D's Paper Studio

One Sketch Week

2012-01-30T04:08:00.001-05:00

Little Yellow Bicycle has a wonderful sketch challenge on their blog right now. I loved it so much I decided to do three layouts, three different ways, and share them here this week.

Here is the sketch by Liz Qualman for Little Yellow Bicycle:

Here is my first attempt at the sketch.

This is my 10 month old granddaughter, Little Honey. We went shopping at a local children's museum. This little girl had the time of her life. She pushed her own buggy, picked out her own "food," and (not pictured) checked herself out. LOL Who said she could grow up this fast? Grandma had a grand time taking pictures.

My paper is from Bo Bunny's Vicki B. collection. I added Prima's ribbon and Tim Holtz's paper tape.

I used some older product in this layout as well. The chipboard girl is Basic Grey and the title "play time" is from Cosmo Cricket's Blackboard. The border on the lower and right sides is a piece from Technique Tuesday. The wood flowers are from Kaisercraft.

I'm working hard are cleaning, clearing, and reorganizing my studio and spare room. I think I'm rediscovering why I love all the "old" products.

Wednesday will be "take two" of Little Yellow Bicycle's sketch. Wednesday also starts 11 months of challenges and giveaways from your favorite manufactures. Did you catch that? Ooo, I hope so.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. a wonderful weekend
2. new outdoor stairs
3. joy unspeakable
4. crafty/scrappy time and thankful on how it pulls my head together
5. God in His wonder never leaves me alone!

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How's Your Winter Going?

2012-01-25T05:02:00.002-05:00

I want to thank everyone for the kind and encouraging comments yesterday. When I do something outside my comfort zone it is especially great to hear from you!

So how is your Winter going? I'm in South Carolina and to date we've had an awesome Winter. This is Little Honey outside last week playing. I believe it was probably around 65 degrees Fahrenheit (about 20 Celsius). This has been an usually warm Winter for us. Today will be in the 70's. Last year this time we already had two big snows.

I used two things out of my older stash. The slide mount ring from Quick Quotes and silver tab from Making Memories attached to the photo. Their both several years old.

The paper is very new. It is from Fancy Pants Winterland collection. I won the collection about a week and a half ago. I could not wait to dive in. Thanks Fancy Pants!

To break up the button collage I added two Epiphany Crafts epoxy caps I made using their Button Studio. I also added the "splatter" to the paper. I am still trying to get the hang of doing this to turn out like I want it to.

I hope you enjoy a glimpse into our Winter in South Carolina.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. watching my granddaughter grow
2. strength to move and chase a 10 month old
3. my Uncle Lamar and his gentle spirit
4. God's gift of my all my aunts and uncles that mean so much to me

All I Can Say Is Break Out the Cute!

2012-01-23T05:21:00.000-05:00

I'm expecting a family guest that will be staying with us for a little while so my spare room/craft storage room has to be cleaned and re-located. It is a challenge to say the least. According to what it is, if I haven't used it in the last year or two respectively, I'm giving it to a great charity here in Lexington. The challenge is...

1. getting the strength and wisdom to put it in the charity box; and
2. moving what I want to keep into the studio!

So not only I'm I cleaning out a spare room, I'm having to go through my studio with the same rule and clean it out so I can fit everything I want to keep in one room. My mind is not wrapping itself around this too well.

On top of that I've been investigating all the new products coming out over the next few weeks and months and I have a list of products I really want to have BUT there has to be room. You can see my favorites list of CHA sneaks on Pinterest.

My goal over the next few weeks is to dive into my older stash and scrap/craft it. Cross your fingers with me.

This is a cutie layout I did using My Minds Eye Alphabet Soup girl and boy collection. I believe this goes back three summers ago. Thu it is from my older stash.

Note: the chipboard animals do not come with bows!

Little Honey's disclaimer: the bows in my hair is Grandma's idea. I was helping her try on pink bows to see which one she liked. LH already like to play "dress up."

Did I say "cute?" This week is Cute Week. I'm trying to practice "What I Learned" when it comes to cute. I added a bit of "funny" by adding ribbon to all the animals. I think this is the first time I've ever used "cutesy" chipboard animals on a layout. I like the ribbon layering on this layout. My journaling is handwritten.

Do you have some creative ideas about storage?

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. feeling better from a cold
2. a light and fun spirit
3. sense of humor, at times you know this is a real gift from God
4. energy, strength, weight loss
5. God's grace and love that is so evident on my family

Using Up the Stash!

