My Time Made Easy Group Post: So Berry Sweet

ACK! I'm so sorry this post is going up late for those who may have already visited today expecting to find my My Time Made Easy Project! I honestly didnt realize what day it was! Haha! I need a few extra hours in my day (ones that no one else gets so i can get caught up!!!)

Lauren has done it.... AGAIN! Fabulous template and stamps that will be go to's to use over and over again! Especially if you like making gifts for people... which I DO!!!!!

Here is my little thank you set...

The MTME team is all using the Berry Sweet Basket, and stamps which were designed byKristin! She is so stinkin' talented and she and Lauren really do make a fantastic team! Not to forget Catherine who also designs for Lauren! They are a great team too! haha!

Ok, back to my project... here is this sweet basket all by itself!

I love the sweet weave pattern! The diamonds really make it look so delicate! I did opt to line the inside of my basket (yes there is a cut file for that as well!) with kraft, but you can leave the inside unlined for a true basket feel. If you visit all of the blogs listed at the end of my post, you will see some stellar samples of this!

I must say that this template is so awesome to fit ANYTHING in! ANd it is quite LARGE! THe nice thing is it's super easy to scale down (or up!) into any size you need. You may see inside my basket i've tucked some of the wallflowers from Bath and Body Works in there. I measured them ahead of time and knew my basket might swallow them up, so i scaled down all of the pieces to 80% for the perfect size for the items i wanted to fill it with!

And now the card and then i'll let you in on the new stamp goodness!

Ok, the stamps used were "built"

from the NEW! sentiment building images from the Sentimental Occasions set. You will fall in love with the possibilities of this set Trust me!

Ok, now you HAVE to see the other samples! They are to die for! I got to peek before i made my post! HAHAHAHAH!

Kristin Bueter

Debbie Marcinkiewicz

Katie Cotton

Lisa Kind

Monique Hansen

Tangii Crain

Our guest this month is Amy Sheffer!

Tomorrow is the official April 1st Release at My Time Made Easy ™ LLC, and we will be using the other template being released and you do NOT want to miss it!!!

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a PMS card for fun!

To say i've been overwhelmed with work might be putting it mildly lately!

I guess it's not that I cant handle the work load, it's just that as I figure out a good schedule with myself, working, the stamp company, the boys, my husbands schedule, etc, well, crafting for fun seems to come last. Ah, we all know how it goes!

But this card I actually made some time last month and I just remembered I never posted it!

This uses the sentiment from Friendly Flowers from Paper Makeup Stamps and some old Daisy Bucket paper I had lying around.

I love how a good wordart can just make a card with some pretty paper stand out so much. I truly heart this card!

Soon some of my cards will be available for purchase at a local boutique in town. Fun huh? I'm totally selling for store credit because everything is AMAZING there!

The store is Style by Becca in the Pendleton Arts District, Downtown Greenville.

You should check it out if you are local to Greenville SC!

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PMS sponsors JUGS

So you know you're tired when the picture of your card is just of your card sitting on top of your printer. HAHAHAHAHA. Thats where im at in life right now! Yesterday was supposed to be an easy day. it just didnt work out that way!

ANyhoo - Here is my card for this weeks Just Us Girls Challenge, being sponsored by Paper Makeup Stamps!!!

So my card is simple, but i think thats something I really like about cardmaking.

You can make a very elaborate card, and I can color on it and have layer after layer. These cards really are my favorites. But sometimes, there just isnt the time! Sometimes you need a card for a special person or special occasion and just pulling one out f the stash isnt going to do.

This is also why i like all of the wordart stamps out there, but of course i'm particularly fond of the Paper Makeup Stamps ones. :D The mash up of fonts just make it so fun, and keeping the rest of the card simple you can really make it pop!

What else helps to pull a card together quick? A great sketch or color combination.

Now I don't know about you, but when i get overworked and busy with life... my brain can't come up with these things on their own. And thats why i like challenges!!!

This week, Paper Makeup Stamps is sponsoring the Just Us Girls challenge team. You should check out their site, for 1 they have a new awesome challenge every week with gorgeous samples, but this week they are all using PMS! :D Some of the Paper Makeup Artists also joined in today, so be sure to check out the Paper Makeup Stamps blog as well.

Another place to check out some new challenges is over on the NEW My Time Made Easy blog.

