BRRRRRRRRRR!!!!

I cannot believe it’s snowing outside. A good sticky snow! Now that puts me in a HUGE Christmas mood.

WHERE IS THAT CHRISTMAS MUSIC??

I’m SO into it this year. Maybe because I started early? My Christmas cards, and teacher/other gifts are made?

Or maybe its the HUGE excitement my kids have! YEAH! That has to be it.

Kids make this time of year just so magical.

Remember being a kid, and having that magical feeling during the holidays? I know I do. When I hit like 9 or 10 it went POOF!!!! Every year I so missed that feeling.

It really hadn’t come back till my kids have now gotten the Christmas Spirit.

Seeing them be so excited, and already counting down the days. We have been watching Rudolph and Frosty for like 3 weeks now! LOL!

We put up our tree the weekend after Thanksgiving, and go all out decorating inside the house. I cannot even wait.

Through Make-A-Wish Alexa gets a HOUSE visit from Santa himself! She is going to pee her pants! I dont know if it will be from TERROR, or excitement! LOL!

She loves the “idea” of him, but doesn’t like “HIM” in person. Wait till I post those photos! LOL!

I have no idea what Amber and Noah will do.

We are wrapping their most wanted toy ( Baby Alive for Alexa, Scooby Doo video game for Noah, and Dora Dance mat for  Amber) for Santa to bring them! We leave it on the porch for him and Mrs. Claus to present as they come in! Now if that doesnt make true believer’s of Santa NOTHING will!!!! I think Im more excited than they will be!

So to the shopping-

I got mega deals at Target last night, and the best part-NO ONE there!!!! It was very quiet. I have just about finished shopping for my kids 😀 Only 3 little things left to buy! GO MOMMY!!! We are only doing about 10 gifts each. Plus stocking stuffer’s. I don’t know about you, but my kids stuff is SO expensive!! Each toy is like $30 plus dollars! What is up with that??

I dont want to overwhelm them or spoil them too much either.

The cool thing was my Publications/Design  work paid for my kid’s Christmas gifts 😀

Now that is rewarding.

I also want to add that every year each of my kids picks out a toy for Toys for Tots, and we go tothe Giving Tree, which is a tree at Walmart, where you pick a gift for a child off the tree, and purchase it. I get so sad when a child asks for gloves or PJ’s or something they NEED as oppose to want. Make’s me realize how fortunate my family is. I usually add a toy to those requests.

OK now onto the stamping part. No one wants to here my blabbering. But I would LOVE to hear what you love to do this time of year to prep for the Holidays.

I’m sitting here with my steeping hot cup of Dunkin Donuts (I am a DD coffee snob) coffee, and thought I’d share some more gift idea’s with you.

One’s that will warm up even the COLDEST of days!

I made a few more samples with my sets from A Chemistry With Paper.

I used one of my fave’s Hot Holiday Drinks.

I LOVE coffee/tea sets!! You can never have too many of those. I love theirs because of the possibilities for words! Some I have never seen in a set before. So this was HIGH on my list.

Cocoa Cones

 Can you believe this SAME idea, not nearly as nice as mine (wink) retails for $4.99 in stores?? Oh My Word!!!

In case you haven’t realized it, I LOVE Archer Farms items! They are high quality, without the price tag! The cocoa you see in th photo is DELICIOUS!!! It retails for $3.99. It  comes in a variety of flavors :D, This is my personal favorite.

I put 7 tablespoons of cocoa mix, in the disposable frosting bag. This will make 1 1/2 cups of cocoa.

I added the marshmallows, and 2 delicious Ghirardelli peppermint bark squares (crushed up) to each one.

 So, to break it down for you-to make 12 Cocoa Cones-

 here is the list

3 containers of cocoa- $12 ($1 each bag)

1 pkg 12 disposeable frosting bags $4 (0.33 cents each)

1 pkg marshmallows$1 (easliy fills 12 bags 0.08 cents each)

1 9.3 oz bag of Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark  $5 (24 pieces = 0.20 each)

A grand total of $22.

That means each Cocoa Cone adds up to be about $1.83 to make! A far cry from $4.99, for cheap and stale cones.

Now that is with top of the line ingredients! This doesn’t count using a coupon, or getting items on SALE!

How cool is that?? Plus the personalized touch-PRICLESS 😀

Now to make my bag-I stamped the peppermint image from Holiday Treats with White StazOn on my frosting bag. I colored it in with a red Sharpie marker. Copic markers work as well.

For my tag I used the Hot Holiday Drinks set. Colored with Copic Markers. I colored the glass with my Clear Glaze Sakura gel pen. Makes it look so real in person.

 Tag close-up

White Liquid pearls make the “whipped cream”. YUMMY!!!

My paper is by Paper Salon -Holiday Swatches collection. Ribbon is by American Crafts. Did a bit of sponging to add to the chocolatey feel.

Now for the coffee lovers!

