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Make it Monday #50

2012-01-24T17:00:00.004-05:00

Hello and Happy New Year! Well, here on the blog anyway!

My family and I enjoyed the holidays this year, very relaxed and just plain wonderful! We are so blessed. I just came back from a special trip that I will be sharing details of soon!

My trip revitalized my mojo, and I am SO THANKFUL!! :)

I decided to participate in this week's Make it Monday challenge over at Papertrey Ink. This week's challenge was to incorporate a shaker box on your card. It's been a while, but I love making these fun cards.

The background was made with Fancy Flourishes, and Winter Penguin on Hawaiian Shores cardstock using Fresh Snow ink. The shaker box uses Limitless Layers 1.75" circle dies, as well as the Delightful Doilies dies, and my favorite little penguin.

Lastly, the sentiment (from Hello, Friend) was added using the Skater Dude die, which I trimmed off the end that went off of the Hawaiian shores layer.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Tracey

Happy Birthday Grammy!

2011-12-04T21:34:00.001-05:00

Really?? The weekend is over already?? I SWORE it just started!! :)

It's been a great weekend, filled with lots of work, AND lots of fun!! We had a great time at the tree lighting last night, and then today, we continued celebrating!

This time, we switched gears from Christmas to birthday, as it was my Mother-in-Law's birthday Wednesday. All of the kids and their children headed out to where my in-laws live, and surprised her by showing up to Mass at their church this morning, then we headed over to their house, and all of the kids made a HUGE brunch for the entire family (7 kids, plus spouses, and 15 grandchildren!) It was an awesome day. The kids all had a blast, and it was nice to spend time all together.

Here's Grammy's card, made with the new Stitches & Swirls stamp set from Papertrey Ink, and Signature Greetings, one of my FAVORITES of all time. Both were stamped in SU! Elegant Eggplant. I colored in the stitches and swirls with my copics, and it's hard to see, but I used my gold spica glitter pen to add some highlights and a little sparkle.

That's about it, easy peasy. I hope you all enjoyed the weekend, I'm ready for bed, I swear those pancakes had tryptophan in them!! ha ha ha :) OH -- Here are the copic colors I used :)

So Merry...

2011-12-03T15:56:00.004-05:00

Happy Saturday!!

All things Christmas are in full swing around here! The tree is decorated, the outside lights are up, and we are all in the spirit...MOST of the time, anyway ;).

Tonight is our town's tree lighting ceremony and parade. The kids are looking forward to it, and so am I. :)

I loved the Make it Monday challenge over on Nichole Heady's blog this week, the challenge was issued by my friend Dawn, who just loves ruffly ribbons :).

I pulled out a few of my new (or like new, as in, unused) Papertrey goodies, and got to work.

My base is Aqua Mist, covered with white 'lattice' made from the new Quaterfoil die. Then I made my wreath with two pieces of Simply Chartreuse saddle stitched ribbon, cinched, and layered on each other. I added some "berries" and a little red felt bow I found in my stash.

The sentiment is a die cut from the Wonderful Words: Holiday die set, and mounted on a strip of kraft CS that is stamped with the snowflakes from the SUPER cute Winter Penguin stamp set...c'mon $5?? AWESOME!

Thanks for dropping by today -- a few things to do before we head off to the festivities in town!! What are some things YOU do in preparation for the holidays??

Have a great weekend!

Black Thursday????

2011-11-23T09:10:00.000-05:00

I don't have any cards to share today, but I just really needed to share some thoughts on tomorrow's upcoming holiday...you know, Black Thursday. What? It's Thanksgiving you say??? Really???

It seems every year, stores are opening earlier and earlier for "Black Friday Sales" - well yeah, most of them are now open on THANKSGIVING to avoid someone getting trampled at the door, or riots.

REALLY???? Is this what has become of society?

When I was younger, I always thought Black Friday sales were a bunch of hooey anyway - I'd rather sleep in if I had the day off, but I will admit to being out there at 5am in recent years to catch some deals at Kohl's, or Michaels. They do have some great deals, but things are just getting out of hand now.

I read an article the other day about a guy who works for Target, who started a petition because he has to go into work at 10pm Thursday night, to be there when the store opens at midnight. Some of the comments following the article really struck a nerve with me.

I get that the economy sucks, despite what "the officials" say, trust me, I live it. Paycheck to paycheck (or less), and luckily (one of the things I am grateful for this Thanksgiving) is that both my husband and I are both employed. But to belittle this guy and begrudge him for wanting the day off to spend with his fiance making plans for their upcoming wedding with her family just seems downright awful.

Thanksgiving is SUPPOSED to be about spending time with family and friends, enjoying each other's company, and making memories. Life has us all so busy during the REST of the year, the holidays are the only time some have to be together, and now THAT is being taken away, because we have to buy a big screen TV for $200...so that's where our priorities are, huh? I think it's pretty disgraceful.

Ok, yeah, so you don't have family, and you want to score a great deal on a laptop - but the guy selling it to you had to miss dinner with his family the day before so he could get a few hours of sleep before he had to be in to work by 11pm, to be treated nasty by the people clawing over eachother to get the last one....

At this rate, why don't we forget about Thanksgiving, and just call it the National Day of Scoring a Good Deal on Useless Crap.

I don't begrudge anyone a good deal, to make their budget stretch further (I've been eyeing the sales) but I am TRULY bothered by the stores who are open ON Thanksgiving, or those that are opening on or just before midnight, because "Polls show that people would like to go out shopping after Thanksgiving dinner". PLEASE. Stay home, watch some movies, eat another piece of pie, and get some sleep to start shopping at 5 am.

To those that still truly VALUE the holiday tomorrow, and what it means, I wish you, from the bottom of my heart, a VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING... I will be the one on the couch with a piece of pie, watching movies... and maybe I'll head out to the stores early Friday, to pick over what the vultures have left behind...to all the rest...enjoy Black Thursday, or Happy National Day of Scoring a Great Deal on Useless Crap!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2011-11-14T20:52:00.001-05:00

Yep. For real. TWO posts in one week! Ha ha ha ha.

My Dad's birthday was October 30th. For those that didn't know, here in the Northeast we got WALLOPED with an early Winter storm on October 29th, complete with 18 inches of snow, and no electricity for 5 days. We dug out to get out and wish Dad a Happy Birthday, and it was an ADVENTURE to say the least!!

My parents were at my brother's house, my brother had gone and 'rescued' them earlier in the day. Just trying to get to my brother's house, which is usually a 5 minute drive (IF I get stuck at the light) took us 20+, because we had to go around the long way due to downed trees. We finally got to his neighborhood, and had to re-route a few times there, as there were 2 telephone poles that the tops were snapped off and were hanging in the middle of the road by the power lines (EEK!)

ANYWAY -- we FINALLY got to my brother's house, and got to sing Happy Birthday to my Dad :).

Here's his card:

I took the photo with my phone, as it was very last minute. The '65' is actually a 'ribbon' that's tucked behind the 'Ad Sense' die cut and sentiment. I put a basic grey magnet on it, and 'pinned' it to his shirt.

I took a piece of kraft CS and ran it through my Cuttlebug with the woodgrain impression plate from Papertrey, and then rubbed my Dark Chocolate ink pad all over it, to bring out the embossing.

And there you have it...Happy Birthday Dad! Wishing you many more :)

Supplies:
All supplies Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted
Stamps: Ad Sense
Ink: Aqua Mist, Pure Poppy, Summer Sunrise, Dark Chocolate
Paper: Kraft, Pure Poppy, Hawaiian Shores, Summer Sunrise
Accessories: Delightful Doilies Dies, Limitless Layers 1.75" dies, By the Numbers dies, Woodgrain impression plate, Hawaiian Shores ribbon, basic grey magnet

Don't FAINT! Thank Shoe Very Much!

2011-11-12T09:58:00.003-05:00

I know, I know -- it's been a LONG time, thought I'd blow the dust off, and write a new post!

Life has been so busy it seems lately, and to say I haven't been all that creative is an understatement. It seems as though a majority of my craftiness has taken a looooooong vacation, and I'm hoping it's coming back soon!

I was going through some photos, putting together a few photo books on Snapfish, and I came across this cute little project I did back in the Spring, and thought I'd share it with you all.

In our town, since I was very very little, we had this Mom & Pop shoe store, called Marshall's. There was a corner in the back with toys for the kids to play with and "Mr. & Mrs. Marshall" were always there to greet you with a smile. Mr. Marshall measured your feet (yes, really, even in 2011!) and it was just a real FAMILY place.

My Mom always brought us there as kids to get shoes for school each year, and she has continued to take all of her grandchildren there each year, too. In April, much to my dismay, I saw this:

I couldnt' BELIEVE my eyes. While I'm so glad that they will be moving on to the next chapter of their lives, I was just so sad to see the end of an era here in our little town. So, I decided I would need to take my girls for one last pair of shoes, one last time in the toy corner, one last balloon on the way out of the store.

I found this AWESOME digi image (and now it has been SO long since I made this, I can't remember where I found it -- so if you know, please tell me, so I can give proper credit!) and decided to make a little thank you gift for our favorite shoe people :).

I even nabbed their logo from my photo of the closing sign, and added it to the sign post on the house. The image was colored with my Copics. I made the sentiment in Photoshop Elements, and then die cut it using Papertrey's Mat Stack 4 die. I wrote a little note on the back, thanking them for all the great memories, and wished them well on their new adventure.

The girls got their last pair of shoes, their last balloon, and their last time in the toy corner at Marshall's - and Mr. & Mrs. Marshall were touched by our gift, and shared with us that they had no idea how much they touched the community, until they put up those signs.

Be sure to thank those small shop owners for what they bring to you and your community, you never know when they might be gone. Thanks for stopping by!

A Weekend of Celebration & Summer Card Camp! - Part Deux :)

2011-07-17T09:31:00.003-04:00

After "Grandma's" party, we switched gears and headed to my dear friend and co-worker's house for her daughter's high school graduation party. Lots and lots of teenagers, gave me an idea of what's to come! (and I just might be a wee bit scared, lol) Seriously though -- I've watched Leslie grow from a sweet little girl, into a beautiful young woman, and I'm so happy for her, and look forward to seeing her grow even more in this next chapter in her life.

Here's Leslie's card:

Lots of bold bright colors. For this one, I used Kraft for a base, then some Raspberry Fizz, and Hawaiian Shores CS, and then Raspberry Fizz, Hawaiian Shores, Royal Velvet and Orange Zest felt for the flowers.

I stamped a background with Turning a New Leaf in Versamark, and then embossed with clear EP. The flowers are topped off with some gems from Doodlebug (I LOVE their gems with all of those lovely facets!) This card also uses Wonderful Words dies and the Wonderful Words Additions stamp set.

Today -- I'm off to a retirement party for my Mom! But that will be a post for another day...Thanks for stopping by!!! :)

Supplies:

All Supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted

Hooray for You:

Stamps: Wonderful Words Additions, Turning a New Leaf

Ink: Fresh Snow, Versamark

Paper: Kraft, Raspberry Fizz, Hawaiian Shores

Accessories: Wonderful Words Dies, Beautiful Blooms II #3 dies, Felt in Raspberry Fizz, Royal Velvet, Hawaiian Shores and Orange Zest, Clear EP, Gems (Doodlebug)

A Weekend of Celebration & Summer Card Camp!

2011-07-17T09:28:00.002-04:00

"JANE! STOP THIS CRAZY THIIIING!!!!" ha ha ha...

What a weekend! Friday happened to be my birthday, I was greeted after work with a family of balloon people my daughters made with my sister-in-law, and a BIG banner that they decorated for me :). That night, my older daughter (7 years old) earned her orange belt at Taekwondo. I'm so proud of her!! However, my post today is more about our celebrations yesterday.

The first party is for a close family friend, who recently celebrated her 90th Birthday. Yep - she's an amazing lady, and I'm glad she is part of my life! To make her card, I looked to the extra color combos from the Friday part of the online Summer Card Camp, being held by Jennifer McGuire, and Kristina Werner. Here's what I made:

This card uses the Wonderful Words dies from PTI, as well as the By The Numbers dies, and the Wonderful Words Additions stamp set. Though the middle 'happy' looks black in my photo, I used PTI's Royal Velvet...such a rich purple color -- it's gorgeous! A few pearls scattered here and there kind of remind me of confetti.

Supplies:
All Supplies PTI unless otherwise noted

Happy 90th:
Stamps: Wonderful Words Additions
Ink: Plum Pudding
Paper: Stampers Select White, Plum Pudding, Simply Chartreuse, Kraft, Royal Velvet
Accessories: Wonderful Words Dies, Pearls (Basic Gray, Recollections)

Summer Card Camp!!

2011-07-07T08:34:00.000-04:00

I don't seem to have time to breathe this Summer, always running here or there, BUT -- I decided to go ahead and participate in the Summer Card Camp, being held by Jennifer McGuire and Kristina Werner. I needed something to jump start my mojo, as it's been in it's dormant stage for a while, lol. This week, the colors are warm and summery, oranges, reds, and greens...gorgeous.

I was short on time, and went completely simple, but, mission accomplished. I used a Kraft base, and just layered torn pieces of CS up the front. The colors I used are Pure Poppy, Orange Zest, Summer Sunrise, Simply Chartreuse, and New Leaf. The sentiment (from Think Big Favorites #4) was stamped in fresh snow ink.

I'm certainly hoping to get to give this color combo another whirl, maybe a little more creatively this time! all of the inspiration with the card camp has been AWESOME to say the least.

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
Stamps: Think Big Favorites #4
Ink: Fresh Snow
Paper: Kraft, Pure Poppy, Orange Zest, Summer Sunrise, Simply Chartreuse, New Leaf
All supplies are from Papertrey Ink

All Because Two People Fell in Love...

2011-06-26T21:55:00.002-04:00

WHEW!! It's been a busy, yet SUPER FAST weekend. WHERE did it go??? We've been busy here with some house projects, hoping to get them wrapped up in our "spare" time, lol. Making progress, but still a ways to go.

Anyway -- onto my post. A few months ago, my in-laws celebrated their 45th Wedding Anniversary. A pretty big deal, especially now a days. I decided to make a card that would emphasize the importance of that 45.

I pulled out the Papertrey Ink By the Numbers dies, and cut a 4 and a 5, ran them through my xyron and then poured glitter all over them...I mean really, aside from blinking lights (which could come in the future, I'll have to top this in 5 years, HA!) what better than glitter to catch your eye??

Layered the 45 onto some die cuts (1.75" limitless layers, and Mat Stack 4) - and accented with the largest flourish from Fancy Flourishes that was embossed with clear ep. Finished it off with the sentiment 'amazing years'. From Big Birthday Wishes.

I say amazing, because we ALL got together that day, and took a photo of the whole family...take a look at what has been accomplished in 45 years...and smile.

Have a great day!!

June PTI Blog Hop!!

2011-06-25T17:10:00.000-04:00

When I saw the inspiration photo for today's blog hop...I was...well, inspired ;). What a FUN picture, full of color and life. Of course, my daughters want their room painted like this now...

I decided to play with my copics and my airbrush, and made my take on the "wall". I added a piece of white, cut with Mat Stack #4, with my sentiment from Think Big Favorites #1 stamped in Basic Gray ink. Then gave it a splash of interest with some felt flowers cut with my Beautiful Blooms II #3 dies and a little bling.

Thanks for dropping by, have a GREAT weekend!!

Happy Birthday Waltzingmouse!!

