Well it is no secret that I started my passion for “crafting” with quilting.

I loved purchasing and mixing the patterns of fabric so much more than the sewing part! LOL! That was my first sign that maybe being a quilter wasn’t for me. The second sign was me staying up ALL hours of the night trying to finish a quilt in a day! LOL!! I needed that instant gratification. I didn’t enjoy the quilting at all-just the end result. Boy am I thankful I found a craft I enjoy start to finish-with my instant joy attached.

Anyway-lots of people sew to some degree. When you are crafty you generally surround yourself with crafty people. Well I made this Sew n Go tote just for that crafty person in your life who loves to sew! It would be a fabulous gift for the beginner sewer in your life too!

Using Take Along Tote: Another My Timeless Template idea peek

Sew n Go! Patchwork of love

How cute is that?

I just think of how great this little package could be for a newbie sewer! I know I would have done a happy dance if this was given to me! Especially when I was a girl, and would sew during the summer at my grandmothers. To have my OWN supplies would have been over the top.

Now in the front pocket- I used a round nestability to cut out a portion of the pocket (prior to adhering it to the pattern base) to give you a different look, and more visibility at what is inside

I took a travel sewing kit I got at the Target $1 spot some time ago, and repackaged it in a gift card tin I got at Michaels. Also a $1. I used the plastic insert that would normally be for a gift card, and flipped it upside down to fit all my ribbon spools etc in, and encapsulated it in the tin.

Fits in the pocket perfectly.

I used quilters sampler/sent. for my design and sentiment. My colors were inspired by my fabric selection. I had fun coloring the quilt blocks to match

Side view

I held this tote closed with large eyelets and some cranberry crisp ribbon.

Inside there are 4 yards of fabric!

Folded nicely, and secured in place with a stamped band.

Don’t you love the colors?

Wouldn’t this make a nice gift!! I love it.

Be back soon with more peeks

Quite honestly I’m totally in LOVE with my project today.  Clean, simple, perfectly detailed.

OK by now I think you get how much I LOVE packaging ordinary, everyday things and making them extraordinary!

As a SAHM, on a fixed income (aka no allowance! LOL!) I have to rely on my stamping skills to make these inexpensive items more special. Its amazing what a little cardstock and ink can do to the littlest gifts. So I’m always trying to think of great ways to package things. For me its always been more about the packaging of things, rather than the gift inside.

I was always intrigued by cool packages, and wrapping paper as a girl. Now that love has grown out of control!!

Well I don’t know about you, but I LOVE candles! I could LIVE in Yankee candle (well until the headache from the plethora of scents hits me, then I’m out of there). I never get the huge ones, just a couple of the tea lights, or votives.

What is NOT to love? They can be pretty and they smell SO nice. Especially when you have company coming I personally love Clean Cotton (goes with my cleaning addiction! LOL!) , and Lilacs the best. We have a few lilac bushes outside our home, and the fragrance when they bloom is amazing! I wish it would last forever. Next up would probably be Apple Cinnamon. Reminds me of my mom baking during the holidays. “I” don’t typically bake, so that is the only way to get that scent in my house )

Have you ever seen their candle sampler set deals? You can get like 6 votives/tea-lights for X amount of $$. Supposedly saving you some $$ the more you get?

Candles make great gifts for people because its a nice “luxury” we don’t like to buy ourself, and they won’t get you fat! LOL! Plus they are a nice inexpensive gift so to speak, and EASILY re-giftable! No shame in that if you aren’t a fan of the scent.

Getting to my point here-

Every release I HAVE to do something with butterflies. I know, I know, blah blah blah, but they are “my thing”.  So I am doing it again.

I always wanted a NICE way to package up some candles-without having the EXTRA expense of a candle holder.  Maybe even a nice decorative way to STORE them, in full  view, so I don’t have to dig though my drawers or a cabinet to find them. OR remember I have them. If I don’t see them I forget to use them.

Well, wouldn’t you know that my Perfect Match Box © template is the PERFECT box for just that!!

Is this not so SIMPLY elegant looking? I don’t think I could part with it.

I printed my Perfect Match base onto Ripe Avocado cardstock, and assembled. The exact meaurements will be featured when the template goes LIVE on the 15th. The Perfect Match Slider box was printed on white cardstock. I added a velvet ric rac to the bottom for “grass”. Then I felt a nice 1/4 inch band across the top would be perfect!!

