Christmas in July Blog Hop...with candy :)

Christmas in July Blog Hop

Welcome to the Christmas in July Blog Hop, inspiring you to get out your christmas stash and use it before all the new collections are introduced this month. Join the fun and create something too, use the hastag #scrapbookchristmas on twitter, facebook or instagram.

I don't know about you, but for some reason I had a hard time wrapping up Christmas, so to speak. I just took down my Nativity, and it took this awesome hop to get me to finish  start my Journal Your Christmas! And dare I also confess that I still have gifts in my closet that haven't quite made it to their intended recipients?  Yep, having some issues here - LOL!  Perhaps it is because this past Christmas was a blessed and blissful time, and I want to savor it.  But truth be told, it is just further evidence that I am a terrible procrastinator - haha!  Either way, here, finally, is my 2012 Christmas mini album.  I used a 6x6 chipboard album by BoBunny, and modified some leftover 8x8 page protectors with the assistance of my Food Saver to weld the inner edges.  The majority of supplies are from Kelly Purkey's 2012 December Daily Kit, with many additions from my stash.

First, for the second time, my album cover:

And here is *some* of the goodness between the covers:

I notice now that I've accidentally cut off the "y" in "nativity" in this photo. Oops. This was my first year having a Nativity.  That might explain why it took me so long to pack it away...maybe ;)

Another 2-page spread to showcase these beautiful dove ornaments.  Coincidentally, I found them in the gift shop of the tea room in the next layout.  No wonder I love going there so much! LOL

And finally, another 2-page spread for one of the two teas in December. And my first attempt at semi-hidden journaling using a shipping tag tied with silver tinsel  and a glassine bag with some Remarks snowflakes stickers to obscure it a bit more.

Next on the hop is Kate .

In case you get lost at any point, here is the list all the blogs

Ruth - http://scrapmachine.com/

Bernice - http://btsoi.blogspot.com/

Theresa - http://himynameistheresa.com/

Holly - http://harmonydiy.blogspot.com/

Sandar - http://www.thecraftybunch.com.au/

Melissa - http://digitalscrapbookinghq.com/christmashop

Kimberly - http://kimberlymariekett.blogspot.com/

Stella - http://myscrapbliss.blogspot.com/

Alanna - http://scrapping-and-life.blogspot.com

Megan - http://meganlianesblog.blogspot.com/

Jen - myreillyboysandme.blogspot.com

Lisa - http://mykreativepursuits.blogspot.com

Margareta - http://www.paperpilekitten.com/

Taniesa - http://thecraftypickle.com/

Smitha - www.smilingcolors.com

Catherine - http://paperaddictcatherine.blogspot.com

Kate - www.funkytales.blogspot.co.uk

Tasha - http://tashascreativejuice.blogspot.com/

Melissa - yesterday2day4ever.blogspot.co.nz

Alison - http://magicalmesses.blogspot.com/

Cat - http://decisioninspired.com

Manda - http://www.mandalikadesigns.com/

Madeleine - http://senoritaml.wordpress.com/

Melissa - http://www.scrappyjedi.com/

Amanda - http://amandathemadscrapper.blogspot.com/

Ali - www.moloneystylestamping.wordpress.com

Jenny - http://scrappinjen-partyoffive.blogspot.com/

Ros - http://noteverypicturezperfect.blogspot.com.au/
Sue - http://themakingtable.blogspot.com.au/
Julie - http://plywthpper.blogspot.com

As a special thanks for hopping along with us, I'm offering some Blog Candy in the form of various extras from my Christmas crafting stash! It includes papers, glitter, ribbon, embellies, journaling cards and more!  To be entered for the random drawing, please leave a comment on this post and include your favorite holiday candy. (Mine would be dark chocolate seafoam (aka sponge candy, depending on the region).  I'll announce the winner on Friday!

JYC-12: The Beginning...Finally

I signed up for this "class" last year, but never got started, and nothing really became of it, other than stocking supplies. Which, being a craft supply hoarder, I'm fairly good at ;)  (That's totally not a boast, but rather a shameful admission *sigh*)

So this year, I thought, "Yeah! I'm ready to go. Got a "real" camera, got me some supplies, and I'm gonna get it done!"  Game on!

Well, here we are, December 19th, and I've finally just begun. At least with actually crafting. I have a small number of pictures, some journaling done, and my supplies loosely organized (I'll share a pic of that latter) in a beloved vintage wood tray. But, having taken this first step, I feel well on my way.

Christmas, here I come!

Making Merry with TGF's 3rd Annual Customer Hop!

Welcome, friends! I hope you've been having fun so far, hopping along for the Christmas holiday! Since I know this hop is HUGE, I'll try to keep my post short & sweet.

For the hop, I chose to work in the HOLIDAY category with this Christmas card, pairing Angel Anya with papers & stickers from The Girls' Paperie "Tinsel & Twig" collection. (And I'm entering this into this month's Farm Fresh Challenge - Ah, it feels so good to use the stash!) I went a little wild with the paper piecing on this image, but I love the effect. Making the rosette was a bit more challenging than I expected, but I am hooked on this look.

