My Time, My Creations, My Stampendence

Well today the kids begin another day of their summer swimming lessons. Yesterday Noah did awesome. Amber wouldn’t go in past her knee’s. She did practice in the tub though! LOL! She was a little scared, so I didn’t push it.

I have to bury my head and NOT watch since they teach them to go under water. That freaks me out. So I will be sketching some layouts, while the lessons go on. Looks like Amber will be sitting with me. Let’s hope she gets more comfortable. Alexa doesn’t start her lessons till next week. Now I am really nervous she will freak, since Amber did. Alexa can surprise you though, so we shall see.

One of my sketches from my kids being at the lake the other day, was this one using Hit the Beach. I did a couple sketches that I was excited about executing. More to come.

This is an older set, but one of my very favorites.

 Soak up the Sun

I made 10 of these for Kim @ MFT for her store samples. They look cool all together though.

I’m really not into mass producing, but ya gotta do it sometimes.

 All the paper is by Memory Box. I colored with my Copic Markers (of course). Rather than layer her on cardstock, I just colored my border. So I cheated a little I was restricted to what I could use, but think these are cute all the same.

Now I have another new release sample

 Pullin for you

This set is so super cute. I flocked my bunny I just HAD to. I have had MANY people email me about how I do this. I just take a 2 way glue pen, and evenly color over what I want flocked, then apply the flock. Tap of excess, done!

This paper is the Hansel collection from Piggy Tales. I loved the fresh summer colors for this. That sentiment is so great for MANY scenario’s. New job, life bumps in the road, someone making a change or tough decision……………just so cute. Oh and lets not forget they can make super cute BOY Easter gifts

Well I must run. We are going out the door in a few and I still have friends b-day cards to do, some get well cards, and I am first up for the Papertrey Ink reveal! YIKES!

Then I got some Lizzie Anne SCREAMING to be inked (wait till you see the new stuff!!). Oh and I so want to use more Magnolia, and Bella’s and Unity………………………do you think I can find a way to extend the hours in my day? Summer is just SO hard to get anything done here. I like to be with the kids and out of the house while the weather is good.

Seems like everyone is gone as well. Cyber world is awfully quiet these days.

Well enjoy your day!!! Whatever you are up to.

Later

Well MFT’s owner Kim, just turned 40! Happy Birthday Kim!

 She has to know I love her because I scrapped just for her.

Her dear husband secretly contacted each of us on her design team and asked if we would be able to mail him an 8 1/2 X 11 scrap book page, that he would present to her, in an album at her party. AWE! Isn’t that SOOOOOO sweet. It was all a big surprise

Well of course I FREAKED out! I don’t scrap! So I just make it a super large card of sorts! LOL!

I titled this “card/page” My Favorite Thing about Kim from A to Z.  My husband later notified me I only listed to “W”. UGH!! Oh well, the beauty of handmade right?! LOL! Given my panic I’m OK with how this turned out.

So I listed all the qualities Kim has and printed them on my Simply Spring digi paper that I printed using the kit. I had to use her signature pink & black theme for the inspiration of this page.

I also took images from Behind the Scenes (dots on the letter of her name), Meet me at the Cafe, Say Charge, Icing on the cake, Hearts Galore, Princess Birthday and Think Pink. The velvet flowers were a nice touch that also added some texture to the page.

I hope she liked the page. I can’t tell you how I stressed over it. Now looking at it I would have changed a few things-but so is life.

Well I am off to swim lesson’s with the kids.

Later!

Sorry this is WAY late. I spent the day with my kids and hubby. We went to Squam Lake. It is a nature hike where you learn about wild animals, in their natural habitats. It was fun. A little hot, but fun all the same. We all learned a lot. I think Jay and I were more fascinated than the kids though! LOL!

We learned about Fishers, saw mountain lions (they were really fascinating), bears, owls, fox, and eagles to name a few. There were foot print samples of each animal, pelts to touch. The kids thought it was HILARIOUS that they had actual  samples of each animals “Scat” (aka POOP) so you can tell what type of animal is in the forest by looking at the poop, and how you can tell what they eat-YUCK! Yet interesting all the same.

We went to the Beaver show. Now did you know that beavers are the 2nd largest rodent?

