Just Give Me Stamps...

Center of Attention Spotlight - Mini Binder Box...

Happy Monday!  Today part of the Baker's Dozen DT is sharing projects created with the Mini Binder Boxes from Taylored Expressions!  Not only are they perfect for storing your Taylored Expressions stamps, but they can be used for SO much more!! 

Because I love to cook & bake, I decided to create a recipe card holder! 

I chose some October Afternoon Paper to slide inside the clear protective cover and used the pie image (from Berries & Cherries), some Prima letters, a painted chipboard frame, and some rhinestones
to decorate my box. 

Of course I had to add ribbon!  :-)  I used some of my long unused eyelet setting tools (the anywhere hole punch) to punch through the plastic.

 

To make the pie look a little more realistic, I added some Glossy Accents glaze, then sprinkled on some clear chunky glitter.

For the inside, I decorated three 3 x 5 pieces of c.s. (the sentiments were printed on my computer).

I included 25 blank index cards for each section (Side Dishes, Main Dishes, & Desserts).

I have to say, that this project (sewing and embellishing included) too under an hour to create!  I LOVE that!!  I definitely plan on purchasing more of these Binder Boxes to create more Christmas gifts!

If you would like to purchase some of these Binder Boxes...make sure you check out the SALE that Taylor has going on!  For today and tomorrow only (11/16-11/17) the Binder Boxes are 15% off!

In the past, the Mini Binder Boxes have come with a customized Taylored Expressions Cuppie insert.  Now, Taylor is offering three different insert downloads...perfect for all three lines in the Taylored Expressions store (Sweet Impressions, Lasting Impressions, Whimsical Wishes)!  You can see them all here!

Make sure to check out what the other Baker's Dozen girls have created with their Binder Boxes:  Dawn, Denise, Jackie, Jami, Karen M., Sankari, & Taylor! 

Thanks for stopping by!  ~Laurie
 

Gourmet Coffee Drink...

Hi!  Are you enjoying your weekend?  My youngest son is turning four on Monday, but we are having his party tomorrow.  Sooo...we are doing all the "oh my gosh people are coming over so we better clean this place up" stuff!  LOL!  (How is it that even when you're gone the house gets even dirtier??) 

I wanted to quickly come and share a peek of a little project that I have posted over on the Verve Stamps blog for this month's Project Parade Challenge.  The theme is "Home for the Holidays", which can include cards, gifts, or decor.  Since I'm still trying to work my way to the end of my "gifts to make" list, I chose to make a gift.

I re-purposed a tin to hold some homemade gourmet coffee drink mix.  I decorated the top using Verve's O Christmas Tree set.  The blue part of the topper opens up to reveal decorated instructions so the recipient knows just how much mix to add.  

For even more pictures (including pictures of the topper open) and the recipe for the Spanish Mocha gourmet coffee mix, head on over to the Verve Stamps blog!  :-)

Before I go, I want to share a picture I took off of our front porch!  Even though it's not our first snow of the season, it is the first snow that is accompanied with the normal cold Montana winters (the temperature outside when I took this photo was only 2 degrees Fahrenheit!!).

Doesn't it just LOOK cold?  Brrrrr!  :-)

Okay...back to cleaning for me!  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  ~Laurie
 
 
 

Luxurious Labels Sneak Peek...

Today is the first day of the Taylored Expressions Sneak Peeks!  The set that is being "peeked" today is called Luxurious Labels - a truly unique set designed specifically to create beautifully handmade gifts!!  I don't know about you, but the majority of the gifts that our family is giving this Christmas will be homemade, so I was especially excited to see this set!

I went with the original use for the bottles this month...bath soaps!  I found some soft blush colored bubble bath and body wash and created a soft and very feminine ensemble.

Blush Blossom and Ivory were used to create this pastel monochromatic look. 

I just LOVE these silhouette flowers!!  After I stamped them in Blush Blossom, I embossed the soap name using Ivory e.p. 

I wanted to create a "seal" of sorts.  To do this, I used the Faux Metal Technique and one of the coordinating flower images from the Luxurious Labels set.  So that the flower would pop just a bit more (and to add a little more color), I rubbed some pink Liquid Pearls into the flower image.

 

These adorable bottles and the Luxurious Labels set will be available  Thursday, November 5th at 9 a.m. Pacific Time! 

Taylor has put together a wonderful bundle with everything you will need to make beautiful handmade gifts and cards!  You can read more about the bundle (and see pictures) over at Taylor's blog!

As always, there is more Sneak Peek goodness to be seen!  Check out what these awesome ladies made:  Charmaine, Dawn, Denise, Donna, Jackie, Jodi, Karen G., Karen M., Laura, Sankari, Sharon, & of course Taylor!

Thanks for stopping by!  I'll be back tomorrow with another peek!  :-)  ~Laurie

 
 
 

October Key Ingredients Subscription...

