You & Me Tag Book

I've been playing with the Love Birds stamp set and Veranda papers. They are both great products and the paper is super versatile. Anyhow, this is a little tag book I put together for my "love bird"! I took 4 thin coin envelopes and glued them together in the middle only leaving the sides to open like an accordion. I cut the tops off with the round coluzzle. I used some cardstock to create a front and back for the book and reinforced the bottom with big brads to hold everything together. The top flap uses velcro to open and close. I simply decorated the tags with cardstock, B&T papers and a ribbon held in place with a brad. All that is left to do is decorate the tags with photo's or some journaling. Ooooh, or maybe they will become "love" coupons for Valentines Day!!! {wink, wink}


BTW ~ "You and Me" is actually a wonderful song that my Love bird and I enjoy listening to together. Check it out in my playlist by Dave Matthews Band.

With Sympathy

It's very rare that I create sympathy cards. Quite simply they are made because of an unfortunate event or out of sadness. I much prefer Birthday cards, Thank You cards, etc. Sometimes you just can't avoid it though.

I was able to use some new products on these cards which made it a bit easier. The reason for making them is that my Uncle passed away this past weekend leaving his wife, my Aunt {whom also happened to be my God parents} and two daughters with families of their own. As I created the cards, I was able to reflect back on some memories. I realized that the process was quite therapeutic. Hopefully these cards will give you inspiration when you are not inspired to do something that is unavoidable.




{blue b&t paper from Caboodle, cardstock, stamp "TLC", white daisy ribbon (CTMH) scallop punch (Stampin' up)}



{garden green and creme brulee b&t paper from Veranda, frame stamp "Jan. SOTM True Friends", phrase "TLC", twilight organdy ribbon, antique brass brads, all CTMH}

{b&t from Veranda, cardstock, stamps "Love Birds" & "Doodle Alphabet", phrase stamp "Say it in Style", cocoa buttons, inks and water brush all CTMH}

Back to Basics

I decided to begin a new monthly class this year called Back to Basics Class or B2BC. I have some new customers this year that have done little or no scrapbooking before. I really had to take myself back a couple of years to remember where I got my start. The idea is to make simple pages that still have a pop of personality. They require little time, minimum supplies and low cost. Perfect for beginners or those who need to catch up on some scrapbooking in their busy lives.

Here is my January page. The photo does not give it justice. The colors are truly more rich in person. I will share my next pages as the year goes on.

Pockets on my Pages

I am so close to completing my 2009 family scrapbook. Here are just a few last pages I created for it. What makes them unique is that they have "pockets"! Creating pockets on your pages are a great way for storing unusual items or memorabilia.

For this first page I was making a layout for my daughter's Christmas play. She played the part of Mrs. Claus and I thought it would be cool to hold on to the script and sheet music. There are a couple pages stapled together that she can pull from the pocket and read again to bring back memories. My page here is not complete, however I will include photo's from the event along with a list of the cast members featured in the play.

This next page is something that I started a few years back. The very last page in my scrapbooks are a "pocket page" made purposely for all of those post cards and photo's we receive from family and friends every year. These are the latest pictures of friends, cousins, nieces and nephews and I would hate to lose them. By creating a pocket page I can easily look back every year and see their smiling faces!

Here is a top view so you can see that the pocket was hidden behind all of the cute houses. I used a strip of cardstock as an example of an insert, but believe me, once I fill in the post cards and photos this pocket will be bursting at the seams!

Supplies: (all CTMH) Jingle Paper Level 2; cardstock and ink in the following colors: black, white daisy, juniper, creme brulee, tulip and olive; Stamps: Heartfelt Christmas, Felicity Alphabet, Around the Block; Embellishments: Creme Brulee ribbon, twinkle brads

Mini Milk Cartons

I got some new stuff yesterday and wanted to play with it right away! Big Shot has a new die called mini milk carton. They are just adorable and will be perfect for classroom treats, valentine surprises or party favors. They are super simple to assemble and can be decorated for all sorts of occasions. I whipped these cuties up just last night.

This one would be fun for Valentines day!

Pretty pastels are perfect for Easter! Fill to the brim with jelly beans or chocolate eggs!

Finally, this one is great for any occasion, having a party or as a gift to a friend. It also features the color challenge this week on Jeanette's Blog.

**WARNING** These cartons are not recommended for holding real milk!!

An Elephant Never Forgets...

...however they can sometimes be a little late! I sent this sweet Birthday card out a little late to my niece, but I figure that makes the Birthday last longer! I used papers from the Key to my Heart pack and a couple of cute stamps. I like that it's a little fun and whimsical! Hope you enjoy it too.

Log~on to LOL!

This is my latest project and an effort to get organized this year. Everyone has that "Junk Drawer" in their kitchen or office. I was starting create a fourth one in my house, yikes! I have a really bad habit of writing down those log-on names and passwords on little sticky notes or scraps of paper then stuffing them in a nearby drawer. Then, when it comes to looking up the info I find myself searching through drawer after drawer.

Well, no more. I found these great little books that are alphabetized to keep those internet sites and passwords neatly organized. I will be teaching a class this Friday where the ladies will get to create their own. The front and back are covered, embellished and made pretty! No excuses for not finding that ever important information! It will be easier to blog and surf the day away now!

New Year in Disneyland

Our family celebrated a late Christmas present and a New Year's celebration in Disneyland California.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Celebrate National Papercrafting Month

Close To My Heart is celebrating National Papercrafting Month with the all new Felicity collection. It is a kit full of beautiful papers and a D~size stamp set. They will also have a Blog dedicated to artwork, techniques and tips using this collection. Also, if you leave a comment on the Blog you can win the kit for yourself! Check it out everyday for inspiration and to be a winner! Click on the button at the right of my page to begin the celebration!