered to each-other, and my cardstock using mini glue dots! These are strong and virtually undetectable! LOL!

Now prior to assembling my Milk Made © Carton, I cut an inch below the score mark, of my Milk Made © Carton top.

I then assembled my bottom, as I normally would, had the top been on.

I then stamped my sentiment on the carton top. and assembled that separately, completing as if it were ON my bottom.

Now the KEY to making this become a topper that STAYS IN PLACE: add a border around the topper lid!

See the inside of my topper?

By having a border overlap the topper edge, it gives that base something to slip into!

Easy on, easy off!

This tip will be included in the Exclusive Milk Made © TemplateIdea Catalog, that you receive when you purchase the template. The idea catalog has 5 exclusive projects, that are ONLY featured in the idea catalog! All the catalog designers put lots of time, effort and details into this catalog to ensure you have some super ideas! You get detailed step by step instructions, as well as a full list of supplies!!

Supplies:
My Timeless Template : Milk Made © Carton/ Crate
Stamps: Everyday Button Bits, Polka Dot Basics II
Ink:Snow White, Enchanted evening, Black, Copic Markers
Cardstock: White, Enchanted Evening, Spring Rain
Ribbon: Enchanted evening bitty dots ribbon
Vintage buttons:  Spring Rain
Googlies eyes, Scallop border punch, labels nestability 1

*Be sure to check out Nichole’s blog for all the designer’s peeks and links to their projects!*

Thanks for stopping by!

OK are you ready for some MORE peeks!! I’m so excited!

I’m running so behind this week! Spent the day with the kids at Story Land yesterday. 3 hour drive due to traffic! YIKES! I thought the kids would make me crazy but it turned out to be my hubby complaining about the drive! LOL! Anyway, it was a gorgeous day! PERFECT! We had a blast!

OK down to buisness!

Some time ago (back in March) I posted this project—>Baby Bunny Basket

WOWZERS! Was I ever swamped with emails about HOW to make it!! Little did you know, I already had it planned for a template 😀 I did most of my templates about a year ago now!! I have sat on SO many of them for so long now!! It is SO hard! Every now and again I sneak a version in my regular posting 😀

I have over 2 more years worth done, so it can be hard to WAIT, and I often forget what I made! LOL!!! I do have a sample file, but every-time we decide what comes next, I am always surprised!! LOL!

Well, now I’d like to formally  introduce you to Pretty Petal Pocket ©

About Pretty Petal Pocket ©:

 You will love this “pocket” style template creation! Sweet and simple, but it looks so complicated with all the angles and curves! With the template you will be whipping up gifts in NO TIME!  You can make it closed, leave it open, handle on, handle off! Its the perfect size. Petal center on, or leave it off. Many choices!

 This pretty “pocket” was inspired by my very favorite flower, the tulip! That is how it received the name. I wanted to recreate the delicate and pretty layers! Like all the My Timeless Templates ©, the possibilities are endless!  It doesn’t have to be all girly! Leave off the additional “petal” layer, and it becomes the sweetest “basket” or as I like to say here, “pocket” template! It can hold so many fabulous things!  Weather use make it a “petal” or a “simple basket” style the receiver will be dying to pick this pocket!

I love the angles/curves it has, and the ability to transform the design every time!

This one was the “concept sample” since I design just the templates first, then I later make my actual “sample”. These are “quickies” that the design team get to see so that they know what the finished project looks like 😀

For this one I printed my template in pure poppy, then make the “tulip petal” from black and white basics, then colored it with my copic markers to match my project!

Shows you just how fast and easy it can be!

Supplies:

My Timeless Template: Pretty Petal Pocket

Stamps: NONE!

 Cardstock:Pure poppy, Spring moss

Patterned Paper: B& W basics

ink: NONE! Just Copic markers

other: silver brad to hold closed 😀

Now comes the My Time to Create Color Challenge and another SAMPLE!!!

I *just got –>this<– Vera Bradley Bag! It is the Stephanie style, in the Carnable Collection! LOVE IT!

I hope you get a chance to join in the color challenge!

Post your creations HERE

It was so inspiring to me, that I had to make my newest Pretty Petal Pocket © template look *just* like it 😀

OK not JUST like it, but my fun and funky version! I have to say I am in HEAVEN with this “handbag”. You’d never think CARDSTOCK would you?

