He’ll make a box to put it in! Or at least I would! LOL!

Did you ever read that book? “If you give a mouse a cookie”

That is what this next image reminded me of!

Cookie Box top view

Keep in mind I HATE mice and rodent! But he was cute. So I accepted him into my stamp room.

I designed this cute little box. . The way it folds together is really cool! I’ll share that very soon!! I was proud that I could do this with a heavy, groggy head.

It uses a stamp  from a set by Cookie Crumbs (aka Diane Zechman) called Cookie Jar, and Cookie Jar-gon (not that is a pretty  darn clever name!). It is due to release through All That Scraps, on Monday the 2nd. Be sure to enter to win this set—>HERE!as well as check out the DT samples!

I think the set is cute, but that mouse and cookie jar were the images that grabbed me most. Now I can torture you with what has tortured me since making it-

Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar?

(Insert name) stole the cookies from the cookie jar!

Who me?!

Yes you!

Couldn’t be!

Then who?

When who?

Now repeat 100 times!

Front view

The box is a flap open/hinge  style box

Its great because you can use 2 colors of cardstock or patterned paper.

That holds a tin of 5 cookies Like a cupcake box, only it is holding a tin instead. I have been asked NUMEROUS times to create a “cupcake” box, and so I have done something similar-finally! No worries I’ll share the how-to’s soon!!

Here is the side view-

Its a great size box too! Im over the moon with it.

I cut out a circle in the top so you can see the tin. I didn’t put acetate over the window because of photographing (didn’t want a GLARE), and the cookies are protected in the tin inside.

Here is the open view

Sorry I didn’t get all fancy decorating my tin. I had all I could do to make the box and still be standing :C But you get the idea.

So that is that!

Now I’m going to move onto the sketch and wrap up this post

mytimess22

Here is the sketch. I loved the sketch but had a hard time coming up with anything :C

I had to get a baby card in the mail so I created this

Baby Makes Three

EEK! Bad lighting-sorry

I love this image from Stampavie called Jump into my pouch! You can also find that HERE!

I think its just so sweet, and perfect for a baby card! Especially for a mom of more than one “roo” I find that finding images for the celebration of additional “additions” can be challenging. So I was “bouncin” (sorry had to do it) over this one.

I was inspired by my ribbon for my color scheme. Seemed to be very gender neutral.

I colored with my copic markers, and sponged my sky and sun. I used prima’s and decorated them like the flowers in the image.

This sentiment from Papertrey Ink Bitty Baby Blessings, paired with Around and About sentiments.

One of my friends is due to have her 3rd baby soon, so I thought it was cute to have the Kangaroo and her three little babies in her pouch.

How cute are these little roo’s

I love the middle one – upside down! Cute little feet. That is the cutest thing about new babies!! There tiny toes.

Well I’m done for today! Tomorrow I have a special Papertrey Ink Post to kick off the anniversary countdown! You WON’T want to miss it

In the meantime-I hope YOU get to try the sketch, and get a chance to see what the sketch team got done.

Hopefully their MoJo isn’t in the gutter with mine! LOL!

Send us a link here so we can see what you do.

Have a HEALTHY weekend! Seems like MANY of you are going through the same ICK with yourself and or your children. Sending healthy vibes out to us all! What a crappy time of year.

On a happy note-I think I will have 2 videos to share this week! YEAH!!! You really will want to see those-trust me, my projects will have you papercrafting ALL day long

Thanks for stopping by

OK that enough of me—>later

AWE! How can I thank all of you for cheering me up so much? I mean that with all my heart.

 I’m also trying to focus on what is TRULY important in life-and that is my kids, and my husband. If I got a phone call that Alexa’s cancer was back, nothing else in the world would matter. The bottom from the bucket would just fall out. This hurt I feel is nothing by comparison. Its just another bump in the road. I hope that makes sense. I just wasn’t expecting it, thats all. Sometimes thing take us by surprise. So Im diving into stamping and letting it roll off my back.

Your words really meant a lot to me. You have no idea how down I was. Thank you-a million times over.

Many of you expressed concern for my stamp-insanity! LOL! I have to say that doing all the stamping I do, and sharing here IS my therapy. I truly enjoy it. Trust me I don’t get paid to blog! LOL! I wouldn’t enjoy it if it was a “job”. I do it for the enjoyment of it.

As far as the videos……….well I enjoy making them and sharing them, the editing-well I could hang myself! LOL! Part of it is my editing software, the other part is YouTube restrictions. I simply can’t edit myself that much! LOL! I feel its all worth it.

Also thanks for the congrats on my weight loss!! I have worked hard, and exercise daily, so I appreciate that

Anyway…….I’ll pick a winner tonight. I’m typing this Friday eve so a winner right now would be “unfair”. So, in the meantime, it is time for another sketch!

