Have you done any good in the world today?

Today was my Stake conference.  There were many wonderful talks all about "Hastening the work."  Lots of wonderful stories were given about missionary work and conversion stories.  It was really wonderful, and I took notes on little messages that really inspired me.  I decided to share a poster with you about one such message.  The words of the song... Have I done any good in the world today?  Obviously I took a bit of liberty with the last line, because I didn't want to use the entire song, but wanted to get the message accross.  I left Conference knowing what I needed to do to step up, and lengthen my stride and commitment.  This is a visual reminder of some simple things we can all do to make this world a better place.  If we ask ourselves these few questions, hopefully you too, will be inspired and motivated to do more.  Enjoy and pass the word along, oh and the poster too.  Katie G

If you want 2 be HAPPY (my new blog)

I wanted to share with you my new blog.  I have created some cute printables that are perfect for sharing with the sisters you visit teach, a friend, neighbor, or anyone you think might have a need for something to help them to have a HAPPY DAY!  It is called If you want 2 be happy  I will be creating some HAPPY things there almost every day and all of them are FREE, Free, free!!!

Please go to my new blog and follow me as I will have the very same cute things I offer on this blog, but just a little different. 

Have a hap, hap, happy day!

August 2013 Visiting Teaching Message (Handout)

Here is a little printable that I created to go with the August 2013 Visiting teaching message that you will be sharing during the month.  To print, click on the image, right click and save as a file on your computer, then print from there.  Enjoy!  Katie G

Mothers Day quote booklet

If you are in need of a quick Mothers Day gift for someone you care about, maybe even those you Visit teach.... hint, hint... then you can find a printable I just made called "Quotes from our prophets about wives, women, and mothers"  on my other blog. http://visitingteachingtips.blogspot.com

Halloween Subway Art and Matching Note card

I love subway art, and I decided to create one for a friend of mine, who had surgery.  I am on a diet, so I can't really take her food, unless I want to run the risk of taste testing it... if you know what I mean, so I thought I would create something fun to brighten up her home.  This sweet lady happens to be my Visiting teacher and we have become great friends!  I love Halloween, probably because it is my birthday month, and I must admit, I have lots of Hauntingly cute decorations that make my own home festive.  My sister sent me a cute Halloween Subway art framed picture, and I was going to use that one (I found the site on the Internet that it came from) but I could not size it to look good.  SOOOOO I decided to create my own and it turned out really cute.  Feel free to print this off for yourself, or for friends or even the sisters that you Visit teach, but please if you share, link back to me.  I have a whole bunch on my Pinterest site too that I have been finding, but honestly, I like mine the best.  Enjoy, and Happy Halloween!  Enjoy!  Katie G

P.S.   

I created a Halloween note card as well to match this cute framed Subway art and had them posted on this site until I was able to get my new business up.  You can see all of my holiday printables, as they become available on http://printablesbykatie.bigcartel.com

 

Handout for September 2012 Visiting Teaching

These are printable note cards, that go along with the message that suggests that you could maintain contact with the sisters that you teach in different ways.  This particular way focused on the suggestion of writing notes of encouragement.  Here are your printable note cards.  Save to your computer and then print on white card stock. See the message on my other blog at http://visitingteachingtips.blogspot.com

Enjoy!
Katie G

May 2012 Visiting Teaching Handout

I would like to direct you first to my other blog...ttp://visitingteachingtips.blogspot.com to read the message I chose to give for this month from the Conference talks. 

Once you have read it I think this picture will have more significance.  The quotes on the frame are from the talk I chose. Here is the printable you can use if you like.  I think it would look nice framed.  I found some cute 8 x 10 black frames at a local dollar store or you could just give it out unframed.  It turned out nicely. 

Enjoy!  Katie G.

Two sided bookmark for Visiting teaching

I am in the process of creating a new little Printable business, and I had designed this cute little chick.  I thought it might be fun for a V.T. Bookmark, so here you go... enjoy!
Katie G.

April 2012 Visiting Teaching Message Card Printable

Here is a little gift for you to print off and take with you on your visits this month, or whenever you feel so inspired.  The message on the card is small so here is what it says:

"Visiting Teachers are earthly ministering angels sent to Love, Watch Over and Strengthen the heart of her sister!"

