Father's Day Hand Print Project Party

I've come to really enjoy the project parties I've been holding at CReATE Studio in Westlake Village. So far, they've been adults-only evening events.  But last week I held my first "Mommy And Me" project parties where little ones got to create adorable Father's Day gifts.
We started with the Uppercase Living white square boards, applied the "Best Dad Hands Down" expressions, then added each child's hand print. That's when it got to be really fun. Not having really spent time with toddlers for a while, I had forgotten a few things about how they operate. They quickly reminded me.  From choosing paint colors, to sitting down at the table (or on the table, in one case), to actually opening their little fists, they are in charge. I heard little voices saying "I do myself!" more than a couple of times.
The project took the perfect amount of time: the kids were able to complete it, eat a cookie, walk to the park while the paint dried, and pick up their finished projects, all within about an hour.

Raven made three projects: one for her Dad and the others for her grandfathers. 

Mom adds names with a Sharpie. Someone is watching to make sure she's doing it right.

Colton was so proud of what
he and baby sister Sienna made. 

Liam wasn't too excited about
the paint on his hands, but he
sure loved his project!

Between the paint, spray bottles, and lots and lots of cookie crumbs, our projects could have been disastrous. But the moms (and a couple of grandmas) kept their cool, the kids rose to the occasion, and we ended up with finished projects that will make some lucky dads and grandpas very, very happy this on Father's Day.
Since I wanted to take each of those cute kids home with me, I'm going to have to come up with another Mommy and Me project idea pretty quickly.  Can't wait to create with this fun little people again soon!

Brand New Ideas For Father's Day

With Easter and Mother's Day behind us, it's time to think about different ways to honor Dad on Father's Day. Of course, Uppercase Living has some great ideas for unique, personal gifts. You'll love how easy and affordable these are!

The first idea is great for dads of younger kids. The "Best Dad Ever" expression is placed on our pre-painted square MDF board.  The fun comes when you paint the kids' little hands and apply a hand print to the center. If the hands are small enough, you can do both hands, or more than one child's. I've also done 3 hands on one board by layering the smaller hand prints over the larger. Just use different colors of paint, letting each dry completely before you apply the next. The darkest paint goes on first.

We've also just released 3 new expressions that are perfect for a simple Father's Day project that will become a treasured keepsake. The instructions are the same regardless of which expression you choose. You'll need:

• 8x10 frame
• 1 sheet of scrapbook paper, cut to size. (Choose a light color with a small pattern)
• Your Uppercase Living expression
• Mistick wet application spray (or water) optional

Clean the glass in the frame completely with a lint-free cloth. Apply the UL expression, using Mistick, if you prefer to do a wet application (I always do a wet application on glass), to the glass in the spot of your choice.

Have the kids, grandkids and other family members write messages on the scrapbook paper, being careful to avoid the part that will be covered by the expression. You can also add photos to the scrapbook paper to make it even more unique. Put it in the frame and wrap the whole thing up for Dad!

What I really like about the "I Love You Because" expression is that it's not limited for just Father's Day. In fact, I think I'm going to add it to some Chalkboard or Dry Erase Vinyl and find a home for it in my house. We can all use a little extra love in our day. 

A Special Mother's Day Project

Mother's Day is almost here and all moms love something hand made by their little darlings. Luckily, Uppercase Living expressions are perfect for making your own creations. In fact, UL has just released, for a limited time, some lovely expressions perfect for those special ladies. The video shows you a great project using one of those expressions and our Glass Charger. Mom will display this proudly...just don't expect her to hang it on the refrigerator.

Keep Calm and Uppercase

It all started with King George. In 1939, prior to the outbreak of World War II, his Ministry of Information commissioned the now-ubiquitous "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster as a message to motivate and reassure the British population. Rediscovered in 2000, the poster has taken on a new life and you can now find it on socks, tins, stationary and so much more, with dozens of variations.

