I can’t believe it’s the 10th ALREADY!! Can I get WAHOO!!

My favorite time of the month is this week 😀

The Papertrey Ink Design Team has been hard at work this month! Wait until you see all the yumminess Nichole has lined up for you this week. You will be ready to go shopping, get your Christmas cards done, and put up your tree!

I’m VERY excited to share my peeks with you this week.

Today I am featuring a stamp set additon, to what has become a POPULAR tradition to Papertrey Ink-the 2009 Holiday Tags set!

OH! Wait until you see all the great tags in this set.  I honestly didn’t know WHERE to start! Since I MAKE all my own gift packaging this set was SCREAMING out to me 😀

After MUCH debate, I finalized that I would use my favorite tag, and use it with my NEWEST My Timeless Template ©. Now, I will be using the SAME tag, colors, and elements, create my different gift packaging! You will see first hand you don’t need TONS of supplies or ideas to get so much use from ONE general idea. Plus I don’t want to spoil ALL the fun!

Now here is a close up of my favorite tag in the set-Designed by Melissa Bickford

Mistletoe

I just loved that it was SIMPLE, yet I could quickly add some color-for that POP! I used a clear glaze pen to make my berries 3 D.

I LOVE Red, Avocado and Black together. LOVE. So I went with that for this post.

With the holidays coming we are ALL always thinking about GIFTS! What to give this one, or that one.

One of the most POPULAR gifts, is the gift of SHOPPING! Be it CASH or GIFT CARDS, it is by far one of the best gifts to give and receive. Who doesn’t love being able to shop at their FAVE place for FREE?! LOL!

One of the biggest “problems” in giving the gift of $ has been versatile, and neat ways to PRESENT them.

I have today the latest peek at the NEWEST My Timeless Template: Cash or Charge ©

NOTE: Stamp set and templates are not being released until Octber 15th!!

Here is my gift trio using the My Timeless Template : Cash or Charge ©

Introducing a FAB template TRIO!!

Yes I said TRIO! Meaning – THREE for the price of ONE!!

This is a set of three templates , ALL designed with the idea of packaging up those gifts of CASH or plastic gift cards! A gift we ALL love to give and receive. Generally there aren’t too many amazing ways to present these gifts, so we hope to change that for you now! These FAB gifts deserve their own fun packaging, other than being stuffed in a envelope.  Each template is fun, easy and sure to make them say WOW!

I will share with you, over the next few days how these templates are not only AWESOME cash or gift card holders, but can be so much more 😀

Cash or Charge #1

Write Up

This is the perfect holder for……you guessed it! Cash or Gift Cards! This is a no fuss, perfect holder. Now you don’t have to throw it in a card or envelope that it comes with. There aren’t enough ways to dress up those super easy, great for everyone on the list-cash or gift cards, but now you have one. Perfect template for any and every time you want to give such a gift! This looks like a box from the sides, but it’s front design looks like a wallet. Totally adaptable to anyone you give it to.

This template is a “wallet” style.

This leaves a whole world of decorative opportunities too.

There is a decorative layer for JUST the front flap, or for the front flap-which is carried around to the back. You will see more of that later.

For this one I just stamped a panel to match on the back.

We have 2 options for this one-1) with minimal score lines 2) NO score lines! Either way super WOW! made SIMPLE!

It has a flap closure, which when unfolded, reveals a slot for your gift card or cash to insert into!

The template has 2 holes placed  so that you can use ribbon to “tie” it closed.

On this sample I decided I would create a belly band instead.

Once band is taken off you can see it reveals my card, which fits PERFECTLY into the slot 😀 Nice and snug too.

Cash or Charge #2

Write Up

Just when you thought you’d seen it all! We have the perfect Purse Style wrap for those gift cards or cash! The way this gift card holder opens is definitely fun, and sure to WOW the receiver. Gift cards and cash never looked so good! If you are tired of the typical ways to present such gifts, then this is the template for you! It also makes a super cute and cool birthday invitation! Dry emboss the side panels and you have a 3D Pillow Purse gift box! Endless Purse-abilities!

Using the same design elements we have another variation.

These are SO fun.

This particular template in the TRIO is SO versatile, as you will see over the next couple of days! We won’t *just* use them as gift card holders(wink)

As you can see, it looks just like a shopping bag, when designed as you see here!

The COOL part to this is the handle tucks into the slot, and holds this closed.

Again so many possibilities!

This is the open view.

(PS SORRY! All I had for GC was a Hannaford one! LOL!)

Once open (you can use the decorative mat layer as an added layer) you can put in slits to hold your gift card (as I did here), or you can just adhere it inside.

Here comes the FUN part…..

You will also see (really soon!) that when you use the scoring side panels that come with it, it can become a pillow box with a handle, OR by tucking in the handle it can become *just* a pillow box! I have so much up my sleeve for these gift card holders over the next few days, your head will begin to SPIN with ideas, trust me!

Cash or Charge #3

Write Up

Are you looking for the perfect way to package up that cash or gift card? Look no further! This pocket is perfect! Just pull the tab, and the perfect gift-the gift that keeps on giving, is revealed.