Look at the cool decor on the fun side panel! I could scream!

Check it out girls! REAL hardware to boot!

LOVE IT!

I feel like I’m cheating on my template because for this sample,I just used ribbon as my handles, and metal pieces I purchased at the craft store! Jewelry rings for the handbag rings, and an actual purse latch! HELLO! Love that!

ALL attached with cardstock! So cool.

My countdown post using In Bloom was a total TOSS UP!! I was going to post BOTH projects together, but didn’t want to overwhelm you! I LOVE this new stamp set! LOVE!

Close up-love the bling! I also love the colors!!! LOVE!

This used black Atyou glitter pen. Subtle yet stunning!

So I guess I KIND of strayed a little with my color-not too bad! LOL!

Another view

It’s just delicious

Here is my Amber holding the template handbag!!

(playing around with my camera! and Photoshop!)

Here is one un-touched!

Isn’t she so cute?! She LOVED this template! I had to hide it from her! LOL!

Will go up in my Etsy Shop SOON!

Supplies:

My Timeless Template: Pretty Petal Pocket

 Stamps: In Bloom (release July 15th)

 Cardstock: smokey shadow, soft stone, bitty dots 2008 paper

Ink:pallette black, and copic markers

ribbon: Raspberry twill

hardware-brads, latch, ring circles

Now go take a lookie at what the team did using the color challenge! They get better and better!!

As always, thank YOU for stopping by!

Also be sure to check in on Nichole’s blog Dawn and Lisa,  also have  stamp sets this month-So Im sure they have EXTRA samples to  check  out.

I am excited to hear what you think of this new template! I’m a totally in LOVE with it, and have SO much more to share regarding design ideas over the next couple of days!! JUST WAIT!! YIPPEE!!

Well today is the 10th!

 That means I get to FINALLY give you a peek at a NEW! Stamp set from Papertrey Ink called In Bloom! It is over the top FABULOUS!! I love flower sets and this one is to DIE FOR! I was so excited when I saw it, and I think you will fall in complete LOVE with it too.

I used this NEW! In Bloom stamp set to create a FABULOUS gift! Of course that gift was made using one of my NEWEST My Timeless Templates: called Milk Made ©

I am seriously over the moon for the projects I have to share over the next few days! ALL of the My Timeless Templates © really do make your gift giving easier, more creative, affordable, and FUN!

NOTE! These items peeked will not be released until July 15th! Links are provided for those browsing in the future 😀

This template is just fabulous!

About Milk Made ©

 I always love little containers! The traditional cardboard “Milk Carton” is included in the fun gift box idea! Many types of candy is packaged in the “milk carton” style boxes nowadays, but they are very unattractive! While I liked the idea, I didn’t like the packaging. So I designed my own!   I loved the name “Milk Made”, since it was inspired by the traditional Milk carton! Now these little treat boxes are easier than ever!  The Milk Made carton is perfect to present on its own. But, good things come in multiples, right?  

Now, what could make it MORE fun, than my own little Milk Crate to carry them in?!

Included in this template you will also receive the template for the cutest “milk crate”. Complete with matching decorative layer.

You can make 2 “milk crates” and adhere them back to back! Then you have 4 milk cartons, all presented in an even more adorable Milk Crate! 

Now seriously, who would have thought that a MILK carton could be MADE so cute?

So today what you are going to see the the Milk Made © Carton (2 created), with the Milk Made © Crate(adhered back to back) to create a fabulous gift set of 2 Cartons (to fill with whatever you heart desires), a set of 10 custom designed cards, and 10 envelope slip-covers-that fit PERFECTLY into the Milk Made © Crate! 

True Friend Crate Card Set

Here is my completed project!

Here you can see the 2 Cartons in one side.

Then on the other side……I custom designed this card set to fit PERFECTLY into the Milk Made © My Timeless Template!

I went with a monochromatic color scheme for an easy, and elegant look, that just makes you say WOW!

The flowers/leaves are truly stunning, so I wanted to make them POP!

My colors are : Soft Stone, Sahara Sand (From SU!), Smokey Shadow, and True Black-with a small pop of white!

Now let me share the HOW TO!

