Its amazing that we are already rushing in with Valentines Day! I have to say I really LOVE making Valentine’s projects. I love the “lovey dovey” stuff, the colors, and the images are really to die for. Maybe because I love hearts so much, is why I’m so into Valentines day. I don’t mean “into it” in the respect that I expect my husband to go all out and whatnot, I just love the creating part of the holiday. Honestly Im not big on getting flowers. Especially on V-day. I swear they jack the price up 3 times more. I personally think its a waste to spend so much on flowers when I could get some stamping stuff instead 😀 I actually just like a nice date with my husband (which usually doesn’t happen on V-day, but anytime near it), and I’m a HAPPY girl. I’m  very easy to please. I don’t ever want anything expensive ,in the jewelry dept anyway! LOL!.

As for yesterdays post, everyone wanted me to post a tutorial for the box. I think I will make that my first video tutorial! Sound good??

I think I have my first video figured out. Stay tuned! That is just a hello one from me to get me warmed up! It was really weird making a video.

OK now onto my peek for today. It comes from C.C. Designs

Gingersnaps Hey Cupid line. Be sure to check out the blog —>HERE! You will see more samples from the team, and have a chance to win them.

The release of these images is tomorrow 😀

Here is another view-

Isn’t she so cute????

Her halo is in silver encore ink.

 I used heart rhinestone stickers in her ponytails-

 I paper pieced her dress.

Colored her wings with Shimmerz, and glitterfied the cloud 😀

I also altered a little clippie.

Then along the bottom I pierced a faux mat, and added epoxy hearts!

So cute I think.

Now onto yesterday- I had these to peek, but no time to post since I already did 2 LONG posts!

I call this one Bunny Cups- it is from the Hugs & Kisses set!

I used a square tube, and it fit my Reese Peanut Butter Cups perfectly!

Don’t ask me how many! I have NO idea, but it was just about an entire bag 😀

The paper is an old one from SU!, and the ribbon I believe is May Arts.

Close-up

Isn’t he/she so cute? I used pastels for this one. I wanted a SOFT look. The little chocolate is actually 3D. I LOVE anything Christine designs with these little animals. They are just beyond cute!!! My favorite is usually Lucky (dog), and the monkey-but this bunny is stealing my heart now 😀

Last, but not least-Pink Piggy Pop

Isn’t he so cute?

I just uses a label punch from Stampin Up! And stamped my sentiment on it. I then punched some holes and put my lollipop stick through it.

I them stamped/colored/cut my pig, to sit on the words (like a cloud).

I think it makes a cute little presentation for the pop don’t you?

Simple.

 Easy Peasy.

Well thanks for checkin here. We are off to go bowling with the kids, since its the last day of vacation.

As for all my posts and samples-its just the beginning. This week until after the 15th will be JAM packed with stuff. Then you will see why I have been SO busy!!!

Till tomorrow-

Hi everyone

There are 2 posts today, so be sure to scroll down!
The sketch challenge is posted after the Birthday Organization post 😀

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 😀

Happy Saturday. I’m having a great year so far. I think 2009 is going to ROCK!

Its all what we make it right?

Time is flying by. Where did the week go? Heck where did 2008 go?

 I have been a stamping maniac, and you will soon get to see the fruits of my labor! LOL! I am also getting ready for another preview of My Timeless Templates ©! Each month gets better and better!! Im just bouncing all ove the place here. STILL trying to find time for the video thing. I know, you are sick of hearing it. Im sick of it too.

People are quiet these days. What are you all up to? Hybernating? De-stressing? The holidays threw me in a tailspin let me tell you. Im so off track.

I do have a few things for you to check out!

I was  featured on the inspirational blog HERE! Thanks 😀

Also there is a contest on the Pink Cat Studio Blog! Check it out HERE!

 <————OMG! How flippin adorable is Lily like that.

I’m freakin out. AND you get to try her FREE! Go look.

AND make sure you check more peeks at the ATS blog, for their upcoming release. I have more peeks to share-soon!

I have a sketch for you today, and I just love it. I hope you get the time to give it a try.

Keyword mytimess18

Now I altered mine just a bit. I had fun with it though 😀 That is the point isn’t it?

I HAD to use a new set coming out from MFT called Owl for all Seasons by Stephanie Fizer. She also has a digital paper line coming out too!! I used it on my card today 😀 REALLY CUTE!!!

I LOVE owls! All owls. Not sure what it is, but Im owl happy. These owls definitely make me very happy. I love the happy retro colors, and the paper. So fun.