I hope you like it! I am lovin it.

WARNING: blonde working PSP program.

 Im sorry that the sketch double layered itself-see my card for better “visual”.

UPDATE! I replaced the sketch!! Deanne Burton fixed it for me!! Thank you

Here is the mytimess21

Now here is my card.

Anyway, you slice it

I LOVE the patterned fruit set called Tutti Fruity by Lizzie Anne Designs.

When I was the set I immediately wanted to make a watermelon. I don’t have ANY fruit sets! Crazy. The sentiments in this ROCK! Im so over the moon with it.

ONE PROBLEM: Making a watermelon required not only stamping the polka dot wedges (I used Berry Sorbet ink) but also the black seed wedge outline. Now these are RUBBER stamps, so I dusted off my Stamp-a-ma-jig and went to town. It was REALLY easy using that, and I felt happy with the outcome.

I then colored in the edge with a pink marker. The outer edge I colored green, then drew lines for a rind

How summer is that? Its freezing here and this card warms me right up.

Now who’d of thunk it!

This “watermelon” image sparked all this!

How flippin yummy is this gift set?!

We have a card-a “watermelon” gable box- I made myself-from scratch, by looking at a smaller version of a box, and a tag to match. I used 2 pieces of patterned paper, adhered together to get a good size. That was one of those-I can’t sleep at 2am projects! LOL!

The box was NOT an easy task. Im beyond excited over it though. It was refining MANY template desings, then finally tracing one I perfected onto my patterned paper.

In the future I’m just going to BUY some boxes in a large size.

ALWAYS use SCRAP first!! Then create and save a final template for future use

I used Papertrey Ink Pink  patterned paper for my watermelon “wedge” paper. The “seeds” are True Blackcardstock punched with my SU! oval The handle is a oval nestablity.

The bottom is just strips of spring moss cardstock, and ripe avocado-layer on some may arts ribbon and my friends we have a watermelon rind! I added a vellum tag for my sentiment

Here is a closer view of the tag.

I like the tag. I don’t make many “tags” so this was fun.

I stamped the round image first, then filled it in with the watermelon wedges using my Stamp-a-ma-jig. I then cut it out, so from ONE image, I got my card and tag watermelon slice!

I like it all. I hope you do too.

Now time to go check the Sketch team samples!

Please send us a link here if you give the sketch a whirl.

I’ll be back in a bit to post a winner for my Birthday Box Organizer!

As always thank you for stopping by

OK  girls I had a REALLY bad day.

One of those days where something comes up, and takes you by surprise. Just hurts. Not the end of the world kind of thing, but just makes you feel awful about yourself, and self doubt settles in. Makes you question everything you do, and why. I was going to take a break from blogging and dive into some chocolate.

Well, if you didn’t know….. that was how I USE to deal with things when I was upset or stressed. Now that I’m down over 55lbs (yeah me!!) I’m so NOT going there again. Not anymore! Instead I decided that I would DIVE head first into another project, for all of YOU, who always cheer me up (and lock up all the chocolate in the meantime!). I will just be positive, and push through this time, like I always do. No sense in getting upset over something I can’t change. Right? It is what it is.

Now to make me feel even better-I am giving this project away to one of you! You all cheer me up everyday, and giving you a chance at today’s video project will definitely cheer me up! I hope you like it.

Just leave a comment on the project here, and I will pick a random.org winner on Saturday! OK!

So this is what you have a chance at winning……….

As high as your dreams-I created the sentiment and LOVE IT!

I love the whimsical feel it has, and the colors are perfect! It  has the perfect amount of shimmer too. Can’t go wrong

Woot! Woot!

So this project is up for grabs, and is the subject of a 3 part video I have for you all.

You KNOW Im too long winded to stick to UNDER 10 minutes! Seriously!

 I hope you don’t get sick of hearing me. Let me tell you this project for you all was a true joy and stress reliever for me today. I had fun.

What I LOVE about doing these videos is I get to ENJOY teaching, without all the prep work! My own little classroom from home-heaven!

Video 1-Start to finish My Timeless Templates-card box pockets

——–>Click Here!!<———

SORRY YouTube REJECTED this because it was 44 seconds too long!! GRR!! So you need to go to Veoh. Now I just wish I uploaded it all to ONE place. Im very annoyed with YouTube. Plus I couldn’t edit it any more than it was :C

Video 2-Making the box base

Video 3-Creating the center sentiment with JustRite Stampers

——————————————————————–

Thanks for watching

After much anticipation, many of you asked for a few things:

1) To see My Timeless Templates used-start to finish-CHECK! see video #1

2) For the directions for the Birthday Card Organizer-CHECK! That is what the video is for-all 3!

