I have to be honest....winter is NOT my favorite season of the year. In fact, it's probably my LEAST favorite season. Here in the Northwest, winter usually means one gray, drizzly day after another. It can be so depressing. Thank goodness my FAVORITE holiday comes around this time to cheer me up!
While I may not particularly like winter, I do love snow! Probably because it happens so rarely here in Oregon (and it doesn't hurt that I get a day off when it snows--one of the perks of being a teacher, you know).
I love the way snow makes everything look so clean, so quiet and serene. I love how Emily's face lights up and she gets so excited--like last Christmas when it snowed (yes, we actually had a bit of snow fall on Christmas Day 2007)....
There was barely any snow on the ground and she insisted on putting on ALL her snow gear to go outside. And what do you think she did first? Plopped down in the grass to make a snow angel. Have you ever seen a green snow angel???
Immediately after that she asked us if we would come out and have a snowball fight. She was disappointed when we told her there wasn't enough snow for that, but contented herself with trying to catch snowflakes on her tongue until the flurry stopped.
It was so sweet seeing her innocent excitement, even with just a dusting of the white stuff. I totally get where she is coming from!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Journal Your Christmas(JYC) Day 1
Well, here we are....December 2nd and I'm already behind. LOL! Isn't that just life! No matter, as long as I get to it. My journal/scrapbook isn't even made yet, but I can still do the writing piece (and the photography) and record it here for now..................
Day 1 is the prompt Shimelle calls the "manifesto." I like that word. It sounds exotic and important. It gives weight to this idea that I think some people see as quite frivolous. Mine will go something like this:
During this year's crazy, busy Christmas season I am dedicating myself to recording all the wonderful things I want to remember. The little details as well as the big events. I want to remember the things Emily says, the way the tree looks this year and the traditions we are creating. My hope is to capture the excitement, anticipation and sheer joy of the season.
My promise to myself and my family is to spend some time each day reflecting on all these different aspects of our holidays. Some days may be in depth and meaningful, others may be just fluff, and that is okay!
Think about how amazing it would be to have a journal like this written by your mother or your grandmother. What a priceless heirloom that would be!
That's why I am dedicated to doing this in December, 2008.
Day 1 is the prompt Shimelle calls the "manifesto." I like that word. It sounds exotic and important. It gives weight to this idea that I think some people see as quite frivolous. Mine will go something like this:
During this year's crazy, busy Christmas season I am dedicating myself to recording all the wonderful things I want to remember. The little details as well as the big events. I want to remember the things Emily says, the way the tree looks this year and the traditions we are creating. My hope is to capture the excitement, anticipation and sheer joy of the season.
My promise to myself and my family is to spend some time each day reflecting on all these different aspects of our holidays. Some days may be in depth and meaningful, others may be just fluff, and that is okay!
Think about how amazing it would be to have a journal like this written by your mother or your grandmother. What a priceless heirloom that would be!
That's why I am dedicated to doing this in December, 2008.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Journal Your Christmas
I am taking this AWESOME on-line class this year called "Journal Your Christmas". I learned about it when I took a class from Shimelle at convention last year. I am very excited to start this project and have a record of all the little things about this season I love.This class is so great for many reasons.......
1. Shimelle encourages you to make your album ahead of time so it is easy to add to each day or so.
2. She sends you a prompt every day in December to help you with the journaling.
3. Once you pay for this class you are a student for life. You can take the class EACH AND EVERY year if you want to!!
4. She provides a forum where all the participants can get together and talk and share their ideas, and Shimelle participates right along with us!!!
Are you intrigued???? Want to join us??? Check it out here:
Journal Your Christmas
Monday, November 17, 2008
An Oldie, But a Goodie!
Last week just flew by, and before I knew it the weekend was here and I hadn't blogged yet. It amazes me how quickly the days go by sometimes!
We were up at Mel's folks this weekend, so I was able to go to the Creating Keepsakes Convention in Bellevue on Saturday. I had a blast shopping, taking classes and volunteering with my aunt, cousin and friend. I will share the items I made in my classes at a later date (when they are actually completed.....)
My big, exciting purchase was a Scor-Pal for $34.95. I have been wanting one for a while now and decided to go ahead and get it since I didn't find much else to buy there (hard to believe, I know--LOL!) I think it will be great for doing my workshops. It will be easier to do projects that require more complicated folds.
