Just Give Me Stamps...

Taylored Expressions Release Day!

It's release day at Taylored Expressions!  There are four brand new sets available:  Discover Your Wings, Sweet Occasions, Crafty Cuppie, & Crafty Expressions!

 It's also the day that the Taylored Expressions Newsletter comes out, and this time I have the privilege of being the featured designer!  :-)  If you haven't yet signed up for the newsletter, you can do so from the home page of the Taylored Expressions store!

This is the project I created for the Newsletter.  In the interview I describe my design process...and this card is a good example of the steps I go through in creating!

I used the new Discover Your Wings set to create this colorful card...that and some Versamagic Dew Drops (I love to emboss), Spellbinder's tags, buttons, and a Quickutz embossing folder!   

All of the above cards and box (Taylor's Perfect Package box) were created using the new Discover Your Wings set and the Bloom & Grow Card Kit!  These new kits contain everything you need to create a coordinating gift set...the packaging included!  :-)

Here are some close-up pictures of the cards....

 

And here's a picture of it all wrapped up (using some of the beautiful ribbon included in the Bloom & Grow Kit)...

 
  
Come blog hoppin' with me to see what the Baker's Dozen girls have cooked up with Crafty Cuppie and Crafty Expressions today.

Charmine
Dawn
Donna
Jackie
Jami
Jodi
Karen G.
Karen M.
Nancy
Sankari
Sharon
Taylor

Be sure to leave some love along the way because one lucky commenter will win a Crafty Cuppie stamp set! How cool is that?

All you have to do is leave a comment on each Baker's Dozen blog today for the best chance to win! One lucky winner will be chosen at random from all of the comments on one of the blogs, but the trick is that nobody knows which blog it will be! You have until 6am PST on Saturday to enter. The winner will be announced Monday morning on Taylor's blog.

Thnanks for stopping by!  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  ~Laurie

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek - Sweet Occassions...

 It's day two of the December Taylored Expressions sneak peeks!  Today, the Baker's Dozen is sharing projects made with Sweet Occasions (available tomorrow, December 4th at 8 am PST)!  This super cute set was created in collaboration with non other than Jami Sibley!!  Congrats, Jami!!  :-)

 
 
 My card was inspired by this very colorful and fun patterned paper (from Cosmo Cricket's The Boyfriend collection).  The Choice Buttercream c.s. is embossed using my Quickutz Polka Dot embossing folder.  Of course I had to add some Stickles to the cherry and the frame...I mean, it's almost impossible for me to not create a card without it!  (((Grin)))

Come blog hoppin' with me to see what the Baker's Dozen girls have cooked up with Sweet Occasions today...

Charmaine
Dawn
Donna
Jackie 
Jami
Jodi
Karen G.
Karen M.
Sankari
Sharon
Taylor

Be sure to leave some love along the way because one lucky commenter will win a Sweet Occasions stamp set! How cool is that?

All you have to do is leave a comment on each Baker's Dozen blog today for the best chance to win! One lucky winner will be chosen at random from all of the comments on one of the blogs, but the trick is that nobody knows which blog it will be! You have until 6am PST on Friday to enter. The winner will be announced Friday morning on Taylor's blog.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Hugs, Laurie

 
Stamps:  Sweet Occasions (Taylored Expressions)
Paper:  Choice Buttercream c.s., The Boyfriend Collection (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink:  Rich Cocoa Memento ink
Accessories:  Copic markers, Christmas Stickles, Polka Dots Quickutz embossing folder, Red grosgrain ribbon (SU!), Paper piercer, White gel pen

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek - Discover Your Wings...

Today, the Baker's Dozen DT is sharing sneak peeks of the soon to be released Discover Your Wingsset (available for purchase on Friday, December 4th at 8 am PST)!

Every three months, Taylored Expressions comes out with a new "Giving Tree" set, as well as a new charity to support.  When you purchase this beautiful set (illustrated by Nancy McKinney), Taylored Expressions will donate $7 to Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.

The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation is a charity that administers a network of almost 7000 photographers in the US and 25 other countries who volunteer their time to gently provide a helping hand and healing heart to families who have suffered the loss of an infant by offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner. NILMDTS is there for parents and families to help them in their healing, bring hope to their future, and to honor their child. They believe that it is through remembrance that a family can truly begin to heal. Taylored Expressions is honored to help support the work of this wonderful charity. I encourage you to go to their website and learn more about their wonderful work.

For my card, I chose to use the large floral silhouette image.  I decided to try my hand at the Stamping with Bleach technique...and I just LOVE the soft lemon-y look that it produced on my Kraft cardstock!  I kept the design very simple, adding just some lace trim, ribbon, pearls, & some subtle shimmer on the flowers.

Come blog hoppin' with me to see what the Baker's Dozen girls have cooked up with Discover Your Wings today.

Charmine
Dawn
Donna
Jackie
Jami
Jodi
Karen G.
Karen M.
Nancy
Sankari
Sharon
Taylor

Be sure to leave some love along the way because one lucky commenter will win a Discover Your Wings stamp set! How cool is that?