The front panels can tie together. 

 Punch a hole through the top tab and it appears to be just like a fancy shopping bag.

You can also use the template as a fun way to create a card.

This is a pull out pocket style.

Super cute for gift cards or cash but ALSO a fun card style too.

I love the way the two front folds meet together!! You can tie them closed, use buttons, brads….or just use an image-like a circle over the center. SO many possibilities.

This has a perfect decorative panel for the middle as well as the 2 “wings”, leaving you so many styles to create.

Now all you do is pull up on the tab……

and it will reveal your treatlet!!

Now you can also use the 2009 Holiday Tag set “To: and From:” as I did here to fill out your info!

Isn’t the insert so cute too?

As I said endless possibilities!

Supplies:

My Timeless Template: Cash or Charge ©
Stamps: 2009 Holiday Tag Collection, Background Basics Retro, Believe
Cardstock: White, Pure Poppy, Basic Black
Patterned Paper: Bitty Dot Basics
Ink:Black, Copic Markers
Ribbon: stitched black, pure poppy twill
clear gel pen, circle punches, scallop nestability, label from Slice Fa La La La cartridge

Well I hope you are excited for this template and the October Release!

I’m dying to hear what you think about the template trio 😀 Which one sparked your interest most so far?

Just wait, as there is MUCH more to come 😀

We have LOTS more to show you, so be sure you come back tomorrow. You will get to see our 2nd template for the month. It has a standard and Pretty Petite version too 😀

In the meantime there is MORE eye candy for you:

Kelly and Laurel have some peeks using the NEW templates too 😀

Then be sure to check out more fab stuff from Nichole!

More stuff coming from  Dawn, and  Heather who all who have releases this month.

Till tomorrow 😀

Hi everyone!

Hope you all had a FAB weekend. I know we certainly did.

We went to the Deerfield Fair, and celebrated my hubby’s birthday. I’ll share some cute photos this week, and you can see my hair that I cut off! LOL! Its just below my shoulders now-EEK! I’m getting use to it, and actually like it-when I straighten it, anyway! Something different.

What did you all do yesterday for WCMD?

Nichole has some challenges, so take a peek!

On WCMD I actually got to stamp ALL day (preparing for my template release)! Now my back is killing! LOL! I stand to stamp, I just can’t SIT, so it took its toll on my poor back. I tried not to hunch forward, but apparently I failed miserably at that quest.

Add that to the fact that my card making mojo has been lost! I cannot find it. I do not know WHERE it went! I just know I can’t for the life of me get ANYTHING to workout! Maybe I’m over-thinking things???? Not sure. I just know what usually takes me a few moments, has turned into a LONGER process, and I’m NOT liking it ONE bit! That is what happens when I take a “break”. Now my breaks are never intentional-I just usually have this little thing called a FAMILY (LOL!), and they need to eat, and clean clothes are always a plus! I know YOU KNOW what I mean! Let’s not forget teacher meetings, doctor appointments, and the MANY activities they all par-take in! So sometimes before you know it its been DAYS since I have seen ink and images :C If I have a break its usually hard to get back into it. The MORE I stamp the easier the ideas just flow and keep coming.

Anyway….I have more samples for you today!

Tomorrow is the October Release at All That Scraps! Check out the blog for your chance to win some FREE rubbah!

6 sets are being released:

AmyR Congrats sentiments

Angel Emma

Swiss Pixie Birthday Bash

Swiss Pixie Birgitta

Pond Life

and Reason for Season

So don’t miss out 😀

First up-

The Angels Sing

I adored the angel trio Christine has drawn. I kept it SIMPLE, and I loved the outcome.

I had this music bkgd stamp-forever, and rarely get to use it. It was perfect, stamped in gold on this creation.

My mojo is still on vacation, so I find starting off simple is often best for me.

As you can see she is 3D. Her arms, and horn are on dimensionals. I have to say making things POP forward is so easy, but definitely packs that little something extra, and is well worth the time 😀

I colored her halo with a gold pen, and glittered her wings (of course!)

Next up we have a Cupcake Pup

One thing I DON’T do enough of-BOYISH style/gender neutral stuff! So I tried to keep it neutral/boyish here.

I think the dog is cute, and who doesn’t love cupcakes??

I then added some Liquid applique on the “frosting” part. You cannot tell but I added glitter prior to heat setting 😀

The buttons were used to create a “balloon” bouquet.

I had that FUN ribbon from American Crafts for quite some time, I just love it! It was perfect with my colors on this too.

Now last, but not least-Birgitta

I think she is SOOOO cute 😀 I really love all the Swiss Pixie’s most of all. How can you not?

Again-simple card-no mojo here! LOL! I did have fun coloring her though

A little close up view

Well that is all for me today. More time with the kids today, before its back to the daily grind.

Hope you enjoyed your weekend.

Oh, and if you find my mojo, kindly return it to me! I have too much to do for it to be lost :C

As always, thanks for stopping by 😀

Well the countdown to the NEW! Release at All That Scraps has been going for a few days. The release will be on Monday October 5th!! Be sure to check the blog each day for reveal samples and a chance to WIN!

