Sorry this post is a bit late. Since my brother & his girlfriend moved in and cat drama, settling in has been a challenge, as has finding stamp time! I am running them around to a million appointments, getting them settled and finding doctors and whatnot, and trying to clean around lots of luggage until the spare room is complete. Crazy is not the word!

In the meantime, the kitty drama continues. Thank you all for the well wishes. Its nice to know Im not alone. We are still monitoring him, and he seems to be better since on the medicine. Im hopeful. Still nervous and upset, but time will tell.

My time was SUPER limited and I forgot I needed a quick gift for a family friend. I LOVE the Hot Cocoa from Archer Farms  (Target product) and always keep some on hand for those “just in case” I need a quick gift. Good thing, because I had SERIOUSLY less than 10 minutes to make my gift, since I forgot till I was ready to walk out the door (don’t you love that!). That 10 minutes was me being late, but I got it done! Time to make another “to do” list! YIKES!

Anyway-I used my Pretty Papers from Lizzie Anne, in Winter Wonderland to literally just WRAP the jar! They were PERFECT for this project.

I had just got some more stamps fromJustRite Stampers, and one fo them was for the PERFECT holiday gift giving set, that totally saved me for this!

Its the Baking Stamp ensemble. I really liked the larger images this set offered, as it makes a nice & quick topper for a gift. I put my border stamp on the round block first, and inked it up  in ruby red ink. I then put in my center image circle image, and colored it in with markers- bordering blue, and choc. chip. Then stamped it onto my vanilla cardstock. Die cut the circle, and popped it on with a dimensional. DONE!

While it was a super quick gift, I still think it was a cute way to present it. Had I more time I would have stamped some snowmen or something, but that so is not in the cards for me, at least not this week! Im happy I got 2 decent photos before I ran out the door. Usually when I try that its all blurry and out of focus.

Once I settle in things should get back to normal-right?!

In the meantime don’t miss this post! Its a great way to help raise money for Cancer research!!!

OK more to do-so Im running.

You are most likely wondering what on earth I am talking about by my post title here.

Well, I am quite excited to share this fun project for ANY occasion!!

This idea all started with a gift dilemma (as do most of my ideas ) Alexa has a b-day party to attend this weekend.

QUESTION: What do you give a 10 year old girl? 

ANSWER: A For Keep{sake} money slider!

Shopping can be so hard for a girl that age. I decided to not even begin to hunt for the perfect gift, but make my own personal idea, for the best birthday gift.

 I have been playing with My Timeless Templates © a lot, and found a GREAT new use for the For KEEP{sake} box! You can purchase your own unlimited use of this printable template (and exclusive idea pamphlet) HERE for only $5! If you already purchased yours, then I encourage you to give this a try! If you haven’t, maybe you needed to see more uses for it, well here you go!

 Its all about versatility,as well as making life, and gift giving easier This project took under 15 minutes to create I LOVE that!!

I used Alexa’s set for the Groovy Girl ( This set was designed for my daughter Alexa, and ALL proceeds are donated to the Pediatric Leukemia & Lymphoma society).

I used the Just Rite Large Numbers set for my #10 to really highlight this DOUBLE DIGIT birthday milestone. The  designers borders & centers for my dotted border, which I colored with markers, then stamped, and punched out, giving it a cool look, as the larger dots are partially punched off.

The happy birthday sentiment is from the shapes by design set

1) What I did was print ONE sheet of this template, onto the SOLID side of my patterned paper. This becomes the inside of my money slider.

2) Then I cut the template out, and cut down the box bottom (under the cut out window) portion to a 1/2 inch. The rest of the bottom was cut off.

3) Make sure to cut out, and apply acetate over the window panel, before assembling.

4) Punch a 1/2 circle above window cut out. Then assemble the template to lay flat. Tuck in the bottom piece to create like a pocket.

This is how the template became the PERFECT money holder/slider!

I created a book mark insert to create the slider that holds my money! The scallop layer on the slider becomes a perfect mat for the front Groovy Girl image, when slider is down.

NOTE: I only had $20, I plan on putting in 2 ten dollar bills for the actual gift.

The money is folded up, and slides into a band I made, to hide behind the stamped panel, that is adhered to the front window of my money slider .

Once the slider is pulled out, it reveals the gift of green! An always welcomed gift for any age.

Change the band holder, and this is the PERFECT gift card holder as well!!

Pretty cute huh?

I think she will like it. Then she can pick/buy her own gift. No returns needed! LOL! I had alexa just sign the back of the slider, so she knows who it is from.

Thats it. Now you can easily mass produce gift card/money sliders too.

Thanks for looking, and I hope you get to try today’s project, or tell me what you think.