2011-05-21T09:07:00.002-04:00

WHEW!!! I just made it. :)

I started this the other day, and all of the sudden, this morning, I realized that I never posted!! So, I ran outside, thank goodness for a beautiful sunny day.

This is quick, because I'm unfortunately off to a funeral, but I wish Claire continued success always!! I ♥ her company, and hope it continues strong for a long LONG time! :)

Happy Saturday!

Supplies:
Stamps: Way Out West, Back in the Saddle
Ink: Memento Black, PTI distress cubes, fresh snow
Paper: water color paper (SU!), Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream (PTI)
Accessories: Sakura stardust pen, WMS tea baggie template, PTI button, DMC floss

Long time...

2011-05-03T21:09:00.002-04:00

No speak!!

It's been a loooooong time since I last posted -- nearly 2 MONTHS ago!! eesh. I've been a busy bee, not so much in the craft department, but busy, none the less. I went on a trip to PA to meet some of my favorite people, my PSFs. I've been chatting with these ladies for YEARS, and finally got to meet some of them IRL. How cool is that?!?!? I'll tell you. It was VERY cool. The weather was unfortunately rotten, but we had a great time, and lot of laughs, despite the nasty weather! Here are a few pics:

Here's Pam and Sharon working nicely together...

OH! How'd that get in there?? You see, remember that nasty weather I spoke of?? Well, a few of us were stuck at the hotel while there was a severe storm blowing through the area, complete with flash flood warnings, and a tornado watch (cool, right?) Well, we made sure we were safe in the lower floor of the building, away from any windows, and lookee at what we found! What luck.

This is Pam - I ♥ this picture...don't you?? You should go here and tell her!

This is Laura and I -- we were getting a little giddy at this point...it was late, and we were up waaaaaaayyyy past our bedtime.

and this is Sharon and Renee...these are 2 of the sweetest people you will ever meet. EVER. Unfortunately I didn't get a whole group shot of all of us. Barb tried, but that's a story for another day ;). I'm blessed to have such great stamping friends that I can now call REAL Stampin' Friends!!

Fun Foam Make it Monday!

2011-03-06T16:31:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday! WHEW! I can't believe another weekend is almost over!! We've had a great weekend of celebration, I'll share more about that a little later this week, but for today, I've got the card I made for PTI's Make it Monday challenge this week :).

This week's challenge was to use die cut fun foam. We have no shortage of fun foam in my house, with two little girls who love to do projects, so that was the easy part. I decided to do some of those fun little rolled flowers, using the foam. So I broke out my 1.75" Limitless Layer dies, and die cut some foam, then cut a spiral into each one, and rolled them into little flowers, that I positioned on the large leafy image from Turning a New Leaf.

Finished off with a sentiment from Round and Round, some Hibiscus satin ribbon, and a few harvest gold buttons. Thanks for stopping by, off to prepare for the work week!!

Have a great day!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Turning a New Leaf, Round and Round
Ink: New Leaf, Hibiscus Burst
Paper: Select White, True Black
Accessories: 1.75" Limitless Layers dies, Hibiscus Burst Satin Ribbon, Harvest Gold Vintage Buttons

February PTI Blog Hop!

2011-02-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

How can it be the 25th already???? WOW that went fast!!

Welcome to my little stop on the blog hop :). I'm here to share a quick, clean and simple card with you today...with...yes, scallops.

The sentiment is from Birthday Bash Sentiments, stamped in New Leaf ink, on Select White CS. The image from Damask Designs is stamped in Fresh Snow ink onto Hawaiian Shores CS. That layer is trimmed with a scalloped piece of New Leaf CS (punched with my EK Success Single Embossed Curve punch) and a bit of Hawaiian Shores Grosgrain. TA-DAAAH!

Easy to whip up a bunch to have on hand for when you need them, too!

Thanks for popping by (told you I'd be quick!) - make it a great day!

Supplies:
Stamps: Damask Designs, Birthday Bash Sentiments
Ink: Fresh Snow, New Leaf
Paper: Select White, Hawaiian Shores
Accessories: EK Success Single Embossed Curve Punch, Hawaiian Shores Grosgrain

Make it Monday with Chick Lil'

2011-02-23T21:25:00.001-05:00

Heeellloooooooooooo...in my best "Uncle Leo" (RIP Len Lesser) from Seinfeld voice :)

It's been a while since I've shared some papercrafted goodness with you all. I've got a fun little card to share with you today that incorporates not one, but TWO challenges going on right now.

The first is Papertrey's Make it Monday challenge, which was to add glitter lines to your project using scor-tape.

The second is a challenge hosted by my friend Pam...well, her daughter actually...she issued a throwdown, and I decided I was up for it :). The challenge is to create a card inspired by this photo:

What a beauty, right?? Sooo, I sat and stared at my stamp table for a while...and then I went to bed. I just couldn't figure out what I could do that would pull the two challenges together. And then, while I was at work yesterday, I suddenly had it! Of course, so inconveniently in the middle of the day, when I'm away from stampland...but I had it. So last night, I didn't even turn on the computer, as I knew I'd get sucked in to a round (or 200) of Bejeweled Blitz or Oregon Trail (such a silly game, but brings me back to my childhood).

Here's what I came up with:

I know my flower has more red than yellow...but while my intentions were good, I think I got a little carried away with my cherry cobbler ink pad. The flower was made using PTI's Beautiful Blooms II #1 die collection. I folded a single sheet of yellow tissue paper, so that there were 16 layers of tissue, and ran the 3 dies through my Cuttlebug together...talk about a time saver! Then I stacked them, fluffed them, inked them, fluffed them some more...but the final thing that made it work was a spritzed it with a little water, and THEN fluffed some more. Now -- the water may have done NOTHING, but I felt like it did something, so I'm sticking to that story.

Oh, "what's that" you say?? Look at that yummy glitter frame around the outside. Yes, there's my scor-tape with glitter! My card is 5"x5". There is a scored frame (though kind of hard to see) at the 4" mark. Just to the outside of that was a penned border, and then my fabulous glitter border. Really dresses up that white base.

That cute little sentiment is from Flower Garden Sentiments, I'm so punny sometimes ;).

Thanks for stopping by for a look! Make it a great day!

Supplies:

Stamps: Flower Garden Sentiments

Ink: Fresh Snow (PTI), Cherry Cobbler (SU!)

Paper: One Sheet Wonder (Cardstock Couture), True Black (PTI)

Accessories: Tissue Paper, Copic Multiliner 0.1, Scor-tape 1/2" width, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, chartreuse felt, scarlet jewel button, embroidery floss

A Quick Comparison...

2011-02-15T23:25:00.001-05:00

I was going through some pictures on my computer...and I found a few that I thought really showed off how much snow we got here this Winter... This first picture shows my house, the day after Christmas...we were just getting our first "real" snowfall that day...

We have gotten near, if not record snowfall this January...here's what the front of my house looks like as of the beginning of February...

Remember the train in the front yard?? Yeah - it's still there...it's just buried under snow...oh and the little pathway Christmas trees???? take a look at this picture

These are my girls, but see that dark spot below her feet??? YEP -- the trees! We're getting some warmer temps this week -- and I'm SO thankful...maybe some of the ice will start melting off of our roof!!! Here's some icicle shots I took a few weeks ago we've had some incredible ones this year - some are at my house, some are at my Mom's...

Here's to warmer temps!! :) Have a great day!

PTI Go-To Sentiment Card...

2011-02-11T19:28:00.002-05:00

So, I've been wanting to participate in the PTI challenges going on this week, but have had a few obstacles... 1 being, for the first time since BEFORE CHRISTMAS, I've had to work a FULL week this week! LOL. I'm still sort of in disbelief about this...ha! I'm EXHAUSTED!

Secondly though - the other issue is I've been taking my photos outside since one of the lights for my tent broke...and since I work all day, I only get to stamp at night...and by the time I get to photograph...too late! I just might catch up and play along anyway, because there's lots of fun challenges going on!

ANYWAY -- enough blah blah blah, I know, I'm getting on with it.

The challenge for the first Make it Monday challenge was to create a "Go-To Sentiment Card" I tried -- I kind of feel like I more made a background paper out of sentiments...but I'm going with it, and I'll keep trying on my own, just because I thought it was a neat idea. This will be my hubby's valentine this year.

I went through all of my sets and pulled out all of the "love" sentiments, and got to work.

I've added the three little hearts from Wonderfully Whimsical, as well as one of the hearts from Heart Prints for accents. I'm fairly satisfied with how this turned out - I will definitely be trying this one again!!

Thanks PTI for the challenge, AND for the opportunity!!

Supplies:
Stamps: (All PTI) Round and Round, Heart Prints, Damask Designs, Mod Squad, Simple Little Things, Signature Greetings, Wonderfully Whimsical, Beyond Basic Borders, Background Basics: Tin Types
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Versamark, Fresh Snow
Paper: Dark Chocolate, Pure Poppy, Select White
Accessories: Stickles, Clear EP, dimensionals

Papertrey Favorites...

2011-02-05T11:54:00.000-05:00

I'm AMAZED by the giveaway over on Nichole Heady's blog today...and figured I'd be foolish not to give it a go, lol. I'm reposting a card I made back in April for my friend Pam, for her birthday. It was for a blog hop, and I'd have to say, it's one of my favorites I've made this year.

I cut the sides of the dress free hand, using punches for the neck and arm openings. A little stamped tissue paper made the ruffled skirt, and Raspberry Grosgrain trimmed it nicely :). Thanks to Nichole and the peeps at PTI for this awesome opportunity -- and to the rest of the PTI design team for their seemingly effortless showcasing of the new products each month!! Happy 4th Anniversary -- wishing you many more!

Getting Organized...

2011-02-01T13:45:00.002-05:00

Soooooo, those of you that are familiar with me, know that I moved my crafty space up to the main floor of my home, after a few run-ins with some unwanted house guests... Since then, I had gone through a VERY long creative dry spell, and now that I'm getting back in the game, I'm trying to get my space organized, for as little investment as possible. So far, so good, really...I've not invested too much $$, but have spent a little time, and honestly I think it's worth it. I think I'm going to like my new set up, once it's finished, of course.

So, my next two posts are going to be dedicated to some of my 'home-made' organization. I made my own color cubbie out of foam core board...that will be my next post, but today is about die storage...

I've been hemming and hawing over die storage for a while. I wasn't sure exactly HOW to go about my dies and embossing plate storage. I wanted something that was compact enough, but easy to see what I have, and it had to be NEAT. My friend Barb, had a cool system, where she put her nesties on magnetic sheets, and filed them in metal dvd cases, and those were filed in photo storage boxes...and then there's Dawn, who made the most adorable die storage for all of her PTI dies...so I thought, and thought and thought, and then POOF!! I finally figured out how I was going to store my dies. I took elements from Barb, and Dawn, and made my own system.

I went to Home Depot, and bought these Magnet vent covers. They measure 8"x15", and 3 come in a pack for less than $5! I cut each cover in to 6 4"x5" magnets... (so that's 18, count them, 18 magnet sheets for less than $5)

Then I cut some Kraft CS 4.25"x7.25" and mounted the magnet on one side, and I've written the name of the dies on the tab with no magnet. Eventually, I'll cover those with nicer labels, but I've at least got them all labeled for now, so I know which dies are which.

ETA: the magnet on the card with the number dies measures 4X6.5 (or 6.75, I can't remember!) In order for me to fit them all on one card, I cut the magnet larger :)

Then, I broke out a photo box, and used some of the foam core that was left over from my color cubbie, and made a couple of dividers for the box (they measure 4.25" x 7.5") and I hot glued them in place. I've organized my dies/embossing plates/folders as follows: Spellbinders are up front, PTI dies are in the center, and all of my embossing/impression plates are in the rear.

I was so proud of my little creation, I shared it with hubby (who was SO enthused, I might add) but he was curious what I was going to do with the vent covers, so he got what he asked for, right?? Anyway, while he was sitting there, marveling at my work(*snicker*), I took my PTI rick rack die, and just laid it across the PTI section. You see, it's too wide to fit sideways in the box, and I still want to be able to put the lid on the box. So, I was just going to lay the die, diagonally in the box.

Hubby says "you're going to leave it like that?"
I reply, "Well, yeah. I'm not sure how I'm going to store it yet, look, it won't fit".
So hubby says "I can't believe you are going to go through all of that, and leave that thing like that".

Then, all of a sudden... POOF! (it happens alot around here) hubby had a BRILLIANT idea.
Hubby: "Babe -- do you have a piece of magnet left??"
Me: "Yes, I have this larger piece that I haven't cut yet"
Hubby: "You should glue that to the inside lid of the box. Put the long one on that magnet. Then it will still be in the box, but stored neatly."
Me: "WOW -- that is a FANTASTIC idea, and I'll have plenty of room for more!"...

then of course, he sat there, all satisfied with himself for the rest of the afternoon ;).

So, there you have it...my die storage... oh, and I'm slowly but surely procuring enough white photo boxes that I will soon be able to build a fort with them...and I will share my plans for them with you, as they happen...

Until next time...thanks for stopping by, and make it a great day!!

PTI Blog Hop!

2011-01-25T10:00:00.003-05:00

The post that almost wasn't!! I'm having technical difficulties, when, of course, I FINALLY have a blog hop project to share! eesh. Luckily, I had a backup plan...

The challenge this month is to show some love to some neglected PTI stamps. ALL of my stamps have been neglected lately, so this wasn't a very hard challenge, lol.

What I did here...is created some fun felt hair clips for my daughter's friend, and decided to incorporate them into her birthday card. I die cut the star shapes out of PTI Chocolate and Raspberry felt, then I attached the two bitty dot Hawaiian Shores 'tails' to the star with a little scor tape, to hold them in place, while I sewed the star layers together and onto to the alligator clip that was wrapped with Hawaiian Shores twill. Cute, right?

I used the Outlines Alphabet to create a background for the Raspberry layer. Now -- I see some of the 8's are kind of 'glowing' in my photos...creepy, yes. But I can assure you, this is not how the card looks to the naked eye! After stamping my background, I used my Fillable Frames #3 die and stamp set to stamp my sentiment on (which is from Birthday Bash Sentiments). Behind it, are 3 strips of rickrack, cut with the rickrack die. They are adhered to the card front at the top, middle, and bottom. This allows me to clip the clips onto the card, incorporating them into the design!

I loved the way this came out, and honestly, while DD was excited to give this to her friend, I could see she wanted to keep it for herself, lol.

Thanks for popping by!! Make it a GREAT day! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Outlines Alphabet, Birthday Bash Sentiments, Fillable Frames #3
Ink: Hawaiian Shores, Raspberry Fizz, Brilliance Chocolate
Paper: Hawaiian Shores, Raspberry Fizz, Select White, Dark Chocolate
Accessories: Raspberry & Chocolate Felt, rickrack die, Fillable Frames #3 die, Hawaiian Shores bitty dot & twill ribbon, Hawaiian shores buttons, chocolate DMC floss, alligator clips, star nestabilities

Hi there...

2011-01-07T14:54:00.000-05:00

Remember me??

It's been awhile, and while I haven't actually MADE anything in over a month...I have a few projects that I've never posted, so I thought I'd share one with you all today. I had made this for a Papercrafts sketch challenge a few months back.

It uses my FAVORITE color, Orange Zest. These pretty little roses are from Prima, the sentiment from Papertrey Ink's Out on A Limb Sentiments.

