The winner will be picked some time tomorrow.
In the meantime……
I have this sample to share today, but first some banter!
So this is the LAST day of 2009! Seems like just yesterday we were all wondering if the computers around the world would crash with the celebration of Y2K . Now, a decade later…..here we are! Technology is BOOMING!
Did you think there would be iTouch phones, Skype, texting, YouTube, Facebook, and even videos sent via phone? I’m a talker so while I have NEVER sent a single text, and while I don’t have time for Facebook, I’m in awe of everything that has come of this decade.
Now here we are….all connected by the Internet in some way. Most of us (myself certainly included) are DEPENDENT on the technology of today, that connects us to the world! I mean you could stay home 24/7 and feel connected to others.
I feel like I have a huge network of “friends” whom I never even met. All these “screen-names” I somehow “know” and view as an extension of friends. People who are there for me in this Internet of connections, who support me, know me, and cheer me on. People who I would never know otherwise! Other people who understand my papercrafting dreams and obsessions, because they are just like me!
Where were you in the year 2000?
I remember I didn’t even know how to email, much less blog, or anything else. I certainly never heard of stamping!!
Now here I am preparing to start 2010, doing something I had never even thought I’d set out to do. Something I always thought impossible! I have to say I have learned a TON in the last year, and I have so much more yet to learn!
I have accomplished more than I anticipated this past year, and have no sham in saying I’m proud of myself.
I’m beyond excited to see what 2010 will bring.
I’m excited to have you all right there with me, doing something I never, in a MILLION years expected to do.
So now its time for those New Year resolutions!
Obviously I am resolving to do me very best that I can in my new ventures.
I am thinking that I am going to resolve to NOT doubt myself, nor under-estimate what I am capable of doing! I truly believe we can make any dream come true, with hard work and dedication! I have accomplished some pretty big goals the last few years, so the sky is the limit!!! Don’t be afraid to make a leap, take a risk, or step out of your comfort zone! Its far better than saying “I wish I did that”. You may surprise yourself.
I am also going to resolve to become MORE computer savvy (and pity those around me who will have to teach/deal with me as I strive to do so)
I also want to resolve to finding balance between family and work. Family is so important. I’ve been VERY busy lately but have done my best to try to maintain some sort of balance. Admittedly some days it worked better than others, but I’m working on it.
I always have a million goals and resolutions. I commit that to the fact that I strive for continuous personal growth! Having the never ending “accomplish this” list certainly isn’t a BAD thing! Once I complete one goal, a new one takes its place.
I’d love to hear YOUR resolutions! So feel free to share.
In the meantime….my friend is going to a Wedding tonight with the red & white color scheme (pretty cool-a New Year’s Eve wedding!) and she asked that I make her something to accompany a bottle of Champagne, and to put some $$ in! Not the standard envelope.
Well I thought that this would be the PERFECT wedding package!
I used the In A Pinch © template, cut using my Cricut Expression in Alabaster Columns. It is a pretty textured white. I used the heart shape that come with my Sure Cuts A Lot to create a window! Took SECONDS!! No more trying to CRAM my templates through a machine that they can’t fit into!
I’m loving wired ribbon lately, and this was perfect for my project.
The sentiment on the heart is from JustRite Stampers Jan 1st release called Romantic Sentiments.
It reads: “When I followed my heart it lead me to you”. I stamped it in white ink, on red cardstock.
Can you get a better Wedding sentiment?! Love it. Made this so perfect for “love birds”
I put some acetate behind the window, then assembled my box.
I decided to use some adhesive rhinestones around the heart window. They were silver, colored red to match.
I also added some punched white doves, from a shimmery white cardstock.
Inside this they will find some Dove Chocolates to match )and Dove because I used Doves in the heart. They will also receive a heart shaped “Key” that is also a bottle opener. I found that in the Wedding section at Michael’s, which is attached to a heart shaped “ornament” that is filled with epoxy hearts, and glitter, and can contain the $$, as well as be saved. That is what will go INSIDE the box!