When the new Uppercase Living catalog was unveiled this past summer, I was thrilled to see the original "Keep Calm and Carry On" included. My customers were, too, and have enjoyed selecting this expression in different sizes and colors to fit their decor. Of course, it doesn't just have to go in your home. Personally, I think every car on the Los Angeles freeways needs one for its back window.

 

Since the beauty of Uppercase Living is our endless options for customization, it wasn't too long before I started coming up with other "Keep Calm" designs. First, this one for Halloween, which fit in perfectly with my friend JoAnne's decor.

After that, I decided to have some fun with Thanksgiving. It wasn't long before I turned "Keep Calm And Give Thanks" to "Keep Calm And Eat Pie." At the same time, I realized that there are some sentiments that aren't limited to just the holidays. Thus were born "Keep Calm And Drink Coffee" and its big sister, "Keep Calm And Drink Wine" (could tequila be far behind?).

 

Before long, it was time to start thinking about the holiday season. I had a couple ideas of my own, such as
 

 

and

 but JoAnne insisted on

Of course, I couldn't forget Hanukkah, so I also designed

And then when the snow started to fall on the East Coast and Midwest, I realized that people might get into somewhat of a panic. To reassure them, I created

Obviously, the possibilities are endless. As I thought about all of the different embellishments Uppercase Living offers, I realized what a great addition these signs would be in sorority and fraternity houses. We have all of the Greek letters and over 50 colors to choose from. So something like this design is quite easy to create.

And so is a design to share your team spirit:

Wouldn't that be great for tailgating?

All of the designs shown here are sized to fit a 16x20 canvas (available inexpensively in most craft stores) that can be painted in any color. Of course, they can also be applied to the wall, door, cars, etc. Because they are custom designs, the size is completely flexible. In this size, most designs are under $30.

Whether it's a reminder to yourself to keep calm, or a custom gift for someone else, this is one expression that will be fun to have around. Contact me so I can create the perfect "Keep Calm" for you!

Counting Down to Christmas With Uppercase Living

By far one of my favorite things in our Holiday Mini Catalog is this year's Christmas Countdown Kit. My kids love counting the days until Santa comes so we're all about a cute set like this. It's perfect for any home with children, churches, classrooms, Grandma's house, and even makes a whimsical addition to an office.

I also love this because it is a fantastic value. For only $19.95 the kit includes the metal charger, the two part expression in your choice of colors (I got mine in Crimson Red and Electric Lime), and a magnet that moves closer to Christmas with each passing day. All you do is assemble it (if you're local, I can do that for you) and begin the fun. You can even send it as a gift directly to someone who will think of you each day they move that magnet.

UL Tip: Glue a sparkly snowflake or other embellishment to the magnet to make it extra special. 

If you order your kit today, it will be an even better value because you'll also receive this 11"x11" sheet of Christmas designs absolutely FREE.

Whether it's for you or a gift, this is one decoration that will be enjoyed year after year, for the entire month of December. Happy counting!

FREE Expression Creates Cute Thanksgiving Project

 

Before you send me a nasty email about posting a Thanksgiving project in August, take a look at this fun idea. It's just too cute not to share right away. Besides, the expression you see here can be yours FREE with a qualifying order or party during August.

Without getting too sentimental or philosophical, I ardently believe that gratitude should be expressed daily, and I try to get my kids into that important habit. I loved our Gratitude Tree in last year's Holiday Catalog (psst...don't tell, I still haven't taken mine down). This little project can encourage your family to do just that, not just during Thanksgiving but throughout the year.  

Making this little project is easy: 

You'll need your expression which you can get FREE with a qualifying order in August, a pre-drilled MDF Foundations board (isn't it great that they now come painted?), and 7 clothespins. The clothespins in the photo have been dyed different colors with fabric dye. You could also dye them all the same color or cover them with scrapbook paper. Another option would be to use our Vintage Knobs or Metal Hooks and hang the little notes of gratitude with yarn or pretty ribbon. If you're using clothespins, glue them to your board to with wood glue, hot glue or glue dots. When the glue is dry you can clip little notes right to the board. 