2012-01-20T04:44:00.000-05:00

I'm trying very hard to use my older papers. I still love them, it's just that there is so much. With the Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show right around the corner and all the new releases, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt there are some new collections I'm going to want. Honestly, I can't justify more paper if I don't use what I already have. All that to say...Use Your Stash!

Here is my attempt at using some of my older papers. I actually purchased this from a local scrapbook store that went out of business about two years ago. The paper is from Prima Specialty Papers. The paper feels like a cross between mulberry and a handmade paper.

The paper is already framed out with the stitching and then has an inner stitching. This sort of threw me. I ignored the inner frame and did my thing. Sometimes when there is a paper that seems to have the whole layout designed for me I sort of freeze up wondering what to do. I hope I've overcome that a bit in this layout.

This is my oldest child and mom to my granddaughter, Little Honey.

Prima: leaves and ribbon; buttons assorted; Epiphany Crafts 14 Round tool and caps

I found this iron-on silhouette of the birds on a branch on clearance at Walmart when they were removing the large craft/sewing department. I adhered it with Beacon's glue instead.

My Personal Glue Challenge
This is another glue experiment I'll be watching for the end-of-the year test to see if it still holding. I used Beacon's Zip Dry. It does dry very quickly and has sort of a rubbery consistency. I hope that means it will be pliable to the turning of the pages in my book over time. It strings a lot but it just takes a little practice to assure that nothing gets on the rest of the layout. Click HERE to see my post about my personal challenge.

My Life
Being a grandma to a 10 month old is fun. Little Honey is walking, talking, can roar like a lion and moo like a cow. LOL She is dancing, trying to jump, and she is a climber! Since starting taking care of LH I've lost over close to 50 pounds and have gone down 4 sizes in clothing! I'm feeling great and having a wonderful time with my granddaughter.

Request of prayers for the family of Tracy Turpen. Tracy is the one that took all those marvelous engagement, bridal, wedding, and after wedding photos of Tabitha and David. She was a world renowned, award-winning photographer and photo artist. Tracy was only 27 years old and leaves behind a young son.

(one of Tracy's photos of my daughter and her husband)

Hug someone you love today!

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. the joy of life and love
2. my beautiful family
3. fun secrets
4. forgiveness from my special friend
5. the places God has taken me

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Trains Are In!

2012-01-18T05:30:00.000-05:00

Thank you for all the kind and encouraging comments about my Art Journal. I'm looking forward to doing the next page hopefully this weekend. Jessica and Ursula you guys had a great insight of what was going on in my head! LOL Both of you have a piece of what was happening at the time.

I'm excited to know that "Trains" are in. Well, I'm declaring they are "IN" again.

Graphic 45 Playtimes Past; Jenni Bowlin/Fiskars Pendent Squeeze Punch; Tim Holtz Alteration Ticket Strip ;
We R Memory Keepers Sew Easy Floss ; Making Memories Tiny Alpha Stickers 468/Package, White Letters On Black;
Heidi Swapp Chipboard Alphabet, Center of Attention.

My husband has this thing about trains during Christmas. This year he pulls out his older train set to play with the grandchildren. They were fascinated, especially Little. It's a photo moment.

I pulled out an older line of Graphic 45, Playtimes Past. I only had scraps left of the train sheet so I used it to make my bannr and little blue train popping out of the photos.

Fiskars has a new stamp called "Choo Choo." I stamped on a piece of G45 paper, embossed, cut it out, and popped it up.

The journaling area is another piece of the same collection cut with Tim Holtz Alteration Ticket Strip.

This is why Trains are "in" this year: Fiskars has their "Choo, Choo"

and Tim has a new stamp coming out this CHA called "on the railroad."

and Graphic 45's Collection never go out of style!

All Aboard! Trains are IN!

FYI: If you are a Fiskateer (a Fiskars' Community) you can find out more about me on the Fiskateer blog post "Fiskateer of the Week." If not, please sign up and find a wonderful, generous community of crafters.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. dancing
2. a wonderful day yesterday
3. beautiful weather to go walking
4. sweet sleep
5. God is God of all, not just where I want Him to be

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Art Journal--Mine, Right?

2012-01-16T04:00:00.018-05:00

It's been the rage for awhile now to create these magnificent Art Journals. I've watch tutorials, purchased a magazine featuring them, and checked out a lot of blogs. I want to do an Art Journal, but I'm not that kind of talented. You know, paint, gesso, drawing, yikes...it's not me to do but to enjoy.