I don’t even want to think how many hours I spent bloggin this week! It took me WAY longer to blog this stuff than it did to make it-I kid you not!!!! I may not even be making any sense by this point.

OK you can now pinch me! I have my very own template line! My Timeless Templates © is REAL!I have my own line, with my own sections! I have a description page, my disclaimer page (for those questions of what is, and isn’t ok), and my templates library page! Im OVER THE MOON right now with excitement!!

 I am hoping that MOST of you have or planned to download the FREE template,  to give it a try, and see what you are getting for you $5! I’m sure you will happy once you get creating You have NOTHING to lose!!

In the meantime scroll down because I have 3 challenges today!

I hope you use these challenges as the PUSH you need to give it a go.

Box of snow

OK this template for the For Keep{sake} box was my very first template for the My Timeless Template © collection! Yes you read it right, the very first thing I designed. I totally love this box, and hope you will too. It was my favorite creation using the new release items! The Made from snow man is perfection.

There are so many possibilities that can come from this template, so lets see what YOU can do!

Challenge : What can YOU find to fill your For Keep{sake} box with? Will it be a fun item, or homemade gift? Maybe something edible-YUM!

Rule: *TRY* to incorporate some BLING. Anything that has a little shimmer, or glitter. Now notice I said TRY! I just want you to enjoy this one

Keyword : MyTimelessTemplateFKC03 (For Keep{sake}challenge 03) Use that when uploading to an online gallery so we can all find it. When you are done creating/posting, share a link here, so we can all see your creation with the templates!

Now for my creation- I just loved this one!

This holder is so quick, simple and pretty to hold those YUMMY Lindt chocolate truffles!
I just used glossy cardstock, and the versamark resist technique to stamp my snowflakes, then brayer on some blue ink, only 1/2 way along the template, so you get the look of a snowy sky, with winter snowdrifts. I then cut out my snowman for the front of my window. CUTE!!

Supplies available here

My Timeless Templates ©-For Keepsake
Stamps-Snowfall, snowfall additions, made of snow
cardstock-glossy, and white, acetate
ink-pallette black, bashful blue, versamark, copic
other- adhesive rhinestone, circle punches, glitter, liquid applique, polka dot ribbon, MS blue ribbon, rubber brayer

OK now its your turn to create your For Keep{sake} box! I am having so much fun with this, I really hop you are too!

I am always open to ideas and suggestions, so don’t be afraid to email me

OK now we have our 2nd Challenge for this months release of My Timeless Templates ©-using the Music Makeover.

This is another versatile template, so give it try.

Tea Makeover

This is a really fun box to make, so I hope if you were able to purchase it (or won one ) that you will find time to play along.

There is NO time limit! Just have fun.

Challenge: Put something cool in your Music Makeover that is NOT music!

Rule: Do NOT use a jewel case!

Over the last few days you have seen me do a few things that don’t use the jewel cases. So don’t get limited by thinking JUST music or that you HAVE to use a jewel case for this template.

Keyword : MyTimelessTemplateMMC02 (music makeover challenge 02) Use this keyworf if uploaing to a public gallery so that we can view your creation. Also send us a link here when you are all done posting! We all want lot more  great ideas for these templates!

I cannot wait to see what you find to put in there I already heard many great suggestions, so let’s get some gifts for the holidays made early!

About my creation: I put in 4 different packets of tea, and designed my holder to match my tea packets!

Supplies available HERE!

My Timeless Templates ©: Music Makeover

Stamps-Warm Happiness, borders & corners rectangle set
Cardstock- white, dark chocolate, pumpkin, pure poppy
ink-white crafts, dark chocolate, versamagic pumpkin and red ink, close to cocoa ink
Ribbon- dark chocolate polka dot
Other-buttons, white singlo gel pen, corner rounder

OK now its your turn.

Silent Night Stocking

OK I am officially issuing my very first, of many, monthly My TimelessTemplate © challenges! I also added a link to the side bar for future reference!

We are all waiting for our Papertrey Ink orders, so why not play with the templates while we wait!

Now I am expecting the entire crafting world to play along with this challenge since this one uses the FREE Download! Stocking Stuffer ©

Your challenge: Time to stuff your stocking!  Basically fill your stocking box with something fun and maybe unexpected. Show the world your creativity and ideas. Many of you already listed some great ideas, so stop typing them, and get printing and creating! I did the hardest part for you, now make some magic.

Rule-NO RED OR GREEN! C’mon it wouldn’t be a CHALLENGE if there weren’t restrictions! You can do it.

Keywords- If you are uploading to a gallery just type : MyTimelessTemplateSSC01 (that stands for stocking stuffer challenge 01)

LINKS: Please link your creation here so we can all see what you have created :D You can upload anywhere, just use the keyword if uploading to a public gallery so people can find them.