I used Rustic Branches ( a set I’m really in love with) to make my own flower stamp combo when paired with the flowers  from Beautiful Blooms (my favorite flower set of all time). The smaller open flower image is from Limitless Labels (another favorite I use ALL the time-especially with my templates )   A little bling in the flower centers is a great simple touch.

Add a butterfly from  Butterfly Kisses (one of my other favorite sets-ever), and lastly-(yes another favorite! LOL!) a  sentiment from Heartfelt basics-and its perfection!

My dear sweet friend Diana bought me a beautiful butterfly plate, that has butterfly votive candles on it. I adore that plate, and think of her everytime I see it. Well the candles inspired me to make this holder for them

Yes! BUTTERFLY candles! The candles are glittery! The plate matched my living room perfectly, and the candles are stunning in person. Now I have a special box for them too.

Here is the set of them-out of the slider box.

This easily fits 6 decorative tea lights. The butterflies are raised up, so they are taller than your typical tea lights. You can certainly stack 2 layers (12 total) regular tea lights.

Isn’t this a great way to present such a gift?

Im just in love. Im also on a Raspberry Fizz, and Ripe Avocado kick now ( I switched from poppy, avocado and black! LOL!).

Anyway-I just had to share my excitment for this project with you all. Only a few more sleeps until I get to see what YOU do with it! So many things can get packaged up in here.

I do have lots more to share, but my kids are sick :C so my time here is VERY limited. Gotta love their timing!

In the meantime, if you haven’t already check my post below, AND Nichole’s Blog for more peeks! It’s also Michelle’s day for a peek too!

Enjoy your day-and THANK YOU for stopping by to share my excitment Hugs to you all.

OK I have another template sample!!  The templates will be released on the 15th.

Do you ever give gift cards to the movies-or for movie rentals? I know Netflix is becoming popular, and with the economy being what it is, sometimes a movie “IN” is a much more affordable (and realistic) date night option these days. Especially if you are like me-3 kids, and NO HELP for babysitting. Let’s be realistic. If you have children getting a night out is NOT easy. AND if you wait for a date to “reconnect” and spend time with your loved one, before you know it the kids will be going off to college, and you won’t even know who you are married to anymore! LOL!

Jay and I try to have one on one time daily-even if its just an hour.

Throwing romance out the window, and making a date night at home is about as good as it can get at my house! Jason and I appreciate getting movie rental gift certificates from people, to make it that much more affordable. Even a $10 gift can get us 3 movies Upon receiving such a gift I thought about a fun way to GIVE a gift like that, and make it all the more special.

So this recent gift card (as seen here) being my inspiration point-here we go!

My newest Take Long Tote © template is the PERFECT presentation for a movie night at home!

Being inspired by the gift card packaging, I designed my front & back pockets to look just like a popcorn box! Of course both my pockets each hold a bag of microwave popcorn! You each need your own bag Heck they are only 110 calories, so eat up! The yellow filler adds to the design a bit.

Now to decorate my “popcorn box” pockets-I added strips of poppy cardstock, and made a scallop border.

I wanted to add to the popcorn pockets so-I did!

I used the stars from the 2008 Holiday Celebrations and cut them out. the “party time” is from Limitless Labels. I also used these for my candy bars (keep reading).

Now the close up-

OK so I wanted to make “tickets”.  I used a corner punch for that, and chose to use the Limitless Labels set for my ticket design. The “enjoy is from Mixed Messages.

I used the solid flower from the Remember set, and embossed it with white EP to make is look like a piece of popcorn! I then embossed a spare piece of cardstock, punched out a 3/4 circle, and covered a dimensional for the popcorn center-for a more realistic look! This was a proud moment for me! LOL! I was pretty happy with the outcome! From a flower to a piece of popcorn

Now a view from the side :

Drumroll…………opening it up-

Inside we have a gift card to the movies or video store, and 2 wrapped candy bars to match.

You can’t “go to” the movies without popcorn and candy bars right?

I think this is totally cute, and sure to surprise the lucky couple!

Here is a close up of my candy bars-

I just created a cute wrapper for them. Nothing fancy.

I think the project as a whole is really cute. Heck include babysitting and get it for the movie theater! LOL!

The point is you CAN plan a nice date night at home. It may not go uninterrupted but its the thought that counts. With Valentines Day approaching you can make this for your special someone as part of your romantic date night at HOME! LOL!