Set of 10 Cards and Vellum Slip-cover envelopes/label tabs

To create the note cards that fit into Milk Made ©

Finished Card size 3 X 4 1/2

Cut 5 sheets of cardstock to 6 X 9

Along 6 inch side -score at 3 inches

Along 9 inch side – cut in half at 4 1/2 to get your 2 pre-scored cards!

NOTE: You will then have a set of 10 cards

Stamping:

Stamp Flower image onto Soft Stone card-stock in black ink

NOTE: Stamp as many as you will want to create-for this exact project 14

10 for the cards, 2 for the Milk Made © centerpiece images, then 2 more to layer on a dimensional center for the main images

Color images with Copic Markers. I used the T4 and T6 colors.

Color flower center with white gel pen.

NOTE: Since I stamped it on the Stone color I didn’t have to use another marker.

Cut out images, and apply dimensionals.

Simply stamp leaf image, in black ink into lower right corner of cards.

Stamp sentiment at top.

Layer on 3D flower

DONE!

Vellum Slip-Cover Envelope & Label Tags

Simple Slip-Cover Envelope

You will need 5 sheets of Lined vellum cardstock.

Cut the 5 pieces of lined vellum cardstock to 8 1/2 X 9 1/2

Along the 8 1/2 inch side-Score at 3, then 6 1/2.

Cut along the 9 1/2 inch side, in the middle at 4 3/4.

NOTE: This gives you 2 envelope slip covers per piece of cardstock.

Fold on score lines.

Now you will have 10 envelope slip-covers!

Labels

Use adhesive label sheets

Stamp circle from Borders & Corners Circle set, in black ink.

Stamp smallest flower into center.

Color with markers listed above.

Punch out with 1 3/8 circle punch!

Tie card/slip cover envelope set with a pretty black Saddle Stitched Ribbon!

Done

Now it fits all nicely into the Milk Made © Crate template!

Now on the other side we have 2 of the Milk Made © Cartons

You can put the label stickers you made in here, along with stamps, address labels, paper clips, buttons, ribbon….. whatever!!

They are a great size, so the sky is the limit!

Here is one carton out.

You can see the pretty curves that back panel the Crate has, complete with decorative panel!

Carton Duo

I printed the Milk Made ©Cartons onto the Soft Stone cardstock.

I stamped my In Bloom image, onto the corner of template prior to assembly.

The flowers are SO easy and FUN to color! Obviously I had a BLAST making this 😀

I used the largest flower in the set, then colored the image just like the other flowers, only direct ON the template.

I then assembled the template, as directed.

They both look so pretty in here.

Can’t you see this sitting on desks all across the country?! I know I can 😀

This is the side view of the 2 Milk Made © Crates together

Milk Made Crate:

My Milk Made ©Crate was printed (2 X’s) onto Smokey Shadow Card-stock, then assembled.

Both Crates were adhered back to back!

They have a very prety rounded style/design on the back panel.

I just created the 2 base templates, and adhered them together.

I then tied around my ribbon.

I created a scallop bottom for another pretty detail for my carton, and to continue the Sahara, Stone, Smokey Shadow and Black color combination.

I also made the same center piece for both sides, of the top of my carrier! It’s ALL about the details, and ALL sides looking clean, and professional!

Center piece is stamped/colored/cut. I also added an additional center layer for additional POP!

I think it looks so elegant!

SUPPLIES:

My Timeless Template: Milk Made ©

Stamps: NEW! In Bloom, Borders & Corners Circle

Cardstock:  Smokey Shadow, Soft Stone, True Black, Lined Vellum, Adhesive Labels

                     other: Sahara Sand

Ink: True Black

Copic Markers: T4, T6

Ribbon: Saddle Stitch Grosgrain and Satin in True Black

Nestabilities-Tall/Long Rectangle (largest) die cut X3 for scalloped bottom on template base 😀

Punches:2 inch circle, Mega (pink)Scallop by Marvy, Key Tag punch, X2 butterfly punches by Martha Stewart

White brads

So now comes the question I’m dying to know the answer to-

What do you think?! Do you like it?!

I HOPE so! I really can’t wait to share more with you!

Let’s not forget I have ANOTHER template to share too!! But that has to wait for now 😀

In the meantime check out Catherine at The Dancing Pear, this month’s Template Guesat Designer!!

Nichole’s blog(I know you already know this! LOL!), Dawn and Lisa,  also have  stamp sets this month-So check it out.