About my creation : This is filled with chocolate coffee truffles from Starbucks Give me a break its what I had on hand that matched!

My template was printed onto shimmer white cardstock. I used gold cardstock for my cuff.

I used the new Silent Night stamp set, stamped in Encore gold ink for my heel and toe patch!

SUPPLIES FOUND HERE

My Timeless Template ©-Stocking Stuffer
Stamps; Holiday tag collection 2008, Silent night
Ink- Gold Encore
Cardstock-Shimmery gold, shimmery white
circle scallop nestabilities
Gold sheer metallic ribbon, gold cord, paper crimper

OK your turn!

OK its time for me to fall FLAT on my exhausted face!

I wish! Alexa has her post Chemo follow up and my brother and his girlfriend are flying in today for their move in! Sooner than planned, but so is life. You know what they say, no rest for the weary!

I really want to thank everyone who has left comments, and supported me in this new venture of My TimelessTemplates © over the last few days, while introducing this product. I am really proud of the way everything has turned out, and all the hard work Nichole and the team at Papertrey Ink put into launching the product, and the AMAZING samples done with it. BIG THANKS!

I know I was most likely unbearable with my blabbering during this process and now I take a big sigh of relief. This is real! It truly happened! LOL! WOW! Now to see people use the templates….that will be so crazy!! I can’t even stand it!

I hope you enjoy the templates, and thank you all who try them out. I hope you remember to share them with me, as I am excited to see many of you venture into templates now. I’m posting my challenges in a little while, so I hope you return, as I also have a few samples too.

Now it is time to share my release projects!

I have a few projects with the new releases using my templates! Those will be listed separately as they are part of the Challenge I am posting.

Now my thoughts on the release projects. I always have a few that I really love. This month my templates are obviously a huge favorite, like my Box of snow-that uses my template was my big favorite, as was my recipe for Ice Cream Sundae party, and my Holiday cards post. I really like everything this month and had to STOP myself from going and going.

OK here we go!

The Recipe Box & Recipe box lable set is over the top amazing! My project is here! I have more to share using that set soon!! I loved it. SO many awesome uses for that one, let me tell you.

Warm Happiness- Well I LOVE my coffee, and was so happy to see PTI come out with a coffee/tea set!! Heather did a great job with this one. I so love it, and will certainly be using it more.

This little travel tea packet is the perfect little gift to leave for a friend! Just hang it on their door, so they can find it as they return home from a long day! Isn’t it cute? I just used a hobby blade to make an opening at the top of the cup! OR if you have a sick friend this is another great little thinking of you, without bugging them! LOL!

Supplies

Stamps- Warm happiness
Cardstock-Aqua Mist, white
Patterned Paper-Polka Dot Parade
Ink-aqua mist, lemon tart, sping moss, dark chocolate
Lemon Tart twill
other-scallop/straight long nestabilities, hobby blade

Snowfall/Snowfall additions-OH MY GOSH! I love this set. I can’t even explain it but if you notice through ALL my projects this release I used it the most. I actually had to STOP myself. Love it, and the fact that the punches co-ordinate! OH! My must have!

That being said sweet blush and gold are so YUMMY to me! I love them muchly! So I loved this card!

Stamps-Snowfall, snowfall additions
ink-sweet blush, gold encore, glue pad
cardstock-vellum, white, sweet blush
sweet blush satin ribbon,, gold tinsel weave ribbon
gold brads, pink glitter, gold cord

Merry & Bright Additions-OK loving the new trees Melissa added to her already fabulous collection! I had too much fun with this card!

Quilters Sampler additions-the newest quilt blocks are adorable! But, when I saw the Amish style boy and girl I knew I had to use them together! I found the heart square in there and my vision became reality!

The quilt squares are all glittery! What a cute anniversary or I love you card isn’t it? I was so happy with how this turned out.

Stitched together

Supplies:
Stamps- Quilters sampler additions, Quilters sampler
cardstock- pure poppy, sweet blush, ripe avocado
patterned paper-vintage holiday prints
ink-black pallette, copic markers
ribbon stitched ripe avocado
other-wide redline tape, iridescent ice embossing powder, heat tool

Silent Night-This set is stunning! I think the sentiments are amazing. I wanted to keep the feel simple and elegant! I love the look of a vellum card, with a underlying panel. The star is embossed, and this is pure beauty in person. THis is alos a great one to mass produce!

Rejoice!

Stamps-Silent Night
cardstock-shimmery white, vellum, shimmery silver
ink-versamark, encore silver, white stazon
silver embossing powder, heat tool

Silent Night Stocking Set

I really enjoy matching a card to a gift! This one kept with the clean and simple look I was going for.