To purchase the Uppercase Living lettering and Foundations board for this project, just contact me or visit my website. Don't forget to send me a photo of your finished project.

August Project of the Month: Keep Calm and Carry On

A new catalog brings with it lots of new options for monthly project ideas. One of my favorite new expressions inspires this month's: a prepainted (thank you crafting Gods) square Foundations board adorned with this simple instruction: Keep Calm and Carry On. You may have seen this message on posters or other items in trendy boutiques recently. It's based on a British poster designed in 1939 during World War I. For me, it serves as a daily reminder to not lose my mind and continue with the 3,000 or so items on my to-do list. It really is a good message to embrace. You can get both the board and the lettering, in the color of your choice, for just under $31. I think this is a perfect back to school gift for teachers, or a great gift for anyone with a high stress job. Keep in mind that the expression also comes in a smaller size, which would be perfect for the inside of a locker, as a little hidden reminder inside a kitchen cabinet, or even on the back of your car.

To learn more about the history of this unique expression, check out the Wikipedia entry. And, of course, to order your August monthly project, keep calm and contact me.

May Project of the Month: A Double Duty Graduation Gift

Maybe it's because I'm a little wistful at the thought of my daughter graduating 5th grade and my son graduating preschool, but this month's project kind of calls out to me. I can see it used in so many different ways. As shown, it's a perfect personal gift or centerpiece for a graduation party. The colors can match school colors and you can change the name or leave it off altogether. But what's great about this design is that it's been applied to our Vintage Round Embossed Metal Charger so that it  doubles as a magnetic photo board, too. It's a great, lightweight graduation gift that can go to college or a new apartment and hold memories from Senior year (or Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, in the case of my son).
This same expression (or any of our other graduation expressions) can also be used with our Square Charger. Not only would it give a different look, but party guests can sign it with a permanent marker, such as a Sharpie, as a lasting keepsake for the guest of honor. 

June holds not only graduations but also Father's Day, and this idea would be also be a perfect gift for Dad or Grandpa. Magnets make it easy to change out photos so there's always a fresh batch of family pictures on display.  Or, if you choose the Square Charger, the kids can each write a message on it.

Of course, either of these designs would be a perfect teacher's gift. They can also be modified for bridal showers and weddings, two more of spring's big celebrations. However you modify these designs for your needs, keep in mind that all orders receive FREE SHIPPING this month. I'd love to help you create the ideal design for each of your spring occasions. Enjoy this month's project and share your ideas here too!

Score One For The Teacher!

 

After years of tying shoelaces, catching passed notes and hearing lame excuses, the teachers finally have their day! With our brand-new (and very limited) special offer, the teacher can exact revenge by offering up his or her own lame excuse: My Dog Ate My Lesson Plan. Take that! 

Is this kit not the cutest gift for your favorite teacher? The 6x6 expression comes in Robin's Egg and you'll have your choice of an Artichoke (shown above), Creme, or Cocoa Mini Punched Tile with a coordinating ribbon. The best part? The whole thing is only $9.95. The other best part? The Spring Fever 20% discount can also be used on this kit! At that price, you can get one for every teacher, not just your favorites! I love that with the end of the school year coming up, Uppercase Living has provided a kit that is fun, different and so affordable.

 Make your gift do double duty by adding a "Well-Behaved Women Rarely Make History" expression to the back for just a few dollars more. But remember, this kit is very limited in quantity so don't wait to order yours. In fact, I'll be placing an order for these tomorrow morning for my local customers; I'd be happy to add yours to it and assemble it for you as well. 

For those of you who order this as a gift, here's some homework: after you give this finished set, come back here and post what your lucky teacher said about it. Please use complete sentences.

Greet Spring With A FREE Expression!

What's better than Buy Two, Get One FREE? A FREE gift on top of it!  I'm thrilled to let you know about a one day only FREE Gift special. Every order placed Tuesday, January 18 will automatically receive this cute "springtime" expression in Electric Lime. It's perfectly sized to go on your front door or the back of your car. It will also fit on any of our 22" x 4" accessories for a fun seasonal display. Here are some other ways to use this FREE gift around your home this spring:

For a cute accessory that you can use year after year, you can cut the expression between the "g" and "t" and apply it to our Frameworks photo frame which has been spray painted white.This photo gives you such a great look at the sweet detail in every letter of this expression.

