Scrapbooking catch up

Having a second child on the way has increased the pressure to finish my firstborn's baby book. Currently, I am on the second album of his first year but only up to six months of age.... I think I have a problem brewing on my hands! I have started something I will have to continue for the next one, I can only hope that this one will be as cooperative in front of the camera as my son.

I am learning some things as I go along, one being that CTMH still has the photo storage pages that hold 12 photos in a 12" x 12" size page. They are available in either horizontal or vertical pockets. They are a great way to add a bunch of photos to your layout without Flip Flaps (that's another story for another time). This layout is from the Baby Parade I entered my son when he was 6 months old. My husband is a truck driver so I decorated the stroller to look like Daddy's truck, complete with the swan hood ornament! He won first place in his division and was invited to participate in the main parade a few days later but considering I would be the one to walk the whole thing while he slept (the parade would have been at his bedtime) I declined the offer but it was still an honor!

All occasion card

This is my first post back online since I took a break after I found out I was pregnant again. I have been working in my craft room as I feel able so I have some projects to share with you over the next few weeks. For my customers, I am still interested in hosting crops and classes but they will not start up again until the new year (just seems silly to try something now as the holidays are approaching). I am also working on my first winter crop coming in February 2012 so please email me if you are interested in more information. Space will be limited so it's first paid, first served. Now on to the good stuff....

There has been a lot of focus recently on Christmas (even though the Halloween candy isn't yet gone...) but I'm mentally not there yet so I made some all occasion cards for any upcoming needs. I realized I missed a birthday, needed some Thank you notes and one "Thinking of You" card. And as a bonus, I was able to use up some older papers (of course, if I discover that I am having a little girl, I am going to be very sorry I used up all my Cherry-o paper!)

I left the sentiment area blank so I can customize it as I need. I love blank cards, there are so many designs to choose from my stash when it's time to give one away. I noticed that I make a bunch of one kind of card so to rely on one style for every birthday in the next few months makes it hard to feel special about giving a handmade card in the first place. Blank cards on the other hand, never age and it's easy to mix and match for those loved ones who have multiple family birthdays in the same month so everyone gets something special.

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?