A short hiatus

Life has been a roller coaster recently! I have never before had the joy of "back to school" since I graduated college, and certainly I have not experienced it from the mother perspective. Convincing my son to get ready for school in the morning is definitely a new challenge. Coupled with a few new volunteer opportunities and my regular job, this fall has brought some new experiences for my family. Then last week, we were blessed with a miracle we have been praying for for many years: I'm pregnant! We had given up with the possibility; I had even gotten rid of most of the baby stuff. I had just posted the last of the stuff on Craigslist the week before. So now any free time I have in my new schedule has been on the couch or in bed. Pregnancy and I don't do well together and once I get a little further along, I will feel like playing in my craft room again. Until then, I am taking a short break from my crafting. I will rearrange my class schedule but if there is a class you definitely want to do, please let me know ASAP so I can let you know when the new date will be. As I get back into my scrapbooking, I have a feeling it will be baby stuff - both in finishing up my son's album (how can I only have his first 4 months done?!?)  and in starting baby #2's album (and possibly that first gray hair I just found).

Until I post again, may God bless you richly!

Christmas Money Card

I designed this card based on a Wishes card design (Classic Closure, page 62) but with a little twist. I made the card base 8"x8" out of White Daisy cardstock and scored at 2", flipped the card over and scored again at 2.5" leaving 3.5" between the score lines. This will create a "C" fold. I cut the tag and border using the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge and used the stamp images from the September Stamp of the Month: Limited Edition in Holiday Red and Sweet Leaf. I used a brad to attache the ribbon to the tag and the tag to the card. I used adhesive to glue down the inside flap on the outside edges to create a pocket to put a money gift inside. I used a little repositionable adhesive on the inside flap to keep the card closed.

This could easily be adapted for other occasions as well that a money gift would be appriciated - graduation, wedding, birthday. Simple and handmade - that's a gift that gives twice!

"So Grateful" Notepad cover

I got an order a few weeks ago and have been so busy to play with my goodies. My son went to bed early last night so I was able to work in my craft room before he woke up at midnight for a few hours. Anyway, this is what I accomplished right before I heard his footsteps...

So Grateful stamp set, pewter ribbon slides, olive brads & buttons

Pen & notepad from Staples

I am really proud of this! I don't have measurements since I was only planning on making one, but I'm already thinking this would make a great class. Let me know if you'd be interested!

Upcoming Class Schedule

I have updated my September Class schedule to include a picture of the 2 scrapbooking layouts we'll be doing on Saturday, September 24th at 10am. I need to have your payment by 9/12 to hold your spot. If you can't join me that day but still want to do the project, let me know by 9/12 so I can mail your project with instructions to you.

You may recognize these layouts - they are on page 16 & 18 in the current Idea Book. I liked these so much better than the Workshop on the Go kits for this paper pack that I figured you might like them too! (Of course, if you like the WOTG kits better, please let me know so I can schedule something for you!)

I also wanted to apologize that I haven't posted anything new recently, I am working my designing butt into the ground for a Christmas Card Workshop I am teaching in a few weeks with a few other consultants. I can always whip up a pleasant looking card when I'm late for a birthday party or baby shower but when I'm asked to teach - whoa! My brain shuts down. I have designed at least six cards for this event and I'm not happy with any of them. I have to figure something out soon - the event has sold out and I need to start prepping the materials! It's a good problem to have, I guess but I will post the cards once I figure out which one I'm using. Until then, have a great day!

Here is a quick video that Close to My Heart just posted about a stamp set I just got - can you tell what my next card will be?