3) To see how theJustRite Stamper’s sets work-CHECK! See video #3

4) Most you you didn’t like Veoh because you couldn’t view it, so you asked that I separate the videos into 3 parts-so I tried! Honestly that was a HUGE ole pain in my derriere, and my site crashed 3 times, making me re-do 2 of the 3 videos! UGH! I should soon have the plug-in here for longer stuff. Im just waiting in the SCS guy to fix it

5) Longer wording in between segments-I tried that too. I can read these just fine, and with so many wordings, it cuts into precious video timing-so pause if needed. I think I timed it well this time. I am getting better. Its only #3 and I see a big difference.

PS tell me if you like me shooting from that angle instead or not!

6) Written instructions for my videos, along with the video. OK Im not sure how often that is going to happen because this is all so time consuming already. I pour so much of myself into my projects, and the behind the scenes stuff, now videos…….AND updating here DAILY. Lets not forget I have 3 kids, so not sure if thats always going to happen.

Bottom line-you talk, I listen! So I hope you know I appreciate every comment and email, and ALL the feedback. Thanks!

Now for more photos, and an IMPORTANT note

After video #1 I had to re -create 1 & 2. After re-doing it twice, I forgot the put the segment in the video where I made my label tabs on the pocket segments :C

Sorry about that. I think you will agree, the videos share enough info, and this was a minor detail. I do apologize!

I stamped 2 months per label, and made sure they were all staggered! Not too much more than that was shared.

I put them on AFTER all my pockets are done.

Thanks!

Supplies:

My Timeless Template: All Boxed Up

Stamps:JustRite Stampers Upper/lowercase New Times Roman alpha (sentiment made using these)

JustRite Stampers Harmony Circle III border (butterfly border around sentiment)

Butterfly of Happiness from Stampin Up!

Wedding Day -used for label months/butterfly on labels

Punches/Die Cuts: Stampin Up! Label punch, Circle nestabilities , corner rounder

Cardstock: White, True Black, Raspberry Fizz, and SU! Gray

Ink: SU! gray, raspberry fizz

Other:  Scor-Pal , Shimmerz in Magenta, SU! Felt flower, Maya Road black velvet flower, diamond brad by Making Memories.

Now I have the quick directions for the basic box!

Pockets

1) Print 8 pocket templates using All Boxed up Template (linked above).

2-white

2-Raspberry Fizz

2- Gray

2-on copy paper to make true black pockets

2) Cut, score and assemble.

3) Punch 8 white tags. Stamp with months using gray ink. Stamp butterfly in scattered pattern.

4) Adhere tags to pockets, being sure to stagger them for easy viewing.

Birthday Box Base

8 1/2 X 11 piece of cardstock for base

1) Along 11 inch side score at 2 1/2 & 8 1/2

2) Along 8 1/2 side-score at 2 1/2 & 7

3) Along both 11 inch sides-cut on scored tabs, to scored edge.

4) Assemble box (there will be ONE long end that is shorter-this is what your back panel will adhere to/cover)

Apply decorative panels if you wish.

Back Panel

1) Take 6 X 11 sheet of cardstock for back panel. Along 11 inch side-score at 5 1/2

2) Apply adhesive to entire back, and fold over adhere to back (of short panel) on assembled box.

Stamp panels as desired

Insert pockets-then fill with cards and envelopes!

———————————————————-

So that is it!

So leave me a comment telling me your thoughts, or whatever.

Thanks for the pick me up, and enjoy the video

Tommorrow is another day.

Check in Saturday too, for another Saturday Sketch.

Till then

You didn”t actually think I’d let the day go by without a post now did you?! 

Oh boy, oh boy! have I been a busy girl! My head is spinning with ideas

I am working on MORE templates, and my projects for the next reveal! I think I just developed my best one yet! HAPPY DANCE!!

I have so many things I want to share all at once but not real time to do that-yet!! Plus Im loving this whole video thing! My last one (you haven’t seen it yet) was SO much easier! And Im only on #3!!

Many of you asked about Veoh. Well Veoh allows me to post LONGER videos! Me being long winded. I like that I am getting a feature enabled here soon, so YOU can ALL see them HERE! So that will be exciting.

I so hope you don’t get sick of “me”, and seeing ideas using my templates, because believe you me-I have a ton of ideas.

I promised before the holiday that I would share with you another version of what you can do with the base template from the Lolli-pop Along ©. You may remember —>THIS POST. I told you that you could also switch it up to be for Valentines Day!

So here it is

P.S. i love you. (and giving Dove chocolates, believe me they will love you back! LOL)

How sweet -literally- is that?!

Raspberry Fizz is my newest FAVORITE color! Im beyond in love with it. Pair it with chocolate, and we have HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!