Um, yeah! Well let me tell you, that thing was determinded to get off that table. We were VERY close. When it came time for questions that is what I asked

So I raise my hand and say-”Can beaver’s jump? Like off that table?”

Thankfully he said No! But he has fallen off in attempts before.

He kept trying to get off the table. I would have gone crazy if that happened! Funny they don’t bit humans or anything, but at the end of the day they are STILL a rodent.

There was a RODENT exhibit! EW! Rodents are the largest populated thing in the US. (OK so I forgot my technical terms but you get my point).

Amber made this MOUSEY face when pointing to the mouse photo. It was HILARIOUS if you were there.

Then her and Alexa were peering in at a little mouse family-can you see the mice???

OH GOD! I wanted to die. Me and rodents-not cool.

I want to own an Owl! LOL! I knew I loved all these cute owl images for a reason. Mice are their prime prey. LOVE owls, HATE mice.

 See the mouse in his claw.

Here are some other photos:

Alexa was showing me the butterflies up close (note her earrings!!)

Noah climbs up to a cave playhouse thingy.

Then the kids nest to the bear pelt.

There are lots more but I don’t want to bore you with everything. It was just a good educational day.

Anyway-lets think treats.

Sweet Treats! Don’t miss your chance to get your own set—>HERE!

That is today’s set feature here. Christine has put together new Kits-so my ideas here today share MY take on what can be done using ONLY what comes in the kit! I hope you like it

 I scream you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

I HAD to make a ice cream cone! This uses ALL nestabilities, and my mosiac tile cuttlebug folder So cute. It is a SQUISHED version from this creation.

Is that bear not the CUTEST ever? Oh gosh I just love it.

Then you have that monkey!!
 I just adore these animals she does. MUST Haves!!

Here is the kit info. The release is tomorrow night 10pm EST!! WAHOO!! Must haves.

In Christine’s words:

I mentioned before that this month would be our first ever card kit. I drew the stamps specifically for the card kit. Since everyone loves Monkey, he is back with a new friend, a bear. And what is better in the summer months than ice cream?The kit will contain:10 pieces of cardstock 6 pieces of pattern paper7 yards of ribbon36 brads16 gems1 Stardust Glitter Pen1 Sweet Treats Stamp Set1 Instruction sheet to make 5 cards

I hope you all had a fabulous 4th of July! I know we did. It was my grandfather’s 74th birthday. I hope to share photos when my camera batteries are re-charged!!

Time has flown by. I signed my children up for swimming lessons and I was reminded of when my grandfather taught me how to swim over 25 years ago! Today’s stamp set goes with my thoughts today. Those were great times at my grandparents all summer long. My grandfather would play “shark” and chase us around the pool. We would spend an hour creating a “whirlpool” so we could get caught up in the circling motion. We would spend HOURS in that pool. They had a screen house that we would then sit in the glider chairs and just listen to the buzzing of the electric lines of the hot day, and watch all the June Bugs try to get into the screen house. The second we were dry we were back in the pool. Just great memories there. Obviously since the 4th of July is my grandfathers b-day, this time of year always gets me thinking like that.

So, anyway the day was great. I decided that this card, with somewhat 4th of July colors would be our sketch for this weekend. This set is called Summertime Fun. You can view it, and the other design team samples HERE! Don’t forget to enter to win a free set of your own The release of the 3 new sets is the 7th!! Party starts on the forum at 8pm EST-10pm EST

I hope you enjoy it. Its got some good layering going on! LOL! Take the risk!

The paper for this is by Making Memories. I just love the boy themed colors. I hope you get to try it as well. Send us a link here if you do, so we can see your take.

Now let me share some other fun creations I made using this set-

I adore this card It uses American Crafts paper/ribbon. It was inspired by my layout for the sketch today, just mixed up a bit The colors are super summer fun!!

Monkey Fun

 He is flocked. Isn’t he just the cutest thing ever? I love him floating on the “waves” like that.

Lulu scuba dives-a gel card

 This was a super quick card. I wish I could have incorporated some purple paper but my brain was DEAD when I made this one! LOL!

I have MANY more samples to share, just not today!

I also want to wish Kim from MFT a HUGE Happy Birthday since today is her 40th!!!!!! I made something special for her, but I will share that tomorrow. Oh and I still have more MFT stuff to share from the new release! YEAH!