Good morning!  Today, part of the Baker's Dozen DT is sharing projects made with October's Key Ingredients Subscription kit!

I am a huge Cosmo Cricket fan, so I was tickled to see that this month's kit includes Cosmo's Earth Love patterned paper!  Woohoo!!  As always, Taylor has included matching Prism cardstock, embellishments (this month it is some waaaaay fun bird chipboard pieces (Maya Road), and ribbon.  Well, this month Taylor also included some Avocado Metallic Maya Mist! 

My first project is a little card I made (I signed up to make a 3-D project, but I couldn't help myself - I had to make a card as well :-) measuring 4" x 4".  The little bird was first painted with Ivory acrylic paint then spritzed with Maya Mist Avocado Metallic spray!  Everything (with the exception of the little rhinestone) is from this month's KI subscription kit.

When I first saw these adorable chipboard pieces, I thought they would make wonderful magnets!  I started by painting the bird and birdcage with Ivory acrylic paint.  I then covered the main part of the bird with some of the included patterned paper as well as adhering a cut out piece on the back (I chose a pattern that reminded me of the sky and clouds).  A little ribbon (also from the kit) and y magnet was done (I adhered magnet strips to the back)!  This was SO easy and so fun to make!  I love these chipboard pieces!!  :-)

If you are not familiar with Taylor's Key Ingredients subscription kits, then you can check out Taylor's blog for all of the details!!  Basically, she includes a TON of all coordinating papers/ribbons/embellishments and it arrives on your doorstep every month!  :-)  Also, don't forget about the new monthly charge option!  You can still sign up for a 3 month or 6 month subscription (best value) but will be charged monthly instead of paying all up front! 

There is more KI subscription inspiration for you to see!!  Check out what Dawn, Denise, Jackie, Karen M. Sankari, & Taylor have created!

Thanks for stopping by!  ~Laurie

 
Stamps:  Branching Out (Whimsical Wishes)
Paper:  Earth Love patterned paper (Cosmo Cricket), Prism c.s., Choice Buttercream c.s.
Ink:  Groovy Guava (SU!)
Accessories:  Ivory acrylic paint, Maya Mist Avocado metallic mist, Button, Rhinestone, Ribbon, Maya Road chipboard pieces, Paper piercer
 
 

Halloween Sweet Treats...

Happy Sunday!  I've got another quick and easy Halloween gift to share with you!  With our family as sick as we've been, my big idea of making homemade Halloween goodies has officially been abandoned!  My oldest two have missed almost two weeks of school (along with half of the Montana population apparently) so anything we make will have to be super fast as we all have a ton of catching up to do!  :-) 

  
 
  
I used the spider web and a couple of sentiments from the Spooky Expressions set (Taylored Expressions) to create this speedy gift set!

When I say "fast"...I really mean it!!  All I did was emboss the spider web directly onto some Making Memories glitter stripe paper.  I then added a tag, some ribbon, & a spider brad!

 For the matching bag, I stamped the spider web directly onto the bag using Black Stazon ink.  I topped it off with some ribbon, a tag, & another spider brad!  The black on black embossing really does show up better in real life...not sure why I couldn't get a good picture. 

Well, that's all I've got today!  :-)  Check back in tomorrow, because I've got lots of new stuff to share!  :-)

~Laurie

 
Stamps:  Spooky Expressions (Taylored Expressions)
Paper:  True Black (PTI), Making Memories Glittery Striped paper
Ink:  Stazon Black, Versamark
Accessories:  Black Detail e.p., Spellbinder's Tag Trio die, True Black Twill ribbon (PTI), True Black grosgrain ribbon (PTI), Spider brads, Mini pinking decorative scissors
  

Sing...

Good morning!  It's my turn to share the project I created for this month's Verve Project Parade!  The theme this month is "Encouraging Words".  If you are a follower of Verve Stamps at all, then you know that almost every set Julee makes is brimming with encouragment!  :-)

I chose to create a little wall hanging featuring the quote from Swan Song.  It's a such a lovely quote, and a beautiful reminder - one that is deserving to be seen daily!  :-)

For all the details on how I created this and to learn about how you can win a $35 Gift Certificate to the Verve Stamps store, check out my post over at the Verve Blog!

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you enjoy your day!  ~Laurie

 
Stamps:  Swan Song (Verve Stamps)
Paper:  Vellum c.s. (PTI), Bo Bunny patterned paper (Kitchen Spice Cinnamon)
Ink:  Anna Griffin Brown pigment ink, Antique Linen Distress ink, Vintage Photo Distress ink
Accessories:  Rectangle Scallop chipboard(Maya Road), Bird and Branch chipboard (Maya Road), Sewing Machine, Prima flower, Dew Drops, Aqua Mist button (PTI), Aqua Mist satin ribbon (PTI), Ric-Rac ribbon 

A Joyful Christmas Planner...

