Christmas album 2009

Normally albums are not something I really am into however when Lynn asked if there was anyone willing to step up and create one I decided that I would challenge myself to create a album for our Christmas 2009!
As I dug into the kit, I realized how much fun I was having and really enjoyed creating this album!






Last year we weren't really into the holidays because Dayv was deploying and my mom had just passed away. But this year was VERY different! I was excited from the onset of Christmas decorations and music being played in stores. I loved everyone's lights, festive moods, and even those that decorated before November was officially over! Because this year was very different for us, the excitement continued to grow as it became December, presents were bought, the tree was up, and we were all humming to Christmas music.

Doing this album brought me just joy and I cannot wait to put photos in it really soon!
I used all of the December kit {there is another page that will just hold journaling with nothing else on it so I didn't photograph that one} and loved each element!

I just went basic with this and really love how it turned out!
Remember to not get bogged down by creating an album and just remember to enjoy the process along the way! Keeping it simple means I can add elements to the album but it is my photos and my journaling that will tell the story!

Elizabeth

Holiday traditions

There are certain things that are done this time of the year that really help to make it feel like the holidays....

In our family, there are a few holiday traditions that I thought were worth documenting...so I used this great tree album that Lynn is offering this month and created this family traditions mini-album:



Each year the girls write a letter to Santa and place it within this ornament that is on our tree...we then mail them off...



we head out to the tree farm to cut down the perfect tree each year:



my husband still has his train from when he was young and sets it up to run under and around the tree:



and who could forget our favorite ornaments and the angel that rests on the top:

I hope you'll consider making a holiday traditions album for your family...

Happy crafting....Lynda

Debbie sends SMOOCHES too! ;)

Here is another BEAUTIFUL example of what you can do with the Smooch spritzes. Debbie used hers for the background of her card. Isn't it BEAUTIFUL? Great job, Debbie!

I like how both Debbie and Kim (post from Friday) used masks on PATTERNED paper!!!

The December kit...

The December kit is filled to the top with wonderful treasures that will allow you to create, create, create. Included in the kit are these wonderful Making Memories Paper Shreds that can be used for so many different things. I decided to cut apart the strip and use a few of the words on some cards. The strip has the following words: love, dream, wish, and enjoy...




For my first card I created a flower from a sheet of the 7 gypsies pattern paper in the kit. I cut two circles from the paper and then cut slits to the center of the circle. I used a paintbrush to curl the edges of the petals inward. I repeated this for my smaller flower using the reverse side of the pattern paper. I then placed the smaller flower inside the larger flower. I used some of the Graphic 45 pattern paper to cover my card front and added one of the "love" words cut from the shreds for my sentiment on my card:



For my next card I decided to create a scene using the reindeer ribbon that was also in the kit... I created a house using some of the Making Memories pattern paper....I chalked the night sky...added the reindeer...and used the "wish" shred for part of my sentiment...I created the "holiday" one with a scrap piece of paper. I added some extra sparkle with some chunky glitter on my rooftop and on places where the snow may have landed...



I think you'll agree that these shreds can be used for a LOT of different things...

Happy holidays.....Lynda

SMOOCHES!

Ok, seriously. Can ya get enough of SPRITZES??? I know I can't! I love them! They're so versatile. SO many cool things you can do with them, and the Smooch Spritz included in the GORGEOUSLY YUMMY December kit is AWESOME! I really enjoyed using it, and now NEED every color! Our Visiting Therapist, Kim Holmes and I put together a few ideas for you. Kim did a FABULOUS tutorial and I'm SO happy to share it with you!



I created my Christmas Tree using a fun and easy masking technique! You can get the same effect by following the steps below.





Step #1 – Place newspaper down on your surface. Set pizza box or other disposable container on top of newspaper. Sides will help contain any possible overspray.

Step #2 – Place item to be misted inside box and place mask where desired. I used my acrylic shape as my mask – but you could choose to use anything including paper, aluminum foil, a template or a diecut.



Step #3 – Shake spritz well.

Step #4 – Spray a light coat. Evaluate coverage. Continue to spray in light coats, evaluating coverage in between until desired effect is achieved.



Step #5 – Carefully remove mask. I then ran my acrylic shape under the water to clean. If a paper mask was used, set aside to dry or dispose of.



Step #6 – Allow paper to dry for approximately 15 minutes before completing layout.



That’s all there was to it! I found the Smootch Spritz to be easy to spray, almost drip and mess free, and the color was brilliant! All in all, a wonderful product!


WOW! Love the project and that girl can write a mean tutorial! (you know, "mean" in a good way! :D)

I chose to do a card. I used THIS tutorial by our friend, the fabulous Lisa Gregory! Those of you who know me KNEW it wouldn't be long before you saw me try one of these little BEAUTIES! ;)



First, let me point out my Bo Bunny chipboard frame, from the September kit. I painted it a deep red, then used crackle medium on top. I then "painted" in the cracks with DRY copper Perfect Pearls.



For my flower I used a natural (non bleached) coffee filter and a Martha Stewart poinsettia leaf template, found HERE. I spritzed it lightly with the Smooch Spritz and then twisted each petal. I wanted some of the natural color to show as well.

I'd like to thank Kim for participating on the blog this month and for her absolutely FABULOUS tutorial!!!

A Lucy Chesna Sketch

The Visiting Therapists and I were blessed with a sketch JUST FOR US by the wonderful Lucy Chesna. THANKS LUCY! You can find all of Lucy's sketches at My Sketch World. We asked Lucy for a sketch that could be used for cards AND layouts. Look at what she came up with!



PERFECT for either a card or a layout!

Here is a layout by our Visiting Therapist Nicole Wise:



I love how Nicole painted and inked the chipboard leaves from the November kit. Aren't they beautiful?

Here is a card by... ME! :D



Here is another layout by our Visiting Therpist Arlene:



Look at that BEAUTIFUL blinged out butterfly! If you look you can see the sequins from the Making Memories Vintage findings kit. Don't you LOVE it?

... and... one more card by... ME again! ;)



I hope you can tell that I made my leaf into a butterfly. :)

If you haven't all ready, be sure to check out the BEAUTIFUL November kit! It's perfect for all of your fall pictures! (for those of you, unlike me, who live where you actually HAVE fall!)

Let's just ride that piggy again!

Sandi got this to me last night and unfortunately work got in the way of me posting it right away but came home to get it up tonight. Sandi did this adorable card with another one of the Maya Road Flash Cards - she too decorated her card on a card and isn't it adorable!