Change it up for Football season-with a FREE PASS for an uninterrupted afternoon of watching the game with friends even. It’s always the thought that counts. Who’d of thunk it? That 2 measly packages of microwave popcorn and some candy could look so cute?!

Endless possibilities for this template-even for the MEN in our lives.

Thanks for letting me share

I’d love to know what you think of this project, and share ANY “dating at home” tips for those of us with kids who can’t get out too often!

The excitement is building. Ready for another peek?

 Im just so happy you liked my post yesterday! I’ll be picking a winner for tomorrow-

Im certain I sound like a broken record but you ALL seriously make my day. This wouldn’t be very exciting if I were the ONLY one who was happy about it all. YOU are what makes this all so AWESOME that words simply cannot even convey what I feel about it all. Truly.

  I have to tell you that I LOVE the Take Along Tote © template! Its really a lot of fun. I have many great gift ideas for that one , that I will share over the next few days! It was one of those-woke me up at 3am ideas. I jotted down a quick idea, then in the morning went to work. It actually worked out pretty well! I have to say I am pretty happy with all the templates we have to reveal over the next 2 years, and counting!! I have recently developed a few more that I need to have approved So I LOVE hearing what YOU want to see

Today I am switching gears to share a sample from my 2nd template.

It is called The Perfect Match © box!

Sometimes we need or want a slider box to hold a variety of items.  This box is just amazing. Mix and match your papers and stamped designs for a really beautiful custom look. It can lay flat, or stand up. Your choice.

This is a great one for favors for birthday parties, Weddings, Bridal/Baby showers, and a million other “just because” occasions.

This box uses Beautiful Blooms. It was my template conception project. I used a soft sky and teal pigment ink for this project. The box slider base is a shimmery cardstock from WorldWin Papers. There are also adhesive rhinestones to match, in the flower centers.

I randomly stamped the slider cover to make my own patterned paper. I punched a notch in the front panel for an easy slider option. No notch need though.

The best part about this template is its like a 3 in one template!!

You can use the base and slider box together.

Use only the base.

OR use only the slider box! The slider portion has a bottom, so its perfect on its own!

I love versatility-in case you can’t tell, and most of my templates have a wide variety of uses, as well as the option to use other portions of the template in another fun way! Don’t limit your own ideas

You will be shocked at what you can package in this template (again-I have so many ideas to share over the next few days!). Don’t forget the AMAZING Papertrey Ink Design Team! They contribute FABULOUS ideas that go into the exclusive idea catalog that comes with every template purchase. That alone is amazing. I’m certain anyone here who has purchased a template has discovered how great that idea catalog is.

So, as I said-like its name-you can easily mix & match your top and bottom of this slide out style box. Its a perfect size to hold many fun treats too.

Chocolate Turtle

Speaking of fun treats-how about some chocolate turtles?

When packaging these, I knew the turtle from Pond Life was the PERFECT set! Pair it with Forest Friends and I was one happy girl!

I printed my template base on Spring Moss cardstock, and cut/scored/assembled.

For the slider cover template, I cut off the bottom. It was done using acetate as a clear cover so you can see, and drool over the turtles without even opening it yet :D

Now when using acetate to replace a cardstock portion of the template, I simply print the template onto my copy paper, then use it under my acetate layer as my cutting/scoring guide. Easy peasy.

Before assembling the acetate cover, I adhered my sweet blush panels to the inside panels of the template. I also stamped my sentiment in white StazOn.

 Once it was assembled I layered in my Chocolate Remix patterned paper-which I colored random flowers to match! A really pretty touch I think.

I thought the sentiment was PERFECT for this treat

Don’t want to eat them all up at once, now do we? One a day is the perfect treat.

I fit 12 of these delicious chocolate turtles in this box. With room to spare! Valentines Day is approaching! Chocolate turtles are just so YUMMY!

Who could resist them in this package?

Well that is all for today. I hope you will share your thoughts on this template/project as well.

Tomorrow is going to be JAM packed with samples here! I will have a special Papertrey Ink post to share with the other design team members, along with 2 template samples (one with The Perfect Match©, and another with Take Along Tote©-IF I find the time to blog it all. ) AND if that wasn’t enough, I have peeks starting for Pink Cat Studio!

Now you understand why I’m so crazy?! LOL! Many ask how I do it. Right now I’m certainly surprising myself! LOL!

 I have so much more to share, you have no idea how much my head is spinning. I always have to jot down the ideas when they hit because I get flooded with so many at once!