The Holiday Tags are perfect for ANY holiday gift,

and matching card!

My Timeless Template-Stocking Stuffer
Stamps; Holiday tag collection 2008, Silent night
Ink- Gold Encore
Cardstock-Shimmery gold, shimmery white
circle scallop nestabilities
Gold sheer matalic ribbon, gold cord, paper crimper

2008 Holiday Tag Collection- This is a super tag set, that I need MORE time to work with! I can see many uses for it this holiday! This is what I have done for you-

I made this box to hold the Gentle Falling Snow cards you saw in yesterdays post. The shimmer white cardstock makes what is so simple, a real WOW! The box fits the clear card boxes.

I created this set of 6 cards to share the possibilities of mass producing! I think this set is just so perfect for holiday themed cards! Makes a great gift item as well! This item was donated to a raffle for a family dealing with a child who has Cancer. I hope my little contribution helps them out

Stamps: Snowfall, Snowfall additions, borders & corners square set, 2008 Holiday Tag collection
cardstock-white shimmer, vellum
ink-glue pad, encore silver
Clear card boxes
Mega snowlfake punch, circle nestabilties, silver cord, wide silver ribbon
Other-hero arts adhesive rhinestones, Art glitter, 7/8 square punch

OK that is it for me. I have a million things to do. Don’t miss the challenge posts OK!

I hope you have a super day, and get some time (like call into work) to stamp and create today!

WOW! What can I say to everyone other than THANK YOU! All the excitement and well wishes have gotten me all emotional. Reading the responses here, and on Nichole’s blog was truly overwhelming. I just cried. Happy tears. To have a community of paper crafter’s embrace this new venture is amazing to me. I still need a big ole PINCH! I don’ think it will be real until they get into the hands of all you eager crafter’s out there! So truly from the very bitty bottom of my overflowing heart- THANK YOU!!

I know there are many questions about the templates, and our hope is that once you try out the FREE download of Stocking Stuffer (you will see peeks of that tomorrow) most will be answered, and you will see the actual value and possibility each template has to offer. 

I also added a link to my sidebar for future creations here, using my templates Just in case you want to find them here

If you are wondering WHEN the templates & stocking stuffer- free download will be up-it will be available the same as the release- October 15th!! I also decided that it would be a blast that while you wait for your new goodies, and already have your templates in hand that I will host a challenge for each template! So on the 15th of each month that should get your creative juices flowing!

Now for a  BIG template giveaway here I will be picking 15 RANDOM winners to receive a FREE My Timeless Template © from the people who leave comments on my My Timeless Template countdown posts, over the next couple of days!

What does that mean?

Well from the comments left from the 11-14th I will have www.random.org pick several winners from comments left EACH day! So 4 people from the post on the 11th will win, 4 people from the 12th , 4 from the 13th, and 3 from the 14th will be drawn! So by commenting your thoughts on the projects each day, you get another chance to win!

I will announce the winners during the Papertrey Ink release, in the party thread, and of course here on my blog. All you really need to win is make sure I have an email address!

OK now for the next template- Music Makeover ©

Think about something. How many things come in jewel cases? Or FIT in them? All sorts of gift cards, CD’s, even some DVD’s, and lets not forget stamp sets, to name a few. There been many cool things added inside those jewel cases too-just use that thinker!

Weather you have jewel cases or not, this next template is another wonderful presentation of a gift. Whatever may be inside. I will be sharing ideas on other things to fill your Music Makeover with too!!

Point being, presentation is everything! I am certain you will love the simplicity and ease this next template offers! Now you can create a cute box with NO FUSS!!

Wish-

I love this template. Really and truly. Its great for anyone-child, man, woman, and TEEN!! I decided I would use a jewel case for this first sample, so you can se how perfectly it can be wrapped!

Here is what is in my Jewel case

The belly band holds down the flap, and the case just slides right out!

A better peek at what is inside

I created a necklace, and made the matching insert to hold it! (Insert is NOT part of the template)

The necklace is from Martha Stewart, and I bought an additional charm to hang from it. That took a whopping 3 minutes to make.Just stamp the label, and cover with a page pebble! DONE!

The necklace itself cost $7 BEFORE a coupon! SCORE! Another great gift under $10!! I can always use those, and with this project you can keep some on hand ofr those UH! OH! I totally forgot about X’s birthday or whatever the need may be.

Now look at the set together

Is that not stunning?!!! Looks like so much time and thought went into this, (thought yes, time NOPE!) when my set took me LESS than 20 minutes! I kid you not.

I printed my template onto dark  chocolate cardstock, and quickly cut it out. Before assembling I ran the bottom through my Swiss dots cuttlebug folder. Then I assembles it.