Just a thought I had... maybe you could write a note to your sisters inside the card of your desire to serve them and become friends.  Be sure to sign your name and add your phone number and let them know that they can refer to this card when they need you! 

And if you have not already read my message on the Visiting Teaching Tips blog, I think you may want to go over and read it.  I tell a wonderful story about serving our sisters that was published in the Ensign, and lived by my own Visiting teaching partner. 

Enjoy!  Katie G

Easter Bunting

I am really excited about how cute this turned out. The picture doesn't do it justice. I spent my morning today creating up this cute Easter bunting.  I have been really enjoying creating these, as I will have a bunch of different options for parties, showers, holidays, etc., on my new website.  (That is once it is up)  I thought I would share a last minute decoration for you to print off and make for your own.  It was so easy.  Print it off, cut it out, attach the ribbon to the flags, then add colorful pieces of ribbon or fabric if you like.  It is so springy and cute.  Wish I had made it before the day before Easter.  So... you can freely use the buntings that I am going to put up for only 2 days, and then they come down.  Hurry and get them if you like and please let me know how you like it and if you used it. Please don't copy it because it will be one of my copyrighted collection.. but because I am feeling Eastery, I wanted to share. 

Oh and I also threw in this name place setting page as well.  Print them off and write in the names of your guests and set them where you want them to sit at your Easter table. Enjoy!  Katie G

PS  my new business is called "Printables by Katie", but I have a ways to go to get my website up... but working on it!

December 2011 Visiting teaching message printable

Here is a printable I made up for you to take with you Visiting teaching if you like. The message is the Dec. 2011 Visiting teaching message. I have also given my own message on my other blog if you need some ideas of where to go from there. Be sure to add your own thoughts, but you are welcome to use mine as well. http://visitingteachingtips.blogspot.com To print this message from my blog, click on the image and save it to a file on your computer. Then print from your file. Simple huh? Enjoy! Katie G.

Christmas Card/message

I have just posted a wonderful Christmas message on my Visiting Teaching Tips handouts and Ideas blog. If you would like to have access to it, go to that blog by clicking on the title of this post. Need a reminder how to print from my blogs???? I posted it at the bottom of the post you will go to.
Enjoy!!! Katie G.

Seed packet Gift/ template

I decided that instead of giving out thank you notes to the lovely friends of mine who remembered me on my birthday, I decided to design a template for a seed packed, and fill it up with seeds from my pretty yellow and orange flowers in my yard, and give it as a thank-you. They turned out darling and printed so very nicely. Very easy template, but be sure to score the lines around the packet where the folds go, as it looks so sharp and folds much nicer. I used glue runner tape as well. If I get a chance I will take a snapshot of the finished product before I give them out. On the back side, I left it plain so that you can add your own message, for a gift or in place of a thank you note, or for whatever reason you want to use it for. I also inserted it into a cellophane bag ( note card size ) and tied a yellow ribbon around it. VERY CUTE!!! Enjoy! Katie G.

Visiting Teaching Message September 2011

Here is a little handout that I created for you to take with you Visiting Teaching. It contains some of the quotes from the lesson. Enjoy! Katie G.

August 2011 Visiting Teaching message printable

Click on the image and you will be able to read it better. This is the handout that I made for Visiting Teaching for August 2011. I just about didn't get one done as I have been busier than a little bee this month and last month. Even if you have already gone out and done your Visiting Teaching, you can still use this for your sisters now, or for another month. It is a door hanger. Make sure to sign add your phone number at the bottom before you leave it hanging on their door nob or you can just hand it to them so that they have your phone number so they can reach you when they need a "Helping Hand".

One thing about this too is that many people won't ask for help, so be proactive and really let your sister know that you would love to be of service to them, so that they won't hesitate to call if they need you.

Enjoy!

Cute Easter Ideas

I have been so swamped with so many other things to create my own ideas for Easter, so I have found some cute ones that I wanted to pass on to you.  Darling ideas, and the links to them. 