OK I need to run and take the kids to Canobie Lake Later!

Simple Shimmer Card Wrap Set

I can think of so many occasions where a gift of Thank You notes would be the perfect gift. Maybe even elegant wedding favors.  I will share a simple technique, that takes the “plain Jane” single layer set, and makes it a real “WOW”! The simple vellum card wrap will only add to the beauty, and give you a easy perfect package for you to present your set.

You will be amazed at how fast this set can come together. Another great idea for those who need to mass produce an elegant gift set.

Monogram sets are the hottest thing right now. Sometimes you aren’t sure “which” initial to use for your monogram, or WHO you are going to give the set to. Feel free to get creative, and use a sentiment in place of the initial.

What makes this set so beautiful is that by using the Pearlescent watercolors, you are adding a soft and subtle shimmer, that isn’t messy, and wont rub off. It has the effect of a watercolored image. It is another use for this type of coloring medium that is often forgotten and under-used.

Then, you add that embossed circle, and it really adds some dimension and interest, without over powering the soft shimmering flowers with a layer.

First you will need to assemble your supplies.

For this set I am using:

Papertrey Select White cardstock, Vellum Cardstock

The flower cluster from Piece of Cake, Borders & Corners Circle set, the “T” from Ambassador Monogram, and “thanks so much” from Mixed Messages.

Always Artichoke ink, and Purely Pomegranate ink.

Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch, glue dots.

Pearlescent Watercolors by Yasumoto, with water, and paint brush, White Opal Liquid Pearls, and the Circle Nestabilities.

Step 1-Use only a little water, and your pink pearlescent watercolor, and create a “paste-like” mixture. Paint the pearlescent paste onto your flower cluster.  Stamp onto card base

NOTE: Don’t use to much water, or your flowers will be runny, and unrecognizable.

TIP: When making a set-do each step on each card first, before advancing to the next step. This will make production of multiples of a card go much quicker. Example-do all the pink flowers on each card base, before starting the next step.

Step 2

Do the same thing for your leaves, using a green water color.

Step 3-

Emboss a circle into your card.

Step for this may vary depending on the machine you use. I am using my Cuttlebug.

To JUST emboss a layer I personally find this sandwich helpful for me.

A plate, B plate, black mat, tan mat, cardstock, nestability die (cutting side down), and B plate.

EDITED TO SAY: Or just 2 tan mats. I have an older mat set.

This gives me a nicely embossed circle

Step 4

Stamp the stitched circle onto the center of the embossed circle, in artichoke ink. It fits just outside the smallest embossed rim.

Then stamp the “T’ and sentiment, in pomegranate ink.

Step 5

Apply liquid pearls to the flower centers.

This gives a subtle 3D effect, and continues the subtle shimmer.

Step 6-

As you can see above, punch a butterfly out of vellum cardstock. Adhere with wings popped forward, using a clear glue dot.

Step 7-Creating the holder.

This holder is meant to house 4 cards with envelopes.

Take your vellum cardstock and cut 5 3/4 X 11

Along the 11 inches score at

1 1/2 -

 2-

 6 1/2-

7.

Score along lines. Put cards inside. Tie around a ribbon to hold closed.

Simple as that.

Thank you for taking a peek at my little set. I hope you take the time to try it out.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Should you decide to make your own-send us a link!

Enjoy the day

UGH! Sorry I missed the MFT party last night. Did you make it to the release? What did you get???

Jason got an urgent work assignment last night, and it required him to be online while on the phone! He is a computer geek :D  I was freaking out that I couldn’t get online, but hey his job pays the bills. He had to do customer support till late in the evening. Poor guy. He has been coming home and pulling some extra hours from here since work is so crazy busy. I am happy he can work from home like that through rather than be stuck at work an hour away all night. I am really looking forward to the long holiday weekend with him & the kids. We are celebrating at my mom’s. I swear I only see her like 2-3 times a year. LIFE. Gets too crazy sometimes. Good thing for holidays. Gives you a reason to STOP and make time for family.

My PTI newsletter goes LIVE late tonight Im so nervous! LOL! I know it seems silly, but the expectations of keeping up with the greats is a little scary at first. I hope you all get to check it out and like what I have to share

Well today is a preview for one of the 3 sets being released from C.C. Designs.