That’s all for today! More to come tomorrow 😀

Well little Ethan has been gone for *almost* a month.

I still can’t believe it. Alicia and Dave Weiman have become my personal heroes! To see the strength they have when facing such a devastating situation is an just amazing testimony of Faith in God to me. AMAZING!

I am getting ready to send the Pawsome Pony that the kids stuffed for his sister Ava (who also just got a new kitten!). We wanted to send her a hug in the mail! Something to hold on to when she is happy, sad, lonely or just needs a hug! Something to remember Ethan by too. She was always hugging and kissing him in photos, so I hope this makes her happy.

We got her everything to make a girl pony AND a boy pony! Originally it was to be dressed as a Cowboy Pony.

He has a Cowboy hat, vest, jean shorts, cowboy boots, red collar, red bandanna, and to complete the ensemble a SADDLE! Then Amber said, “What if she really wants a GIRL pony too? She can’t have just ONE outfit! That’s not fun!” Leave it to my girly girl to say that! LOL!

So we got her the grooming brush, dress, hair/tail bows, pink collar, pretty pink “horseshoes” and a pocketbook-which has several hearts so that Ava and her mom and dad can make a wish and send a prayer to Ethan, and stuff it in the pony before securing it closed (the hearts are in the pocketbook)

Pretty Pawsome

Amber did all the dressing and grooming! She was very careful to make her look like ” Pretty Pawsome! “LOL!

PS-Can you see the little shoes?-so cute!

This is what she will look like when Ava opens the box! I have a few more things to complete today so I can ship this by the weekend! But she is definitely going PONY EXPRESS by Friday! LOL!

Sending Hugs

I made a card for Ava using the —>Weiman Wranglers digi image<— I am so happy to see we have raised almost $2,000 in honor of Ethan Weiman, to donate to the Make A Wish organization! A cause that has not only touched the Weiman Family, but my own as well!

THANK YOU to any and everyone who has not only purchased the image/images, but spread the word. I cannot tell you how much that has meant to the Weiman Family and myself!

So as I said I wanted to send a hug to Ava, so I used this sentiment from JustRite Stampers – Tiny Words Borders & Centers Set 1-3/16″

Now for the dual color, I stamped my image in Hibiscus Burst ink, the then used a Amethyst marker to go and color the images I wanted in the purple! It only took a few seconds, and I got a super cute look! It was truly just the perfect sentiment for this gift.

I love the girly colors! This card was Amber approved so I think I’m good!

I’ll share the other projects when I get them done! LOL!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a “pawsome” day 😀 (sorry I couldn’t resist!)

friend play_w2(“F0327100”)

 (frnd)

n.

1. A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.

2. A person whom one knows; an acquaintance.

3. A person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; a comrade.

4. One who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group, cause, or movement: friends of the clean air movement.

5. Friend A member of the Society of Friends; a Quaker.

tr.v. friend·ed, friend·ing, friends

1. To add (someone) as a friend on a social networking website. <—HEY! Look what has been added to the friend definition!

2. ArchaicTo befriend.

I thought it would be fun to share the real definition of a friend today.

Maybe you have one that you haven’t been in touch with. I have been trying to get better at being a “friend” to my friends! LOL! We all have busy lives, and sometimes we lost track of “people”.

An old friend

I adore this center image of flowers! I wanted some pretty colors, but keep it soft.

I went with Aqua mist, and Smokey Shadow, with hints of a sage/moss combo for the leaves.

This image is part of the NEW! Release (TODAY!) frm JustRite Stampers called Friendship Borders & Centers Round 3-1/4”

Check out the JRS Blog <—-

For some reason I always mix and match their centers/borders as I think others pair better at times, or convey the message I want! LOL! I can never use the suggested combo! But, that is part of the fun.

I have to say I have “not met” so many amazing people that I “met” on the world wide web,  that I consider “friends”. With the cyber world these days I really feel like you most likely know what I mean!

Its all about social networking.

Some of my BEST friends are from the web! LOL! That SOUNDS pathetic! But it really isn’t (I don’t think! LOL!) since most of my “real” life friends, don’t stamp, they don’t get my insanity! They have no idea what rubber vs acrylic stamping is, why I get excited over new releases, cardstock colors, ribbon or markers and ink. When I give them a gift I MADE I don’t think 1) they believe I designed it 2) that it wasn’t a pre-made box card already decorated 3) how on earth it is even possible! LOL! Nor do they even have a clue of ANY of what I do. I don’t even explain it to people because their eyes just glaze over with confusion! LOL!