So, stay tuned tomorrow, and be sure to check out Nichole’s Blog, as well as Heather, who has another great set debuting this month.

Till tomorrow

Mission organization: 

Well with the New Year officially here many of us feel the need to get organized. I know I do. We often resolve to get more done in the upcoming year, and hope that organization will help us to do that. I am fairly organized, and am endlessly re-organizing my work space. It always has to be clean! After I create I clean it all up like nothing happened.

This month Nichole asked the Papertrey Ink design team members to kick off the new year by sharing what organizational system WE use to remember, and get those birthday cards out on time.

WHAT?! We are suppose to SEND cards out? AND get them there ON TIME?!

All I could think of at that moment was EEK! I need help and ideas too! Can I sit this one out?! LOL!

 I’m so not organized in that area, at all! Its awful really. So I took the assignment as a challenge to myself, to finally organize myself enough to actually get a EASY system of organization for myself to actually start mailing ALL cards-not just birthday stuff.

I hope you enjoy what I found to be helpful!

I decided I wanted to create a file system that would allow me to keep the cards I make, and file them into a particular month. That way if make some ahead of time, or for a specific theme/person, I can easily file it, then find it. So I designed a SIMPLE, easy and fun filer system! I made it to match my stamp space of couse, adding some of my favorite accent colors.

Here is it! The File and Find Organizer!

I wanted it fun, and functional. I also wanted it as small as possible! I need all the space I can get from my system. The finished size is 6 X 5. Perfectly cute.

All I did to make this box was print 8 of the pretty pockets used from the All Boxed Up template from the My Timeless Templates line. It was SOOOOOO easy! I love the pockets from that template. Wouldn’t you know they were PERFECT for this project too

EDITING TO ADD: The pockets are from the All Boxed Up  template. I created the box to fit my pocket templates for my project. I used ONLY the pockets from that template in this project

Then I created a box bottom to fit my 8 pockets. Stamped it using Polka Dot Basics, and added punched cardstock to match, in the center of the circles. For the back I added a folded piece of chocolate cardstock for a sturdy backing, with a handle punched in.

Here is a side view where you can see the pockets stacked next to each-other.

I printed 2 of each color-pure poppy, dark chocolate, berry sorbet, and aqua mist. Then simply cut, scored and assembled.

They all fit nicely into the box bottom I created. If I want to take them out of it I can, but there really is no need. The angle from of the pockets allows me to easily remove cards when I want, without taking the sections out, but it is a nice option to have.

Side view 1

I used the Wedding Day set to create the months on my paper tabs (I used a Stampin Up! Punch for my tabs) so I know which box holds what months worth of card creations. I needed 6 boxes just for the months, since I am doing 2 months per box. That means I can potentially hold 48 cards, in advance! 4 per month.

Side view 2

The last 2 pockets hold a few must haves to make me actually MAILING my cards possible!

The last pocket has some envelopes handy & ready to go! Definitely need those to get mailing.

The 2nd to last pocket holds a pen-stamped to match, to keep handy for signing my cards and a book of stamps for mailing. In that pocket there is also all the addresses of family and friends!

I took the opportunity to take all the names/addresses of friends and family, and save them on our computer so that they are PRINTABLE on my labels! All I then did was print up 2 sets of all the labels,  cut them up in sections of 5, and store them in the pocket! Easy peasy! No more looking for addresses. Just take the sticker off, and put it on the envelope. Stamp with postage and ready to go.

Here is the system-all laid out.

Just peel & stick the proper address on the envelope-done.

Now you may be wondering what that calendar page is you see with January across it. Well Betsy from the team created a file to go with her exclusive project for the Idea Catalog with the Music Makeover template, so I used that as well. It will be perfect for keeping track of those birthday’s and anniversary’s!

EDITING TO ADD: The templates aren’t on Betsy’s blog. You get the celendar templates as part of your purchase for the Music Makeover template.

The occasion tracker slides behind my decorative ribbon band I printed out each month to keep for a handy reference.

Here is another photo of a sample of a very SIMPLE card layout, that can be easily modified to fit any color combo, and made to fit any occasion-

It matches my File and Find set too! I think this card is so cute. It used the Wise Owl set, and inside says “have a hoot of a day”.

See here is another card-same colors, and layout, just different stamp set, and occasion!

This card used Floral Frenzy

Here are both together.

So, I think getting organized for this was much easier than I thought! I may actually get this goal achieved this year.