On the inside, I kept it simple with some border stickers and a sentiment (also retro) from Stampin' Up!

Now for the real good stuff: PRIZES! In addition to the two Grand Prizes that will be drawn for the participant's creations, a random hopper will ALSO win the ENTIRE upcoming January Release! That's 6 sets in all- a HUGE prize...and the only way to win is by participating in the blog hop! So if you're just getting started, head on over to the TGF Blog, and be sure to visit everyone on the hop. Enjoy & have a very blessed Christmas! And remember, JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season Blog Hop

Welcome! We are delighted to have you with us as we celebrate the Good News of our Savior's birth! If you are just starting out, please head over to Heather's blog and follow along with us. If you arriving here from Susan's beautiful blog, you are right on track and have reached the final stop of our hop. ***But, that doesn't mean it's over! We want to invite you to share your faith-based, God-inspired creations celebrating Jesus's birth, too! You'll see a place to link your creations (blog or online gallery) at the end of this post.***

Here's the complete hop list, in case you lose your way:

Heather http://joemamainks.blogspot.com/ (Beginning)
Kadie http://mymindseyecreations.blogspot.com/
Karen http://krbskorner.blogspot.com/
Kelly http://sandcastlestamper.blogspot.com/
Lori http://mycomfortcottage.blogspot.com/
Lorie http://thethinkinspot.blogspot.com/
Maria http://joyfulstamper.blogspot.com/
Paola http://paola-sama.blogspot.com/
Sammi http://stuffbysammi.blogspot.com/
Stacy http://impressionsofaribbonaddict.blogspot.com/
Susan http://pinkflannelpajamas.blogspot.com/
Catherine http://paperaddictcatherine.blogspot.com/ (End)


So, what's this all about? Well, we are a group of blogging crafters who love God, and in the midst of all the seasonal festivies, we wanted to pause to focus on the real meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ. Of course there's nothing wrong with hustling and bustling about to find the "perfect gifts" for our loved ones. But when you stop to think about it, there will never be a gift more perfect than the gift God gave us in Jesus.

Before I share my project, I want to say a very special THANK YOU to our fabulous sponsors for their support and generosity! (((HUGS))) Each is donating a prize of 6 images. The winners will be chosen from comments left on 3 secret hop posts! You won't know which blogs have the prizes until we announce the winners, so please be sure to leave comments on each blog! (These prizes are in addition to any individual blog candy!)

Fresh Brewed Designs: 4 Christmas/Faith digital images plus 2 of winner's choice
Simply Betty Stamps: Jude & His Shenanigans Crew Christmas Collection
The Stamping Boutique: 2 Faith digital images plus 4 images of winner's choice

Now here's the project I want to share with you:

I used a new image (you may recognize it from the hop badge) from Fresh Brewed Designs, and papers from Anna Griffin. I wanted to keep the card simple and drew inspiration from a Willow Tree angel figurine, so I chose a monochromatic color scheme and minimal embellishments. It might be hard to see, but the face of Baby Jesus is accented with Shimmerz in Candlelight, and the star is accented with a Stardust Gelly Roll Pen. The ribbon treatment was easy, thanks to using a wired satin, and provides the mounting for the Bible verse.

As a special, personal thanks from me to you for hopping and fellowshipping with us, I am giving away the following to one lucky commenter:

In addition, if you would like to link your faith-based project below and share it with us by midnight EST on December 8th, you will also be entered into a drawing for this prize:

BOTH prizes include this set from Spellbinders:

Wishing you a season of joy and a lifetime of hope & happiness in Christ. God bless you and keep you. ((((HUGS)))))

Unity Friends With Flair Friday - Last of '09

Even though this is only my 2nd FWF, I'm sad it's the last one of the year. :( But I'm sooooo looking forward to seeting what Angela & the Unity crew have in store for us in 2010! I know it will be fabulous!

I've had this stamp since last year, but this is the first I've used it. (In 2010, I really need to stop doing that and get my inky on right away!) I love how the names of each of Santa's reindeers swirl around the beautiful antlers, and the elegant and serene look on the deer's face. Magical!


Be sure to visit all the FWF blogs. You can find the complete list on the Unity Blog. Find the FWF button and leave a comment for a chance to win free stamps! Good luck & happy hopping!

And because 'tis the season, one lucky commenter today will win some Unity stamps from me! So leave a comment and check back tomorrow to see if you're the winner! :D
Holiday Hugs & Love,


Image(s): Unity Stamp Co. - All Santa's Reindeer
Pattern Papers: Basic Grey - Figgy Pudding
Cardstock: local source
Embellishments: pearly dew drops, Stardust Gelly Roll pen, Making Memories ribbon
Colored with Copics
Sketch: Inspired by Mojo Monday Sketch #116

October Kit Cats

Ugh! So close, and yet officially (even with the assist from turning the clocks back), still a day late.