I covered this coffee bag! Super simple!

I just took ALL the words I wanted from the Hot Holiday Drinks set, and put them on a large acrylic block. Stamped my bkgd “paper”. EASY PEASY.

Now I have a personalized gift. You could put coffee flavored candy in there, or special cookies, like Biscotti. Possibilities are endless!!!

Hope you enjoyed. I was really long winded today-YIKES!!!

Till tomorrow.

Don’t miss your chance to win——-HERE

So I have to say I am also in LOVE with the Holiday Treats set by A Chemistry With Paper!!

I can’t stop using it. I haven’t seen anything else like it, and am just working on putting all the possibilities in my head, onto paper!

Nothing say’s you care like the way your present a gift. Especially as crafter’s, making cute packaging can be so rewarding.

This Gingerbread House treat box was one of the many to come.

I saw these cute gingerbread house idea’s, by Martha Stewart. It was $7.99 for 6 SMALLER treat boxes!!! That’s a $1.33 per box. Granted it came with a tiny piece of ribbon/tag for each-but still.

I made my own with ONE sheet of creamy caramel cardstock 0.23 cents to make!

I just scored my cardstock  along the 11 length-with my Scor-Pal at 2 1/2, 5, 7 1/2 then 10.

I then scored along the 8 1/2 side at 1 1/2 and 6. This makes the top, and bottom.

For my house, I used the gingerbread-man border, from Holiday Treats byACWP, stamped around the box. Colored with Copic’s and white singlo gel pen. Red stickles on the buttons.

The “sign” is thier Holiday Cheer set-another great one.

I then used Papertrey Ink Borders & corners for the “window’s”, stamped in white craft.

For the trim around the box, I used Its Elemental by MFT Stamps.

 My Keytag punch made the door.

VIOLA!! My own holiday Gingerbread House treat box!

Here is what is inside-click for larger view.

These are two of the gourmet rice crispy treat’s I spoke of in a few other posts. They are by Archer Farms (Target), and two in a pack is only 0.80 cents!!!

These are peanut butter, with choc. drizzle, and a milk choc. with white/dark choc. drizzle! They are SO yummy!!! Plus since they are pre-wrapped you can start packaging them all up without making them or worry they’ll go bad.

Cute huh??

Hope you like it!

Till tomorrow. I have another Elzybell card, and MORE samples from ACWP!!!

Plus I’ll announce the winner of the Cookie Recipe Holder!

WOW is this post ever LATE! I hope it will have been worth it!

 I am doing a Christmas Gift Idea Giveaway! Keep reading.

Did  you all enjoy the weekend?

Anyone hit the mall?

Yesterday I hit the stores (PACKED with crazy shoppers) with one of my local reader’s “Margie”. We had a blast shopping, then had lunch at TGIFridays! YUM! Tomorrow I’m hitting Target AGAIN-cause of a 4 day SALE!!! I saw toys that were WAY marked down for the event 😀

Today I had a ton of stuff I had to do BEFORE my computer stuff was able to be done :C Sorry. BUT with this post I hope you will find another HELPFUL gift giving idea.

Well ,as you all know I am now one of the designers for this new company called A Chemistry With Paper.

I got 3 sets last week-Christmas Cheer, Holiday Treats, and Hot Holiday Drinks. I cannot put them down.

Let me say I am in LOVE with her images-seriously!! All this week I will post a new sample using the sets I have. They are mainly gift ideas too. So think Holiday ideas.

What I REALLY love is the quality acrylic. I’m talking GORGEOUS, CRISP images. The top quality acrylic is made by Stewart Superior! HELLO! Well worth every penny.

So, for my FIRST item, I will reveal – a Cookie Swap Recipe Booklet!

Now YOU have a chance to win this.

 Cookie Recipe Holder

Is this not adorable?? Now, I want you to think of this as gift idea for a lot of people in your life.

When I saw these cookie image’s I went NUTS!

What I did was get recipe’s for 8 of my most favorite holiday cookies, and got I the photos of the finished cookies to match. I then made/saved my own recipe cards!!! All I have to do is print them all off. I used photo paper because I love the look. So clear, and professional-and brings out the YUM factor of the finished baked cookie.

The cookies I included in the gift packer are:

Raspberry Linzer Sandwich Cookies

Chocolate Almond Biscotti

Candy Cane cookies

Lemon Butter cookies

Oatmeal toffee cookies

Christmas ornament dough mix

Sugar Cookies

Peanutbutter Gingerbread man cookies

 Photo of recipe cards I made  myself.

What a great variety!!!

Now, you want to step it up a bit?

How cool would it be to make a batch of all 8 recipes. Bag ONE of each up, as a taste sampler, and include this super cute Cookie recipe holder?

Considering each recipe makes a few dozen, that could be homemade DELICIOUS gifts-for ALOT of people. Without the HUGE cost.