So, I enjoy my happenings with people who actually “get me” and share my excitment for these things, more than you know. Without the Internet, I’d just be some insanely craft obsessed mom, with NO ONE to share it with.

This card is going to one of those “cyber-friends” or in other words, a term my daughter Alexa came up with PSF “Pretend Stamping Friend”. The name came up years ago, when she was sick with Cancer. So many of these “cyber friends” would send cards and care packages (don’t think I ever did finish all the thank yous :C). Alexa would always say! “WHO is that from?” Then I’d tell her mommy’s  friend from the computer from the stamping place (aka Splitcoaststampers). Her 6 year old mind could not wrap around the idea that these were REAL people. She then said “OH! Mommy’s Pretend Stamping Friend sent it.” She thought that people “in” the computer weren’t “real”. She is a very literal child. So that is how the PSF came up!

All that being said, the very first person to reach out to me, when Alexa got sick, was my my dear friend Renee! You may know her on SCS as happystamper05. We have never met, but she has been my “friend” for almost 4 years! While I haven’t been a good friend, always forgetting birthdays and unable to be in cyber-land these days, I’ve also been unable to catch up on her daily happenings, (or those of my other PSF’s) I want her to know how much I cherish her! (and my many other PSF’s!). I actually have some cards to make that are LONG over-do. I could NOT decide if I should have Alexa make the thank yous, then fearing it would take too long (OK they actually may have gotten MADE and MAILED if I let her do them! LOL!) decided I would make them. Well days turned to months that turned to over a year! NOT GOOD!!!!!!!! So After the next release I’m so making them! If it KILLS me!

Renee always remember everything, is always sending me the prettiest cards, and is just one of the most amazing people I never  met, but hope to!

So I hope today, you get to make a card for a far-away friend, or maybe one you lost touch with!

I have some mail stuff to finish today before I run to the post office! Better get a move on.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Im loving today’s samples!

Today is the release for C.C. Designs! YEAH! The wait is O-V-E-R! 

I have to say I was OVER the MOON for this new line of images from C.C. Designs! One of my favorite sets released to date 😀

This one is called Chasing Butterflies-so you KNOW I was ALL ABOUT IT!

Seriously! How flippin cute is that?

I love her! I kept the card relatively simple. I had fun coloring this one.

I was once again inspired by the K & Co paper I got a few weeks ago. My favorite paper pack yet. K&Co is a fave of mine.

The paper clip/bow combo was a little added touch to the corner for balance-and it appeared to be similar to a butterfly (IMO!)

Here is the close up

The sentiment was stamped as I saw fit for my card. I stamped/colored/cut the little butterfly. LOVE it.

Then I went on to the CUTEST little Fox image I have ever seen!  I don’t own ANY foxes! Till now!

Play amongst the butterflies…

Now you can see WHY I’m flipping for this set?

I used the same paper from the K & co pack. Funky little forest!

I think this image is just too cute and fun. Also easy peasy to color! I like that too.

So that is it for me.

Short, sweet and to the point. I have many errands to run, so no real time for chatter!

I think I saved the best for last with this release!

Let me know what you think!

Thanks for stopping by.

We had a great 4th of July! I hope you did as well.

I have been posting all weekend, so SCROLL on down! You don’t want to miss anything, right?!

I couldn’t help but think of all our families with Soldiers fighting this very LONG war. Made me sad, and thankful for our freedom. Something I THINK we can easily forget or take for granted. So if you are a military family-THANK YOU! 

Tomorrow Alexa and Noah start Summer School. Only 4 days a week, 3 hours a day, for 5 weeks. I will say I enjoyed  the 2 week hiatus from the daily “grind” that the school year brings.

I know, it seems “mean” to send kids to summer school, but kids lose so much over the summer! Plus it keeps them in a “routine” of school. They get home at almost noon, so I can still do PLENTY with them, the remainder of the day.