Today I have my first peeks at a new stamp set by Heather! She is a new stamp designer for ATS, and by the looks of it, she will be a new mommy again, when you all read this! Congrats to her 😀

So that being said her first set is called Pond Life.

I made a trio of cards for this peek, and admittedly my mojo has succumbed to the stress and bailed on me :C

Add that to the fact that my photo lights busted, when I dropped them (GRR!) and we have a post full of disaster! LOL! It was one of those days that if I didn’t laugh at everything, I’d cry. There were so many little things that just added up to one big bad day :C

Now this my look “blue” because the center image was stamped on a very pale blue cardstock I had in my stash.

The dragonfly is 3D. I loved this image in the set.

My sentiment is from AmyR’s Congrats Sentiments, which is a new release too.

Being on a blue kick, I loved the turtle too…..

Plain and simple. My mojo couldn’t handle anything too detailed the day this was made. I love the colors though. Alexa really liked this one. I paired it with a few different papers from various companies, and got one cohesive look. The ribbon was from a box of Lindt chocolates 😀 Yummy chocolates, and even yummier ribbon.

Now we have a lil frogger

Same color scheme…….

I think he/she frogger, is cute in pink and red, don’t you? Who says frogs have to be GREEN?! I like it like this.

I left the last 2 cards blank for ANY occasion cards. I like having some for ANY need 😀 I think they fit the bill just fine.

Well I have much to do……so come back tomorrow for more peeks! OK!

Till then

Oh man! I’m a busy girl! I’ll get my other post up tomorrow or Sat. I have to take Alexa for her post Chemo check up this am, and have a few TIGHT deadlines…..so gotta get that stuff done ASAP! I took a special one on one class yesterday so that took up quite a bit on my time yesterday, but will be SO worth it in the end! 

I hope you all don’t mind me sharing Amber’s 5th Birthday Party!

I can’t even believe she is 5 already. KILLS ME! My baby-growing so fast. I just want to FREEZE her right now!

As you have read, over what seems like MONTHS, Amber had a Princess Costume Party. I feel like I planned a mini Wedding!! She was so particular about every detail (wonder where she gets that from! LOL!), and needed this like that, and OH! How cool would this be….and so on. I actually think I should start saving for her Wedding NOW! LOL!

In all seriousness I truly loved every minute of it. I was really cool for her to give her feedback, and convey her party “dream” to me. So, after MUCH prep here is what we ended up with!

First we needed a dress!

We found this little number at the Disney store back at the end of JULY!

She was so excited! I have to say I think she looks alot like a little real life Sleeping Beauty

We completed the outfit with glittery shoes, wand (lights up!) and her crown.

I loved this photo-too bad the wand gave me some BLING on her face :C

If you haven’t noticed by now Amber TOTALLY loved posing and being a Princess! LOL! I didn’t have to tell her anything, she just got into Pretty Princess mode! LOL! It was so funny. I actually had to tell her to stop!

Now when Alexa saw Amber’s dress she wanted the same one. Well, Amber was NOT going to let her wear the SAME thing, so we opted for a different version

Getting these two to look at the camera at the same time was a huge feat! I’m NOT looking forward to Christmas photos.

Let me tell you the claws came out and sister rivalry really showed its ugly claws for this situation. Alexa even tried to get Amber’s dress on herself, before Amber knew it was laying out. Alexa claimed it was HER dress! OH! BOY!! Anyway…….here is Alexa-who hates when I make her take pictures (on most days!)

Her hair actually looks really pretty since it was all curls

She is very shy, if you can’t tell 😀

Sadly she won’t wear this at the town Harvest Parade-she wants to be a SKUNK! LOL! I was hoping to get my money’s worth.

Now we have the PARTY SCENE! Set for 8 Princesses

PS-Sorry I’m not sharing photos of the girls-some people don’t like their kids photos shared on the internet

We had a room FULL of balloons and streamers (you can’t see them here) It looked really cool.

Amber decided we NEEDED a centerpiece for her table! When we were at Michael’s she saw a plain wooden castle. Well, she HAD to have it! So she picked out some paint (pink, dk pink, pale yellow and purple) we got some sponge brushes, and away she went!

She was SO proud of what she did. I was even MORE proud than she was!

I seriously cannot tell you what an AMAZING job she did painting that castle ALL by herself!! I showed her quickly HOW to get it painted, smoothing out an globs of paint once she was done getting in the crack, and she did the rest!

The top she did yellow (and that did make me cringe but I kept my mouth SHUT! ) and the top inside she did purple (-again mouth shut! LOL!) It was just painted so perfectly I wasn’t even expecting that!

She then took glitter glue, and added the jewels. I was scared to let her do that in fear it would ruin her amazing painting, but it was HER castle, so I left the room and let her be. When I came back I was in SHOCK! It was beautiful!

After the castle was done she wanted some ribbon. We both thought that filling the top with flowers (that match her favor boxes) would be a really nice touch too! (and it covered the purple! LOL!)