This particular gift would be FABULOUS for those who organize a Cookie Swap, or just love baking/cooking.

This was also SUPER EASY!!! After I got the recipe cards cut- copied- pasted- sized- printed-and SAVED!!!

Now I can make a TON of these!

Here is a few more views-just click for the LARGER view

 Holder open      Side View

Now here is HOW I made it

My recipe cards are 3 1/2 X 5 1/2. So basically you get about 4 per sheet of photo paper.

My cardstock was cut 6 x 9

Simply use your Scor-Pal  and score at 1 , 1 1/2, and 5 1/2. DONE!! If you are crunched for time-Use double sided cardstock and you are GOLDEN. Or wheel a pattern if you don’t have any you like.

The flap stays closed with Basic Grey magnetic closures.

I added ribbon to the inside to tie around the holder. This will hold the recipe cards in place, and adds a cute touch! Otherwise they may slip out the sides.

Now how seriosuly SIMPLE is that?

So do YOU want THIS holder? It can be all yours. For YOU or someone else.

Well, then all you have to do is comment here, and tell me which stamp set over at A Chemistry With Paper is your favorite!

I will pick a random winner Tuesdnesday morning by www.random.org.  That way I can mail it out Wednesday for you.

Now for a bonus-it you order, then reply back here and tell us what you ordered-that gives you another chance to enter. If you already have some of their images, then also respond with a link to your creation/creations! I’m sure we would all LOVE to see what YOU have done with them!

So stay tuned! More to come!!!

Thanks for reading. I look forward to seeing what everyone thinks.

 Designed Wallet

EDITED: I just added the photo of the stamped/designed wallet! I did this first thing this morning to show you a stepped up version!

This uses the new set that Demo’s got from Stampin Up. I think its called Time Well Spent. I colored it with my Copic markers, then spritzed with my black marker!

Here is the inside view

 click for larger view.

I basically did a OSW-then cut it up!

Happy Saturday!!!

I love Saturday’s. This week since I am feverishly working on Christmas stuff- I figured I’d share a newer version of my “wallet” gift card holder! This one uses JUST paper/cardstock to hold the card.

Its super easy, and dresses up any gift card you may give.

You can keep it simple or go ALL out.

Tis the season, and I assume people give these out alot this time of year. I know we do 😀

This simple template can be done in under 3 minutes, after you first try it out. So you could mass produce these holders for anyone whom you are giving one to!

Here is a diagram for you to print/follow. Any questions-just ask here, and I will answer in the comments section.

 Click to enlarge

 Get a 6×6 piece of cardstock/patterned paper

Step 1

score at 3 1/2

Step 2

Turn cardstock to other end. Score at 2 1/2 and 3

3) Trim excess piece at 3 inch end (long end, on shorter measurement). Fold in smaller flap, then fold up, to create a “pocket”.

      insert card into pocket.

4) From scrap-cut a 1 inch piece. Score at 1/2 inch. Then adhere the 1/2 inch piece to back of  wallet.

I like to use my Basic Grey magnetic closures, but to keep costs down you could use velcro-or the style I used in the link above, for the older version of the wallet.

You could even punch a slot to fit the flap closure into!

Let me know how you like it.

Send us a link here should you decide to create one.

Remember this is for inspiration ONLY-and not to be used for submissions or contest enteries 😀

Tomorrow I have a really cool project/gift idea, so come back again.

Oh I am SO in the Christmas spirit! I want to just share so much with all of you.

So I bit the bullet and decided to do a few PERSONAL gift sets! I did 4 sets of monogram cards. There are 6 cards in each set, with stamped matching envelopes. I feel for some “special” people, something a TAD more involved was in order.

So this is what I did!

I used my rectangle  Nestablilites for the scalloped layer, as well as the embossed straight edge of the stamped layer.

I basically did a One Sheet Wonder, then did the cutting of dies.

I used Jolies Fleurs for the stamped layer, Celebration Frames for the scallop punched circle, and Olivia alpha for the monogram- all found —–>HERE or HERE.

Tied at the top with some simple ribbon. I was really going for a personal gift, that can be used for any occasion. I felt these notecards were clean, and simple, yet elegant. I made the 4 sets while watching Regis and Kelly, and an episode of Martha Stewart-then part of The View. In short these 24 card sets took me some time, but were well worth the effort. I hate mass producing so was way DONE!!!

The layering, scallops, and embossing are a real WOW in person. Plus they are very dimensional, which doesn’t show in the box!

  Here is another view-sorry bad lighting!

A little while ago I posted an ornament for the Paper Craft’s Festival of Tree’s—->here. I said I would be making another one in its place, due to the fact it looked like a turnip :C I definitely felt this one was worthy. They seemed excited to accept it as well. I cannot wait to see what the tree ends up looking like.

I bought this clear ornament at Michaels, last year on clearance for 0.10 cents! YEAH!!!

The color scheme had to be red and turquoise.