Yes this is a shameless plug added to my post. THe first challenge kicked off on thursday, and i had every intention of playing, but with bridal season in full force, a commerical this past week, and a few other odds and ends going on. It didnt happen. BUT i can still tell YOU about it!

There will be a new challenge every thursday (a pretty patterns sketch challenge) and sunday will be a new color challenge!

SO check everyone out!

Details on my card...

Stamps...the new Only As High wordart and Danni's Flutterbies

Butterfly colored with R81, R85, R89, E25 copic markers

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette, So Saffron

Accessories: Soft Sky Ribbon, Spellbinder scalloped rectangle, bling from stash

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Copic Creations Challenge with Sugar Nellie

I'm back with my card for this week's Copic Creations Challenge!

For the next 2 weeks, the Copic Creations Challenge is being sponsored by Sugar Nellie.

Did you know that Sugar Nellie now has digi stamps?! It may be old news to some, but it was new to me! I see some of them in my future!

For this time around though I decided that one of my gorjuss girls needed some love. I dont know that this one had ever seen ink before! A true shame!!!!!

Our challenge for you this week is to pull out those BLLLLUUUUUUUEEES!

What is your favorite blue combo? Mine is a slight toss up. I love the B30s and the B90's.

It really depends on the paper i'm using of course as you want to have things match. For the above image... i actually combined both! I used B30, B37, B34 and then B91. I like B32 but i find often that is makes the overall tone too bright when i'm finished if i've gone all the way to B37 and B39. The B91 has a softer effect and since the blues in my paper were a little more muted, i used that instead of B32 for my lightest color. If the B91 is too pale/unvibrant, you might think of layering both of them together! :D

So what are you waiting for?! You dont have to use Sugar Nellie images to play in the Copic Creations challenge, but if you play, you just might WIN some sugar nellie images!

You have nothing to lose! Be sure to link up your card to the Copic Creations Blog and while you're there, be sure to check our the awesome creations from the rest of the design team! They never cease to amaze me!

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St Baldricks Charity event

Have you heard of St. Baldricks? The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives.

Recently, I was contacted by papercrafting friend, Sarah Williams and she told me the story of her friend. Her friend has a boy named Oliver. Oliver has an inoperable brain tumor that is terminal. Oliver wears an eye patch so that he does not get double vision, but being the trooper and fun little guy that he is, he eye patch sports a guitar and the words, ROCK N ROLL! He's a kid after my own heart.

And indeed, his story has touched my heart. There are so many young ones fighting cancerous diseases, and St. Baldricks is truly making a difference!

I approached Diem, one of my llustrators for Paper Makeup Stamps, about making a fairy just for Oliver with all proceeds of the digi sales going to the St Baldricks and/or family for Oliver. She loved the idea and not only drew the perfect fairy for Oliver, but also an awareness ribbon and the word Rockstar!

This digi set is $4 and you can purchase it here.

And here are 2 cards I made using this digi set!

I colored the ribbon blue because light blue is the ribbon color for children's cancer awareness. :D

And i want to give one more shout out to Sarah. Because today, Sarah has commited to to shaving her head to raise money for this charity! You can check out Sarah's commitment page HERE! Sarah, I am so very proud of you!

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Dreams do come true...

Today is the 2nd day of the release in review from Paper Makeup Stamps.

If you missed it, PMS has a new fun and fabulous release out with lots of happy and warm weather friendly stamps!

Here's a card a made below

I just adore that sentiment! It's so incredibly true!

I feel so blessed in my life to have had my dreams come true. But it hasnt been without work and perserverance and of course there are more dreams to come!

You just have to believe!!!!

Also on my card is Will. You may remember him from The Will to Daydream card kit. Now he has been released as a single!!! He makes me want to go cloud watching! (if only our grass wasnt so WET right now!)

So thats it for now! Wow, i actually kept a post kinda short. AMAZING!

Be sure to check out the Paper Makeup Stamps blog for some more fabulous samples from the Paper Makeup Artists with stamps from our recent release!!!

You can check out all of the new stamps HERE!

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Paper Makeup Stamps Blog Hop Starts Now

It's another Paper Makeup Stamps Blog Hop!!!!!

If you are already along your way in the hop, you should have arrived from Christi Snow's WONDERFUL blog! If not, then you need to start back at the beginning for some awesome news about the Fan Favorite contest, and learn how to win yourself some stamps or at least get a discount off your next purchase!

Today the new release will be LIVE on the site, at 9pm EST with a party starting in our forum at the same time!