Little close up for ya-

What do you think of the sketch?

You can use shapes in place of the squares. I love this sketch and think Im going to use it some more! Mix it up a bit.

I hope you get to have fun with it, and send us a link here if you give it a try!

In the mean time check out my fab sketch team. I hope they got to give it a try. I was WAY late sending it to them this week! We are now one month ahead though, so thats good.

I also added a new girl-Kendra! So be sure to welcome her here.

Thanks for checking in here

Hi everyone. The kids are on vacation, and life is crazy. How are you all doing?

Are you crazy with me yet?! Only 3 more sleeps till its back to school, and only 5 more sleeps till my brother gets hs own apartment! YEAH!

OK today I have more peeks to share. Actually this week is going to be jam packed with samples since MFT, and LAD are also releasing some AMAZING stuff this week.

Tomorrow is my Saturday Sketch-and a special PTI group project. Don’t miss that.

Snow Friends is another set that is being previewed over at the ATS Blog. It was designed by Diane. Check in there for more samples, and your chance to win this new set.

How cute is that little rabbit, giving the snowman a carrot for his nose?

I think this made the perfect little thank you card. I love that Dianne made a snowman set and took it to all “occasion” level. I have many friends who collect snowmen things, and this is perfect for them.

Here is a close up of the details.

I had fun coloring the scarf, and adding some snowy glitter.

I used little ribbons for tabs on the side to tie in more of my colors.

A cuttlebug star folder was used for a embossed star detail. Subtle. I like that.

Sorry, nothing too chatty today. Im being pulled in 10 different directions, so I need to wrap it up. Hopefully in a week life will be more “normal” again.

My new year is off to a great start though, so no complaints here 😀

Enjoy your day!

Don’t miss the peeks! All That Scraps is having another release! Check out the blog daily. You will see more peeks from the upcoming release, and enter to win the set shown each day. This months release is on the 5th! So stay tuned.

The set I am featuring tonight is by AmyR and is called Wedding Day & Wedding Day sentiments.

I used some gorgeous shimmery paper, and vellum from WorldWin Papers!!

Here is a close up view of the Wedding gown all done with vellum and my cuttlebug embossing folders 😀

Here is a close up of the Tux!

I have to run, but I hope you enjoy the sample 😀 DOn’t forget to check the blog! Lots of great ideas there.

I want to say Happy New Year to each and every one of you!

How is THAT for a BRIGHT family photo. Flash mode is a killer! I was going to b&w but this was certainly more festive!

Here we are, last photo of 2008

Amber 4-and like a mini me. She is so girly and grown up for 4. She and I do lots of things together that Alexa isn’t interested in-like shopping :D. Amber is my little side kick. Growing way too quickly for me. She is little creative creature who is girly one minute and wanting to watch foot ball with dad the next.

 Alexa 9-healthy and Cancer FREE! Thank GOD!! I remember thinking she may never see another Christmas at times. Here she is, her favorite time of year. Hair growing. She is amazing to me and inspires me everyday! She is my little artist. She likes reading and writing stories. Maybe she will be a writer when she is older. I’m amazed at how well she does with it. I think back to all the awful things they told me my life would be like, being a young mom and having a child with Down Syndrome, and I get mad. I would have missed out on the most amazing things in the world if I didn’t have Alexa. If more people in the world saw things as she did it would be an amazing thing.

 Me 30 and over 45lbs lighter .I haven’t checked, but definitely lost more weight over the holiday, and am 5 pant sizes smaller! In only 20 weeks. I’m not done. I’m still staying on a healthy lifestyle. Who says you can’t lose weight after 3 kids and tons of stress eatting! LOL! I really am proud of myself, and am loving 30. Much better than 20! I have so much to be thankful for-really. 2009 is going to be fabulous!

 Jay 31-This is the best man on the planet! He is the most amazing, patient, loving, and supportive husband/dad. I feel like I won the lottery when I met Jason. He loves me for who I am. That says a lot! LOL! He accepted Alexa as his own, and has always been there for me every step of the way. He spent hours on Christmas morning taking toys out of packages, putting things together, 100 stickers on Amber’s doll house, and playing with all their new toys with them. He is just amazing. I can never say enough about him.