It's my turn to share a project on the Stamp a Sweet Impression blog today!  I've posted a fun and easy little Christmas Planner book - perfect for keeping all of your Holiday lists in one place!

   

If you get a chance, let me know what you think!  :-)   ~Laurie

Quick Halloween Treats...

Today, I've got some super quick Halloween gifts to share with you!  Having four kids means that there are a LOT of Halloween goodies to hand out!  I wanted to make something that did not take a lot of time to create as well as being easy to mass produce. 

 I decided that tags tied to treat filled cellophane bags were going to fit my criteria (quick and easily mass produced) perfectly!  I reached for my Witch Way to the Treats set (JustRite Stampers) and stamped some tags.  I added just a splash of color using my copic markers, then mounted them on some black cardstock that I punched out with a scallop circle punch.  To finish them off, I tied on some May Arts ribbon and fibers (some I had from my stash), and then topped them off with some buttons!  I really considered adding some rhinestones or something, but then I remembered that 5 & 8 year olds rarely notice things like that when there is candy right in front of them!  LOL!

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you have a wonderful evening!  ~Laurie

 
Stamps:  Witch Way to the Treats(JustRite Stampers)
Paper:  Neenah White c.s., True Black c.s. (PTI)
Ink:  Versamark
Accessories:  Black Detail e.p.(Judikins), 1 3/8" circle punch (Stampin' Up!), Scallop circle punch (Stampin' Up!), May Arts ribbon, Fibers, Orange Zest button (PTI), Lavender Moon button (PTI), Copics

Calendars & Generosity...

...go hand in hand over at A Muse!!!  Last year, they raised over $5,000 for the Lukemia & Lymphoma Society with their 2009 Calendar Project!!  Now THAT is awesome!!!

Well, they are at it again!!  On September 15th, A Muse launched their 2010 Calendar Project!  There are the same wonderful sizes as last year with the addition of a Full Size calendar (with lots of room to write on each day - perfect for busy schedules)!  The proceeds from this year's calendars will be going to Water 1st. 

Water 1st's mission is to serve families in the poorest communities in the world as they implement community-managed projects that integrate water supply, sanitation, and health education.  Safe water saves lives. I encourage you to visit the Water1st website {www.waterfirst.org} to learn more about how this wonderful organization is saving and changing lives! 

I got a head start on my Christmas gifts this year and created a calendar pocket book!  I thought the A-1 (4-BAR) version would be perfect to hang on the fridge, use as a bookmark, or display on a desk.  So that the individual pages would be easy to remove (and return), I created pockets to store them in.  :-)

The book cover is decorated using stamps from the Waltzingmouse set Very Vintage Christmas (the decorative border stamped across each calendar is also from the Very Vintage Christmas set).  The patterned paper is from the Cosmo Cricket Jolly By Golly mini deck.  Even though the book is decorated for Christmas, each individual calendar page is non-Holiday specific.

The pocket book was easy to make!  I used six 3 5/8" x 11" pieces of cream cardstock that were folded in half and adhered together (this size fits the A-1 (4-BAR) version perfectly)!  I stitched patterned paper pieces on as the pockets.

The four sizes of calendars available from download are:

*   A 1 (4-BAR) Version ~ (3 1/2" h x 5" w)
*   A 2 Version ~ (4 1/4" w x 5 1/2" h)
*   Square Version ~ (4 1/2")
*   And the NEW Full Size Version ~ (8 1/2" h x 11" w)

So for only $4 you will not only have an awesome calendar that you can print and use over and over again, but you will be helping to change the lives of many people at the same time!!  Gotta LOVE that!!

Here is a picture of the first calendar page inside the book.  Since I will be giving this as a Christmas gift, I wanted to include the December 2009 calendar page as well as all of 2010.  If you are using these calendars for personal use (I am currently making a Full Size Version for myself), you will love that A Muse included September, October, November, & December of 2009 along with all of 2010!!

Because this post is already long and full of photos, I decided to break the post into two parts.  To see the rest of the photos and the Supplies information, click below...

September Verve Release...

Last night, Verve released six brand new sets and one Plain Jane stamp!  Today, I've got a project to share with you that I made with the new Swan Song set!

Isn't that swan gorgeous!?!  Julee has done it again...created amazing images with the most inspiring sentiments!  This quote in particular spoke to me so much that I wanted to display it in my home!  I decided to little decorative frame would be perfect to showcase it!

I embossed the quote on to vellum c.s. and then layered it over some Bo Bunny patterned paper.  (I first added a lattice die cut from Choice Buttercream c.s. to tone down the turquoise a bit).  I embossed the swanonto Choice Buttercream c.s., popped up some of the wings, and added just a hint of Stardust Stickles.  Aside from adding a couple of pearls, that is all there is to it!  A pretty simple project, but the elegant images really make it special I think!

Well, that's all from me today, but I will be back later with a fun giveaway!!  :-)  Thanks for stopping by!  ~Laurie