Since I don't have any current projects to share, I thought I would post one of my favorite layouts (created sometime last spring). This one is of my brother and nephew at the coast a couple of summers ago. It is such a sweet picture! I am a bit embarrassed to say that I still have not added the journaling.....not quite sure what I want to say!
Like Father Like Son layout supplies (all CTMH):
*Sarsaparilla Level 2 paper pack
*Western Flourishes stamp set
*Placement Guide stamp set
*Rustic Alphabet stamp set
*Hodge Podge Alphabet stamp set
*Black Bitty Brads
colors:
Barn Red, Twilight, Desert Sand, Black, Colonial White
dimensions: finished layout is 12" x 12"
idea from: my original design
Hopefully tonight or tomorrow I will have my December Workshop project ready to post!!
We were up at Mel's folks this weekend, so I was able to go to the Creating Keepsakes Convention in Bellevue on Saturday. I had a blast shopping, taking classes and volunteering with my aunt, cousin and friend. I will share the items I made in my classes at a later date (when they are actually completed.....)
My big, exciting purchase was a Scor-Pal for $34.95. I have been wanting one for a while now and decided to go ahead and get it since I didn't find much else to buy there (hard to believe, I know--LOL!) I think it will be great for doing my workshops. It will be easier to do projects that require more complicated folds.
Since I don't have any current projects to share, I thought I would post one of my favorite layouts (created sometime last spring). This one is of my brother and nephew at the coast a couple of summers ago. It is such a sweet picture! I am a bit embarrassed to say that I still have not added the journaling.....not quite sure what I want to say!
Like Father Like Son layout supplies (all CTMH):*Sarsaparilla Level 2 paper pack
*Western Flourishes stamp set
*Placement Guide stamp set
*Rustic Alphabet stamp set
*Hodge Podge Alphabet stamp set
*Black Bitty Brads
colors:
Barn Red, Twilight, Desert Sand, Black, Colonial White
dimensions: finished layout is 12" x 12"
idea from: my original design
Hopefully tonight or tomorrow I will have my December Workshop project ready to post!!
Monday, November 10, 2008
A Productive Weekend & Christmas Cards
Wow, did I have a productive weekend! Mel went up to the Husky game, and Em and I stayed home. She decided she wanted to have a "Pajama Day", so we stayed in our jammies almost all day on Saturday.
She is such an amazing little girl, and growing up so quickly........she wanted to work on a mini-album kit I had bought her, but her workspace was a MESS (like mother, like daughter)! I told her she had to clean in up before we could get anything else out. In the past this would have set off a bout of whining and pouting--it's too hard, I can't do it by myself, etc.
Well, not this time. She got right in a started cleaning up and putting things away. I decided to go ahead and help her, kind of as a reward for doing such a good job, and partly to make sure things got put in the correct places (though she was doing pretty well herself). When she finished, we both got to work creating.
While she crafted, I crafted and we had fun talking. I was able to work on a project I have had in mind to submit to a contest, and am quite happy with how it is turning out. I will be able to share it sometime next month.
Later on we got a call from her best friend, Mandi, to come play for a while in the afternoon. I was able to work on a bunch of school papers while she was gone. I also got part of the laundry done and a few things straightened up and put away around the house. Let me say it again--PRODUCTIVE! Yay!!
Since I can't share what I actually worked on this weekend quite yet, I decided it would be a good time to post this year's Christmas cards. These were designed for my 2nd annual Christmas Card Workshop that I held on November 1st. Of course, I didn't get my own cards made that day..........
(I will update with supplies later today--I forgot I hadn't posted this entry yet!)
She is such an amazing little girl, and growing up so quickly........she wanted to work on a mini-album kit I had bought her, but her workspace was a MESS (like mother, like daughter)! I told her she had to clean in up before we could get anything else out. In the past this would have set off a bout of whining and pouting--it's too hard, I can't do it by myself, etc.
Well, not this time. She got right in a started cleaning up and putting things away. I decided to go ahead and help her, kind of as a reward for doing such a good job, and partly to make sure things got put in the correct places (though she was doing pretty well herself). When she finished, we both got to work creating.
