Hand Stamped By Lacey

High Hopes Sneak Peek Day 1 - Candy Wrapper Tutorial

Hello stamping friends!

It's Day 2 of the High Hopes Release Sneak Peeks.

Tonight at 12:01am EST/5:01am GMT, the Blog Hop will begin. As soon as the stamps start going up on the High Hopes Website, I will be adding them to my store Stamp and Create as well.

Today we are supposed to be showing one of the awesome new Dustin Pike Dragons that are being released this week. Unfortunately, due to my recent move, I was unable to find the time to finish my card.

But I do have the tutorial I created for the Candy Wrapper I showed yesterday.

Here we go...

Supplies:

~ 5.5" x 5.5" piece of Card Stock or thick Patterned Paper

~ Scor-Tape or other strong adhesive

~ Stamped image to decorate

~ Standard Hershey Candy Bar (not shown in picture below).

To create my own patterned paper, I used the new "Gears Border" being released this week and stamped the image onto the card stock... 

Then I scored the Card Stock at:

1.5", 1.75", 3.75", and 4.0"...

Decorate the front of the wrapper. I used the new "Programed to Party Candy Wrapper" being released this week...

Add Scor-Tape or strong adhesive along one side... 

And wrap the candy bar... 

This image also makes a great Bookmark as well! Plus, you can use it on tall cards as well.

This stamp along with the rest will be released tomorrow!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!

~Lacey

Trick or Treat Cat and Mouse - Stamp and Create Halloween sale

Hello stamping friends!!

Well, I had a blast this weekend at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. But I think I did drink a "little" too much! But it was worth it!!

Before I get to today's project, I wanted to mention that I missed the Scrap and Stamp Saturday Scrapbook Challenge this weekend since I was out of town and didn't get my layout done in time. However, I wanted to mention the challenge in case you want to play along.

The Scrap and Stamp Saturday challenge is: Painted frames. 

Go check out the challenge post.The challenge is open to 2 weeks.

This week's product spotlight at Stamp and Create is an extension of the Halloween Category spotlight. All stamps in the Halloween Category are on sale at least 25% off!

Just remember that many of these stamps will NOT be restocked - so grab them while you can!

The awesome Stamp and Create Design Team have created wonderful projects this week. So make sure to check out the store blog for their wonderful creations!

For my project today, I created another of the mini-treat bags that I am creating for a few special neighbors... 

This is the adorable Trick or Treat Cat and Mouse from Tina Wenke for Stampavie. 

I used some Black Silk Ribbon, Black Pom Pom fringe, and Basic Grey Kioshi DP.

The image was embossed in black and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os... 

This is also for the A Spoon Full of Sugar Challenge: Boo.

I'll be back tomorrow with the new High Hopes Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Release and Blog Hop!!

Hello Stamping Friends!! Today is the long awaited High Hopes Blog Hop and Release!!

You should have arrived from Karen. If not, then you may want to head on over to the top of the Hop at the High Hopes Blog. Why? Because along the hop there are 4 blogs that have been chosen to give away 2 free new release stamps!! You won't know which blogs they are, so you should leave a comment on each one just in case!

So...today is the release day for the latest High Hopes stamps illustrated by the awesome Sir Dustin aka Dustin Pike! I think there are 33 images and 5 sentiments that are being released today!!

And guess what?...they are already up on my store :-) Tina...the fabulous owner of High Hopes Rubber Stamps allowed us to upload the stamps a little early!!

Today I have a fun Father's Day project to share using the super cute Handy Dragon and Four Tool Set...

I just LOVE Dustin's dragons!! And this one is no exception. When I first saw this image, I knew I wanted to make this little tool caddy (template from My Time Made Easy). I plan to add some of my hubby's favorite things...like a gift certificate to block buster, and his favorite restaurant, some chocolates, and a note from the kids.

The image and tools were embossed in black and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os...

I'm going to have to grab this back from Ryan, though!! He saw it and decided it was a good place to put his "silly-bands" (do your kids have those?).

The blog hop will remain open until Wednesday 12pm GMT/7am EST. 

Your next stop is the fabulous Sarah!

Don't forget about the Stamp and Create Challenge this month...charms!!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey  

High Hopes Challenge - Anything but a card

Hello again! And Happy Easter! I hope you all woke up to a wonderful egg hunt from the Easter Bunny (the dentist's arch enemy)!!LOL

So last night we had tickets to the Florida Panther's Hockey game on the first row...on the glass!! And, you guessed it, Ryan came down with a croupy sounding cough (again) and a low grade fever!! So I stayed home with Ryan and Scott took Ansley to the game. The ref gave Ansley a hockey puck! So she was totally thrilled to come home with one of the game pucks! Of course that will be a scrapbook layout for a later date (wink)!!

Anyway, this week we have a great challenge by Jeanette...Anything but a card!! I was afraid at first since I really didn't have much time to work on something, but then I remembered a template I had and thought it would make a great "thank you" gift for my neighbors who invited us over for a little egg hunt on saturday.

Well...I finished the layout about 15 minutes after Scott and Ansley left for the game...WITH THE CAMERA!!! So, please excuse the photo...it was taken with my iphone...

 
Isn't this purse cute?! I bought this template from PTI to use for Ansley's party favors for her birthday. I added some Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety DP, and a Big Scalloped Oval layer behind "Bunny with Gift".

I added some liquid applique to his tail and chest fur and stickles to the bow on the egg (although, you can't see it in the photo).

I hope you will play along with our challenge this week! You can anything from a scrapbook layout, to an altered notebook or picture frame, a box, bag, or purse, a gift card holder, alter a can and turn it into a pencil holder...there are so many different things you can do. Just remember, you must use a High Hopes stamp to be entered into the drawing for the free stamp!!

And don't forget to link your project to the High Hopes Challenge Post!

We have a busy day planned today. But who knows what we will actually end up doing...it all depends on how Ryan is feeling...and how I am feeling...I don't feel so great myself!! GREAT!!

Have a very Happy Easter!! Thank you Jesus, for the wonderful gift of life you gave to us through your death and resurrection!!

We took this photo the other day at the mall. Ansley was on her 3rd time watching High School Musical 3 for the day - it was time to get her out of the house!! It's hard to have kids on Spring Break with you have to work!!

Wags 'n Whiskers Challenge DT - a Tag or Bookmark

Well, all I can say is...thank goodness it's Friday!! Apparently I have come down with a head cold!! I guess this wacky weather is really messing with me! One day we are almost 80 degrees, then the next it's windy, overcast, and the temperature ranges from the 40's over night to upper 60's during the day! Hot, cold, hot, cold...means...lots of colds!! So every time I lean over, my nose starts to run!! And my hands are raw from it being cool out and from washing my hands a million times after blowing my sore nose!!

I started the week out great...I got a head start on my DT projects and was excited that I was going to be ahead of schedule!! Then I realized that I made a card using NEXT week's challenge!! DOH! Well, I guess I AM ahead of schedule...a whole week ahead!! LOL

The challenge this week is to create a tag or book mark.

I almost sat this one out. But while I was finishing up my scrapbook layout for tomorrow's Scrap and Stamp Challenge (which also uses a Wags 'n Whiskers image), I decided to try some of the same products to create a "Tim Holtz/Grunge" style tag...

So what do you think? I started with some bare coasterboard (thin chipboard). I stamped En Fransais from SU in Melon Mambo ink. Then I stamped the damask image (from PTI) in SU Soft Suede and inked up the edges with soft suede ink. Then I added some Distress Crackle Paint in the center of the tag. I heat embossed it (since I was too lazy and sick to wait for it to try on it's own), then I embossed "Say a Prayer" in black over top.

I added some new May Arts Crochet Ribbon, some Prima Mini Roses (Jewel Tones), and added stickles to the roses and on Ansley's dress and wings. I added a little pink to her cheeks and lips.

You may be able to see the crackle affect better if you click on the pictures to make it larger. 