While I haven't been online much - I've been plenty busy...makes me wonder how I had time to do everything I was before too! lol. The holidays here were great, no stress. I enjoyed a week off with my girls, and it was heaven.

The New Year so far, has been a good one, and I hope that it continues on this trend...*fingers crossed* I'm truly blessed!!

Thanks to those of you that have popped in!! Wishing you all a WONDERFUL day!!

You know...

2010-12-14T20:59:00.001-05:00

I never quite realized just how big my kitchen floor was...until we recently painted our kitchen, and I got on my hands and knees and scrubbed the entire thing with a handy-dandy scrub brush. I have one of those Hoover hard floor cleaners...well, let me tell you -- those things apparently DON'T work very well. When I saw all of the dirt and nastiness that I got off of my floor by scrubbing, eeeeek. I was embarrassed that I've been using that thing for so long!!!

Anyway -- I'm quite happy with how the kitchen turned out. We've been talking about painting it for over 2 years, and we FINALLY did it. When we first started talking about painting, I had bought new bulbs and shades for my chandelier in the dining area, and I said "That way when we paint, it will look fresh and new". Well, one by one the bulbs started to blow, and I kept saying "Nope, not going to change them until we paint - then I'll change them all at once"...by mid-November, we were down to 2 bulbs...it was getting hard to see dinner, lol.

We had volunteered to host Thanksgiving dinner, so between that and the nearly non-existent light to eat by, we decided to FINALLY paint.

Here it is, all finished, and looking pretty :)

This is the dining area end:

and the kitchen end:

Now, I'm most excited about this -- I have plate covers on all of my switches...you know that saying "the shoe makers children have no shoes"? Well, my hubby is an electrician, and since we had been talking about painting the kitchen (following a Family room addition onto our house, that partly involved the kitchen), he never put plate covers on all of our switches in the kitchen...SOOOO, now the room is complete, and looks so nice! Check out these fancy schmancy switches:

Since we had a little more than 2 years to prepare for this momentous occasion, hubby sprang for these super duper programmable dimmers, buying them here and there, until we had enough switches for the kitchen. (about 8 or 9 all together)

Thanks for taking a tour of my home improvement project with me!! :)

Hope all is well with you all -- have you got your Christmas shopping done yet??? I'm about 90% there, YEAH!!! :)

It's a WRAP!

2010-12-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy December!!!

Today, the My Time Made Easy team is sharing a GREAT new template that is available for purchase RIGHT NOW over at My Time Made Easy, called Wonderfully Wrapped. Let me tell you -- this is a FUN template. It's SUPER easy to put together -- with a more sophisticated look.

Here's mine:

I was feeling a bit nostalgic, as today is my last post with the team at MTME. Those of you that follow me, have noticed I haven't been around much. In fact, my last post was the last MTME release! I think I need to take a step back for a while, focus on my family, and my home...and you never know, you may just see me pop back up out of nowhere...but for now, this is what I need to do.

BUT -- back to my nostalgia ;). I decided to go back to the VERY FIRST digital papers offered last year, the "12 Days of Snowflakes", and as usual, I felt the need to tweak the colors, because I've had this pretty ribbon FOR-EV-ER, and never had a good paper that matched it, that's the beauty of digital paper, and a little photoshop know-how. Here's the side view:

I kept it very simple, creating a large ornament out of some silver glitter paper using my Marvy Mega Circle punch, and hand cutting the ornament 'topper'. I used the frame and a sentiment from So Sentimental, and affixed it to the front. Done!

Simple, elegant, EASY, just the way it should be.

I'd like to take a quick moment to thank my fellow teammates for all of their support, laughs, and shared late nights over the last year... they are ALL an amazing group of women, and I'm BLESSED that our lives have crossed.

I'd really like to thank Lauren, for giving me this amazing opportunity. She is such a delight to work with, and her creativity inspires me daily. I love to see her business grow and flourish, she deserves it.

And of course, I'd like to thank ALL OF YOU...for stopping by, and leaving a word or two, or for just stopping by, and perhaps sharing a smile :O).

I wish you all the happiest of holidays, may they bring you joy that lasts all the new year through!!

Now, hop on to the rest of the team's blogs, they've ALL got something marvelous to share with you today!!

Any Way You Slice It - Group Post!!

2010-11-05T00:00:00.001-04:00

When we last left off -- we were dealing with bugs...well, I think it was a false alarm...I never did find anything, and when she went back to school, the nurse checked her and didn't find anything either... *sigh* That's ok though...now we've moved on to other bugs...same daughter, different issue. So, she was out of school on Tuesday because of 'lice'. Then she went to school Wednesday, and when I got there to pick her up, she was running a temp of 101! My poor girl :(. So, we were home again today, doing lots of snuggling (which *I* certainly don't mind ;) ). She seems to be feeling better this evening though, so I think it will be back to work/school tomorrow...

I hope you've been enjoying the release at My Time Made Easy this month!! Today is a group post, and I'm featuring a great little template called 'Any Way You Slice It'... Yep, it could be cake, or pie, or a reindeer, or a flag, or...well, goodness...it could be a lot of things, ha ha ha. I chose to make a cute little Secret Santa gift box, that looks like a Santa hat (which I'm a bit embarrassed, because as I went to link the stamp set, I realized I made a similar template to Lauren *blush*) but here's my version...

The template features images from Secret Santa and Fanciful Flourishes. It's VERY sparkly :) I used heat and stick powder and lots of red and silver glitter. Here's a closer view of the side:

The bottom of the box is lined with white maribou fur. Totally fun. I sometimes like to give fun ornaments like the one in the background as secret santa gifts, and an ornament, or a gift card with some chocolate will fit nicely inside this box for sure!!

My tag features images from Secret Santa, and has a bit of sparkle added here too. The hat was stamped on a separate piece of CS, colored in and cut - and mounted on the tag with a dimensional.

What kinds of things do YOU give for secret Santa gifts...inquiring minds want to know!! lol.

Be sure to drop by the rest of the team's blogs, as we've each got something to share with you today!!!

My Time Made Easy Design Team:

Lauren Meader (owner)

Kristin Bueter

Catherine Doucette

Katie Shawger Cotton

Tracey Cuccia - that's me :)

My Time Made Easy - Star of the Show!!

2010-11-02T00:22:00.000-04:00

I'm a little late posting... we have some new unwanted guests...yeah, I think there's still mice downstairs...but even worse...we've got lice. There. I said it. Well, I guess I shouldn't say "we"...but apparently it's running rampant in the Elementary school, and there was a case at my young daughter's preschool...and well, it seems the little one had an egg or two in her hair today...ugh. SO, I've spent the evening doing a lice treatment in her hair (even though we didn't find any lice, the school found 2 eggs...that's enough for me! I've also checked my older one, and my husband, he checked me...I went to the laundrymat and washed ALL of our bedding (can you tell I'm just a BIT freaked out?? lol) okay. Sorry. (You're all scratching your heads now though, aren't you????)

Moving on!! Today's post is all about Star of the Show - a KILLER new template from My Time Made Easy. I LOVE this template. This is a simple assembly, and such a versatile shape -- think 4th of July, or Christmas, Birthdays, Sports...YEP, lots of possibilities here!!!

Here's what I've got for you today...

This uses some oldies but goodies in the MTME arsenal. Lunch Box Love Notes, and the Alphabet Soup Collection 2 pretty printables paper. I had my older daughter in mind with this. She's in first grade, and has had a HARD time this year. She's really smart, and funny, sweet, and kind...most of all, she is SENSITIVE, and this year, she's had a REALLY hard time adjusting to her new teacher. Like, anxious tummy hard. I've gone through a HUGE range of emotions, from angry, to sad, to almost insane, lol. I've been fighting with the school to have them meet her needs -- as she wasn't being challenged enough academically. Although I REALLY wanted them to move her to another classroom, they asked me to give them a few weeks to try some new things in the classroom, and I agreed. Whatever they did -- it seems to have worked. Mind you, I'll be keeping a CAREFUL eye on what's going on, and if I start to recognize the same signs I had before, but, no more anxious tummy at the mere mention of school, no more "I hate school" (which I think is an unacceptable term, ESPECIALLY from a 6 year old! I'm SO proud of her for still getting up and going to school, not giving us a hard time about going, when she was so miserable for so long...I too, am happy that my fight has changed things for the WHOLE class, not just my daughter. So, I'll keep this little box aside, for some day when she needs a little pick me up, she really is an amazing little girl, I'm so lucky to be her Mommy. :)

Be sure to stop in with Lauren, Lisa, and Catherine!! Thanks for dropping by --- (Have you stopped scratching yet??) Make it a great day!!

Group Post!! My Time Made Easy November Release!

2010-11-01T00:26:00.000-04:00

Well, we had a great time celebrating my Dad's birthday the other day - and he very much enjoyed his gift. Yesterday was PACKED, I had to work (unusual for me, I typically work Mon-Fri) and then came home to take the kiddos Trick or Treating, and did we WALK. It was great, though a bit chilly, and we all had a wonderful time.

BUT -- I know you aren't all here to listen to me ramble on about my weekend...it's release day at My Time Made Easy, and there's lots of Christmas Spirit already in the air, and all around. I swear the stored start earlier and earlier every year, don't you?? Well, now that Halloween is over, you know that Thanksgiving will be here, lickety split, and then on to "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" :).

The team is sharing some fabulous card ideas today, ones that are easy to replicate...and here are mine:

Each of these took me very little time to complete, most are one layer, or almost just one layer ;). I don't know about you, but I'm sure that most of the people I send cards to don't keep them. *sniff* While it makes me sad, it's just a matter of reality...so I try to make cards that look nice, but don't take forever to complete.

This first one uses the snowflakes and a sentiment from Dashing Through the Snow...add a little bling, a pop of red (kind of reminiscent of a snowman's scarf, I think) and some snow drifts along the bottom...some glitter...and there's one card!!

Now this next one is probably my favorite...When I saw the reindeer and sleigh images from Dashing Through the Snow, I thought of a silhouette image..."♪Up on the Rooftop, reindeer pause♪" ha ha ha. the moon is shining bright...and so is Rudolph's nose... I used the roof pattern from Sugar and Spice, and glittered it up with some heat & stick, and dazzling diamonds glitter.

Next up -- "♪Jingle Bells♪"
Catherine did a great job with these images in Secret Santa, this bell and bow is too sweet! I embossed both and the sentiment in gold detail powder, doing the bell first, and then the bow, and colored in the bow with my Signo white gel pen. I added a gold border with a paint pen (that started to give out on me on the last line :( )

Lastly - my little gingerbread family...how cute are they?!?!?! These cuties are from The Gingersnaps! This is a small set, PACKED with images!! You will need a craft knife to separate some of them there are so many! I made my family, me, hubster, and the 2 girls...cute, eh? SO quick too -- the longest part was adding the black bead eyes, and the bling bows and buttons.

So, if you've never made your holiday cards, I hope these inspire you to make your own this year, and if you're a seasoned holiday card maker -- I hope this helps get those juices flowing... 'Tis the season!! :)

Thanks for dropping by, be sure to stop by the rest of the team's blogs, we've ALL got something to share today!!!

My Time Made Easy Design Team:

Lauren Meader (owner)

Kristin Bueter

Catherine Doucette

Katie Shawger Cotton

Tracey Cuccia - that's me :)

Happy Birthday Dad - Made Easy

2010-10-30T00:02:00.000-04:00

Today is my Dad's birthday. My Dad is a pretty amazing guy. He's 64 today. He shouldn't have seen his 62nd birthday, but due to his AMAZING stubbornness and will, he made it through an INCREDIBLY risky surgery, and is here today :). He was a smoker for MANY MANY years...because of that, he developed poor circulation to his feet. He had numerous surgeries to fix it, and none worked. He had an open wound on his leg that wouldn't heal...from one of those surgeries. And although everything was done to prevent it, he got an infection. And it got bad. Fast. He was in ICU, on a ventilator, and my Mom had to make the decision for the doctors to amputate my dad's leg above the knee... They weren't even sure he'd make it through the surgery, but it was the only chance he had. And he made it. He has a prosthetic leg, and walks with canes, but it's SO much better than the alternative. Here's a picture of him from our family vacation this Summer...

I'm so proud of him, and all he has overcome.

Now -- that being said....my Dad is not into any hobbies, and he is THE hardest person to buy for. He and my Mom buy what they need/want, and he's pretty simple to please. So, Dad gets his favorite snack, Entemann's glazed donut holes, and for a little fun, some scratch off lotto tickets. I kind of hate just handing him a stack of scratch offs though, so take a peek at what I made this year:

This is one of the fabby new templates that is going to be available from My Time Made Easy this month!! It's called "Carry it". I love the little handle up top, it's part of the closure...so clever. You might recognize some of those images too -- the sentiment is from Just for You, and the leafy images are from the Thankful set. I've also used the new Trendy Tags cut file, and some delicious new paper designed by Krisitn Bueter.

It holds a good amount of tickets nicely -- don't you think?

WHOA -- sorry about the 'GLOWING green' in this pic! yikes~

So, even though it's not fancy, or expensive, I know it's something my Dad will enjoy...and with all he's been through...he deserves it!

Be sure to stop by and visit Lisa, as well as Lauren, Catherine, and Debbie too!! They've all got something marvelous to share with you today!

One more picture to share of the FABULOUS fall foliage around here -- and then I'm off, I have to go celebrate a birthday! :)

Thanks for stopping by!!

Pinch Me Treats - Group Post!

2010-10-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the final group post of the October My Time Made Easy Release! Today we are all sharing the New Pinch Me template. This is PERFECT for little class treats...and that's exactly what I intend to do!! I kept it simple, as I don't want to be killing myself for things that are going to get thrown away buy those little goblins, I mean, um, children ;).

I used vellum CS, and stamped the spiderweb image from Spooky Surprise in basic gray ink. Then I went over it with my stardust pen, for a little shimmer. I stamped the sentiment in black, and added the ghosts on the sides in white.

For the closure, I sponged the flap in green galore ink, and used the dripping goo border punch on the edge of the flap. A fun quick treat that can be EASILY mass produced for classroom treats, and can be easily adapted to any occasion - Valentine's, Thanksgiving, Christmas, it'll work for ALL of them! :)

Be sure to stop by the rest of the team - they've all got some goodies to share with you today!! (links in my sidebar :) )

Thanks for popping by!

Supplies:
Stamps: Spooky Surprise
Ink: Basic Gray, Green Galore, Fresh Snow
Paper: Cardstock Vellum
Accessories: Stardust pen, black elastic cording, Pinch Me template

Oh-K-Dokey, Let's Grab a Cup!!

2010-10-04T00:00:00.002-04:00

Good Morning!!

I'll apologize for being so chipper on a Monday morning...but at least I have something to share that a good number of people enjoy EVERY morning :).

I've professed my love for my Keurig before. This little machine really HAS made my life easier. I also know A LOT of people who now have them. How excited was I, when I saw the Grab a Cup set, and Lauren INCLDUED a Keurig-like image?!?!

Frequently I order from a coffee place online that allows you to make your own 'combo packs' - it's a great way to try new varieties of K-cups without having to commit to a WHOLE BOX. Let's face it, those things can be expensive...but SO worth it ;). Anyway -- sometimes I like to share some of my finds with my friends as well -- and My Time Made Easy has a GREAT way to do so.

