Card of the Week: Christmas Cards (3)

Saturday night, after the girls were in bed, I put on my cozy pajamas and fuzzy socks and sat down at my craft table to make a few more Christmas cards.

Using just the scraps from the other cards I have made with the Simple Stories December Documented line (see here and here) I made these two cards:

This is exactly why I cannot throw scraps of paper in the garbage, no matter how small they are: I made two beautiful cards from just the leftover bits and pieces....

Now I can hardly claim the idea for these strip Christmas tree cards as my own, as this design is everywhere. And now I know why, these are so fun to make.

I knew I would drive myself bonkers if I tried to make all the strips straight, so I angled all the pieces purposely.

And that was my Saturday night – cozy and comfortable while making cards.  That’s what I call a good night in.

She Loves to Dance

I am still working away on my 2013 album. Making good headway, but still a bit to go. Here is my latest layout using pictures from Bridget's ballet recital.

I used paper from American Crafts Letterbox line. It was the perfect match to my pictures.

I don't cut shapes out with my Silhouette as much as I could, but I was struggling with what embellishments to add to this page so I browsed through the online store and found these ballet slippers.

Working on my 2013 layouts and adding them to my album makes me so happy. I love every part of the process - picking the pictures and the paper, designing the page, searching for embellishments, and adding the journalling so that there is a story on each page. Basically, I love scrapbooking - which should not come as a shock to you all, but sometimes I just need to say it.

Card of the Week: Christmas Cards (2)

I'm back again this week with a few more Christmas cards that I made using paper and embellishments from Simple Stories.

To see the other Christmas cards that I have made with this paper line click here.

And please come back next week to see more Christmas cards....because as far as card making goes, I am focused on Christmas from now until the big day. So fun!

Smile, Laugh & Learn

Today I am sharing a layout I did for Make it Monday at The Memory Nest.

The challenge this time around was to follow a sketch, use something from your office supplies on your layout, and use one of the following phrases as a title for your page.

I chose to use three pictures from Claire's preschool graduation and followed this sketch. I had to change things up a bit since my pictures were not orientated the same as the ones on the sketch, but other than that I stayed true to the original design.

Claire was so excited to graduate from preschool. I love this picture.

I combined two of the phrases to come up with the perfect title for my page.

As for including something from my office supplies, truth be told, I struggled a bit. I was going to put a paperclip somewhere on the page, but I did not like how it bent the papers. Instead I settled for some graph paper (not real graph paper, but from Scenic Route) and I printed out part of my title (Laugh & Learn) using my printer....which is in my office, so that totally counts.

All in all, another great challenge hosted by Leslie over at The Memory Nest. Be sure to stop by and see the layouts done by the other ladies on the Design Team, and maybe even link up your own creation.

Three Things

Three things that are making me smile today:

A bowl of pompoms. After finding my pompom makers in the drawer, I set out to make just a few and ended up with a whole bowl full. The girls found these incredibly exciting.

Warm, fuzzy socks. It is getting really cold and these socks always do the trick to keep my feet warm. Plus, they are really fun.

My craft corner. It is not pretty, and it is a total disaster right now, but I am so happy to have a place where I can pursue my hobbies. I would be such a wreck if I did not have this spot to be creative and recharge.

What is making you smile today?

Crochet Christmas Star Garland

Last year I bought some Bernat Handicrafter Cotton in Red Sparkle for next to nothing from a Christmas clearance bin. What to make with sparkly red yarn, I thought. Well, after perusing my usual sources of inspiration - blogs, Pinterest, pattern books - I decided to make stars and then string them together to make a garland.

Over the past year I have been crocheting these stars - a few here and there in between other projects. I even spent some time in the car while we were on vacation making them.

The star pattern I used can be found here.

When I had a good bunch made I simply crocheted a long chain and attached the stars.

I am going to see how this garland looks strung on the Christmas tree or I may hang it on my barn board wall art in the living room. I'll have to see where it looks best.

I have wanted to add a little crochet goodness to my holiday decorations and this garland is a great start.

What do you think?

Card of the Week: Christmas Cards (1)

I have a few Christmas cards to show you today. I used the 6x6 paper pad from Simple Stories and the coordinating chipboard stickers to make these cards.

Making these cards has really put me in the mood for Christmas. I am really looking forward to the holidays this year - the gatherings, the food, the gifts, the decorating. Can't wait to enjoy this magical time of year with my family.

I'll have a few more cards to show you next week, and every week until Christmas. I've got a lot of pretty paper to work with which is providing me with lots of inspiration.

Thanks for stopping in and I hope all your holiday preparations are going well.