This is the key/ornament/gift, which is adorned by yet another tag…..from the Romantic Sentiments that reads: “You hold the key to my heart”
I stamped one of the borders on the tag to make it look a little more elegant. It was a very easy addition to make it POP.
I think this will make a nice Wedding package! She was very happy with the end result, and took the key bottle opener to be engraved with the couples Wedding date!
Well I am off to spend some time with friends and their children for the evening. We don’t go out on New Years. We like to stay home where it is safe 😀 The kids are going to have a big “camp-out” in their room, while the adults belt out tunes to American Idol (the game! LOL!). Should be FUN!
Before I know it the My Time Made Easy™ LLC release will be here!
YEAH!
I want to wish you and your family a very happy, healthy and SAFE New Year! I hope this is the year that you make all YOUR dreams come true.
See you in 2010!
71 Responses for "Love and the New Year"
Lauren,
Are most of your templates going to be for use with 81/2×11 paper or 12×12? I have the cricut expression so I can do both but I need to order cardstock so I wanted to know what size to stock up on. Thanks for all you do. Good Luck in 2010 and I am so excited for you.
Happy New Year,
Becky H
Lauren–thanks for all you have done to help me grow creatively this year. Using your templates, I made incredible gifts to share!! Wishing you much love, joy and success in the new year!!
Happy New Year! Celebrate the changes each year brings.
Hi Becky-
On my blog you inquired about the Pretty Packaging template size.
ALL my templates are formatted to fit the standard version on 8 1/2 X 11, as I am still creating them for people wither personal printers, and who have yet to invest in 12 X 12 paper. I myself mainly own 8 1/2 X 11 cardstock.
Obviously if you have a cutter machine, you can resize the templates to fit the 12 X 12 paper.
Hi Lauaren, Happy New Year! I want to thank you for all of the inspiration you have given us . I just found you blog a couple months ago and can’t wait to get home from work everyday to see what you have for us!!! You have inspired me both creatively and personally. Thank you for that. I am soo looking forward to your grand opening and will be ready to shop! haha. My goal is to be INSPIRED in 2010 and to do something with it. Love ya, Becky
Fabulous creation, Lauren. What a fun wedding in red and white!
My only resolutions will be to ‘be there’ for my friends and family, and to be as happy as I can be!
Happy New Year. Really looking forward to your templates to come!
Happy, healthy New Year to the Meader family!
Wowzers….ten years ago was a year full of changes for me, including getting married…it was a fantastic year!! I can only hope 2010 will be just as wonderful!
Your little blinged out heart cut out is adorable!! Have a wonderful time at the wedding and may you have much success in your 2010! :>
Hi Lauren
What an inspiration you have been to us all. If I only do one thing you have achieved it would be a massive leap for me.
I love your blog and check it every day if not 2 or 3 times a day.
Wishing you every success with your new venture. I’ll be supporting you 100% from England!!
Hugs – Clare xxx
What a great wedding gift! Love it! I didn’t realize the SCAL will cut shapes on the templates as well! I have yet to install it and use my recently purchased Cricut Expression! I haven’t had time to play with it yet, but I will and can’t wait to use your templates with it!
Happy New Year, Lauren!
Yes Lauren you are a big inspiration to a lot of us!!! I would love to be able to quit my day job and stay at home to work my other biz–that is one big goal I am striving for this year. Some other goals–lose 10 lbs. ( this past year with weight watchers I lost and kept off 35, so 10 is attainable) go to the gym, learn more about computer and digi photo and all that, remember that sometimes you just have to let it go!! Have a great New Years!!~~~~Roz~~~
Lauren, this is so fantastic for a wedding. Love the colors and your presentation is so perfect!
Thank you for all of your inspiration!! I can’t wait to see what all you have in store for the coming year.
Have a save and Happy New Year to you and yours.
Hugs,
Liz
Lauren thanks for all you share and the inspiration and I hope we all have safe and healthy new year
Lauren, this wedding ensamble is beautiful! Engraving the key is such a nice touch!
One thing you didn’t mention in the beginning of your post is that sharing so much of yourself via technology allows people to recognize you when shopping with your children at the mall! LOL
Here’s wishing you and your family a Happy New Year! I can already see that your dreams are coming true in 2010.