The Oh-K-Dokey cut file -- and the Grab a Cup template:

Now, I'm not suggesting that you 'doctor' your coffee in the morning, by any means, but hey, who am I to judge? I was thinking this is more for those 'coffee dates' - whether it's with a friend, or even your hubby (I know, can you imagine??) A little grown up twist added in there.

Here's a close up of the Grab a Cup template:

I could see this filled with those gourmet marshmallows, or sugar cubes, tea bags with honey straws...oooh, lots of fun things, but as you can see, I've chosen to put in a few cordial liquors to add to your favorite coffee. (Yes, I realize that this is not the first time I've incorporated liquor into my projects...I'm just keepin' it real... :) )

Here's a close up of the Oh-K-Dokey wrap...I really do love this - and it's SUPER easy to cut out by hand - a big plus for those of you without a cricut, I know ;). Soooo, if you're wondering, should I buy a Cricut or a Keurig...(shhhh, don't tell Lauren, but...) TOTALLY get the Keurig first, lol.

THEN be sure to get the Cricut (or other die cutting machine of your liking) because my friends - that really is a HUGE time saver!! It's nice to just tell the machine to do it...

Both projects feature paper from the new All Steamed Up digital paper collection by Kristin Bueter. So, tell me, what's YOUR favorite kind of coffee? Do you have a Keurig? Inquiring minds want to know! lol. My personal fave lately is the Donut House Coffee (travel mug size) K-cups from Green Mountain. My next in line is usually Nantucket Blend (also from Green Mountain) but I've also grown fond of some of the new Wolfgang Puck ones...

Be sure to head over to Lauren, as well as Stephanie today, to see what they've been up to :).

Thanks for stopping by, and go enjoy that coffee! ;).

Supplies:

Stamps: Grab a Cup, Spooky Surprise (My Time Made Easy)

Ink: Brilliance Chocolate, Berry Sorbet, tuxedo black (memento)

Paper: Dark Chocolate, All Steamed Up digi paper, pure luxury white

Accessories: Berry sorbet satin ribbon, Chocolate chip satin ribbon (SU! - retired), paper rose, Grab a Cup Template, Oh-K-Dokey cut file

A "Suspenseful" Group Post with My Time Made Easy!

2010-10-01T00:11:00.000-04:00

YAY!! The day is here! Well heck yeah, I know it's Friday -- but it's also the first of the month...so it's My Time Made Easy Release day!!

Today, the Design team is sharing one of the new templates called In Suspense with you. What a FUN template this is. PERFECT for 'booing' or a just because for a neighbor, or coworker, or a child...how fun would it be for your little one to find one of these on the door...

I'm in love with the changing foliage here, and have been in a "Fall" frame of mind these last few weeks. I find it's nice to have some 'thank you' cards and things on hand, for when I need them. Usually I'm a "make it just for that person" card maker...but with my time limited, I try to craft when I can, and make it count! lol.

Here's my In Suspense template, I used the Fanciful Flourishes stamp set - I embossed the flourishes with clear EP, and randomly added leaves and acorns from the NEW Thankful stamp set. The sentiment and grouped leaves are also from Thankful, and that fabulous frame is from Spooky Surprise.

and here's a closer view of just the front...

I won't keep you, as the rest of the team has some treats to share with you today as well -- please join me in welcoming Debbie Marcinkewitz to the design team!! SO excited to have her on board (AND I'm excited that I have another TS connection, now that I'm no longer a consultant ;) )

Here's the list - be sure to drop by and show some love!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Thankful, Spooky Surprise, Fanciful Flourishes
Ink: Versamark, Scarlet Jewel, Orange Zest, Rich Cocoa
Paper: Kraft, Pure Luxury White
Accessories: Orange Zest Ribbon, Prima Rose, Clear EP, In Suspense Template

October Peeks are Here!!!

2010-09-29T00:01:00.002-04:00

It's October release time at My Time Made Easy -- but there is some important business, first and foremost... HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEXA!!!! Lauren's daughter turns 11 today :) My little one just turned 3 last Saturday, and I remember when I was pregnant with her, that Lauren guessed I would have her on the 29th (which was 9 days PAST my due date -- so I was QUITE glad when she arrived on the 25th! lol) I certainly hope Alexa and the family has a GREAT day together celebrating, as there is MUCH to celebrate, as Lauren wrote about here.

But -- back to my project to share with you today. Lauren has some GREAT new goodies coming out this month to help package up those delicious warm cozy beverages...you shouldn't need another coffee set...she's got everything to make a perfect (inexpensive) gift for that special someone.

Here's the Fancy A Cuppa and To Go templates that will be released on October 1!!

Isn't this ADORABLE?!?! Think of all of the fun things you can package up!!

I've chosen to package up some hot chocolate and mini peanut butter cups, it's hard not to love chocolate and peanut butter. The front panel of the Fancy a Cuppa template has that gorgeous cut out...it's a nice sized template, you can definitely use it for more than the cups, which here is a closeup of one...

All of the images I used for this project are from the new Fancy a Cuppa and Fancy a Cuppa Add on sets that will be available in just 2 SHORT days! :) Oh, and WHERE did I get that delicious dotted paper??? Why, it's included in the new Coffee Beans digital paper collection designed by Kristin Bueter, I love it, don't you??

If you didn't come here from Lauren's blog, be sure to stop there, as well as Catherine, Lisa, Debbie, Kristin, Tammy and Tangii, they've all got something FABULOUS to share with you today!!

Here's a picture of my munchkin and I picking apples a few days before her 3rd birthday:

Thanks for stopping by -- hope it's a GREAT one!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Fancy A Cuppa, Fancy A Cuppa Add ons (My Time Made Easy)
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa
Paper: CS from Couture CS, Patterned paper - Coffee Beans Collection (My Time Made Easy)
Accessories: Pear Poly stitched ribbon (SU!), Fancy A Cuppa, To Go templates

A Little Casing for Today...

2010-09-19T10:36:00.000-04:00

Fall is in the air here. We have been having BEAUTIFUL weather. I just love it. Autumn is my most FAVORITE season. As such - most of my cards that I have been making lately are in Autumn colors. I saw this fabulous birthday card by Maille Belles on the cover of Papercrafts this month, and needed to recreate it

Here's my take:

Ever so slightly different, my dimensions are different than the original - hers were 5.5"x3.5" mine is a traditional A2 sized card. Also, I have modified the color palette, and used a different image from Turning a New Leaf for the focal panel. I LOVE the way this turned out, and I think I will be using this again in the future, perhaps next time my translation will not be so literal, I didn't realize until I just went back to look at the cover that I used a very similar birthday sentiment *blush*.

Thanks to Maille Belles for the FABULOUS inspiration!!

Hope you all have a GREAT Sunday!!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Turning a New Leaf, Birthday Bash Sentiments (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Versamark, Brilliance Chocolate
Paper: Scarlet Jewel, Orange Zest, Harvest Gold, Ripe Avocado, Dark Chocolate, Kraft (all PTI)
Accessories: Dark Chocolate Buttons, Clear embossing powder

My Time Made Easy Group Post!

2010-09-09T00:00:00.010-04:00

Today is group post day for the team at My Time Made Easy. While I do love the Shop Around Template, we switched gears today, and are all sharing cards made with the new stamps, papers, etc. I decided to use the Homemade Card and Envelope file to make my card, and believe it or not, I HAND CUT this, lol. My new crafty space doesn't allow for me to leave the Cricut set up *insert sad face here* so, sometimes I just have to be a big girl, and cut some things by hand. This file is SUPER easy to do just that.

Assembly took the least amount of time...what took the most time? Measuring my mat layers, lol. Some days I'm right on, and it's super easy, and others...well....not so much. I apologize for my pictures -- I DROPPED one of the lights for my light tent...and it didn't fare well :( . Off to search for some new lights I guess -- it's ok, I felt like I needed brighter ones anyway -- but I didn't want to be forced to look, lol.

Here's the insert -- I decided to make a quick invite to invite a couple of the neighborhood moms over for coffee and dessert...thought it might be a cute idea to give to them...

I cut a small slit just below the roofline on the insert, and tied the ribbon through that - so it holds the card in the envelope --

I'm keeping it short and sweet, as you've got OODLES of goodies to look at on the rest of the team's blogs today...so off you go!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Supplies:
Stamps: On Display (My Time Made Easy)
Ink: Bermuda Bay, Pear Pizzaz, Dandelion Delight
Paper: Hawaiian Shores, Harvest Gold, Simply Chartreuse, one sheet wonder, Sweet and Sour Nomad's digital paper (My Time Made Easy)
Accessories: Homemade Card & Envelope template, hawaiian shores bitty dot ribbon

First Day of School - Made Easy!

2010-09-07T00:00:00.001-04:00

Here in NY, it's back to school time. In fact, today is my daughter's first day back. I started last year, getting her a little 'something' to start off the school year. A treat just for her...now to most it may not be a big deal, but she loves all sorts of yummy smelling goodies, so I got her a thing or two to take to school, and some for use at home...see how I packaged them up to mark this special day.

The Shop Around Pretty Packaging Template from My Time Made Easy made this a perfect gift to give to my daughter tomorrow...don't you think?? I love how this ' house' or 'shop' can really be so many different things!

I decided, as you can see, to make this into a little school house. Now -- I had a last minute idea...SO last minute, in fact, that it's not in the peek photo that I sent Lauren -- can anyone guess??? THE FENCE!!! I felt like the bottom was too dark and heavy, so I stamped the fence repeatedly, and cut it out. I put the white side out though... You'll notice in the peak up top, is the apple from the Well Preserved stamp set. The digital paper is also from My Time Made Easy. It is in the School Ruled Collection. I used the paper with the printed writing, and started by removing the color in PSE. Then I inverted the image, making the background black, and the writing gray. I "replaced" the color - selecting the letters, and then made them a bit lighter so hey stood out more against the background....and TA-DAH! a completely different look! See how easy that was?? ;). And I once again made use of those handy Construction Materials papers for the walls and the roof of my school house.

I really can't get over the possibilities... and this template can hold a GOOD amount of stuff too!! As you can see here -- there's a FULL sized body gel (for home), a travel hand sanitizer with holder (for her backpack) and a lip balm (also for her bag)...the only thing that doesn't fit in the box is the book -- she loves Junie B. Jones, and what first grader, who is entering her first FULL day year, wouldn't love to have an essenshul (lol) guide to school??

Here's a card to go along with her package:

I repeated the paper and apples from the template, and added this GREAT sentiment from the On Display set.

I think it's a pretty good way to start off the year, don't you?? ;)

Here's a quick pic of my little first grader from a little walk we took this weekend:

Thanks SO much for stopping by!!!

The September My Time Made Easy Release is Here!!!

2010-09-01T01:24:00.000-04:00

Today is the September My Time Made Easy ™ LLC Release, and to celebrate we have a BLOG HOP with some hidden treasure!

Each design team member is featuring a different themed house/Shoppe! You won't want to miss anyone!!

· Lauren Meader

· Katie Cotton

· Lesa Rapp

· Lisa Kind

· Pam Imholz

· Silke Ledlow

· Stephanie Kraft

· Tracey Cuccia - that's me! ;)

· Tammy Hershberger

and Dawn Easton

Be sure you leave a comment on each design team member's blog today because TWO of the design team members are going to be picked to have someone from their blog comments WIN a $50 Gift Certificate to My Time Made Easy ™ LLC!

NO ONE knows which two designers are hiding the treasure, so don't forget to stop by each design team members blog and leave a little love there. Include your email address-so you can be contacted if YOU are one of the lucky winners!

Winners will be drawn September 3rd, and announced on Lauren Meader's Blog .

My Shop that I am sharing with you today is for one of my FAVORITE things, and since I had some technical difficulties, and am posting late, it will be my BEST FRIEND at work tomorrow...can anyone guess??? You got it. COFFEE. My friend Paulette started the ball rolling a few years ago talking about her Keurig machine, and let me tell you, Keurig should have been paying this gal a commission, as I can't even begin to tell you how many machines were bought because of her, lol.

Anyway -- onto my project. This will be sent to a dear friend of mine -- who also has a Keurig, and I'll be packing it with chocolate and some K-cups...I know I'd be thrilled to get it...I hope she will too. Here's the front view:

NOW - I'll tell you, I used the Home Improvement, Shoppe Window, and On Display digital images for this project as well. The stamp of the door was a little small for my project, so I went into PSE and made it a bit larger, to make it fit more with my store front. Now, do you see on the side there? That window and the awning?? Well, the awning was also a digital image, I made that a wee bit larger, so when I used my stylus on the back and 'poofed' it out (yes, that's really a term, go ahead, look it up ;) ) it would still overhang the window frame a bit...here's a closer look:

Now, do you see those SUPER cute little treats in the window??? Yep, you guessed it. MORE digi images. The 'counter' the coffes and cupcakes are on is from the Home Improvement set, and the coffees and cupcakes are from On Display...I shrunk them to teensy-weensy size for a peek inside the coffee shop. Up even closer:

To give dimension -- the 'counter' was mounted with dimensionals, and the window panel was adhered with 2 layers of dimensionals, to really make them POP.

I also have a card to share with you today -- and yes, it matches this cute little box...

I kept it a little more simple, left off the awning, I think it would have taken up too much room on the card front, don't you? (say yes...thank you ;) ). Isn't that a SUPER CUTE sentiment??? It's from the On Display set -- Thanks for dropping by today -- be sure to make the rest of the stops, you never know WHO has the hidden treasure!!

Don't miss viewing all our NEW! Release items

Stop by and view our NEW Gallery too!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Home Improvement (Digi and clear), Sign It, On Display (digi and clear)
Ink: Memento rich cocoa, new leaf, dark chocolate, stazon White
Paper: Naturals White, whisper white (SU!), Dark Chocolate (PTI), MTME digital patterned paper (Construction Materials and Seawater collection) acrylic sheets
Accessories:Shop Around Template, new leaf ribbon, mini paper roses, dimensionals

My Time Made Easy September Peek!!

2010-08-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

Good Morning!!

I'm SO excited to share my first project with you for this release! My Time Made Easy is releasing SUCH a cool package of things this month. When I first saw the Shop Around template and accessories and the coordinating stamps - I couldn't WAIT to get started. I had the idea in my head for this house...it's my 'someday' house. I would absolutely LOVE a house like this someday. I will use this one to put my change away -- pennies make nickels, nickels make dimes, etc...so maybe some day, I WILL have this house - lol.

Anyway on with the project!!

Sara Williams has made some GREAT papers this month to go along with the release. Construction materials to really give you TONS of options for your houses/shops!! I used the stone paper for the bottom half of my house, and a roofing paper for the top. It's very hard to see in my photos, but I've scored lines into the sides of the house to make it look like siding. I did try to use the soffit accessory (intended for the roof) to try and make a little peak over the front door, but I couldn't get it to look right...and now my front looks a little naked *blush* but the possibilities are endless...I'm seeing a whole Christmas village -- all out of cardstock -- aaahhhh.

And aren't these accessories GREAT?? the 3-D flower box, and the window frames...um, LOVE IT! I've given a little vision into my future home, complete with pretty blue curtains and a sweet little puppy in the window...Lauren has really included TONS of things for you to customize and make this for your own needs. Brilliant. Super easy construction too.

Imagine, Dream, Believe...such a GREAT, versatile sentiment...think about it, for a new house, a new business venture, a new life together...the possibilities are SO many...for me it will be my 'someday' house, although I think I'd be ok staying right where I am too...I've already got all I need and then some...how lucky am I?? VERY.