This is the link to this darling "Carrot" filled template.  Easy to create!  http://emilyburnette.blogspot.com/   How cute would this be to take as a little Easter Visiting Teaching gift?  I think I am going to use this template for my visiting teaching.  My sisters and I are going to lunch at Olive Garden to get to know each other better.  Over lunch I will give the lesson, and then this will be a fun and cute take home for them to enjoy.  I want my sisters to feel loved.  I wrote Emily who is the author of the website that this idea was founded, and I found out she is LDS too.  Isn't it fun to find sisters throughout the world with the same goals, and efforts to serve others.  Thanks Emily!

SMORES IN A JAR can be found at this site: http://rootsandwingsco.blogspot.com/2009/03/smores-in-jar-for-easter.html   At this site, she had many ideas that are great for Easter.  I love the cute marshamallow bunnies that are being made now in different colors anf flavors.  Of course I am a Peep lover, and would probably use peeps.

Now speaking of Peeps, if you go back into my archives you can find all kinds of great ideas to use Peeps with.  Click on this link  http://visitingteachingsurprise.blogspot.com/search/label/Easter  and it brings up all my Easter and Sprintime ideas. 

Now lookie what I found.... Templates to make Easter Baskets.  The first one is created by "Tracy" and she use to design for Digichick, but I can't find a link to her.  The second one can be found at http://kelleighratzlaff.com/headline/the-easter-basket-template-set-and-cutting-files/ She has a template and other darling baskets that she made including a Birthday basket. 

They can be made up so cute with the darling digital or other scrapbook papers that are available now.  I just suggest that you get one that is printed on cardstock so it will be more durable.  Wouldn't it be sad if you went to all that work to make such a cute basket, and it broke because the paper wasn't strong enough.  There is a solution if you find just the right print on paper..... if you use spray glue and glue it to a piece of cardstock, then it would be heavy enough to use for an Easter basket.  Here is one freebie template link http://guidinguk.freeservers.com/Easter-basket.html and another one that is pictured next comes from

http://jannekesmit.blogspot.com/2010/04/free-easter-basket-template.html  Jannie who is the designer at this site, encourages you to make up her template and then take a photo of how it turned out and send it to her.  That would be a nice way of saying Thank-you for using her template design for free.

I could go on and on with Easter ideas to give to the women you Visit Teach or to Friends, neighbors, your own children, parents, or whomever, but my time is gone and I need to clean my house, lest my husband return and say... "Did a tornado go through today?"  Just kidding, he is really patient with me as he knows my love for creating cute things, but I do need to stop now.  Hope you enjoy these ideas and if you have a cute one and would like to share.... please let me know.  My email is listed on the right column of this blog.  Happy Easter!  Katie G.

Somebodys having a Birthday? ( Plus more templates)

My daughter had a birthday yesterday, her husband a week ago and my grandson this very same month.  Now why didn't I think of this cute idea much earlier?  Well it is OK because next month my family has several other birthdays.  This isn't just for little children's birthdays, but can be a fun little thoughtful gift for you to make up for the women you Visit teach, for their birthdays.  I found a slice of cake box all stuffed with cute little gifts at this blog http://afrecklefacedgirl.blogspot.com/2009/06/cake-slice-boxes.html  Click on the image to make it larger.  See how they stuffed this piece of cake box with color coordinated things.  This one however is for kids. I was thinking that there are so many cute little things that you could stuff your box with like post it notes and cute floral mini pens from the $1 section at Target.  Kitchen gadgets, like bag clips, etc.  You could also fill it with goodies and treats, and one way to get them without paying allot of money is to buy a bunch of after holiday sales candy.  You can usually find this kind of candy for 50 % off the day after the holiday, and even more off days after that until it is all sold. 

Here is a pattern or template for this cute cake box that I found online at:  http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/images/cakebox.gif  All you have to do to create a cute cake box like the one that is pictured above is to buy a piece of printed card stock scrapbook paper (8.5 x 11) and print the template on the side opposite of the print.  Cut out and score, and fold into your darling cake box.  If you want your stuffing's to match, be sure to buy them first and then take them with you when you buy your piece of card stock to match.  Very cute idea.. huh? 