Why can't I create my "own" Art Journal? I guess I can since there are no rules about all this. LOL

I started out with a tutorial for the base of a paper bag album. I used Ursula Schneider's tutorial on her blog Under Scarlet Bird's Wing to create the base of my Art Journal. This is not my first paper bag album, but it is certainly the best one I've ever made. Ursula's tutorial is quite good.

I used Graphic 45's Steampunk line to help create the album.

I named my Art Journal "Post Card from my Journey."

On each of the pattern paper pages I'm going to try new techniques to express what I'm experiencing is at the moment. aka. love, thoughtful, turmoil, silliness, etc.

My Cover

Stamped the background. I cut the images from G45's Steampunk papers. I added the feathers behind the image. I couldn't resist. Cut the "Post Card" from Tim Holtz's Sizzix Fade. "Journey" and the pen nib are both from Tim's ever growing product line. The rose in the middle is from Making Memories.

First Page

I cut the image from another of G45's paper. I dipped the image in UTEE covering just her hair. I added gears to the head while the UTEE was still hot. I enhanced the woman's lips with my watercolor pencils. I also cut the Dress Forms from G45 paper. I dipped each one in the hot UTEE and let dry. I used Ranger's Alcohol Ink Metallic Mixatives to ink the upper torso. I think it turned out great.

Want to guess what I was thinking/feeling at the time I made this page? Leave a comment and let me know.

I'll the share the pages with you as I complete them. Thanks for letting me make art my way!

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. an afternoon and evening with Jacob and Jim
2. forgiveness
3. struggles that teach us and directs us
4. headache gone
5. friends who don't disappear when you say "boo!"

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Pinterest, Enthusiasm , and Hilarity

2012-01-11T05:42:00.000-05:00

During the holidays it seemed like everyone was Pinning (Pinterest) fun foods for parties and family. My enthusiasm at the sight of these delicious looking foods got the better of me and I decided to give a few of them a try.

My first fun food was Nutter Butter/Hershey Kisses Acorns. Simple and a huge hit in the greater Lewis household. I took them to my daughter's for a Thanksgiving treat and I didn't bring any of them home. This success just fueled my enthusiasm.

Now I'm ready to hit the big times. I saw another pin showing Melting Snowman Sugar Cookies. They were awesome looking. What fun for all the kids and adults too. Simple to make. My family is a Sugar Cookie fan at Christmas so this will be fun to jazz them up a bit.

Made the cookies...

Made my own frosting...turned out too "dirty" looking to be snow so I sent Jay to the store to pick up some white icing.

This is where Jay and I started laughing...

I poured the icing on the cookies while they were still hot so they would look melted. Oh, yes melting everywhere.

Then microwaved the marshmallows. Safely got through that.

As I decorated the cookies Jay would come in and out of the kitchen laughing his head off. I was so bad at the decorating at one point Jay said they look like they were bleeding. I set that one aside for someone to eat before everyone arrived.

"Mom, they look like the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters." Alright somehow the tickle boxes got turned over for both of us.

Jay started comparing them to some of the video games he plays.

Okay, I finished. I added some red sprinkles to the base to hopefully help them look a bit better.

The moment arrived for the family to see and taste them.

Okay, laughing at mom must be the new past time during Christmas. LOL

Here's the real kicker...someone made a comment on how sad it was to see all melting snowmen. Hannah looked sad after that. The adults just rolled with laughter. They did look rather sad.

Hey, they tasted good!

I think the family would rather I stick with paper crafting.

So my experiment of fun foods are over, UNTIL Spring. Ha! Look out family I am not deterred.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. fun day at Edventure with Little Honey
2. each day I wake and smile
3. laughter and how it heals the soul
4. a great family
5. family can be hard at times, but God gives me the strength and insight to get through

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Some Reality When It Comes to Adhesive

2012-01-09T05:00:00.002-05:00

This is the time for my annual project called "Get it in the Book." I procrastinate all year getting my layouts in an album. I store them in Cropper Hopper or Iris plastic boxes made for scrapbook pages. Some of my pages have been sitting in these boxes for about year. I'm careful how they lay in the boxes.

As I was putting pages in the protectors I was disappointed when letters, embellishments, even photos came off some of the layouts. Most of the letters were self-adhesive. Some was just the adhesive I used. None of my supplies are stored in extreme temperatures.

So the Reality is ...

not all adhesive, glue, or self-adhesive items are long term;
not all adhesive has the ability to be flexible for turning pages;

So...

add more adhesive to your already self-adhesive items;
go back once a year or so and check ALL your pages;
find an adhesive that works long term for the climate in your area; and
stay tuned here because I'm going to test several GLUES ... not dry adhesives...to see how they work both short term and next year at my "Get it in the Book" event I'll report back how they all held up.