Be sure to stop by Lauren's as well as Pam's blogs today, just in case you haven't already, no doubt they have some AMAZING things to share with you today!!

A Waltzingmouse Blog Hop!

2010-08-17T03:00:00.006-04:00

Good Morning!!

I'm here to share another quickie post with you today. It's the 17th of the month, so that of course, means it is time for another Waltzingmouse Blog Waltz! This is my second month playing along. This month's challenge was to make something vintage/shabby chic. This is a TOUGH style for me. I think in general, I'm a fairly CAS stamper, so to go with distressing, and vintage, definitely not my usual. I did find that Victorian Frippery helped though.

I used the fabulous border image from the set to make the large panel on the card front -- I think it looks kind of like old wallpaper, no? I added some sweet blush and tea dye to the edges of the panel, added some faux stitching, and trimmed it with a bit of lace trim, and made a fun ruffled ribbon treatment, just pinching as I stuck it down to some scor-tape, on the front of my card.

Finished it with the Merci sentiment, and I'm good to go...perhaps not the fanciest, or shabbiest, but all in all, I think for being out of my comfort zone, not so bad!!

Thanks for stopping by, hope you all have a great day!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Victorian Fripperie (WMS)
Ink: Brilliance Chocolate, Sweet Blush (PTI) vintage touch ink (PTI)
Paper: Kraft, Shimmery White
Accessories: lace trim, sweet blush satin ribbon, piercer

WHERE does the time go???

2010-08-15T01:11:00.000-04:00

The weeks seem to be just FLYING by, and I can't keep up - ha ha ha.

Just thought I'd pop in quick and share a little digi scrapbook layout I made with a new kit from Misty Cato. It's called "You Can Be My Cowgirl" and it's SO great. It will be perfect to (eventually) scrapbook all of the pics from vacation.

I did put together this page - with one of my favorite photos of my girls that I took on vacation.

The 'RHR' on the heart is for the place we stayed, it's called Rocking Horse Ranch, and they have the letters like that on the sign in their lobby, I thought it would be fun to add that in like that.

I need to get off to bed, I've been staying up too late - and will (hopefully) have a busy, productive day tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by -- hope it's a great one!

Shop 'Til You Drop! - Group Post Day!!

2010-08-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

Mornin' Peeps! *giggle*

Ahhhhh, it's been a good weekend thus far -- spent some time with my girls yesterday, first at Build-A-Bear at a birthday party, then did a little shopping...funny how a little shopping can make your day a little brighter (well, that is if your two children aren't nagging you and walking off in opposite directions, while you are lugging 2 Build A Bear boxes and your overloaded purse, not that that happened or anything...)

All kidding aside, I'm here to share the last of my projects for the August Release at My Time Made Easy. It's the Shop 'Til You Drop template. This fabulous shopping cart template is SUPER easy to assemble, and just SO fun!

I decided I'd make my shopping cart with Clear Acetate instead of cardstock -- so that when I added the decorative layers, you could see what was in the cart from the sides. To do this, I printed the template on a sheet of paper, taped it over a sheet of acetate onto my craft mat, and then cut with my craft knife. I did cheat, and cut the decorative layers with my Cricut -- that would be a LOT of little holes! lol. For the wheels, I thought it would be fun to offset the circles a little bit, gives it a little more whimsy, don't you think??

It worked out quite nicely that where I had my adhesive on the base fell exactly under the decorative layer on the outside, so no messy looking connections :).

I made a tag that you could use some re-positionable adhesive on the back, and stick your gift card to, to keep in the basket with the chocolate... THAT'S where I made my mistake...I'm sure my shopping trip would have gone easier if we had chocolate ;).

The tag uses images from Money Well Spent, So Sentimental (the flourishes) and Just for You (the circle sentiment around the dollar amount). I colored the border on the frame with a gold spica glitter pen, for a little sparkle.

Be sure to hop around to the rest of the team's blogs, we've all got a little something to share with you today!!

Dawn Easton

Geny Cassady
Katie Cotton
Kristin Bueter
Lauren Meader
Lesa Rapp
Pam Imholz
Silke Ledlow
Stephanie Kraft

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Supplies:
Stamps: Money Well Spent, So Sentimental, Just For You (MTME)
Ink: Memento Black, Raspberry Fizz
Paper: Clear Acetate Sheets, Raspberry Fizz, Shimmery White
Accessories: Filigree brads (SU!), Shop Til You Drop Template

Tote-ally CUTE!

2010-08-07T00:00:00.004-04:00

Happy Saturday!!

So, what do you think of all of the new goodies released by My Time Made Easy this month??? I've chosen to share the Tote-All Pretty Packaging Template with you today -- I will apologize ahead of time -- I had very poor lighting and my light box just wasn't quite big enough to accommodate this one!

My daughter has a birthday party to go to today, and I needed something to put some of the little gifts she picked out in it. This tote is PERFECT! I enlarged the original template in Sure Cuts A Lot, making the height of the template 11.25" -- it MAXED out to almost a full sheet of 12x12 -- this is a GOOD sized bag people! lol.

My daughter's friend isn't all that pink and purply girly, so I chose to do some blues and greens for this one. I lined the inside of the bag with some confetti stars paper from the Taylor's Teeth collection of digi papers released this month, and used that for the rest of my colors. I will say, the yellow I used is a bit brighter in my photos than it looked at my craft table (I think I need a better light! lol) It's the new Daffodil color from SU! I'll have to remember that it's brighter than I think!

On the front of the bag, I stamped the large fairy image from Lost My Tooth in a few places, and added 'trails' behind them using Fanciful Flourishes (no DOUBT my most used set of all time!) that I outlined in stickles. The stars were adhered to the bag with dimensionals, and each of them feature that fun star trail image from the set, I stamped it randomly all over to make it into a background. The sentiment on the large green star is from Money Well Spent.

I used the same colors, and some of the same images to make a coordinating card, pictured here

Please be sure to stop by Lauren's blog, if you haven't already done so, my jaw ALWAYS drops to the floor with that girl's creativity...thanks for making a little time to stop by and see me today!! Be sure to come back tomorrow for the last group post for the August My Time Made Easy Release! See you then!

Supplies:
Stamps: Lost My Tooth, Fanciful Flourishes, Money Well Spent
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzaz, Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, brilliance chocolate
Paper: Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzaz, Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, one sheet wonder
Accessories: Pear Pizzaz twill ribbon (SU!), Stickles, Star punch, star nestabilities, EK Success big scallop punch

A Quick Fly By...

2010-08-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

With some Waltzingmouse goodness...

I made a couple of easy peasy quick cards for two of my nephews using Free Spirit Boy and Free Spirit Sentiments. These are the most PERFECT stamps for those otherwise hard to stamp for guys in our lives.

There's a LONG striped image that curls up on one end...I used the straight end of that to create my 'plaid' on the bottom of the card, and used a few other random pieces for the top.

These were done in no time flat - the boys liked them - and promptly forgot all about them when they moved on to the next gift. So goes the life of a cardmaker - lol.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Supplies:

Stamps: Free Spirit Boy, Free Spirit Sentiments (Waltzingmouse Stamps)
Ink: Enchanted Evening, New Leaf, Scarlet Jewel, Vintage Cream
Paper: Enchanted Evening, New Leaf, Scarlet Jewel, Kraft

Release Day at My Time Made Easy, and a Blog Hop!

2010-08-01T00:03:00.000-04:00

Good Morning :)

Happy Sunday to you all - though I must admit, I'm not all that happy. I head back to work tomorrow after a FABULOUS vacation with my family this past week. We went to a place called Rocking Horse Ranch. It was PERFECT weather - and just fabulous -- the cousins all got along great, and the adults had time to catch up a bit, and RELAX!

I'll be posting a few pics later in the week, but for now, onto business!

My Time Made Easy is releasing lots of new goodies today - including some fabulous cut files, like the one I've used for my card today. It's a purse shaped gift card holder, called Purse-onality.

My neighbor was nice enough to water our tomato and cucumber plants, and check our mail all week, so I wanted to do a little something for her. I went out and got her a Dunkin' Donuts GC so she and the family (she has 4 boys!) can enjoy a little breakfast on us -- or, she could just treat herself to a few lattes ;).

I used this great purse pattern paper from Shopping Shirley's Sweethearts' Paper Bag, but once again, I'm picky, and I wanted to personalize it just a weeeee bit more. I changed up the chocolate that was around the diamonds, and made it orange - to tie in the orange on the GC. (I will try to work on a tutorial to show you how I typically do this, if there is interest :) )

The sentiment and the frame around it were made using Money Well Spent. Let me tell you -- this set is just FANTASTIC!! I love the little game controller, and the shopping cart -- if you get this set, it's definitely Money Well Spent *wink*.

Now for the inside... I got a little overzealous, and folded the inside where I *thought* it should be, trying to show my DH what it was all about -- (silly me) and realized after the fact that it was in the wrong place, but I made it work :). I again used the frame image, and put the inside sentiment, and also included the dollar amount of the card.

Thanks for stopping by today -- be sure to stop by the rest of the team's blogs (links are in my sidebar) and show some love!!

Dawn and Geny will unfortunately not be playing along today -- but you should stop by and show some love anyway -- who can't use a little sunshine in their day???

It's Release Time at My Time Made Easy...

2010-07-30T00:00:00.001-04:00

And what a treat Lauren has cooked up for you this month!! One of the sets releasing this month is very timely for me, as I have a little one just starting to lose her teeth. She's lost 1 so far, but her top two front teeth are a bit loose, so it's only a matter of time... *sigh*. I'll miss those super cute baby teeth -- but...she must grow up, whether I like it or not.

Lost My Tooth is a GREAT set -- lots of fun poems - most Lauren herself has written, and can really make this big event even MORE special. Take a peek at the set I made, also using Lauren's new template, called Tuck-ered Out.

The tin is a little slider lip balm tin -- you can find them here (they're the mini ones). You can use an Avery 5160 (or 8160) address label to cover the top, but I used some of the same paper I used for the decorative panels on the Tuck-ered Out template. The paper is part of the new release this month as well!

I stamped the poem so that it would fit perfectly on a little piece of CS to fit right inside the tin, so when the tooth fairy opens it, she can see that the child is entrusting their tooth to her :).

The flourish is from Fanciful Flourishes, I stamped off once, so it wouldn't be too harsh behind the text.

The template itself, I used some Ganache CS from Couture Cardstock, and the same star paper.... cut the handle from some Sweetheart CS (also Couture CS) and used some One Sheet Wonder (also Couture Cardstock) for the large tooth image, included in the Lost My Tooth set. Then I stamped the fairy image, and another poem.

Thanks for stopping by today -- if you haven't already, be sure to check in with Lauren, Pam, Dawn, and Geny. They all have more new goodie goodness to share with you today!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Lost My Tooth, Fanciful Flourishes (MTME)
Ink: Raspberry Fizz (PTI), Memento Brown
Paper: Ganache, Sweetheart, One Sheet Wonder (Couture Cardstock), Sassy Stars digital paper (MTME)
Accessories: mini lip balm tin, Tuck-ered Out template, mini paper roses, cinnamon and stardust stickles

My First Waltz!

2010-07-17T03:00:00.001-04:00

YIPEEE! It's my first Waltz with Claire Brennan and Waltzingmouse Stamps :). Every month, I have every good intention of playing along, and something happens (usually my forgetfulness...) But this month...this month was different. I've moved the area I lovingly refer to as "Stampland" up to our front room, from the basement, since we apparently still have "inhabitants" down there...and when I saw the challenge, I decided that this would be the first card I made in my "new space".

I LOVE Claire's stamps, and am glad I get to play along with so many others who feel the same way.

I used one of her older sets, Sewing Box Hugs. I used Hawaiian Shores and Spring Moss Cardstock, along with Hawaiian Shores and New Leaf ink. I cut out the layers, and put the flowers together - finishing them off with a button in the center.

The base layer is White, and I added a layer of Kraft, punched with that delicious EK Success Embossed Curve punch....ooooh how I've waited to get that punch - and I finally broke down and treated myself to it :). I love it. Probably a little too much.

Finished it off with my sentiment -- and there you have it! I apologize, but by the time I got to sit down and finish it, all daylight was gone, and I haven't gotten to set up my light box anywhere up here yet...sooooo, my photo is not ideal.

Thanks so much for stopping by -- Have a great weekend!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Sewing Box Hugs - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Ink: Hawaiian Shores, New Leaf (PTI), Rich cococa memento
Paper: Gina K Luxury white, PTI Hawaiian Shores, Spring Moss, Kraft
Accessories: Buttons, embroidery floss, EK Success Embossed Curve punch

Daisies...

2010-07-13T20:04:00.003-04:00

Hey there!

I'm really going to try and be better about posting more than just during My Time Made Easy release time -- I've got a few things photographed, and ready to go, so I NEED to start sharing!!

My older daughter is a Daisy Scout. She enjoys it VERY much -- here's a photo of her at a meeting -- a bit of a cheesy grin, but - yes, that's her :).

Her leaders are GREAT -- and I'm so glad that by chance, she wound up with this group of girls -- it's a long story, so I won't get into it - but I do believe things happen for a reason!

The end of the school year also meant the end of troop meetings - we do plan to get the girls together to play over the Summer break - but not official meetings. So I thought I'd make a little something for the Leader and 2 co-leaders.

It looks like they no longer offer it - but I have the scout set from The Greeting Farm (I don't remember the official name) and used the girl scout image for this card here:

I used some traditional Daisy scout colors on the card, and used my Stampin' Up! curly label punch the curly label stamp set for the sentiment.

The background on the yellow layer was made using words from the greeting farm set -- and the background on the blue layer uses the Tin Types stamp set from Papertrey Ink.

Thanks for stopping by today -- hope it's a great one!!!

FINALLY!

2010-07-09T16:18:00.001-04:00

I'm sorry I was MIA the other day. I live in NY, and earlier this week, we had a WICKED heat wave. It was so wicked, in fact, that it wreaked havoc in my home, lol.

We had no power the other night, and since then, my computers were acting a bit freakish (not sure if it was because of the outage, or what) either way, I'm FINALLY back up and running, and I have my My Time Made Easy project to share with you.

As most of you already know, Lauren is one of the sponsors over at the Color Throwdown's 100th challenge this week! SO many prizes up for grabs too -- you should check it out, and play if you can!!

I'm sharing the new Wonderful Watering Can with you all today -- every month, Lauren's creativity with cardstock never ceases to amaze me. What she can't do! I figured I would tie my project in with this week's challenge colors, no easy feat for me, I might add.

I'd like to pretend that every template we're given is easy, but I really did struggle with this one...I wasn't sure of the best placement for the sentiment, although I do like the different colored strips of CS around the can...overall I like how it came out, but it certainly wasn't without strife.

In retrospect, I might use a different color ribbon - as the red ribbon with the green flowers is now screaming "Christmas" to me, but at the time I thought it was a good idea...lol. I guess all of that heat earlier in the week affected my brain - ha ha.

However, all that said, please don't hold it against Lauren's template, as she and the rest of the girls on the DT have totally ROCKED this one. I wonder if it's because I usually kill houseplants? Maybe it's some strange psychological thing.

I will say though, for someone who kills house plants, I'm quite excited, as our vegetables outside have been doing wonderfully!! Take a peek...

These are our sungold cherry tomatoes (they're orange when they're ripe):

and one of our cucumbers...mmmmmm....

and here's another vegetable...oh wait...that's just a s'more ;)

I love Summer...except for those blasted heat waves ;).