Create a cute "clip" board by adding your free expression to our Pre-Drilled MDF board (here shown painted with Lemon Chiffon Toolbox Paint). Add your choice of clips or hooks and you've got a great project!

This sweet wall hanging was created by cutting the free expression to our Metal Charger and accentuating it with some butterflies and a Mini Bloom. Hanging from our Daisy Medallion, it's another cute accessory that you'll be able to use year after year. You can even use the included magnet to turn it into a photo board.

The best part of this deal is not just that you get a free springtime expression with every order, but that our Buy Two, Get One FREE special also applies So get your orders placed Tuesday and enjoy the benefits of a great special and a sweet springtime deal.

50 and Counting!

 

Thanks to one of my lovely friends on Facebook, I know that there are now 50 days left until Christmas. For us adults, that translates to "Holy cow, only 50 days? How will I ever get everything done?" But if you're a kid, those 50 days may as well be 500. My kids have been asking how many days since the end of summer! 

Our adorable Christmas Countdown Kit answers the question in very cute style! Available for a limited time, the kit includes our 12x12 punched metal tile in Berry Red (for those of you who haven't seen it, it's such a pretty shade of red), a two party expression in your choice of colors, the Chalk Wall piece for the countdown, and the exclusive Black Easel that's only available in this kit. With all those pieces included, it's a fabulous value at just $32.95.  

The fun thing about the kit is that you can start counting down anytime. I know there are those of you who just might start counting the days until next Christmas right around New Year's!

Countdown Tip: If you look closely in the photo, the expression has been placed slightly off center. The expression is designed this way for added interest. If you prefer to have yours perfectly centered, position the present first, then cut the 2nd part in two pieces, placing the bow and the words separately.

Bonus Tip: Order a coordinating Valentine's Day expression to go on the back of your Red Tile and let it do double duty! You'll be ready for Valentine's Day as soon as your Christmas Decorations are put away!

NEW! Exclusive "Cookies for Santa" Charger Kit

Here's another holiday surprise from Uppercase Living! Just released is the new "Cookies for Santa" charger kit, available only until our limited supply runs out. Each kit comes with your choice of a Round
Scalloped Charger or a Square Charger and the adorable 10" x 10" "Cookies for Santa" vinyl expression in Crimson Red. Both of these kits are valued at over $25 but are available now for just $9.95 for the Round Charger Kit and $11.95 for the Square Charger Kit.

Keep in mind that these completed kits are to be gently hand washed. No dishwasher or submersion in soapy water, please.

At this price, you can afford to check off lots of people on your gift list. Think neighbors, teachers, or the perfect hostess gift. To order, visit my website and choose item #700076 for the Scalloped Charger or #700077 for the Square charger. There is no other purchase necessary and no limit on how many you can purchase. Judging by the  response to our last holiday kit, I do expect these to sell out quickly, so please don't wait too long to order yours. I'll be placing an order tomorrow evening for local delivery; add yours and save on Shipping!

I'd love to hear what you think of this cute kit, so leave me a message and let me know, and don't forget to tell me how you plan to use it: for yourself or as a gift.

Customer Celebration Day Oct. 28: A FREE Expression and Two New Kits!

Hooray for Customer Celebration Days! I always love giving my customers more than they expect and, in this case, that means they get a FREE Happy Holidays expression with every order placed this Thursday, October 28. Not only is this an exclusive expression, not to be found in our catalog, but it's yours in Shimmer Cranberry, one of our beautiful specialty colors, without the usual upgrade fee!

I love the idea of this expression right on the wall above a fireplace, as you see here, or above a doorway to welcome guests who visit during the holiday season. Of course, it is the perfect for adorning your front door to spread the holiday cheer outside. Other ideas for this versatile FREE expression include applying it on a platter to serve holiday treats, placing it on a mirror, or even on your back windshield to spread holiday cheer everywhere you drive! However, since most of you like using our seasonal expressions from year to year, our Foundations accessories are the perfect choice.

An obvious choice to display this expression is the Vintage Embossed Metal Board in Creme. This lightweight piece is great for your own home or office, or for gift-giving in the enclosed gift box.

You can kick your display up a notch by applying it to the Pre-Drilled MDF Board (seen here painted in Whipped Creme Toolbox Paint).  Our Bulldog Clips have been added to it with a little bit of seasonal ribbon. The clips can be used to hold special holiday cards, photos, or even letters to Santa. As a variation on this design, you can use our Vintage Knobs instead of the bulldog clips and hang ornaments from them to mirror the expression. Make sure to leave one knob for mistletoe!

When you purchase the materials for either of these projects, you'll receive the lettering for FREE, essentially creating your own kit!

For the Vintage Embossed Metal Board Kit, just order the Board (Item #300155)and your expression will automatically be included with your order.

For the Pre-Drilled MDF Board Kit, you'll need to order:
Pre-Drilled MDF Board (#300132)
Whipped Creme Toolbox Paint (#300144)
Set of 4 Bulldog Clips (#300134) OR Vintage Knobs (#300136)

Bonus Offer #1: If you purchase the Pre-Drilled MDF Board Kit, I will provide the ribbon to complete your project in style!

Bonus Offer #2: Local customers who order the Vintage Embossed Metal Board Kit can choose to have me assemble their project for them at no charge. You'll receive your metal board ready to hang or give as a gift! If you're not going to have me assemble your board, consider adding Mistick to your order to ease application.

I anticipate a very busy day at Uppercase Living on Thursday, so please get your orders to me no later than 4 PM on Thursday. I can't wait to share this shimmery expression with you all and seeing how you use it to begin your holiday decorating or gift-giving this year.

Just in time for holiday planning, decorating and shopping, it's time for my annual fall Open House. Uppercase Living has outdone themselves with fantastic ideas for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hannukah and Christmas. And if that's not enough, our new catalog is full of year-round ideas for every room in your home and beyond!
As always, guests are welcome, so grab a friend or two, or ten! If you've been planning to have a party but haven't gotten around to it, bring your guests to my Open House and get all the hostess benefits without having to clean your house or make snacks!
To make it more convenient for you to attend, I'm hosting my Open House over two days:

Sunday Sept. 26  12-5
Monday Sept. 27 9:30-12:30

Please let me know in your RSVP when you plan to come so I can make sure to have enough snacks and supplies. No matter whicd day you choose, you'll love the new items, free sample craft, and lots of prizes and giveaways. I'll also have information about our FREE Starter Kits for new Demonstrators, my October Coaster Party and more project and craft nights coming up.

Former Hostesses will receive a bonus 10% discount on their entire order as my special holiday "Thank You."

Earn a raffle ticket before you get here just by submitting your RSVP! You'll get more for bringing a guest, placing an order, scheduling your party and more! The Grand Prize is a FREE Photo Print and there will be lots of other goodies as well.

To view our holiday catalog and new items before the Open House, visit my website If you'd like to place an order but won't be able to come, you can contact me directly or  order on my site. Just associate it with the Pre-Holiday Open House.

Looking forward to seeing all of you!

Exclusive Halloween Welcome Kit Is A Bewitchingly Good Deal!

Just in time for your Halloween decorating, here is a boo-tiful new kit from Uppercase Living. The exclusive Halloween Welcome Kit includes the Black Mini Punched Metal Tile (regular price $9.95), black ribbon and the spooky Haunted House Welcome expression in your choice of Valencia Orange, Electric Lime or Soft Silver.  This whole kit, an over $20 value if purchased separately (which isn't possible because the Haunted House Welcome is only available in the kit), is only $7.95, a frightfully good deal! At this price you'll want one to greet the ghosts and goblins who visit your home throughout the season. You can even get one for each of your little monsters' rooms. But you'll also be able to afford several as gifts for your favorite witch, werewolf and zombie.
Alas, like vampires, these kits are only around for a limited time so you can only get yours until October 11, or until they're all gone. If you're bloody smart, you'll get a Fall expression or embellishment for the back so you can flip it around and continue to use it through Thanksgiving. But if you wait too long, you won't have a ghost of a chance of getting one!
Hop on your broom and fly over to my website to order yours now (or you can just send me an email) or better yet, invite the rest of the coven over for an Uppercase Living party at your cave and I'll give you one for FREE. Qualified catalog parties count too!
Whether you buy yours or get one free for hosting, don't miss out on this Halloween treat to adorn your Haunted House. 

Ideas for FREE September Gifts

It's time for a preview of  September's FREE expressions and some ideas of how you can use them in to make some cute projects this fall. As a reminder, each month Uppercase Living gives you a choice of up to three FREE expressions with qualifying orders. Hostesses can choose from six expressions for FREE; it's just another great benefit of hosting an Uppercase Living party.

In addition to the "Think Pink" expression I recently posted about, customers can choose the Halloween Skull and Crossbones. It's shown here in Bright White on a Black Vintage Metal Embossed Board. You can add Shimmer Effects to make it sparkle on those dark fall nights.  

Another fun choice for Halloween is the Trick Or Treat free Hostess expression. In this photo, it's been applied to our new (and fabulous) Double Frameworks insert, covered with decorative paper, on top with a magnetic insert on the bottom. I love the clever candy corn in the corners. Two Lemon Chiffon and two Pumpkin Spice 2" Candy Corn embellishments were switched around so each corner gets a two-color design! The best part is that you can change out the embellishments and the inserts for each holiday, season or event in your family.

 After Halloween, hostesses might choose this FREE expression to decorate their homes for fall. This warm autumn welcome is shown in Terra Cotta and Pumpkin Spice and has been applied to the large Cocoa Punched Metal Tile. Don't forget that you can choose something different for the back of the tile. We love accessories that pull double duty. 

Although it's hard to choose, this elegant frame is my favorite of these ideas. I love that the two-part hostess expression has been cut apart to accommodate the shape of the frame. This gorgeous accessory is one you'll keep around long after the season.

To view this month's FREE expressions visit my website and just decide if you're going to place an order, host a party, or both! My fall schedule is filling up quickly. Don't wait too long to get your preferred party date.

Quick Projects for Father's Day

Now that Mother's Day has come and gone, we all have one thing on our mind (no, not how to return those ugly pajamas without the kids finding out): what to get dad, or our kids' dad for Father's Day. Hopefully, all you moms got spoiled on Mother's Day. Now it's time to repay the favor with something thoughtful,. personal, and because you have 43 kabillion other things to do, QUICK! Here are a couple of ideas that fit the bill:

Both of these projects are from our Spring Celebrations Mini Catalog and both come with everything included to complete the gifts. The "Best Dad Ever" kit is just $21.95 and would look so cute hanging in Dad's workshop.

My favorite kit for Father's Day is the "Memories of Dad" metal board. The gorgeous blue color sets of your choice of vinyl color beautifully. Best of all, it includes 3 magnets so that you can continually update the photos that it displays.

You can find more Father's Day ideas on my website by simply searching for Father or Dad on the product search page. Don't limit yourself just to those, though. If the dad you're shopping for has a favorite hobby or pastime, use that as your search term. You'll find ideas under "golf," "fishing," "grilling," and many more.

Perhaps the best idea isn't even one that you'll find in our wide range of products. Simply create the custom expression World's Greatest DAD in our MyDesign Suite and surprise dad by applying it to the back of his car before he gets up on Father's Day. Unlike yet another tie or pair of cuff links, that is one Father's Day gift he'll be proud to wear, day after day.

DON'T FORGET: All of these ideas and more are 20% off when your order reaches $50. This great deal goes away on May 19, so don't wait too long to order.

