"joy" frame

Hello readers! Here is my first contribution to Alicia's craft blog. If I weren't such a procrastinator I might have had this up in time for our readers to create this beautiful little project as a Christmas gift to family or friends. Honestly, it only took about 30 minutes to make, so if you have the supplies, have at it!

I cut cardboard cake board into 5 3x3 squares. I covered each of them in coordinating papers. The above paper pack is from CTMH and is called "Just Chillin". After I decorated them I punched 2 holes on both sides of the 3 middle squares. Then I cut 2 holes on the right side of the first square and the left side of the last square. I used 4" twine to tie them together and then trimmed it until I liked the length.

On these two frames I used paper from an old Christmas Slab that I found at Michaels a few years ago.... On the first frame I used stamps to make the "J", "O" (snow flake) and the "Y". In the second two I used stickers.

IF anyone attempts this, please post a comment and let me know how it turns out! Thanks and happy cropping!

Thanksgiving

So I may have done this all backwards, but I really did start my Christmas token gifts before the Thanksgiving ones. However, here they are. Little individual packs of spiced cider stamped with a little note of thanks.

Christmas

I came across this quote online the other night and it just tickled me. "I hear you've been naughty, so listen, here's the scoop. I'm running short on coal this year so you get snowman poop!" 

It's the perfect idea for co-worker gifts. Super simple to put together with rectangles, circle punches, a glue stick and a black pen. I'll fill the baggies with mini-marshmallows and attach a pouch of hot chocolate mix. Tie a cute ribbon around it all and it's all done.

Holiday Time

I wanted to make a little something with these snowmen I found at Michael's. They were a steal of a deal at only $1 each. I knew exactly what I would do with them: door decor for the boys' rooms. I covered each with some holiday paper that I've had in a stack for years (yes, years) and then embossed some naked chipboard letters with white. Took textured velvet ribbon and wrapped it around the  neck to look like a little scarf and pinned it in place with a decorative pin. Voila! Holiday decor. The white over the door hooks were $2.50 at Michael's, too. They'll come in handy to hang stockings since we don't have a fireplace or chimney.

My Girls

I finally finished my little circular album. This is something that I started way back in February when I attended CKC Portland! Although I got it as part of a class, I seldom follow the directions and made it my own way. 

It was for my baby girls (nieces) in Cali. A little book about them, about family, about how much I love them (mostly in pictures because they can't read yet). I got to hand deliver it when I flew down a few weeks ago to meet the newest little sister, Zoe Alani!

Playtime

So, since moving up here, I have been lucky enough to participate in some fun local scrappin' events. The last event was right before my birthday and what a great present for myself. The best part was making some new local crafty friends! Check out ComePlayEugene for info and pictures of the June 24th event. (I was with the Saturday afternoon group, back row, pink shirt.)

Birthday Mini Book

Here is a little something that I made for our friend, Scott. I've had pictures of this 30th birthday party for far too long (years). It's funny because I wasn't actually even at his party. Nevertheless, I put a little gift book together for him. Inspiration for the book is courtesy of Ali Edwards.

Can I Really Do This?

I've been ready to re-start my very own blog for a while. Something just for me and my stuff. Is this selfish? I think it's necessary. With all the craziness in our lives this past year, maybe it's a new sense of control.
Having a full-time job away from home definitely limits my creative time. However, I do steal precious minutes whenever possible. And end up with something every once in a while.