Hi Lauren – Random request (well maybe not) . I’m in the market for a new printer. I use my printer for printing out templates so I need to be sure it will take cardstock. My really old HP did the trick but today……it died a slow and noisy death. What kind of printer do you have and would you recommend it? Thanks for your help. Jodi
Lauren, Happy New year to you and good luck to you on your new venture, I wish you lots of luck and success!
What a pretty set Lauren! Happy New Year to you & your family!
Happy New Year Lauren! May this year be filled with just as many creative ideas as you provided for us last year. Thanks so much for your inspiration. I hope you have a prosperous and peaceful new year.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Love all your designs. Keep up the nice work.
Happy New Year!!
My new year resolution is to take off 15 pds. Not easy…but do-able! Happy 2010!
Pattyjo
What a lovely gift. Thanks for sharing this and so much throughout the year with all of us in Blogland!Blessings to you and your new venture but most of all hugs and best wishes to those you love most.
Lauren,
you amaze me each month!! I can’t wait until the release!!! My friends and family are always amazed when I give them one of your templates. If only they knew how easy they are.. I just keep that part a secret!!!
Can’t wait to see what 2010’s ideas and templates are
most clever yet! wishing you a wonderful 2010.
lois
First of all “Happy New Year” to you and your family – may it be a good one for you!
What a lovely idea to have a New Year’s Eve wedding – and what a beautiful gift for them.
Happy New Year Lauren! Thank you for helping me unleash MY creativity, Mary M
Another beautiful project Lauren .. this template is so versatile! .. I have really enjoyed seeing all of the lovely gifts you’ve made with it! Happy New Year to you and your family!
Lauren, your work is so fabulous. When I grow up I want to be as creative as you. I love your awesome work! This last creation is jaw-dropping!
Wowza! Wowza! that box is is just beautiful!. Happy new year Lauren to you and your family, God bless you all.x
Happy New Year Lauren,
I resolve to be a woman of Excellence as the Bible says. No matter what I do I want to do it with excellence and honor to the Lord. I also resolve to step out of my comfort zone and try new things and accomplish much more this year than ever before.
I love the packaging you did for your friend (i always do) You inspire and motivate me to do so much more and do it so much better. I may not have all the tools to use as you do but God gives me ideas and ways to upgrade all that I do!
God Blessings on you and your familiy’s life this New Year.
My New Year’s goals are to stamp more, enter at least one (or more) stamp challenges a month, make all my own Christmas cards for 2010.
Carey Rogers
aka Roscoe’s mommy
Happy New year!! I love your creation Lauren. I think the
new couple is going to be thrilled!!!! In the New Year I am
going to try my hand at paper projects. Your blog has offered
so much inspiration for all of us. Blessings to your family:-)
I love what you do! This is beautiful and I also have been using wired ribbon and Love it!
Thanks for the opportunity to win this great gift.
I resolve to be a healthier person all around, physically, spiritually and whatever other way I can! Happy New Year to you and yours.
Love the posting. What I want to know is where you found the time to write all that? Smiles. Happy New year
What a beautiful package. I love how you used so many hearts, esp. the key. Thanks for your inspiration!!! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you too! We are all looking forward to your new releases of templates and other fun things! I love this new one, hearts are one of my favorites!
Thanks!
Happy New Year and best to you on your new adventure. Love everything you make.
This might date me but I can remember when the song “Party Like It’s 1999” was a big thing and here we are 11 years later! Where does the time go? Anyway, Happy New Year and keep up the fantastic work You do! I always like viewing your blog.
What a great gift presentation! Wishing you the best for the new year & beyond!
Happy New Year Lauren! Wishing you loads of creativity, inspiration and prosperity for all your the days to come.
Congratulations on bringing your dream to fruition. That is something that not many get to experience in their lifetime so reap the rewards of your hard work – you so deserve it.
I have too many resolutions for 2010 to list (LOL) but my priority will be to maintain a balance in my life – both at home and work, and in everything that I do.
