Welcome My Guest Maya Oren-Dahan

I "met" Maya through Fiskateers and have always loved reading her blog with her family adventures and very creative projects.  I know you find some wonderful inspiration today and check out Maya's blog, Chronicles, for even more inspiration. 

From Maya

When Debby asked me to write a guest post I knew I wanted to share a Hanukkah project. We take a lot of pictures during the eight days of Hanukkah - pictures of food, gifts, people, menorahs and more food. My favorites are pictures of candles. There is something magical in looking at the flickering candle fire. That is one of those rare moments when I feel connected to my ancestors.

After giving it some thought I decided to make a mini book, but not just any mini book - a star mini book. Years ago I took a class from Big Picture Classes (Big Picture Scrapbooking at that time) By Tena Sprenger. The class project was a hand sewn star mini book. I made one with pictures of my babies and it is one of my most favorite mini albums. I decided to make another star minibook  with some changes.

 

The original book is 6x6 and has 7 signatures. I made it 6x9 to include more pictures (did I say that I have a lot of pictures?) and used only 6 signatures. My star has 6 points like the Star of David.
I used three colors of Core'dinations cardstock for the book signatures that are hand sewn with waxed cotton thread. The patterned paper is from Hanukkah collection by Crafting Jewish Style.

 

For the cover I chose the patterned paper with an image of the Hanukkah Menorah and just added the title. The letters are Heidi Swapp invisible stickers lightly brushed with gold mist and the numbers are American Craft Thickers, of course. I added distress stickles in antique Linen to the candle flames to make it a little more festive.

 Here is how the album looks closed with all it's sewn signatures stacked neatly.

 For the inside of the album I went with very simple design - one picture on the left in the Polaroid frame, two pictures of the right matted with coordinating cardstock.

I designed the Polaroid frames in Silhouette Studio software and cut them with my brand new Silhouette Cameo! Let me know if you are interested in the cut files, I will gladly email them to you.

The patterned paper is so bright and colorful that I didn't feel it needs anything else. The only embellishment is the file tab with a small Star of David sticker.

 

Small binder clip is holding the book covers together when the book is open.

For the next six weeks this book is going to live in our living room, reminding us about great time spent together with family and friends.

I can't wait to make new memories and take even more pictures this year. Five weeks till Hanukkah!

I wish you all happy and festive holiday season!

Thank you, Maya!  How creative and full of memories of the holidays.  I love it.  If you are interested the file that Maya mentioned send me an email at dspaperstudio@aol.com and I'll send your request to her.

Update
I wanted to let everyone know that my newest granddaughter is here and well.  Mom, Dad, Little, and baby are all doing great!  I'll post a few of my favorite photos Friday. 

12 Days of Home for the Holidays
I've listed the sponsors for this year's event on the right hand column of the blog.  All the sponsors have an awesome giveaway that will make up one giant, overwhelming giveaway to one commenter starting December 1st.  If you want to get in your name early and still be able to leave comments during the event for more entries post my 12 Days of Home for the Holidays badge on your blog.  Leave a comment here with the link to your blog. 

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List
1. our newest sweet grand-girl
2. the best mommy / daughter
3. the worlds greatest son-in-law
4. safety for my daughter and her new little girl
5. God's gift of a wonderful family and extended family