Just Give Me Stamps...

Papertrey Click Simple Sneak Peek...

Today I've got a sneak peek of one of Papertrey's brand new Click Simple templates to share with you!

When I first saw this template, I knew right away that this would be my go-to box!  Easy to assemble with long and clean lines, this elegant template is the “Little Black Dress” of boxes!  The creative possibilities truly are endless, but here are a few I can’t wait to try out:  packaging handmade jewelry or trinkets, stack them inside of each other for a special surprise (it’s easy with the three different sizes included with the template), filling with a delicious treat, or creating custom party or shower favors!  I know you are going to love this box as much as I do! 

For my project, I created a unique baby gift by stacking four medium sized Back to Basics Boxes (each filled with a special surprise)!  You will find all of the details of my project (more photos, detailed supply list, and instructions) included with the template download!  This new template will be available from Papertrey Ink on January 15th!

Want to see more of this amazing template?  Betsy,  Jennifer, and Valerie (this month's guest designer) are also sharing peeks of the Back to Basics Box!  Oooh, and the countdown starts today over at Nichole's blog!  :-)

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Hugs, Laurie

An Apple Notebook For the Teacher...

Over the next few days, I thought I'd share with you some of the gifts that I've made!  I've made more gifts this year than I have in a long time, and I LOVE it!  There are so many people that I want to give a small gift to...especially those that invest in my children (Piano Teacher, Dance Instructor, Sunday School Teachers, Youth Group Leaders, and School Teachers).  While we will mostly be giving away baked goodies (Pumpkin Bread, Praztli's, Soft Ginger Cookies, & Spitzbuben), I do have some papercrafted presents to give away as well!  

Aren't these colors fun together?  I just love the fun, brightness of Aqua Mist, Spring Moss, & Pure Poppy together!  The Dark Chocolate and hint of Kraft add a slight homespun feel that I think will be perfect for the Teachers out here in our little rural school!

We've always homeschooled our kids, but recently they have been attending school "part-time" (most of their school is still done here at home, but they have been able to participate in art and other special activities at the school).  So, these cute little notebooks (along with some homemade goodies) will be J & B's gifts to give to their teachers! 

 

I used the Polka Dot Basics set to create a fun background on the Spring Moss layer.  The sentiment is from the Teacher's Apple set.  Of course I had to add some buttons (I chose Srping Moss)!  :-)  I can't even tell you how happy it makes me to have matching buttons!!

 I chose the type font from the Text Styles Background Basics set to create the background on the Aqua Mist layer.  I stamped three different patterns of apples (also from the Teacher's Apple set) onto Stamper's Select White cardstock, cut them out, popped them up using foam dots, and added a stems, leaves, & rhinestones.

 

Here's a little peek at the inside.  In addition to the White Notepad, I added a little flap that could serve as a pocket...just a little something extra.  :-)  

Thanks so much for stopping by!  ~Laurie

"Be My Valentine" Sneak Peek...

Tonight I have a peek of one of the brand new Click Simple templates from Papertrey Ink!  Just WAIT until you see these templates...SOOOO fun!!  It was such an honor to work with the "Window to My Heart" shape (designed by the very talented Kim Huges), which is one of four templates included in the "Be My Valentine" download!

Oh how I {heart} this template!  With so many different options, not only does it allow me to make a variety of different projects, but the value is incredible!  The card base template is perfect for creating quick cards that look like they took a lot of time!  Both the Outline and Stitching templates are great add-ons to cards, journals, scrapbook pages, or even framed art!  I just love the ability to resize the images to fit whatever project I have in mind!  I plan on using this template year round for Wedding cards, Friendship cards, Just Because cards, and of course Valentine’s cards!

The details on my project (complete with supply list, instructions, and detail photos) are included in the template download.  These new templates will debut on December 15th!

You can follow all of the Sneak Peek goodness over at Nichole's blog, as well as see more template peeks over at Kim, Charmaine, Geny, & Jennifer's blogs!

Thanks so much for stopping by!!  ~Laurie

Time For Takeout Sneak Peek!!

I am SOOOO excited about today's post!!  I have the incredible honor of sharing a sneak peek of one of My Timeless Template's soon to be released template, Time For Takeout!  (Insert major squeal here!!)  I am a huge fan of Papertrey Ink as well as Lauren's A*Mazing templates, so this is a complete dream for me! :-)  

 
  
When I first laid eyes on this box, I immediately thought of hostess gifts!  What a perfect container to hold chocolates, homemade candied almonds, or even non-food items such as jewelry or gift cards!  I decided to fill my box with small, individually wrapped gourmet cheeses - perfect for the cheese loving friend I will be giving this to!  I actually took inspiration from the red and white cheese packaging and created my box around it!  There is nothing better than a personalized handmade gift that is both easy and fun to create!