Alexa LOVES it (thankfully) and Noah is far from happy with me! But, I have to remember my “job” as a mom is to do what is BEST for them and their future! Not always an easy thing to do.  I really feel they BOTH will benefit from going. I’m not put on this earth to be their best friend! I’m suppose to guide them, and do what I can, by example, to mold them into educated, caring, and loving individuals, with a good heart, sense of community, and honesty. That is just the beginning of it! LOL!

Alexa really needs to expand her Math skills. We are going to try a new Math Program, thanks to all the suggestions here-the Saxon 3rd Grade Math series. It is based on repetition, which we NEED for Alexa. I was fortunate that one of my readers Cindy Coutts,  a retired teacher, had that program and sent EVERYTHING to us!! Isn’t that amazing?! So a huge thank you to Cindy! I wihs you MUCH success on your new venture!

Cindy retired from teaching and saw my blog post and contacted me! I was assured she didn’t need the program now that has started a Christian Paper Crafts Magazine <—-check it out!  (WOW! That is very cool!!) They also have a design team and blog—> HERE! 

I know many of you hoped for something like this, so after seeing Cindy’s signature I asked her about it! So I hope you check it out. God definitely used her to bless our life with the Math program at the perfect time!! I hope you find her Christian based magazine a help to you. I figured the least I could do was spread the word!

 I am taking the kids to the library this week to learn about bee’s! LOL! That seems to be the BIG interest going on in the family this week. The kids keep seeing bees and want to learn ALL about them. Gotta LOVE kids. I never normally would even think to find out more on my own, but after being asked a ZILLION questions, that I did NOT know the answer to, I found it a good time to brush up on my bee knowledge. PLUS, Noah is having a hard time getting into reading. He likes non-fiction books (as I JUST learned) so I HOPE this will really spark his interest in reading. Funny-he is 6 and can do Alexa’s math homework (2nd grade level) yet his reading is definitely NOT his strong point.

I need to get him into it somehow, so I hope weekly trips to the library will help a little.

OK speaking of bees, I have a peek for you.

This is another peek from the C.C. Designs release (tomorrow is FINALLY the release day!) called Bumble B. Bear.

Really cute set!

Bee Joyful-

There is a LARGE & small image of this bear in the set-I used the lil bear, and stamped him/her in the middle of myGiga Marvy flower punched flower.

Call me crazy, but I like the bear in green! LOL! I’m LOVING this paper by K& Co. LOVE!! This is a very clean and simple layout, but I’m liking it a lot!

The colors were inspired by my paper! I usually choose an image, then my paper or colors, so things just flow! If you color first, then you (or should I say “I”) often struggle to find the RIGHT paper to match my already colored image. So I just avoid pre-coloring anything like that!

When you are a busy person, you don’t have time to waste! So just make the most of your time by pre-selecting everything, easy peasy done! I also sketch out most of my ideas, so everything just flows quickly and smoothly, then next thing you know, one idea turns into another, then another! I have had quite the creative streak the past 2 weeks, so I’m happy!

Much you won’t see until I can reveal things 😀 but its been great!

Well here is to wishing you some mojo!

Enter on THE BLOG <—– to win this set (and see a few samples)

Thank you, as always for taking time out of YOUR busy day to ready my insane ramblings and see what I have been up to!

Till tomorrow (boy do I have 2 cute cards then! LOL!) I’m also waiting on some “deliveries” of NEW! images! WAHOO!!

OK I’m seriously done rambling now!

Later-

Happy 4th of July! 

Sorry, I’m a bit late.

Jay and I had a GREAT date! WOW! Did it feel SO good to get out alone. We will be trying to do that at least twice a month, from now on 😀

We are going to friends tonight for a Bar-B-Q and to see the fireworks, and for some reason I decided to give my house a complete SCRUB DOWN, and RE-ORGANIZE! AGAIN! We are going to be putting our house on the market in a few months (sometime after Jay’s back surgery) so I want to keep de-cluttering! Not that my house is cluttered, but the less stuff in my closets the better! Plus when people view a home I think its nicer to get a good CLEAR picture of the space.

I have much to do BEFORE we put it on the market, but I do ahve 3 kids, so I have to PACE myself 😀 Just the idea of moving is exciting. NO we haven’t put a bid on a home yet. We figured its easier to SELL ours first, then move! We have about 5 homes we LOVE, all relatively NEW 😀 So MORE space and a BIG yard is what we are in the market for. We also NEED for me to have a room for my stamping 😀 That is another MUST!