Be sure to check out all the other designer’s ideas:

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this project and share how YOU stay organized during the year.

Till tomorrow

OK so the new year is approaching and I have a million emails, and projects to get done. You have no idea how behind I am, I could scream. Granted I have accomplished a lot today, but no where near done. The holidays put a huge lurch in my other planned projects.

I have some really cool stuff to post, just need the time.

So I need to focus on all those MUST DO’s, before I can play more. Im also STILL trying to get my video thing going. That is high on my priority list. Not sure I’ll ever figure that out :C We did have some success playing with a test run, but we will see when it comes to the REAL thing. Then its trying to upload it-YIKES!

So if you emailed me Ill be in touch once my pile of work is complete. Many of you are starting blogs and have lots of ?’s for me, so be patient with me, I’ll get to those once I can. Tomorrow we are also having a party here, so I need to get going on that stuff too. Rest is for the weary! The good thing is my MOJO is in high hear. I have a challenge card to post tomorrow so don’t miss that.

In the meantime my friend Ellieis hosting a RAK request for a special little boy named Garrett. He is just 7 years old. He had the same Cancer as my daughter Alexa, and sadly his cancer has returned :C He will have to find a donor and get a bone marrow transplant. I can only imagine the pain and fear and everything else his family is going through, all over again. It is worse when it returns. Its a whole new ball game! She really wants to cheer him up and fill his mailbox! So if you have time PLEASE check it out! HERE! A great time to exercise those boy card making skills or stamps

Then my friend Alana is having a Rhinestone share CHECK IT OUT! I LOVE my bling and if you do too, and want a good variety of it, then shares are always an awesome more affordable way to get a lot I love joining shares, and that is how I obtain a lot of variety in my supplies, like ribbon, glitter and things like that.

For now another frame sample since Im short on time :C

This was another frame mat I did for my friend. I made 4 of this design

I used the JustRite Stampers New Times Roman Font, with decorative ends, by using the Harmony Block.

Makes it so personal. I really loved this one too!

Close up detail-

To accentuate the red & black, I used the leaf image from Papertrey Ink Beautiful Blooms set, and added the shimmery bridal confetti, which I colored with my Copic marker’s to match!

A little bling, and it was perfect!

Again-simple. Not wanting to take away from Avery Her family LOVED the frames That made me so happy to hear.

OK I think I covered everything I needed to for today-off and running.

Later

STILL trying to figure out the video software-GRR!! I am REALLY aiming for a first video post for New Years! I may need to purchase a new software, since our computer keeps crashing on this one :C

Anyway-more holiday gift projects to share.

Read on because I will talk about my preferences with some of the JustRite Stampers products since I have received many emails about my posts.

Right before Christmas my friend Erin came over in a panic needing to finish her last minute gifts. My friend is giving photos of her daughter Avery for Christmas. She asked me if I could help her dress up the photo mats, but keep it simple! We didn’t want to take away from the photo itself. The frames only cost her $4, but she wanted them to appear to be more expensive, personalized and fancy. I had 16 in total to make-4 of each design. I think when we were done, if you had a professional mat your photos with the name/year it could have cost MUCH more.

She was very happy with them, so I thought I’d share one of them today! The rest I’ll share over the next couple of days

Here is a sample of one-Avery 2008

I stamped the 2008 using my Medium/Large numbers set. 

I did the pretty decorative edge using an image from the New Times Roman Font set, which I also used the 50pt. font for creating my name-AVERY.

 I stamped the 2008, in Sahara sand ink, then stamped the AVERY using black ink. I did this using my Harmony Rectangle Stamper set. Its great for creating words, sentiments etc.

To align it perfectly I used a Stamp-a-ma-jig. That was my sure fire way to get it perfect first time.

I love the simple addition of the little adhesive rhinestones.

This is a simple, square mat, and I wanted to keep it simple and uncluttered. I think it really highlighted the photo nicely, and will look great in any room

Many people asked me what I reccomend  to get started with some JustRite Stampers Products. Well I have a ton, and I think my favorite must haves would be:

* A font set that suites you. For under $22 you get 3 sizes of alphas in the font of your choice! I love that. Just pick your fave!

I honestly prefer the wood mount best. I will say to quickly mass produce the self-inking stampers  are great. They also sell empty ink cartridges for you to be able to customized your ink color if you like those.

 For me, with the wood mount you can easily use any ink in any color, any time, and its easier for me to use/clean. Also use markers and whatnot.

