"Flip Album"

Sorry, but I forgot to post this cool 'flip album' I did for a Christmas gift for The Binghams.

It came in a kit from Hobby Lobby, so it had the album, paper, rub-ons, etc., which made the thought process a little easier. . .heehee, but, when completed, I think it turned out pretty neat.

"Let's Play Catch-Up!"

Hi, everyone!! So glad to be back online! Not only did my gal pal, Gina's, husband get me back online, he changed out my monitor to super size, and it is wonderful!!

Let me start off by saying that I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas with their families!! I also hope that you're looking forward to a fabulous 2009!!

In getting ready for Christmas, I had a couple of orders to get ready. I'm going to post them, so you can see what I was up to while my computer was on the fritz.

The first order included this teacher's gift. Mary said her daughter's 2nd grade teacher was very organized, so I thought a decorated box, for her desk, would be the perfect thing to hold the student's emergency cards. I started with an egg box from Papertrey, and covered all sides, including the top, with fun school paper. Using Wacky Tape, I attached the ABC ribbon around the lid. Then, I cut out the teacher's last name with my QuicKutz, and arranged on top. Lastly, for the inside, I included A-Z tabs.

These are the snowman soups I also created for the order. Since Mary's oldest daughter is a cheerleader, I colored the scarves & earmuffs, on the snowman image, our school colors.











Lastly for this order, these are the snowman kisses I prepared for Mary's 2nd grader.



Now, for this order, I created these chocolate pouches for Emily's son's class. For the stamped images on front, I used my new Gift Tag stamps from The Angel Company, and they turned out adorable.

Last, but not least, I created these Magic Reindeer Food for Emily's daughter's class. Again, I was able to use the reindeer image from the Gift Tag stamp set from TAC, on my toppers.



So, this is what I've been up to creatively. I want to thank everyone who placed orders!! I love doing this for you and appreciate your business!! Now, on to 2009! I am looking forward to a fabulous year!!!

"Supporting Our Troops"

I almost forgot to post these cards. I made them awhile back, but they were in my batch of holiday cards to mail out today. These are part of a kit I got from Tammy at Lil Lamb's. She received kits from Prima Marketing, Inc., who were partnering with different scrapbook stores to create cards for the troops.

I thought it was cool that Tammy had these kits for us to send our wishes to the troops, so I made mine for the holidays. With the supplies in the kit, added with a few of my own, I came up with these, not so traditional, Christmas cards.

I have about three other cards from Alyssa and I to send to the troops, as well, so I contacted the Red Cross to verify a correct address of where they can be sent. So, if any of you are interested, the following address was given, however, the cards have to be postmarked by Wednesday, December 10th.

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Thanks again, Tammy, for the kits! You are too sweet!!

"Money Holders"

This is an order I did for my sister's employer. I created 21 money holders for their Christmas party.

I found this great tutorial at Dawns Stampin Studio, you can check it out HERE. Thanks, Dawn, for the fabulous directions!

Since they were needing 21 and I wanted to have a little variety, I decided to break it down to 3 different styles, and 7 holders of each.

I used basic solid cardstock for the base of each holder, with a variety of misc. patterned papers on top. For the decorative edge across, I used a Fiskars border punch. I used white cardstock for the 'belly bands' on all holders; a variety of scalloped and circle punches; and, misc. stamped images to finish them off.

I hope they like how the money holders turned out!

"Cookie Cutter Gifts"

These are the gifts I just finished for Alyssa to give to the office staff at school for Christmas. My stepmom, Linda, gave me this adorable cookie cutter gift idea last year and I thought it was too cute not to do.

The bag of Christmas-themed cookie cutters that I found at Target were trimmed with pale blue silicone, so I used that to set my color scheme. After printing my poem and punching it out, I layered it on a scalloped light blue circle. I, then added a coordinating color snowflake brad, by Creative Impressions, to each, and sprayed the poem with Glimmer Mist, by Tattered Angels, to give them a little shimmer. To finish the gifts off, I tied the poems to the cello bags with blue & white checked Offray ribbon.

This is an individual photo and below is the poem that I attached to each:
I made a plate of cookies,
And ate just one or two.
But started feeling guilty,
Because they were for you.
I went into a panic
And ordered on the phone,
This brand new cookie cutter
So you can make your very own!

"Alot 'O Tags"

These tags are like the ones my gal pal, Gina, and I made at Archiver's a couple of weekends ago as part of their make & takes.

After making them at the store, we thought they turned out cute, so we each decided to make some for ourselves at home.