Thanks for stopping by -- hope you all have a great weekend!

My Time Clean and Simple...

2010-07-06T07:06:00.000-04:00

Let's face it. I don't know who came up with the term "Lazy Days of Summer" because I sure haven't been!

We've been busy busy here, spending a FABULOUS long holiday weekend with family -- quite enjoyable. I hope those of you in the US all had a great holiday weekend too!

I'm here to share a few clean and simple cards using the latest from My Time Made Easy. Seeing as we've been so busy - it's been hard to chisel out time to stamp, but Tending the Garden is a GREAT set for CAS style cards...take a look:

I love how that label stamp can be colored, giving it real POP. Add in one of the adorable images (I told you I love that bee *tee-hee*) a sentiment - and POOF! you've got yourself a card or three ;).

Here's one using that sweet pea pod:

And this one uses the flower image.

If you haven't come here from Lauren's blog, be sure to stop there, as well as Stephanie's blog today, as they are both sharing more goodies today as well!

Sorry to keep it short -- but in the theme of my stamping style -- my post is clean and simple as well -- back to work today, and LOTS to do -- take care!!

Just Bee-Cause...

2010-07-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

WOW! I can hardly believe it's July 1st! And since it's the first of the month - it's time for another My Time Made Easy Release.

I know Lauren has given the run down on all of the new goodies releasing today on her blog, and I'm here to share a card using a few of the newest items available.

Tending the Garden is such a sweet set. LOTS of possibilities here. I decided to use this set for my card today. One of the cut files available this month is an ADORABLE gardening apron card. You get the template for the shaped card, as well as the mat layers - makes it a no brainer!

I needed a card for a friend - just because...or should I say...Just BEE-Cause ;). Take a look:

Isn't this bee just too cute?? I went ahead and gave it some dimension. I stamped the bee on the patterned paper. Then I stamped again on some white cardstock. Then one more time on vellum cardstock, which I used some sparkly embossing powder on that layer. I cut the wings out of the vellum, and attached them to the white CS layer just at the tops of the wings, pulling them up on the bottom, just a bit...here's a closer look:

I thought a little pocket on the front would make a cute spot for the sentiment -- I hand drew the stitching, and attached it with a dimensional to the card front.

Lastly -- inside the card, I cut a second mat layer out of my patterned paper (from Gardening Greats Nomad's Pea Pod digital papers) and cut the top portion off to create a pocket for the inside of my card. It is just the right size for a gift card - perfect! This is sure to brighten any friend's day with a little pick me up :).

Hope you enjoyed your visit today -- thanks for taking the time to stop by!!

Be sure to stop by the rest of the team's blogs, LOTS of great inspiration out there today!!

My Time Made Easy Peek!

2010-06-29T00:05:00.001-04:00

I HAVE OVERCOME! Yes, it took a while (and a lot of nerve) but our 'critters' seem to be gone from the basement, and I have been able to return to my beloved "Stampland" :).

I did bring some things up from the basement and gave myself a sort of "limited supply challenge", but I'll share those things with you another time.

For today, we've got a peek at some of the new goodies coming your way from My Time Made Easy!

Have you heard of Piggy Paint? It's a fabulous company, that makes non toxic, all natural nail polish. It certainly isn't inexpensive, but -- let me tell you a secret...if you are on Facebook, and you "Like" their page, they're always running coupon codes, making the price much more tolerable.

Sorry - moving on... I got some Piggy Paint for my girls - and some for my niece for her birthday that just passed. I obviously needed to package it up in a cute fashion...and Lauren came to my rescue...

Let me introduce you to... The Flapper.

This handy box is a GREAT size for all SORTS of items, and is SUPER easy to assemble, yet gives a real neat and clean presentation, don't you think??

Here's a close up of the front 'flap', if you will...I used a floral image from the new set, Killer Curves on it.

Here is a view of the top -- it's hard to see, but I stamped that same floral image on the yellow circle using versamark, and then stamped my sentiment off center in orange. The orange frame around the white layer is also from the Killer Curves set. This will be a great one to add to your stash some basic elements that can be used in a variety of ways!

The patterned paper is a lattice pattern, one of the papers that will be available on July 1. Since it was not exactly the color I needed for my project, I tweaked it a little bit in Photoshop until I had what I needed. That's the GREAT thing about digi paper, plus, you NEVER run out of your favorite patterns, lol.

I have one last photo to share with you -- here is the box open, so you can see the contents. I've put a small nail clipper, toe separator, file, and the 3 bottles of polish, and still plenty of room. Perhaps I'll add a little chocolate too :).

Thanks so much for stopping by -- if you didn't come here from Lauren's blog, be sure to head there, as well as Katie, Silke, Dawn and Geny, they all have some more peeks at the new goodies for you too!!

Have a great day!!

Close Encounters of the Rodent Kind....

2010-06-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

Good Morning --

I'm here to point you all in the direction of the rest of the My Time Made Easy Design Team today.

You see, over the weekend, I had some excitement.

My stamping area is in my basement -- which is unfinished, so yeah, cold in winter, warm in summer, all that good stuff. Well, with that, also comes some... ahem... unwelcome "friends" on occasion.

I was downstairs in what I affectionately call "stampland" working on some vinyl lettering for my new mailbox (which looks GREAT, BTW) and I happened to notice something moving, out of the corner of my eye. So I turned and looked...and there was a BIG MOUSE scurrying down the WALL. ACKKKK! I screamed like a little girl and ran upstairs and out the front door to my husband in the front yard, who thinks this is all very amusing.

I did *NOT* find it amusing. Nope. I know that these creatures come and live in my home on occasion, but they have NEVER been bold enough to show themselves while I was DOWN THERE -- soooo...I'm a bit freaked out, and will admit...SCARED to go in the basement. Talk about stifling one's creativity...I can't even think about ANYTHING other than rodents while down there.... *shudder*.

SOOOO, needless today, I have not really been down there, unless I HAVE to, and was unable to complete my project for today's group post. I'm hoping my displacement from Stampland is short lived, as we are working on evicting my uninvited guests...and as soon as I can, I'll get my last project finished and for you all to see soon!

In the meantime -- be sure to stop by the rest of the team's blogs to see what they've got in store for you....a real treat, no doubt!

Thanks for stopping by today -- I'll be sure to shout it from the rooftops when I can get back to my favorite crafty spot :).

Cocktails, My Time Made Easy Style...

2010-06-06T10:24:00.000-04:00

I hope you all have been enjoying all of the AMAZING goodies that everyone has been cooking up for the June My Time Made Easy Release :).

Lauren has done it again this month. The new Well Preserved set is SO versatile, and tons of fun. Fruit is timeless - lol. What are NOT timeless, are "Hot Drinks". Not temperature hot, but trendy hot. Let me show you how I used the Jam Packed Template along with the Well Preserved digi and regular sets to make some "Hot Drinks" into a gift for a good friend.

A friend of mine has been feeling awful for a while, and recently found out she has Lyme's Disease. She was definitely relieved to know she wasn't going crazy, as she had a doc or two tell her that it must 'just be stress'...nice right? ugh. Anyway - I joked that she should celebrate with some cocktails (as long as it didn't interfere with her medication, lol). So that explains the sentiment on the outside of my packaging, for those who were wondering...

I started out making my label with the Well Preserved digital images. The label and the cherries were colored on my computer, and then I placed the word "Cherry" image and inserted my own "Cosmopolitans" to follow for customization.

I printed the label on brochure paper, and ran it through my xyron machine to adhere it to the jar. I also used the cherries for the recipe I printed and put on the inside of the lid of the template (I used re-positionable adhesive, so she can take it out of the box to keep), as seen here:

Now, the top of the jar - I picked up some of those adorable medallion tags by Martha Stewart from Michaels the other day, and wouldn't you know, the circle label image from Well Preserved fits perfectly. I used my copic airbrush system to color the outer part of the medallion red...I'm still new at it, but I think it came out alright :).

You'll see there's a bit of green in the background, I just cut a green circle and fit it under the rim, and adhered the medallion on to the green CS with a dimensional, so it's like a sandwich.

Now, for the outside of the template...the picture at the top of the post you can see the border around the lid of the box. I stamped the cherries in green ink, and colored them in with my Copics. I trimmed the strip of cherries with a piece of red cardstock that was punched on the edges using an SU! border punch, and the closure is finished off with some stacked buttons tied with twine.

The top of the lid uses both of the die cut elements included in the Killer Curves Cut files, resized to stack on the lid. One of the Killer Curves Frames is framing the circle label and cherries. Each layer is on dimensionals to give it a little more presence. And there you have it -- a great way to share cocktails as a gift!

Oh - and for those of you who would like a close-up of the recipe, here's a closer look:

If you didn't come here from Lauren's blog, be sure to stop by there, and Catherine's as well! They BOTH have some amazing goodies to share today!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Well Preserved (digital AND photopolymer), Killer Curves, So Sentimental, Fanciful Flourishes
Ink: New Leaf, Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: One Sheet Wonder, Candied Apple, Meadow (Couture Cardstock), Brouchure Paper (Staples)
Accessories: Killer Curves die cuts, Martha Stewart medallion tags, dimensionals, buttons, red pearls

It's My Time Made Easy RELEASE day!!!

2010-06-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

It's June 1st. And with the first of the month comes a new release from My Time Made Easy! Lauren has got some FABULOUS things releasing this month. Some will be great to use for teacher gifts (if you're like me, and your kids finish up the end of June) or thinking ahead to the (don't throw anything at me) holiday season, lol.

Lauren has given detailed descriptions of everything releasing over on her blog, so I won't re-hash all of that, just know that there is OODLES and OODLES of goodness to check out on the "New Products" tab in the store!

Today the DT has lots of eye candy for you with cards...mine is actually using this weeks sketch from the weekly SCS challenge. I was needing some inspiration earlier this week, and it got me going.

I ADORE this fruity stripe paper that Sara made, this one TOTALLY caught my eye from the moment I saw it, it's included in the Preserve It - Oranges and Strawberries collection. And c'mon, does it get much cuter than that jelly jar from Well Preserved? The plaid is a separate image in the stamp set, so you can leave it blank, or make the plaid any color you want.

I masked the strawberry on the jar to make a second one...solely because I had colored my image so nicely, stamped the sentiment, and when I stamped the strawberry, I stamped it too low...DRAT! So, what to do?? MASK IT and add another one to fill the space! lol. the lattice pattern on the bottom of the focal image is from Puckered up Patterns, which released last month.

Be sure to stop by the rest of the team's blogs and check out what they've whipped up for you!!

Dawn Easton
Geny Cassady
Katie Cotton
Lauren Meader
Lesa Rapp
Pam Imholz
Silke Ledlow
Stephanie Kraft

Thanks for stopping by today!

My Time Made Easy Release Peek!

2010-05-31T00:00:00.001-04:00

Good Morning! I hope everyone (in the US anyway) is enjoying the long weekend, and have been getting to spend time with those you love most!

I can honestly say that I have. Got to spend time with some old friends on Saturday, and yesterday was spent at home, just the four of us - we went to the beach, and did some gardening. It was a good day. This morning we're off to march a parade for Memorial Day, and then it will be getting geared up to go back to school/work tomorrow.

Speaking of old friends...I had lost touch with one of my CLOSEST friends, for about 10 years or so...not really sure what happened, if it was that we were in different places in our lives, or what, but thanks to Facebook (and a little guidance from another friend) I found her! Her name is Amanda, and we used to be really tight. Could spend HOURS on the phone, you know the GF you tell EVERYTHING. We went through a lot together. I'm so glad to have found her again, and she doesn't even live that far away...yet.

Now that I've tracked her down, it appears as though she's fallen in love, and is making a BIG move to Florida to be with her boyfriend. I'm happy for her, though a little sad for me. I was looking forward to catching up on time lost face to face, but I guess I will have to settle for Facebook ;). (I promise, I'm getting to the point here!). Next week, her parents are throwing her a going away party, and I plan on heading up there to see her one last time before she moves south. I decided to make her a little something to take with her, in the event of getting home sick...

The Tabbed Tea Box template from My Time Made Easy came to my rescue!! I thought it would be fun to make a project with it that doesn't use tea, actually. You see, the additional cut file, Time for Tea Bag made a PERFECT little 'folder' for a piece of chocolate, and a little note, some funny, some sappy, so if she gets a little homesick, she can head to the box of chocolates for a smile. I did resize the tea bag (width 3.10" height 7.29") in order for the width to be small enough to fit through the opening on the front of the box.

The box itself has panels featuring some NEW digi paper form the Candied Apple Jack collection. The tag uses images from the A Spot of Tea stamp set, and is colored with my Copics.

On the Time for Tea Bag folders, I stamped an image from A Spot of Tea in white on the outside, and in Brilliance chocolate on the inside panels...in the photo - I show you one opened, with the note that tucks in the pocket on the right, while the chocolate is in the pocket on the left -- the Ghiardelli squares fit PERFECTLY in this resized version of the tea bag, and also one closed.

So what do you think?? If you didn't come here from Lauren's, Lesa's, Geny's or Dawn's blogs, be sure to go see theirs as well...LOTS of goodies to peruse today!!

Thanks for stopping by, and check back tomorrow - it's release day, and the whole design team will have lots of inspiration to share!!

Take a Moment Today...

2010-05-30T11:50:00.000-04:00

To remember who fought for your right to celebrate this weekend...

This is a photograph by John Gaffney -- I think it speaks volumes.

This is my friend Josh Dukes, he is a member of the 3rd US Army Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard. Each year, he and his comrades, plus many many more service men and women head out to Arlington Cemetery and place flags and each and every of the near 300,000 graves of the fallen buried there. What an honor to be a part of something so amazing.

I started to think the other day about how this weekend has turned into a reason to shop, picnic, barbecue and head to the beach...and thought how awful that those who died are not remembered more...

Then I thought a little more, and really think, hey - you know what?? These men and women died so that we COULD celebrate the way we want. So, this weekend -- I hope you DO take time to remember those that fought so that you can celebrate FREELY with those you love, celebrate what they gave to you, and give thanks to those who continue to fight today. Celebrate their lives.

I do have a card -- I used Jen del Muro's Sketch for You to Try for this week, and it will be going to one of my favorite Marines...

So to those serving today, and those who have gone before you... THANK YOU...

Testing... Testing.... tap tap tap

2010-05-22T14:36:00.001-04:00

Just making sure this thing works, since I haven't been here in forever...lol. Sorry I haven't been around - just been SUPER busy with all sorts of things - birthday parties, school events, and even a date with my hubby!

First off -- thank you to those who have sponsored me for the Relay for Life -- it means a lot to me...I appreciate it!!

I DO have some cards to share with you today -- but I thought I'd share a few photos from my outing to NYC last weekend. I got to meet one of my friends from Splitcoaststampers in real life last weekend. While a bunch of the ladies from our "Group" were meeting up in Michigan, I got to go on a date with my hubby to NYC, and meet Samantha and her husband Chris. We had BEYOND perfect weather, and just enjoyed the day. We went up to the "Top of the Rock" at Rockefeller Center - take a look at these views:

Now, I had to laugh, because it really was such a PERFECT day -- LOOK at the sky in the photo of the Rockefeller building, doesn't it look fake??? like the building was superimposed on the sky... but nope, that's the real deal!

Breathtaking views of the skyline from every angle.

We had a great day - and Samantha and Chris were so much fun to hang out with...too bad we live on opposite sides of the country, and can't do it more often!

