A Little Valentine Wagon

I am always up for a challenge and when I saw this card challenge on Color Throwdown, I was inspired! 

Here is what I came up with using my own illustration, called "Little Valentine Wagon". 

Now, who should I give this to for Valentine's Day.....

DFTBA, 

PS

Supplies: Illustration by Pamela Smerker Designs, Kraft cardstock, white cardstock, polka dot paper from Simply Stories, "Certainly Celery ribbon from Stampin' UP!, Twine from The Twinery, Flag pins from Target Dollar Spot, "Love" stamp by American Crafts.  Color Throwdown challenge

Free Preppy Heart Tags and Valentine Inspiration

I love stripes and have since I was in high school when I used to wear Rugby shirts. So you can imagine how thrilled I am that bold stripes are in style and everywhere!! 

I thought it would be fun to create a simple, preppy style tag that would be perfect for Valentine's Day as well as other occasions. Say hello to the "Preppy Heart Tag", FREE just for you!

Free Printable by Pamela Smerker  www.PamelaSmerkerDesigns.com

Click this link to download the Preppy Hearts Tag Sheet

I happened to stop in Michaels Craft Store last week and grabbed up these goodies in the picture below.

Gel pens, stamps, kraft tags and foam dots. Take a peek at the tag I made using these supplies which I added to a cute metal heart tin I found at Target in the dollar spot. Stop back by on Friday and I will show you what I put inside the tin....yummy! 

How will you use your free tags? Would love for you to share photos of your projects with me so that I can feature them here! 

DFTBA, 

PS

Happy 2014!

Happy New Year friends!! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and stayed warm (yikes it's been cold).  While I have been having fun with my kiddos home on break, I did have the chance to work on some new projects that I gave out as gifts for Christmas. I have re-opened my Etsy shop with a new line of paperie products that I am excited to share with you.

The first two sets of stationery I created were named after my late grandparents, Harvey & Veronica. My grandpa would have celebrated his 100th birthday this past December, so I thought naming my first two sets of stationery would be a nice way to pay tribute to the both of them.

The Harvey Fred Collection by Pamela Smerker Designs

They are double sided (meaning the back side of the card has a pattern printed on it as well) folded note cards that measure approximately 3.5" x 5".

The Veronica Collection by Pamela Smerker Designs

My hubby and I didn't "purchase" any gifts for each other for Christmas, however I HAD to give him something. So I created this mini card set just for him, which would work perfectly for anytime of the year, especially Valentine's Day. Say hello to the "24 Things I Love About You" set of mini note cards.  I wrote down some of the little traits that make me love him, as well as memories of him that I love. I wasn't sure if he would think this gift was corny, but he truly loved it and had to read the entire box before we could move on. I can't tell you how wonderful it made me feel to write all of these "things" down, but how great it was to see his reaction. aaaahhh LOVE!!

"24 Things I Love About You" Mini Notes by Pamela Smerker Designs

"24 Things I Love About You" Mini Notes by Pamela Smerker Designs

 All of my stationery and mini note cards come printed and packaged in clear plastic boxes. Super cute for yourself OR as a gift!!

I am seriously having so much fun creating cards again, after all it is the reason I got into blogging 9 years ago. It is kind of fun to see the transitions I have made, from stamped card making to paper pieced party goods and now digitally designed cards and party goods.  I love creating!!  Stop by my shop,  www.pamelasmerkerdesigns.etsy.com to see all of my other sets. As you will see, I have been having fun!

Again, happy NEW YEAR!! See you on Friday with my "My Life Squared" round up. I am SO ready to get back in to the swing of things!

DFTBA,
PS


*Side Note: All of my custom party favor boxes are being moved over to our D & P Celebrations shop to go along with the party printables we have available there.

Toot Your Horn Tuesday {Valentine Treats}

I thought it would be fun to have a day where, you the readers send in a "piece of your party". Email me a photo of a party favor you handed out or a special decoration you made, even a special dish you served, then together we can "Toot Your Horn" here on the blog and share your great idea!

While I was sitting here trying to figure out how to kick off this segment, my fabulous cohort over at PSMIYO, Dawn Rumin shared these photos with me. I was thrilled and knew these boxes were the perfect inspiration to start the "Toot Your Horn" series. Dawn used one of my kraft matchbox and our free PSMIYO "Made With Love"printable collection which you can get by checking out Taste Magazine's first issue on digital shelves now! *Note items sent in to be featured don't have to be Pamela Smerker Designs product.

Here is what Dawn had to say about her little favor box:

"I took one of the long strips that can be used for straws or flags and wrapped it around the box. The "LOVE" sentiment was punched out with a postage stamp punch and I put it on one of the bunting pieces that I cut down since the color was a perfect match!"

Love it Dawn and thanks so much for sharing, go ahead and "Toot Your Horn"!!

Do you have a little something that you would like to share? Feel free to send me an email with photos HERE, I would love to celebrate your creation and help you "Toot Your Horn"!!

Have a fantastic Tuesday!!
Hugs,
Pam

Bananas About You

What do you do when you have 4 large ripe bananas? Make banana bread of course! My husband has been asking me to make banana bread for a while, so I thought this would be a sweet little treat for him with his coffee in the morning.