I cut over a 100 flowers and leaves for this party, with my Cricut Plantain School Book cartridge, in like 3 minutes! Can you say LOVE!!!

I tied the ribbon around the edge, added some butterfly stickers, and then took a cut Styrofoam ball, covered in a large sheer ribbon, and added the flower details. I used a hot glue gun for that.

We sprinkled stars and glitter all over the place when it was done! 😀

The tag is a “flag”that I made it using my Cricut when I was experimenting!! It came out cool so we added that too!

Table set with Crowns and jewels to decorate them, magic wands, princess frames for them to color/decorate (which we got close up face photos at the party, then printed their faces to put in them before they left! Really cute!) favor boxes that I designed *just* for Amber’s party, which were filled with 2 beaded necklace making projects, jewels, candy necklaces, and a bunch of other stuff, and we of course had Princess lollipops!

Not getting ANY closer than this to the favor boxes-you’ll see them soon enough 😀

I also made the tags on those with my the basic download stuff Cricut SCAL came with.

Now we have her Castle cake

It came out so pretty 😀 I was very happy with it. We also had a castle pinata…….and

 YUMMY Castle Lollipops

So needless to say it was a day fit for a Princess!

I know someday I will look at these photos when she is grown and remember this day like it was yesterday…………..

I know, can you believe it?

I’m so excited!!

 Today Melissa is opening an online digital stamp store with a great selection of brand new Halloween and Christmas designs. So now PCS will have two stores, one for rubber stamps and one for digital stamps. You can check out the new store at: https://www.pinkcatstudio.com/Digital/PCSDigi.htm

DON’T fret you rubbah luvah’s (hey Paulette and Tracey, does that bring back any memories for you?)!! She will STILL have her normal rubber stamp releases! The rubber/digi images will be different images. So best of both worlds for those diving into digi stuff.

These images are $3 each.

With the economy, maybe these are more affordable for you too 😀 I mean seriously, I spend $3 at least once a week on coffee 😀

NOTE:I keep all my digi images in a special file so I can EASILY locate them 😀 Organization is key to using what you purchase.

You can see the regular store –>HERE<—

Now I’ll share 3 samples I got made in a jiffy.

First up- My FAVE!!!

Little Ladybug Box

Now cute is this gift box?

 I was recently asked by one of my readers if I had any ladybug party favor ideas! Well, yes I do!

This little ladybug box was made using the My Timeless Template: Rounded Wrap Up! It makes the perfect pairing with Melissa’s NEW! Itty Bitty Betty:Ladybug Can you imagine the FUN party invites and matching favors this can make? LOVE IT!

Now both are INSTANT downloads, so you could start making your own Ladybug box in 5 minutes 😀

For this project:

I printed my box on smokey shadow cardstock. Cut and assembled as directed.

I then lined the bottom with my bitty box basics paper.

I made my wings by cutting a mat layer in red, and cutting two 1/2 circles 😀

Punched some circles, and was ready to go!

I adhered JUST the top flap so the wings would pop forward. They have dimensionals under the wings.

The top is tied closed with ribbon, and 2 cardstock antennae were added. SO cute 😀

The girl was printed on white cardstock, then colored with COPIC markers! Easy Peasy.

Now we have : Let it snow

  My time was tight so I whipped this simple lil card up WOW! Did this ever get washed out! The coloring in the background is SO light-sorry! Didn’t have time for the photo set up. I love the lil boy elf! Of course, the penguin too!! How cute having them slide down a candy cane! WOW! Love that. There is some glittery snow on the ground 😀Obviously some silver snowflake table confetti, swirling around. I think this one was cute 😀 Since I LOVE the candy cane image…….  Much better photo! How cute is she? Again simple card-but I love it.The digi images were quick and easy, and I colored them at soccer practice! LOL! Now THAT is multi-tasking 😀   

Check out these blogs to see some fabulous cards and projects using the new digi stamps:

Becky Carafa – https://www.lakeshorestamper.com/

Emily Leiphart – https://www.leiphartonart.blogspot.com/

Inge Groot – https://www.patternedpaper.typepad.com/

Jodi-Ann Lee – https://www.inkedinspirations.blogspot.com/

Lauren Meader – https://laurenm.splitcoaststampers.com/

Lauretta See – https://www.passioncartesetplus.blogspot.com/

MacKenzie Bruckler – https://midnightscramper.blogspot.com/

Maria Bell – https://stampininspirations.blogspot.com/

Mariska van der Veer – https://www.sendingyoualittlesmile.blogspot.com/

Sparkle Smith – https://sparklecreations.blogspot.com/

Suzanne J Dean – https://www.scrapbitz.blogspot.com/

Tracey Cuccia – https://www.tmcuccia.blogspot.com/

Vicki Garrett – https://www.summerthymestudio.blogspot.com/

Let’s be honest, the images sell themselves, but once you hop around to see the eye candy, I’m sure you’ll add more to your MUST HAVE shopping cart 😀

I’m dying to hear your thoughts today 😀

Be back with more tomorrow!