This only took me about 15 total to make.

Now it's your turn...use a Wags 'n Whiskers stamp and create a tag or bookmark. Make sure to upload it to Mr Linky on the challenge post for the chance to win a stamp of your choice. And if you would like a chance to be a guest for one of our challenges, make sure to add "DT" after your name in Mr. Linky.

Make sure to check out the rest of the DT projects! I was really amazed all of the different styles and uses of tags.

Also, if you haven't checked out the Stamp and Create Store Blog, there are lots of inspiring projects by the DT and product updates. Plus the new Weekly Wednesday Candy is also posted.

~Lacey

My birthday boy!

First off I have to say that I have a VERY busy week planned! Monday - replacing the Air Conditioning unit. Wednesday - furniture delivery for the livingroom (now that we have a formal living room again, we need furniture to fill it)!. On Thursday, my mom and step father will be in town through Sunday. We are going to the University of Miami vs Clemson University football game on saturday plus visiting some family.

And then I just found out that my Aunt is having surgery on thursday for either Ovarian or Uterine cancer that they just found out about! I'm not sure which one, my uncle's email mentioned both. Please keep her in your prayers!

Anyway, onto my project today...

As I mentioned, yesterday was my son's 5th birthday! I can't believe my baby is FIVE!! Where does the time go?

So, since I made a birthday countdown calender for my daughter (here), he wanted one, too!

I made this one for him earlier in the month using one of "his" stamps! This is Super Ryan illustrated by Crissy Armstrong for Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps. I created the calender on the computer and added some punched stars and Papertrey Ink buttons. The DP is My Mind's Eye "boy" pack. The Black Ric Rak is from my store.

Now that his countdown is over, I will remove the elements and recycle them into a card or scrapbook page.

This project fits the ABC Challenge this week..."F - Flying"! Ok, so maybe he can't really fly...but he can pretend to, right?! LOL

Here's a few pictures from his birthday party on saturday. We had it at a bounce house place. It was great, really clean, and the kids had a ton of fun!

Ryan getting ready to slide down one of the huge slides.

Check out this huge inflatable chair!! Ryan is standing on it (yes, that is the table at his feet...that shows how huge it is). I added the signature over the girl's face because I couldn't figure out how to use the "blur" tool in Photoshop.

Blowing out the candles on his Hot Wheels cake (he picked it out just so he could have that car on top!

Only one of the few shots of Ansley at the party. I had to crop this one to get the other kids out of the shot.

Anyway, it was a very fun birthday party. 

I have a bunch of new stamps on their way to my store Stamp and Create. And don't forget about the Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps pre-order.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Wags 'n Whiskers Blog Hop and Release Day!!

I can not believe this day is finally here! Although it was actually only a few months ago that my partner Nikki and I even talked about going into business together...but at the same time it feels like FOREVER!!

Today is the day! Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps is having our very first Blop Hop and release!!!

You should have come here from Mina's blog. If you didn't, you may want to start at the VERY begining! There is blog candy on each blog, so you don't want to miss anyone!!

First my project...Snowman Soup!

I made this box using my tutorial here. The adorable image is called Zoe and Gemma's Snow Fun. Zoe is Nikki's oldest daughter with her "fat cat" Gemma. Last year it snowed in England and Zoe, her sister Danni, and their cat Gemma had fun playing in the snow! Since I am from Florida, we have to travel to see snow :-( Here's an interesting fact...it snowed in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida when I was in Kindergarten!! I actually still remember it!! Of course it melted before it even hit the ground! So, technically, the first time I ever saw "real" snow, was when I was 19 years old and I went skiing in W. Virginia.

Back to my project...Here's a few different angles...

Here's a close up of the front which uses this week's SCS sketch SC249...

 
And a close up of the image...

 
I used Liquid Applique on the pompoms on their hats, and some Martha Stewart chunky glitter for snow...look...it's snowing still!!

I used one of my snowflake charms and spacers on the snowflake. The DP is some Basic Grey Figgy Pudding that will be available as another card kit soon at Stamp and Create.

So what's on the inside of the bag?...

Why Snowman Soup of course (Hot Chocolate, Marshmellows, and pepermint candies). I created the bag topper for the candies using some Basic Grey paper die cut with the SU Top Note Die. I added a snowflake and another brad....easy peasy!

Ok. Now onto the prize!! I am giving away "Zoe and Gemma's Snow Fun"!! Pease leave a comment on this post in order to be entered into the drawing. The blog candy ends tonight at midnight EST/5:00amGMT.

The entire release will be available for pre-order today at 7:00amEST/noonGMT. Links to where you can purchase the stamps are on the Wags 'n Whiskers Blog. I will link it here after they go live.

Don't forget that I actually have more blog candy here.

Now it is time to go see Kristine!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Let it begin!!! Wags 'n Whiskers Sneak Peek Day 1...

Oh I can hardly contain myself! For the past two months I have been waiting (not so) patiently...trying to be quiet about it all...but now I get to scream my excitement!! As "Rhino" from Disney's movie Bolt says...."let it begin...let it begin"!!!

Today is Day 1 of the Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps Sneak Peeks. The design divas have some wonderful creations for you today! If you haven't already been to their blogs yet, I will have links at the bottom of the post.

In the mean time, here is a project I made using one of the images featuring my VERY active 4 (almost 5...in less than 2 weeks) son Ryan!

 
This image is called "Super Ryan" designed by Crissy Armstrong for Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps!! The image features Ryan's trusty dog blanket "BoBo" (pronounced Bow-bow like a hair "bow" with a "long o", not boo boo). Ryan sleeps with BoBo every night...but he's not allowed to take him out of the house...ok, the car...sometimes he makes it into the car! Here's a picture of Ryan (in PJs with BoBo).

 
I know that stamping for girls is something easy to do...but boys?!...they are not so easy, huh?!

When determining the ideas for the Ryan images, we tried to think about what the images will be used for. Scrapbooking is high on my priority for these images...but so is party invitations and gifts. So, as soon as I saw Lauren Meader's backpack she created for her son, I knew I wanted to case her idea (using her template of course) to create a birthday gift set.

 
I am actually thinking of using these to hold the party favors for Ryan's birthday party...but it is less than 2 weeks away, so I don't know if I will get that many done.

Anyway, I used Lauren's backpack as a guide, but just added Super Ryan to the front.

Here's a few different angles...

 And the back...isn't that adorable?!

I needed a card to match....

I used the same Designer Paper (My Mind's Eye "Completely Boy"), a punched star, a PTI button, and a computer generated sentiment punched out with the SU oval punch.

Here's a closer view of Super Ryan!!

 
I remember my brother running around the house playing Superman...he's 30 now so it's funny how my brother and my son both can play the same character 25 years apart!!

We initially designed Ryan to be wearing PJs...because typically that is what Ryan would prefer to wear!! There are days where he gets out of one set of PJs just to put another set on!!

But I think Crissy Armstrong did a fantastic job with the design so that it can either look like PJs or just a short and top set!

Funny story...when we first started talking about "turning the kids into stamp images", Ryan didn't want to have anything to do with it! I thought he was just being shy. But the day we received the first draft of this image, Ryan had a huge smile on his face! I said "I thought you didn't want to be in a stamp" and he responded..."I thought you would actually TURN me into a stamp!! LOL Oh I do forget sometimes how LITERALLY a 4 year old thinks!!! He's fine with it now I think ;-)

All of the images in the sneak peeks on the Design Diva's blogs will be available for pre-sale on Friday.

We will have another sneak peek tomorrow.

Then on friday, we will have a blog hop with lots of prizes along the way, and you will be able to pre-order the images!! I can't wait!!

Oh, don't forget about my blog candy here!

But now, make sure to check out the other diva's projects...