After a very long and eventful week (thank you for all my well wishes and kudos for keeping my had above water thru it all), i didnt get my card done for yesterdays post. See, I'm not as on top of it as you think!!!! But i couldnt resist the card I had planned to make, so today I have 2 cards to share with you!!!!

First, is Sally Sheep!

I stamped Sally Sheep, the newest addition to the Cutie Critter's stamp line on kraft cardstock and then colored her with copic markers. Then for her white wool, i used a white colored pencil. After cutting the image out with a spellbinders nestie, i airbrushed inside with R81 copic marker. My sentiment comes from the When There's Nothing Left to Say set. I simply left off the "you" and handwrote in "ewe". :D

Next up... is the adorable Aurora!

I've actually had this image for some time but had to wait for the right time to release her.

Isnt she precious? She's actually about how i feel right now! Haha.

After coloring her I again airbrushed inside the nestie. Maybe after all my makeup jobs this week, nothing feels right if there isnt a little airbrushing! HAHAHAHAH!

And now before I forget... my letter for you is the letter S and the next hop in your journey is the ALWAYS talented, Jami Bova!

It's been a bit since i shared "the deets" in this format, and I think i'll get back to it!

The Deets

Card 1

Image: Sally Sheep, new release from Paper Makeup Stamps

Sentiment: When There's Nothing Left to Say from Paper Makeup Stamps

Paper: pink polka dots from 3 Bugs in a Rug, blue gingham from Making Memories

kraft cardstock from Bazzill Smoothies

Copics: E25, E21, E00; R81, R83, R85, R89' B41, B45; t3, white colored pencil

Tools: punch by Martha Stewart, spellbinders die label curved rectangles

Accessories: kaisercraft pearls in chocolate, baker's twine

Card 2

Image: Aurora new release from Paper Makeup Stamps

Sentiment: Dream Big sentiment and image set from paper makeup stamps

Paper: Basic Grey; X-press it cardstock

Copics: Skin E21, E00; Hair: E31, E30, "y20"; Dress R01, R12, R02, R05, YG95, YG91; E27, E25

Tools: spellbinders dies, ovals classic and scalloped ovals

Accessories: paper roses (gifted, not sure where they are from)

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My Time Made Easy Group Post: A Year in Review

It's time for another Year in Review post from the My Time Made Easy design team!

Ok... I know i stated yesterday that my post would be short and sweet and then it wasnt... tonight... IT WILL BE! It must be! I'm pooped and have a 12 hour day tomorrow! AHHHH!

But i do love what i do! So i cant complain!

Anyhoo - here is my project for you using an oldie but goodie mixed with a newbie!

The Pick of the Petals Template...

With one of the new stamp releases, Keep Strong available both as acrylic and digital!

I realize my card/tag perhaps isnt as done up as it could be, but i just thought the word out stood out so beautifully with a little airbrush and the addition of the cut out flourish (similar flourishes adorn the template box). The use of he copic airbrush inside the nestie really makes it pop, don't ya think?

Here's a close up view of the template solo...

The paper used on the template is also from My Time Made Easy. It is from the Darling Dots pretty printables paper collection.

And just in case you were dying to see an overhead view...

Be sure to check out the rest of the MTME girls and their projects today in our Year in Review Post!

Lauren Meader (owner)

Kristin Bueter

Catherine Doucette

Katie Shawger Cotton (thats me)

Pam Imholz

Lisa Kind

Tangii Crain

Debbie Marcinkiewicz

Monique Hansen

Kathryn Berthiaume (March Guest)

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Paper Makeup Stamps sneaks begin!

Ok, so you are just going to have to forgive my short post. This week has been absolutely nuts for me work wise! Not only is there a new release from Paper Makeup Stamps coming up, but I have had so much work in the makeup side of things. I'm not complaining by any means, but since I was out today and yesterday for work related events, and have a fashion show with 25 girls tomorrow, 2 weddings saturday and a 2 day fashionshoot over the weekend, well... let's just say i'm ready to hit the hay!

BUT - I did want to remind everyone that there is a new release from Paper Makeup Stamps coming up on the 7th (right when my life returns to normal! ;) And i'm very very excited for it!

I am so stoked for warm weather again and this release really makes me happy!

Today i'm previewing a set called Springtime Solids. There is so much fun images in this set to play with! I actually used 5 images from the set to create my scene and then used a previously release wordart from last years March release!