Here is my recipe:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In a large bowl or Kitchen Aid type mixer add:
1 C flour
2/3 C sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
Mix well then add
1 C mashed ripe bananas
1/3 C shortening
2 eggs
2 Tbls 2% milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
Mix all ingredients until blended well then add
3/4 C flour
Mix again until blended well.

I used a mini loaf pan that I got from William Sonoma  (seriously in love with this pan BTW) which I sprayed with a little cooking spray (Pam) then added a sheet of parchment that I cut to fit up the long sides of each section. Fill each mini pan approximately 3/4 full and bake for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to test with a toothpick, if it pulls out clean get them out. I let these cool for a bit then stick them all in a large ziploc bag so they don't dry out.

If you use a regular sized loaf pan, grease add parchment if you like (not necessary though) and fill pan with batter. Bake for 50-55 minutes and check.

To go along with this recipe I created some little tags that you can attach for your special someone, maybe for Valentine's day??? Download your tags HERE!!

Hugs,
Pam

What I would love for Valentine's Day...

I don't typically get a lot of pink and red items for Valentine's day, usually some pretty flowers. My husband and I were married on February 11th, so Valentine's day gets mashed in with our wedding anniversary. In some ways this is good, since hotels, restaurants  and spas have Valentine specials that we like to take advantage of. Then of course there are the hotels, restaurants  and spas that have Valentine specials, that EVERYONE else is taking advantage of, so we have to really think ahead and plan so we can get a reservation somewhere. In the end both Valentine's day and our anniversary being mashed together is fine with me, they are both meant to celebrate the one you love.

Back to the pink and red, with me being a Pinterest addict I thought it would be fun to put together a small gallery of Valentine (no anniversary stuff) inspired items I found that I think would be fun to have for the holiday or really anytime of year.


Anything with a "P.S" is perfect for me *wink*. I simply adore this pillow and think it would be a great addition to my bed with a bunch of other fun decorative pillows.

Found on Etsy made by Joshua by Oak 

 HELLO cupcake, this raspberry and lemon cupcake sounds and looks so refreshing, especially in the cold winter months.

Found on BHG

 This is so my style, jeans, a t-shirt, cardigan and cute little flats. LOVE!

Found on Polyvore

I am a sucker for letterpress and the bigger the better. I really do think I need this artwork!

Found on Etsy made by Roll & Tumble Press

How about this sweet handbag, pretty darn cute with those lollipop flowers. 

Found on Etsy made by Eight Seasons

Loving this little cupcake pedestal, so stinking cute!

Found on Amazon by Rosanna

Talk about refreshing, these strawberry champaign beverages are just my style, bubbly and oh so fruity!

Found on Simply Creative Insanity

While we are at it, I will take one of these too...

Found on AutoModifieDesign

What's on your wish list this Valentine's Day???

Hugs,

Pam

Brag Party {DIY Inspiration}

I was recently invited to be apart of My Grafico's Brag Party group. Every week an image is shared with this group to use for free, so that you can share/brag what you designed with this image.
This past week we were given the cherry image from this adorable clipart set created by dreAmLoft called "Cherry Love". 

Here is what I made using one of my DIY kraft mini gable boxes. 

I created a tag, added the cherry image and a sentiment that will work great for Valentine's Day or any day for that matter. I used a clear craft lacquer on the hearts to make them look really juicy!  Using a eyelet border punch I created a fun border along the white edge of a piece of green gingham paper I printed out. This piece was then wrapped around my box and the tag was attached on the front. A piece of white taffeta ribbon adorns the handle. Not quite sure what I will put in this box, maybe some wrapped chocolates or a gift card, maybe both! 

Be sure to check out the Brag Party group on My Grafico and see what fun things you can create with their free image each week.

Thanks for stopping in!
Hugs,
Pam

Valentine's Day Inspiration {Friends}

Please Note his post has moved to PS Make it your own's NEW home site www.PSMIYO.com 

Click HERE to hop on over to read and be inspired by our friend Melissa of Truly Chic Inspirations. 

~Pam

"Owl Always Love You" {Whatever Wednesday}

I was approached by Corinn Rocker a couple of weeks ago, asking me if I would like to be apart of a Valentine Shoot that she was putting together. I had worked with Corinn in the past and we really connected style wise, so I knew that this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I was sent a photo of the framed Owl print as inspiration and off I flew...so to speak. I created some mini gable boxes (which I showed you last Friday) as well as some of my new mini cupcake boxes. Check out what Corinn put together with the help of some amazing vendors and her friend, Allyson who is a photographer.

 

Credits

• Styling by Corley Designs www.corleydesigns.com
   
• Photography by Allyson Crozier Photography
   
• Custom Print and Themed Graphics by Pumpkin and Butterfly
   
• Lanterns and Tissue Daisies from Polka Dot Market
   
• Heart Paper Straws from Fort & Field
• Red Striped HeartToppers designed by Word Play House  from Fort & Field
   
• Mini Gable Boxes and Mini Cupcake Boxes from Party Starters
   
• Custom T-shirt from Baby Paige
   
• Mini Cake and Flower Pot Cupcake from Under the Icing
   
• Mini Cupcakes and Chocolate Bars from Cakes and Candies by Maryellen
   
• Cake Pops from The Cake Pop Castle

Is this set up adorable or what! I am in love with the color scheme, gray seems to make anything look a bit richer and it really makes all of that red POP! What is your favorite part of this shoot? Of course I love it all but I must say I am totally digging the owl and heart garland hanging from both sides of the large print. TOO CUTE!