I love the Helmar's sketch I posted last time so I thought this would be a great beginning. I used Helmar Premium Craft Glue.

Short term: I've been bouncing the page around and it's holding. Easy to use, dried fairly quickly, nothing buckled under the glue. FYI: this is my personal review in order to find the best glue for me...Helmar's did not ask me to do this.

Here's my interpretation of the Helmar January sketch.

The shadow on the photo is me taking the photo. LOL

I added tinsel embossing powder to the Tim Holtz Adornment. It added a low key sparkle.

Take a moment and read the journaling. It's a heart warming story. Click on any photo to enlarge to see details.

What types of adhesives and/or glue do you use? I would love some ideas to test out.

Supply List
Websters Pages Waiting for Santa
Tattered Angels Tattered Traveler Glimmer Chips Pocket Watch
Prima Flowers, Heirloom Paper Leaves Willow, and crocheted buttons
Epiphany Crafts Round 14 and Scalloped tool and epoxy caps
Tim Holtz Adornment and Ticket
Tim Holtz Distress...stain: Weathered Wood; ink: Vintage Photo
Ranger Tinsel embossing powder
Helmar Premium Craft Glue

My Granddaughter started walking over the weekend so I have a lot to look forward to today!

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. time with Jacob before returning to college
2. visit from Will and his family
3. safety when the railing on the porch gave way
4. the absolute beauty of life God has given me
5. Your hands made me and fashioned me; (Holy Bible, Psalm 119)

Got Sketch? Bo Bunny Challenge

2012-01-06T04:30:00.006-05:00

I love looking for what I call full-bodied sketches. I'm not crazy about sketches, but I to like the ones that hold a bit more detail and seem to have character. Helmar has a monthly sketch challenge that falls into that category. Here is the January sketch: Helmar

I've discovered that Bo Bunny has a great sketch challenge on their blog. Bo Bunny carries some awesome papers. I love the direction they have taken over the years.

Bo Bunny's Last Sketch (time up for submitting, but certainly not from creating from it.)

I could not resist giving this one a try. Sadly, one of our local scrapbook stores closed their doors last week. They had a sale and I purchased a lot of the newest Bo Bunny products. I don't feel I did the sketch justice, but I'm still reeling from making Tim Holtz Pocket Watches! LOL

I love anything with the older style Santa. This is Bo Bunny's Father Christmas line. The epoxy embellishments I made using the Father Christmas paper and Epiphany Crafts Scalloped tool and cap. I love what it added to the page.

Of course the masterpiece of the whole layout is Little Honey's first visit to Santa. Do you think this 9 month old was the least bit scared? Nope! She loves Santa just for being Jolly! It was fun to watch.

Supplies Used
Bo Bunny's Father Time
Bo Bunny Holly Wrap
Epiphany Crafts Scalloped Tool
Epiphany Crafts Scalloped Caps
Tim Holtz Alpha
Maya Road Trinket Pin

Winner of the Tim Holtz Idea-ology Pocket Watch is....
Sue @ Cakeballs, cookies and more said...
Oh that is adorable! I would love one.
Check out Sue's Salted Nutella Fudge. Let me know if you make it. I can't eat sweets and I would love to know how it tastes. LOL

Congrats Sue! Send your snail mail address to dspaperstudio@aol.com.

Note for local to Columbia, SC greater area: I will be selling at the Stamping Place Yard Sale this Saturday starting at 10 am. I have a lot of new fun products I would love to see go to a new home at yard sale prices! I hope to see you there.

Have a Crafty Weekend!

Gratitude List

1. one more day of God's love and grace
2. friends to whom I can sound off with
3. blessings unspeakable
4. love from a little girl
5. Grace for each breath, move, and my very life

Got Time? Tutorial and Giveaway!

2012-01-04T05:14:00.001-05:00

My One Little Word is already reminding me of looking "Ahead" when it comes to relationships. I think relationships are one of the hardest things in life. Finding balance often involves going Ahead beyond issues that cause differences.

I wanted to make something that reminded me of my One Little Word for the year. Some crafters are making posters, jewelry, home decor, etc. I don't know if what I made falls in the category of jewelry, but it does fall into the category of pure fun!

I haven't done a "real" tutorial in a long time and I have a lot to learn and relearn. But the quality of the video is better. The tutorial is long mostly because it's laid back. Now's the time to get a cup of coffee and sit back and hopefully get inspired. Remember you can watch part of it and come back for the rest. I often do that with long videos.