The complete instructions and supply list for this project are provided in the companion idea download that is a part of the Time For Takeout template download, and will be available  for purchase on November 15th!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you enjoyed the peek!  :-)  ~Laurie

WSC101 Thanks...

Happy Friday!!  This is my second post for today, so please scroll down or click HERE to see my first post (you won't want to miss the AWESOME blog candy opportunity!!)!

Have you ever had one of those days (or weeks LOL!) that you completely lose track of time?  That's me today...I had NO idea it was Friday!  I honestly thought it was Thursday!  Aack!  Somewhere along the way I lost a day! 

So, here's my {late} sample for Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge...

I used Papertrey Ink's Autumn Abundance set to create this thank you card.  After stamping the main image on Stamper's Select White c.s. I colored it in with my Copics and then framed it with one of the border stamps from Vintage Labels.  The Lemon Tart panel has embossed polka dots (from Polka Dot Basics II).  I stamped the "Thanks" stamp from Mega Mixed Messages onto a little tag (created from a punch).  I embossed diagonal lines using my Scor-Pal to create a textured background.  I then added some Enchanted Evening Luxe Satin ribbon, Buttons, a Dew Drop, and a punched border for embellishments.

You can see Beate's sketch HERE.  For some creative sketch inspiration, check out what Cami, Charmaine, Jenn, Lori, & Sharon  have made!  :-)

I hope you enjoy your day!  ~Laurie

Stamps:  Autumn Abundance, Polka Dot Basics II, Mega Mixed Messages, Vintage Labels (PTI)
Paper:  Stamper's Select White, Lemon Tart, Kraft c.s. (PTI)
Ink:  Tuxedo Black Memento ink, Enchanted Evening, Versamark
Accessories:  Copic markers, Enchanted Evening Luxe Satin ribbon (PTI), Enchanted Evening buttons (PTI), Martha Stewart Tag punch, Apron Lace border punch (Fiskars), Scor-Pal, Clear detail e.p.
 

Weekend Sketch Challenge #90 - Something Bright & Fun...

Happy, happy Friday!  The days are just flying by, aren't they?  We are now having "typical" July weather (in the 90's some days) and even though the sun doesn't set until 10:00 ish, the days still seem short!  There is so much I want to try and fit in before school starts!  I guess I better get on that, because summer is going to be over before I know it!  

You know what Friday means, don't you?  Another Weekend Sketch Challenge!  I am your hostess this week!  :-)  

I have an oval shape as the focal layer on the sketch, but feel free to use any shape you'd like!  That's exactly what I did for my sample...

 

I've had the Vintage Picnic set (from Papertrey) for a little while now and really wanted to get it out and use it!  After stamping the main image onto Vintage Cream c.s., I colored it in with my Copics.  I airbrushed the soft blue color behind the basket.  For embellishments, I added some Lemon Tart buttons (PTI), grosgrain ribbon, and some stitching.

If you'd like to play along, just link up your creation using Mr. Linky below!  When uploading to Splitcoast, use keyword WSC90.

For more Weekend Sketch Inspiration, please visit:  Beate, Cambria, Charmaine, Jenn, Lori, & Sharon!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you all enjoy your Weekend!  ~Laurie

Teapot Hello...

Hi!  Well, the room is coming along nicely!  DH hasn't been feeling well, but has managed to finish the floor!  We now just need to add the trim!  Woohoo!  Soon, I will be able to get all of my stamping and schooling supplies out of the living room (and dining room LOL)! 

Here's a card that I made last week... 

I just love it when cards come together quickly...and turn out exactly how I had envisioned them (that's actually a rare thing for me)!  I have completely fallen in love with Papertrey's Guide Lines II (here, I used it to create the background)...I had a beautiful background in no time using my Versamark and White craft ink pads!  The teapot and sentiment are both embossed using white detail embossing powder.  The focal layer was created using a Quick Kutz template.

The kids and I are actually out of town right now...but we should be back in a few days!  Hope you all are having a wonderful week!  :-)

Recipe   Stamps: Tea For Two, Guide Lines II, Mixed Messages, Fancy Flourishes (PTI)  Paper: Ocean Tides, White   Ink: Versamark, White craft ink   Other: White detail e.p., Martha Stewart tag punch, Ocean Tides satin ribbon, Button, Quick Kutz template, Rhinestones, Sewing machine

Some "Tweet" Little Love Notes...