This little cutie is one of the Manga girls from Sugar Nellie - all dolled up for Christmas. Michelle was our hostess this month, and we all got to pick a holiday. But as you'll see, most of us opted from Christmas. I decided that in combination with the snowflake die cuts, Cuttlebug embossed snowflake cardstock, and yummy pattern paper Miche provided, my Manga girl was feeling elfish. So I colored her up with my trusty Copics and laid her out using SC211 from SCS. At the last I remembered that I might have a few mini jingle bells (that actually jingle) left in my stash. As luck would have it, there were exactly two left, one for each boot. The ribbon is attached so that the recipient will untie the ribbon to open the card, just like you would unwrap a present on Christmas morning. :D

If you haven't already, I hope you'll join me in hopping over to visit all of the Kit Cat blogs (Kelly, Michelle, Susan, Lorie and Jeanette) to enjoy their creations. Next month it's my turn to play hostess...

TFL,

Christmas Cards

Toward the top of my NY's Resolutions List will be better time management and organization!

I only managed to get a few Xmas cards out this year (oh the shame!), and still haven't begun on NY's cards for those friends I didnt' get an Xmas card to. :(

I am beginning to hear that the Christmas cards have made it to their intended recipients, so finally, here they are. I only managed 2 varieties - the Joyful Reindeer and the Saviour. I even ran short on ribbon and hardware for the Reindeer cards, so the one pic shows the variations.

I used Copics and Nesties on the Reindeer card (Amuse reindeer stamp), and SU! Watercolor Wonder Crayons on the Saviour card (SU! retired stamp set) with sparkle on the stars from a Gelly-Roll pen. Thanks to my new love - Tim Holtz's Design Ruler - my brads actually ended up properly spaced and aligned! Wonders never cease! LOL :D

Time management. Organization. Time management. Organization. My 2009 mantra!

TFL!

Charlie & Santa

I apologize for the poor quality, but I had to scan it from a print. This was taken 2 Xmases ago, for Charlie's 1st Christmas. I love that he's stylin' with only one eye showing! LOL

I'm waiting to post the rest of my cards until I'm sure they have been received. In the meantime, I hope you are all having a wonderful week!

First Xmas

My very 1st Christmas card this year, made for Christine. I had the privilege of being her Secret Sister for the Travelhood SS Swap, which was wonderfully organized by the lovely Karen.
It's a simple card, using DP from Basic Grey's Wassail collection. I am in love with this SU! snowflake set as well lately - used it for some winter (not Xmas) cards already, and I'm sure we'll be seeing more of it in the weeks and months to come.

Tracy's Sketch Challenge

Here's my take on the SC posted on Tracy's blog.

It scanned a bit crooked...

Still playing with the Figgy Pudding papers, and a new stamp set from Basic Grey. I actually didn't have the right dark green paper, so I used Always Artichoke direct2paper on a piece of olive card stock. I was lucky that I did have red cardstock that was close enough to use with the Ruby Red ink pad. The metal elements are actually salvaged from a card I made at an SU! workshop. (I'm hoping Santa remembers to put some HodgePodge Hardware in my stocking!)

TFL!!! Now I'm off to a craft show that my friend is selling her cards at!

Sketch Challenge

My first SCS Challenge entry- and a double at that!

The guidelines were this layout (SC152) and the following colors (CC142): Certain Celery, Bashful Blue and Basic Grey. I had to cheat. The only color I had was Certain Celery ink.

Stamps: Snowflake from SU! Seasonal Whimsey, Seuss Tree from Wordsworth
Ink: Certain Celery, Brocade Blue (stamped off once)
Cardstock: Local Paper Store (Hollo's in Brunswick for any Ohio-ans peeking in)
Other: Tag made with punch from SU!, Ribbons from Making Memories (green) and JoAnn's (light blue on tag), silver e-z set eyelet from Coffee Break Design (on tag), light green gemstones from Hero Arts, and highlight on snowflakes (that you probably can't see) with a Gellyroll pen.

TFL!

I Confess

So, I didn't really want to go with my sister to Borders on Thanksgiving Eve... And I suppose I didn't have to make her stop at the Archiver's store in the same plaza...And I didn't have to buy the Basic Grey Figgy Pudding paper pack, or the coordinating Versa Color petal in Sea Breeze...BUT I DID! Here's the first card. Bonus: Finally using my tag maker!

Merry Swinging

I stalked the stamp set (Hampton Arts, "Swinging Christmas") I used for these 2 cards on Addicted to Rubber Stamps for what seemed like forever until they were back in stock! I love them!

This one didn't scan well (can't figure out exactly why), but the sentiment is "Jingle Belle Swing" so I thought it'd be cute to string some mini jingle bells on wire.

Also had scanning probs on this one (the ribbon is much paler in person). I used to hate coloring images, but I love it now that I have the SU! Watercolor Wonder Crayons, which I used here.

Christmas/Winter