I stamped my snowman from Christmas in the City , in StazOn on clear polyshrink. Colored with myCopic markers, then shrunk him down 😀

I used the Holiday Cheer set, stamped in red 3 seperate times, then punched out with my Giga Scallop circle, center cut out with my Coluzzle. I adhered the 3 circles together, and put my snowman charm hanging from the center.

I placed them in the snowball, with some Martha Stewart winter white glitter in the bottom! Looks just like shimmery snow.

Next up I haver a Christmas card using the same Holiday Cheer set.

The circle sentiment is stamped on the vellum layer in white. That paper underneath is Martha Stewart wrapping paper!!! I LOVED it, and yes it was on clearance.

This card was super duper fast too!! I love solid images. You can really just FLY through a project with them. This set is a really cool one IMO 😀

I’m waiting for some NEW goodies to arrive-crossing my finger’s today is the day.

There are some FAB new releases coming from MFT too!!! But those have to wait till December to share :C

One particular set is ROCKIN!! I have some awesome stuff I did for Christmas gifts but can’t share till Feb!!!

Now that my friends is TORTURE!

Till tomorrow-where I may share a Bella card. Not sure yet.

Well I want to thank all of you for sharing my excitement over my latest finds, and uploads. I really hope that my insanity has helped you with your Christmas ideas 😀 I know I am enjoying the feeling of accomplishment!

I hope that I can continue to share some more cool stuff as the season approaches.

I have gotten some great mail from some friends and reader’s. So thank you so much! I will be emailing you to say thank you 😀

I had a awful week here. All 3 kids-sick! Dealing with my aftermath of tooth discomfort. Not that that’s a big deal. You wonder HOW I have posted here? Well sometimes I can do a few days at a time-just go in and add as needed.

Noah had the 2 day stomach bug starting Wed. AKA constant vomiting/fever. Then his cold turned to croup Thursday night – I was up with him since 2 am on Friday- took him to the the doctors TWICE. Out all day with 2 sick kids. Walk in the door-to the phone ringing. It was the school- Alexa got sent home-white as a ghost, shaking, and a fever of 102.1 (axillary).  Looked SCARY! That;s my Alexa! Perfectly fine one second-crashing the next! She has doen this since birth. Takes a quick turn. Her teaher was so freaked she came to my house to see how she was! (Pays to ALWAYS have your house clean, let me tell you. Sorry thats my OCD kicking in)

Packed our bags.

Went to the ER with her, for the battery of tests-after 6 hours-Pneumonia AGAIN! Thank God, she had good O2 sat’s and her counts were good cause we got to come home on antibiotics, and neb treatments! Was I ever happy.

Saturday-11 am Noah’s 5th b-day party (yes Im insane!!!)! But it went well, and the kids were feeling better. Except mom-exhausted. Seriously, it was a great party.

Now I get to come here, vent and share 😀 AHHHHHHHH!

I know you are all dying to see my Target finds.

I feel they were worth the wait.

So, while browsing the clearance section, I found the BEST thing! I took ONLY 3. Thinking to myself “Lauren, you have TONS of alter-ables, and coasters. You aren’t here to shop for fun, don’t go crazy” So, I put like 6 sets back :C

WHAT! WHAT! What did I put back?

They were bags, with a set of 2 glass coasters in them. They have a silver frame-and in the back, a slot to place a photo! They were on clearance for $1.38. Well I get to the register and it was like 50% off THAT!! So it was only 0.69 CENTS for 2 glass coasters!

I paniced! Had I known how SUPER CHEAP they really were, I would have cleaned them out!  Wanting to go back, but time wa not on my side. I had to get home to get Noah off the bus. Besides I had NO IDEA what I would (if I even would) use them for!

Now I kick myself! I went back-gone. How sad I was.

So here is what I did with them. I made paper weights! Or you could hang them up with pretty ribbon-heck use them for their initial purpose-a coaster! LOL!

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” Elenore Roosevelt

I stamped the sentiment on the glass with Pallet ink in black. I stamped the flowers on the insert, so there is a gorgeous layered/3-D appeal to them IRL. BEST part less than 2 minute’s to make each one!! That my friends ROCKS!

LOVE that sentiment by CTMH. Flowers are Stem Silhouettes by SU!

I figure they are great for the secretaries or co-workers for Jason! OR I may put them with the Teacher gifts! They can remove the insert I made, and exhange it with their own thing if they choose.

I will tie each one with ribbon and a tag. I have 6 total. Here is another view of them

 Dont they look so pretty?

OK my next BIG find-again MORON only bought ONE!

Here is a heavy duty plastic tray.

I got the tray for 0.89 CENTS! Its large and really nice to work with!

I had planned on adhering the bottom panel insert under the tray. BUT stupid Lauren, used nail polish remover to get the sticky tag off, and it made it all scratchy and foggy! GASP!!! My tray-ruined!!! Oh well.