Here is my One Little Word Project: Ahead

The jewelry link at the bottom was added by me and does not come with the Pocket Watch.

I'm hooked on Tim Holtz's Pocket Watch

Giveaway
I want to share my new obsession so I'm giving away one of Tim Holtz's Pocket Watches by Idea-ology. Leave one comment for hanging out here and one for sharing the word about D's Paper Studio. Let me know where you shared it. Don't forget if you have a Pinterest board you can share it there as well.

I'll draw a Winner and post on Friday!

You can buy your Pocket Watch, Game Pieces, Nibs, Adornments, Alpha Parts Newsprint, and Paper Tape at Scrapbook.com.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. a wonderful day with Little Honey
2. warmth of a toasty home
3. great kids
4. breath
5. my life, God's amazing gift to me

New Year, New Word, New Paper Adventure

2012-01-02T07:47:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! I'm excited about the adventures we are going to have on D's Paper Studio blog. The blog is changing a bit. You'll see the added "tabs" above. I'm redoing one and adding two more during the day today.

Goals? Resolutions? I never make it, so I don't set myself up for the fall. LOL I do find great guidance in choosing "One Little Word" that guides me through this maze of life.

My Bible Verse for this year is where I chose my "One Little Word."

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

My "One Little Word" is Ahead. Are you scratching your head wondering how Hebrews 11:1 and Ahead go together? To hope is to look ahead, to believe ahead. It is physically impossible to move forward and look backwards. Living today with the hurts and pains of the past keeps me from looking Ahead or having the faith Pauls writes about in Hebrews 11:1.

I started my "One Little Word" book with the intention of revisiting the book every two months and reflect for a moment and commit to the book where I am in this journey.

Here is my book {ahead}

Click on any of the photos to see a detailed look.

The album I used is from Bo Bunny's Timepiece Collection. I totally love it. You can find the book and other coordinating pieces at Scrapbook.com. Here is the direct link to the Bo Bunny album. (my links are often affiliate links which help to support the giveaways on my blog.)

What is your One Little Word, Bible Verse, and or one resolution for this New Year?

I'm so excited and want to tell you everything at once. For now come back throughout the week to check in on any announcements in relation to D's Paper Studio.

Debby's Believe It or Not: I've recorded a tutorial and a fun Giveaway for this Wednesday.

Have a Crafty Day

Gratitude List

1. crafty time
2. my mom
3. the gift of another day
4. coffee
5. the song in my heart, whispers of love, and the mercy of God

2011: A Very Great Year!

2011-12-30T04:00:00.001-05:00

Everywhere I look right now there are the Top 10, Top 50, or Top 100 of something for the year 2011. I took a look back through my blog to see what was happening here at D's Paper Studio from the year 2011.

Debby's Dare blog became D's Paper Studio and got a whole new look.

Events I held or participated in here at D's Paper Studio:
December Daily // Ali Edwards

Cover and pages 1-6

12 Tags of Christmas // Tim Holtz

Youtube

Home for the Holidays

Link to Day 1

Orange Blog Hop

Orange Appreciation Day

One Little Word 2011-Time // Ali Edwards

One Little Word

My Favorite Cards

Thanks

Coordination's Frenzy

My Favorite Layouts

Play Ball

Cute Paper

CHA for Epiphany Crafts

Cutest Pumpkin

Jimgle

Favorite Altered Item

Alcohol Ink Star Bucket bottle

Favorite New Hobby

Knitting

Published in ScrapStreet.com Magazine

My Tag Foundations were published via Designer Connie Mercer

I Served on Glue Dots Adhesive's Design Team as well as Epiphany Crafts Design Team.

Blog

Glue Dotess Spotlight of Debby

Personal Awesomeness in my Family

Jacob Graduated from High School and Started School at the University of South Carolina!

My Daughter and Her Husband had their First Child: Little Honey

Lilly, Adam and Vanessa's Baby, Came to Live Here

This has been a Great Year! I believe my favorite part of my blogging was doing the series on "What I Learned." I saw my paper art improve 10 fold. I plan on continuing the journey.

Thanks for all the Follows and Subscriptions this year and for making it 400 of you before the end of 2011! This is certainly not the end, but the beginning of a whole New Adventure.

Have a Crafty Weekend!

Thanks and Gratitude

1. bloggers/blog readers of D's Paper Studio

2. those special artist crafters who happen to be great friends, Ruth, Sudie, Connie

3. prize sponsors ... thanks!