Inge Groot

Kristine Moldenhauer Biseth

Danielle Kennedy

Karen Goguen

Jacqui Dennis

Tina

Jeanette Comerford

Niki Estes

Nikki Fairbairn - Co-Owner of Wags 'n Whiskers Rubber Stamps

Denise Sanchez - Guest Diva

Mina Hartley- Special Guest

Debbie Eastman- Special Guest

~Lacey

TGIF!!! And Damask Scripture Balls

Let me tell you how glad I am that it's friday!! As I posted earlier in the week, Ansley and I weren't feeling well. Ansley still has a cough, but no fever, no more throwing up, so she only missed one day of school. I have been going to bed early every night, so I am starting to feel a little revived!

However...yesterday happened!! Oh my goodness...I was just having one of those days when everything could go wrong. I received some bad news, which took over my whole mood. All day nothing went my way. Then finally, it was time to prepare dinner. I had partially defrosted chicken in the refrigerator, but it still was pretty hard in the afternoon so I left it on the counter to finish defrosting. Well, apparently it's just too hot, or too humid and the chicken was spoiled by the time I was ready to make it (it was only out for a few hours). So, in my bad mood, I just shoved it down the garbage disposal...and it clogged up the sink! I got the punger out which ened up making it worse. Poored draino down it which make it worse. At one point I turned the disposal back on to see if it would help clear it out...and it spewed rotten chicken water all over the kitchen!!

$250 for a plumber later...it's fixed!!

So, I was hoping for a better day today. While packing Ansley's backpack, we found some homework that was due today. So Scott helped her do it and we drove to the bus stop...just to get in while they were ready to leave. The other parents held the bus for us (and 2 other girls that were walking) and off they go. I get home to find her homework ON THE COUNTER!!! Are you kidding me?! Now I get to make a trip to the school this morning!!

Therefore, I am glad this week is almost over...I am ready to put it behind me. Do you ever have any of those days?!

On to today's post. I am glad I have something to share (since I haven't been feeling well this week, I haven't created anything new). These are the scripture balls I made for Ansley's 1st grade teacher for her daughter's wedding...

I am so happy with how these turned out. I made a total of 17 of these, but not all of them fit on the table.

I used SU Basic Black for the card bases.The white is just plain CS I got at Walmart. The scriptures where printed on the computer. The Damask stamp was in the $1 section of Michaels awhile ago. The organza ribbons are from JoAnns.

I also printed their name and wedding date on the computer and punched it out with the new SU tag punch.

Anyway, I am really hoping today gets better, my headache goes away, and that I meet some wonderful new friends at MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers) today!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

My first Divine Design (late): Job 5:9-10

He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. He bestows rain on the earth; he sends water upon the countryside. Job 5:9-10

I have been watching on the sidelines for a least a year now seeing beautiful posts by Taylor and Angel for their monthly Devine Design challenges! Well, this month, I decided it was time to play along!!

After making this project for my daughter's birthday countdown, I enjoyed see this project on the refigerator. So, I decided to hand make a calender each month for our fridge! And what a perfect place to include a bible verse as well!

I have to be honest, the bible verse and stamped image I chose was inspired by the DAILY thunderstorms we have been having for the past 2 weeks here in "sunny" South Florida!! LOL I moved away from this area over 7 years ago...and how quickly I forgot about the DAILY summer thunder storms...yes, while the rest of the world gets to enjoy Autumn...it is still considered "Summer" here!! Hot and muggy...add in daily rain storms...and you get HIGH humidity (aka Bad Hair days)!!

So, I pulled out this adorable image from High Hopes Rubber Stamps called Mary Angel. I have been wanting this image since I first saw it and I finally got it last week when my wholesale order arrived in my store! Yes, it is available in my store Stamp and Create!

I printed the calender and bible verse on the computer (yes, I am aware I made an error on September 2nd, but I didn't notice it until I was completely done with the project GRRRR)!!

I love this verse....Job went through some "stuff", yet he was still able to stand in his beliefs. This verse is a wonderful reminder (especially to me), that God does wonderful things...more than can be counted...yet He still remembers simple things...things that WE take for granted...and, yes, even get mad about (guilty)...like rain for the earth!

The image was embossed in black onto watercolor paper and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os...

I added an awesome umbrella charm, used the SU eyelet border punch, SU Bermuda Bay Dotted ribbon and CS, MME DP, some primas, pearl brads, and stickles for lost of glitter. I also added some crystal effects on the puddle...

I hope you can see it in the photo.

Anyway, Niki Estes has a great Christmas idea that she does every year. She creates a calender with matching scrapbook pages for the following year, scans them, prints multiple copies, and binds them as Christmas gifts for the Grandparents! I really want to be able to do this. However, I will have to start with another calender page...my scanner can only handle 8 1/2" x 11" and since the image is popping off the page, it won't scan completely. I plan on starting it next month!

Anyway, I had a really great time playing along with this challenge. It feels great that I finally did it!!

Ansley received some wonderful cards for her birthday (some from my blog candy challenge and some just from friends). I am trying to get photos of all of them, then I will announce the winners of my blog candy tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge 44 - Wrap it up!

It's time for another High Hopes Challenge! This week our wonderful Hostess is Inge!! Gosh, I just love all of the layers she adds to her cards!

Anyway, Inge's challenge is called Wrap it up! Create anything that can hold something...candy holder, pencil holder, box, gift bag...anything! Just make sure to use a High Hopes Rubber Stamp for your image!

I wanted to create a new box template. Something that I can hold more stuff or a box that holds my larger 5 1/2" square cards. So, I got out some paper and pencil and worked out the dimensions...

I am so thrilled with how this turned out (especially since it worked on the first try)! The box measures 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" x 2 3/4" tall. I will try to create a tutorial for you soon. I will have to make another box since I didn't take photos of this one as I was making it.

I used the awesome Weekend Sketch over at Beate John's blog Fresh & Fun. I thought it would really work nice for the top of the box...

I used SU Ridinghood Red for the box base (Retired - I stocked up on a few packs before they retired). The DP is SU Christmas Cocoa Specialty Paper from the Holiday Mini. The white Damask design is actually flocked!! I used the Circle and Scalloped Circle Nestabilities for the layers and some Making Memories ribbon (I LOVE this ribbon and I only have about 6" left).

The image is Sitting Santa available through my store Stamp and Create. I embossed Santa in black onto Watercolor paper and watercolored him using Twinkling H2Os. I added some Liquid Applique to his coat and hat.

For the last detail, I added some awesome pom-pom ribbon I got from Joann's awhile ago.

Now it's your turn to play along. Here are a few tutorials on boxes, bags, and wrappers that I have created in the past if you want to get some ideas....

A2 Box

The Perfect Gift Bag/Gift Box

Card Folder Holder

Candy wrapper

Just make sure to add a High Hopes image (it can even be a tag) in order to play along. Don't forget to link your project to the High Hopes Challenge to be entered into the drawing for the FREE stamps!! And if you upload your project to SCS, make sure to use keyword HHC44!

Edited to say...We now have Mr. Linky! Make sure to link your card through Mr. Linky NOT in the comment section on the Challenge Post.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Rockin' Purse

So how was your weekend? We had a great time. We went back to North Florida for the labor day weekend and to have a surprise birthday party for Ansley! Oh, was she surprised!!! I don’t think it hit her until after a few minutes and I swear she was about to cry when everyone yelled “Surprise”!! But within seconds, she was scooped away into the dressing room to start her transformation into a Pop Star!!

I will share pictures from the party soon (I still need to download the pictures). But in the mean time, I wanted to share the party favors that I made…

Aren’t they awesome?! I am just tickled pink with how they turned out. Of course, the idea wasn’t totally my own. I knew I wanted to make some girly-like purse so I went looking at Lauren Meader’s Timeless Templates available through Papertrey Ink. I am a huge fan of Lauren’s work. Before I purchased a template, I searched Lauren’s blog for all of the template samples. I fell in love with this purse she created, so I used that for my inspiration. In fact, I found the exact same jewelry pieces she used at Michael’s. But since I had to make so many, I didn’t want the cost to be too much, I didn’t use the purse closure like Lauren did. But I still like how they turned out.