DON’T forget if you get one if those you need a wood block from them to use the sets!! Unless you see your set comes with a block, then you are all set.

I personally started with the Special Occassion Font & Border set, which comes with a wood block, but have really fallen in LOVE with the font sets, that have the 3 sizes.

*If you want to get any of the font sets I definitely think you NEED the Harmony Rectangle Block! Hands down! This allows you to create words, sentences, sentiments, and not be stick with just a round. or oval shape! I love mine and use it just about every time I use my font sets I also use the 1 5/8 Blister pack

* A MUST order for me is also the Small letter set, and the Numbers set! Nothing is complete without those.

* For gift sets I adore the From the Desk/Kitchen/ Library of border set! Love that too.

Now last but not least, many of you asked about buying a gift for someone. What would I choose?

I think that the Special Occassions or Damask border set I started with is a perfect start since it has a wood block, the monograms, and borders in the set! Then they can go from there!

Now for the rest of it, I think getting some borders is certainly fun, but I think the above to start is where I would go if I had NONE of it

I hope that helps you. Remember this is just MY personal opinion, and what I like to use, and have been getting the most use out of.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Enjoy the day

Or know someone who does?

Then this is THE post for you

This is a super last minute gift idea, that I hope you find useful.

I needed to finish making teacher gifts, and Amber’s teacher is a HUGE cookie swapper. She has special parties several times a year where they swap cookies and recipe’s!

While pondering what on earth to make her (she stamps too!) I figured why not a Cookie Swap Recipe Holder?! She can bring it with her and have her recipe’s ready to go, and it’s a great holder to house the favorite one’s she receives.

Here it is! Laurie’s Cookie Swap Recipe Wrap up

My Timeless Templates ©to the rescue. I mean it when I say my own templates saved me time this season on time, creative effort, and $$ . I have had fun sharing all these homemade treats with so many people. I keep hearing that I should open a store! LOL! Um, not sure about that.

I used my FREE template-the Recipe Wrap-Up for this gift. I have to say I have really enjoyed being able to easily personalize my gifts with my HUGE collection of JustRite Stamper Letter sets. I have several and they also saved me this year too. I use my small alpha ALL the time. Not sure how I lived without that one. As you can see it made this wrap really special and personal.

I then stamped, colored and cut a cookie for the center design.

Since she loves pink, I thought of a way to combine her favorite color for the holder, and keep it cookie related-using Kraft, dark chocolate, sweet blush, berry sorbet, and white. Ribbon is also from Papertrey Ink.

The polka dot patterned paper is from Polka Dot Parade.

The main paper you see-with all the cookies, and snowflakes, I made myself! I’m beyond in LOVE with the way it came out. I would TOTALLY BUY IT if I saw it.

I have had this set from A Chemistry With Paper called Holiday Treats. I LOVE that set, and it was absolutely perfect for what I needed today. I also used some other small stamp elements from the Holiday Treats from Papertrey Ink.

Here is a close up view to the ties.

I decided that I would use eyelets to keep this sturdy for lots of wear and tear from tying closed, swap to swap.

All unwrapped

As you can see In modified this version from the original as I didn’t make 6 pockets for my recipe cards, instead I did 2 panels with a altered large paper clip to house any little notes or other things she may want to have handy!

Here is a closer view of the clip-

I used my same design element, as on the cover of my Wrap-Up! Stamping again my personalized info

Close up view on the pockets-left

Now do you see my pockets? I found a way to make this go even quicker! Little envelopes that usually hold 3 X 3 notecards! They are PERFECT for the Recipe Wrap Up, and the recipe cards. I just added a strip of designer paper, and some ribbon, then my cookie decoration embellishments, made to match

Other view of pockets on right

Each pocket holds 10 cards for this one. So she has 40 swap cards, blank- for her to do with what she likes.

Now you may be wondering what the LONG Tube like thing is!

Well, I thought a great companion for her gift would be a magazine of all Gourmet Cookie Recipes, so I purchased the newest Martha Stewart Cookie magazine to give her some great recipes to try for her next swap. I honestly contemplated keeping it for me! LOL!

I didn’t want to give it in a plain ole bag, or plainly wrap it, so I made a tube from cardstock, and added cellophane to the ends. Rolled it up, and decorated. Just untie the ends, and slide out the magazine! Pretty cute huh?

I think it was a really nice co-ordinated gift Plus it was  fun to make.