Excuse the pun but I want “my time made easy”.
Hugs
Beautiful! Happy New Year! Thanks for all you do!
HI LAUREN! ONLY 2 MORE DAYS FOR YOUR GRAND OPENING!!! I’M SURE YOU ARE EXCITED AND NERVOUS. WE ALL ARE TRYING TO WAIT PATIENTLY. YOUR TEMPLATES AND CREATIONS ARE SO FUN. WHERE DO ALL YOUR FUN IDEAS COME FROM? YOU MENTIONED YOU COLORED THE SILVER RHINESTONES RED…HOW?, WITH A MARKER? SURE IS CUTE.
What a beautifully packaged wedding gift! Love it!!
I can so relate to your comments about all the changes in the past decade…where I was and how far I’ve come. I, too, have a lot of learning to do in this high tech/cyber world. You are so far ahead of me, Lauren, in what you do already. At the very least you already have a blog. So that is near the top of my New Year’s resolution…create a blog!
I’ll continue to cheer you on and am looking forward to seeing and using the new creations you have in store for us in 2010. Wishing you and your family many blessing in 2010!!!
Lauren Happy New Year to your whole family! I am so happy for you and all your accomplishments.I love the outcome of all your Energizer Bunny Art works. I am so very glad we are all the recipients of all that hard work. You make it all seem very attainable, and easy to do with your great instructions. I look forward to the year ahead and spending time on using up alot of the supplies I have to making things, or pass it along for someone else to use. Most of all I want to continue spending time with my grown children and my precious , precious Grand-Children.
All the best to you and yours,
Cynde
Happy New Year to you and your family Lauren! You wedding gift is amazing as usual. You think of every last detain. Seriously my resolution is to purchase designs from your new venture. I got a Silhouette for Christmas and I am so excited to use your templates etc or whatever you have coming up on your new business!!!
Wishing you much success in your new business AND in your family life.
Hey Lauren,
Happy New Year to you and your beautiful family! I hope the new year brings you good health, happiness, and much success.
Hugs,
Michele
Kick 2009 to the curb and bring it on in 2010! Just think the store is almost opened. Yipee!!!!! Lauren you are a great blogger and I know this venture with b ring you much freedom and rewards to be all YOU can be! Happy New Year!
Beautiful packing, great idea on the key, a definte keepsake for your friend. Happy New Year to you and your family.
Happy New Year Lauren!
You give so much of yourself, your dedication and love for crafting has helped so many of us grow to believe we can do it too! May you and your family have a happy and healthy 2010! Best of luck with your new venture, Jeanne
This is a lovely gift! The ribbon is very pretty!
Happy New Year. Love the Valentine project you did, we are ready to get out of the holidays mode, huh? Rosie
How did you add the heart window? I tried to add one to the cutesey cover for practice and couldn’t get the heart to move to where I wanted it to. Is there a special trick? Thanks
Happy New Year! I am so glad I found your blog. It has really helped me over the year to be inspired to try new and different things.
Hi Lauren, I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us. You have made my love for paper crafting and packaging grow – I didn’t think it was possible! I wish you and your beautiful family a happy and healthy new year, your such a lovely person. x
This is the best….the key to my hesrt…………
Way to go
I’m not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions but this year, because it’s 2010 and I will be 40 in February, I made 10 resolutions! :
In no particular order:
1- Listen to my body and take better care of it.
2- Go to bed earlier and get more sleep.
3- Get Noah back on a biomedical regimen.
4- Have a weekly date with my hubby.
5- Update my blogs weekly.
6- Spend more quality time with my kids.
7- Get Noah out of diapers.
8- Bring my grandmother’s drawings to life (as photopolymer stamps).
9- Bring my kids to school on time!
10- Take a picture a day and make an album/scrapbook out of it.
Looks like it will be a busy year! LOL 😉 I wish you a very successful year in your new endeavor and a very healthy one for all your family. <3 🙂
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What a lovely gift. Thanks for sharing this and so much throughout the year with all of us in Blogland!Blessings to you and your new venture but most of all hugs and best wishes to those you love most.
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