 I decided to put in a insert, IN the tray, that can be changed depending on the event! Nice table decor too. You even thought about laminating it for those times you want to throw food items on it. Then just wipe it clean.

The cool gift idea would be figure the color’s of your recipient’s decor then go from there. I also like the idea of giving it with a couple insert’s for them to switch up.

The large candle was only 0.35 cents, and the little ones were a box of 12 for $1.

Just wrapped the candles, then tied with this satin ribbon, that I also got at Target. Gift wrap/bridal invite section-15 yds $2.99! ALL sorts of colors. Yes, I am going back to collect them all.

The bottom of the small candles have scalloped adhered to then for interest. They can even catch any wax that may collect form burning the candles.

Do you LOVE my paper? I did NO stamping, cause I LOVED that paper. It’s crisp. clean, yet detailed. You know what-Its Martha Stewart wrapping paper 😀 On SALE!!!! $3 a roll.

LOVE it. This set took 15 minutes to make-MAX!

This could be the beginings of a great gift set of things. All shrink wrapped, with a bow.

 I did alot of gift basket of handmade stuff last year (made myself), cause I always love the themed one’s I find that cost like a million dollar’s for $50 worth of stuff.

Remember PRESENTATION is EVERYTHING!!!!!

Now those are some way cool finds. I hope that Target keeps them coming 😀

I also hope it was worth the wait to you. If not for the fact you can’t find the items, but look at some you may have, waiting to be made into a reasonable gift from the heart.

I really believe that people remember that stuff most.

Just don’t make anyone Fruit Cake! I don’t think anyone likes that gift-and they will definitely remember WHO gave it to them! LOL! Only so they don’t re-gift it to them.

OK I hope you can all take that as a joke. I know someone is out there who reads this, and makes fruit cake religiously every year!

Tomorrow I share my Elzybells cards-that’s right card “s”!! I made a sample with each new stamp 😀 I had too much fun-and could NOT stop.

 Click image for larger view please.

So this week I decided to MIX IT UP! I wanted you to make a 3-D item instead! This will also help you have a Boxed Bag Holder for someone special, to house their Christmas gift! OR a party favor for a kids party-whatever really.

I created this box template a few weeks ago! But since then have made 2 more!

 Santa Sends Sweets!

I used the Lizzie Anne set called Holiday Cheer, and the Santa (simply singles). Is it NOT the cutest thing ever? Inside this box are 2 large-delicious- gourmet-chocolate/peanutbutter covered rice crispie treat sticks, from Archer Farms (found at Target. No that isn’t my special find)!

What a great gift for that someone who you just want to “acknowledge” this holiday, yet can’t afford to go spending a fortune! The treats were $3.99 for a package of 10!! Thats only .39 cents a piece! That gives you a thoughtful GOURMET gift for a whopping 0.80 CENTS!!!! NO COOKING REQUIRED!

HELLO mailman, and Mr. Brown, co-workers……………….you get the point!

Please don’t think I’m about being CHEAP! I’m not! I’m just saying we all have so many important people to think about during the holidays, its hard not to go into debt! AND isnt this WHY we stamp? To make gifts with thoughtfulness? That is the spirit.

 Plus its a gift that if someone didn’t acknowledge you, or couldn’t, they wouldn’t feel completely awful about it. I am keeping some of these ON HAND for just that situation! LOL!

So, I have to say I truly LOVE it!!! Fits all sorts of great goodies. AND, it only takes a couple of minutes to make! Seriously like 5 minutes! BEFORE decorating. After you do the first one-you will whip these up in no time flat.

I have to say that I use myScor-Pal, so it makes it easy since I don’t have to move my paper.

Don’t worry if you don’t have one (YET), you can still make it.

Click thumbnails for closer view

You will need-

Scor-Pal (or other scoring device) 

Heavy patterned paper, or cardstock.

Paper Snips

Heavy Adhesive

Key tag punch (or other handle punch)

Corner rounder (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Cut cardstock 9 X 12.

Score along the 12 inch side at 4 – 5 1/2 – 9 1/2 – 11

Score at 9 inch side at 2 – 3 – 8

See diagram-of finished scores.

Snip/trim away excess and flaps-see diagram for example of what to snip, and what to clip!

Round top panel coners. Then punch hole’s for handle’s

Apply adhesive to small flap on far right, and bottom panel.

Next -assemble!

 See side view

 Bloomin Box Bag

See it doesn’t have to be ONLY Christmas-y KWIM? This would be a great Boxed Bag for a re-gift!!!

And that my friends, is all I have for you today!

Let me know what you think of my Christmas ideas, and PLEASE let me know if you make the Boxed Bag!

Include a link in the comments section, so we can all see your creation 😀

OR if you have questions-let me know.

I’m having Noah’s 5th Birthday part today! WOW! Time flies. I hope to have a super cute Smilebox for Monday!

Till tomorrow!