NOTE FROM KATIE:  If you really want to customize this piece of cake template, then go online to any of the hundreds of Digital Scrapbook stores that have so many cute papers for sale, or even offered as freebies.  You will certainly find some cute prints for your piece of cake box there.  You can also find many other cute templates for printing online, and then create them using the your digital paper selections so everything matches.  People ask me how I do it to make things match and look so cute. This is how you do it, print them yourself and even make a cute tag or mini card in a coordinated print as well.    Enjoy! Katie G

TEMPLATES, TEMPLATES, TEMPLATES!!!!!

Since I am in the template mode, I thought I would share with you some other cute templates of things you can print and create for upcoming gift ideas... Easter, Mothers day, etc....  In my searching for ideas I found a very cute site that has some really cute ideas.  It is called Waltzing Mouse Stamps.  This first one I found is a darling paper printable Easter basket template.  It can be found here:  http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0034/2892/files/Mini_Square_Basket.pdf?1279558175 and at that same website, there are many other cute freebie templates like this cute Mothers Day card template that can be found here: http://www.waltzingmousestamps.com/products/freebie-watering-can-card  If you go to this link at Waltzing Mouse Stamps, it will show you all the other cute freebie downloadable templates for other cute Easter baskets and other holiday designs.  I love the Halloween witch, but since it isn't Halloween time, I won't post the image, but you should really go look at these.  DARLING!!!! They also have other templates and ideas that they charge for and one that you should really look at is their slice of cake template.  It combines many slices of cake to build one round big cake and their template has a lid and a bottom.  It is soooooo CUTE!!! The digichick site http://www.thedigichick.com/shop/Piece-Of-Cake-Template-Set.html also has cute ideas for printing cake templates, however their template isn't much different than the one that I have posted above.

Here is another really cute idea to make for a Relief Society Birthday Party or whatever you choose. and it comes from Martha Stewart at http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/lace-cupcake-towers  They show it here as a Wedding cupcake cake tower, but you could do it for any other kind of project by simply using the template and printing the image out on digital or scrapbook paper you buy in the store.  This idea for the lace wrap around edge, was created by finding a pretty lace and color copying and enlarging it. Now how creative is that????    SOOOO cute!

Even easier and simpler for one person would be printing a cupcake wrap, and printing the template on scrapbook paper and wrapping it around the base of the cupcake.  This would be a great little gift for your Visiting Teaching Sisters birthdays, and since you will have to bake up more cupcakes to get one to take with you to your Sister, your family will be very happy too because they too will get cupcakes for dessert.  Here are several pre designed templates for the cupcake wrap arounds that I found on the internet at this site: http://foodartparty.blogspot.com/2009/07/more-free-cupcake-wrappers.html  While you are at this blog, be sure to look at the way she decorates her sugar cookies.  Absolutely fabulos!  Also she lists freebie links to all different kinds of cupcake wrap printables for Valentines Day, Lego Parties, Ninja, Princess, Bird, Butterfly, Deer, Easter, Bohemian, Chandelier, black and white, Springtime, Superbowl, 4th of July and on and on!

I found this actual blank template here: http://imagesbyheatherm.wordpress.com/2010/10/06/printable-cupcake-wrapper-templates/

It is a ping that you can download the template and print from your computer.  It has two different kinds of cupcake wraps, one plain edge andthe other is scalloped edge.  NOW if you need some cute printable cupcake invitations...... well of course you can go here:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/honeybooart/sets/72157621961287600/  Be sure while you are there to go through the other cute printables that they have on that site.  VERY CUTE!!!  And if that wasn't enough make sure to check out this site:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/cutepaper/3795147666/in/pool-75055462@N00/

I have to be done now, as each darling idea leads me to the next and I could spend all day doing this, but I need to get some housework done today as well so.. Bye for now!  Love, Katie G.

Spanish, Portuguese, or other languages.....I need your input.

I have had several request lately for me to translate my handouts and freebies into Spanish.  I don't speak Spanish so it isn't easy for me to accomplish this.  I would, however love to have anyone of any language be able to use my handouts, so I have thought about a way that I could possibly accomplish this.  I will need your imput to to know if this will work for you. 