Taking the colors from my YUM-A-LICIOUS Dove raspberry chocolates, I made this box from my Lolli-pop Along © base.

That is the thing with my templates. SO many uses

I LOVED the bucket image from the Love Songs set. The hearts are suppose to be piled up on the cake stand, but I stamped them into my bucket and trimmed out.

 I used a heart nestability, and added some acetate to create my window.

Now you get a peek at the yumminess you are about to embark into.

Isn’t that so cute.

OK one last photo, then I’m off.

I am working on a project and would LOVE to hear little treats that you WISH you had a cute packaging for OR would like to see me use in an upcoming template-made all cute!

Thanks for stopping by! I always appreciate all the love & support you give me-believe me, it means the world to me.

 You all rock!

Well guess who just got another video done! Whoot! Whoot!

Its all videographed, now I just need to do photos and editing. I can’t wait, because the Birthday Card Box Organizer came out SOOOOO pretty-IMO!

Thank you all for sharing the excitment with me

Its cool to be able to share with your HOW the templates work! So I hope you all enjoy it when the time comes  Seeing them in action !! I’m really so proud of that line

My goal with My Timeless Templates © is to give you a inexpensive way to create great gifts, and an easy jump start on packaging your items, so that you can spend as much, or as little time focusing on the details and designing it to suit your project/style.

Some of you like to cut back on your time even MORE by simply replicating a design idea you have already seen.

Well if you want QUICK and EASY PEASY then this is the post for you!!

This was my concept project for the Take Along Tote ©, so I thought I’d share it with you today.

My Friend Take Along Tote ©

This is the front view. This holds 8 simple cards.

I love the clean and simple look this has. The BIG pop is the use of the page pebble in the flower center, everytime the image is used.

This gift set uses the leaf pattern from Wise Owl, and the flower from Floral Frenzy.

The cardstock/ink are white, spring moss, berry sorbet, sweet blush.

Berry sorbet polka dot ribbon, and patterned paper-pink patterned

But you know me by now that the back is *just* as important!

Now the back is designed just like the front, and it hold 8 stamped envelopes to match!

This is the side view

Butterfly punch is from Martha Stewart.

Now the inside is perfect because it holds a Legal not pad, cut to fit-and wrapped to match (of course)

It featured the same design as my cards.

Here are my notecards/envelope design.

Very clean and simple! Great for when you are tight on time, or have much to make!!

Speaking of tight on time, I need to RUN!

Just wanted to do a quick post done today for ya (wink).

Thanks for looking

Till tomorrow.

BRRR! Its so cold here in New Hampshire. The snow is falling, and I am already awaiting Spring!

I am getting ready to work out, then record my Monday with Mytime video!! I’m excited to get going, and take all the advice, and put it into fruition! Thank you for all the advice, and excitement. You all made me feel OK and comfortable doing this, and sharing myself-so THANK YOU.

Jackie’s Cooking Recipe Wrap Up

Today’s project is another Christmas gift I made for Amber’s other teacher. You may remember I did one similar-for a Cookie Swap—–>HERE!

I made so many awesome gifts that were personalized this year using my JustRite Stampers. I’m actually shocked that my small letters aren’t worn out! LOL! I actually did invest in another set because sometimes I use a lot of a particular letter, and have lost a few because I’m too lazy to get on my floor and LOOK for them! LOL! They are cheap enough! You can never have too many letters-right?

Keep watching because I do have a NEW! JustRite Stampers product release to share (I was fortunate that they sent it to me and asked me play, and share an opinion! It was perfect for this project!And what was NOT to like?!)

Now this is a gift was made using one of my FREE! My Timeless Templates © the Recipe Wrap Up!

In the “original” design of the template, the idea was to create 6 fold out pockets, with Recipe cards. Well, if you are tight on time, have many gifts to mass produce, you may want to use only HALF the template!

This project only used 1/2 of the recipe wrap template!

So, untie it…………

Isn’t it the perfect size for a project?!

You don’t really need more than the 2 pockets for a simple, and thoughtful gift.

You may only use half the template, but it is just as nice of a gift idea.

I used white,  Lemon Tart ,Summer Sunrise, and Spring Moss cardstock. My Ribbon is stitched Summer Sunrise stitched grosgrain. My pretty paper is by Imaginesce. Last Springs line :C I hoard, sorry! What can I say?!

Close up of the clip-to hold notes, recipes, coupons…..whatever!

I think having the clip is a great feature. I got my large Paperclips in the office section of Walmart for uunder $2 of a large container! They are FABULOUS.

I just used a Martha Stewart flower punch, to match the flowers on my paper. The “leaves” are my bridal confetti flowers, in olive. Love those things. You get a paincan FULL at Michaels for under $5-in the bridal section. (Sorry I get hundreds of emails asking about this everytime I post). The flower centers are dew drop like pieces also found at M’s like a year ago.