Hello my wonderful readers, and friends. I feel like I know most of you who post here, and I know you feel the same.

I am sharing some fun things FIRST-so if you aren’t interested in reading my dental story you don’t have to! BUT I hope you do! Since most have shared my PAIN!

IF you are, scroll down to the bottom-after the * row!

 Lucky’s Doggy Bag

So tonight at 12am you can FINALLY get the NEW! Lucky and Lulu Little Bits Kits! More info —–>HERE With photos of how the sets are packaged!

They will be available in UM-rubber with EZ mount $11, or wood mount $18! HELLO- AFFORDABLE! PLUS the shipping over $10 USA is FREE! WOW!!

Let me say, that I think these are SO adorable!!! I was really excited for this release, and what Christine has in store in the future with these Little Bits Kits. Also don’t forget about her SALE!

I REALLY love Lucky 😀 LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! He is my favorite-hands down 😀

So I made this ADORABLE little treat bag holder-or AKA Doggy Bag 😀

Not that I should even be thinking about sweets after this whole dental nightmare!

Super easy-DOGGY BAG DIRECTIONS:

This will fit a flat cello bags (large?) from SU! Cut down to 5 1/4.

All I did was cut my cardstock to 6 X12

Using my Scor-Pal, scored at 5 1/2 , then 6.

Made 3 slots in the top, to hold my front panel closed! Added buttons for a cute touch. The sides are open so you can see the treat inside.

I thought it was a cute package to put all sorts of goodies in for someone special. Heck-even for someone’s dog! DONT LAUGH!!! People LOVE their dogs-better yet people who give gifts to their much loved dogs. So when in doubt-give it to the dog.

 There are recipe’s for homemade dog treats online, and I think that would be adorable! I can think of an Aunt of Jason’s who would FAINT if I made her doggy cookies for her #1 family member-so I think I might just do that. She is hard to buy for.

What an epiphany! LOL! I seriously Just thought about this as I typed. I will have to post my cookies if I do make them.

Here is a close view-

I used my Copic markers (of course! Do I ever use anything else? Um, NO!), to color the “gumdrops”. When I saw the open line art that was my first thought for these. I used Crystal Effects, then sprinkled on microbeads. VIOLA!

I used the stripped patterned paper byJunkitz-Salsa Collection to inspire my gumdrop colors. The ribbon is from the $1 section at Target! LOVE IT!

That’s about it!

So what do you think? Cute set huh.

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If interested here is my dentist story read below here

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Well you all know I switched Dentist’s. THANK GOD. I left Aspen dental and went to a private practice called Parsi-Osorio Dental. I tell you the difference is huge! I go from the “chain” of Dentistry to this place. I feel when the Dentist NAME and reputation can’t hide behind the CHAIN name it makes a difference in the care-everything. I really felt like I went from Walmart of Dentistry to Macy’s or something. So read on.

I want to thank you all for the emails, comments and support! Also sharing your stories with me. It really helped. Sounds weird In know-but I swear it meant so much.

Today I was getting my back tooth pulled. I could cut this story quick, but you all “know” me, I HAVE to share the whole story. I promise if you ever talked to me on the phone you will see I dont shut up! ON AND ON I go!

So, I started the antibiotics, and I swear my pain got better after 3 doses. YEAH!

Today we began the drive to the oral surgeon-1 hour away. Made sure I took 2 Motrin before going.

I began to feel SICK thinking about it on the ride. I get to the office-Jason and the kids stayed in the car, cause 2 of the 3 fell asleep. No big deal. I’m a big girl.

I go up to the 3rd floor, and register. ALL I HEAR IS DRILLING! OMG! I wanted to pass out.

As I sat and read a magazine I just wanted to RUN. Cancel the whole thing. My heart was pumping out of my chest, as I felt the blood draining from my head. The last time I felt this panic was when I was on the phone with Alex’as pediatrician and he told me she had CANCER!

I know, its all dramatic and NOT comparable-but I think I was going to pass out, cause that is what almost happened to me when I got that news-I collapsed on the floor then. Definitely didn’t want to cause a ‘scene’.

So the girl calls me in, and I meet the oral surgeon. I am by this time having an anxiety attack! I feel like I cant breathe, and I start rambling. When I’m nervous I talk ALOT, and fast!

He made me stop, take some deep breath’s. He was soft spoken, calm, and REALLY nice. The other dentist stopped in when he heard I arrived, and he came in to say “Lauren I promise if you feel a single thing, you can come across the hall to my office, and punch me in the face” “You are in the best hands. He is the best of the best and can do this with his eyes closed”

I laughed, and said “I swear, if I do feel anything, I will take you up on that offer!”, and I meant it.

So I told the doctor of my low tolerance for Novocaine, and that I needed 9 shots just to get the tooth drilled. FREAK OUT ATTACK starting again. He told me they didn’t give it to me correctly, and not in the appropriate places! I should only need 2 shots! He swore that would do it! He went on but I wont bore you.