This set is called Pretty Kitties! Do you want to win your own set?

CHECK THIS OUT<——–

 Pretty Kitty

When I saw the princess one, I had to use my SEI Au Chocolat paper! Its just fit for her Royal Kitty. With pink & brown and a dash of bling, who wouldn’t love her?

Then I thought of the cat loving the mouse. Or maybe loved chasing the mouse

This used the Pretty Kitty set and Big Ol’ Backgrounds in hearts The paper collection is by Scenic Route (I’m in love with that stuff). This is a rather funky card, and layout. But fun too.

When  I saw the mouse image I was so excited. Its WAY cute. Cathy Indelicato has a card on the ATS Blog with the little hole for the mouse-LOVE that idea!! TOO cute!!While I HATE mice this one is too cute to not love.

You know I had to give it it’s own card!

I have mice on the brain!!

Yes, they are BAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last time we got rid of them with DeCon. Love that stuff. Well we now have bought MORE stock in it.

Last week (about midnight) before going to bed (yes I am a night owl) I went upstairs to check on the kids. We do this every-night before bed.

Well Alexa is STILL awake-squished herself up to the top of her bed, and is hugging her pillow with WIDE eyes.

I said “Alexa are you OK? What’s the matter?”

She pointed to the corner of her room and said “Im scared of the RAT!” Now the WAY she said it was so soft and full of expression. It was really cute, and scary!!!!!!

“I said “WHAT?! The rat? What rat? Where?

As she pointed that thing went running towards her closet, near ME! I jusmped up onto her bed and began to screech! OK so NOT a good parent thing to do. We are suppose to act OK when things are not, and here I am bouncin on her bed screeching as loud as I can “Jay!!!!!!!!!!!! Get up here right now there is a mouse! EEEEKKKKK!!!”

So he comes running up stairs. Now the mouse is under Alexa’s doll bed. 3 cats surround the thing. Alexa and I are sitting at the top of her bed, and she is hugging her pillow. Jay moved the doll bed, and the thing goes to run. He begins to smack it with his shoe! I begin FREAKING out (and poor Alexa is freaking out. I was NO help!!) So I put the pillow over her face and screeched don’t look! Don’t Look!!

The mouse runs into a shoe in her closet and Jay picks it up and tosses it into the middle of the room! OMG! I could NOT believe he did that. I wanted to DIE. So its begins to skitter and the cat hunt is on. It runs right under the closet door.

DARN! So he gets the DeCon (the kids closet doors lock from way up top) and he puts it in the closet. The cats just sit and wait by the door. Alexa says ‘Where is the rat?” I told her daddy killed it and its gone. Sometimes white lies are a OK thing. I know I wasn’t going to sleep if I knew a mouse awaited in my closet. I didn’t sleep for a week the last time! I felt awful for freaking her out even more. That was NOT a good influence. In my defense I am usually REALLY good about not showing my kids something freaks me out. We deal with BIG stuff here, but when its in the rodent family and is actively running around my home I can’t help what human nature takes over. I know it may even seem silly but I have issues with rodent. BIG ONES!

So the next morning I awake to a faint squeaking noise. My eyes pop open, like a horror film! I bolt up in bed and listen. Yes its a squeak. I go to get out of bed and I have 3 cat tails twitching crazily from under the bed skirt. I shake Jay awake, and tell him “I think there is a mouse under the bed”

He gets up and sure enough the cats had some fun, but didn’t finish him off. Jay grabbed his work gloves to take it outside. He said Oh! Its tiny. He is just a baby. No worries.

NO WORRIES??? WHAT? A baby!! you know what that means? That he has at LEAST 6 sibling babies somewhere with him! How can he say No worries!!

Anyway-we have DeCon everywhere and haven’t seen a thing since. All I know is this is NOT cool!!!!!!!!!!!

I have no idea why we have more mice NOW! Its summer. Why can’t they go find some dump to feed off? You would think my house were a pit, but it really isn’t. I clean EVERYDAY!! My cabinets get cleaned, I wash my floors every other day, I vacuum twice at day-morning and evening, and I have 3 cats ready to pounce, and a dog that has no idea what they are doing but wants to join in the fun anyway!

