Paper and Ribbons and Stamps! Oh My!

Valentine's Treat for JUGS

2012-01-27T22:59:00.002-06:00

Hi all,

Just a quick post - so sorry - that's all I seem to have time for anymore... Today's JUGS challenge is to create a project or 3D template with a Valentine theme.

I took one of the Archer Farms coffee cups from Target - covered it with a super fun paper from My Time Made Easy and designed by our very own Kristin! It will be filled with a Kuerig coffee cup, some expresso beans etc.) as a fun little Valentine gift!

Added a cup holder "band" that I ran through my crimper - decorated with hearts (cut with Nesties) ribbons, buttons, and decorated the top with circles, hearts and pearls.

Please stop by and visit the design team and then come play with us! Meanwhile have a great week ahead.

Color Challenge with JUGS

2012-01-20T22:59:00.004-06:00

Time to come and color with JUGS this week. Our hostess, Vicki, has chosen standard and beautiful Valentine colors - Pink, Red and White. Let's see what y'all can come up with (and you'll get one of your V-Day cards done in the process).

I made mine using the FTL163 sketch - just a CAS card this time - needed it "mailable" easily...

I have been cleaning out my stamp supplies and was about to put these in my "give away" pile - but then I thought I'd make "one last card" from these and now they are back in my stock. LOL

A little scoring and a few bits of pink rhinestone bling added just a little extra to this simple card.

Here's the inside - simple as well but I'm positive my recipient will love it.

Thanks for stopping by - please join us over at JUGS for our color challenge this week and pop over to our DT for more inspiration. Have a great one - my daughter comes home for a couple of days from Afghanistan on Monday so I'll be happy but quiet for awhile.

Hugs n smiles.
Stampin Pam

JUGS sketch week

2012-01-06T22:59:00.002-06:00

Good morning! It is SKETCH time again with Just Us Girls. Nice n easy this week (I'm the hostess so it's my sketch and I can say that LOL). Let's see what you do with it...

I had fun with this card this week - just because I like to color BUT I sure hope someday I can take a copic class - I can't get the highlights the way SOME gals do...

I started with the Magnolia stamp as my centerpiece - pulled the dress colors from the BG paper. The rest was just embellishments, ribbons etc. Hope y'all can join us. I've got a busy weekend ahead so this is short but please play along!

♥♥ Be sure to stop and visit our Featured Designer for the month ♥♥

Kylie Kueter

♥♥ Just Us Girls Design Team ♥♥

Hugs n Smiles,

Stampin Pam

Happy New Year from JUGS

2011-12-30T22:59:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year - almost! Just Us Girls has one last challenge for you for 2011 and it's from Lisa this week. We are challenging you to USE FELT on your creation.

I was in need of a very special thank you card so I decided to make my project this week as a thank you card. Here's what I came up with.

I used a variety of elements on this card - some cranberry CS from Gina K - layered on a piece of Basic Grey DP. I cut out two frilly pieces with a die from Heartfelt Creations - then I die cut my piece of felt from Labels 10 Nestability. I use another nestie to cut out the sentiment layer. Added some fun fiber, a couple of prima flowers and a few pearls to finish up. I'm sorry the photo isn't better - it was really gloomy today and my photo booth is out of commission for the holidays.

Thanks to our Featured Designer, Lenet this month - please check out the rest of the projects from the JUGS girls (sidebar -->) then I hope you will join us for this week's challenge.

Wishing all of you abundant blessings for 2012.

Hugs n smiles,

Stampin Pam

Candles make wonderful gifts

2011-12-23T22:59:00.003-06:00

Good morning - by the time you are reading this it will be Christmas Eve for many of us. JUGS has a challenge for you again - Kathryn is our hostess and she wants you to make candle sleeves for pillar candles.

Now candle sleeves are quick and easy BUT I was running short on time like everyone else so I'm showing you a candle GIFT IDEA instead! One of my crafty friends, Kathy, is making altered candles as gifts for her friends - based on their interests! This set is for a friend who vacations at the beach every year. Isn't this wonderful???

She started with simple plain pillar candles, adhered some blue and green (sea colored) tissue paper with beeswax then used more beeswax to adhere the fun "stuff" to the pillars. She then melted additional beeswax to drip down the candles. Of course you could easily design a candle this with holiday trimmings as well.

Sorry I didn't have a holiday "sleeve" for you but I hope it will inspire you to get three dimensional this week and try something new! Please join us at JUGS this week.

♥♥ Just Us Girls Design Team ♥♥

♥♥ Be sure to stop and visit our Featured Designer for the month ♥♥

Lenet Mos

Wishing you a blessed and warm holiday season!
Hugs and smiles,

Coloring Time

2011-12-16T22:59:00.003-06:00

Good morning - is anyone counting down the holi-days? I'm in semi-panic mode... but not too bad.

It's time for a JUGS color challenge - since I am CHALLENGED by TIME right now I decided to show you a few QUICK and EASY cards I make at this time of year.

The JUGS color challenge this week is to use Cherry Cobbler (Red), Old Olive (Green) and White or Kraft.

Here's what I do every year... I always need a ton of quick, easy and simple thank you cards for the holidays.) I SAVE all of my holiday cards from the previous year. (I get a lot of cards from businesses, too and they are always gorgeous.) I simply cut up the old Christmas cards and make them into simple thank yous for this year... Here are three I made using these colors. I love the beautiful embossed backgrounds and the gorgeous images - why not re-use them? My friends always comment on how fun my thank you's are :-)

Now, for a little holiday inspiration from the team...

♥♥ Just Us Girls Design Team ♥♥

♥♥ Be sure to stop and visit our Featured Designer for the month ♥♥

Lenet

Hope you will be able to play along with us. In the meantime I wish all of you a joyous holiday season!!

Hugs n smiles,
Stampin' Pam

Getting Sketchy with JUGS

2011-12-02T22:59:00.001-06:00

Hi all,
Quick post cause we have a holiday party to get to - it's JUGS Saturday and time for this week's sketch.

Here's my take on it - I flipped it on it's side then proceeded to get to work.

I used PTI's Rustic Snowflakes paper - several of the patterns - I love the color combo of red, aqua, soft green and white. Used a favorite winter stamp set from SU - called Flaky Friends - discontinued :-( but one I still love to use. A touch of ribbon and a couple of buttons from PTI, some Spellbinders to cut my ovals and a bit of twine to tie it all off... Voila! Great sketch!

Come play with us... after a little bit of inspiration!

♥♥ Just Us Girls Design Team ♥♥

♥♥ Be sure to stop and visit our new Featured Designer for the month ♥♥

Lenet Mos

Have a great weekend, all.

Hugs n smiles,

Stampin Pam

JUGS - Card Sets!

2011-11-26T08:03:00.000-06:00

Good morning - hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving and got a chance to spend time with family or loved ones. I was fortunate to have my son home from TX for the holiday! However, with all the holiday preparations and some Black Friday shopping, I was a naughty girl and didn't get my project done for JUGS. :-(

I decided the least I could do was share a project have made before since one of my favortie things to make are card sets. AND we can all use card sets this time of year - right!?

I made this set as a hostess gift set at the holidays last year - CAS style so I could make them quickly and easily. Once of my favorite templates from MyTimeMadeEasy... called Slip Cover. Super quick and easy to assemble but boy does it say WOW!

My apologies for not being able to post up a brand new set for you this week but I hope you'll get some inspiration from this idea. OK - off to decorate while my son is home to help with the heavy lifting :-)

Hugs n Smiles,
Stampin Pam

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-18T22:59:00.006-06:00

Hi All,
I know I have been MIA again - my daughter was home from Afghanistan for a visit so everything else gets put on the back burner. Meanwhile, I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is just around the corner - Wishing abundant blessings for each of you.

Ok - so it's a Just Us Girls Saturday and time for a new color challenge. Vicki is our hostess this week and she's got some great traditional holiday colors for us... Red, Green and White.

Now I KNOW these are Christmas holiday colors but I really, really wanted to try a non-holiday card with the colors so my colors are a bit more jewel toned but I used a Cranberry (red), Avocado (green) and an Ivory (creamy white). Made a Thanksgiving card for my best friend who moved away (sob). Here's my simple card:

The colors are not quite so deep in real life but I actually had to shoot this photo with my phone as my other camera's battery was dead! SORRY

I worked with pattern, texture, layering and a little copic coloring. Simple layout and design but I think she'll like it!