He also informed me of the fact that this tooth was close to my sinuses, and they may get exposed, and need stitches! OK Now I’m ready to get up! No one said anything about that!

But, he was so calm, I just took a deep breath.

He told me not to use the headphones. When your ears are covered you hear MORE in the mouth. Block your ears with your fingers, then talk-

So I agreed, saying he was the boss!

He made me sit back, and began deep breaths of O2. I started to calm down a bit. I closed my eyes and refused to open them again  till it was over. I didn’t want to see a thing going on. As I had my head back-deep breathing, he put in some numbing gelly-ICK! I kept saying in my head “Lauren, its only a tooth! You are a strong person. Alexa goes through worse. You can do this” over and over.

After a minute he asked me to open my mouth a little bit. I then felt the numbing Novocaine being put in. I didn’t even feel the NEEDLE! Just the medicine! WOW! Was I impressed. Only 2 shots.

More deep breathing. He then said he was starting the Nitrous. Didnt seem like a thing changed. I did NOT feel any different! I wonder if he even used it? WEIRD!

Anyway-he did some “testing” to see if I could feel anything. A few minutes later, he asked me to open my mouth again. I tooka  deep breath, and clenched the hand rests for my dear life. Sorta like you would if you were on a plane and it were crashing-which I told myself was definitely worse!

I then felt a pressure pushing up. I began to think- OH NO! Its gonna hurt! Then I felt a little tug-almost like he was testing to see if whatever was on my tooth was “ON”. He then said “Wait a second, keep your mouth open” So I did. In my head saying Oh no, this is it this time, he’s gonna yank it out. I felt more pressure UP. He then said done!

I was like “Are you kidding? What did you do the second time you went in my mouth?” He replied-I put in the gauze!

I was like ” I love you, you are the best! I didn’t hear anything, or feel anything but alot of pressure, but nothing crazy! I love love love love love you. You rock! In case I didn’t tell you I love you! “LOL! That was worth every penny!

Then I was done!

I hurt a bit. Can’t eat well. Feels strange not having my tooth there. My bottom tooth is lonely! I’m on Vicodin till tomorrow.

BUT, I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders! I have been SO stressed about this for almost 2 months! Now its over!

I am so happy they gave ME the oral surgeon to do the job!

AND you know what? I don’t think I need to freak out about going again. These people were so fabulous! I’m getting my x-rays and making my next appointment this week for my next bit or “work”. I need to get the most from my insurance before the year ends!

I would not stress about getting another tooth pulled again. Along as I had the oral surgeon! LOL!

So, the moral of the story is, I’m happy I changed dentis’st!

To one, that while yes, is 1 hour away-is so worth it, because they listen and care, and were honest. I got such a better vibe! I am so happy, and to think I’ve lived in FEAR for 10 years-the worst of it these past 2 months.

I will take the advice and write to a higher person at Aspen Dental. I can only imagine what torture people go through and have nothing to compare it to.

Now I just need to rest, and let my mouth heal. Oh yeah, and keep up on my oral health.

So, thanks for reading, and everything you all have given me here in my little place in cyberspace!!!

Many hugs to you!

I have alot more to share this week. I got my Elzybells from the UK!!! I will show you the size difference!

Oh I got lots of good stuff-so just come back-

I may not post tomorrow. I want to rest up, and let the ideas FLOW!

Hugs my friends-till next time 😀

 Franken Folder’s  for Noah’s class

Frankenstein Stamp by C.C. Designs-Donald as Frankenstein, Trick or Treat sentiment by Lizzie Anne Designs-Spooked

 Haunting House bags for Alexa’s class

Stamps by Lizzie Anne Designs-Spooked, Glassine bags by Paper Trey Ink

Happy Halloween!

My children have morphed into Princesses-Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. We also have a BLUE Power Ranger.

“I” have decided to morph myself into SUPER MOM!!! AGAIN! Who else is with me?

Why do we all have this pedistal , that we feel we must stay up on, when we are crafty? I hope I’m not alone in this venture.

MY mom always made holidays the BEST! All our traditions, and just every little thing was always perfect. I remember EVERY SINGLE ONE! Some of these traditions I pass on in my family-such as buying each person, in our home, a special ornament every year. I love that one!

I guess because of that, I put myself on this mission to do the same, while trying NOT to kill myself doing it in the process. I think I feel my kids will base their entire childhood on these “events” in life. Maybe because they impacted mine.

I *really* felt the pressure to do something for the kids classes for Halloween. I then fought the stress of it, saying “Hey, we can’t do it all Lauren. Deal with it!” . Yesterday (Tuesday morning – day before Halloween)Noah says “So mom what did you make for my class for my Halloween party?”. “Something cool like Alexa’s parties?”

” Noah, I didn’t make anything for Alexa’s class. What are you talking about?”