All you have to do is leave a comment on each Baker's Dozen blog today for the best chance to win! One lucky winner will be chosen at random from all of the comments on one of the blogs, but the trick is that nobody knows which blog it will be! You have until 6am PST on Thursday to enter. The winner will be announced Friday morning on Taylor's blog.

Thanks for stopping by!  ~Laurie

 
Stamps:  Discover Your Wings (Taylored Expressions)
Paper:  Kraft c.s. (PTI), Anna Griffin patterned paper, Choice Buttercream c.s.
Ink:  Ocean Tides (PTI), Antique Linen Distress Ink
Accessories:  Bleach, Spica Glitter pens, Pearls, Lace trim, Ric-Rac, Lemon Tart satin ribbon (PTI)

Quick & Elegant Note Card Set...

What?  It's Friday already??  How in the world did that happen??  LOL!  Anyone else feeling very unprepared for the upcoming Holiday season?  I need almost hyperventilate just thinking about it...  I guess there goes my big plan of being completely finished by the end of November!  Teeheheee!

I've got a very quick little note card set to share with you tonight.  When I say quick...boy, I really mean quick!  And at the rate I'm going on completing my Christmas gifts...this is right up my alley!  LOL!

I used some brushed gold cardstock to create a custom package for my note cards.

A little peek of what's inside!  :-)

Here's an inside view of my card box.  Very simple...yet it does it's job well!  :-) 

Now...don't fall out of your chair or anything...but I made a ONE LAYER card!!!!!  I KNOW!!!!!!  :-)  When I was in Missoula with Tosh, I picked up some notecards and matching envelopes at a little paper shop we stopped at.  I knew I wanted to keep my design simple (and easily mailable), so I thought a little embossing would be perfect.  I chose this beautiful swirly leaf image from the Celebrate Life set (Taylored Expressions) and embossed it using Gold Detail embossing powder and pierced a partial circle around it using the Dots All Around template.  The "Blessings" sentiment (from the Celebrate Life set) is also embossed in gold.  

To coordinate with the card, I embossed the same swirly leaf image on the bottom left corner of the matching envelope.

I didn't do a very good job capturing the the shine of the gold embossing powder...but in real life it is very regal looking!  :-)

One more Christmas gift finished....woohoooo!  :-)  So how about you?  Are you all finished making/buying your gifts?  If so, what's your secret?!!?  LOL!

Thanks for stopping by!  ~Laurie

 
Stamps:  Celebrate Life(Taylored Expressions)
Paper:  Notecard set (picked it up in Missoula), Brushed Gold c.s. (SU!)
Ink:  Versamark
Accessories:  Gold Detail e.p., Corner Chomper, Dots All Around stencil, Melon Berry satin ribbon

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
 

Celebrate Life...

Well, it's here!  The Fifth of the month has arrived...and that means that there are new sets available at the Taylored Expressions store!  :-) 

This morning I have a card to share with you that I made with the new Celebrate Life set.  I have to tell you, that this is one GORGEOUS set!!  Sooo pretty, and so full of possibilities!

The first image to catch my eye was this swirly leaf stamp!  It immediately reminded me of some patterned paper that I used to have...and adored!  I knew right away that I wanted to use it to create my own "patterned paper".

I decided that a pocket card would be the best way to show off my new "patterned paper"!  LOL!  After embossing the swirly leaf image onto some solid patterned paper, I stitched it onto a card so that it made a pocket.  I added some pom-pom trim and then inserted a stamped bookmark.

The flower image is stamped onto Choice Buttercream c.s. using Bamboo Leaves Memento ink.  The sentiment (also from the Celebrate Life set) is embossed at an angle..to mimic the slanted pocket angle.

To finish the card off, I added just a bit of Diamond Stickles to the ends of the flower, a decorative brad and some ribbon, and a punched border.

You will definitely want to see what the other Baker's Dozen girls have created!  You can check them out here:  Charmaine, Dawn, Denise, Donna, Jackie, Jami, Jodi, Karen G., Karen M., Laura, Sankari, Sharon, & of course Taylor!

I hope you have a wonderful day!!  ~Laurie
 

 
 

Sweet Indulgence Sneak Peek...

Hi!  I'm back with another peek (or two) of a brand new Taylored Expressions set called Sweet Indulgence!

How cute is that cuppie!!?!  I can't help but smile every time I see this image...I just love it!  I thought a cute little circle card would be fun with this relaxed little cuppie!  I used the patterned paper (My Mind's Eye) and flowers from the Spa Key Ingredients.

Here's a little close-up so you can see the Crackle Glaze (Ranger) I put on the tub, the Silver Smooch I used on the tub's feet, and the little bit of Stickles I added to the bubbles!  

Here's another card I made...same set (Sweet Indulgence) and same Spa Key Ingredients (My Mind's Eye patterned paper, Ribbon, Flowers, & Prism cardstock), but a completely different feel!  :-)  This set, along with the Spa Key Ingredients kit will be available tomorrow morning (Thursday September 5th) at 9 a.m Pacific Time!

Make sure to check out what the other Baker's Dozen ladies have created:  Charmaine, Dawn, Denise, Donna, Jackie, Jodi, Karen G., Karen M., Laura, Sankari, Sharon, & of course Taylor!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  ~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