While she crafted, I crafted and we had fun talking. I was able to work on a project I have had in mind to submit to a contest, and am quite happy with how it is turning out. I will be able to share it sometime next month.
Later on we got a call from her best friend, Mandi, to come play for a while in the afternoon. I was able to work on a bunch of school papers while she was gone. I also got part of the laundry done and a few things straightened up and put away around the house. Let me say it again--PRODUCTIVE! Yay!!
Since I can't share what I actually worked on this weekend quite yet, I decided it would be a good time to post this year's Christmas cards. These were designed for my 2nd annual Christmas Card Workshop that I held on November 1st. Of course, I didn't get my own cards made that day..........
(I will update with supplies later today--I forgot I hadn't posted this entry yet!)
Saturday, November 8, 2008
More November Workshop Projects
Okay, it took me quite a bit longer than I expected to get back to this. Funny how life just gets in the way sometimes. At least life is good!
Here are the other two projects we'll be making on Thursday night!
Peace on Earth card supplies (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):
*Aspen Level 2 paper pack
*December Word Puzzle stamp set
*Christmas Melodies stamp set
*Believe uppercase alphabet stamp set
*Jingle Borders stamp set
*Clear Sparkles (clear)
*photo hangers
*9"x9" matte page protector
*Bamboo Bigger Brads (previous Connection Club reward)
*white satin and sheer ribbon (other)
*scallop punch (Martha Stewart)
*white gel pen (other)
colors:
Outdoor Denim, Twilight, Bamboo, Desert Sand, Creme Brulee, White
dimensions: finished hanging layout is 9" x 10"
idea from: my original design
Round tin ornament supplies (all CTMH):
*Aspen Level 2 paper pack
*Designer Ribbon Rounds--Twilight
*Color Ready Alphabet--Bold
*Sparkles (clear)
*Rub-Ons--Nature's Ambiance
*Hemp--white
*Craft Buttons--Holiday
colors:
Outdoor Denim, Twilight, White
dimensions: finished ornament is approximately 2 1/2" x 2 1/2"
idea from: my original design
Here are the other two projects we'll be making on Thursday night!
Peace on Earth card supplies (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):*Aspen Level 2 paper pack
*December Word Puzzle stamp set
*Christmas Melodies stamp set
*Believe uppercase alphabet stamp set
*Jingle Borders stamp set
*Clear Sparkles (clear)
*photo hangers
*9"x9" matte page protector
*Bamboo Bigger Brads (previous Connection Club reward)
*white satin and sheer ribbon (other)
*scallop punch (Martha Stewart)
*white gel pen (other)
colors:
Outdoor Denim, Twilight, Bamboo, Desert Sand, Creme Brulee, White
dimensions: finished hanging layout is 9" x 10"
idea from: my original design
Round tin ornament supplies (all CTMH):*Aspen Level 2 paper pack
*Designer Ribbon Rounds--Twilight
*Color Ready Alphabet--Bold
*Sparkles (clear)
*Rub-Ons--Nature's Ambiance
*Hemp--white
*Craft Buttons--Holiday
colors:
Outdoor Denim, Twilight, White
dimensions: finished ornament is approximately 2 1/2" x 2 1/2"
idea from: my original design
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
November Workshop--Finally!
Wow--was I sick last week. Flu yuck took over my body and I had all the symptoms--fever, aches, fatigue...then a sore throat...and finally it all went to my sinuses. I was miserable! I ended up missing 2 days of work, went back a day and then missed another day. I HATE being gone from work--there is so much to catch up on...and I missed 2 days of testing with my kiddoes. Oh well, we'll get it done somehow!
On to a more pleasant topic now--SCRAPBOOKING!!! I finally finished my November Workshop projects this weekend. Here they are for your enjoyment:
Peace on Earth card supplies (all CTMH):
*Aspen Level 2 paper pack
*November Stamp of the Month--All Decked Out
*Say it in Style stamp set (previous SOTM)
*Clear Sparkles (clear)
*Twilight Corduroy brads (Winter Mini-Medley)
*Prisma glitter
colors:
Outdoor Denim, Twilight, Bamboo, Creme Brulee
dimensions: finished card is 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"
idea from: a fellow CTMH Consultant--unfortunately I have misplaced her name!