Thanks to Gina help, she punched all the scalloped circles and adhered them, and then I got to do the fun stuff. . .attach the eyelets; ribbons; stickers; and, stamp the to and from sentiment. Now, I've got pre-made tags handy and ready to grab!

"Christmas Memories"

I took this 10-page decorative album by American Crafts and added ribbon and a metal embellishment by Making Memories, then. . .Viola!

It's now a gift ready to fill with all those Christmas photos!

"Neighbor Gifts"

This is what I am making to give out to our neighbors for Christmas.

I took an actetate card holder that I got from Papertrey and decorated it with medium blue and Bo Bunny sage dot paper. The stamped sentiments are also from Papertrey. I then added sage Offray ribbon around the top; a snowflake brad from Bo Bunny; and, a stamped snowman by Autumn Leaves.

I filled the inside with individually wrapped cream carmel chews. Yum!

"Christmas Magic"

This is a Christmas order I finished for my gal pal, Randee. These two special items are for her cutie pie daughter, Sara Blake!

First, in this gorgeous tin is Santa's Magic Key. Sara will be able to set this out for Santa every year!

Second, I made her some Magic Reindeer Food! Every kid needs to sprinkle reindeer food on Christmas Eve! If you're going to leave Santa cookies & milk, then you've got to leave something special for the reindeer, too! Plus, there's magic in it!! The stamped reindeer image is in the gift tags set from The Angel Company. Isn't it just adorable?!?!

**If you click on my image, you get a much clearer & closer view**

"Teacher's Notes"

I thought I would delve into my scrap room today and make some Christmas gifts. This one is for Alyssa's homeroom teacher, Ms. Graves.

I took a small notepad from Target, and covered the front and back with this fun school themed paper from KI Memories. I added a KI Memories epoxy apple sticker to the corner and finished off the notepad with misc. Offray ribbons.

Next, I made a card. I stayed with the school theme, instead of Christmas, to coordinate. However inside, Alyssa and I will wish her a wonderful holiday season!

"Last Minute Stocking Stuffers"

I found this adorable idea on SCS from The Basic Scrapper for Magical M&Ms. So, I just had to make some for stocking stuffers.

I used plastic test tubes, that I ordered from Oriental Trade, and filled them each with M&Ms. I then typed the cute poem and attached it to the tubes with misc. Offray ribbon. I think these would make great party favors for any time of year! Below, is the Magical M&Ms poem:

Each color is a different cure;

Of this fact, we're very sure.

When you're grouchy and a little mean,

We truly recommend the green.

For times when you are down,

The very best choice will be the brown.

Orange's oh so special coating.

Will help minimize any bloating.

If you have an ache in your head,

This will surely be cured by the red.

Need something to help you be mellow?

Take a dose of the yellow.

If anxiety feelings overcome you,

Just eat a hefty handful of blue.

And, if your day comes unglued,

Just eat the whole tube!

"School Gifts"

These are a few of the various gifts heading to school with Alyssa tomorrow. Her last day before winter break is Wednesday and she doesn't want to take it all on that day.

There are some snowman Trident gum holders; a Hershey's nugget tin; a 4 oz tin filled with miniature Reese's peanut butter cups; a tall tea tin filled with mixed nuts; and four (4) decorated Hershey's nuggets in a cardstock 'wrap'.

I've fixed a basket for Alyssa to carry everything in tomorrow to hand out these goodies. Then, I guess when she brings it back, it will just get filled again with class treats to head back to school on Wednesday. Whew! LOL!

"Christmas Class Treats"

Sorry it's been forever since I last posted. I've been finishing up all my Christmas orders. I'm on my last one, so all is good!

These are the class treats I made for Alyssa to take to school Wednesday. I cannot remember who I got this cute & easy idea from, but it is ingenious!

I used the SU round tab punch and slot punch; stamped a little gingerbread man on the tab; then wrapped it around 5 pixy sticks and tied it with some ribbon. Easy, peasy...but cute!!

I know this class treat may not look all that fabulous, but...1. At this point in the game, easy works for me; 2. They are 5th graders...let's face it, they'll tear the little wrapper off and eat the candy; and lastly, 3. My dear daughter, Alyssa, thought they were cool. So, there you have it! LOL

I've posted a smaller photo of one of the tabs closer up.

p.s. I found where I got this idea: From Lorraine Rowe at Splitcoast. Thanks, Lorraine!!

"Another Quick Treat"

Ok, this is a different photo than before, but that other one was driving me crazy! I don't know that this one is much better, but I had to change it, anyway! LOL This is another cute treat idea thanks again to Nichole Heady's blog. I love this option for all those nuggets that are great to wrap! I've posted pictures below showing the very simple steps to making this adorable treat.

Basically, you start with a piece of cardstock for the base, cut to 2" x 3". Then you'll need to punch two (2) Giga scallop circles. You will fold each circle in half, and punch holes at the tops of each. Then adhere 1/2 of each circle to the bottom of the cardstock base, as shown. Once you have wrapped your nuggets, place them onto the cardstock base, using a single glue dot on the bottom of each, also shown. Now, all you have to do is choose your ribbon and tie it up. Remember to tie it up kinda tight to hold the nuggets in place. This little treat turned out adorable! These were quick and easy, too!

"New Little Holiday Treat"

I've once again figured out a way to use my snowman stamp. This time, however, I've reduced him even smaller. (I think this is about as small as he's going to get!) Anyway, while I was browsing Nichole Heady's blog, she had posted an adorable example using miniature Reese's Cups for like a Valentine's treat. Well, I'm still trying to finish up Christmas, so hence, the faithful snowman stamp. Thanks to Nichole for the idea...I just changed it around for a Christmas treat gift.

This is a picture before I sealed it up. I've adhered a circle punched snowman images to the tops of four miniature Reese's and then placed some crinkly filler on top. I used a 4 oz clear top tin from Papertrey Ink. After putting the lid on, I wrapped a piece of white Doodlebug frills around the tin, adhering it on top. I know the picture shows a red scallop, however, I changed my topper and added a green circle punched from my Whale of a Punch, then layered on top is a 1 1/4 red circle. I stamped 'holiday treats' in the middle. The stamp is also from Papertrey, however, you could put anything in the middle. I've also posted a picture of the finished project. I think it turned out cute! Something different (but with the same 'ole snowman!) LOL

"An Evening Out"

After being sick, for what has seemed like forever, I got to feeling better this evening, so I went to my dad & stepmom's for dinner & crafts. I just had to take a picture of their tree! I love this time of year! We had a great dinner and afterwards, me & my stepmom had crafts to do!



We made these Snowman Soups for my stepmom to have for the ladies at church; for her cookie exchange party; and for the neighbors. We did a total of 27.











Speaking of cookie exchange. . .these are her homemade Peppermint Shortbread Cookies she made for the party. YUM!!! I had to get the recipe. So, if anyone wants it, just email me!

Last, but not least, she made up these adorable cookie cutter gifts, with a little poem attached. The poem reads:
I made a plate of cookies
And ate just one or two.
But I started feeling guilty
Because they were for you.
I went into a panic
And order on the phone
This brand new cookie cutter
So you can make your very own!
Merry Christmas!

"Peppermint Patties Treats"

Well, I had to make a trip back to the doctor's office today. I've got the yuck!! I had to get a sinus cocktail shot, so hopefully, by tomorrow I will not feel like I'm dying! Anyhow, you know I can't go to the doctor's office empty handed, sick or not! So, last night, I made up these peppermint patties treats.

If you look close, do you recognize the cute little fella on the treats? I stamped the image of my snowman, then reduced it on my copier until he was tiny enough to fit into my 1 1/4 circle punch. I hope all of you are not tired of seeing him, because I keep coming up with ways to use him this holiday season.

"More Snowman Kisses"

This is another order I just finished of the snowman kisses. These go with the order of chocolate envelopes that I previously posted.

I have a couple more orders of snowman kisses to make, totaling 24. So, you can imagine when I went to the store to get all the tic tacs to make my orders, the looks I got from the check out girl. I bought ten 4-packs and I'm sure she thought I was some wierd woman with bad breath! LOL

"Snowmen Gum Holders"

These are my snowmen gum holders I just finished. They are going to be part of a set of 'snowman goodies' I'm making for Alyssa to give as gifts. I think I have previously posted the whole set of goodies. The set will include this gum holder, a snowman soup, and a snowman decorated small bag with an individual Ghirardelli chocolate square inside.

Oh, by the way, I think I might have mentioned it before, but this little cutie is my favorite snowman stamp! *wink*

"All Tied Up!"

Ok, I know everyone is tired of seeing the same things over and over again on my blog. But....I was generously blessed with orders this holiday season! And....I love to see each order together when I'm finished! So.....here are some cute little snowman kisses. LOL (I don't normally decorate these up in cello, but she requested it)

I absolutely love everyone that has placed an order with me and thank you from the bottom of my heart! I know you're probably thinking that, by placing an order with me, it's one less thing you have to worry with! Well, I am just glad that I'm the one you come too. It is a blessing to know that the things I create are a part of someone else's Christmas! Thanks, again!!!