4. my gracious family, especially Jim

5. Tabitha, David, and Raelyn who gave to me great inspiration and encouragement

6. Jacob for keeping me young

7. Adam and Vanessa my loves and helps

8. William and the girls who bring me joy

9. to God be the Glory for the Great Things He Has Done!

Completion of My December Daily...New Year's Comin'

2011-12-27T04:41:00.003-05:00

As usual it's my end-of-the-year clean up and changes with D's Paper Studio blog.

Step one has been to condense my posts. unKit, Ali Edwards, and now one of my favorite bloggers, Tim Holtz has gone to this blog format. I didn't realize it until Tim changed his format is that it helps you to load the blog faster and pick the posts you want to read. All you have to do is click "Read more >>". I thought I would give it a try and please let me know what you think. Okay...I couldn't do it. I didn't like it so much either and when a few of you left comments about it I totally agree and I changed it back. Thanks!

Leave a comment or email me at dspaperstudio@aol.com with how it works for you.

I have more changes in the works so keep hanging around!

Before I share the last of my December Daily I would like to ask if you enjoy D's Paper Studio and you are not yet a follower, would you consider Following? My goal was to have 400 Followers of D's Paper Studio by the year's end. I'm only 7 bloggers away. I would certainly appreciate it.

Day 20-25

By this time my camera has gone through a total of 2 set of batteries and I'm low on the 3rd set now. LOL

I see I have the "n" and "r" switched on "Grands".

I checked before I adhered them and could not tell the difference...

I can now. Fixing.

This has been an incredible journey. Looking into my everyday, ordinary life was really exciting for me. My husband and family were very kind to cooperate and tolerate the camera. Now that my books are complete I can't wait to share it with my family.

Have Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. a marvelous family

2. sweetest daughter

3. my grand-girls

4. unconditional love

5. God's wondrous miracle of His gift of restoration

From Me to You

2011-12-23T17:23:00.005-05:00

God's love to all of you this Christmas.

The photos are of Me, Jim, Jacob (son) and our grand-girls.

Click on the slide show, allow it to load, and you will see it full screen with text! Thanks

Personalize your own free greeting

Have a wonderful, happy, and crafty Christmas.

A Happy Exhaustion, December Daily 13-19

2011-12-22T07:23:00.003-05:00

It is so much fun this time of the year. For me it's watching my granddaughter, Little Honey, find the magic of
Christmas. She loves Christmas Trees and their ornaments. It's like an "on" switch to her excitement when she sees the tree lights.
I can do without the shopping, but if I'm going to do it being with Jimmy makes it fun. He can hardly pass up anything that he thinks the grand-girls will like. Last night he was looking at Christmas dresses for Hannah. It didn't matter she already had one! LOL No, I did not let him buy it.

Wrapping, cleaning, last minute decorations before the family comes over. What exhausting fun. This year there is an added bonus: My December Daily. This has been the most fun looking at my daily life through the lens of a camera. Here are my next set of pages. You can click on the photo for a details.

Pages 13-19

The story inside

Page 17 goes here....

can't show you yet because it is a

Christmas present in the making!!

Are you happily exhausted? I hope the joy of what all this is truly about is in your heart.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. Jimmy's enthusiasm
2. God's grace and strength for Jim and work
3. Mom
4. God's strength for Cindi for the task ahead of her
5. seeing the little kindness exchanged between strangers

December Daily Days 7-12 & Happy Chanukah!

2011-12-20T04:00:00.004-05:00

Today will be a tough day to document. Honestly, I hoping for a very boring day. LOL We'll see what
happens. It's never boring around me for very long.
Days 7-12
click on photo to see more details

Each day has a transparency between it. I'll share a few of them on Thursday.

Oops! I forgot my journaling. I will place it on the border strip at the bottom.

End of Book 1

I bulked up my pages too much when I added the Grungeboard numbers. Now I have a Book I and Book II.

Happy Chanukah!
Here is a magnificent video of Tzlil V'zemer Children's Choir singing Oh Chanukah, Oh Chanukah.

Visit Jewish.TV for more Jewish videos.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. my days with Little Honey
2. the excitement of Christmas
3. my sister
4. God's love for me that is so beyond my thoughts
5. the spirit of Christmas, may it last all year long

First Time Around ... December Daily 1-6

2011-12-19T03:15:00.003-05:00

This is my first attempt at Ali Edwards' December Daily. I'm up to date but it has been a big journey for me.
I've never documented 3 days in a row much less 25 consecutive days. I spend my daytime hours with my Granddaughter. That means that this book is a documentation of her life as well as mine.
As I progress each day I find myself getting more comfortable with this style of scrapbooking. My pages are progressively getting better.