I also went a little overboard with the pictures at different angles.

Anyway, I used SU Basic Black for the base and Melon Mambo for the front and back pieces. I embossed SU Bella Toile in white onto the front and back pieces. I diecut the monogrammed letters using the Sizzix Serif essentials onto SU On board Long Board chip board pieces. I embossed the black pieces using PTI Polka Dot Basics, then I die cut them as well and glued them to the chipboard pieces. I added some hot pink Prima flowers, added some SU Crystal Brads, and a Star Charm. The ribbon on the handles are from PTI.

The party favors included lip gloss, mini nail polish, candy necklace, ring op candy, and a personalized bracelet that I made.

The girls were thrilled to receive their little purses andgifts.

If you haven’t  tried Lauren’s Templates, you really should give them a try! They are so easy to make and very well designed. Each template is only $5.00 each and many of the designs come with a mini version as well (I used the large Pretty Petal Pocket template for the party favors). And if you want to try them before you purchase one, PTI offers 2 free templates!! Go check it out!

Don’t forget that I am offering blog candy for the opening of my new online store!! Remember, I am only just getting started. I will be adding more products in the future!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Pop-up Scripture Ball

I've been very busy this week working on party favors for my daughter's surprise birthday party next weekend! I have been trying to sneak making them while she is at school.

But with the start of school this week, it's been hectic!

I do have a few projects that I have to share, but I need to take photos. I also received a wonderful RAK, but the pictures I took ended up blurry so I have to retake them. Since I have family coming over for dinner tonight, I am going to share something I made awhile ago, but never posted...

I actaully made these for the Ryan's teachers and preschool administrators at the end of the last school year...

I used the Pop-Up Ball die from Sizzix (which is available through Stampin' Up). I used SU Ridinghood Red for the base and Bella Rose DP (both retired now).

I printed up some of my favorite bible verses, printed them on the computer, then cut them up and attached them to the ball.

I added some ribbon and a large flower to the top. And added some butterflies using the another Sizzix die which is exclusive to Stampin' Up.

Here are some other angles...

 
This particular ball was created for one of the teachers who is fighting bone cancer. So these verses are about healing and not being afraid. The other teacher's received different verses.

I actually am making 20 of these (with the other verses) in a different design for Ansley's teacher from last year. She is using it for table decorations and party favors for her daughter's wedding. As soon as I have the chance, I need to take pictures of those, too!

Well, I am glad this week is over! It was hard readjusting to a busy school schedule. But I think we are getting there! The kids have a little homework to do over the weekend. Ryan starts Karate next week! He is very excited.

Speaking of Ryan, I have posted many times about how much of a handful he can be. He's not a bad child who hits or fights or anything like that. He's just VERY active, and has selective hearing (meaning...he doesn't always listen)!! I have NOT gotten him tested for ADHD yet...mainly because he CAN sit still IF he wants to and if he is interested in something. But I swear sometimes he gets a little "crazy"...like litterally bouncing off the walls!

So, at the suggestion of his preschool teacher and some friends, I am going to try to test out a diet that is recommended for ADHD and even Autistic children. We are going to start with Dairy! Crazy, I know! But apparently, some kids can not break down the casein protein in dairy well and it causes a reaction. The diet also suggests Glutten Free as well...but that is so hard to deal with...I think I will just see how dairy free works first.

It's only been 1 day, so of course there is no change yet.

Well, that's it for now. I need to finish getting ready for company.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Teacher gifts

I wanted to do something special for each of the kids' teachers.

For Ansley's teacher, I decided to alter a composition notebook...

I used Stamping Bella's Teachabella. I embossed the image in black and quickly colored her with a mixture of Twinkling H2Os and SU markers. The DP is retired SU from last year...thought it fit the theme perfectly. I used the SU scalloped edge punch and Spiral Punch.

I die cut the initial of her last name with the Sizzix Serif Essentials alphabet dies along with 2 EKsuccess flower punches....

I covered the inside as well...

Here's a view of the back of the notebook...

For her card, I used the SCS SC242 sketch this week using the same materials.

 I added some stickles and an apple charm.

I will post Ryan's teacher's gift later.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Countdown to Ansley's 7th Birthday!

This morning Ansley asked for a piece of paper. She started drawing boxes and numbering them. I asked her what she was doing. She said that Daddy told her that there were 25 days until her birthday so she was making a calender so she could countdown the days!!

I thought this was a great idea...so I decided to make her one "my" way!!

After choosing my stamp, I figured I would make the project to fit the Whiff of Joy Challenge #43 - Pink and Brown color challenge...

Click on the pictures for a larger view...

This measures 8 1/2" x 11"

What do you think? I started by creating a "calender" in Excel. I printed it onto Papertrey Ink Stampers Select White since it's a nice and heavy white CS. I stamped the numbers (retired SU set - Best Friend Numbers) in SU Melon Mambo. I stamped a party hat from High Hopes Rubber stamps randomly around the Melon Mambo CS in MM ink. I inked up the edges of everything in Chocolate Chip.

I punched the bottom of the calender with the SU Eyelet Border Punch (by the way, most Martha Stewert border punches will not punch through PTI white since it is so thick). I added some Making Memories brown "ribbon".

For the image, I used the new Bruno with Cupcake. I embossed him in black and watercolored him with Twinkling H2Os. Then I cut and embossed him with oval nestabilities.

We are actually planning a surprise birthday party for her back in North Florida the Saturday before her birthday. She doesn't know many girls here and she really wanted a party at a kids glamour boutique called Sweet n Sassy. Since it will be a holiday weekend, it would be a good time to go back home and visit friends!

So this week, I will be working on a few things for the party. But I also have a ton of "fun" stuff to do with the kids since this is their last week home from school!!

Oh, don't forget my blog candy here!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Whiff of Joy Challenge #42 - a sketch

I have a special project today. School is right around the corner so it's time to start getting all of the needed school supplies, new clothes, getting the kids back on a normal bedtime schedule, etc...

This year Ansley needed a Composition Notebook. I love how Joy and Michelle alters their daughter's notebooks so I thought I would give it a try.

I pulled out my stamps and let Ansley choose an image. She chose one of the Whiff of Joy Angels so I decided to see if I could use this week's Whiff of Joy Challenge sketch for the layout...

 

It may be stretching it a little. In order to balance the colors, I needed to move the horizontal strip up a little. And I had to have more flowers in the bottom right corner vs the top left.

All of the papers used are from My Mind's Eye Bloom and Grow collection. It is one of my favorite packs of paper!

I had to make all of the embellishments flat so they won't snag on anything. Now, I am pretty sure Joy covers her notebooks with contact paper or something, but I used the ribbon and I don't think I can cover it! Hopefully Ansley won't destroy it too much! I may still try to cover it cutting around the ribbon...we'll see. But everything is glued down tight!

The image is Confirmand Melinda. It is embossed in black and watercolored with Twinkling H2Os...

Sorry, this picture turned out a little blurry.

Here are a few more shots of the notebook..

The back (above)

The inside.

This was fun to make! And it really didn't take that much time. Ansley needed 2 notebooks so I am going to decorate her other one as well.

Don't forget about my blog candy here.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

High Hopes Challenge #40 - Christmas in July!!!

It's time for another High Hopes Challenge today!! This week's challenge is brought to us by Miss Diva Divine...Kimmie!!! Her challenge is called Christmas in July! So pull out any winter'y-Christmas'y High Hopes Stamps and come play along!!

Before I get to my project, I also wanted to say that today is Tina's birthday - the wonderful and kind owner of High Hopes Rubber Stamps! Happy Birthday, Tina!! I hope it is filled with all of the things you love!!!

Instead of doing a card, I chose to make a gift bag....