UGH! Well that is all for now.

I hope you all have a FABULOUS 4th of July! Check in later today or tomorrow for the newsletter!! And pray these mice are GONE

Lauren

Well it is Wednesday. I have lots to do to prepare for the 4th!! Its my grandfather’s birthday that day, so we always try to have a celebration for him.

I am making a KILLER summer Trifle that I hope to share photos this weekend with you all REALLY FABULOUS! Need to go buy a trifle bowl, and the ingredients today to hopefully I beat the mad holiday rush.

Here is the ingredients for a PERFECT summer triffle

Buy 2 pre-sliced Sarah Lee Pound cakes (usually frozen-just de-that that before)

Frozen Strawberries (de-thawed)

Whipped cream

Raspberry Jello

Snack pack cups of Vanilla pudding (lazy man’s way) or make your own vanilla pudding

Seedless Raspberry Jam

Macaroon cookies

Using the pound-cake-and raspberry jam, and make sandwiches. Cut into small  sandwich cubes.

Layer on bottom of bowl

Squish up frozen strawberries (and a little sugar) and layer over cake

Another layer of sandwich cubes

layer macaroons, then vanilla pudding. End with cake layer.

Make raspberry jello-poke a LOT of holes into the dessert and pour into trifle mix. Make sure you make a LOT of holes so you don’t get Jello POCKETS. Refrigerate for 2 hours. When ready to serve  top with whipped cream (and fresh strawberries optional)

That is it. Its is SO delicious. If you have someone with Coconut allergies OMIT the macaroons. What I love about is its NO BAKE!!! YEAH!! So simple to whip up last minute

So speaking of celebrations………………MFT is having their 2 year Birthday release and celebration tonight. She is releasing 4 sets and 2 singles. I have a good 8 samples in all to share! LOL! But figured I’d do a little at a time

This one is of my FAVORITE creations from the release:

Be calm

Isn’t this card just that? Calming. I so love it. I love the colors and the layout. Crisp clean and simple. One of those simple OH’s!

 I am on such a button kick its ridiculous! I have no idea why, but I love  it. I have this large mix bag of buttons (I believe its from Foo Fa La) and they are just the prettiest collection, of all colors. Soooooooo happy I splurged the $5 for the bag because digging through and finding all the perfect pretty buttons to match, and actually finding them is so fun.

Next is another of my favorites :

 Gardener Flopsy

I love this one too. Summer colors, simple clean layout. I love the velvet flower in the center. Just FUN!

Call Me! PUT the sunglasses on for this one! LOL!

I love this layout too. I do love the bright cheery colors, even though its a little much. This SCREAMS teen card doesn’t it? I know I sat on the phone like this endlessly talking to my BFF’s! Or boys! LOL! This set MAKES you want to be bright & cheery.

This Making Memories paper is so fun. I have used it on numerous cards, and always like the colors.

I just took the phone from the main image and popped it out with a square punch, to make it like 2 people chatting it up The bling Bella Dots are the perfect teen touch too.

So that is that.

My Favorite Things will be hosting a New Release Cocktail Party  tonight (July 2nd) 9-11pm EST EASTERN time. July marks MFT’s 2nd birthday AND Kim’s 40th birthday, so there are LOTS of discounts and deals this month in addition to all the MFTeasers and your chance to become MFT’s next Guest Designer! Check out the MFT forum for all the details!

We are releasing:

Gardener Flopsey
I’m Pullin for You
Peppermint - Annie LaPoint
Be Calm - Annie LaPoint
Bunny Slippers
Call Me! - MINI of the month

To celebrate the MFT birthday:

*$2.00 US shipping for under under $40, and for Intl orders and US orders over $40, they’ll receive the same $2.75 discount until July 15th.

*FIRST 50 orders will receive a full sized stickles glitter glue!

*The Girl Who Wants It All special for the July Collection is $49.95. These specials will ONLY run for the release month.

I hope to see you later at the MFT party!!

Grand Opening

Finally!! Storage Units, ink & more is ready for orders!! You can also find the winners to all of the sets that the design team were giving away, as well as the winner of the MOTHERLOAD of GIVEAWAYS!!