Now pop over ro our amaaaaaaaaazing design team and check out their inspiration. Hope you'll take a few minutes out of this busy holiday week to play along and color with JUGS.

♥♥ Just Us Girls Design Team ♥♥

♥♥ Be sure to stop and visit our Featured Designer for the month ♥♥

Kim O'Connell

Hugs n smiles,
Stampin Pam :-)

Spooktacular Color Challenge ala JUGS

2011-10-14T22:59:00.000-05:00

Hey gals n guys - it's Saturday and time for the next JUGS challenge - a COLOR challenge to be specific. We want you to work with these "Spooktacular" colors but your project does not have to be a Halloween project - just use these colors.

Here's my take on the colors - I DID choose to make mine Halloween and these were the perfect fun colors to work with.

I started with the current Mojo Monday Sketch and some fun Halloween digital papers from My Time Made Easy. The stamps are from PTI's Halloween Tags - so lots of layers, lots of textures and plenty of fun! Hope you'll join in the fun this week and show us what you can do with these colors! Now please stop by the JUGS Design Team and see what inspiration they have cooked up for you.

♥♥ Be sure to stop and visit our Featured Designer for the month ♥♥

Maureen Plut

AND
♥♥ Just Us Girls Design Team ♥♥

Have a great weekend!
Hugs n smiles.

Stampin Pam

Black Magic! (With JUGS)

2011-10-07T22:59:00.002-05:00

Happy Weekend! BEFORE we go any further - let me share out newest secret with you - we chose our new Design Team members. YES memberS! Thanks to all who answered our DT call! It was a tough call and in the end we had two gals who were 1 vote apart! SO we decided more was better and we have asked TWO gals to join our team.

PLEASE join me in welcoming our TWO new design team girls:
Lynn Magnan AND Vicki Dutcher

Ok let's get down to business. It's time for a new technique challenge with Just Us Girls. This week our lovely hostess is Andrea and she has a great technique to try - it's called Black Magic and you can find a link to the tutorial for it on SCS if you click HERE.

This was new for me and I will tell you that I had more than one go at it - It helps to use a "solid" image (in my opinion) to do this technique. Here's what I finally came up with. You have to tryst me - it's VERY striking in person - a bit "flat" looking in the photo but it's very vivid and quite lovely in real life. I will use this technique again. Thanks Andrea.

SO gals - get your groove on - get your stamps out and play along with Just Us Girls this week. Please visit our AWESOME design team (my side bar) for some additional inspiration. Please be SURE you stop and visit our Featured Designer, Maureen Plut - she is doing some fantastic projects with us.

Have a blessed weekend. For those of you who get Columbus Day off - enjoy!
Hugs n Smiles.

Stampin Pam

FOR THE COMMENTER WHO ASKED ABOUT THE HOPE STAMP - the butterfly AND words come from GinaKDesigns Hope is Faith stamp set. No way to contact you - sorry.

JUGS hits 2 Years!

2011-10-01T22:59:00.001-05:00

WOW - 2 years ago we launched a brand new challenge blog and we called it Just Us Girls - "JUGS" for short. We knew it would be fun but we never knew it would grow so quickly!! We didn't plan a big celebration since we just did our 100th challenge and put our energies into that BUT we do hope you will join us this week for a GORGEOUS sketch designed by our new October Featured Designer -

Give it up for Maureen Plut!!! SO glad to have her on board this month AND to have her design our sketch was just a BONUS! Here's her sketch...

And my card... just s fun and simple birthday card for a friend... I used the sketch in a very "literal" way!

Meanwhile we're working through the entries for our new DT member - should have an exciting announcement soon! Please stop at the DT blogs for some real EYE CANDY.

♥♥ Just Us Girls Design Team ♥♥

♥♥ Be sure to stop and visit our Featured Designer for the month ♥♥

Maureen Plut

Have a great weekend.

Hugs n smiles,

Stampin Pam

JUGS#103 Altered Tissue Box

2011-09-23T22:59:00.001-05:00

Well fall has fallen! It's been crisp and cool in the mornings but delightful in the afternoons. It's my favorite season - I just love it! Maria is bringing on a wonder-fall 3D challenge for Just Us Girls this week - she wants us to alter a tissue box or some other box you have laying around the house - with a FALL theme.

I was really stuck at first trying to come up with what I wanted to do for this. I was having a
brainstorming conversation on Skype with my dear friend Selma and she came up with the idea of a luminaire! SO - Selma thanks for the idea -- here's what I came up with. It's always amusing for me to watch how ideas just change and transform as I begin to work. My final project ended up being a weathered barn (of sorts).

I started with red cardstock. I scored it, weathered it with brown ink dragged across the paper, then just began to add some fun accents. Picket fence punch and some of my favorite Gina K stamps called Autumn Beauty. I colored and cut out sunflowers, scarecrow, pumpkins and corn stalks. I cut out the oval for the "window" and backed it with a spotted vellum. Cut an oval to "frame it up". Finally I didn't have the right things to finish off the top how I originally thought I would, so I ended up making a "roof" - was trying to make it sort of like a barn.

Here you can see the "barn" from the front with the warm candle light showing through. I used a LED candle votive instead of a real one - not sure if I'd set the paper box on fire LOL

The LED candle flickers on and off and it was mostly "off" in this photo but you can see the sunflowers on the side and you sort of see the peaked barn roof. Used the woodgrain embossing folder.

This is the other side of the barn - with the corn stalk. If I had more time I would have cut and colored more corn stalks to finish this side a bit more.

Here's a close up of the front showing the candle light through the vellum. Turns out I like it more than I thought I would :-)

Thanks for a great challenge Maria - whew! Can't wait to see what all of you come up with. Please pop over to the DT for some inspiration and PLEASE stop over and leave some JUGS love for our Featured Designer Monique - I guarantee you will LOVE her project! Thanks Monique for a fantastic job for JUGS.

Meanwhile - don't forget we're still looking for a new DT member so please come and apply! You can check it out here. We'd love to see what you come up with.

Have a great weekend.
Stampin Pam

Color My World

2011-09-16T22:59:00.001-05:00

It's time for Just Us Girls weekly challenge and this time it's a color challenge. Elise, our hostess with the MOSTEST, has come up with some gorgeous colors for ya.

Now don't those colors make you just SWOON for fall. I mean snuggie up in yer jammies in front of the fire with a good book and a glass of wine? YUMMO! Love the touch of blue.

Here's my card for you... I'm still working on making all my thank yous - hope y'aren't tired of them yet. ;-) I think maybe if I were to do this one again I'd choose a softer blue - but it's OK - kind of jumps out at ya on this one.

Papers by PaperTrey Ink. Stamp set is PTI's Round n Round. This is a "cool concept" card I've been making for years. Open the first flap to reveal...

This little note - I COULD write here but instead - open the second flap...

NOW I can write my note of thanks and I can continue on the back if I need to. It's a fun card that always has people saying "WoW" that's cool!

Just finished it off with a couple of leaves cut from one of my die sets, a silk flower and a PTI button and twine. Easy peasy - easy to make en-masse, too. Hope you'll play along with us.

Now scoot on over to the JUGS team and see what they've cooked up for you. (Sidebar -->). Have a great weekend and hug the ones you love!

Hugs n smiles,

It's a texting world! JUGS style!

2011-09-09T22:59:00.004-05:00

Hey all you JUGS fans. Boy do we have some fun for you this week. Oh wait - I think SOME of you are waiting to see who last week's blog candy winners are....

Each JUGhead (that's our pet name for each other) has posted their winner on their blogs and MY winner of my blog candy is.... DRUMROLL.....

Janine B!!

Please email me (link in my sidebar) your snail mail address so I can send your goodies to you - CONGRATULATIONS and thank you for being such a longtime and loyal JUGS follower!!

Ok - now for this week's challenge... it's Dana's turn to be our hostess with the mostest and she wants us to delve into the world of TEXT! Yep - pull out your sentiments and put together a background (or your main focal point) from a selection of text stamps...