Now, onto the cards... I made these for my two nieces...this first one features an image from a new to me company called Woodware USA. I got a few sets at CKC Manchester. I thought they were SUPER cute. Moreso for my older daughter to use for cards for her friends, but hey - she gets to use my stuff, I get to use hers too, right?? ;-).

The background was made with Papertrey's Dot Spot set. The Woodware stamps are great quality photopolymer, stamped crisp and clean too -- check them out HERE

My second card for today uses Dot Spot again - and a great set from My Time Made Easy called Puckered Up Patterns - in fact, there is a sale on this set NOW -- so head on over to the store and get YOURS today!! I used the large pattern from Puckered up Patterns on the kraft piece on the bottom. I stamped the images from Dot Spot randomly in different colored summery colors. Finished it off with a faux bow, and a big fat button.

Thanks for stopping by today!! Hope you're all having a GREAT weekend!!

Supplies:

Just for You card:
Stamps: Mary and Friends (Woodware USA), Dot Spot (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Memento Black, Berry Sorbet (Papertrey Ink)
Paper: Lemon Tart, Berry Sorbet (All Papertrey Ink), One Sheet Wonder (Couture Cardstock)
Accessories: Berry Sorbet Swiss dot ribbon, Copics

Fabulous Day Card:
Stamps: Dot Spot, Signature Greetings (Papertrey Ink), Puckered Up Patterns (My Time Made Easy)
Ink: Raspberry Fizz, Orange Zest (Papertrey Ink), Lime, cumquats (SEI), Versamark, Memento brown
Paper: One Sheet Wonder (Couture Cardstock) Kraft (SU!)
Accessories: Raspberry Fizz swiss dot ribbon, Orange Zest Buttons

Please Support My Relay...

2010-05-13T22:10:00.001-04:00

Hello all --

Sorry I've been so quiet. It's been a busy time around here - but know that I'm working on NEW stuff from My Time Made Easy for June! YIPPEEEE!

But my post today does not contain any cards. Just a quick plea to support me in my upcoming Relay for Life. I realize that so many people are involved in their own communities, but I thought I would reach out, just in case you are interested.

My first relay was 3 years ago, a month and a half after my uncle died from Cancer, just about a month after my friend Pam's husband died of Cancer, and at the time, Lauren Meader's daughter Alexa was fighting against leukemia. What a moving experience. We had a big storm blow through during the day (big enough to overturn tents, and down trees) - but no one left...the luminary ceremony went on just as planned...If you have never been to a relay, I highly recommend going, it is a truly moving experience.

This year, I've unfortunately had to add more names to my fundraising page, with the most recent addition being Eddie, whom I just posted about on my blog a few weeks ago...

So, if you would -- click on that little button in the upper left of my blog, and donate to a worthy cause, no amount is too small...pennies make nickels, nickels make dimes...it all adds up.

Thanks so much -- it means the world to me, and everyone you will help.

{{HUGS}}

Tracey

My Time Made Mother's Day Easier :) No PEEKING MOM!

2010-05-08T00:24:00.000-04:00

I can hardly believe it's the weekend again already! That's ok though, it's been one heck of a week! I'm exhausted!

Anyway - I'm glad you could join me today, it's the last day of projects from the DT for the May My Time Made Easy Release. There have been SO many cool projects this month, I've loved them all. Today, I'm sharing the Boxed Lunch Pretty Packaging Template with you. Of course -- I didn't plan very well, seeing as Lauren already gave my Mom one of these templates...but now she'll have a pair ;). lol.

My brother, sister and I decided to chip in and get mom a Pandora charm bracelet for Mother's Day this year. Mom is always SO HARD to buy for - and the nice thing about this is that as time goes on, we can get her more charms to fill her bracelet...I love this idea. Now, originally, my color scheme for my project would have been perfect, had I gone with my original plan for the bracelet, which was to get charms with our birthstones, but when I saw them in person, I didn't really care for them. So I decided on Murano glass beads instead, and chose colors that I think well represented the three of us...

Yes, yes, I know, you aren't here to hear about the bracelet...lol. Sorry -- I get carried away! Onto the template. I used some Candied Apple Cardstock from Couture Cardstock for my base and lid. Then I used one of the patterns from the Retro Lunch digital paper pack for the decorative layer...there is a reason for this particular pattern. When I was growing up, my Mom always crocheted. She started making these blankets for my sister and I that were going to be these beautiful blankets, made up of a bunch of fan shaped pieces that had rainbows on them (looks like this one - WARNING there is music on this link!)...she made a LOT of those fan shapes...but as hard as she worked...we never saw those blankets, lol. The fans are all still in a bag in her attic...it's a funny story, so I thought the rainbows would give her a chuckle.

A little lacy trim, and the perfect sentiment finishes it off. I truly am BLESSED to have such an AMAZING Mom who is always there for me whenever I need her. This small gift only pales in comparison for all she has done for me. Happy Mother's Day Mom -- we love you!

Stop by the rest of the DT's Blogs for more and more eye candy made with the latest and greatest from My Time Made Easy!!

and of course Lauren Meader!!

She Did It!!!

2010-05-05T23:53:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone!!

This has been a CRAZY week!! My younger daughter got hurt on Sunday - and it had required a trip to the ER, and then a follow up with an Orthopedist -- but all is A - OK! Thanks goodness!! She had what is called "Nursemaid's Elbow" one of the bones in her forearm became dislocated from her elbow - YEOUCH! I felt so bad for her - she looked miserable. But once the good doctor fixed it - it was practically instant relief! WHEW!

Anyway - this post is actually about my older daughter. My daughter is my crafting buddy - she loves to come and 'play' with Mommy. She has her favorite items she likes to use, glitter pens, glue, scissors, flowers...so I decided that I would make her her own little caddy to keep her crafting goodies together at my table. There will be NO mistake that this is for her, fun, bright, and cheery, just like. I had made this earlier in the week -- and after today - I have the PERFECT occasion to give it to her...

I'm a pretty shy gal, always have been. My DD doesn't fall far from the tree, lol. With that comes terrible performance anxiety. Any time there is some sort of performance at school, etc. She obsesses over it, gets moody, doesn't feel well, sleep well...I've tried EVERYTHING to get her over it...to no avail. And the day of the event, she pretty much freezes, and doesn't do anything...so fast forward to present time. We have a community art center, and they were offering a kinderballet class, taught by a real ballerina, who used to perform in the New York Ballet. NO RECITAL. WHoo - hoo! we have a winner!!! Well, wouldn't you know...they do have a teensy little performance at the conclusion of each session. It's more focused on some of the more advanced girls, but the little ones have a chance to perform as well...and SHE DID IT!!! I could see she was a bit shy, but she did it. I'm SO PROUD of her for getting past that fear, and getting out there. She did a GREAT job!!!

Ok - sorry -- thanks for letting me gush, but this really is a HUGE deal for us :). Anyway -- onto my project.

I made a tool tote for Shannon to keep in 'her area' on my work table, keep her things organized and together...

This is PERFECT for her...her favorite color pink, it's bright and fun, just like her. You'll see on the card, I used sentiments from the new Lunch Box Love Notes set...it was perfect for the occasion, don't you think??

I just ADORE the new retro lunch papers that are available -- the colors are so fun, and the patterns are fresh! Love them!! Lots of great paper this month -- be sure to check them ALL out!

On the card, the Razzleberry strip was stamped with a few images from the Paper Pattern Pieces set.

Here's a close up of the tote:

I had a TON of fun with this one -- it didn't need a whole lot, but I decided to add a little touch of ribbon to the jars inside the tote. I had gotten some quilted jelly ball jars on clearance for 75% off back in the late fall, and this was the PERFECT place to use some of them! I took the lid part out, but left the rim, and then wrapped some ribbon around the rim -- it was the perfect width!

Here's a closeup of the label - which uses one of the new cut file accents, All Tied Up Rectangles

I made my own sentiment doing some omitting from a few sentiments in the Sensational Sentiments set. I actually even switched the 'S's at the beginning of each word, it just worked better for me. I think it looks like it was made that way...and I like how the pearls fit in those little scallops on the top and bottom of the label.

I'll be sharing this with Shannon later today, I know she already had her eye on the tote, and has NO idea it is for her, lol.

Be sure to drop by Lauren's blog today too, she's got even MORE for you to see today. Can we say AMAZING?!?! Her brain must NEVER stop! lol.

Thanks so much for dropping by -- I appreciate it!!

Happy Birthday Lauren and Stephanie!!!

2010-05-02T12:01:00.003-04:00

Sorry I'm late!!! I got home and was SO TIRED, I didn't get a chance to post until now. Now, I have to tell you, the card I posted yesterday (the gray and pink one) is the card I actually GAVE Lauren, but I can still wish her well with another card for her birthday blog hop, right?? lol

Well, as you've probably already read by now, Lauren's birthday is tomorrow, and Stephanie's birthday is Wednesday, so the rest of us MTME DT girls decided to do a surprise blog hop in their honor.
I had GREAT time in NH with my Mom, sister, Lauren, Paulette, Debbi and Teresa -- it was wonderful!
....but onto the cards....

I even used something new that I got at CKC yesterday -- you see that adorable baby pom pom trim on the card with the flowers from Sensational Stems?? I LOVE it -- and I thank my friend Paulette for putting the idea of using it for grass in my head, lol. It worked perfectly!!

I know this is quick and short, but lots to catch up on around here, since I was away most of the weekend.
Lauren & Stephanie - I hope you BOTH have your bes birthday yet! Big {{HUGS}} and may all of your wishes come true!!!

Be sure to drop by the rest of the team's blogs for some more birthday goodness!!

Also, don't forget to stop by Lauren and Stephanie's blogs to wish them a Happy Birthday!!

Release Day at My Time Made Easy!!!

2010-05-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the weekend! This is special weekend for me, as I'm in New Hampshire for CKC Manchester, and spending some time with Lauren!

Anyhoo -- you're not here to hear about my shopping plans, or are you?? Either way, perhaps I can entice you to do a little shopping, some with INSTANT gratification!

My Time Made Easy is releasing 6 new stamp sets today...yes, I said 6! Also added to the lineup are 3 new pretty packaging templates, and some GREAT new digital papers, and cut file accents too!!

I've got a couple of cards to share with you today, featuring some of the new images.

First up - "Puckered Up Birthday"

This one uses both the new Puckered Up Patterns Pretty Impressions stamp set, and the previously released Just for You set.

These patterns are easy to line up, and so classic, can make a fun and funky card, or a sophisticated beauty. For both the teal and the kraft sections, I've stamped in versamark, and embossed with clear EP, I love the effect. I used the Fiskars Apron Lace border punch on the teal layer. I used white detail EP on the sentiment.

Next is "Sensational Celebration" :)

This uses Sensational Stems, Argyle Amazement, Fanciful Flourishes, and Just for You. The focal image uses images from Sensational Stems, and I made that patterned paper with the Argyle set. Sensational Stems is a great all around floral set, as it includes a few different styles of flowers, each one lending a different look.

Accents on this one include a little stardust stickles, and flat backed pearls. Thanks so much for stopping by today -- don't forget - templates, digital papers, digital stamps and cut files are all INSTANT -- you can have it now, and not have to wait, lol. So why don't you shop "with me" -- head over to MTME, and get all of these great new goods...and I'll head to CKC, and will be sure to report if I've found anything new and fabulous! Deal?

Make it a great one!

A Little Imagination, Please...

2010-04-30T00:00:00.008-04:00

Good Morning - and welcome to my first peek for the My Time Made Easy Release!! Today, I get to show you the new Puckered Up Pretty Packaging template.

I think pillow boxes must be one of the most widely used of all handmade boxes, and Lauren has just made it even better. You can stand this box up, and fit some larger items in, that a regular pillow box with those skinny ends won't allow you to.

I love for my house to smell good...I think everyone does, but I fall for almost every new home freshener out there, lol. Have you seen these??

These are one of the latest and greatest items from Renuzit, called Crystal Elements. You choose the container you put them in. Now here's why I need your imagination...I had wanted to get out to the store during the week to get some of these, but due to unforseen circumstances (see post below this one), I did not get a chance to get to the store...

Now WHY would I need these?? You see, I made my own cut file based on one of the stamp patterns in the new Puckered Up Pretty Impressions stamp set, and cut it out of the front of my box. My plan was to put a gussetted cello bag with some of these yummy smelling crystals inside, and the recipient could use it as a decoration! Cute AND functional! Doesn't get much better than that, lol. Take a look:

See that cute little tag?? Yep - that's made with My Time Made Easy new product too! The stamped circle border is from a new set coming May 1st called Paper Pattern Pieces, and the sentiment is from Sensational Sentiments, which I LOVE by the way ;).

I hope you enjoyed your visit today, be sure to stop by Lauren's blog, as well as Dawn Easton, Geny Cassady, and Stephanie Kraft...they've all got some GREAT goodies to share with you today!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Sensational Sentiments, Paper Pattern Pieces
Ink: Old Olive (SU!) Lemon Tart, Terra Cotta (PTI)
Cardstock: Couture Cardstock (I'll be back to fill in the colors - sorry!)
Accessories: SU! Border punch, offray ivory satin ribbon, nestabilities circles

I was ok until I saw the top hat...

2010-04-29T17:42:00.000-04:00

We said goodbye to a friend today. His name was Edward Shook Sr....more widely known as Eddie. I've known him since I got involved with fife and drum 16-17 years ago. I was a bit intimidated by him, he always looked so serious. But, the more I grew to know him, I realized what a funny, kind, and giving person he really was. Never judge a book by it's cover, because you'll just never know how good the story really is.

Drum Corps is just one of many facets to his life, as was evident by seeing those who attended his wake yesterday. Scores of people from all different walks of life, there to honor Eddie, and support his wife and 3 children, and although there were a few tears...it wasn't really sad or solemn...which is just how he would have wanted it. Good memories were shared, and laughs could be heard from time to time, a true testament to the life we were celebrating.

Now, those who know me, know I'm a REALLY easy crier, but I was determined to be strong for the family...I was ok, got teary when I saw Ruth, his wife, what an amazing lady...looking through all of the pictures...but then...I went to pay my respects and there he was...and the top hat. Some people may not have known Eddie by name, but say 'the man in the tattered top hat' and we ALL knew who they were talking about. THAT was hard, that was when the waterworks were hard to shut off...then I suddenly had a sense of peace, and knew that he was at rest, and he was in such a far better place than if he were to remain here.

I certainly didn't know him as well as others, but I know his kindness and humor reached many, more than even he probably ever realized.

The funeral service today was perfect, and fitted for Eddie. He went for one more ride with the motorcycles, surrounded by friends and family. Fife and drum played at the graveside...and it ended with a toast.

This song is written on the back of his funeral card:

♪♫ Show me the way to go home,
I'm tired and I want to go to bed
I had a little drink about an hour ago
and it went right to my head
Where ever I may roam
On land or sea or foam
You will always hear me singing this song
Show me the way to go home ♫♪

We'll miss you Mr. Shook, but we know your spirit lives on in your children and grandchildren, and you will be in our hearts always....until we meet again...

RIP Edward Shook Sr. 4/25/10

She's so SASSY...

2010-04-25T18:00:00.000-04:00

Hello and welcome to my post for the blog hop!! I'm glad I got to participate this month -- I always have good intentions, and then I either forget, or run out of time, lol. Anyway -- tissue paper. I went with Nichole's suggestion and used the piece that came with my order the other day, that had my new anniversary set in it...um, can we say...LOVE IT?!?!? lol.