Isnt it just bright and cheery!? Would have ben better if i hadnt tried to take the photo at midnight! ah well.

The flower and leaf images are all separate stamps. I created masks (so quick with these images, i was pleasantly surprised there) so that I could layer the stamps and create a flower bundle. I can tell i'm going to love the cloud in solid image form too. Did you recognize that it the same design that has been released as an outline in the raindrops and rainbows set? Yep, now you can layer those too!!!

SO other than some stamp layering, my card is super simple and super flat! It's been a long time since i had NO embellies on a card, but this time i didnt really even notice. And i kinda heart it. :D

Ok.. i said i wouldnt get wordy and look what i did! OK, bed time for me!

Be sure to check out these fabulous ladies and their cards today as well!

Randee Elsing

Dawn Mercedes

Michelle Van Patten

Christi Snow

Tina Hale

Lisa McKinney

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Just Hatched!

I have another project from the latest My Time Made Easy release to share today using a different template than I used during my preview day. This template is called Caged...and you'll see why!

Is this not the most stinkin' cute bird cage you've ever seen?! And, seriously.... a birdcage! Lauren never ceases to amaze me! THe other thing that amazed me... how easy this was to put together! Now granted I do have a cricut with SCAL but it took more time to load the paper and for the machine to cut it than it did for me to put it together!

Here's a peek inside the birdcage...

Can you see what's in there? The cutest little pair of pink shoes i've ever seen!

I admit, i bought them just for this project. Someone I know needs to have a little girl so I can give this to them! haha! The shoes are sitting in a little brown tulle skirt I made with some left over tulle material i had from an adult size tulle skirt. When rolled up, it made an adorable little nest!

Ok ok... here's a better view... for those wondering about the fun glittery paper... it's just bazzill cardstock that I sprayed down with glitter spray. :D

The sentiment on the birdcage is from the new Keep Strong set. I loved this sentiment though because I dont know about you, but my kids are like weeds! They keep growing and growing!

Here is a view of the card made to match the birdcage...

The stamps here are from the new Singing Silhouette set.

I just had to make the eggs in the nest pink too! :D

This stamp set is so much fun to layer together!

Trust me... you'll love it!!!

For a few more samples today... go check out Lauren and Lisa's blogs!!!

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My Time Made Easy Group Post: For the Birds

I'm so sorry my post is going up a bit late! My photoshoot ran a little longer than i thought and after getting home and the kids in bed because they had napped while mommy worked... well... it's the way it goes huh?

If you are looking for my Copic Creations Challenge post, just scroll down! Not before checking out my MTME project though, hehehehe.

Anyhoo - today is the first which means the My Time Made Easy release is now live on the site!

So you can go SHOPPING! As I mentioned in my preview post, Lauren has done it again with a fabulous release!

Today each of the design team members have made a set of cards using the new stamp set singing silhouettes. This set is available as a clear polymer stamp set or as a digital stamp set and has matching cut files!!!

Here is my project for you...

I decided to make a little set of notecards for just about every occasion! I couldnt resist packaging them up in the Pinch Me template. More on that in a bit. ;)

So obviously, notecards are a bit easier to come up with in a snap because there is a little less to them. These stamps layer soooooo well, it was so much fun to create these little scenes!

Here are some closer looks!

I stuck with a similar theme on each card using the branch stamp (which is 1 stamp, i simply enhanced the color design with copic markers... soooooo quick and easy!) and then used different bird images and sentiments that are all available in the set. I used a scalloped border die over folded cardstock to create the notecard.

Here is a shot of just the Pinch Me Template....

Notice that I utilized some of the cut files being released this month to tie the template into the stamp set. Again, a little enhancement using copics was all that was needed to make these cut files looks WAY 3d! The sentiment is also from the singing silhouette stamp set.

ANd a quick shot inside...

Because with this template you have he option of poking the sides in or out, the circular cards had no problem fitting inside. There is plenty of room for envelopes, a small pen, etc as well. If i have opted to fold the sides in, I could have just made rectangular cards. :D

Be sure to check out these other fabulous ladies and their projects today!

Lauren Meader (owner)

Kristin Bueter

Catherine Doucette

Katie Shawger Cotton (thats me)

Pam Imholz

Lisa Kind

Tangii Crain

Debbie Marcinkiewicz

Monique Hansen

Kathryn Berthiaume (March Guest)

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