**EDITED TO ADD**--original card design by Bren Yule!! Thanks Bren!
**********************************************
Sorry to partiaI post and run, but.......today is my birthday and we are heading out to dinner to celebrate. ClaimJumper--YUM!! I'm having Lemon Bar Brulee for dessert!!!
I will post the other 2 projects tonight or tomorrow!
On to a more pleasant topic now--SCRAPBOOKING!!! I finally finished my November Workshop projects this weekend. Here they are for your enjoyment:
Peace on Earth card supplies (all CTMH):*Aspen Level 2 paper pack
*November Stamp of the Month--All Decked Out
*Say it in Style stamp set (previous SOTM)
*Clear Sparkles (clear)
*Twilight Corduroy brads (Winter Mini-Medley)
*Prisma glitter
colors:
Outdoor Denim, Twilight, Bamboo, Creme Brulee
dimensions: finished card is 5 1/2" x 5 1/2"
idea from: a fellow CTMH Consultant--unfortunately I have misplaced her name!
**EDITED TO ADD**--original card design by Bren Yule!! Thanks Bren!
**********************************************
Sorry to partiaI post and run, but.......today is my birthday and we are heading out to dinner to celebrate. ClaimJumper--YUM!! I'm having Lemon Bar Brulee for dessert!!!
I will post the other 2 projects tonight or tomorrow!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Some Christmas Inspiration
I intended to have my November workshop items ready to post tonight, but I am not feeling well today. Oh well, maybe tomorrow!
For now I will share something I made last year. I LOVE this album and the format. It is so quick and easy. I have yet to add pictures & journaling to my final product, but I know it will get done some day.
This is a CTMH 9x9 Memory Showcase (accordion album). I used Everlasting Level 2 papers (the main colors are Cranberry, Ponderosa Pine, and Bamboo), and a variety of stamp sets and embellishments. Please feel free to contact me if you want more info on this!
For now I will share something I made last year. I LOVE this album and the format. It is so quick and easy. I have yet to add pictures & journaling to my final product, but I know it will get done some day.
This is a CTMH 9x9 Memory Showcase (accordion album). I used Everlasting Level 2 papers (the main colors are Cranberry, Ponderosa Pine, and Bamboo), and a variety of stamp sets and embellishments. Please feel free to contact me if you want more info on this!
Friday, October 24, 2008
October Workshop
Apparently October was a busy month for everyone! I created these cute, seemingly irresistible projects for my October Workshop--but no one was able to come. So, I guess they weren't so irresistible after all--LOL! Really, everyone did say how cute they thought they were. I guess Em's teacher will get a fun little Halloween surprise on Friday!
Happy Haunting card supplies (all CTMH):
Colonial White cardstock
Garden Green cardstock
Enchanted Level 2 paper pack
Halloween Fun stamp set
Twill ribbon
Garden Green brads
ink/marker colors: Garden Green, Barn Red, Smokey Plum, Honey, Goldrush (pumpkin)
idea from: my original design
dimensions: finished card is 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
Halloween Treat Box supplies (all CTMH):
Honey cardstock
Colonial White cardstock
Enchanted Level 2 paper pack
Annotations stamp set
October Word Puzzle stamp set
Seasonal Thoughts stamp set
Antique Copper Bitty Brad
White Hemp
ink/marker colors: Barn Red, Pansy Purple, Olive Green, Honey
idea from:
Nichole Heady/PaperTrey Ink
This is the direct link to the tutorial for this box on her blog. Be sure to check out all the other delicious eye candy she shares on a regular basis!
dimensions: finished box is approximately 3" x 4.25" x 1"
Autumn Votive Luminary supplies (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):
vellum paper
Vineyard Berry cardstock
Autumn Splendor stamp set
September Word Puzzle stamp set
sheer green ribbon (other)
ink colors: Autumn Terracotta, Vineyard Berry, Honey, Cocoa, New England Ivy
idea from: a friend and former SU rep many moons ago
dimensions: finished project is approximately 11" x 3"
Happy Haunting card supplies (all CTMH):Colonial White cardstock
Garden Green cardstock
Enchanted Level 2 paper pack
Halloween Fun stamp set
Twill ribbon
Garden Green brads
ink/marker colors: Garden Green, Barn Red, Smokey Plum, Honey, Goldrush (pumpkin)
idea from: my original design
dimensions: finished card is 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
Halloween Treat Box supplies (all CTMH):Honey cardstock
Colonial White cardstock
Enchanted Level 2 paper pack
Annotations stamp set
October Word Puzzle stamp set
Seasonal Thoughts stamp set
Antique Copper Bitty Brad
White Hemp
ink/marker colors: Barn Red, Pansy Purple, Olive Green, Honey
idea from:
Nichole Heady/PaperTrey Ink
This is the direct link to the tutorial for this box on her blog. Be sure to check out all the other delicious eye candy she shares on a regular basis!