Anyway, I needed to make a birthday card for a friend -- and she's sassy...oh yeah...totally SASSY. Now, while I don't think I'd ever see her wear something like this per say, but I think this sassy dress fits her sassy personality...

I made tissue paper 'ruffles' at the bottom of the dress, stamped with the 'dotty-biscotti - esque' image from the anniversary set in Raspberry Fizz, and then ruffled on my card front with some scor tape to hold it in place...finished off with some Raspberry Fizz grosgrain ribbon.

The sentiment is from the anniversary set, and the print on the dress is fro Turning a New Leaf, stamped in Fresh Snow.

I hope my sassy friend likes her birthday card...I might even get it in the mail in time for it to get to her BEFORE her birthday...can you imagine?!?!? If anyone knows me, they'll certainly be surprised ;).

Thanks for stopping by today -- hope you all had a great weekend!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Turning a New Leaf, Round and Round
Ink: Fresh Snow, Raspberry Fizz
Paper: Hawaiian Shores, Tissue Paper
Accessories: Raspberry Fizz Grosgrain, Hawaiian Shores button, 1 3/8" circle punch, small SU! oval punch (for arm holes on dress)

Free Spirit Boy...

2010-04-19T13:30:00.001-04:00

Hello!! Yes, I am alive. I'm sure you've all been wondering ;). I've taken a bit of time off and enjoyed it with my family, and I feel refreshed. Yes, I know I just posted on Thursday, but I think in blog days, it was an eternity! lol.

I'm here today to share with you a simple little number featuring the latest and greatest from Waltzingmouse Stamps. I've been struggling for a while now for appropriate images for cards for my nephews who are pre-teen/teenagers, and Claire has TOTALLY hit the nail on the head with these sets!! Free Spirit Boy, and Free Spirit Sentiments...LOVE them!!

My nephew Bobby had his 14th birthday last week, I still can't believe he's 14! For goodness sake, I was still a teenager when he was born, and I can't be that old, can I?? Dang. Anyway -- he's a real great kid, he's got a good heart, and a great sense of humor. And, he's my first nephew (also my Godson) so he always has a special place in my heart (he'll probably GAG if he reads this!)

He's pretty easy to shop for these days, iTunes gift cards or cash that he can use to put minutes on his cell phone are always a good bet - and I know they're being put to good use...besides, how else will I know all the coolest apps for my iPhone, than to get input from a teenager?? ;)

Here's my card, simple, straightforward, and uses his favorite color, orange (which is my favorite too, in case you'd like to send me some happy mail ;) ).

He said he liked it, though I'm sure he liked the check made out to cash much better, but hey, what more can I ask for?? I'll be lucky if he even still wants to associate with me by his next birthday, so I'll take what I can get ;).

Thanks for stopping by today -- hope it's a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps: Free Spirit Boy, Free Spirit Sentiments (Waltzingmouse Stamps)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Not Quite Navy, Green Galore (SU!) Memento Brown
Paper: Not-Quite Navy, Whisper White
Accessories: Sponge, Aquapainter

Owl-oha!!

2010-04-15T00:00:00.001-04:00

It's Pink Cat Release day!! Melissa has come up with some of the COOLEST hula images for release today

And some great free sentiments to go with them!! I'm amazed at Melissa's talent, coming up with new designs week after week...you GO girl!! :)

I was originally going to use Lily, until I saw the "Owl-oha" sentiment - is that not the cutest?? I printed my owl out twice, and then colored him in - and colored certain elements from the 2nd copy, cut them out and layered them onto my original image for added depth.

On the grass skirt, I only popped up the bottom edge, the flower 'belt' is glued directly on top of the original image. I had a lot of fun with this one, hope you like it!!

Head on over to the rest of the Pink Cat Team's blogs, and then to Melissa's so you can SHOP for these super adorable images.

Thanks for stopping by!!

A Saint Patrick's Day Birthday...

2010-04-10T13:40:00.000-04:00

I know this is kind of late, given it's the second weekend of April, but I just gave this to the birthday boy recently -- and I always hate ruining the surprise, in case his Mom reads my blog...

My nephew Jason's birthday is St. Patrick's day, and he thinks it's TOTALLY cool. Quite frankly, I would too ;). Anyway - this year he turned 6, and they had a really cool birthday party at the house, my sister-in-law made t-shirts for all the kids, for them to be part of the M.C.B.A which stood for "their last name that starts with M" - Cuccia Basketball Association. My in-laws dressed up like referees, it was great. Well, except for the minor snafu that they needed 300 lbs of sand to put in the base of the basketball net...but my oldest nephew Ian came to the rescue -- he went out and got what they needed for his little bro ;).

Anyway -- onto his card. I know he's still young, but couldn't resist making him a VERY cool St. Patrick's day birthday card. So I broke out my Celtic Heritage and Irish Blessings stamp sets, oh - and the Very Vintage Labels 3 stamps from Waltzingmouse Stamps. Here's what I came up with:

I just LOVE how those Labels 3 stamps dress up the nestability die cuts, don't you?!?! I need to add to my collection! If you haven't shopped there yet, you should check out Waltzingmouse Stamps, she's got lots of great things to choose from, and her latest additions include some designs for the guys -- I ♥ them, and can't wait for them to arrive!

Have a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by :)

It's Easy...YES, REALLY!

2010-04-08T00:00:00.002-04:00

Good Morning - welcome to the final group post day of the My Time Made Easy April release! I just want to take a moment to say that I have been BLOWN away with the amazing projects the design team girls (Lauren included, of course!) have come up with this month -- Amazing. Way to go ladies!!!

Now, back to the reason we are here today!! I haven't gotten to share Pick of the Petals with you yet. Now, I have to be honest, the first time I saw this, I was excited and petrified, all at the same time! lol. I had gotten a gift a few years ago, and it was in a box with a top similar to this, so I was SUPER excited that Lauren came up with a top like that...however, it looked AWFULLY complicated...

After all, like Katie said the other day, I'm supposed to show you how easy it is! Lol...but I really have to be honest here...this is a SUPER EASY template to put together -- just try it for yourself and you will see. Just make sure you give yourself good creases around the "petals" on the top of the box, and you will be all set. So here's my version:

I made this for a gift I will give to one of my nieces for her birthday. The star on the front was actually an accident, but a happy one in my opinion, so I kept it. I had tried to do a technique I read about to color the edge of my nestability die, but I had to improvise, as I didn't have a mini spritzer for the colorless blender...and well, I apparently was a bit heavy handed, and created a marble effect on my die cut, instead of a colored edge, but I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome :).

I also chose to use the petal pieces for my project, thought these polka dots would be a perfect touch!!! I tied it into the base, by using one of the images from Just for You.

Here's a shot of the top:

I made the ruffle that is behind the button by doing a quick basting stitch along the edge of a piece of ribbon, then pulling tight, and knotting. I thought it made a nice topper.

Be sure to pop by the rest of the team's blogs, as I'm sure they all have something wonderful to share with you!! (you can find their links up top over on the right hand sidebar ;) )

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you enjoyed your visit!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Just for You (MTME)
Ink: Fresh Snow, Rich Razzleberry
Paper: Bermuda Bay, Rich Razzleberry, Lovely Dots digi paper (candied apple - but color tweaked to match)
Accessories: button, Razzleberry polka dot grosgrain, SU! Border punch, star nestabilities

Pink Cat Release today!!

2010-04-08T00:00:00.001-04:00

Good Morning!!

It's Thursday, so we ALL know, it's time for another Pink Cat Digi release! Yippeee :). Melissa MUST have known I would need a baby card, as she's come up with some PERFECT images for them!!

I chose to use the lion, to make my neighbor a card to congratulate them on the birth of their son. I also used Mercy's Tuesday Sketch for a little inspiration... Here's the sketch:

Here's what I did with it:

I reconfigured the sentiment on my computer, and printed it out, then punched it out, and 'sponged' some Aqua Mist ink around the edges. I faux stitched all of the patterned paper pieces (my machine is NOT happy with me right now, lol)

I adore these baby images, and I'm sure you do too, but if I haven't been able to convince you, you should go check out what the rest of the team has come up with...their links are in my right hand side bar :).

Thanks for stopping by today!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Pink Cat digi images, lion baby, Cutie pie sentiment
Ink: Aqua Mist (PTI)
Paper: Whisper White (SU!), Aqua Mist, patterned paper (both PTI)
Accessories: paper piercer, copics

Another Boy?!?!? :)

2010-04-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

Good Morning!

Well, as good as a Tuesday morning can be, anyway ;). An old friend and I had discussed this many years ago, and it recently came back up with another group of friends...Tuesday, is the WORST day of the work week. You already know Monday will be hard...Wednesday, you're halfway there...Thursday, you can FEEL Friday, and then it's Friday before you know it. Tuesday...there's just nothing good about it, nothing to look forward to, not close enough to the end of the week...it just plain stinks - lol.

BUT -- enough about that, we're here to talk about boys...er, well, sort of anyway. My neighbor and friend had a baby last week. She's got 3 boys, and guess what...now there are 4! I felt the need to whip up something GIRLY for her, since she's totally outnumbered.

Let's take a look at some GREAT goodies from My Time Made Easy, shall we???

Here's the whole ensemble. I LOVE the new Rambling Rose Pretty Pieces cut file that Lauren is offering this month. I love how you can give it different looks, just by how your 'roll' the petals of the flower. I've used them on the Take Time Pocket template, as well as the card. you can make as many or as few, lots of layers, or not...oh and ANY SIZE too! :)

I don't know if this will last in a house full of guys, but it's worth a shot...I think she deserves a bit of girly-ness, don't you?? Though I suppose, it's like my hubby, surrounded by all of these girls, just in smaller quantities.

Here's a close up of the flowers...I love this...

And here's one of just the card...

I kept it pretty plain, bringing in the colors, and elements from the template.

And one last one of just the template itself...I re-labeled the lotion and shower gel, and wish the new (again) Mommy some peace and quiet at SOME point in the day, lol.

Thanks for stopping by today -- prove me wrong, and make it a great one!! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: So Sentimental, Just for You, Take Time, Petal Perfection
Ink: Scarlet Jewel, Ripe Avocado, Vintage Cream
Paper: Tuber, Santa's Beard (Couture Cardstock), Perfect Petals Digital Paper, Ripe Avocado
Accessories, Pretty Pieces files - Rambling Rose, Petal Perfection, Tag You're It, Pretty Packaging template, Take Time Pocket, Brads

JUGS 27 - A Sketch and a Farewell...

2010-04-03T00:00:00.001-04:00

Good Morning!!

Happy Weekend! It should be a busy one here, but a happy busy, so I'm ready to get it started!! :)

But, before I get to all the hoopla, I need to share with you this week's Just Us Girls Challenge. This week, our hostess is Kristin, and as always, the first Saturday of the month is a sketch challenge. Here's the sketch that she has given us all to play with:

This card will actually be FOR Kristin, as she moves into a new place, and on to a new chapter in her life (I just need her new address first, *wink*). Anyway, here's what I've come up with:

This card features some new goodies from My Time Made Easy. I used the So Sentimental and Just for You stamp sets, as well as the Fun Floral digital papers. Wishing you a very happy time in your life Kristin!!!

Now, the farewell. I've been doing a lot of thinking for a while now, and while I absolutely LOVE all of the design teams I have the privilege of being on, but...working full time, with two young children, a house, a husband...I just can't quite keep up with it all, and so at this point in time, I must resign my position on the JUGS team. These ladies are AWESOME and so wonderful to work with, it has been a true pleasure. I do intend to play along with the challenges going forward, but at least if my other duties get in the way, I'm not stressed about it.

So - thanks to Kristin, Pam, Mona, Lisa, Alicia, Maria, and Dana - it's been a BLAST girls :)... and I'll still be around -- you can't get rid of me that easy ;).

Make sure, speaking of all those great gals that you stop by and show them some love -- they work hard each week to bring you the best! We also have a fantastic guest designer this month -- Sue Lelli! So check her out too!!!

Alicia Weiman
Dana Gustafson
Kristin Bueter
Lisa Kind
Maria Levine
Mona Pendleton
Pam Imholz
Sue Lelli
Hope you get a chance to play along - we'd love to see what YOU do with the sketch!! Wishing those that celebrate, a Happy Easter spent with those you love most!
Until next time!

Supplies:
Stamps: Just for You, So Sentimental (My Time Made Easy), Very Vintage Labels 3 (Waltzingmouse Stamps)
Ink: Hawaiian Shores, Fresh Snow (PTI), yo yo yellow, green galore (SU!)
Paper: Hawaiian Shores (PTI), Fallen Leaf, One Sheet Wonder (Couture Cardstock), Fun Flowers - Nomad (My Time Made Easy)
Accessories: Hawaiian Shores Ribbon, Classic Circle & Labels 3 Nestabilities dies, lace trim

*Insert Creative Witty Blog Name Here*

Make it Monday #50

Happy Birthday Grammy!

So Merry...

Black Thursday????

Happy Birthday Dad!

Don't FAINT! Thank Shoe Very Much!

A Weekend of Celebration & Summer Card Camp! - Part Deux :)

A Weekend of Celebration & Summer Card Camp!

Summer Card Camp!!

All Because Two People Fell in Love...

June PTI Blog Hop!!

Happy Birthday Waltzingmouse!!

Long time...

Fun Foam Make it Monday!

February PTI Blog Hop!

Make it Monday with Chick Lil'

A Quick Comparison...

PTI Go-To Sentiment Card...

Papertrey Favorites...

Getting Organized...

PTI Blog Hop!

Hi there...

You know...

It's a WRAP!

Any Way You Slice It - Group Post!!

My Time Made Easy - Star of the Show!!

Group Post!! My Time Made Easy November Release!

Happy Birthday Dad - Made Easy

Pinch Me Treats - Group Post!

Oh-K-Dokey, Let's Grab a Cup!!

A "Suspenseful" Group Post with My Time Made Easy!

October Peeks are Here!!!

A Little Casing for Today...

My Time Made Easy Group Post!

First Day of School - Made Easy!

The September My Time Made Easy Release is Here!!!

My Time Made Easy September Peek!!

A Waltzingmouse Blog Hop!

WHERE does the time go???

Shop 'Til You Drop! - Group Post Day!!

Tote-ally CUTE!

A Quick Fly By...

Release Day at My Time Made Easy, and a Blog Hop!

It's Release Time at My Time Made Easy...

My First Waltz!

Daisies...

FINALLY!

My Time Clean and Simple...

Just Bee-Cause...

My Time Made Easy Peek!

Close Encounters of the Rodent Kind....

Cocktails, My Time Made Easy Style...

It's My Time Made Easy RELEASE day!!!

My Time Made Easy Release Peek!

Take a Moment Today...

Testing... Testing.... *tap* *tap* *tap*

Please Support My Relay...

My Time Made Mother's Day Easier :) No PEEKING MOM!

She Did It!!!

Happy Birthday Lauren and Stephanie!!!

Release Day at My Time Made Easy!!!

A Little Imagination, Please...

I was ok until I saw the top hat...

She's so SASSY...

Free Spirit Boy...

Owl-oha!!

A Saint Patrick's Day Birthday...

It's Easy...YES, REALLY!

Pink Cat Release today!!

Another Boy?!?!? :)

JUGS 27 - A Sketch and a Farewell...

Insert Creative Witty Blog Name Here

Testing... Testing.... tap tap tap