Make a Mom's Day

It just dawned on me that Mother's Day is about 3 weeks away and I have to get my act together to make my mom's day special. Too bad my sister and I are all grown up, because I have the perfect Mother's Day gift for any mom with young kids or a mommy-to-be (think baby showers).As all we moms know, our babies grow up way too quickly. Therefore, I love anything that helps us preserve those precious moments and memories of their childhood. A hand print does just that. Now that my own children are getting older (sniffle, sniffle) they love looking at how small their own hands and feet were when they were little.
The Little Prints Keepsake Kit comes with everything you need to create a permanent keepsake of a time when your baby's hand were still small enough to fit in yours. Everything is included: from a pre-painted board to paint, a paint brush and even ribbon for hanging. While you're on my website, check out all of the other great ideas for spring celebrating and gift-giving. And if you are the one with small ones, don't think you have to wait around for someone to pick this up for you. It won't be around for long, and the other thing moms know is that if we want something done, we have to do it ourselves.

Two New Looks for Frameworks

Our Frameworks frames are among the most popular accessories. Since you can change out the inserts, they provide endless versatility. The clear acrylic inserts can be painted, backed with decorative paper or left as is to reveal the surface beneath. Our new catalog includes two items that make this well-loved product even customizable.

Due to lots of input from our customers, both of our Frameworks now come in white! Here you see it with a cute Easter expression but I think it's also a natural fit for weddings, showers and nurseries. To recreate this look, apply "Easter Love and Bunny Hugs" (15868) two-part expression in Cotton Candy (9029) and Lilac Bouquet (9025) to the white square Frameworks. Add the Dress-Up Mini Blooms to the front of the insert to add dimension to your frame.

Another great new addition to the Frameworks family is the new galvanized metal insert, which comes with magnets. Adding the insert makes this item even more functional, as you can see below. The insert has rounded edges for safe handling and is available for both the square and rectangle Frameworks. You can use it as is, apply an Uppercase Living or custom expression to it, or completely cover it with decorative paper as you see below.

To create this cute magnet board, apply the Kisses expression (300137) to the black square Frameworks. Add the galvanized metal insert and cover with 12x12 decorative paper. Adhere the pink Mini Blooms to the magnets provided with the insert. Add a pink ribbon and you have a perfect Valentine's Day present.

These are just a couple of ideas for this great product. I'd love it if you'd share yours with me.

More Sneak Peeks - New Catalog Launches in Just a Few Days!

Now that I have our new Spring/Summer catalog in my hands, I can hardly wait to show it to all of you. Anyone who schedules a January or February party can have hers ASAP. The rest of you will just have to wait until Wednesday when it goes live on my website. Don't worry, though. I wouldn't abandon you with nothing to drool over. Here are three projects, all with expressions from our upcoming FANTASTIC catalog:

Laundry room expressions continue to be popular and I'm sure this one will be, too. It is so cute here on a pre-drilled MDF board painted with our Hot Cocoa Toolbox Paint. Not only is this a smart laundry room solution (you know how I love items that do doubly duty), but it is extra cute with the craft mini-clothespins that have been added to it. Those of you who attend any of my parties in the coming months will get to see this one in person. I've got it on order and will display it on a painted MDF board.

Speaking of MDF boards, this one has been painted then decoupaged with decorative paper before having this fresh, new "Welcome" expression applied to it. The branch is just a subtle botanical accent that makes it perfect for welcoming spring.

Finally, here's another lovely, elegant way to celebrate spring, continuing the nature and botanical theme. The expression, in Robin's Egg, has been applied to our creme punched metal tile and then embellished with a gorgeous wide ribbon and our Chocolate Brown UL Bloom. When summer arrives, you can just change out the ribbon and use a different expression on the back.

The countdown is just a few short days until the entire catalog becomes available for viewing on my website. Of course, you can still get a copy before then by scheduling your January or February home show. You won't believe the hostess benefits that are being offered this season. Also, before the new catalog launches, our 40% and FREE SHIPPING offers will be going away. So shop a little now and a little more later.