 Noah 6 -who is a entire head taller than his older sister! He is the caretaker of the family. I always think of him as the older child, and have to remember he isn’t. He is such a great brother to hi s sisters, and really watches out for them. He is into his boy stuff, but loves crafts with mom! He is so creative too. I love everything he makes. He is so sensitive, and considerate. He always makes me laugh and has so much energy. He is going to turn into a great man some day. I have a very special place in my heart for Noah. Its different that the girl thing. I feel like I am watching Jason as he grew up, and if he is 1/2 the man Jason is someone will be lucky.

Here is Daisy in her Santa Dress! She wasn’t too happy with me 😀 But it was so cute. She kept trying to rip it off, so that is why she didn’t make the family photo! LOL!

 Daisy is one now, and we have had her a year. She is a cockapoo, and only 14lbs full grown (I always get asked that). She is the best dog ever. Great size too, and fabulous with the kids and the cats/other animals. Biggest issue is peeing with excitement when people come over, and jumping on them when they come in. That isn’t a good thing, but not horrible. I’m so happy we have her in our family. She still follows me around everywhere in the house, and spends as much time in my stamp room as I do, keeping my feet warm!

Our cats-boy are they wallet suckers! Our boy cat Moo-Moo has cost us more money and stress this year, than anything! LOL! The other 2 girls are fine, thankfully.

Then there is my brother and Valerie, and soon to be baby Gabriella! They are suppose to be moving on the 7th! Cross your fingers for us please 😀 I can’t wait to meet my niece. I get to be in the delivery room! She is due Feb 5th. Pray for a healthy, happy baby!

As I rang in the new year, I reflected on 2008, and have to say it was a FABULOUS year! I always get emotional when that ball drops.

Alexa completed her Chemo, and is doing amazing-who could ask for more?

My children are growing into great kids-

Our dog Daisy has been a great addition to our family-

I was able to start doing something I LOVE-My Timeless Templates, which seeing other people love, and use is beyond amazing. The entire thing is just a dream come true, and I pour every ounce I have into it, and love every second. How many people have a job they truly love? Plus doing it while home with my children is such a bonus.

I was able to find some time to give back to others. That feels great.

And I was able to FINALLY have a New Year where my primary goal  wasn’t wishing I could lose weight! YEAH!! Im on shaping up mode, and love shopping for new clothes.

Life is so good. I am excited to see what 2009 holds.

I really hope TODAY will be your TOMORROW! You have a clean slate to start with. I always make a list of goals and wishes/dreams. I keep it in view so I am always aware of what I want to do.

The important thing is to also have a plan on HOW you are going to put those goals/dream/wishes into reality. Dreaming is wonderful, but nothing is going to fall in your lap. If you want something you have to be willing to work hard to get it.

Maybe you have simple goals. Maybe you want to get organized? I spent the last few days re-organizing my stamp room, and cleaning it up a bit. Boy did that get my mojo in high gear! WOW! I love cleaning and organizing things.

I will share my goals for the New Year, and hope you will too.

My goals for 2009-

Enjoy my children, and time with my husband. Really live for today.

Continue to exercise, and live a healthy lifestyle-everyday! Pamper myself more :D) I love excersing daily now. I feel great.

Be a good example for my children  in all areas, always. Be it exercising to volunteering, I want them to be well rounded. I want to raise kind, loving and giving children. Being a parent is so hard, in the end I want to know I did something right. I have off days, and I hope those don’t over shadow the good!

MAYBE design my own stamps! I have had so much interest from all you asking WHEN I would do this. Maybe its time. I’m not sure. I really love the template more, and want to continue to pursue that avenue, but I may branch out-so watch out! I pray I have the $$ and time to learn the software I need to get started. I had ideas for how I would want my things to look, but an no artist there. I’m a better designer with other people’s stuff than my own.

Open my own Etsy shop! I think its time I had a place to sell my creations I have made with my templates and other items. MANY people have also asked about this, and I hope over the next few months I can get started on that. I also want to take custom orders and things, but not sure if my time will allow that, just yet. Its on the list-so we shall see.

Actually SEND the cards I make (this is another goal I have yearly and it never happens! Tomorrows post will share more on that-actually sending stuff!)

Get this CRAZY video thing figured out by the end of the week! I want to do more video stuff here to help, and get more “in touch” with you all! I had hoped for my video, but honestly haven’t had much time to mess with that!

Actually answer my emails! I have over 300 sitting in there right now, and just haven’t had a minute.

I would LOVE to hear your goals for the new year! I don’t like the word resolution. I like to think of it as something you want to work on! So I call them goals instead.