Here is the last of my teaser samples. This set is called Put Me in Coach

How super cute is that set? Having a boy in T-ball I love the baseball themed stuff. This set has some great images and better yet sentiments

OK I gotta run

Enjoy the release.

This month Lizzie Anne Turns 2! They are doing a big celebration all month long

With new releases, games, challenges, and lets not forget BLOG CANDY!

—>Here<— are all the details for their big Birthday Bash!!!

Today you may want to HOP around to each DT member’s blog for a bit of eye candy. Each of us are posting sample today!

What is even more insane is to think I was one of the very first to be on  Lizzie Anne Designs design team ! Crazy! I loved them then and I love them even more now.

Tricia & Meridith are just amazing people to work with and their designs are so unique. I just love them to pieces, and am thrilled to be with them through this journey

Now for the eye candy!

One boy- one girl

I figured I would do 2 samples today! One masculine, one more girly.

 Fill your shoes

I had so much fun with this card. This is A Man’s Sole. The cool tid bit on this set is I had a bit of influence for its creation Gotta love when part of an idea is put into fruition.

I used my Kraft cardstock, and Scor-Pal to create this fun embossed plaid like background. This sketch is simple but I really liked the words going over the image in a slight curve.

Next is a fairy card I made for a class.

his uses the Fairy and Fairy Sentiment. It was colored with twinkling h20’s for a nice shimmer.

The flowers were made by me-as part of my All That Blings class :D. That was a fun time. We were all so covered in glitter after that one.

Lastly in honor of the celebration I dug this out of my archives! It was a party hat birthday card (fold on left side)I did one month during my Dirty Dozen term

Unfortunately this LAD set was discontinued, but I still like this card

So let the celebration being! Congrats to Tricia and Meridith on their 2 year anniversary-and many more to come.

Thanks for looking

Boy is it HOT here. Off to the pool we go again today!!! The kids just love it. I need to get a summer pass I think. I also need to get them all into swimming lessons. Its hard because the times they offer interfere with me getting Alexa from summer school and so I may need to do a night class. It freaks me out that they can’t swim. I have awful fears about kids and water. So hopefully I get the info I need to get them signed up.

Thanks for the love on my ice cream come favor. I wasn’t sure I like it! I almost didn’t even post it! LOL! I was like “Is it bordering cheesy?” But I guess not So thank you. I love that MFT Heres the Scoop set! I am guessing you all do too.

Well my class yesterday  rocked! My class girls are awesome, and so make my day. I am so happy to keep seeing some familiar faces each one I do Makes me feel like they actually like me :D They are all hoping I will swing a class for July but it just might not work. We will see. I really like to make the summer fun for my kids. Since I cut back on DT work I may be able to do it, but am not pushing myself. I want to keep it FUN!! If inspiration strikes, then we are a go. I know people are waiting to see new class kits from me too-so again, I will see I’m sure I will have plenty for holiday gift ideas

OK I have another Storage Unts, Ink & More sample to share today. If you haven’t entered the MOTHERLOAD of GIVEAWAYS-LAST DAY!!! So run

Tomorrow is the BIG release. We all agreed that this release was too long to make everyone wait So next month will be shorter.

Here is a super simple card using Butterfly Garden. I kept it clean, and let the dragonflies just float off the card section.

 Fly into summer

Colored with Copic’s and a little bling on their wings

I love the summer colors. This is the Core-dinations paper in the Reflecting Pool, Mediterranean Pool & Artic Pool. You would NOT believe how many colors this company has! HOLY amazing.

Now Coredinations is different because the center is a lighter shade. Weather or not you tear, its still a cool paper, with great texture on one side, smooth on the other.

You may just give them a try.

Now one more with Butterfly Garden

This is a pull out tag I wanted to show the paper torn.

This is the Thimbleberry, Vavavoom, and Pansy Purple. Paper is American Crafts

I used the Art Glitter, acetate, and glitter technique for this (yes again I love that technique, and told you that you would get sick if seeing it here).

Note: there are other pretty butterflies in the set! I just am so in love with this particular one.

Tomorrow I think I have THREE posts I need to do! WOW! Lots of eye candy this week!!! Keep checking in. And people wonder why Im not online chatting all the time! LOL!

So that is it for this post, off to create another, so be right back~