Stamped my band with the limitless labels, and moved on to the main focus-the leaf block.

I just stamped 2 of the leaf blocks from the Text Boxed stamp set in chocolate ink onto vintage cream (the coloring and cutting took me longer to do that, than printing and putting the Music Makeover template together) and colored it with copic markers. I then took my hobby blade and sliced to bottom of the leaves to pop them forward.

Supplies

My Timeless Template ©-Music Makeover

Stamps-Text Boxed, Limitless labels

Cardstock-Ripe avocado, Dark Chocolate, Vintage cream

Ink- Dark Chocolate

Jewel case, Circle punches, hemp, swiss dots folder, Martha Stewart necklace, Hobby blade

Thank you Berry Much

Given my obvious “berry” theme I simply made this similar to a raspberry (OK so what if its PINK!) by adding the green paper to the top.

Many of us use drink mixer’s. I think! No I don’t mean “drink” mixers (although they may work), I mean ones you add to your water bottle! I know now that I am eatting healthier I am using them like CRAZY!! I get sick of just water, and don’t want soda. This Raspberry Lemonade is my favorite.

 My friend is getting on the drinking water kick, and eatting better lifestyle, and I told her about these little packets from Crystal Light. She said she would NOT buy them, and that they were “silly”. What was wrong with plain ole water?

Well when ALL you drink is water, truth be told that can get OLD! You need some FLAVOR! So, me knowing she wouldn’t fork over the $3.99 for a 12 pack of mixer’s I went to Target and bought her some.

Here came the problem-how lame would I look tossing her a box of these things? I mean, while its a nice gesture its certainly not a FANCY gift. While my idea was to be thoughtful, I figured I would put them in my Music Makeover box!

Let me tell you they fit perfectly in there. Granted there is room at the bottom so I just put in some tissue paper, and I was good to go! You could also put them in a jewel case but I didn’t want to do that.

I left this in her mailbox She called me right away and said it was such a nice surprise! She knew by the packaging it was a “Lauren gift” as she calls it. She always tells me I could wrap up dog poop and make someone happy to get it. Now that isn’t true, but I think her analogy is hilarious.

Well now my gift wasn’t so lame, and she can re-gift it and fill it up with something else cute and maybe berry themed.

Supplies-

My Timeless Template © Music Makeover

Stamps-Green Thumb

Cardstock-Sweet Blush, ripe avacado

Ink-Pure Poppy, Ripe avacado

Polka dot ribbon in Pure Poppy

Vintage prints collection of paper

I have so much more to share, but will call it quits for today. All this emotion is truly exhausting

Hope you enjoyed todays peeks.

I’ll see you back here tomorrow for the samples using the FREE download- Stocking Stuffer!!

In the meantime check Nicholes blog for more reveal peeks , Melissa has been using Merry & Bright Additions, and Heather has 2 sets to share this month! AND today is Lisa’s day to share another peek.

Till tomorrow

Well today is MY day!

My day to announce my HUGE news. News I have been sitting on for MONTHS! Yes, months! Who says I can’t keep a secret?! I think it almost killed me, but I did it.

I really don’t even know where to start with this announcement, as I have a bajillion things going through my head. I haven’t slept all week. No kidding. You all know when I get excited I babble, use lots of (!!!!) and capitalize my words due to excitment, so bear with me.

This is an amazing new chapter in my life.

Big to me, like other major life events. Events like when I graduated from nursing school,  got married to Jason, like the day I gave birth to each one of my children, bought our first home, getting published for the first time, like the day Alexa finished her last day of chemo…………..huge milestones and events. Events that being a new path in life. BIG! Events that are forever burned into our memory and effect us forever Yes I’m that serious. Even if this isn’t “big” to some, this is how it feels to me.

I feel so very blessed to have had the ability and opportunity to turn a true passion into a reality. I can’t even begin to say how thankful I feel, or how excited I am. I work hard for everything, and when it pays off its amazing. When dreams turn into a tangible reality.

I received MANY emails guessing what my BIG news was. Many of you naughty, asking to tell “just you”! LOL! As tempting as that was……………….I giggled at your guesses.

They ranged from me being pregnant AGAIN (um, no we fixed that problem years ago!), me adopting a child (WOW! That is an amazing thing to do, but 3 is my sanity limit-actually I think I may even be past the point of sanity),  moving to a new home (that would be nice someday),  me being on the Martha Stewart show or QVC (that cracked me up-Im no where near that-not yet anyway!),  opening my own store (Im definitely not that much of a wonder woman and I like CREATING ,not “selling stuff” ), beginning work with another stamp/stamp related company (nope, not that) to the most popular – me starting my very own stamp line. While I am flattered by the many requests for that, that is not in the cards for me, just yet.