Now moving on to my pockets-instead of the printable pocket template (I was tight on TIME), I used little envelopes that came with some LOVE NOTES, I purchases from Stampin Up! like 3 years ago. They are meant to hold 3X3 notecards. Well, I cut down the top to 2 1/2 and they are PERFECT for my recipe cards.

Here is the close up of From the Kitchen of Jackie pocket tag-

This is where the NEW! product comes in!! Notice: I have upper AND lowercase letters?!

 How awesome! They are FINALLY adding a lower case set to the New Times Roman font! HAPPY DANCE!!

Doesn’t it look so much better with the mix of upper and lower letters! I mean it was great before, but not its even better!

I just popped in my border, then spelled out her name. Easy Peasy!

Now make sure you check out—-> their blog <—-because they have been sharing what new products they are releasing! I may be in trouble. Looks like they are revealing 25 new items at CHA!

If you are going to CHA you will see a few of my creations in their booth! I was asked to send some along, since they enjoyed some of my posts shared

2 projects you haven’t seen, and I didn’t get GREAT photos before I sent them :C

From my friends kitchen tag close up

Now the “From the Kitchen” border is from—> THIS set. I get a lot of use from that one too. I LOVE circles, so that adds to my love for those borders.

Now to go with the gift-I purchased a Tastes of Home  (my absolute FAVORITE place to get recipes from! We have had our very best meals from this site! All of it is very easy too!!) slow cooker recipe book.

I decided to make a special magazine tube to present it to her, wither her Recipe Wrap Up! © gift.

Isn’t that just a fun way to present a magazine/book? Just untie the ends and slide out.

Here is the set, presented together

It’s just so cute!
It was well received too.

So that is it for today. I hope you liked today’s feature. I’m off to get going on my video.

Wish me luck

Want a special box to package a gift for a housewarming? This os perfect for the gardener, or bird lover. How about that perfect little doll-she would look great in here too. You might just want to WOW! them with your presentation.

Well I designed a house shaped gift box for just about any occasion!

Lo and behold Papertrey Ink had the perfect sets to make my “dream home” box a reality.

Come see!

Here is my very FIRST YouTube tutorial on video if you want a visual step by step!

Be kind, as this my first video and I did learn SO MUCH about the recording, lighting, editing process.

I made 6 of these boxes getting this to work right, and I have to say they got easier and easier, faster, and faster, and better and better.

I do need to change my video settings. I had to drastically edit this to get it to load-I had an hour of work, to cut down to 20 minutes-then found out I had to get it UNDER 10 minutes! OH BOY! Do you have any idea how long winded I am? Thats so hard. Its too bad because I had some funny conversations with myself for you! LOL! Another time I guess.

So bottom line I kept the most important parts.

For those of you on dial up, or just wanting the eye candy-I still included step by step directions for you here!

This was my first time editing and whatnot and I learned SO much, so Im certain that this will be the worst video ever. From now on it should go much smoother, as I know what to do, and not to do filming.

I will get a better angle/lighting in the future as well.

It has been so hard as I have been sitting on this project for over a month!

DYING to create a gift box that looks like a house! I wanted to create one that would fit a Groovy Girl doll or other dolls to give as a special gift.

Now lets get to work!

House Base

2 pieces of Kraft cardstock-81/2 X 11

1) Along the 8 1/2 side-score at 4 1/4 & 8

2) Along 11 inch side score at 4 1/4

Repeat steps for both pieces of Kraft cardstock.

Making the peek of the house

You will repeat this step on both pieces. (use scrap on 2nd box panel to ensure even peeks)

(along the 8 1/2 inch side) From the center of the 4 1/4 panel-Cut from the middle, at an angle / to the outer corner. Take the scrap piece, and trace it from the center to the other corner, and cut at an angle \.

Once your   / \ peek is cut, you will want to cut in from outer edge, in up to the peek. This becomes the flat sides to the box, allowing the peeks to pop up.

Now, on the bottom of the house pieces, trim on score lines, up to bottom score for your bottom.

NOTE: On the 2 panels with the peeks you will cut down the bottom flap to 3 3/4. This eill ensure a even base when box is folded.

Now pick a panel to become the front of your house.

Stamp the tree from Father Knows Best in the corner.

Grass

I used my Creative Memories wavy cutter to cut 2- 1 X 11 inch strips of grass. Put them together to wrap around my house base.

I then stamped grass from Forest Friends, as well as some of the Mushrooms.

Fence

I used the Martha Stewart Fence punch to punch 2- 1 1/2 X 11 strips of fence.

I adhered this fence behind my stamped grass hills.

Once adhered I attached it to the bottom of my house, all the way around both panels.