Yes! I know I’m LATE posting my own challenge!! What else is new, right! LOL!

So much to do, so little time. Amber’s party went FABULOUS! I’ll share photos and details another day, as I have TONS to do! Plus editing the photos and properly sharing the day 😀 I also can’t share her favor boxes yet, as they are an upcoming template 😀 It’s really cool 😀

But as I promised I do have 2 samples with the color challenge (Oh! and I will post the other 2 template projects I promised to post Wednesday!) See, I’m just a day late and a dollar short all around.

I made this card for my Color Challenge-HERE!

Whimsical Greetings

OK so little bits of pop here, but I DID use the colors!!

This card was made as a PURE experiment for me!

I had yet to really use my SCAL 2.0 for my Cricut Expression, and I wanted to give it a go. Many said it was a program with a huge learning curve! Well, that sent me into a PANIC, since I can barely email a attachment! LOL! I was SOOOOO scared to try it.

I have to say I had NO trouble at all!!! Go ME!! (unless I’m not using it to its full capacity! LOL!) I am totally loving the little bit of play time I have  had with my new expression.

I ordered Card Shapes, Journaling Shapes 1, and Spring Flowers! (More suggestions for things I should download/buy definitely welcomed :D) OH! and I will check out some of the links to videos that you all shared with me (THANK YOU!)

I used the Card Shapes to make this card, and the journaling shapes for the center tag piece 😀 I had FUN! I just did some layering. Nothing CRAZY! I only had like 15 minutes to make this, and think given the time crunch I did good. It took me some time to get my layering figured out, but now I KNOW how-so should be easy next time.

Now the SUPER cool butterfly set is called Butterfly Wishes!!! It was designed by my friend Jessica 😀 She rocks 😀

 (Don’t worry I promise to make something better with it, and give it some justice!!) I just needed to “practice” with my SCAL 2.0

————————————–

NOTE: From a Previous post

I purchased Sure Cuts A Lot 2.o (since you all said I NEED it :D) and GUESS WHAT! Canda of Canda Craft (where I found the SCAL 2.0 for the CHEAPEST price around WOOT! WOOT!) not only has it on SALE! , but emailed me after I placed my order, to tell me that YOU, my PRECIOUS, much loved and HELPFUL readers will get an ADDITIONAL 10% off!

NOTE: LINKS NOW FIXED! SORRY!

The code is: MYTIME10.

This offer will expire on 10/15/09.

The coupon will take 10% off of their entire purchase which will make SCAL even cheaper!

So seriously how cool is that? Those of you on the fence can now jump off! 

Let me know if you took the plunge with me OK!

————————————————————–

OH! The center image is by K& Co. I got it a LONG time ago at M’s 😀

OK one more……..

Merry Kiss-Mas

I thought these two mice were way too adorable!!

They are from Stampavie’s NEW! Gillian Roberts line: Mistletoe & Mice

Now I didn’t get ALL Christmas-y with it, just enough. As you can see it can be and every day kind of card. I have to admit my mojo was lacking since I threw out my back cleaning the fridge!! GRR!!

I was just so close to done, then didn’t love the end layout.

Don’t get me wrong-Love the colored part, but that was it!

I’m tempted to RIP it apart and salvage the image, then re-set it! Ever do that???

 I needed a cute little “I love you” card for Jay, since he has been so wonderful to me lately, helping out, and being SO supportive of my creative CRAZY goals and ventures 😀 I think he will like it. After I re-do it! LOL!!!

OK I need to run-be back tomorrow for a post with a NEW! Release image 😀

Thanks for stopping by!

Hot Air Balloon Ride

I love three dimensional cards. There are just so interesting!

As a little girl I was often in awe of the many three dimensional gift items, favors, table decor and card designs I’d see at the card & gift shop my mother would take me to. Most children would be begging to leave! Not me! I’d sit there and look at each one, trying to figure out HOW they made it. I was in complete awe.

Sometimes a little dimensional POP can make a world of difference! Flat, stamped images just come to life, and bring a smile to any face.

This three dimensional technique can be used to create SO MANY various images !

Come watch the short video I have, to show you how!

Now you can view some more photos of the completed project, shown in the video

As you can see, these hot air balloons appear to be in flight.

The design is so simple, but it doesn’t need anything more. Actually this could easily be a SINGLE layer card!

The top view- You just want to touch them!

You can alter the designs by using various patterned papers, stamping them, alternating your punched pieces…….you name it!

You can use this same technique to make Christmas ornaments, regular balloon’s, Chinese lanterns, various fruits like orange’s, apples, cherries, sliced watermelon, grapes and pumpkins!

Use various shapes and you can have 3 dimensional snowflakes, flowers, leaves, and trees too!

ENDLESS possibilities!