The dotted borders are actually Doodlebug Paper Frills-colored with my Copic’s to match

PERFECTION!

Since we are talking cookies, and swapping-PLEASE share your favorite cookie recipe here if you have time! 

 I will share my favorite cookie-the easy way

Do you likeRaspberry Linzer Cookies? They are beyond amazing! My favorite cookie-I think. I have a thing for Raspberry and Lemon stuff (like little tarts or lemon square/bars, tarts-anything! PIE!! OMG! I need to go have dinner)

Short on time? Here is my cheater way to get them done F-A-S-T!

Can you tell I loathe cooking? It totally cuts into my stamp time

I just buy the pre-made Pillsbury sugar cookie dough.

Roll it out, and cut with my circle cookie cutter.

Now, make sure that exactly 1/2 of the circle cookies have a shape cut in the center.

(you can also do shapes like a heart, then do a little heart cut in the center)

FYI-You need 2 cookies for the sandwich-one has a hold in it.

Bake as directed.

Let cool.

Spread Seedless Raspberry Jam on the solid shape, and apply top cookie with cut out. Sprinkle on powdered sugar and you are DONE!!

Easy peasy, and so yummy. No one will guess how super simple that was.

On more DIVINE Raspberry treat! You can have this made in less than 15 minutes-tops! (Doesn’t count chilling time)

Its a Trifle. If you use what I tell you-really low fat and pretty low calories too-if you don’t over eat!

NOTE: I omitted the macaroons for a healthier, yet still scrumptious version

2 pkgs pound cake (Sara Lee frozen section)

1 tub of Fat Free Cool Whip (it does still taste fab)

1- 4 pk of Fat Free vanilla pudding cups (they are Handi-snacks. Then you don’t have to make the pudding-just pour it out of the containers!) (OK you MAY need 2 pks, I can’t remember :C)

1 jar of seedless raspberry jam

1 pkg of fat free/sugar free raspberry jello (make per instructions)

OK direction time

Cut pound cake into slices. Spread on raspberry jam, making pound cake/jam sandwiches.

Once sandwiches are made, cut into smaller sandwich cubes.

Layer sandwich cubes on bottom to trifle bowl.

Layer vanilla pudding, whipped cream.

Repeat steps until you are at top (DO NOT TOP WITH WHIP CREAM YET!)

Now take the prepared jello mixture, and pour it over the dessert. (TRUST ME ITS AMAZING)

Be sure to poke lots of holes so the jello does coagulate and form pockets of jello. You want the pound cake to soak up the juice (and no its NOT a soggy bread thing-that would NOT go over well with me!)

Let sit at least 4 hours in fridge.

Top with whipped cream before serving.

Scoop out & enjoy!

So that does it for me here.

I will be back tomorrow to post and wish you all a happy holiday!

Thank you for stopping by

Oh gosh I swear I can literally hear the clock go tick- tock, tick- tock to the hours till Christmas! I’m in a big frenzy. I usually have my shopping done long ago, but this year (for the LAST time) made the huge mistake of handing the shopping $$ over to my hubby. Never again. I knew I should have kept full control over it. Now I know. Im doing all sorts of last minute running that never would have happened otherwise.

OK that VENT is over.

We have gotten TONS of snow, and I was able to finally get some snow pants!

Now listen to this-I LOVE Target, but this little tid bit of info drove me crazy-Target sells KIDS snow bibs (thats what they call them) but NOTHING for adults! Not even in mens section. Does that make any sense to you? Do we not need to shovel or go sledding as well?

So I went into the little boys section, and found a XL snowbib and it FIT! So I got that. Best part-on sale for $6!!!!! So it worked out in the end.

OK now moving onto the the holidays.

 I had a million requests for how I would give candy canes as a gift. Well, you could use theLolli-Pop Along template, or For Keep{Sake}, another idea I hope you have time to try is this SIMPLE little bucket, that will adorn our kids food table at Christmas.

You know those adorable little buckets in the Target $1 spot? Did you know they could be the PERFECT center piece! Well they can.

I just made a bucket insert for my candy canes to stick into, and I was good to go. I used the set JustRite Stampers ivy & holly berry circle border from the Christmas Ensemble set, and die cut the circle, then layered it onto a scallop circle nestability-which fit perfectly into my bucket!!!

Cut some holes that were a firm fit for my candy canes, then added some filler in the bucket-done!