Trim under the roof

I used another Martha Stewart punch to line the top of my box, all the way around. It gives a nice finished look.

Windows

You will make 2.

Simply take your 1 3/8 square punch, and punch a square on either side of the house box along the flat portion. If you push the punch to the end it will ensure even windows on both sides of the house.

Take your 1 1/4 square punch and punch a square into some dark chocolate cardstock. Trim 1/8 around 3 sides, and 1/4 inch on one side.

Now take 1/8 inch strip of dark chocolate cardstock, and make your window panes by making a “t”. Once done adhere window panels over punched squares in house.

Now put the house box together!

The steps

Punch 2 pieces of gray cardstock using the Key Tag punch.

Sponge the edges, and cut down top step, to be flat. layer onto house front.

Door

Punch a piece of dark chocolate cardstock with key tag punch.

Rub chocolate ink pad over door.

Cut down bottom.

Insert a brad for a door knob.

Roof

I took a piece of dark chocolate cardstock 4 1/2 X 6 1/2. Score in half at 3 1/4.

Ran it through my cuttlebug using the brick pattern Fiskars texture plate.

Adhered a 1 inch strip of cardstock (scored at 1/2 inch), and adhered on part of the score to the inside of my house box. This will allow my roof to stay attached, and hinge open/closed.

Now you get to decorate it, as you please with little punched flowers, or other fun items you wish to add to bring out your own personality!

Left side view-all decorated

Right side view

There you have it.  The perfect little house box!

I would love to hear your thoughts! I know its not the best video in the world but after having to drastically edit 6 times I know what to do next time.

I hope you enjoyed the project

Thank you for visiting me.

WOW! Am I exhausted.

The Papertrey Ink release was another amazing one. I always have such a huge creative breakdown after, since I pour every ounce of creativity I own into every project.

Most of them were revealed up to the release, but I kept a few for today.

My first project today is very special, and I want to share it with you all. I did get special permission to post all this info, so I hope you get to read it.

Bethany-

I have to say with all the sympathy sentiments, while beautiful, it was emotional for me. Having been close to losing my own child a few times, I can’t even fathom the pain. I only know a portion of the pain that comes with just thinking of the “what ifs”. When Alexa got sick I planned her funeral in my head too many times. Something I hate to admit, but when she had so many close calls I couldn’t help but have those horrible thoughts not only cross my mind, but be lurking so close to reality.

This release came at a time that I really needed. It was so amazing because over the holiday a blog reader of mine-Melinda had sent me some amazing things from Australia. I was touched by her graciousness.

I was beyond amazed by her talent, but what got me was this photo attached with her letter, of her daughter Bethany.

She told me how stamping has helped her emotionally, to cope, as she lost that beautiful little girl in the photo last year to a tragic accident.

Here she is-

Every person in my home cried reading her letter, and starring at Bethany’s face.

Melinda said she has a hard time scrapping photos of Bethany, and this one was so special to her because it was the last photo she had of her-taken just a week before her accident. She was in her favorite dress. She loved pink flowers,  and butterflies!

 I knew I wanted to make her something special, to honor her. I had no idea what to say or where to start! Then the Loss of  Child set was sent to me. I knew the words were perfect.

I have to admit I balled my eyes out the entire time I made it. I felt such a wave of pain and emotion, and I never even “knew” her. I never made a more meaningful gift in my life. I truly poured every ounce of love I felt for my own three children into making a keepsake for Bethany’s mom.

Supplies:

Stamps-Fresh Alphabet, Loss of a Child, With Sympathy
Ink-Berry Sorbet, black, ripe avocado, spring moss, sweet blush
Cardstock- sweet blush, berry sorbet, spring moss, white
Patterned Paper- Polka Dot Parade
Berry Sorbet stitched grosgrain, leaf pattern ribbon
B.E. Frame
Other-Prima Flowers, Prima leaves May Arts velvet ric rac, dew drops, adhesive rhinestones

Now when I asked Bethany’s mom if I could share this, she agreed. I asked her what she would like people to know about Bethany, since she isn’t just a photo for a project, or another post on my blog, but a person who is so missed and so loved. A person who’s short life will have made a difference in others. I know that despite her mom losing her, she will not let her loss be in vain, but will make a difference in others lives.

If you have lost a child and need support, Melinda has offered to help you-so contact me for her info. Melinda is also looking forward to being able to eventually working with SIDS & KIDS.