Supplies:

Stamps: Everyday Button Bit

Cardstock: Basic Black, White, Ripe Avocado, Enchanted Evening, Raspberry Fizz

Patterned Paper: Bitty Dot Basics 2009

Ink: Black, Black marker, Enchanted Evening, Orange Zest, Dark chocolate

Vintage buttons, adhesive rhinestones

Punches: 1″ circle, 3/4 ” circle, 1/2 ” circle

NOTE:

You CAN mail these dimensional cards! I package mine up in the Clearly Creative Card boxes, tape shut with clear labels that arrive in package, and put a mailing label on! Granted, they cost a little more to send, but I’m sure as it passes through the post office, it will make MANY people smile, as well as the receiver when they see the piece of ART in their mailbox!

There is of course, the traditional method of hand delivering too!

Thanks for stopping by.

If you give a try, send us a link here 😀

Well now it the time!

The Papertrey Ink September release has arrived! Now all the items you have seen over the last couple days can be yours 😀 I just released 2 NEW! My Timeless Templates: Keeping Tabs and It’s on the House.  I do have a few other samples to share using My Timeless Templates, but they will be spread out over the next few days or so.

I have been pretty busy here, as you can imagine.

Let me share the 2 items that you hadn’t seen peeked during the countdown-

Deck the Halls

This has to be my most favorite card in quite some time!

I love all the embellishments. This is clean but definitely detailed. A card you would keep on the mantle for sure.

The frames was gold embossed. Really makes this feel more elegant.

I love the garland touches too!

I love the Stocking Prints stamp set. I can definitely see myself reaching for it ALL holiday season long.

I gold embossed the stocking cuff, and added gold dots to the argyle pattern on the stocking.

I don’t know, I just loved it.

Supplies:

Stamps: Stocking Prints, Vintage Labels
Cardstock:Spring Moss, Ripe Avocado, and a Ruby Red
Patterned Paper Holiday Vintage Prints
Ink:Ruby Red, Versamark, Ripe Avocado
Gold ribbon
Vintage buttons, twine
Gold Embossing Powder, Heat tool
Labels one nestability
Tag punch by marvy
Adhesive gold pearls
Gold Cord, Bridal confetti in red and olive, red bead/garland from Michael’s Craft Store, gold marker

Then last but not least……

Snow Ornament

Talk about a simple card!

I love the ornament hanging off the greeting and the vibrant retro color combo of raspberry, black, white, and silver! The solid snowflake was stamped on the raspberry layer, then punched out. Added some bling and called it day! Easy Peasy

Supplies:

Stamps: Winter Swirls, Signature Christmas
Cardstock: White, Raspberry Fizz
Patterned paper: Black & White Basics
Ink: Silver by Encore, Black
Ribbon: Satin in Raspberry Fizz
1/2 inch circle punch, adhesive rhinestones

Thanks for sharing the excitement of the countdown with me. I can’t wait to see what you all do with your new goodies!

Today we all have a group post to share!

These are always so fun for me, as I think you can really see how each person on the team is special in their own way! Hopefully between all of us, you can find something that suits your fancy 😀 and this helps get you started on getting ready (EARLY!) for your own home-made holiday gift ideas!

The idea behind this group post was to share something homemade, practical, heartfelt and economical!

I cannot even tell you how excited I am with my project today 😀 Seriously!

To me, nothing says heartfelt like great homemade gift packaging 😀  I personally love giving and receiving such gifts. Another thing I also LOVE is chocolate! Preferably chocolate treats that I didn’t have to make!! I usually try to package up something I can buy in bulk, that MOST people enjoy, then divide it up!

For my gifts this year, I got a great deal, and stocked up.

Here is the ECONOMICAL PART: I was tipped off ,by my friend Tracey, that Lindt Chocolates was having a Anniversary sale. Check it out –>HERE!

Buy 60 truffles, get 60 FREE! That is ONLY 0.25 cents a piece! WAHOO! You can pick and choose whatever you want!

I spent $98 at that store! With everything on sale, they said it would have come to $219! HUGE SAVINGS to me 😀

 Plus,who doesn’t love those chocolates?! AND, if they don’t, its a respectable re-gift item MALE or FEMALE!!

So I bought my fill, and rushed home to make my gift! OK so THAT isn’t HOMEMADE! But that is SO me-homemade packaging for store bought items! LOL!

I wasn’t sure what I was going to package my chocolates in. I have SO many fab My Timeless Templates ©, it was hard to choose. I decided I would just start wrapping up some  cello bags of chocolates, to ensure I had gotten enough for everyone, then I would worry about the gift packaging.

Well I separated my chocolate, then made this tag!

Totally retro, fun and funky holiday colors…..

Lindt chocolate colors of the Raspberry, Peanut Butter, and Mint chocolate flavors.

I ADORE this stocking image! I used elements from Vintage picnic to FILL my stocking! Cute huh?

It was THIS tag that gave me that LIGHTBULB-AH! HA! moment for my heartfelt, homemade gift!

As I was coloring the image I said out loud-“Oh my gosh! I LOVE IT!! I wish I had a Christmas Stocking like this!”

Well, no sooner did the words leave my lips (and yes, I admit, I often talk to myself when creating! Its a process OK!) I remembered my FREE! My Timeless Template : Stocking Stuffer! <—Now THAT is definitely economical!