Now I will share some more weight-loss stuff since that is general “goal” we all have for the New Year! Health is so important and I have definitely gotten a lot of responses to this area when I have talked about it. Maybe there is something here that will help you.

My Time’s Tips for a healthier 2009!

I have talked very openly about my recent weight loss goals and struggles. Its NOT easy.

This post isn’t about a quick fix. Its about an overall healthy lifestyle. All you have to do is WANT it.

Be positive! You CAN do it. You can do anything you set your mind too. Truly. Its not too late. Its never too late to start taking better care of yourself.

If getting in shape were easy, then everyone would be in top shape. It’s a constant work in progress. You have to live it everyday. Not just a few weeks, or going on a “diet”. Diets are short term, and often involve cutting something major out-like carbs. We actually need all food groups-in moderation. You cut something like carbs out 100% then the second you have them back you will blow right back up! Its about daily life changes. Something you stick to, so all your hard work can be maintained. Eatting in moderation. I can’t stress that enough.

GETTING STARTED

Before I begin let me tell you that the first 3 weeks are the worst. Getting use to making time to work out, putting your plans into action, and cutting out some of the bad food and the cravings is hard. You CAN do. Just overcome ONE obstacle at a time. Don’t look at tomorrow, focus on TODAY, and doing everything you can to make today better.

Like I said before, I’m just like you! No personal trainer, no dietician. I have 3 kids and a busy life. You don’t need to join a gym, or have a trainer, and get expensive equipment. I did all of this from my own living room.

We all have to start somewhere! So go to the store and get a few inexpensive items. All the items you need to get fit at home cost less than a gym!

I say get a DVD that interests you and give it a try. It won’t be easy!!! Its suppose to kick your butt! I have made suggestions HERE before as to what has helped me. I say get what you like and suits your needs. You may even be able to rent some! Then if you really like them make the purchase. Your library may have some as well!

I have also enjoyed The Biggest Loser DVD’s. The Cardio Sculpt one is fabulous!! As I said before I LOVE Jillian Michaels 30 Day shred, and really helped me shed some more of that hard to lose last few lbs. The Mitch Gaylord one though was what really got me where I am today.

I think getting a mat for the floor is a good investment for your back and floor exercises, and some handweights. Start with 2 or 3 lbs.

I also have a weight band, and have gotten some other equipment but that isn’t necessary stuff. I like to mix up my workouts. Its important to NOT get bored!

When you work out at home it doesn’t matter what the weather is, or if you have time to drive to the gym! So go for it.

By just making better decisions you are on your way. Instead of that fried chicken go for baked or grilled. Instead of 2 pieces of pizza eat ONE! etc.

Trust me I don’t know any more than you do about all this. I’m just putting common sense into action.

IDENTIFY!

I think you need to figure out what motivates you. What is your motivation for getting healthier? What road blocks have stopped you before. Get rid of the negative “I can’t” attitude. You CAN and WILL! Just read my other post here. Push past those road blocks and just do it.

Also identify what motivates you to eat badly. Is it stress, boredom? Do you not eat all day then are starving? Stay on top of your hunger. Then you won’t blow it on a handful of chips or cookies.

Get motivated and get moving!

Obviously activity is the key to losing weight. ANYTHING you can do to increase your activity level is great. No excuses. If you can find 20 minutes on the computer you can find 20 minutes to some sort of physical activity. Take a brisk walk around the block even. ANYTHING is better than nothing. I work out literally everyday now, because now I love it and I want to!

PACE YOURSELF!

Set realistic goals, and only look at it as one pound at a time. If you gained 20 lbs overnight you’d just DIE! You aren’t going to lose it that easy either. It is hard work.

Keep track of your progress. Be mindful of what you are doing and eatting, always.

Keep a journal or track your progress. I used our calendar to know how many weeks I had been working out. I filled out my weeks to the end of the year! There is NO stopping 😀 Write down what you eat if you want. Or just keep track of activity. Get a friend involved for support if you can. Ask people in your home to make you accountable, especially at a function where yoiu may want 2 full plates of food,  just because its there-and delicious and that is what you do at a BBQ! You don’t really NEED it.

Eat to live, not live to eat.

Don’t beat yourself up!

If you do slip up or whatever, don’t blow all your progress on ONE oops! Just do better the next meal. AND if you are making an oops, don’t got for seconds!

MODIFY!