This is what she had to share-

From Bethany’s mother Melinda:

Bethany lived at fast forward all the time. She was born after a 40 minute labour on November 11th 2001. That day is Remembrance Day in Australia and each year at 11am on that day the country observes a minute silence for soldiers who fell in battle, but we also like to think the nation stops for Bethany (as of course we feel it should).
Bethany started to talk very early, weaned herself at 10 months and decided she was too big for nappies (diapers) a month after her little brother was born so toilet trained herself that very day (she was only 22 months old). She was little but had a voice that carried and would have long conversations with any and everybody she met. At nearly 5 she had just started wearing size 3 clothes and was a little dynamo. She didn’t watch TV or DVD’s but preferred to just hang out with me or her brothers and sisters. It was spring when she died and 3 weeks earlier I had bought her new sandals which she loved but refused to wear them. Her older sister, Emily, talked to her about it and found Bethany thought her toes were ugly. They went through Emily’s nailpolish and Beth chose a pretty pink (her favourite colour) to decorate her toes and then wore her new shoes. For all her speed to grow up, when I cleaned up her room after she died I found she had hidden one of her little brothers dummies (pacifiers) under her pillow and must have snuck it in her mouth after I tucked her in to bed. I will always be grateful that I was able to be a stay at home Mum and spent every minute possible with her. She was secure in the fact that she was very much loved and confident of her place in the world.
 
I’m not sure if what I have typed makes any sense, but I won’t edit it as I know I could go over and over it trying to get it perfect in her honour.

Butterflies have become very special to us all as they have appeared at significant moments as if she is letting us know she is somehow here. As we were getting ready for her funeral a butterfly somehow flew into the house and landed on her portrait, the day a friend and I went to collect her ashes a butterfly fluttered around the door of the funeral home the whole time and when we were on a recent holiday there was a butterfly who followed us as we walked around Wiggle World. So you see, the butterflies on your frame are so very special as is the sentiment. It is often these smaller things that combine into something amazing and bring great comfort.

The only thing I would add is that if there is another family who read your blog who have suffered the loss of a child and would like to contact me, please feel free to give them my email.
 
I just thought of one more anecdote I wanted to share with you. Bethany’s older brother Liam (he is now 10) has always loved to draw and create his own comics. He spends hours creating and binding them. They are really very intricate and Beth always loved them and wanted to copy them which was a cause of much dispute between the two of them. Going through Beth’s room we find her treasure draw and hidden at the bottom was one of Liam’s comic books. Beth had gone through and very carefully added her name to every page. Liam would have really gone off at her for that one but now it is his most treasured possession, almost like a little note from Bethany left specially for him.

This is a poem that Bethany’s mom finds comfort in:

The mention of my baby’s name may bring tears to my eyes,but it never fails to bring music to my ears.If you really are my friend,please don’t keep me from hearing the beautiful music.It soothes my broken heart and fills my soul with love. 

Those who wish to sing always find a song.

————————————————————————–

OK now I’m done that, and still balling, lets move on to my other projects.

This is yet another sample I made (for today’s post, not in my release gallery) using the With Sympathy set. It was going to be a countdown project but I had to wait to share it-

This box is from my newest template-The Perfect Match ©

I thought that the With Sympathy set was perfect for making a nice thoughtful set of cards.

Did you know it can hold little note cards and envelopes?

I got this set from Stampin Up! a while back Now was the perfect time to use them.

They are about 3 X 4 in size.

Here are a set of 20-with envelopes! Room to spare too.

Isn’t that so simple? Great teacher gifts without lots of work!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!! Love that.

Another sample using my Perfect Match Box was paired with Heather’s  set

I used the slider cover of my Perfect Match Box © template as a basket like box to hold my body mist. I had fun with the clean, crisp design I could get easily with this set. This came together in just minutes! A perfect quick gift wrap.

Supplies

My Timeless Template-The Perfect Match Box ©
Stamps- Around & About sent.
Cardstock- PTI select white, Spring Rain, Vellum cardstock
Ink-Spring Rain

Other-adhesive rhinestone, swiss dots embossing folder, circle punches, Doodlebug paper frills border

Now another one with her set-Get Well Soon!!

I LOVE this card-Very clean and simple-but so pretty to me.

I used guideline’s to make my grid, then stamped the single flower from the set to make my own patterned paper.

I used the flower punch and stamped the circle sentiment inside, then added a button which I also stamped for the center

My leaves are just some avocado stitched ribbon, folded up

So there you have it everyone. Scroll down over the last few days, and let me know what project you liked best!

Thank you for visiting and thanks to anyone who gets any of the templates Don’t forget I WANT to see what YOU make

Have a happy day-

OK no joke Im totally in LOVE with Raspberry Fizz! LOVE I tell you.

I figured since the Papertrey Ink Release is just hours away, I would give you another couple of ideas for use of my newest templates -The Perfect Match © and Take Along Tote ©

Now I have told you in previous posts that the Perfect Match Box, is like 3 templates in 1!

You get to use the slider/base together, and you get the Base template, as well as a slider template! So I wanted you too see the pieces from The Perfect Match © used separately!

The first one ROCKS!