dimensions: finished box is approximately 3" x 4.25" x 1"
Autumn Votive Luminary supplies (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):
vellum paper
Vineyard Berry cardstock
Autumn Splendor stamp set
September Word Puzzle stamp set
sheer green ribbon (other)
ink colors: Autumn Terracotta, Vineyard Berry, Honey, Cocoa, New England Ivy
idea from: a friend and former SU rep many moons ago
dimensions: finished project is approximately 11" x 3"
Thursday, October 23, 2008
And it Begins....
Well, here I am.....finally taking the plunge.........starting my own blog. I can't figure out what prompted me on this Thursday night in October to do such a thing. Perhaps it is because I had a such a wonderful day from beginning to end and realized I needed a way to capture these moments........
I got to sleep in just a bit this morning because Mel took Emily on her first Kindergarten field trip today. I didn't have any of my usual morning responsibilities of getting her up and ready for school. No arguments over what to have for breakfast. No long, sad goodbyes at daycare. I still got to school a few minutes late, but quite relaxed nonetheless.
My day teaching 29 fourth graders was surprisingly uneventful. The kids were good, we laughed, we worked....I think they actually learned stuff today! Then, because Mel had Emily, I got to go shopping after school with no nagging hurry to get home. I went to The Avenue (bought a new sweater for only $10 with my coupon--took a risk and picked the fuchsia one!) and Craft Warehouse (bought a new smaller scallop circle punch and some Basic Grey magnets for an upcoming project). Just little things--but they made me smile.
Then, to top off the night, when I got home Mel suggested we go to Em's favorite restaurant for dinner. So we hopped in the truck and made our way to Sweet Tomatoes. No dinner for me to cook and no dishes to clean up afterwards. Pure heaven!!
So after coming home, getting Emily ready for bed, cleaning up my mess in the studio (I decided I am NO LONGER calling it the craft room--hee hee!), checking my e-mail and various other favorite websites, I guess I decided now was the perfect time to start a blog.
Soon you will see here not only snippets of the love and laughter in my life, but also many of the projects that are products of the creativity of my inspired soul (hence, the name of this blog). But not tonight. For now I will just share with you a picture of the angel who inspires my soul every day. I hope you have someone who inspires you, too!
I got to sleep in just a bit this morning because Mel took Emily on her first Kindergarten field trip today. I didn't have any of my usual morning responsibilities of getting her up and ready for school. No arguments over what to have for breakfast. No long, sad goodbyes at daycare. I still got to school a few minutes late, but quite relaxed nonetheless.
My day teaching 29 fourth graders was surprisingly uneventful. The kids were good, we laughed, we worked....I think they actually learned stuff today! Then, because Mel had Emily, I got to go shopping after school with no nagging hurry to get home. I went to The Avenue (bought a new sweater for only $10 with my coupon--took a risk and picked the fuchsia one!) and Craft Warehouse (bought a new smaller scallop circle punch and some Basic Grey magnets for an upcoming project). Just little things--but they made me smile.
Then, to top off the night, when I got home Mel suggested we go to Em's favorite restaurant for dinner. So we hopped in the truck and made our way to Sweet Tomatoes. No dinner for me to cook and no dishes to clean up afterwards. Pure heaven!!
So after coming home, getting Emily ready for bed, cleaning up my mess in the studio (I decided I am NO LONGER calling it the craft room--hee hee!), checking my e-mail and various other favorite websites, I guess I decided now was the perfect time to start a blog.
Soon you will see here not only snippets of the love and laughter in my life, but also many of the projects that are products of the creativity of my inspired soul (hence, the name of this blog). But not tonight. For now I will just share with you a picture of the angel who inspires my soul every day. I hope you have someone who inspires you, too!
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