You can make any meal and make it healthier! Go fat free, or low fat. If you aren’t use to those items you will slowly get use to them over time. Try 1/2 full fat, and other 1/2 low fat/fat free if its a big issue. Before you know it you will love Skim milk! LOL!

Eat Breakfast!

This is a major thing most of us don’t do. Its actually WORK for me to eat breakfast. Im just not hungry. But its like gas for your car. You need to fire up your metabolism, and breakfast is very important. You will feel better when you actually start the day with something to eat.

Portions!!

This is huge factor in gaining weight. CONTROL your portions! You can eat what you want in MODERATION.

 I eat on a kid size plate. When I go out to eat I automatically take 1/2 off my plate, and have them package it to go home with me. When you are eatting ANYTHING watch the portion size. Its usually smaller than you think.

Have easy healthy snacks on hand! So when you are hungry you can just grab a healthy option.

The 100 cal packs are great quick choices, fresh fruits another great choice. Measure a serving size of your large bagged snack foods and package them into snack zip lock bags. You can mindlessly eat handfuls of something when youa re hungry.

Water, water, water!

 Its good for you,  fills you up, and keeps you hydrated. Your skin will glow if you drink lots of water, and it reduces the sign of wrinkles!

Don’t eat after 7pm!

That is a biggie. We often eat out of boredom, and anything that goes in your mouth after 7 will usually go right to those hips! Try your best to NOT eat after that time.

Snack healthy!

I find that I need to stay on top of my hunger in order to eat well. That means eat when I am hungry, before I get to starving and mindlessly grabbing whatever is in my face when I open the cabinet door.

Top thing to avoid

anything FRIED, Smothered, or in Alfredo sauce! LOL! Those are all really bad.

Supersizing! NO!!! Don’t do that. If you do ahve fast food just make a better choice as I said. GRILLED, no SAUCE! Those sauces on sandwiches are packed with empty calories. If you really want fries get the kid size stuff instead.

Anything “gourmet”!  

 Chocolate/sweets in moderation.

AND-Just because it says fat free doesn’t mean its OK! Its usually high in sugar, which them turns to fat. You eat too many of fat free anything its not good for you.

Fresh fruits and veggies are always a great choice. NO DIP!

Bottom line-eat everything in moderation, get moving and you will get losing 😀

That concludes my new year goals post!

I hope you find time to share your tips, goals or whatever else you can here!

Happy New Year!

Happy Winter Sadie

Well today Christine posed a special challenge for the team, and I actually found time to play-TWICE!

Go Lauren! Go Lauren! OK in all seriousness I don’t get to do challenges often so I’m happy with myself right now 😀

Here is the challenge: Theme: Snowflakes (you have to incorporate snowflakes somewhere on the item.
Can’t use: Christmas paper

No problem-o!

So I just used some pretty colors that I loved, some K & co paper (definitely NOT Christmas paper!) and some felt snowflakes, and I was ready to go!

I used circles as my focus, and the Snowfall set for my sentiment, and snow-flurry trail 😀 Lots of sponging too. I love sponging a colored bkgd these day.

The color combo rocks-IMO ;D)

Close up

This is Sadie & Pepper. Aren’ t they adorable? I love those two. I made spots on the dog when I colored it.

Just had fun with it.

Now my next one is called Yummy Wishes

This set is by Diane-Cookie Crumbs called Cupcake Occassions. This et basically gives you some cute cupcake options for EVERY holiday 😀 Really cute idea. Me, loving penguins, had to use this one.

NOTE: Upon typing that I am suddenly in shock as I realize I haven’t used ANY penguins this winter season YET! OMGosh! That is terrible. I need to get on that.

I love the lil penguin. I felt it would be a cute winter hello, or birthday card even.

I just punched some snowflakes out of my red layer, adding white snowflake dots. I layered with dimensionals so the white layer comes through.

I just used my snowflakes cuttlebug folder to emboss only the sky portion of my circle layer. Like a snowglobe, so sorts.

Then I had stamped/colored/cut my penguin. Added some chunky glitter (from Michaels kid section) and I was all set 😀

Easy peasy card, but I liked it.

Well thanks for checking in. We have a very busy day here to prepare for our New Year’s Eve party.

I want to wish you ALL a happy, healthy and SAFE New Year! I have lots to say on that, but will save it for my New Year post 😀 You know how long winded I can be so I’ll save it all up for ya.

Enjoy your the last day of 2008! I may be back before the end of the year to reflect.

Definitely see you in 2009-hopefully with a video. And of course more rockin projects!

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 😀