So I ran up to my computer! Printed my template onto COPY paper.

 I grabbed my UBER cheap-o sewing machine (Its was $5 at RiteAid after Christmas last year!), and some black felt, that cost 0.35 CENTS, and layered the template onto my (folded in half) piece of black felt.

Ran it through my sewing machine, using the copy paper as my SEW on pattern, and in like 3 minutes, I had a stocking!

NOTE: Do NOT sew the top!

Once sewn, I trimmed a 1/4 inch border around the outside edge.

Since felt doesn’t FRAY I wanted the sewing to be shown. Plus I think I did a great job on it 😀

I then ripped off the paper, and added my cuff, with sewn ribbon detail.

At this point Im freaking out with excitement!

Now-time to add the flowers, like in my tag. I scoured my stamping supplies and found all sorts of felt flowers in colors to match! (see hoarding is NOT always a bad thing-I had the felt colors I wanted/needed and felt flowers to match too!) So I got out my hot glue gun, and got work.

Now for the WHOPPING cost of well UNDER $1…….here is the end result of my labor of love

Isn’t it so pretty?

I am SO happy with this. What a fab gift for ANYONE! You could even let the kids decorate their own (minus hot glue gun).

 Now this stocking can be kept around ALL year! I was going to give this one away, but I may keep it for me. I plan on creating these for gifts, but each being different. I NEVER repeat designs. Makes me ill! LOL! Everything is ONE OF A KIND!

This project took about 20 minutes to make! How FAB is that?!  (not including tag)

That includes design concept! Once you get going there is NO stopping you 😀 You don’t even have to have expert sewing skills! TRUST ME!

Just go SLOW around the toe, and you are GOLDEN!

Here are the flower details-totally inspired by my tag

I used the leaf ribbon for that detail.

Flower centers are buttons, bella bling, and adhesive rhinestones. 

Just so easy!

Supplies
My Timeless Template: FREE Stocking Stuffer Tag:
Stamps: Stocking Prints, Vintage Picnic, Polka Dot Basics 2, Holiday Treats
Cardstock: White, Black, Raspberry Fizz, Tangerine
Patterned paper: Bitty box basics
Ink: Black, Copic markers
Embroidery floss in pink & green
Slice machine and Studio Design Essentials cartidge
other-gel pen in pink, orange and blackStocking:
My Timeless Template: Stocking Stuffer
Sewing machine
Black & pink felt
Ribbon: True black polka dot, stitched, Leaf ribbon, Raspberry Fizz grosgrain
Vintage buttons, Felt flowers
embroidery floss in black
Bella dot in silver
Leaf/berry additions from Michaels Craft Store
Bag of Lindt ChocolatesNow, I’m not done yet! I have my card to share.

It used a new stamp set from this month’s Papertrey Ink Release: Tree Trimming

O’ Papertrey Tree

I love all the ornaments that came in the set. It was so hard to pick and choose WHAT I wanted to do!

You could use the ornaments, add buttons, bling, punched patterned paper……OH! I could go on and on!

Overall, I kept it simple.

Stamped my tree in olive ink, then added “snowfallen” ground using polka dot basics 2. By taking my Scor-Tape and applying it along the bottom I was able to then add glitter in a cinch!

I added my adhesive rhinestones, along the curvy lines, for them to appear to be a string of holiday lights. Now, for the twinkly light look, ran the layer through my die cut machine so they would “crackle”. The pressure from the die cut breaks them but the adhesive holds them together on the tree. Its really cool in person, and I totally recommend giving it a try.

I then went on to add my 3D, 1/2 inch punched ornaments.

Of course I needed BUTTONS too.

Just a simple design with this fun, new set!

WHEW! Are you sick of my blabbering yet?! Yikes! See what happens when I get excited?

OK totally ending now-

Be sure to visit the Design Teams blogs:

Tomorrow I will return with more peeks at the NEW! My Timeless Templates: It’s on the House and Keeping Tabs! I have been busy working on so many ideas for you.

Also I am having Kristen host the My Time To Inspire challenge today, as I didn’t even get my own challenge done :C BAD HOST!!

 So check in with her-OK! As well as the other girls

Till tomorrow

It’s the 10th!! I think by now you know what that means here on my blog!

The FIRST of MANY peeks and ideas for the Papertrey Ink Release Countdown 😀 and peeks of my 2 newest My Timeless Templates ©

I cannot tell you how excited I get every month. Granted the first week of the month I’m working like a MAD woman, HOPING to inspire you with some great ideas to get you jump started. It’s ALWAYS nerve wracking as I try to top my last months projects. Fingers crossed 😀

I will say you all help me strive to better my best 😀 I LOVE a challenge, and thrive on being busy. I feel like the busier I am, the more creative I get. It’s weird. I don’t know what to do when I’m NOT running around. I can’t handle QUIET. Thank goodness because my life has always been full of everything BUT that!

OK I know you are TOTALLY over my blabbering on, so I’m going to just get to it OK!