I used the Harmony Classic Circle II set for making my little tag. I used markers to make it 2 colors. I thought it would make a perfect lil ornament by adding a silver clip to the top! So quick & easy. I tied some silver string to the handle and now it hangs just like an ornament.

I think this bucket was cute and festive. Best part was it was made in 15 minutes ! Now that is a kid friendly project!

Well I have lots to wrap up here and the insane amount of snow we had isn’t helping. I finished Amber’s teacher gifts and boy did they come out nice!!! Wait till you see. All this week I will be sharing various gift items-so I hope you have time to stop by quick & say hi!

Till tomorrow-

I’m not sure WHO is out there in blogland, as the busy holiday approaches, lots of awful snowy weather, and power outages to say the least-but if you are out there, and are reading, I am beyond excited to share this project with you! I wasn’t going to bother posting today since everyone is “gone”, but if you are here, I hope you enjoy it! I had a BLAST making it.

I made this little gift set for my friend Alicia’s daughter Ava. I have been trying to get a care package together (rather SLOWLY) and want to include this. My own daughter Amber helped with the idea! I also made one for Amber, as she thought the original was for her. Let me tell you- it was HOURS of cutting and coloring!!!!!!!!!!

Keep reading.

Who would have thought that the My Timeless Template Lolli-pop Along © could become a “store-like” carry case for some pretty paper dolls, and their clothes? Oh, yes!! It can. This template is so versatile-Im truly in love with it.

I am over the moon in LOVE with Stephanie Fizer & her style. The newest Isabelle Paper Dolls collection is so cute. They are retro to me and borderline the look of Wednesday from the Adams Family (remember that show??). Right amount of cute, but not too cutesy.

This project truly brought me back to summer’s at my grandmother’s when I would play with paper dolls on her sun porch! Girls these day’s don’t really play with paper dolls anymore! So sad. I hope this set revives that old pastime.

With all that being said……….it is time to introduce you to some of my Pretty Paper Friends!

In classic MFT style

Pretty Paper Friends Pop-Along

Yes, I named them. How can you make 3 paper dolls, each with their own personality and NOT name them? I think I had more fun making these than any little will have! LOL!

 Candy is in pink-think cotton candy.

Pepper is in red-like a peppermint

 and then, in purple we have Poppi-like a lollipop! AKA Lolli-pop Along©

Aren’t they so cute?

I used the JustRite Stampers to create the introduction to my gift set! It’s really nice have some various size alpha’s in various font’s to make projects like this possible. I don’t know how I would have done this otherwise.  Now THESE are something to ask Santa for-for sure! I love the store front with the label!

I used the New Times Roman font for my “friends” and the small alpha (which I use endlessly) for the “Pretty Paper”. The oval was from Harmony Classic Oval 1 for my dotted border. I love it.

I had this vision of them in a store front window, which was inspired by the  MFT pink & black awning logo they use on all their stamps/blog/store etc. When I thought HOW to create that-the Lolli-pop Along came to mind.

So I went to work creating my holder.

I also stamped the Behind the Scenes, flower image onto my acetate in white stazon, then colored in with Souffle gel pens! I love the look.

So here are the dolls, out of the package-each one dressed up!

I used THIN magnetic strips I got at Michaels! Its cheap, and easy, plus holds well. For 2 sets of these it only use one small strip. The entire magnetic strip had 6 or 8 for like $1.54?? Not too shabby.

It was Amber’s idea to put them on sticks! She said it would be easier to play “paper doll puppet show” that way since they were easier to hold. She also noted that they wouldn’t get “dirty” or squished by her hands! Pretty good observation for a 4 yo. I guess that is why they have KIDS test toys before they market them huh? They should now what works! Luckily I had some thin flat craft sticks at home already!

Now its time to play dress up!

Here is Poppi in her mermaid outfit. Each girl in the set has a set of all the matching outfits supplied in the stamp set!

I put the clothing in a plastic case that large silver paperclips come in! Fits perfectly, a wardrobe for 3! They each also have a “pet” that comes in the set too. I made one for the gilrs as well.

 I put some magnets in the box to keep everything “tidy”, and wrapped with some pink & black polka dot ribbon to match!

This also stays in the holder with a magnet.

Time to say bye!

I hope Ava likes her package when she FINALLY gets it-next year!

I’d love to hear a favorite toy from your childhood! I know I have so many. With the holidays approaching it will be fun to reminisce So share away.

Till tomorrow.