No one even came close to guessing my big news! Now I get to FINALLY share it all with you!

If I were ever going to entrust something that I do, to anyone, I can think of no better person than the AMAZING Mrs. Nichole Heady

After much time, thought, and collaboration, I was convinced (OK she didn’t have to work too hard to pitch her idea to me! LOL!) to start my own product line through Papertrey Ink!

So here it is!

Now you may be asking “OK well, WHAT exactly is this new product?This is a line of downloadable packaging templates that can be printed directly from your home printer onto 8.5 x 11 cardstock. Two templates will be released each month, all of them very versatile and fun. Let’s also not forget EASY PEASY!! Some even kid tested! (Yes I made my kids try a few of them!)

Like most of you, I am a busy woman. I wear many hats. I value every second of my creative time. As a stay at home mom to 3 children “my time” is often limited, as are my stamping dollars! I like to maximize all that. I wanted to create really nice quality gift packaging, that is affordable, and looks like we all spent a ton of time on them, when in fact it was quite easy. (Well for this product I actually have spent a lot of time! LOL! But because of that, you won’t have to)

 Now how much does it cost?

When you purchase the download for a  $5 fee (no shipping!! and you receive it instantly after your purchase! So a BIG yeah!! to all my out of US readers!), not only will you get the printable file, but you will also get a full-color, high quality pdf. document that will include six EXCLUSIVE project ideas using the that template with supply lists and instructions, in TRUE Papertrey Ink style and quality.

These templates can be used over and over again!

Like my product line name “timeless” templates ©, these templates take literally no time at all to print and put together! You literally print it out, cut, score and design as desired. No guess work! It has all been done for you Those of you who feel challenged by tutorials or all the step by step mess, can now make creations for your own gifts like a pro.

We are so happy about this new venture, and want you ALL to be able to give it a try- RISK FREE!

So what does that mean?

Well to kick off my very first month, and let you give it try, we are giving away one FREE download to EVERYONE, for one of My Timeless Templates© called Stocking Stuffer! This will not be available as a FREE download until the official Papertrey Ink release on October 15th!

That is right! Everyone gets to try one FREE! This way you get to know first hand  just how easy these templates are to work with Oh and FUN!

Are you excited yet?  I hope so! I have put every ounce of my creative being into this line. Its like one of my children

Every month for at least the next 2 years, will be releasing 2 exclusive- My Timeless Templates ©!

I have worked long and hard on so many various packing ideas that I felt we, as papercrafters, would all be able to use regularly! I really hope this product gets you all making affordable and amazing gifts, and helps stretch your creativy to a whole new level! YOU CAN DO IT!

There are no limits now. Just print and go!

Think party activities, party favors, all of it with endless possibilities.

OK Im done blabbering on about how awesome this entire product concept is. Soon enough you will get to try it. Now it is time for me to share what we are releasing this month!

As I said, we are releasing 2 templates a month. This month we have 3 due to the FREE download.

The FREE Download - Stocking Stuffer © Then the other two available for purchase will be:

For Keep {sake} © and Music Makeover ©

Now Im am sure you want to SEE samples of what these templates are! I will be sharing exclusive daily peeks and ideas for the templates up to the countdown here! So keep checking in daily.

 The first one I will share is called For Keep{sake} ©

For Keep {sake} box

Now this box template has MANY variations and uses, as you will soon see.  I am certain you can envision your own ideas for it too.

The sample you are looking at was made to be a ornament keepsake box! It is so simple and fun to create. Even the windows are printed out for you to decide to cut! But, you don’t have to cut them out at all, or maybe just cut one window. The sky is the limit.

I cut out 2 windows so that you may see my ornament inside from both sides of the box. Now for photo purposes I did not put acetate over the windows. I wanted you to SEE what was inside.

What a great box to present and store a precious ornament in!

Quick and simple ornament I made printing a photo of my children on vellum cardstock. I  them painted the bulb to be like a snow cube. Adding glitter inside. I didn’t spend much time on the ornament-it was shall we say a “prop” for my box!

This is the view from the top

Now you can use the holes in the lid (should you choose to punch them out) to tie on your box top, or like in this case, tie your ornament through!

Box top removed

Isn’t that beautiful? Imagine the look on the face of the person who opens that?

Supplies : My Timeless Template © Keep {sake} box

Stamps- Beautiful Blooms, Believe

Cardstock- Pure poppy, white, black

Ink- craft white, black

Other- tag nestabilties, corner rounder, wide white organdy ribbon. silver cord

Now because I can’t even stand waiting, I am going to share one more peek of a variation using this same template!