Day 1 - 6
click on photo to see details

There is a transparency between each page with the day of the week.

I'm looking at these pages and I know I'm learning so much compared to the pages I'm doing now. I also find myself reflecting on what is important to me to document.

I challenge you to take a second and reflect on those moments that are most special to you. If you would, share by leaving a comment. I'd love to hear from you.

If you do not follow D's Paper Studio may I encourage you to? My goal for 2011 is to have 400 followers. That's only 8 more bloggers. You can also subscribe and get my posts in your mailbox. I love doing this when I don't have time to hop around on blogs. Thanks.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. God's infinite Mercy
2. celebrating my Savior's birth
3. my family
4. peace about who I am
5. Mom

12 Days of Paint, Ink, Stain, and Windex!

2011-12-16T05:00:00.006-05:00

I spent 12 days in front of my computer working on my 12 Tags of Christmas. My desk is no worse for the
wear, but neither is it any better! Each night when I finished I tried to put up what I thought Tim would notuse again the next day (and boy was I wrong most times). Then every evening I took my trusty bottle of Windex and proceeded to clean my desk and craft mat number 1, 2, and 3! One mat for each table in my studio. Can you imagine the odor from paint, ink, stain, and Windex? Too funny.
Here are my tags based on Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas. I thoroughly enjoyed learning new techniques and twists in creating art.

Winner from the 12 Days of Home for the Holidays

Again, thank you Bloggers for participating in the 12 Days of Home for the Holidays. I'm already looking forward to next year. Here is the winner of the Prima Flowers.

Blogger Emily said...
I love holiday traditions and family memories. Thanks so much for sharing; I too love the decorating of the tree. I'm doing a giveaway on my website where everyone shares their traditions - http://emily.kincke.com/favorite-friday-holiday-traditions-a-giveaway/

Congratulations Emily. Send your snail mail address to dspaperstudio@aol.com. Thanks

Gratitude List

1. wellness of my mom
2. safety in traveling with me and Little Honey
3. sweet sleep
4. my gorgeous, gifted, precious granddaughters
5. remember why this time of the year is more special than any other time

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Tammy Tutterow

2011-12-12T03:30:00.041-05:00

My guest today is Tammy Tutterow for the 12 Days of Home for the Holidays. Tammy is another crafter
and "Pubster" from Two Peas in a Bucket Pub I've "met." Tammy works for several top manufacturers including: Tim Holtz, Ranger Ink, BasicGrey, Pink Paislee,Therm O Web, ProvoCraft/Cricut, Prima Marketing, Glitz Design, and Tattered Angels. Her work has been published in several books, magazines, and product catalogs and has been featured on television. Tammy teaches in crafting stores, conventions, and online both on her own blog and at Big Picture Classes.
Tammy recently did a wonderful tutorial for Ranger. The tutorial is for creating a Frosty De-boss. Her website and blog is full of inspiration and instruction.

Welcome Tammy!

Tammy Tutterow

Three years ago, my youngest daughter Emma (now 7) got a glow-in-the-dark skeleton from her trick-or-treat bucket. She loved that silly little rubbery skeleton and played with it all the time. When we were decorating our Christmas tree that year, you could see she suddenly had a bright idea. She got super excited and ran to her room. She came back with that little skeleton and announced that she wanted to hang it on the tree. We tried telling her no, that you don't put skeletons and Halloween stuff on Christmas trees but she insisted. She said that Santa would be "flabbergasted" when he saw it. She wanted him to have a surprise and wanted to make him laugh and she was sure that seeing that skeleton on our tree would do the trick. Who can argue with that? So we obliged.

That little skeleton hung there and glowed among the lights and ornaments and gave us each a giggle as we walked past. The anticipation of what Santa would think made Emma so excited for Christmas. She kept asking us all what we thought Santa would say and if he would laugh.

When Emma went to check out the tree on Christmas morning she was surprised to find a note from Santa telling her how flabbergasted he was. She was delighted and so proud that she could surprise Santa and make him laugh.

When it was time to pack the tree away, she insisted the skeleton be put away with the ornaments that Santa would expect to see him on our tree next year. And so last year when it came time to decorate the tree, the little glow-in-the-dark skeleton took his place front and center among the more traditional ornaments and again, we all giggled at the sight of it there.

