DH Alan uploaded a new Valentine tutorial of the “Secret Sentiment Box” shown below. This new downloadable tutorial includes a complete list of supplies and tools needed as well as step-by-step instructions and color photos.

When the lid is removed by it’s recipient they will discover a sweet Valentine sentiment but as you know that’s a secret. If you do not have the exact items listed in the supply list that’s okay as this project can easily be altered to include the use of supplies you have on hand.

This project does not only have to be given as a gift for Valentine’s Day, it could also be given as a gift for “Mother’s Day”, a “Birthday”, “Just Because” or “Thinking of You”.

is the PITS! Lately I have been working on several projects and I cannot share any of them just yet. This is torture for me. I love to share my projects as soon as I finish. But last night I did have fun making my own embellishment for a project and I can share this so here goes… I have never used a die cutting system. I always create my own templates, trace them onto paper, cut them out and go from there. I tell ya I am a very old fashioned kinda girl when it comes to stuff like this not sure why… most likely it is because I am too picky and have to have everything just so so. Anyway, last night I decided to play with my Big Shot Die Cutting System I received in my MMM prize package. Well let me just tell you now my head is swirling with ideas. That thing is so much fun. I used some shrink plastic by JudiKins, a Sizzix Sizzlits Snowflake #2 Die, Ranger Stickles in Star Dust and a rhinestone. This cute snowflake is going to be an embellishment for a mini album and believe me more will be made for holiday projects, gift tags etc.

Last week was a great publication week. My Little Foof House, Family Message Board and Valentine’s Day Wall Hanging will all be in the Feb./Mar. issue of Paper Trends.

Three layouts… Santa Baby, Yep… It’s March and Our Tree will be in the Winter issue of Scrapbooking and Beyond.

Don’t forget to check out the MMM Blog. You will find a lot of great tips, ideas and layouts posted almost everyday. Today I posted a little project using one of the “Tis the Season” stamps designed by Sande Krieger and some shrink plastic.

FYI… I am starting to fill my teaching calendar for 2008. If you would like me to come and teach at your local scrapbook store or retreat send me an e-mail and I will see if a class can be scheduled.

I hope you are all having a wonderful day with your loved ones. Alan gave me the cutest charm for my Juicy Couture charm bracelet. He started it for me at Christmas and I just love it… big, clunky and full of bling. Those of you that know me, know this is totally me!

All week I have been receiving Valentine’s Day cards from a swap I’m in at ScrapGal. It has been so fun checking the mail each day finding cards instead of bills. Here are just a few I have received to date. If you have not discovered ScrapGal you really should go over and check them out. Everyone is super nice and Carly has and gives the best service!

If you have made it all the way through this post leave a comment and I will enter you in a RAK.