Au Chocolate Keep{sake}

These tube are so HOT right now. At least to me. I am really enjoying all the possiblities to present them. While creating I said why not in my Keep{sake} box!

YES! It worked! See! This same template can serve as a glass tube holder! Just die cut circles in the lid top, and insert! Pretty cool huh?

Doesn’t this look yummy? Those are chocolate skittles inside (yes they are new and amazingly yummy).

Here is the tops-I just punched out the pieces from patterned paper and adhered!!

 Another view-

I did put acetate over this window either simple because it didn’t need it! That is part of the beauty.

Trust me there are more things that this template can be used for, as you will soon see! Just wait.

OK last photo I promise!

It is just such a pretty box, filled with yummy treats, using my favorite paper, and chocolate color! You know me and my butterflies! How could I NOT kick off my peeks without something butterfly!

Supplies

My Timeless Template ©-For Keep {sake}     

Chocolate Remix patterned paper, dark chocolate cardstock, Dark chocolate polka dot ribbon

Butterfly Kisses                     

OK so Im just DYING to know what YOU think?! So dish.

Also feel free to email me with suggestions for templates YOU may want to have in the future!

Can you imagine how crazy busy I have been?! Really nuts, but that gets me going

Well that is it for me today. Feels so good to finally get this out in the open. Each month will be so exciting!

Thank you all so much for the support during my new venture. I am dying for you all to get these in your HOT creative hands, and give it a try!
I will be back tomorrow with more peeks of another template!! HAPPY DANCE!

In the meantime don’t miss more DETAILED info, and a chance to win the first release of My Timeless templates and a detailed peek on Nicholes blog! Also check out  Heather Nichols, and Melissa Bickford as they have much to share too.

Thank you again for taking the time to stop in and share my joy!

Till tomorrow

I am very excited about the first peek I get to share here for the October Papertrey Ink release! 

If you haven’t noticed I LOVE party planning. Love it.

I am always seeking new and fun party  ideas for my children. Parents Magazine is a favorite for me, with their yearly special birthday issue. Years ago, when I subscribed, they had a recipe card invite idea. I used that idea to have a cookie decorating party for Alexa when she turned 4. To date it was one of my favorite parties, ever!

Anyway……when I saw Nichole come out with these new Recipe cards (get this, you get 100 in a pack!!), and a co-ordinating Recipe stamp set, with Recipe Labels, I was over the moon! Not only did I have a bajillion gift ideas pop into my head, but I immediately thought of a Papertrey themed “Recipe for a fun party” invite.

So I took my recipe card, and filled out what my party theme was going to be in the “recipe” section.

Label image

In the set there are several label images. I stamped my recipe card label topper with the swirly pattern, in spring moss.

There are also sentiments you would see on a recipe card. Since they are stamps you can place them where you want/need, depending on where your info starts and stops!

I used the elements from the set to give instructions about the party, and keep with the recipe theme. I wrote out my info in black, then stamped the recipe elements in Plum Pudding ink.

 See, after I write my necessary info, I then can space the next category, where I left off.

No more SQUISHING it into the place you are given! You just write what you need, then stamp the next category. The recipe card is 2 sided, so you can continue info on the back! No need to worry about fitting everything in the front.

Once my card was filled out ,I then made a topper using the It’s a Celebration set. Instead of party hats, and cupcakes, I decided that one of the party hats would be a “cone”, and the cupcake top would be my scoop of ice cream.

Now a fun and EASY way to get that glittery scoop, with perfect coverage:

Get some double sided CLEAR adhesive (like wide red line tape). Stamp your image, and cut out. Layer the tape onto the front of your image.

Trim excess tape off.

 Remove protective layer, and sprinkle on iridescent ice embossing powder. Tap off excess, and heat set!

Layer onto scoop on label.

It works PERFECTLY! No need to get messy with the versamark anymore. Cute huh?

This is the completed recipe invitation (Don’t mind my horrible handwriting-I am a TYPER, not a writer! LOL!)

Now the Recipe cards are made to fit perfectly with the Just Hatched Egg boxes. Hooray for awesome gift ideas this holiday. Knowing that, this entire party idea just fell together perfectly!

I had to use the absolutely YUMMY new paper collection from Papertrey Ink called Polka Dot Parade, as my color inspiration. This pattern is the petite plum moss moon dots!! Wait until you see this months paper, you will just be in heaven.

This is what I came up with.

Sundae Party Box/Invite

Recipe for a : Ice Cream Sundae Party invitation

How fun does this sound? You come to the party  and make your own YUMMY ice cream sundaes!

There are stamps in this Recipe set that  you can use for your “categories” to file your recipe’s into.