And so the tradition continues that we hang that skeleton on our tree and anticipate the giggles and surprised responses from all who see it there. I think even more than what it means to Emma to give Santa a good laugh, it means a little something more to us. It is about the magic in a little girl's heart in wanting to give something back to Santa and that we should all take the time to be flabbergasted with the wonder and joy of the season more. Sometimes it takes something simple like a little rubber skeleton to remind you of that.

About my flabbergasted holiday decor:

This past July I was creating projects for summer CHA. As always, the summer shows usually feature products for the fall and winter holiday seasons. As I created samples using Tim Holtz's new Kraft Resist Paper Stash, I immediately focused in on a paper with a skeleton. It immediately made me think of our family's flabbergasting holiday story. I so very much wanted to make a Christmas project featuring that skeleton.

Since I knew no one would get the reference, I instead created a Halloween themed project with him. (Tim Holtz)

It was always my intentions that as Christmas time came, that I would re-make the project and make it a fun little flabbergasting mix of spooky and merry.

I love the final piece that mixes a Santa Skeleton with a festive tree with real twinkling lights.

I love when a piece of handmade art makes you smile, and this one does just that!

Tammy Tutterow
Designer, Instructor, and Craft Blogger

http://www.tammytutterow.com

Remember to leave Tammy a comment.

Thank you Tammy for making me giggle. Thanks Emma for starting one of the most fun and memorable traditions.

This has been another great, inspirational, fun 12 Days of Home for the Holidays 2011. Thank you everyone that visited, left comments and questions. Thank you for making all my guests welcome.

Appreciation Giveaway

To express my appreciation, all those who left comments will be put in a drawing for one person to win a pack of Prima Paloma Collection Botanical Flowers. It is not too late to leave comments for my guests. I'll draw a winner this Friday. Thanks again everyone.

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Cheryl Waters

2011-12-11T03:30:00.032-05:00

Cheryl Waters is a sweet friend and one of the most talented Mixed Media Artists. She has been a
Lead/Founding Fiskateer (#002) since the inception of the Fiskateers. Cheryl has been widely published, but my favorite are the projects found in Sommerset Memories. You can find Cheryl blogging at Fiskaeers.
Cheryl has a new adventure. She has opened an online store called Artsy Findings. Artsy Findings features Melody Ross products, Donna Salazar, GCD products, and more. Cheryl also has a monthly project kit as well as vintage findings and more. Visit Cheryl's new blog Artsy Findings for great inspiration.

Welcome Cheryl

Cheryl Waters

Christmas time is a time for sweet celebration in our family. It's a time of family, friendship and faith. One of the fun traditions we've started over the last several years is a special visit to Logan's Candy Company in Ontario, California. It's an incredible place filled with sweet smells and a memories. I love that we've gotten to know the family over the years and that they have a 13 year old daughter as we do named Abby. Logan's has been in business and making candy for over 70 years. Their busiest time of year . . . you got it . . . Christmas.

Last year I organized a trip inviting family, friends and Fiskateers to Logan's and kids and adults alike were so delighted. Let me tell you, there is nothing like the taste of a warm candy cane. Logan's also houses so many different kinds of candy . . . chocolates and even the most beautiful ribbon candy . . . one flavor named after their daughter (and ours) . . . Sweet Abby Pie (now the name of my business).

'The Candy Man' shares from beginning to end how to make a batch of candy canes and does so right in front of you . . . from cooking it in a pot to flavoring it, coloring it, rolling it out and then eating it (while it's still warm). While a candy cane is still warm . . . you can mold it.

But it's more than just candy . . . at Logan's they share 'The Legend of the Candy Cane' while he's in the process of handmaking these lovely delights. 'The Candy Man' shares that a 'candymaker once wanted to make a candy that people could remember Christmas by so he made the Christmas Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols of baby Jesus' birth, ministry and death.

He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy. White to symbolize the virgin birth and sinless nature of Jesus. Hard candy to symbolize the solid rock, the foundation of the Curch, and firmness of the promises of God. The candymaker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the name of Jesus. It also represented the staff of the "Good Shepherd". The candymaker then included red stripes. He used three small stripes and a large red stripe to represent the suffering Christ endured at the end of His life. The candy became known as a Christmas Candy Cane.'

So with that each year we enjoy traveling to visit the 'Candy Man' and listening to him share the true meaning of Christmas. Maybe one day you'll make it out to California and experience this "sweet" adventure.

Merry Christmas to all and wishing you 'sweet' memories made with family and friends.

Cheryl Waters

Fiskateers

Artsy Findings

Artsy Findings Cheryl's Personal Blog

Remember to leave Cheryl a comment!

There is nothing like a Candy Adventure! Thank you, Cheryl. