Counting down to Christmas

Advent calendars are such fun!!


I found some great ideas on pintrest. I just can't stop looking at all the beautiful things :)  Then I was blog surfing one night and came across this one by Kim McGray at http://kimbermcgray.blogspot.com/2011/10/2-new-teaching-dates-in-ohio.html  I loved it!! My first countdowns inspiration.
The first countdown was made with,  American Crafts Dear Lizzy Christmas collection.The numbered paper was perfect for the countdown. I just loved the brown bags with it.I filled each bag with a treat and a holiday activity, some have a present to open.
The second was made with American crafts Holiday line. I just adore this line.I die cut the boxes with a lifestyle crafts matchbox die and filled them with candy and little notes.
I gave them to my Daughter and my son's girlfriend on Thanksgiving.I had so much fun filling them and getting little gifts for them to open all month.Ya know things like a cute Christmas towel,hot chocolate,Christmas tags for wrapping presents and more.I told them to give the empty ones to me at the end of the season and I will fill them next year.I am going to make it a new tradition for all my kids.As they move out into their own houses I will give each one a advent :) I am off to look at pintrest and save some more ideas for next year.

These little bears fit perfect and are so cute!!!

October Afternoon's "Sidewalks" Card Box

This is little box was a blank chipboard recipe box made by TPC Studio.My friend Cathy from Doodlebugs thought making a card box would be a fun alternative to a recipe box.I had made lots of recipe holders and fun books for recipes so I was all for something new.
I covered the box with October Afternoons Sidewalk line of papers.I just love the colors and patterns on this paper.The big flowers were cut from my favorite piece in the line.Making the embellishments out of the paper is the best! I used 3 pieces of pattern paper and 3 pieces of card stock for box and cards.

This box would make a sweet inexpensive gift.I think it could be done for 13.00 easy and probably less.I am thinking I will be making a few for the holiday's now. It was really nice taking the scraps that where left from the box and making cards.I felt like I was able to use all the paper that way with no waste.


You can find all the materials at doodlebugs in Sequim.This is the link to their blog http://doodlebugswa.blogspot.com/ they have a great blog with some fun ideas.

Back to basics with Cosmo Cricket Snorkel and Salt Air

Back to my basic love of scrapbooking!! I feel like I have been doing a lot of papercrafing and not as much "scrapbooking".I found a great sketch in one of my magazines and just went with it.I love sketches, I think I will use them more now.I loved these pictures my bestest friend Carmen from clix by Carmen took of Ryan over the summer.I used Cosmo crickets summer lines "Salt Air" and "Snorkel" I love how you can use their lines together.It really helps use up my stash that way.I always want to get the new lines when they come in but I always have leftovers from the last cool line :) I used a lot of glossy accents to dress up the chipboard I just love that stuff.It felt so rewarding to have accomplished a page.I remembered why I feel in love with this craft.Its not just my love of paper and glitter.Its seeing my family and capturing memories on a page that can be shared with them.
Thanks for looking :)

Wedding (part 3)

The best for last.The lavender Bouquet's were made by her grandmother and the turned out so lovely...

Wedding (part two)

Is she not the most beautiful bride ever ??? I know I am her mom but its true! I love this picture of Taylor and Riley.I love being their mom :)  The one at the bottom makes me cry every time I see it. I love her so much, I just wonder if she will ever know just how much .....

Wedding (part one)

I realized I never posted much about the wedding.My life has been so crazy and I have a few spare minutes so I thought I would share.I will post in parts because I am worried about to many pictures in one post :)
My best friend Carmen took the most amazing pictures.I could not have done everything without the help of my wonderful family and friends.It was a beautiful wedding with the most beautiful bride ever.

Halloween Treat Bag

Halloween treat bag made with a 3x11 strip of card stock, scored at 5in and 6in.Then folded up and stapled at the top with the clear filled treat bad also stapled in between .I cut a scallop circle out of some green paper and folded it in half and attached it with a bow at the top.I punched the jack o lantern with a Martha Stewart anywhere punch.
These would be sweet for visiting teaching gifts :)

Craft Lounge stamps & Copics my new fav's "The Pond"

I have been collecting Copics for about 9 months now and not had time to really sit and practice with them.I used them on Jacque's Wedding Invitations but not much else.I finally had some time to play and what better stamps to play around with then Our craft Lounge stamps.I just love these stamps!

This was my first time ever really masking also, it opened up a whole new world for me and stamping.

I love the May Arts ribbon colors that Doodlebugs just put out. I was excited to use them on these cards.What doesn't look better with a beautiful bow?

Both cards are stamped with Our craft lounge "The Pond" stamps and colored with copics.I also used some brown sparkly fluff for a cute affect.
I am trying to expand my copic coloring skills I am very new at it but am enjoying learning and collecting all those beautiful pens.

American Crafts Campy Trails "Campin" Album

I have been so looking forward to scraping about out first family camp out. So when I saw this paper from American crafts I knew it would make our pictures stand out perfectly.In the 15 years Bob and I have been together we have never camped. Besides boy scout camp or kids had never camped either.We had the most amazing time with our family and some great friends.
 My album is made with a Maya Road binder album in 8x8 its a perfect base for any album. I used Campy Trails papers, embellishments and some great thickers. I also have found my new favorite card stock,American crafts card stock rocks!!
Thanks for looking and stay tuned I am going to do my first ever give away, I am trying to think of something really good to give away :)