I used one of the Santas from the newest release. This is called Santa in Chimney. I used my tutorial for the "Perfect Gift Bag" here. But instead of the regular handles, I used 1 handle and added it to the sides (this time they are adhered so they don't move under the lace ribbon).

I embossed Santa in Black and watercolored him using Twinkling H2Os basically using a mono-chromatic color pallet...

I added Liquid Applique to the "furry" parts of his hat and coat for added texture. And I added some Martha Stewart Mica Flake Glitter for "snow".

The DP is Graphic 45 Playtime Past Collection (Life's a Ball) that I got from a local stamp store. It looked like old-time Christmas to me.

Here is another view of the bag....

Now it's your turn. Create a Christmas/Winter card using a High Hopes image and link it to the High Hopes Challenge for a chance to win the stamps used on Kimmie's card! And if you upload it to SCS, make sure to use keyword HHC40.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

The Perfect Gift Bag/Box tutorial

I finally redid the tutorial. Here are the projects I have created so far...here, here, and here.

To start, you need:

~ 2 pieces of Card Stock measuring 8 1/2" x 11"

~ Piece of Card Stock measuring 3" x 5" for the bottom

~ For Box option: Card Stock measuring 7 1/8" x 5 1/8"

~ Strong Adhesive

Designer Paper (Optional):

~ 2 pieces 4 3/4" x 6"

~ 2 Pieces 2 3/4" x 6"

~ For Box Option: 1 piece 2 3/4" x 4 3/4"

~ For Bag Option: 2 pieces 3/4" x 8 1/4"

Let's begin...

1. On the 11" side of the 8 1/2' x 11" card stocks, score the CS at 1"...

Click on the pictures for larger views.

 

2. Move the CS to the 8" mark and score again...

 

3. Move to the 9 3/4" mark and CUT...

 

This will give you a 1 1/4" x 8 1/2" strip that is cut off...if you plan on making the "Gift Bag" Option, keep this strip to use for the handles (the strip is not shown in this picture).

This will give you a 1 3/4" top that will fold over to create the decorative border, a 7" height, and 1" to create the bottom.

4. Turn the card stock to the left (the 1" scored area will be on the bottom with the 1 3/4" scored area on the top).

Move the left edge to the 3" mark and score...

 

5. Move to the 8" mark and score....

 

This will give you 3" area for the sides, 5" width for the front and back, and 1/2" to tape the box together.

6. Score and cut the 2nd card stock using the same dimensions.

For those of you who need a template...the dotted lines are score lines, the solid lines are cut lines....

7. Using a border punch, punch along the "top" of the box/bag...this will be the 1 3/4" piece...

 

In picture above, the CS is actually upside down of how will end up when completed.

8. Cut the verticle lines on the 1" piece...

 

9. Fold the scored lines. The 1 3/4" top will fold "out", while the bottom and sides will fold "in"...

10. Next, add the Designer Paper if you are using it. Attach the DP to the sides of the box/bag leaving a 1/8" border on the sides and bottom (the top will have more of the box/bag showing since the flap covers it, you don't need to go all the way to the top)...

In the picture above, you will see how the decorative edge will fold out, while the botto will fold in.

11. Add some Score Tape or Sticky Strip/Red-Line Tape (or really strong adhesive) to the inside of the decorative edge, fold over and attach to the front and sides of the card stock...

12. Next you will put the box together. Add more strong adhesive (regular "snail" tape will NOT hold a box or 3-D project for long) to the 1" pieces on the bottom of the box and along the 1/2" sides of the box...

13. Remove the backing of one of the 1/2" sides of the box, carefully line it up with the opposite side of the other piece of CS. This will make it a continuous line of 3" side, 5" side , 3" side , 5" side , 1/2" piece with tape...

14. Next remove the backing of the other 1/2" side of the box and carefully line it up with the other CS making it turn into a box....

15. Next remove the tape backing from the 1" strips on the bottom and form a "bottom"...

16. adhere a 3" x 5" piece to create a bottom for the box/bag...

Your box/bag base assembly is complete. You can leave it as it is or choose to add handles or a lid.

For the "Box" option, you will need to create the lid.

1. Using the 5 1/8" x 7 1/8" piece of card stock, score a 1" border around all 4 sides...

2. cut according to the template...

3. Form into a box using adhesive on the corners.

4. Add the 2 3/4" x 4 3/4" Designer Paper to the top and your box is done!

To add handles for the "Bag" option...

1. Take the 1 1/4" x 8 1/2" strip that you cut off in the begining and cut them down to 1" x 8 1/2" strips.

2. You can add DP (3/4" wide), ribbon, stamp, or leave plain. I used ribbon in this sample. I also like to round the corners for a more finished look.

3. Then punch holes around 1/2" from each end...

4. Using a Crop-a-dile or 1/2" hole punch, punch a hole at least 1/2" from the edge and 1" in from the sides...

5. Attach the handles using brads and you are done!

There it is!! I hope my instructions are clear. I would love to know what you think about this box/bag or the tutorial. If you make one, please send me a link or email me a picture and I would love to showcase it on my blog!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey 

Tille - a gift for a friend

I was finally able to re-do my tutorial for "The Perfect Gift Bag/Box". I will post that in a few minutes.

Before I get to the Tutorial post, I have a new project to share using my Perfect box/Bag.

As I have posted before, we are in the process of moving. That means the house is on the market...and needs to be kept "mostly" clean so that I can show the house to a potential buyer on short notice. Now I say "mostly" clean because...come on..I have 2 young children!! AND I am a messy crafter!! LOL

I have asthma and allergies which makes it hard to me to clean my house without ending up sick! Therefore, we have a "cleaning lady". Shannon has been cleaning my house for over a year...every 2 weeks. Since we put the house on the market, she comes every week. We only have a few more weeks left in the house so I wanted to give her something special to say "Thank you" for all of her hard work.

I made her an altered notebook so she can keep track of her customers! Tidy up Tillie from High Hopes Rubber Stamps is the PERFECT image for my gift!!! Isn't she the cutest!!

I used the layout on the notebook and the bag front from Friday Sketchers this week. The DP is MME Everyday Tango collection. I used a Martha Stewart doily lace punch on the side. The DP was put through the spiral coil using the SU Spiral punch. The ribbon is also SU Bashful Blue stripped ribbon. And the image was cut using a Nestability die.

Tillie was embossed in Black and watercolored using Twinkling H2Os....

To hold her notebook, I created the Perfect Gift Bag...

I used the same materials to create the bag...adding PTI Stampers Select White for the bag base. I had to use a different border punch on the decorative top for the bag since the Martha Stewart punch wouldn't punch through the PTI white...it's too thick!! So I used a SU punch instead. The brads for the handles are also SU as are the flower buttons (the large button on the notebook is PTI, but it matches so well with the SU flower buttons).

Here's another view...

  

Edited to add... This is one of the Projects of the Month (POTM) at High Hopes. This image along with Danni Dress-up and Singing Catrina are on sale this moth for 25% off when you buy them and their sentiments together. However, they are not on the website yet. So if you want them, email Tina or Bethany directly at [email protected]

Ok. Now on to the tutorial here...

~Lacey

The Perfect Gift Box

I was hoping to share the tutorial on the Gift Bag that I created here...which I have named "The Perfect Gift Bag/Box" since I think it's perfect for holding a ton of cards and many other gift options. I have taken the step by step pictures, but I don't have to time to edit and write the post...we are leaving for Daytona Beach to celebrate the 4th of July weekend! Scott has to work some events surrounding the Coke Zero 400 race so the kids and I get to spend a few days on the beach :-)

Anyway, here is a "box" version of "The Perfect Gift Box"....

Click on the pictures for a larger view.

A friend of mine asked me to make her a set of cards to give to a friend. I originally posted the pink version of the card here (the set includes 5 pink cards and 5 green cards).