Happy Weekend everyone!     Last night I had just a little time to stamp, so went to my shelf and pulled out the Bird Watching Additions set (which has set on my shelf since they arrived several weeks ago **hanging head in shame**).  I LOVE the different patterns of these birds and was excited to ink them up!    

I used this week's Weekend Sketch Challenge, and changed it only a little bit to fit the size of these cards (3 x 3).  I didn't add any sentiments, as I plan on wrapping these up and giving them as a gift.  I'm going to package them in a little Love Notes Box (click HERE for the tutorial).   

  

For this card I used Plum Pudding c.s., ink.  For the background I used Text Style Background Basics.  (All supplies are from Papertrey Ink). 

I chose Aqua Mist and Polka Dot Basics for this one.  Oh, I loved the heart on the first bird so much that I punched out a mini heart to add to the other birds...and added some Stardust Stickles for sparkle of course!  :-)

 

I think this is my favorite one!  There is just something about the Lemon Tart c.s. and Kraft together that I just love!  I stamped the background of this one with the Fancy Flourishes set.

Ok...I am going to have to get back to cleaning carpets!!  If I've learned anything, it's that cream colored carpet and THREE BOYS do NOT go together very well!!!!  LOL!

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!  ~Laurie

 

Color Blocked Floral Frenzy...

Happy Saturday!  I've been busy working on samples that I can't show you quite yet (hint-check back tomorrow :-), but had just a few minutes and I thought I'd whip up a quick card!

This card came together so quickly and effortlessly that I decided to make several all at once!  I purposefully left the front void of any sentiment, so that it could be added later (on the inside of course) as needed.  After I finished my card, I really couldn't believe that this was the first time that I've inked up my Floral Frenzy set (a Papertrey set designed by Melissa Bickford)!  Well, I can tell you this won't be the last you see of it, because I had way too much fun using it...and still have a ton of ideas I want to try!  :-)  

The color combo for this card actually came about from me being a slacker when it came to cleaning up my stamp room!  I was in a hurry the other day to put stuff away (I'm one of those stampers that has to clean up after EVERY project), so instead of filing my cardstock packages in the color-coded order I have them in usually...I just quickly put them in front of all of the others (thinking I would do it later as I had more time).  Well, this morning when i opened my cardstock drawer I saw these three colors together (Ocean Tides, Plum Pudding, & Ripe Avocado)...and was immediately smitten!

I'll admit that the black flower seemed a bit "dark" at first...but after I saw the finished product I concluded that it had a modern feel to it.  I used my new Blossom Spellbinder dies...along with a button, ribbon, Linen Thread, & a coordinating stamp (also from Floral Frenzy) to create it.

Well, I'm headed back to my stamp room!  A happy Saturday for me...  :-)   ~Laurie

Recipe   Stamps: Floral Frenzy (PTI)   Paper: Black, Kraft, Ocean Tides, Plum Pudding, Ripe Avocado (PTI)   Ink: Ocean Tides, Plum Pudding, Ripe Avocado, Black (PTI)   Other: Blossom Spellbinder dies, New Leaf Button (PTI), Black grosgrain ribbon (PTI), Linen Thread, Scallop border punch, Paper piercer

Inque Boutique Meets Everyday Blessings...

Happy Thursday!  Can you believe that it is the end of May??  I really can't believe it!!  Where did May go?    For us, spring is just beginning...and I am loving every minute of it!  I think that may be the reason that I am on this pastel color "kick"!  LOL!

I again, wanted to create a soft and springy card...but wanted it to look elegant.  I started with an Aqua Mist card base, and layered on a piece of patterned paper (from the Everyday Blessings collection by Papertrey).  I embossed this beautiful flower stamp (from Inque Boutique's Birdies set) with white embossing powder on vellum cardstock.  (I know, I know...I'm using vellum again...but I just can't seem to help myself!  LOL!)  I used the Ticket corner punch on each corner of the vellum and then added a small adhesive backed pearl.  To finish the card, I used some Aqua Mist satin ribbon and a small piece of Narrow White organdy ribbon to tie my Thinking of You sentiment (also from the Birdies set) that I had embossed onto a vellum tag (made with the Spellbinders Tag Trio dies).  The vellum tag by itself didn't show up enough against the vellum background layer, so I backed it with some Spring Moss cardstock.

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

 Recipe

Stamps:  Birdies (Inque Boutique)    Paper:  Aqua Mist, Spring Moss, Everyday Blessings (Papertrey Inc.), Whisper White, Vellum c.s.    Ink: Versamark    Other:  White e.p., Ticket corner punch, Aqua Mist satin ribbon, White organdy ribbon, Pearls (Hero Arts), Spellbinders Tag Trio dies