Example, my set used the “condiments” label. There are also desserts, appetizers, entrees….the list goes on.

Now the front of my box was decorated to match my theme. I used the Condiments label for the front to show that ice cream sundae condiments were  included in my Sundae Party Box. These are the labels you could otherwise use to section off your recipe’s inside the Just Hatched box.

 I think its always cute stamping something that appears to be UNDER the label. You can do this by making sure your label is stamped in a darker ink. EXAMPLE: My ice cream cone was stamped in spring moss ink, and my scoop was stamped in Lavendar Moon ink. So my condiments label was stamped in Plum Pudding.

Now for a view of my box lid.

In this photo the open box is sitting on top of my lid, but I wanted you to see the label for the top. I used the Recipe Label, and then decorated the top cone to match!

Now what is inside the box……

This is what is included in my box.

I have 4 ice cream cones. Each filled with a fun yummy ice cream topping!

We have 2 jars of different sprinkles. I totally lucked out having purple tops to match!! I just stamped the confetti image from the Its a Celebration set, and made my labels.

Then we have 4 ice cream cones. I used disposable frosting bags (I purchased mine at Michaels), and filled them with gummy dots, crushed chocolate covered toffee pretzels, crushed oreo’s, and Jelly Belly jelly beans, then tied with twill Plum pudding ribbon. The tops were cut down, and they fit PERFECTLY into the cones!

 I would put different toppings into each party box.

Now WHO wouldn’t want top come to such a fun party? I cannot wait to have one of these!

This is the box. All closed up, for after the party.

You can decorate these and place them on your party table. It would looks so pretty and festive! OR you can send this off with your guests as a favor, and put in any condiments you want for them to use in the future. If you have the cones in the holders with the candy (as presented above)  it obviously would NOT close! You may even decide to omit the lid! I did a great project using my lid –>here<–, so no waste!

Well I hope this is just the tip of the iceberg of ideas you get for this awesome set!

I know this recipe set will be used on many of my holiday gift’s this year.

Thanks for reading and be sure to check Nichole’s blog for more details.

Tomorrow I have a HUGE announcement here, so check back in, as you will NOT want to miss it

This is a super simple project, great for ANY age.

One thing my kids LOVE to do is read.

That is a total God send to me, especially with Alexa. You cannot go anywhere in life if you cannot read. How can you take a bus to the right place, or take medication? How would we BLOG HOP!! EEK!!Seriously, there are a million reasons why reading is important. This isn’t a lecture or anything, Im just sharing my excitement over my own children’s enjoyment in reading books.

I think its important to keep that excitement going, and reward their accomplishments.

This project is one even they themselves can create, to get them more involved and excited too.

Flopsey Book Tracker

After seeing the Reading Flopsy set  from MFT, I knew it was time to make a special project to encourage my kids to do more reading. With the tracker it will remind us all what we have read, and let us reflect on each book, so my children can talk about each one, and which was the favorite.

I created a magnetic book tracker to go on the fridge. Once the kids have read 20 books, they will be rewarded with a trip to the book store, to purchase more books! They will each get their own money to spend (that helps with math too!!) and can pick something else to read then.

Let your children write the book titel names on the tracker to encourage spelling and writing skills too!

I just created a document to print out onto my cardstock! Easy Peasy!! That way I can make more each time they fill this one up! If you NEED the document, shoot me an email, and I can send it to you that way. I have NO IDEA how to attach it here-SORRY! This is where my computer challenged issues comes into play.

Also think, what a great gift addition this would be! Get a child a book for their birthday or Christmas, make them a book tracker, and include a gift card to the book store!! Now THAT may just be what I will do for a party we have this weekend!

If you are wondering about my GORGEOUS flowers, they are felt and Paper. I believe they are American Crafts! I love them. The box even comes with buttons to match! Totally inspired my colors too. When you have a boy you can’t girly up everything-KWIM?

A fun project even the kids can do-a large Paper-clip bookmark.

Now I didn’t come up with this idea myself, but it certainly was a great one!

This is one I created, and plan on letting the kids make their own to match their new books. I just used my Marvy Giga Flower and the sentiment from the Reading Flopsey set for this one. Just get a large Paper-clip (sold everywhere is the office section-really cheap!), and use punches and cardstock to decorate. I kept mine super simple.

Note: yes that is a Vera Bradley Catalog It matched my project OK! LOL!

So that is it.

I hope you like my project and I encourage you to try your own.

I soon have a few photos to share of gifts from friends. Many from far away. So many amazing people out there!! I cannot even begin to tell you how many have blessed our lives

So thank you to each of you, who come to visit me here, as I share daily, whatever goes through my cluttered brain. I appreciate each one of you!

Later