PLEASE NOTE: Release of stamp set and My Timeless Template is September 15th!

Supplies listed/linked at post bottom 😀

I’m  happy to share that my design with this template is a peek of a New! stamp set Peaceful Poinsettia by

Melissa Bickford . Check her BLOG for more samples with this set.

Season’s Greetings Set

I love matchy matchy gift sets, and this one is so prefect for the holidays!

I love Sweet Blush, Pure Poppy, Spring Moss, and Ripe Avocado for holiday gifts!

This set is just so pretty, and the best part-EASY to work with!!!! I just adore Melissa’s sets to pieces. and her style is so ME! Oh, and I’m sure so YOU too!

Here is the card

I used the tag image from the set to create 2 different tags-one on my card, the other on the box.

While using the tag I stamped my sentiment in Ripe Avocado, and then the poinsettias (they are a separate stamp trio :D)in pure poppy ink, on my sweet blush strip, adding gold adhesive pearls to their centers! A very easy way to add to the POP of the tag .

I also used the border image along my template, in which I dotted my border flowers centers with a gold pen.

The large layering poinsettia flower was used to make my very own brad embellishment for the center of my Poinsettia flower on my gift box!

More on that…keep reading!

So this month’s My Timeless Template is named: Keeping Tabs ©

We have the standard size, and will also offer the Pretty Petite version as well!!

Today’s peek shares the standard size version.

About Keeping Tabs ©

I am always looking for really neat ways to “un-wrap” or reveal what is inside a gift I package. When it does reveal your gift in a fun way, it makes it so much fun!

This amazing box is held closed on the side, by inserting 2 tabs into the back. You cannot even see them! They just tuck right in there, effortlessly!

(That is how this template received its name)

Now to add even more detail, it is tied closed (that is of course optional) with some of that stunning ribbon, we all tend to hoard! Making this so pretty couldn’t get any easier.

Now I am SURE you want to know HOW I made that stunning brad in the center of my sparkly poinsettia flower, so here is a Video on that

Isn’t that the COOLEST tool ever?

I love the I Top! You can find it –> HERE!

Now opening our template……

Untie the ribbon

Lift the lid

and…….

Look how much this can hold!!

Its FULL of fun, and yum!

Once unfolded. the template has 2 pretty pockets, that are a very nice size.

The front flap design, as well as the 2 pockets inside, have killer curves, that once again add to the WOW! factor.

One other GREAT detail-you cannot see any of this “messy” stuff when this box is complete.

Like all the My Timeless Templates ©, this one was made so you can EASILY assemble it! 

As a card maker, we can never have too many ways to package our precious paper masterpieces! I am happy to announce that this is another great take on card packaging!! 

The standard Keeping Tabs © template can hold your standard A2 cards and envelopes. It is also perfect for MANY other gift ideas! 

The Pretty Petite version is perfect for our 3×3 envelopes and cards/tags, or many other fun size treats! More on that to come 😀

 Now don’t get stuck thinking it is ONLY good for cards! You can package so many different items in here. This template will leave you wondering what you can Keep Tabs on next.

So to show you something besides card packaging I thought I’d make a nice gift set for a Party Hostess or someone special! Maybe even a Yankee Swap?

So, all opened up…..

We have tea!

Yes! You are seeing correctly.

Our Clearly Creative Card Boxes fit IN this one Can you imagine the FAB wraps you can now make JUST using the pockets of this template, for your card boxes, or other items you like to stuff in them…..like my packages of Green Tea

Our decorative mat layer helps you make a perfect and professional cut, every time!

Now in the other pocket (on the right), one of my FAVE treats

Pirouline Cookie Duo Packs! Each package has 2 cookie stix at 100 calories total 😀 YUM!!

So once your template is filled, you just wrap it all up, and you are off and running!
Its a great holder for SOOOOO many things.
 

Well, what do you think? I would love to hear your feedback 😀

Supplies:

My Timeless Template © Keeping Tabs

Stamps: Peaceful Poinsettia

Cardstock: White, Sweet Blush, Pure Poppy, Ripe Avocado

Patterned paper: Holiday Vintage Prints, Bitty Box Basics

Ink:  Sweet Blush. Berry Sorbet,Pure Poppy, Ripe Avocado

Ribbon: Pure Poppy stitched & twill

Tools: I Topp tool, brads, punch, tag punch by Marvy

Nestability: Ribbon Tags Trio Two

Apron border punch, pinking border by EK Success

Other: Glittery poinsettia from Michaels, Brads by SEi, Adhesive Pearls by Hero Arts, Clearly Creative Card box

I hope you like what I had to share so far! There is so much more to come 😀 I have had ideas flowing like crazy!!

Now if you want to see more with this template hop over to Kelly Lunceford- Template Team

Don’t miss Nicholes samples today!! She always WOWS us! Oh!  and Beth Silaika releases her FIRST set with Papertrey Ink this month! Also hop over Dawn McVey’s blog, as she peeks her set too!

So that is all for today. Tomorrow I will share an AMAZING sample with my other My Timeless Template © got this month, so stay tuned.