I made a text-based card a couple of years ago for PTI blog hop and I'm really glad to try this again.

Here's the FIRST card I did this with two years ago for my son's graduation from Paramedic School. The text became the whole card.

Here's the card I made for this week's challenge - I needed a unique thank you note and so mine is all about the thanks! I did the BG but then added some more to this one.

I used just about every thank you stamp I had from MTME, PTI, GinaK Designs and even Stampin Up!

I just randomly stamped the BG - filled it in with a few dotted lines for "filler" and then added a focal point, some string and buttons. Simple enough but a fun result. Hope you will play along with us too!

Have a good weekend - my son is up visiting from Texas so it will be a GREAT weekend for me.

Hugs n smiles.

Stampin' Pam

100 - REALLY?? - 100?!?!

2011-09-02T22:59:00.002-05:00

Yes indeedy - this morning marks the 100th Challenge from Just Us Girls. Never, in my wildest imagination, did I think we'd get this far when our little challenge blog started out. We've now grown to over 1000 followers so me thinks you "Girls" are liking Just Us Girls.

OK - here we go - for #100 we are looking back to #1!!! We are reposting our very first sketch for this challenge - there are so many new techniques and ideas that we're SURE this sketch will be just a fresh and fun as it was in 2009!!

Here is my card. Now - I know that all the rest of the girls have nice right cheery colors but with my current achilles injury I'm very limited in the time to get UPSTAIRS to my stamp room so I'm making cards as I need them. Sadly, I lost a DEAR friend, and ex-administrator colleague this past week to cancer. She was only 61 and battled valiantly. This card is for her mother since my friend was not married. We NEVER expect that we will outlive any of our children so I know her mom is grieving and I can only hope this will bring a little moment of comfort.

I used Designer paper and CS from PTI, seam binding ribbon from Debbie Marciniewicz, stamps from MyTimeMadeEasy and assorted pearls and embellies for final touches.

And now - ladies and gents - here's MY blog candy offering for this week's fun with JUGS...

TWO beautiful stamp sets from JustRite Stampers! I love JustRite stamps and am donating two sets to one lucky winner who follows all the "rules" for this challenge... GOOD LUCK!

1. Create a CARD based on the sketch - although it's just a "starting point" we should be able to tell that your card was created with this sketch in mind.
2. Become a FOLLOWER of our blog if you are not already.
3. Leave a COMMENT on the JUGS challenge page.
4. Visit EACH Design Team member AND our Featured Designer and LEAVE a COMMENT for each Jughead (they have all worked really hard and this would be a great week to leave some love).
5. Post your project per the instructions at the bottom of the JUGS POST.

Now show us what you've got up your design sleeve - can't wait!
Have a great Labor Day Weekend.

Hugs and smiles,
Stampin Pam

Me --- An Emmy??

2011-08-31T08:48:00.000-05:00

Well I'll be jiggered! Who knew that one of my favorite "TV Places" (StampTV) was giving out Emmy awards?? I didn't know that! (I have been out of the stamping loop for a few months now - between work, being out of the country etc.) I just haven't been in touch with all my favorite places! So imagine my surprise when I got a sweet message congratulating me on my recent Emmy!

You can find a link to my gallery here.

They featured this card of mine on Monday (apparently it goes all week)

And this one was yesterday's pick...

Thanks to StampTV and the StampTV Talent Scout (see the page on Facebook) for the honor!

This hobby and the group of paper crafters around the world is AMAZING! Have a great day all!!

Stampin Pam :-)

JUGS #99 Back to School!!

2011-08-26T22:59:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone from Gimpy. Why Gimpy? Well I managed to tear my Achille's tendon last Friday night so I've been sort of hibernating in my chair since then. I'm now in a "boot" and not having to use crutches as my only means of getting around. The icing on the cake was the walloping big cold I got (from the ER I'm sure). Thought I had pneumonia at one point. BUT I'm on the mend and managed to rummage up a quick project for this week's Just Us Girls' challenge. It was ONCE only up the stairs to my craft room to do this.

JUGS wants you to make a template with some sort of Back-to-School theme. I used to be a teacher and still work for a school district so I thought I'd start the year off with a box of a few thank you notes for my Tech Literacy Coaches. (I still have to make the 2nd set). They do so much to help our teachers with technology - I wanted to appreciate them as well as they start up another hectic school year.

SO now here's my box holding the cards... (A2 card box template from SCS)

Paper by PTI, Stamp: Vintage Picnic by PTI, Sentimental Occasions stamp set by MTME, buttons, felt leaves, pearls and twine - that pretty much wraps up the supply list. This is a side shot of the box. Here are the cards inside -a nice variety of colors and "baskets" for any thank you occasion.

One more look at the top of the box.

Ok girls - that's it for now - I'm fair exhausted and need my nap. Hope you'll play along this week. Be sure to visit our Design Team, too! Have a great weekend!

Hugs n Smiles!

"Gimpycakes" (My DT gals call me Pammycakes so for now I'm calling me "Gimpycakes" or just plain old "StampinPam"

Colorful JUGS #98

2011-08-19T22:59:00.001-05:00

Hey there! It's the middle August - where did the summer go? Students come back to my school district on Monday and we'll be rolling along with another school year. WOW.

Today Just Us Girls has a color challenge for you brought to you by our very own DELIGHTFUL, creative, FUNNY, cheery, ALWAYS HAS sweet things TO say... Elise! Here is the color palette for you to work with... (By the way - a quick shout out to Kristin for making our graphics every week - she's so talented!!)

Now those are colors that make me feel all WARM and FUZZY inside! Rich - ROBUST! I have a friend who's battling cancer for the 2nd time and I just love this sentiment from JustRite Stampers. "Do one thing every day that makes you happy!" What makes YOU happy? I'd love to hear that in your comments. I think sometimes we get so wrapped up in the day to day "gotta do it all" syndrome that we forget the simple pleasures - a walk along a garden path, smelling the fresh cut grass, opening a card you got in the mail!?, star gazing... you get the idea! Or, maybe it's a SMILE, a hearty HELLO, a warm HUG, or a thoughtful COMPLIMENT. (You never know when someone might just need that!)

Here's my card:

Hope it makes my friend smile. I'm trying to send fun, cheery and encouraging cards as he fights this battle again. Keeping a positive attitude really helps.

Thanks for stopping by - please check out the rest of the Design Team (sidebar ->) and then pop over to the JUGS blog and play along this week.

Hugs and Smiles,

JUGS 97 Notebooks!

2011-08-12T22:59:00.001-05:00

G'Day gals,
Yes, I'm still relishing in the after vacation splendor of my trip "Down Under", especially as I sort through all the photos! Here's a link to my photo post if you're interested.

It's a technique Saturday with JUGS - Maria is challenging us to do an altered notebook - any size. With school right around the corner again I bet notebooks are a hot topic right now.

This is my project - the design is from Nicole Heady from the stampin cruise I took a couple of years ago but I loved it so then and decided it was time to re-create one for today's notebook challenge. I'm also using this for Mona's CR84FN Color Challenge!

And here's my Altered Notebook:

This is a 5x7 notepad. Nice size for notes - I kept mine by the phone till it was used up - so I may just gift this to me! :-)

Here's the back - just simple Polkadots..

And a look at this when it's open - you see that the left side has a "pocket" for tucking in lists, or receipts, or notes or even an envelope or two.

Hope you will join us this week and show us YOUR notebooks. Check out the design team in my sidebar and see what the gals have for you. I promise it will be worth a look. Have a great weekend,

Hugs n Smiles,

Saturday Sketch Time

2011-08-05T23:00:00.003-05:00

G'day mates! I just returned from Australia - if you want to see more - check out this post!

Meanwhile - today it's time to get sketchy with Just Us Girls. Here's the sketch I've put up for you.
(It's really simple so come play along!)

And here's my card:

Just a quick and simple birthday card - I used two strips of lace and now that I see the final I should have lined up the pattern on the lace but I barely had enough to cut this strip in half soooo offset it what you get :-)

I used two sets from JustRite stampers but I don't have the names at the moment. Sorry :-( Paper is from PTI. I added some PINK rhinestones on the purse, the shoes and on the sentiment too.

Please pop over to the JUGS page and in the meantime check out the JUGS Design Team (in my sidebar -->) for some FABULOUS inspiration!

Hope to see you all play along!

Australia

2011-08-05T21:44:00.001-05:00

G'Day mates! Sorry I have been MIA for almost a month. I just returned from a trip of a lifetime - 18 days in Australia! My step son is getting his master's degree in viticulture (wine making) and he is studying at the University of Adelaide in South Australia for the year so, of course, we had to go for a visit. :-)

Here are just a few highlight photos - I'm still going through the 2300 we took! I promise not to post them all here. I don't like to post on a public forum such as my blog or Facebook when I will be gone on a trip like this so please pardon my silence.

Thanks to ALL of our over 1000 JUGS followers. You are AMAZING and we couldn't be happier to have so many interested crafters playing along with us each week.

Ok - here's a few pics...

Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef - WOW!!

Holding Winnie the Koala

Sydney Opera House

Surf's Up at Manly Beach!

In the water at Manly Beach

Bondi Beach - another Sydney must visit!

The Opera House at Night

Kangaroo Island Coastline

I'm holding a baby joey!! OMGosh!

Kanga and baby Joey!

My geocaching friends in Australia - what fun we had!

Crimson Rosella Parrot

Ooooh shopping at the Market in Melbourne

Thanks for hanging in there with me during my absence!

Hugs n Smiles.

"Nine Circles" CAS

2011-06-24T23:00:00.003-05:00

Well girls - today is a JUGS 3D/Template challenge and I've been enjoying time with my DD who has been home from Afghanistan. I did not get a JUGS 3D or template project done for today's challenge BUT I have a patriotic card I created a while ago and never posted so I'm going to substitute that for you today. Please pop over to Just Us Girls to see this week's challenge.

A while back a friend shared a simple card with me. (I have no idea who first created the simple layout - if it was you please let me know so I can give you credit!) My mojo popped in with a couple of changes to it - it's still clean and simple but I loved how quickly it comes together. I call it Nine Circles because that's the basis for it. I made several (see below.)

I created this simple "nine circles" card for one of our staff members who recently got her US Citizenship. I made it before I dashed off for work. Now THAT'S what I call a fast and easy (FAE instead of CAS?!?) card!! I started out by dry embossing my white CS with a square nestie. I then stamped 9 circles using the open circle stamp from PTI's Polka Dot Basics set. I just "eyeballed" them for alignment so they may not be perfectly aligned. I then added rhinestones or silver beads etc. into the center of each circle. On two of the cards I purposely used a larger pearl to offset the balanced layout. I then stamped a sentiment from Signature Greetings (PTI) and mounted my white CS to a colored base and I was done.

Here's my patriotic card complete with matching envelope. I stamped the same flag image on the inside of the card.

Here are three more basic "nine circle" thank you cards. I really like the way they turned out. Hope you enjoy them as well.

Thanks for stopping by. I'll be MIA for a few weeks since I have a lot of intense commitments coming up BUT also some vacation time. I will miss my faithful followers but will come back with more ideas I hope!

Hug the ones you love!

Woodgrain Technique for JUGS

2011-06-10T22:59:00.001-05:00

Hey gals - it's a JUGS Saturday technique day and today we want you to try the Woodgrain technique - just in time to make those masculine cards for Dad's Day!!! Please read all the details on the Just Us Girls blog - I'm very short on time and since I'm the hostess I already wrote all the details over there :-)

Here's my card....

Used one of my all time favorite sets - Happy Camper from GinaK - simple but a nice card for one of the men in my life! Hope you play along... this is a SUPER technique!

Have a great weekend,
Stampin Pam

Getting Sketchy with JUGS

2011-06-03T22:59:00.000-05:00

It's JUGS week #87 - Oh Me - Oh My! Where has the time gone??? It's JUNE?!? Here's your sketch by our lovely hostess, Kathryn. Hope you'll come play along with us this week.

Here's my take on it - I flipped the sketch on its side and used some background patterned paper made for me by my special friend, Hanne! Thanks, Hanne!! Some flower dies were layered for the flower and the BG was run through my cuttlebug for texture. Sentiment is from Signature Greetings (PTI).

♥♥ Just Us Girls Design Team ♥♥

Kristin

♥♥ Be sure to stop and visit our Featured Designer for the month ♥♥

Rosemary Dennis

Thanks everyone - have a great weekend!
Hugs n smiles.

BBQ for Dad

2011-05-28T07:27:00.000-05:00

Good morning ladies. It's a JUGS Saturday morning and this week it's template week - now do'nt groan - there are some AMAZING gift templates for the men in your life. And, they love creative packaging just as much as our girls do! So whip up something special for that man in your life and then play along with Just Us Girls.

I am late - we are wrapping up the school year and life could not be busier. I thought I'd get my JUGS project done last night but, alas, a good friend stopped over and I just didn't get it done. Since I'll be out and about this weekend I thought instead of not having a project I'd at least share a masculine gift set that I created a while back. This would be MOST appropriate for Father's Day, a man's birthday, a boss's day gift etc.

This gift set starts with the Fancy a Cuppa template from My Time Made Easy. The paper is also MTME and is called Fall Foilage and the images come from the MTME stamp set called Monograms Defined.

The rest of the Design team (in my sidebar ->) has come up with some STELLAR projects so PLEASE pop over and visit their blogs. Be sure to visit our Featured Designer, Clare Buswell, as well. She'll knock your socks off.

Hope you all have a fantastic holiday weekend. I HOPE to get my act together to be on time next time.
Hugs n Smiles,

Kissing with a Twist

2011-05-13T22:59:00.000-05:00

Good morning ladies. It's a Just Us Girls technique challenge. Today Kristin is our hostess and she has challenged us to use the Kissing With a Twist technique. If you are not familiar with this technique here is a link to the tutorial on SCS or you might want to watch Gina K's video on Stamp TV here.

I have very few solid stamps that I could use with this technique so I turned to the Bold Flowers set from Gina K. I "kissed" up this thank you card using the kissing technique on all 3 flowers...

It's hard to see in the photo but the background is sponged with blue, pink and a touch of purple plus some brown sponging at the earth layer just under my textured torn paper strip. I used the Nested Sentiments nestabilities to create the sentiment flag. An orange jeweled brad and a stamped butterfly from MTME finished off the card.

It's time to pop over to the team to see what they have in store for you today then get out your supplies and start kissing! Can't wait to see what you create.

♥♥ Just Us Girls Design Team ♥♥

Andrea

Dana
Elise
Kathryn
Kristin

Lisa

Maria

♥♥ Be sure to stop and visit our Featured Designer for the month ♥♥

Clare Buswell

Have a great weekend. Unfortunately this is one of those weekends where I must go back in for a few hours - we're doing some Strategic Planning.

Jugs Sketch Saturday

2011-05-06T22:59:00.002-05:00

Hey girls! It's Saturday and I am your hostess this week for Just Us Girls sketch challenge. Easy peasy right? Here's the sketch.

And here's my take on the sketch. I was very straight forward with my interpretation of the sketch today.

I used some new digi paper from My Time Made Easy as my starting point and inspiration. The brown and yellow paper is from the set called Bee Mine. I inked up my cuttlebug folder with Chocolate Chip ink and ran the yellow paper through. The rest of the card was just layering. The images are from Bee-Loved by MTME also - the bee is just too cute - his wings are glittered with Dazzling Diamonds. The sentiment is from MTME's Sentimental Occasions.

Next up I decorated the inside - I wanted to "cover" up the ribbon on the inside so I used the same digi paper on the top half of the inside.

Now swing by and visit the rest of the design team. (In my sidebar) then get sketchy with JUGS. I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Finally, I'd like to wish a sincere and warm Happy Mother's Day to all of you who are moms. It's a difficult day for me since I lost my mom 9 years ago - Mother's Day just hasn't been the same since. I'm looking forward to spending time with my DH, daughter and son-in-law though. If the weather cooperates they are taking me geocaching - now that's a dedicated family!!! Willing to spend a day with mom doing what mom loves! Love it.

Hugs n smiles all.

A Year in Review MTME

2011-05-04T22:59:00.002-05:00

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you today that this will be my last post as a member of Lauren's amazing team. If you've been following my blog you'll know I've had some changes in my life and after serious and prayerful contemplation I decided it was time to step down from the My Time Made Easy team. With my children spread far and wide around the world I will be doing a lot more traveling to visit them. I also have a very stressful and demanding job and I just need time to be me with no pressure, no deadlines and no commitments. I have been SO richly blessed by this experience and must say a special thank you to Lauren - she snagged me two years ago to be on her challenge team and then on her MTME design team. Lauren believed in me long before I believed in myself and the support from all of my loyal followers has made it a fantastic experience. I'll still be on JUGS and still be stamping and blogging - just not as part of Lauren's team. I wish Lauren and her company the absolute best and to my teammates - YOU GIRLS ROCK - you're the best! You are an incredibly talented and caring group of women and I have been so blessed to have worked with all of you. Thanks for everything. OK - my tears are shed - let's get on with today....

Today is the final group post from the My Time Made Easy team for the May release. As has been our practice, we end each release with a Year in Review - or a look back at favorite templates, stamps and/or paper from previous months. Lauren has so many wonderful templates to choose from but I chose this one because it truly is one of my favorites. It's called Pick of the Petals.

This gorgeous gift box, with it's unusual pinched lid has been a show stopper from the first. I can only encourage you to TRY IT - You'll like it, (Mikey!) It makes up so beautifully and if you take your time with the petal scoring it comes out perfect! I am featuring the newest paper from this month's release - from a set called Bee Mine. I LOVE it and knew immediately that I wanted to use it on this box.

Here's a peek at the top - I embellished it with primas and some cut leaves from a MTME cut file called Petal Perfections and some ribbon from my stash.

To finish off the front of the template I used a line of pearls and some beautiful blue rhinestones. No matter what I did I could not photograph the rhinestones and get their true blue color but they are very pretty.

Here's my card made to match. I know we usually go back and use paper from past releases for the Year in Review but this one is brand new and I LOVE it so I just had to use it. The tulips and the bee - just SO springy! This comes from the über talented Kristin and is from the Bee Mine digital paper set, new this month. The sentiment on the card comes from one of my favorite sentiment sets called Just For You.

A final look at the entire gift set. I just got a new camera and the colors are so off - UGH - sorry - I can't figure out - with flash is too much without it's too dark. Argh!

I didn't show you the inside of the box because I don't want to spoil the surprise for my friend who's getting this next week! :-)

That's all for now folks. Thank you again for your supportive and encouraging comments about my My Time Made Easy projects on my blog - you always make me smile and I appreciate your sweet words more than you know. I'll be around - stay in touch please.

Hugs and smiles and a few tears today as well,

Barrow of Blooms!

2011-05-02T22:59:00.003-05:00

Good morning - are you just loving this month's My Time Made Easy products? I think Lauren and Catherine and Kristin have truly outdone themselves - again! This time I'm showcasing a second template called Barrow of Blooms.

I started with some avocado card stock and cut my template then layered it with one of this month's newest digital paper from a set Kristin called Buzz-y Blooms. I LOVE it - the daisies are so fresh and fun!

Here's a look from the other side. I embellished the cute wheelbarrow with some ribbons, buttons and twine! The centers of my wheels are punched from the same paper - it's the centers of the daisies. I also lined the INSIDE of the wheelbarrow with the same designer paper.

Now here's a peek at what I packaged up for this sweet set (my title is a hint!) I packaged up a large selection of prima flowers in a tin with a see-through lid. Some ribbon another button and some additional twine and my gift set was ready.

And it fits perfectly inside the Barrow!!! How's that for a great way to give a fun gift?!?

Of course I had to have a card (I actually made this same card for Lauren's Birthday - see the MTME Blog for our Happy Birthday to Lauren Hop!!!) featuring a variety of stamps from this month's Bee-Loved Sentiments and Bee-Loved stamp sets.

Here's a final look at the whole gift set. A really, really cute template - lots of great uses for this adorable gift set.

Be sure to stop by and visit Tangii, Lauren and Catherine today to see what they have cooked up for you.

Hope your week is going well!

Hugs n Smiles.

Cards For My Bee-Loved

2011-04-30T22:59:00.001-05:00

It's release Day with My Time Made Easy - YAY!!! Time for some great new products and you're going to love them. Today the team is sharing ideas with you featuring the newest stamp sets designed by Catherine Doucette called Bee-Loved and Bee-Loved Sentiments.

I created a set of four cards for a friend of mine. I think she'll like the variety. I'll have to make another one of the "Missing my Honey" to send to my son.

I featured images from the Bee-Loved set and sentiments from Bee-Loved Sentiments - aren't these just perfect for spring?!? Here are close ups of the individual cards. I used a similar set of elements but unique images on each one.

Please be sure to stop over to the rest of the team. All the girls have some wonderful projects to share - you won't want to miss them!

My Time Made Easy Design Team:

Lauren Meader (owner)
Kristin Eberline
Catherine Doucette

Katie Shawger Cotton

Lisa Kind
Tangii Crain
Debbie Marcinkiewicz
Monique Hansen

Supplies from My Time Made Easy LLC:

Pretty Impressions © Stamps: Bee-Loved, Bee-Loved Sentiments

Hugs n Smiles,

Wedding Cake Made Easy!

2011-04-29T22:59:00.001-05:00

Greetings all. It's sneaky-peek time from the My Time Made Easy team. We're gearing up for an awesome pre-summer set of beautiful goodies. I'm starting today with a brand new template called Oh Bee Hive! Yes - it's an adorable bee hive template - BUT WAIT - it can also be a cake! Now how cool is that? My daughter's best friend is getting married and the girls are looking for decoration ideas so I decided to make and decorate this template as a wedding cake.

I started with some stunning cardstock from the Paper Temptress - it's my favorite "fancy" wedding CS - called Laser Luster (I think). I created my cake from the cardstock then I set about decorating. I started with some pearls on a strand - colored each strand with copics and glued to the cake with Zip Dry. I used a flower from Hobby Lobby as my cake topper then filled in with yellow and white tiny flowers. I think the girls would prefer all yellow flowers on the layers- I just didn't have enough to do the entire cake this time. If they decide to use this idea obviously we can buy plenty of tiny flowers to decorate with.

Here's a view looking down on the cake.

A close up of the flower from HL - it was in the wedding section and was $.99! They often go on sale so it would be an inexpensive alternative to making your own paper flowers if you are short on time (which I was).

A final peek at the cake with the two champagne glasses to give you a sense of scale. Since I cut this with my cricut it would be EASY to rescale it larger if needed. I was able to cut 3 side pieces per sheet of cardstock but I could have scaled it way up and cut ONE side piece per cardstock for a much larger cake) but I rather like the mini version. You can go wild with decorating this adorable cake - for weddings, for bridal showers, for baby showers or even for a birthday! AND don't forget - Lauren will also show you how this makes up into a cute, cute, cute little bee hive!

Please hop over to my fellow team mates, Monique Hansen and Debbie Marcinkiweicz as they both have some absolutely DELICIOUS ideas to share with you as well.

See you again tomorrow for our group post for the May release for My Time Made Easy.

Springtime Template - JUGS!

2011-04-22T22:59:00.002-05:00

Hi gals,
Just a quick Saturday post for Just Us Girls. I'm yippee skippee happy cause my son's home for a visit this weekend so I want to spend my time with him. My daughter and SIL are coming over too!!! YAY. This week's JUGS challenge is any kind of springtime template!

So here's mine - an Easter Basket for my best friend who's been going through a really difficult time. It may be a myth but I still think chocolate makes us all feel better.

The basket is Lauren's new Berry Sweet Basket from My Time Made Easy. Since I was "off" last month I didn't get a chance to make it - it's a LOVELY large size and, as you can see, works wonderfully well for a quick Easter Basket. I printed up some Darling Dots digital paper on card stock - made it double sided so the inside was as pretty as the outside. I did end up using the optional side inserts cause the Easter "grass" wasn't quite the right color of purple. :-( I just had to add some "bling" rhinestones to the open spaces on the front.

To top it off (literally) I made a big bow and tied on a simple tag for my best friend. The stamped oval is from Occasional Labels (designed for MTME by our JUGS hostess Kristin - how's THAT For talent!?!?) and the sentiment is Sentimental Occasions (also from Kristin). LOVE IT.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend - If you celebrate Easter I hope that it will be a blessed day for you and your loved ones. If you just celebrated Passover I hope it was wonderful as well.

Hugs and smiles to all.

A Colorful Birthday for JUGS

2011-04-15T22:59:00.001-05:00

Hi JUGs fans! Thanks for all the good birthday wishes you left for our sweet Elise this week - and now it's time for yet another JUGHEAD birthday! Please join me in wishing a BIG HUGE Happy Birthday to our hostess this week - the talented Lisa Kind!!!!

Happy Birthday Lisa - (she KNOWS about this post since she is the hostess). Lisa brings us a lovely color challenge with a twist - to make it a birthday card. The colors this week are Aqua, Coral, Kraft and Black.

Here's to one of the best Lisa!!! Hope it's fantastic. Had to wish my craft friend a "crafty" type of birthday.

Cameo Coral bu SU was my base CS, I used some PTI paper (the aqua), the kraft layer is embossed with a Happy Birthday cuttlebug folder. For the image I used the PTI set called Studio Style - it's perfect for making cards for our crafty friends. I swear the bottom button looks more coral IRL but the camera didn't pick it up right. The new PTI Doilie die and a cork flower created my circular accent piece. I just let my mojo take the lead - I hope Lisa likes the end result. I used this week's Mojo Monday sketch as my inspiration.

The inside was fun to work up also. Even though I'm wishing Lisa major mojo she doesn't need it - she always does beautiful work. Stop by Lisa's blog and leave her some birthday love.

Then pop over to our Featured Designer, Teresa Kline. She is doing a BANG UP job for JUGS this month.

Lastly, please hop over to the rest of the team (in my sidebar) and check out their amazing inspirations. Then come and color with us at Just Us Girls. We'd love to see what you create with this palette.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a glorious week.

Hugs n Smiles.

It's a JUGHEAD Birthday

2011-04-11T22:59:00.012-05:00

Hi JUGS fans. Just a quick post today to honor our newest "JUGHEAD" (It's ok, that's what she calls us and herself) on her birthday - Elise Durenberger! Happy birthday girly! Hope it's one of the best ever.

I used the Mojo Sketch from this past week and the colors from CR84FN's challenge for this week.

Happy Birthday Elise - your card is, as they say, in the mail but it won't arrive by your actual birthday so enjoy it when it arrives :-)

I stamped the pink layer with one of my SU! background stamps for some subtle texture and pattern and used a new SU! embossing folder on the cream layer. It really makes a deep impression - quite stunning IRL. The image and sentiment are from PTI's Round and Round. Added a black doily using one of the new PTI doily dies, some ribbon and pearls and button and twine! Even though the pic doesn't show it too well it is ivory/cream CS I used.

Thanks for stopping by - PLEASE hop over to Elise's blog and leave her some love and feel free to create and post a birthday card for her as well.
Hugs n Smiles,

Wishing You Sunshine

2011-04-08T22:59:00.002-05:00

It's a Just Us Girls Saturday and time for a technique challenge. Maria is our hostess and she has chosen the baby wipe technique for this week. Here is the LINK to a tutorial on SCS but there are others out there as well.

I had never done the baby wipe technique like the SCS tutorial shows. I had done a completely different version as shown on Stamp TV. However, being true to Maria's challenge I thought I'd try this new way. Boy did I have trouble. NOT with the technique - it's super simple but rather with the final card. I won't bore you with details and I'm not overly thrilled with the end result - let's just say I was just DONE!

Used Scattered Showers from PTI as my stamp set - you can see that I stamped three umbrellas from my one baby wipe. Cut the umbrellas out and mounted them with dimensionals for depth. Added a simple sentiment for someone who's a bit "blue" right now. Some Rain Drops as embellishments and I called it good to go.

Here's a closer look at the babywipe technique - it's hard to tell but I used 4 colors all from SU! soft subtles.

Please stop by this month's Featured Designer, the talented Teresa Kline and then pop over to the rest of the JUGS team.

♥♥ Just Us Girls Design Team ♥♥

Dana
Elise
Kathryn

Kristin

Lisa

Maria

Thanks for stopping by - hug the ones you love and have a great weekend. Thanks for all the sweet notes during my MIA time. :-)
Hugs n Smiles.

Jugs Sketch Saturday

2011-04-01T22:59:00.001-05:00

Hi gals
Well I'm back (sort of). It's been a bit of a rough haul but I got my daughter off on her next assignment - my son celebrated his first birthday without us :-( and I had a relatively uneventful 15 hour drive home in my daughter's car. (Well uneventful except for the visit and "present" from the Ohio Turnpike State Patrol!) UGH - picking on little red cars with out of state plates is NOT fair. THANK you for your kind words, your good thoughts and your prayers. Means a lot to me! Ok - on to stamping.

SO - I'm trying to get my groove back on - I think my Mojo is still enjoying the cherry blossoms in DC but here's this week's JUGS Sketch.

I flipped the sketch on it's side and used my new PTI doilie die. WOW it punches beautifully. It took a little bit to punch out the "pieces" but the result is really pretty.

I'm using some older SU! stamps for this set plus the word "BEST" from this month's new MTME release. My best friend has given up stamping (oh so sad for me) and she gave or sold me anything I wanted from her stash. SO this little card is for my "best friend" to say you will be missed but you can come stamp with me ANY time and use ANYTHING from my stash.

Purple is her favorite color and she loves butterflies and the symbol of new beginnings - and that's where she is in her life - at a new beginning.

Please stop over and visit the rest of the JUGS team and this month's Featured Designer, the über talented Teresa Kline! Then get out your goods and get sketchy with us!

Hugs n Smiles,

Just Smashing!

2011-03-11T23:11:00.003-06:00

NOTE to my followers: I will be MIA for a couple of weeks. My daughter is back from her assignment in Germany and is coming home for a week as she prepares for her deployment to Afghanistan - I will then be going to DC to help her finalize her plans and will then drive her car back here once she leaves. I want to spend every possible free moment with her before she goes so I hope y'all understand and check back on me soon. Here's a quick post for the JUGS. Try it--- You'll Like it!

Good morning - it's a JUGS Saturday - are you ready for a fun technique? Today's challenge is to use the acrylic smash technique which you can find HERE from SCS.

I had never tried this technique before and, although I used to do a lot of tole painting, I could not find my old acrylic paints. I had one bottle of cream on hand so I simply added a few drops of re-inker ink to a small pool of acrylic, stirred it up and sponged it on my acetate layer.

Here's my sunrise thank you...

I used a light pink, soft yellow and a pale purple for my three colors. I had stamped my acetate with a few pieces from the Tropical Flowers set from Gina K. The rest was just a simple design - a little embossing, a couple of prima flowers and a few purple pearls. I really liked this technique and will surely use it again!

Please check out the rest of the team's creations and I will "see" you soon.

♥♥ Just Us Girls Design Team ♥♥

Kristin

♥♥ Be sure to stop and visit our Featured Designer for the month ♥♥

Alyssa Scritchfield!

Thanks for stopping by.
Hugs n smiles,

JUGS Sketch #74

2011-03-04T23:00:00.026-06:00

Good morning girls - I have TWO posts today so be sure you see them both. The other post is for My Time Made Easy.

Time for this week's JUGS challenge and since it's the first Saturday of the month it's SKETCH time. Here's your sketch:

And here's MY take on it:

I started with some fun papers called Brassy Botanicals created by Sara for My Time Made Easy. I added a sentiment from the new Keep Strong stamp set also from MTME. I filled in with a branch and flowers from the new Singing Silhouette and added a lovely rectangular bit o' bling. An organdy double bow made with the Bow Easy and some ribbon from my stash was my final piece!

Here's a close up

And the inside:

Now make sure you get on over to the rest of the team (sidebar -->) I promise some MOJOLICIOUS examples for you. Also please give a WARM JUGS WELCOME to our March Featured Designer, Alyssa Scritchfield!

Have a great weekend. I was a LUCKY WINNER of front row seats to see George Strait, Reba McEntire and Lee Ann Womack so I plan on having a REALLY, REALLY good weekend!!