OK so I know no cares to hear me babble about my cleaning, so I’ll move onto the stamping!

I have another peek for you!

It is from C.C. Designs-Under Water Adventure.

REALLY CUTE!

So I went with aquatic colors (I think! LOL!) I like the purple hair! LOL!

The yellow layer is suppose to be like the sandy bottom of the sea. Lame, I know! But bear with me here!

I had a bit of fun with this one!
LOTS of cutting.

The mermaid is cut out. Her face/bangs are also cut out, popped up on dimensionals…….the rock…..seaweed….. and……the fish……the bubbles…….lots of cutting! Oh and I added a little shell! Loved it.

I love her sparkly fin, and head piece. I just enjoyed making this one.

 The release is Monday July 6th!

Enter to win this set—>HERE<—

Tomorrow, there is one last set, and then I have some more samples for Monday! Crazy!

Well I’m off to our friends. Enjoy the holiday!

Hi all!

Busy busy these days 😀

I’m so excited today because we 1) have some sun! Granted mixed with down pouring  rain at time-like a sun shower

2) I ordered a new work out series that will HOPEFULLY help me achieve my body goals!! It is from the same guy who does the P90X workouts, only THIS ONE seems much more do-able to me 😀

Its called the 10 minute trainer <—click it

I seriously cannot wait to get started! I told the woman on the phone (since they ask)I just want to really FIRM up and get my 6 pack!! I’m 5’11 and now weigh 135lbs. So I just need to get that 6 pack I WANT/DESIRE/NEED!

She was like” That is ALL you want this program to do? Well you will be REALLY happy because people use it to usually transform their body and lose many many ponds and inches”

So I say give it try! LOL!

Now I know LOTS of people DON’T believe in the infomercials, but I do! I could have been one! I did Mitch Gaylords Melt, and lost more than the 40lbs I wanted, I lost 65lbs to date!! So I KNOW this one can work for me too! I basically believe ANY workout WILL work, if you STICK WITH IT, and then don’t go eat a box of twinkies! CONTROL!!!!

I love the 10 minute workout! I KNOW I can do it, as these exercises seemed to be more achieve-able to me than the P90X. Its the SAME guy so I totally trust it.

Jay has a friend at work who did the P90X (this is HARDCORE stuff )and I guess he has a rock solid body now

So I’ll keep you posted when I get it, on my progress, and results!

Now another reason I’m HAPPY! HAPPY!!

3)  Jay and I FINALLY found a baby sitter! After 9 years of having NO SITTER, we finally have someone we can use! YIPPEE!!!

So we have a HOT date tonight! WOOT! WOOT!

She has come over a few times to get to know the kids. I also wanted to get to know her better as well. She is a neighborhood girl, and she completed her babysitters course, so it should be good to have her around. My kids are also pretty low maintenance as they are obviously potty trained, can talk, dress themselves, and are pretty self sufficient! So I’m not too worried

 I will also use her this Summer as a Mother’s Helper! Someone to help out a little so I can catch up on my to do list, or to use when I go places with the kids, like a theme park.

Jay is having his back surgery to repair 2 herniated discs in his back on the 16th. OH BOY! Will life be crazy then.

He will be out of work a minimum of 4 weeks. So it will be like having another child. I’m always on the GO! GO! GO! so this will be hard for me to get use to! LOL!  I want to be able to still do things with the kids, while they are on Summer vacation, and another set of eyes and hands is always a good idea! I’m paranoid my kids will get lost of abducted! LOL! So the more eyes the better! LOL!

So cross our fingers Jay’s surgery heals his back pain, and he heals quickly.

OK now onto the card. All That Scraps is having their July Release countdown! Sets go on SALE Monday the 6th! Today’s peek is Underwater Sentiments (I don’t have anything for that one) so check out the BLOG —>HERE to enter to win!

If you are itching for new images, then this is the post for you!!

Now All That Scraps has a Digi Duo for July called—> July Kiki<—-click there to purchase the 2 digi images, for only $3!

I made a CUTE card using one of them.

{make a wish }

Isn’t she SO adorable?!

I LOVE her! I didn’t want it to be *just* a 4th of July card. I think it looks like a “celebration” card.