This box easily holds 10 cards (with "puffy" embellishments...the monogram and flower come out at least 1/4" on the card) and 11 matching envelopes (I always include an extra envelope in my card sets...just in case).

You can see in the picture above that there is plenty of room in the box still. The box actually measures 7" tall, 5" wide, and 3" deep. It requires 2 pieces of 8 1/2" x 11" card stock for the box base and a little less than 12"x12" of Designer Paper to cover (you can also stamp on the box instead of adding DP).

We will be gone until Sunday night. So I will have to finish writing the post when we get home and upload it to my blog on Monday. In the mean time, I have a few projects scheduled to post while I am gone including the next High Hopes Challenge on Sunday.

Edited to add...here is the tutorial.

Thanks for Stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Whiff of Joy July Project of the Month

The first of the Month means that it's time for another Whiff of Joy Project of the month! This month's project is "Teacher's Gift"....create a gift for a teacher using the wonderful Whiff of Joy Stamps!

I hate to say that I didn't have much time to make my project. I was supposed to go down to Coral Springs to close on our new house on Friday. But after some errors on the bank's part, we had to move the closing to monday AND we almost didn't get it done on Monday!! I am just so glad that we finally got it done...we now have 2 houses!! Yikes....technically my husband's company owns our "old" home and we plan to move into the new house in the next few weeks.

Anyway, that was just to explain that I didn't get home from our trip until 3pm today...which only left me a few hours to get my project done! Good thing I had 5 hours to plan it out in my head on the drive home! :-)

So here it is...

Click on the pictures for a larger view.

One of the popular things that our teachers like are Bath and Body Works lotions and shower gels. For my gift, I included one of the new White Citrus (very light lemon scent...I LOVE it) lotion and shower gel set in this handmade gift bag.

The bag measures 7" tall, 5" wide, and 3" deep.

Would you like to learn how to make it? I will try to make up a tutorial to share really soon!

In the mean time, I used a fiscars punch for the top border, heart charm, pearl brads and spacer from Hobby House in the UK. The image is Willow in the Summer Breeze from the recently released Summer Kit. I embossed Willow in black, then watercolored her with Twinkling H2Os. The sentiment is also from the Summer Kit.

Here's a close up of the front...

I will make up a tutorial with both a lid (to make it a box) or use the handles (as shown in this project).

Have you seen the wonderful news on Katharina's blog? She is hosting a Call for 15 Guest Designers to participate with their 1st Anniversary Blog Hop which will take place on July 25th. In order to enter the GDT call, you need to create a card using the sketch on her post and upload it by Wednesday, July 8th (her time). Check her blog for more information.

I hope you will participate with the GDT call!! If not, make sure to mark your calenders for the July 25th Anniversary Blog Hop which will end with a release party over at Paper Craft Planet!!

Well, I have a ton of things to do to unpack from our trip this weekend and REPACK for our trip to Daytona Beach this weekend?! Hopefully, I will be able to post some pictures of my new home :-)

Edited to add...Here is the Tutorial.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Picnic Time!!!

I am sooo excited about my project today!! I've had this image from the last High Hopes Release that I haven't inked up yet. I wasn't sure what I was going to use it for, honestly. I thought I would have to have a picnic with my family so I could use it on a picnic scrapbook page! Of course, that would be fun, but it's been too hot for a picnic lately! It would also work for a cookout invitation.  But when I saw the latest My Timeless Template that Lauren created for PTI, I knew exactly what I wanted to make!!!

Click on the pictures for a larger view.

Isn't this just the cutest thing in the world? Lauren hosts a challenge on her blog each month using her templates. This month's "My Time to Create Template Challenge" theme is "Create your own designer paper". I was a little torn because I REALLY wanted to use this picnic blanket looking DP (from DCWV). So I decided to alter the DP by stamping some strawberries (Whiff of Joy), and pieces of pie and hot dogs (SU Voila to go)randomly on the DP. I'm not sure if this still qualifies for the challenge, but it's not about winning the challenge for me....I just HAD to pair these two together!!!

Here's a side view that you can see the images on the DP a little better (maybe).

For the image, I used Ant's Picnic from High Hopes. Aren't those ants so adorable?! I embossed the image in black and watercolored it using Twinkling H2Os. Here is a closer view...

So cute!!!

Anyway, I decided to fill the basket with cookies! What a neat way to bring something to a cookout or BBQ?!

Can you see my chocolate finger print at the top of the basket?! Ugg...the cookies were still a little warm when I put them in the basket. I got a little chocolate on my finger and accidentally hit the basket!! Oh well!

Anyway, I was able to fit a dozen cookies in the basket. I am sure I could have fit some more in there as well...it's much larger than it looks in the pictures.

Ansley fell in love with this basket, so I gave it to her. She says I don't give her enough cards...whatever! It is now on her dresser holding some of her Petshop pets!

School is already out for the summer for us. But this little basket would make a really cute gift for a teacher. Although my friend Brandi says the worst thing you can give a teacher is cookies made by kids! I guess she has visions of kids licking their fingers, then "helping" make cookies!! LOL So, I obviously wouldn't make this for her!! I still love you Brandi...but I won't make you any cookies :-)

Thanks for stopping by today!! Happy Stamping!

Whiff of Joy Challenge #35 - Paper Piecing

I love the challenge this week over at the Whiff of Joy blog! Paper Piecing! I don't know why, but I don't do this often, so I was happy to be able to participate this week.

I wanted to use one of the new Womens Delight stamps, but honestly...I only have a handful of friends who are pregnant and no one who is getting married (I am "too old" to have friends that still need to get married)!!

So, instead of a card, I made a scrapbook layout using some pictures of my 6 year old when she was only 6 months old. My mom took these pictures...

Click on the pictures for a larger view...

I love these pictures! My mom went through 3 ROLLS of film...yes, this is before digital cameras had taken over. I am so glad that my step father had these developed on disk as well so that I could edit, crop, and print the pictures to my hearts content.

I used a layout from the the June edition of Creating Keepsakes magazine (page 24 "A Father's Love" by Suzy Plantamura") as the starting point for the layout. I didn't follow it exactly, but did like the basic layout and the stiching around the circle.

The Whiff of Joy image is Willow with Toddler from the Women's Delight release. I paper pieced some SU Bella Birds DP for her dress. The pink/brown DP for the page is also from Bella Birds. The brown piece behind the pictures at the bottom is SU Bella Rose DP.

Here's a close up of Willow...

 
The title was created using SU chipboard that I ran through the Big Shot using Sizzix Serif Essentials and Cuttlebug Red Tag Sale alphabet dies. The first letters were altered with DP and the other letters were left plain with just a little ink for a distressed look.

I used the same layout on the other side, but flipped the location of the circle...

I kept the embellishments simple since I wanted so to include so many pictures.

The journalling was done on the computer and cut out with the SU Top Note die.

It says...

Since you were a little one,

you loved to hear me sing this song at bed time.

Ansley, you are my little baby girl...

no matter how big you get!

My little Princess. My little Angel.

A gift from Heaven above!

"Rest you head close to my heart...

Never to part...Baby of Mine".

This song is from Disney's Dumbo in the scene where Dumbo gets to visit his mother and she swings him in her trunk. It was on a Disney lullaby CD that I used to play Ansley at bedtime when she was an infant. I learned the lyrics and still sing this song (along with Jesus Love Me) to the kids every night at bedtime.

The tag by the top picture says "Ansley 6 months old - March 2003". It was also printed on the computer and die cut with the 2nd smallest Nestability Label 1 die.

Here are some other pictures of the photos...

This was fun to create. I really love making scrapbook pages...I don't know why I don't do it more often.

Anyway, we are off to a "goodbye play date" for the kids. Another family in our neighborhood is also moving, so our friend is hosting a playdate for the kids to say goodbye! We will still be here for another few weeks, but we will be back and forth, so we won't get to see much of anyone before we move.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~lacey

Whiff of Joy June Project of the Month

June brings along a few things...Summer Break, Hot Days and Begining of Hurricane Season here in Florida...and Father's Day! So this month's Whiff of Joy Project of the Month is to create a Father's Day gift. Since I'm currently a guest designer, I get to play along, too!! :-)

I knew exactly what I wanted to do...actually, I did have to think about it a little. I mean, what do you get a "guy"? My hubby is actually one of the hardest men to buy for. If he wants something, he gets it for himself. Which leaves little for me to "surprise" him for holidays.

But after thinking about this new Whiff of Joy stamp, this idea came into my head...

I altered a PTI "Egg Box" with some MME Bella Bella DP, sponging around the edges to turn the white box brown. I embossed Oakley with Wooden Sign plus Sentiment (I used a rub on for the sentiment on this image) in black and watercolored him using Twinkling H2Os. It's he so adorable?

On the inside, I have a little surprise...

Instead of filling the egg box with eggs, I used it to hold golf balls!! I lined the insert with green felt and cut wholes to hold the golf balls...

Let's clarify that...the holes are already in the PTI box insert, I just cut the holes in the felt using the insert as a template.

I think this gift will brighten any golfer's day...not just for Father's Day.

I had a really fun time making this gift. Make sure you check out all of the awesome projects the other designers made this month!

On a Blog Candy note...I am getting together some awesome stuff for my blog candy. Tuesday is Ansley's last day of school, so I have Wednesday planned to get everything together to photograph and post...if I don't get it finished tomorrow! So, maybe a little earlier! Sorry it's taking me so long....I'm already past 80,000 hits...I am so behind!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Recipe Book Cover

As an end of year gift for Ansley's teachers, one of the mom's wanted to create a recipe book. She sent me the large index cards (8"x5") and I stamped assorted dessert images on top left corner of each card. Then she sent these home with each student so they can fill out their favorite recipe. I didn't take a picture of the cards...oops.

She also asked me to create a cover for the recipe books. She is going to laminate each recipe card and the cover and bind them for a cute little book!

Since the recipe book is supposed to be our favorite dessert recipies, I thought Willow with Cookies would be a fitting image for one of the covers! I just think she is so adorable (as is all of the other images, but this one reminds me so much of my daughter Ansley).

I embossed the image...did I say I embossed the image?! Yes, I did...I always emboss the image for my cards...but guess what?...the embossing melts in a laminator!! I realized this as midnight last night when I finished them...are you kidding me? I sent them in anyway with another embossed image so she can "test" it in the lamintor before running these through. Maybe it won't be so bad. But I also have to go back to school at 11:30 for a field trip. So I left a note saying if she could wait until then, I would redo them with "stamped" images instead. So, I did redo them so hopefully she can wait until I get there!

The red gingham paper is from DCWV and the other papers are a retired SU set which is perfect for the Summer Stamp Kit images. Speaking of which...

I used Willow with Strawberry Basket for the other cover. I just love this release. Each of the images have the fun fruit-themed clothes which is just perfect for summer images!!

The swirls in the corners are actually from a SU Sale-A-Bration set called Yummy that I cut up. It was attached to a sentiment that said "a little something for you". I knew I would get more use of the swirl if it was separated. So, instead, I mounted the sentiment on the backside of another wood block so I can still use it in the future.

The sentiment in the upper right hand corner is also from the Yummy SU set...

I had to keep everything kind of "flat" with no additional embellishments so it would run through the laminator.

I am hoping that I can catch her before she laminates the embossed images to swap them with the stamped ones I made this morning. I think I can salvage these to be turned into cards.

Anyway, I have to go back to school this morning for a "surprise" field trip. Tomorrow is their last day of school so the 1st grade class is going to an icecream shop to "make your own sundae"!! Ryan's teacher (my friend Paula) has offered to watch Ryan for me since siblings can't come on field trips.

I will leave you with close ups of the Willow images...

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Jewelry Box

The staff at my preschool had their end-of-school year dinner tonight. It was a lot of fun. It is going to be so hard for me on the last day of school next week! I have been at the school for 5 years. This is the first year that I worked there....but Ansley went there 4 years and this is Ryan's 2nd year. I fully expected to be there for another 2 more years with Ryan. Unfortunately, our move won't make that possible. However, I know that God has a plan for us in South Florida and through prayer, He will guide us to the schools He wants us to be at next year.

Anyway, after dinner, we had a bracelet exchange. Everyone brought a bracelet wrapped up, we picked numbers, and chose either a wrapped bracelet or "steal" one from someone else.

To hold my bracelet, I decided to make a box...

I made a mini Pizza box. The box measures 3" x 3" x 3/4". I added some Bella Rose DP and a few primas, a pearl brad, and a jewelry spacer.

Here is the bracelet I brought. The dinner was a lot of fun. I ended up with a beautiful silver bracelet.

I have to make this short...it's late and when I tried to upload this earlier it froze...so I am not adding any links since that seems to cause the freezing!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

Stampin' Up Pop-Up Photo Ball

 It's time for another Stamp Club tonight! When I first saw this on the Stampin' Up Demonstrator website, I was sooo exctied! I bought it right away...

Click on the pictures for a larger view

This is the new 3-D BAll Pop-Up BIGZ XL Die available through Stampin' Up! This ball is also designed to be inserted into a card for a surprise pop! I will have to try one of those later. In the mean time, I wanted to create a photo ball. I am not sure if this is going to my Husband for his birthday next week (I will go into that later), or for one of the Grandfathers for Father's Day.

I used SU Kraft 12x12 CS for the ball base (I used 1 1/2 sheets). The Designer Paper is Manchester which is perfect for the guys.

I followed the instructions provided with the die (you need 3 size 16 rubber bands)....here are some other angles...

 

SU provided a template for the photo mat on the website. I traced the mat onto the photos and DP and cut out each piece. In order to get small enough pictures, I downloaded some pictures my husband took on Easter through Snapfish.com. Then I ordered some "wallet" size pictures to be printed through Walgreens which does 1 hour printing near my house. Now, I could have gone directly through Walgreens' website to download and order prints. However, I have most of my pictures downloaded through Snapfish. This is a great tool to share photos with friends through email. All you need is a free account with Snapfish in order to view the photo albums that you share. Then I can either have them printed and shipped to me or send them to Walgreens to be printed in 1 hour.

Anyway, we will be making this tonight (minus the photos...my SU gals will need to add those later). I am also working on another design that doesn't use photos.

Now, on to my husband's birthday...

Scott's birthday is actually on Sunday May 17th. He will be the big 40!! He seems to be handling turning 40 well...it's just another year older to him. However, I don't think his mother will handle it so well since he is the "baby"!

I originally wanted to do something really special for him...like take him to Fenway Park in Boston for a Red Sox game (his favorite baseball team). Since we are moving soon, he is doing a lot of travel lately. He has already started his new job in South Florida. So he is usually gone half of the week. Therefore he can't take any time off for a vacation (any time off we are looking for houses).

So instead of a vacation, I threw him a surprise birthday party. It required a LOT of help from some friends to pull it off! A few of the ladies in my Life Group/Bible Study helped out. Christie held the party are her house. She also served as the "bartender" and bought half of the food. Jessica spent some time looking into getting a "belly dancer" (since Scott said that was all he wanted for his birthday...however, that didn't end up working out for multiple reasons) and helped decorate the house. Mindy hosted childcare at her house. And Desiree came early to help with last minute set up.

It was a great night and Scott was totally suprised! That alone was a feat in itself...I'm not very good at lying!! So trying to plan everything behind Scott's back was REALLY hard for me!!

Here is Scott blowing out his candles...

The cake had to serve as Scott's "belly dancer"...Belle (his favorite Disney Princess) as a hula dancer!

So that explains why I wasn't able to participate with many challenges last week!! I was a "little" busy :-) Hopefully this week will be a little better...although we are going out of town this weekend to look for houses.