My idea is that when I design something like the book mark to the left, for example, I will do my creative thing and make something cute, and type in the message, scripture or whatever, in English and post it on my blog.  Then I will also post a page of the same designed bookmark, without the message, leaving it blank for you to save to your computer and type in or insert however you can, the translation in whatever language you need to share with the sister you Visit teach, friends or whomever. 

So, I designed this bookmark for you to try to put your own message on, just to see if you can do it.  It is a cute Springy and Easter looking print from Shabby Princess, and you can see what you can do with it.  This time I didn't include a scripture but I am sure you can come up with one about Springtime, the Resurrection, Jesus Christ's atonement, new life, or whatever else you think of.  I know that not everyone will have the ability to do this on the computer but you could still print up the message, and type on it, or hand write the message. 

Please let me know if this will work for you and how you accomplished it.  I need feedback or I simply won't make the extra effort it will take to do this, as all of this takes allot of time.  You can either click on the "comment" button below this post and comment there, or email me directly on my blog email which is posted at the top right column of this blog.  If you just comment, please be sure to provide me your email address if you want me to reply because by default, no return email is listed.

Thanks for your help!

Katie G.

Mothers day early (2 printables)

I designed a book insert, or bookmark if that is what you would like to call it to go with the lesson on A grateful heart.... BUT... I thought it would be really cute for Mothers Day too.  The little kids on the bookmark are the early years "Campbell Soup Kids".  I think they are so very cute.  Anyway.... here it is...

I am asked all the time what program I use to create my printables and such. I am almost embarassed to say because it is one that I have used for years, though it has changed and improved. Nope, I don't use photoshop... though I do use Photoshop Elements to do some things, but I am not very good at Elements, so I use Print Shop Professional for mostly all of my graphic design.  It is limited so that is why I use Photoshop Elements and that does the rest of what the other program doesn't. 

I have a son who is amazing on Graphic Design and knows all the programs that there could ever be.  I had him sit down with me for a few minutes and asked him to show me how to do a few things using Elements.  I am a visual learner, so when he showed me what to do, I felt so empowered.  Elements really has most of all the things I would ever use for my designing, I think, and it is a fraction of the cost of Adobe Photoshop.  So... I think I will just continue to use my Print Shop Pro and keep learning more on Elements.  It is a fun hobby for me and I certainly enjoy creating!  Katie G.

P.S. I made these M&M bag toppers up originaly for my sister for a need she had, and changed the words to fit for Mothers day.  Follow the directions that are printed and they would make cute little gifts to give to your sisters on Mothers Day or for a new little Mother who has just had a baby.  Maybe there is someone you see in church that could use one of these as well, and so there are lots of applications for this little idea.  Fill the bags with colored M&M's and print on colored paper.  Enjoy!

A Grateful Heart

I am working on a great lesson that is actually for Young Women, but would be a very good lesson for R.S.. FHE or other.  I am putting together a handout booklet that will be filled with stories, a game, ideas, scriptures and such, that I will be suggesting that the YW can do a FHE with their family.  Anyway... since it is just as applicable to R.S. as it is to Y.W. I will post it here too. 
Here is the front cover that I designed, the pages can be found on my YW Blog.  Just click on the title of this post and it will take you directly to that blog.   Enjoy!  Katie G.

FYI:  I do booklets for handouts because I find so many wonderful stories, scriptures, images, etc, that I just can't have it in my lessons due to time constraints.  So.. this is the way to keep on giving after your lesson is through.  

Speaking of a Grateful heart, I just want you to know that I am grateful for all of you who come and visit my blog and share such nice comments and questions with me.  It is uplifting to me to be a part of sharing the gospel in a different sort of a way, but in a way that provides service to others.  I love it and just thank my Heavenly Father for the talents and abilities that He gave to me before I was born that have developed to the extent that I use them today. I am grateful and acknowledge that all I am or ever hope to be will be are a direct response of my Heavenly Fathers love for me.    Sincerely, Katie G.