Workdesk Wednesday

Okay, so this is a bit of a cheat, because this was my work space last Wednesday. I was busy making cards that I could send to my Godchildren throughout the month of December.

Here are two of the cards that I made that day. I kept it simple by using an embossed background and some $1.00 Studio G stamps. I added a little touch of glitter for some sparkle and a small pom-pom for the perfect finishing touch.

They are young and I try to send out a card each week, so keeping them simple is a must. They love getting mail and usually always write back; something many kids don't do anymore. If you have any ideas, please share. I could use all of the inspiration I can get. My goal is to have them receive 52 cards for 2012. Am I crazy or what? Please don't answer that. lol...

The first of many...

This is the first project that I completed for this holiday season. My sister's both came in for Thanksgiving, and I wanted to give them a little something to take back home with them. I filled two jars that I bought from Wal-mart with their favorite candy. I used my much beloved Silhouette to cut out the vinyl snowflakes. I adhered one to each of the four sides, added a sheer red bow, some jingle bells, and a circle of decorative paper on the top.  A quick and easy gift for each of their homes or office.

I am planning on going back and get some more jars for some of my daughter's co-workers. I think this would also make a cute gift for teachers. So, what have you made so far this season?

Make A Wish...

I needed a childs' birthday card for this week and so, why not make two while the supplies were out? I used scraps leftover from an October Afternoon kit. The candle and the balloon were cut on the Silhouette. I then pop dotted the balloon for dimension. The sentiment is a Michael's $1 stamp and each card was accented with either rhinestones or pearls. Easy peasy!!

It felt great to back in the craft room this weekend. I did get a few things done and a lot of other things started. I'll be back later this week to start sharing my holiday goodies.

Thankful for...

After a couple of weeks of everyone in this house being sick, I finally sat down last night to create. I saw this sketch at Sketchy Thursdays. It is for their December Guest Design team challenge.

While I am not trying out for the team, I wanted to use the sketch because I liked that it had clean and simple lines. I used it to create the layout "Thankful for Us". Now that everybody was feeling better, and off to school/work, I wanted to create something quick and not have to think about it. I followed the design pretty much to the letter.

I don't have many pictures of me and my hubby together, so I was glad to have these even though the quality wasn't the best. By printing them at the smaller size, it worked out great for me and for use with this sketch. I used part of a song for my journaling, and added stamped accents for my page elements. Even with the sewing, this layout was pulled together in about 30 minutes.

Sometimes, using a sketch is just what you need to get your creative juices flowing again. I just wish I had the energy to do more.

Sick, Sick, and more Sick

Right now, I am so sick of the sicknesses going on in this house. I think I am going to scream!!

We had two doctor's appointments just this morning. Dd hasn't been to school since last Thursday and there is definately no creativity going on. Colds, and viruses, and sinuses, oh my!!

Vent over....thanks.

Boom Pow Bam - Sketchy Thursdays

I am playing along again this week at Sketchy Thursdays. This sketch was so much fun to work with. I had a blast using the inks and mist to create this layout. I cut the word bubble stencils using my Silhouette. I tacked them down with temporary adhesive, sprayed with mist, then inked the letters black. If you try this, remember to tape off the letters before you mist.

I can't believe how quickly this page came together for me. I had it from start to finish in less than an hour. Even with the stitching and the cutting of the stencils. And I must say, I love it!! Doesn't happen often, but when it does, it feels so good.

Have Yourself...Frame

Remember the black frame that I spray painted white?

So, what do you think? Not bad for a $1 frame.

December Daily Demystified

Last Friday, I was sitting at my desk, staring at this pile of embellishments. You see, I want to do my first December Daily, but I didn't know how to start. I usually start a layout with my photos first, so without pictures, I was lost. I posted over on Two Peas and it seems like I was not the only one with the deer in the headlights look on my face. Others were also having the same problem.

Well, one sweet lady, Shimelle, answered and gave me the most wonderful advice. She said to cut my base pages, make a few embellishments, and then put the pages together as I print my pictures.  Light bulb moment!! I printed and cut my pages, sorted through and chose the embellishments I wanted, and pulled a few stamps and such to use. Finally, the clouds were starting to part, and I didn't feel so overwhelmed anymore. This was something I could actually do.

This is the whole kit that I pulled together.

This is the papers that I am using, cut down to 6 x 8.5.

I put everything in this clear storage box from my local office store.

I guess the purpose behind this story is no matter how many years you have been doing this, how experienced you are, and no matter how many classes you have taught, you can still always learn something from others. So, if you have wanted to do a December Daily and didn't know where to start, my best advice is to stop over thinking it and just do it the way it works for you. Good Luck!!

Sugar and Spice

And no, I am not talking about the Gingerbread Spice latte's from my local Starbucks. Although, they are mighty tasty. lol... I am talking about my sweet girl. Hard to believe she will be 18 in just a few months. After this past weekend, with everyone telling her that she was just like her Aunt, I wanted to create a layout to let her know that she should not forget to just be herself.

I used the Farmhouse collection by Crate Paper ( I just "heart" this collection). Everything came from that kit except for the little brown block with the leaf punched through it. I then stitched around the page and through some of the elements to give it a homemade look. I love how it turned out!

So, hug those babies because ladies (or Gents), they really do grow up so fast. Now, I am off to finish my latte. :)





Welcome Fall - Sketchy Thursday Challenge

This week, I decided to play along over at Sketchy Thursdays. I fell in love with the sketch almost immediately. I knew that I wanted to use it, but when I sat down to make a page, a card popped into my head instead. I decided to just go with it and this is what I came up with.

I used an orange enevelope instead of a photo for my base. I then added the title on top, instead of behind, the envelope. This card came together really quickly, thanks to this sketch. I think next time I use it, I will try it as a page.

I've Been Framed

Okay, so maybe my title is a little bit corny, but this project is not. I happened to find this frame at a local Dollar Tree store, and immediately, I thought of all the interest in printer trays and that I could probably do something similar with this. I bought a few and headed home to see what I could create.

This tray was done very simply, just so I could see what things could be used inside of the glass. I used regular pattern paper, layered them with stickers, and added chipboard pieces.

It was thick enough to hold chipboard shapes without giving me any trouble to put the backing back on. The backing itself contains two different hangers and an easel for easy display options.

They only come in black, but with the many colors of Fusion spray paint, I was able to paint this one white for use in a Christmas one I am hoping to get to this week.

Using this collection from Teresa Collins. I plan on leaving the glass off of this one so that I can load it with thicker goodies, such as my holiday yo-yos and those popular paper rosettes.

They were, of course, only a dollar. And at this price, I plan on making them for all of the holidays, just so I can have something to put on my bookshelf. I might even make a few for gifts. How cute would this be with school themed products and the teacher's name in the small space at the bottom?