I am so extremely blessed to have the opportunity to work with such talented people who love what they do as much as I do. Thank you so much Corinn for including me!

Check out Corinn's Facebook page and be on the look out for her new website which is coming SOON!! Don't forget to check out all of these fabulous vendors who were a part of this shoot, their products are amazing!

Thanks for stopping by today!
Hugs,
Pam

Grey Gingham Mini Gables {What's New Friday}

What's new??? Well these mini gable boxes in grey gingham, that's what's new! Not too girly, not too masculine, great for just about anyone! Fill these with wrapped candy, a gift card or how about some jewelry. Not matter what you put inside of them the recipient is sure to be pleased!

Purchase all three styles or pick your favorite. Now for sale HERE!

Have a wonderful weekend!!
Hugs,
Pam

Life Is Like A Box Of Cupcakes {Motivate Me Monday}

I have been working on an large order of mini cupcake favor boxes for a clients wedding all weekend. SO when I went to look for an inspirational photo for today's post I figured I would search under cupcakes, well I had seen most of the pictures that popped up right away. Then I thought wait a minute how about narrowing my search a bit and look under "Mini Cupcakes". Look at the picture that slapped me in the face.....

How have I not seen this gorgeous picture?? Forget the box of chocolates for Valentine's Day...I WANT a box of cupcakes!!! I found this photo over at the Hello, Cupcake! Blog. If you haven't been there before, its a must stop while you are on your blogging travels. Karen and Alan give a great description of how each of these cupcakes is decorated and HELLO... could these be any cuter?! I am in love and totally motivated now...I want mini cupcakes like these in MY Mini Cupcake Favor Boxes!! Maybe I can think of someone really special to make these for this Valentine's Day...hmmm who has been really good???

Hope this photo motivates you today and gets your creative juices following! What kinds of candy would you use to decorate mini cupcakes??

Hugs,
Pam

A little Valentine Photo Shoot

I love it when a plan of mine comes together. I wanted to create some new party favor boxes all in pink, since that is the "IN" color for the year. I asked a few party people to help me out and this is what we created! Initially I decided to do this photo shoot so that I could share Valentine products, but after seeing these items together they would be great for weddings and other parties as well. Take a look...

Custom Wine bottle label by Blush Printables

 Jen from Blush Printables has a great collection of custom wine labels and I absolutely fell in love with this pink floral design. Personalized bottles of wine make wonderful wedding favors as well as great gifts! Jen also created beautiful invitations, envelope wraps and other amazing party printables. 

Macarons by Green Eyed Susan

These brightly colored macarons are from Susan of Green Eyed Susan. I am thrilled to let you all know that Susan is now shipping her macarons! These are absolutely perfect for dessert tables, as well as wedding and party favors. The "honeysuckle" or brighter shade of pink are white raspberry ganache. The softer shade of pink are sugar and spice with cinnamon buttercream. I hate to admit this, but I have never had a macaron before and once I tasted these sweet cookies from Green Eyed Susan I was hooked. OH MY a little bite of heaven!

 

What do you get when you mix Piggy Bank Parties' adorable custom mini banners with Party Starters custom cake slice favor boxes??? A super cute favor set! I asked Do over at Piggy Bank Parties' to create a mini banner in the exact shade of pink I was using for the favor boxes and voila!! I love how sweet our products look together!! Can  you imagine the possibilities!! Piggy Bank Parties has a great selection of customizable mini banners along with lots of other fun party products!

Custom Mini Banner by Piggy Bank Parties

Now debuting, my new single mini cupcake favor box! Before these have even hit my store they are selling like hot cakes and do you want to know what for...wedding favors! Each box comes with a special cutout for those little cupcakes to sit in, so no sliding around while they are held upright.

Mini Cupcake Favor Box by Party Starters

Next my little matchbox favors. These boxes are inexpensive, great for weddings or any party where favors are needed. Fill these boxes with Hershey Nuggets, Mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Jordan Almonds, M&Ms, Jellybeans...the list goes on and on!

Match Box Favors by Party Starters

 Last but not least, my mini gable boxes. We have become quite good friends, me and these gables! These favor boxes are small but mighty and hold all kinds of fun things. Again perfect favor boxes for weddings, birthdays and holidays!

Custom Mini Gable Box Favors by Party Starters

 Want more...well here are a few of the entire display.

Photo shoot styled and photographed by Pamela Smerker of Party Starters

 

 Well there you have it Valentines Day dressed in pink. Again a big thank you to Blush Printables, Green Eyed Susan and Piggy Bank Party for collaborating on this shoot with me. I had SO much fun putting it all together! Now...on to Easter!!! LOL

Hugs,
Pam