The “make a wish” sentiment isAmyR birthday sentiments

The paper is by Cosmo Cricket-Early Bird (love that line)

I used my Star nestability, and a sponge for the effects.

I had some star shaped sticky tape, that I adhered to my card base, and added soem glitter! I think it looks cute.

Details photo:

You can’t SEE it but there is some bling to her star headband, and bracelets too!

Now MANY people ask

Q:”Can you color with your Copic markers, and digi images that used your printer ink?”

A. YES! You can! No smudging here :D) I used Papertrey Ink white cardstock, so I cannot vouch for any other brand, but never had an issue 😀

Another question I get ask A LOT (especially since I have the My Timeless Template © line

Q. What printer do you use? My printer won’t take cardstock!!

A. I have a Canon. Now my make/model is retired, but (I swear I should have bought STOCK in Canon BEFORE starting my printable template line! LOL! ) have not heard of ANYONE with a Canon (any Canon printer) have any issues with PTI heavy duty cardstock going through their printer!

Also many makes/models of other printers have a paper setting, so when you ARE using cardstock you can usually adjust your settings to accept the thicker paper! So check that out before you run out and spend any more money than you HAVE to!!

So that does it for me today!

Tomorrow I have a peek at another set for the countdown to the C.C. Designs release!

We are taking a week off from challenges, due to the holiday! I needed a break anyway. Im working on my newest template release! YEAH!

So see ya tomorrow.

PS If you have any questions you want me to answer I’ll do a Q& A on Sunday, so drop a comment here!

Well, today is like the umpteenth day of down pouring rain here! BLAH!

It is VERY depressing and unmotivating! I guess I could NEVER live in Seattle! LOL! I NEED sun!  It hasn’t even felt close to SPRING, let alone summer!

Right now my kids are playing Rock Band in the other room! The Disney soundtrack one! I’m cracking up listening to them do Karaoke! With the 3 of them we do have a little “band” Noah on guitar, Alexa on drums and Amber singing! LOL! They crack me up when they play all of it together. Noah is REALLY good at Guitar Hero and on the drums. Alexa prefers to dance and sing all over, and Amber ALWAYS hogs the microphone!

Its great rainy day play! I better HURRY so I get some stamp time in while the gettin is good! LOL!

HOPEFULLY these cards today will brighten your day (and mine!) I feel like I should be working with tons of GRAY!

Anyway, today’s peeks are from All That Scraps-C.C. Designs.

The release will be Monday July 6th

This set is AmyR Butterflies

You know me and my butterflies…………

I have to say I LOVE this card 😀

There is a lot if dimension, and I love the “fluttering around” effect/feel I think this has.

Sentiment reads: What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.

I obviously was inspired by the Monarch Butterfly for this card!

I stamped them in Black Brilliance ink, onto Lemon tart, then colored in with my Copic markers. I added a bit of Shimmerz to them when I was done. I like stamping and coloring on a COLORED base. A great look as oppose to always stamping on WHITE ir IVORY! I’ll have to do that more often!

I also used Papertrey Ink:Cardstock, Friends til the End patterned paper, and Borders & Corners circle set for this. I wanted a subtle colored bkgd paper, and it was pretty perfect.

Now for another one….

I think this is the perfect card of encouragement, or sympathy.

I stamped my butterfly on vellum cardstock, then embossed it with white EP. I dry embossed the open lines, then colored with my Fantastix stix and Versamagic ink, for a RICH look. I thne cut it out, and adhered it to my card with a dimensional.

I love the softness it has.

The patterned paper is STUNNING! It is Basic Grey–>Rochelle I used a tall nestability rectangle to make my panels.

I used the nestabilities tags on both my cards today. I LOVE them!

Anyone who knows me, knows this is by far my FAVORITE sentiment ever! I use it all the time.  It reminds ME that life is too short, and should be about living every MOMENT to the fullest. I never put the good things off till tomorrow. Life is about the QUALITY , not the quantity. You could live to be 100 and not have had a full life. You also never know what tomorrow brings, so take it all in today. No regrets!

So that is my share of peeks for today

Check out the —> ATS BLOG <— daily for more peeks and a chance to WIN! Each set that is peeked along the way!

Tomorrow I will have even more to share!

Thanks for stopping by. I would love to hear your favorite sentiment, if you have one 😀

Till tomorrow…………..