Thanks for stopping by!! Happy Stamping!

~Lacey

Daily Blessings Book

Long post today...

I created a few projects lately without using stamps. This is a challenge for me! I starting stamping and scrapbook at the same time so I have always used stamps! But I created these projects for DT call for a scrapbook store with little to no stamps.

For one of the projects, I used a Basic Grey chipboard book that I found on clearance at my local Scrapbook store. I wanted to make the book full of scriptures. Every day of the week, I can read a different scripture.

I kept the pages fairly simple and used LOTs of primas.

Here is the cover...

Click on the pictures for a larger view.

  

Before I go on, I want to explain a few things and the reason why I am sharing these today... 

Late last year, my husband was informed that his company was going through a restructure. They decided to postpone the restructure until April 1st. Well, while my husband was in Daytona all week last week, he spent some time with his boss. It looks as though the chances of us staying here in the Jacksonville area is starting to get very slim. The blessing is that he will probably be moved into another area and therefore he will still have a job. But, it means we may have to leave our town.

We have been here for over 5 years and I have met some wonderful people. My neighborhood is FULL of stay-at-home moms and tons of young children. I have never lived is such a wonderful neighborhood! We have such a network of help and support that it has been such a blessing. Not to mention the Spirital Growth and healing that I have received through my church and my Life Group/Bible Study. And my all-important Stamp Club!!

Since my husband informed me of this news, I have been under a lot of stress. I am NOT very good with the unknown. The one area I struggle with is worry.

A dear friend gave me such encouraging words that meant so much to me. She reminded me of all that God promises. I am so blessed to have her in my life. The strange thing is that I have never met her in person...she is a blogging friend! 

All day yesterday I thought of what she said. And last night while I was praying, I was reminded of our move here over 5 years ago. We were living in Tampa. Ansley just had her 1st birthday. And my sister, who lived a mile away, was pregnant with a girl...we had plans of raising our girls together! We had just starting getting invloved with our church and life was good. But my husband saw an opportunity and wanted to move us to a city without any family or friends and take me away from my sister and my church. I wanted to support my husband's career, but I was scared. I remember rocking Ansley in her dark room one night, giving her a bottle before she went to bed. I remember fervently praying...asking God "Why would you move me away from my sister? Why would you move me away from my church that we just started getting involved and connected with? Why would you move me to a city where I know NO one?!"

Yet, things fell into place and we moved. 5 years later, I can look back at having MORE friends than I have EVER had in my life here. I can look back at the unbelievable growth I have received in an amazing church. I can look back at ALL of the blessings that I have received in this town I didn't want to move to!

So with the encouragement from my friend, I have been reminded that God has plans for me...He will lead us where He wants us to be...that is right for His purpose.

I was also reminded of this project that I made only weeks ago. Strangely enough, some of the verses I choose are the same thoughts that my friend reminded me of so I want to share them with you...

My friend, Crissy reminded me of these very thoughts. God had already placed them on my heart weeks ago! Little did I know that these verses were not meant for a Design Team call, but a reminder that He is in charge and is with me every step I take!

Lord God, Thank you for the gentle reminder of who you are and that you are with me all the time. Thank you for placing people in my life who are willing to allow you to speak to them for me. Thank you for holding my hand...I will not pull away...I trust you. Amen.

 

It's in the Bag...PTI Challenge

Have you heard all of the wonderful news over at Papertrey Ink? There have been some awesome announcements on their blog to celebrate their 2nd Anniversary.

And one of the best things I've heard is that they will be participating with the new Retail portion of Summer CHA in Orlando, Florida in August!! I only live 2 hours away so I really hope to be able to attend. You can read about it here along with the details of the "It's in the Bag" challenge.

For this challenge, I decided to make a simple Valentine's Day gift for my husband. He will be away working at the Daytona 500 Race (as he has been for the past 5 years), so we usually don't do anything too special for Valentine's Day.

But the only thing I had that would work for this challenge, was a plain old brown paper lunch bag. So I used Niki's bag for inspiration, grabbed my Guide Lines set for a more masculine design (he's not so much about the hearts) and got to work...

You can click on each of the pictures for a larger view.

 

I created wrappers for some Reese's Heart Shaped peanut butter candies...my husband's FAVORITE candy...to put inside the bag!

To get started, I stamped one of the stamps all over a piece of Kraft CS with Chocolate ink onto a full sheet...

I cut it so I would have 2 pieces of 4 1/2" x 8" pieces. Then I scored each piece so it would wrap around the candy...

I added some Red-Line tape to the right side...

Then wrapped the cardstock around the candy...

Then I created a belly-band to go around. I took a piece of Chocolate 1 1/2" x 11", and a piece of Chocolate Remix Patterned Paper a 1/4" smaller (1 1/4" x 11") and scored those at the following...

I wrapped that around the candy and added some Polka Dot ribbon...

Here is the full set together again...

I hope you like it!! I know Scott will (well, at least he will like the candy...he may think the wrapping takes too much time to get to the good stuff...hehe)!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey

Hectic week...and Stamp Club projects

Oh my, this has been a busy week. First off, the weather has been totally wacky!! Keeping in mind that I live in North Florida...the "Sunshine State"...which is normally very HOT...the low yesterday morning was 17 degrees!!! Yes, 17!! But by the afternoon, it was 61! And it's been this way for the past 3 days. So, I am expecting for us to get sick soon. Everytime the weather changes over a 40 degree range within 8 hours usually means we are all going to get sick. And this weekend it will be in the 70's! Yet it was cold enough to snow this morning with a low of 25! Wacky!! Yes, I know...it's snowing everywhere else....stopping complaining, Lacey. I actually love the cold weather. I just think the temps have just been very abnormal for Florida. 

Anyway, Monday was my monthly stamp club. It was the first day with the new Stampin' Up catalog....yeah!!! So with Valentine's Day only a few weeks away, I created a box and a card using some of the new Designer Series Paper "Raspberry Tart"...(Don't forget to click on the pictures for a larger view)

 For the box, I used Regal Rose CS and followed the instructions on SCS for the Mini Pizza Box.

The stamp is a new Level 2 Hostess set. We used Build-a-brads and a flower die cut from a SU Sizzix die. I scored lines along the center of each flower petal and on the seams to make it more 3-D. The heart is Vellum CS cut with a heart Nestability and run through a cuttlebug embossing folder. I only used the Nestability and the cuttlebug folder to show how they work with the Big Shot. SU also sells a new heart punch and texture plates but they were not offered for pre-order so I don't have them yet. I also used the SU Scallop Border punch along the sides of the lid.

By the way, have you seen the new SU Border Punch? It's called Eyelet Border Punch. That's already been ordered!! I can't wait to play with it!

On the inside of the box, we wrapped Hershey's Nugget Chocolates with coordinating DP...

The box held 12 chocolates perfectly...

For the card, I kept it simple since the DP design was so nice, I didn't want to cover it up...

I think these would make really nice gifts for a friend. Maybe someone's birthday (just change the sentiment on the card). Or a teacher's gift for Valentine's Day. Heck, this would make a great gift "just because". For instance, do you have a friend who is willing to watch your child so you can go to the doctor, but won't allow you to pay them for their trouble? Well, this is perfect for an occasion just like that!

Now go ahead and take a look at the new Stampin' Up catalog on my website...here.

And through the end of January, you can order the Love You Much Bundle for 25% off. The kit includes the Love You Much Stamp set, Candy Lane Designer Series Paper, and the new Heart to Heart Punch for only $41.48 (US).

US customers can order directly on-line through my website if you find anything you like! If you are from Canada, I can put you in contact with a Canadian demonstrator if you are interested.

I was so surprised to find out that Lisa nomiated me for this award!

Thank you so much, Lisa! That means so much to me! I am going to pass this award onto Katharina. Get ready to see some awesome challenges and stunning cards on Katharina's blog!!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Lacey