Hugs n Smiles,

SURPRISE - A Year in Review

2011-03-04T22:59:00.001-06:00

Saturday greetings to y'all. I have TWO posts today so be sure to catch them both - the other post is for JUGS!

For today's post I'm using one of the templates from My Time Made Easy called In Suspense. It was released back in October - just in time for the fall holidays and I really enjoyed it. With St. Patrick's day quickly approaching I decided this would be a fun template to bring out again for a special someone. ;-)

I kept it simple and straightforward - no card this time because it's just going to be sneakily placed on someone's desk...

I started with some green SU! paper and cut the template with my Cricut but I eliminated the cut out "window" from the front and the circle for the door knob from the back piece - I want this to stand on a desk - not hang on a door. I created some accent pieces using the Amazing Argyle stamp set - thought that the "flower" looked sort of like a clover! A simple bow and button just for a bit of fun at the closure edge.

I then used the Secret Surprise cut file (in two layers) and stamped it up with a couple of the sentiments from the A Secret Surprise stamp set and another couple of flowers from Argyle Amazement.

Finally, I used one of my favorite cut files called Cornice Trimmed Circle. I created an extra layer to add the pop of orange. The words come from the A Secret Surprise stamp set - it's one long sentiment but I just inked it up half and half to stamp it into the circle.

My colors were inspired by the gift inside the box - a pair of fun socks for St. Patrick's Day. I promise that the green in the socks is much closer to the paper IRL. Don't know why my camera was giving me fits but it looks good in person. The argyle pattern in the socks and the touch of orange was my source of inspiration. I hope the lucky recipient likes them :-)

Time to pop over to the rest of the team and see some great ideas using templates and stamps from this past year. Fresh new ideas for you!

♥♥♥♥♥
My Time Made Easy Design Team:

Lauren Meader (owner)
Kristin Eberline
Catherine Doucette

Katie Shawger Cotton

Lisa Kind
Tangii Crain
Debbie Marcinkiewicz
Monique Hansen

AND our special Guest Designer this month, Kathryn Berthiaume!

Supplies from My Time Made Easy LLC:

Pretty Packaging Templates: In Suspense

What's Your Angle - MTME

2011-03-02T22:59:00.000-06:00

Ready for another fabulous template from My Time Made Easy? This one is spectacular and you are going to love it. It's called What's Your Angle - it's super roomy and it's fun to make!!

I started out with Cranberry Tart CS from Gina K then I worked in some of Kristin's fabulous new digital papers this month called Cheerful Chirps. I used the Abra-Bow-Dabra cut file to make a paper bow on top but then I also tucked in a ribbon bow and prima to finish it off. I also used one of my favorite new cut files called Cornice Trimmed Oval on the box and card. I LOVE this cut file - it makes such a beautiful label. The stamps are from the new Keep Strong set - it's filled with wonderfully encouraging sentiments!

Here's a side view of the box.

A view from the top - you can see I nestled a bow and prima in with the paper bow from Abra-Bow-Dabra.

A peek inside the box. There is a large bag of potpourri inside here :-)

Gorgeous new stamp set called Keep Strong - I LOVE this sentiment called Friend.

Here's the card I made to go with the template. Used the same digital papers and the same stamp set Keep Strong - different sentiment this time.

Don't you love this sentiment? I will be using this a lot I'm sure :-)

A final look at the gift set. I think the recipient is going to love it.

Be sure to stop by and see what Lauren, Monique and our guest designer Kathryn have for you today!

Thank you for stopping by - your sweet comments and words of encouragement make my day!!
Hugs n smiles,

MTME - For the Birds

2011-02-28T22:59:00.002-06:00

Hi all. Welcome to MARCH - does that mean that winter is ALMOST over??! Well, it's time for the group post from the My Time Made Easy team and we're all showing you ideas made with one of the newest stamps set called Singing Silhouette.

I started out by making a set of four cards using the stamp set. Each one is different so it's makes a nice variety of cards. I kept the design CAS so I could easily reproduce these in quantity. I kept to the same color palette too. I matted each with a nestie rectangle and then did some simple Scor-Pal scoring above and below the rectangles.

I then needed a cute way to package up these cards. I chose the Tote-All package. It's roomie enough for a set of cards and cute as a button to boot! I stamped the flap with some of the same stamps. I added two buttons and some twine for closure but you could also use velcro or magnets.

Following is a picture of each card with its matching envelope.

And finally just a quick pic of the inside of the template so you can see how the cards just tuck in neatly.

Ok - scoot on over to the DT and see what lusciousness they have created for you. Thanks SO much for stopping by to see what I had on tap for ya.

♥♥♥♥♥
My Time Made Easy Design Team:

Lauren Meader (owner)
Kristin Eberline
Catherine Doucette

Katie Shawger Cotton

Lisa Kind
Tangii Crain
Debbie Marcinkiewicz
Monique Hansen
AND our guest this month --> Kathryn Berthiaume!

Supplies from My Time Made Easy LLC:

Pretty Packaging Templates: Tote-All

Hugs n Smiles,

Golden Anniversary Made Easy

2011-02-27T22:59:00.004-06:00

Today I'm showcasing a new template from My Time Made Easy that I've made up for a 50th wedding anniversary. It could also be used for a wedding shower, wedding gift, wedding centerpiece etc. Doesn't have to be GOLDEN anniversary - that's just what I had a need for. I'm sure by now you've seen some sneak peeks of this amazing template called Caged. Well here it is... all "formal" for you.

I used Gina K's metallic gold CS for the cage - it's truly gorgeous IRL. Added some wired gold ribbon from my stash and a bit of gold and ivory cording also from my stash. Then I set to decorating.... I used a couple of the Pretty Pieces cut files for my accents - Rambling Rose for the main flower on the front, and Branching Out for the branch and flowers. The doves came from Hobby Lobby in their wedding section.

Here's the template plus the card. You will note I didn't put a 50 on the outside of the card so I can still use it for a wedding/anniversary if I change my mind.

I placed a golden candle holder inside with a LED tea light (real candles + paper = NOT a good idea!) but it looks really pretty at night - I gave up trying to get a good photo for you. REALLY generous size inside this template.

A closer look at the card. I am featuring some of my favorite new cut files on this. They are called Cornice Trimmed Labels and they come in 4 shapes - square, oval, circle and rectangle. Just a lovely nested set of gorgeous frames. My DP is from Hobby Lobby - just a pretty gold, cream swirl. It's the same paper I used to make the flowers on the cage itself.

A final look at the whole set again.

Be sure you hop over to my fellow DT girl Tangii, and of course Lauren herself to see what they've got for you. Stay tuned for more good things to come this week - you will be tickled!!!

Supplies from My Time Made Easy LLC:

Pretty Packaging Templates: Caged

JUGS - Envelope Box

2011-02-25T22:59:00.004-06:00

If you are looking for my Gina K Treasure Chest Blog Hop post please click HERE.

It's a Just Us Girls good Saturday morning! I am the hostess this week and I've got a template for you to try. We've all been making some fantastic floral or other 3D embellishments to add to our cards so our cards are getting to where they won't fit in an envelope anymore. Well, with this template the problem is solved!!

We want you to make an envelope gift box to hold a bulky card with a fancy embellishment. Here's a link to the tutorial on SCS. You may make a card AND a box to match OR you may start with a bulky card you've already made and make an envelope gift box to match. Just be sure to show us both the card and the box.

I started with this card that I recently made for a 3D flower challenge. No way that card would fit in an envie, too bulky.

BUT, here is my solution - the envelope gift box worked perfectly!

I used the same papers that I used on my card, I added a scalloped edge to sort of hide the seam. I added a nestie and another matching flower. I didn't use a sentiment on the box because I want the sentiment to stand out on it's own on the card.

After I adhered all my papers and accents I realized I SHOULD have added a ribbon under the nestie layer- right along the top edge of the border - that would have allowed me to tie the box shut - instead I have used adhesive to close the box but the recipient won't be able to reclose the box later. (oops!)

Here's a pic of the card inside the box - cool eh?

I also added some matching paper to the back of the box, just to finish it off. :-)

Now pop over to the rest of the DT gals and check out the eye candy! Thanks for stopping by - as always I am grateful.