Why?

Because it uses the base template from The Perfect Match © to hold the square Trendy Tubes!

Oh yes! That is them!

Inside I have some yummy peanut M&M’s. This box is holding 4 of the square tubes. With room to spare

Now you may be wondering HOW those 8 inch high tubes got into my little Match box, right?

Well I CUT them down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes you can resize them and they work perfectly!!!!!!!!!!!

I cut my tubes down to about 4 1/2, then reapplies the topper. I just used a hobby blade EASY PEASY!

Now think of the possibilities!

I’m so in love with this concept!

Here is a side view.

I used my Heart Prints set, and my heart punch to create the fun from embellishment. Can I tell you that this project seriously too me ONLY 10 minutes! How cool is that?

It would have been quicker if I didn’t use a heart scallop border punch to wrap around my box! LOL!

For my ribbon wrap, I adhered it to the box bottom, then added a Raspberry Fizz cardstock panel to the bottom to cover it. Nice finished look, and my ribbon and tubes stay in place.

Now next up we are using just the slider cover portion, as a basket.

Sweet Pea

Being inspired by my bottle of body wash-I used Out on a Limb.

I love stamping over patterned paper Raspberry Fizz Miz

another view:

You may by now know how much I love giving (and receiving) bath and body stuff! Sweet Pea from Bath and Body works smells AMAZING! I scored these in the $1 section at Christmas time!

Inside this template there is a travel size body wash (as seen), body mist, and hand sanitizer! $3 total! This gift looks like more than that!

The owl is a super cute embossing punch I got from Martha Stewart!

I just punched it out, and dragged it through my Snow White ink —->C-A-UTE!

OK now we have our Take Along Tote!

Taking inspiration from the paper, I used my flower punch to create a sparkly vellum flower.

With just a glue pen, some free handing, and glitter-

Not too shabby, eh?

Side view-

How about using the pocket templates, on the inside?

I put the peanut M&M’s into my glassine bags, and added them into my pockets! YUM-O!

I jjust punched a few squares of the patterned paper, for an easy design. I then added some felt flowers, with my white blooms.

Who’d of thunk M&M’s could be so elegant! LOL! and FUNKY!

Well that is it for tonight. I hope to see you at the release

Thanks for all the support, and you sweet comments.

On a good note I think I may have a video tutorial done soon!! I just got done editing one for the Papertrey Ink Newsletter. Cross your fingers I get it uploaded by tomorrow night

Later-with more to come

Im very excited about tonight’s project! I still have SO many samples that I’m scrambling to share as many as I can before the Papertrey Ink release tomorrow night!

Red & brown-LOVE IT! LOVE! I can’t get off the red kick, but I don’t care.

For this project I stamped images from flower garden and beautiful blooms and, birds of a feather onto my lined vellum slider box using my Perfect Match Box template I think it made the prettiest patterned paper. I would BUY paper like that, so I’m happy I was able to make it.

This was a very quick and simple version of what you can do with the box design.

I’m really loving how much you can do with this template-I have many more ideas as to what can go in here, but tonight I used an old “standby” for what I consider a yummy gift!

Last year I designed a pretty popular Ghirardelli Chocolate square holder. So if you liked that maybe you will LOVE this one!

Isn’t that awesome looking? You’d never think to see all those squares in there when you slide this open!

Can you guess how many you can get in here?

Well you can fit 2 rows of 12! That means 24 chocolate squares! Now that is a YUMMY gift Looks can be deceiving can’t they? Bet you didn’t think it could easily fit THAT many.

Here is another peek-partially pulled out.

Now this is a great idea for someone who loves chocolate, and that you REALLY love because you are parting with it all!

My colors came from my wrappers. I love the mix.

What is YOUR favorite yummy treat?

For ‘gourmet” stuff my absolute favorite thing is Chocolate Raspberry Starfish from Godiva Chocolates! I LOVE the Raspberry Ghirardelli squares since they are similar. Im not a “dark” chocolate person, but those are pretty yummy.

As far as other treats-I just love chocolate anything Although since I haven’t eaten any in a while when I do, I feel SO sick. I stole a couple peanut M&M’s tonight. WOW! They were good! I also LOVE the Target -Chocolate drizzled rice crispy treats that ONLY come out at the holidays. I bought myself 2 containers! LOL! They are the perfect size for moderation Its great when things are individually wrapped so you can THINK before you open it.

Another HUGE guilty pleasure that I recently found-Poppycock gourmet popcorn stuff. OMW! If you try the chocolate peanutbutter drizzled one-TO DIE FOR!

OK Im going off on chocolate stuff, time to quit!!!!!!!!! Sorry about that. Your turn.

Tomorrow I have a bunch more stuff to share-so stay tuned and thanks for stopping by