Noah-“You know all the stuff you always make”

He was right! I always made all these cute things for Alexa’s class parties/holidays. BUT I only had ONE kid in school. Now I have 3!!! That means LOTS more work.

Amber was set cause we made sugar cookies, and picked out “special” candy for the kids to decorate the cookies.

OK, So HOW can you say “Oh no honey you get nothing. I was planning on sitting this holiday out.”

I then said “Well, if you really want me to do something then I better get working”

So, I got the kids off to school, ran to Michaels, then to Target for candy.

WHIPPED up things for Noah’s class, and Alexa’s.

WHEW! Super Mom to the rescue!

When I was done, I showed Noah his little “Franken Folder” lollipop holder, and he was SO EXCITED!

He asked if we could bring them to school that minute! He wanted to show his teacher, and make sure it didn’t get ruined on the bus! He thought all the kids would like seeing them as they come into class. He better marry a crafty woman! LOL!

My heart melted!!! I never felt so proud. To see my son be so appreciative of his mommies hand made items 😀 He carried the box of them into school and each person he saw along the was said “Look at the pops for my class”

I guess this is why we do what we do right?

As mother’s we will do just about anything for our children. Heck, I would give my LIFE for my children, the least I could do was wrap some lollipops right?

I also wanted him to know, I love him every bit, as much as his sister.

 I think that was a little message he was conveying-Like “Hey!!! I need love too!” When you have a sick child that requires so much, I think its easy to not always remember its the littlest things that help the other ones know they are just as important. On the day to day, how is a healthy kid suppose to compete with one puking in a bucket?

So I felt good! Mission accomplished!

So here is the DIRECTIONS for the Franken Folders (as I like to call them).

All they are is a lollipop wrapper. I didn’t invent the idea.

I didn’t check out HOW to make one-I just came up with my own fast way.

 Click for larger view

I used apple lollipops-wrapped with caramel. YUMMY!!!

Measured the wrapper 2 1/5 X 2 1/5.

Cut cardstock 2 1/2 X 5 1/2. You get 6 per sheet of 8 1/2  X  11 cardstock.

Used myScor-Pal, and scored at 2 1/2 and 5 inches.

Punched a hole with my Crop-a-dile in the middle of the score line, at the 1/2 inch mark.

Creased the score lines, and applied adhesive to the 1/2 inch flap.

Stuck the stick through the hole, and attached that adhesive!

DONE!

These went fairly quick. As, they were a breeze to make! The coloring took a little bit-but I did ONE color at a time, and went form image to image. Assembly line!

I resisted the urge to further embellish!! Reminding my self that its all getting tossed-so don’t go that one step extra. Like glitter on the pumpkin, adding a layer of cardstock behind the main image, ribbon……………..you get the idea. SIMPLE!!!

The bags for Alexa were obviously super fast! I made 25 in 10 minutes. Just stamp the house on the glassine bags with Brilliance ink-then fill!! Filling took the longest- LOL! I think it was a great quick touch for something handmade. SOLID images! Gotta LOVE them!

So I would LOVE to hear what your kids are for Halloween, or what your all time favorite costume was a kid.

Anything like that you want to share 😀

I have some SUPER cool samples to share tomorrow with the NEW! MFT Stamps :D. Wait till you see what I did.

Till tomorrow

My friend Debbi, she is an amazing person I met through SCS!

She always says she loves my sketches 😀

So, when deciding to send her some HAPPY MAIL-I made her this accordion book. I think this is a great idea for any stamper or scrapper! Inside is filled with my very own personal sketches for her to use 😀

Click for larger view

 Side one     Side 2

I hand drew each one-now that was time consuming. I actually made them all with my PAINT program but it didn’t save!!!!!!!!!! Holy want to kill your computer! I was so upset. It took hours to make them all that way too. I need to find a better way in the future :C It would be great to have handy for making more albums as gifts. Just print, cut, paste, and go! Unfourtunately I have NO ambition to try it again, anytime soon

Of course these are to be use ONLY for personal stuff-not submissions or anything like that.

I hope Debbi likes it, and it inspire’s her to stamp MORE.

I found this album at Michaels-its by Me & My Big Ideas. I LOVED the pattern on the front cover-cause it meant I could focus on the INSIDE! I hoped they had it in purple-since we share that as our favorite color. Oh well. I wasn’t about to cover it up. It was pretty as it is.

For the front, all I did was use my Nestabilities-rectangles, for the layer, then stamped this sentiment by CTMH from the Follow Your Dreams set in Tempting Turquoise. LOVE the sentiment. I found it suited the purpose of the book-perfectly.

Added some DELICIOUS velvet Prima’s, that AmyR sent me like LAST year! I also added a BUTTERFLY Heidi Swap ghost shape in the corner, covered with Stickles, in artic ice.

I love how it just ties closed. I also loved that I could focus on the sketches, and kept the front SIMPLE.