♥♥ Just Us Girls Design Team ♥♥

Kristin

♥♥ Be sure to stop and visit our Featured Designer for the month ♥♥

Lori Kalus

Have a GREAT weekend. Hugs n smiles,

Treasure Chest - Animal Kingdom

2011-02-25T20:59:00.006-06:00

It's time for another blog hop from the Gina K CSS alumni team. Carolina has come up with a new theme called Treasure Chest - this month's treasure chest is a tribute to the Animal Kingdom and we were each asked to create a card or project that features one of Gina K's animal sets.

You should have arrived at my blog from Meisje's blog. If so, you are on the right path. If not you can start at the Stamp TV main page and start from the top.

I chose the Whatever Floats Your Boat stamp set and made this little baby card.

I punched out my sets of squares from Gina K Spring Colors CS in the blue and pink. I adhered them to Pure Luxury Chocolate base weight CS - then I ran that whole layer through my Swiss Dots CB embossing folder.

The focal point of my card is the sweet giraffe image which is matted with several layers and then popped up on dimensionals. I bent the "window" up for a 3D effect - and tucked the sentiment flag under the giraffe layer. I added a few pearls for an accent. I'm sorry I don't remember where I saw this layout but I thought it was perfect for my card.

Make sure to leave a comment as you hop along because on Tuesday morning (March 1st), we will randomly choose one of the comments from all the blogs and that commenter will get a stamp set of their choice valued up to $24.95!

It's time to HOP along to Peggy Weiman's blog.

Thanks for stopping by - your comments are always encouraging and you make my day!!!
Hugs n Smiles,

Challenge Crazy!!

2011-02-21T21:21:00.000-06:00

Wow I got some time to play and play I did! I have so neglected my dear StampTV friends and challenges so I jumped in on those and, finally I also got to play along with CR84FN this week too. Here are the cards I worked up:

1st - for the February Color Challenge at Stamp TV - a nestie shaped card that swivels open - colors green, yellow plus one neutral. Stamp set Oh Baby bu Gina K Designs.

2nd - The February sketch challenge at StampTV - LOVED this sketch - so fun. Stamp set Spring Florals by Gina K.

3rd - String it up - no ribbon challenge - Stamp set Autumn Beauty by Gina K plus sentiment from Tag Lines.

Finally - I combined this week's Mojo Monday sketch with Mona's CR84FN color challenge - the gray was a bit of a stretch for me but I got there.

JustRite stamp set Stitched With Love and Nested Sentiments.

I was quite happy in my creative "space" this weekend and today's holiday! Thanks for popping in.
Hugs n smiles and have a GREAT WEEK!

New Design Team Member on JUGS +color color color!

2011-02-18T22:59:00.000-06:00

Hey girls! It's time for another Just Us Girls color challenge. WOW do we have SOME good colors this week. Our wonderful Kathryn is our hostess this week and we want you to work with these colors, Melon Berry, Kraft and Light Aqua (or as close as you have to these colors).

Before I continue let me take a moment to share some GREAT NEWS with you. The JUGS team has selected a new Design Team member since our sweet Alicia stepped down to focus on her family. Our newest DT gal is none other than the über talented Elise Durenberger - aka Mamacow Creations!!! Please give Elise a WARM JUGS welcome.

I actually created this last week (I was AHEAD for a change) using the Mojo Monday Sketch #177 then realized I couldn't post it to the Mojo challenge because it wasn't time for JUGS yet! LOL. BUT it was a great sketch and I was happy with the results.

Used some designer paper from my stash of papers - I got this a while ago at my LSS but I have no clue who the paper is by (sorry).

I matted with the Kraft - added some embossed PTI Aqua Mist. Added some SU! designer paper in Melon that I also had in my stash (I'm pretty sure this is discontinued now) but it worked well with the other paper and with the colors.

I added a few prima flowers and a 3D butterfly for dimension. If you look closely my sentiment is stamped on the "flag". I lined the inside with the polka dot side of the SU! paper for a very finished look.

Added a few pearls (colored with copics to match the aqua) and I was done! The butterfly is sort of 3D - the top layer wings are folded "up" for the 3D effect.

Please visit our Featured Designer for the month, Lori Kalus. Also stop by and visit the creations from the rest of the Design Team in my sidebar. You will not be disappointed!!

Have a great weekend!
Hugs n smiles,

Oh Baby!

2011-02-14T21:26:00.001-06:00

I had fun playing along with last week's CR84FN Color Challenge brought to us by the extremely talented and very sweet Mona Pendleton so I decided to try it again. I wanted to make a "gender neutral" baby card and thought these colors would work well. I combined this week's CR84FN colors with Mojo Monday sketch.

Stamp set is from Gina K Designs and is called "Oh Baby!" Love these little ducks.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful week! See you later for a JUGS color challenge.

Hugs and smiles.

And the winner is...

2011-02-14T08:01:00.000-06:00

Thank you everyone for the kind comments and good wishes left on my blogaversary post. It was great to hear from all of you what it is you like about blogging and why we do it. I've had thoughts of giving it up sometimes but y'all restored my faith in the original reason why I started blogging - to give back! I receive so much inspiration from this community of papercrafters. If I can be a source of inspiration to even ONE person out there - be they a papercrafter or not - then I feel like I have made a small difference in this world. So thanks again for the encouragement!!

And now - the winner of the Blogaversary goodies...... drumroll please.....
The lucky number as determined by Random.org...

#2 - and that belongs to Lillian!!! Congratulations, Lillian. I hope you will enjoy your goodies! I have BIG meetings all week at work so I probably can't get your goodies out till the weekend but thanks for playing along and congratulations again.

I realize Valentine's Day is not always a happy day for everyone. I lost my mom just before Valentine's Day several years ago and the day still brings a small pang to my heart. I know some of you are away from your loved ones, some of you have lost your loved ones and some of you are hoping to find a loved one. In some small way I hope you will each find joy in something today, something that makes your heart smile.

Hug the ones you love!
Thanks for making ME smile.

Always,

Spotlight on JUGS

2011-02-12T13:37:00.000-06:00

You still have a chance for some blog candy in honor of my blogaversary so stop over and check it out HERE.

Hi all - today is our Technique Challenge at Just Us Girls - we have a great technique for you this week - it's called Spotlight and you can find a great tutorial about it on SCS by clicking here.

I turned to one of my favorite (but discontinued I think) Stampin Up! stamp sets called Toile Blossoms for this card. A simple birthday card but isn't it fun how the colors just POP in that little spotlight circle??

Papers are Ripe Avocado and Plum Pudding from PTI. A couple of MS punches and a strip of Bitty Dot paper also from PTI provided me accent border strip. A snippet of ribbon and some pretty purple pearls (boy say that three times fast!) and I was done. Here's a look at the detail of the spotlight coloring:

Hope you will try this cool technique and play along with us this week. Be sure to stop by our Featured Designer Lori Kalus this month and visit our very talented Design Team members (in my side bar ->).

Thanks, as always, for stopping by! Have a funtastic weekend!

Hugs n Smiles.

PTI - something BIG!

2011-02-12T13:35:00.001-06:00

The current challenge at PTI is to make something BIG! This all in honor of the upcoming release of a new BIG sentiment stamp set.

I took one of the free tags that PTI gave us as a download a few days ago - made it bigger by changing it with Photoshop. Printed out the bigger size and made a simple CAS layout to focus on the BIG tag! The card is 4.25" square so you can see how big that tag is!

Added a few rhinestones - cut and matted with a few layers of nesties and Voila - a BIG birthday wish for a friend :-)

Have a great weekend!
Hugs n smiles.
Stampin Pam

Floral spotlight

2011-02-11T07:44:00.001-06:00

My blogaversary post is here with an opportunity to win some BLOG CANDY! :-)

Quick post today - I love Mona Pendleton and her new CR84FN color challenges but I have not had a chance to participate with the holidays and subsequent busy month at work. I finally had a chance to create a quick card last night for a gal who happens to love pink! This is a fabulous color set.

Here's my card. My layout didn't work out quite like I imagined it in my mind (that ever happen to you?!?!) so I angled the focal image instead. Stamps are Bold Botanicals and Sensational Sentiments from My Time Made Easy.

Thanks for stopping by - I'll be back tomorrow with Just Us Girls challenge. :-)

Hugs n Smiles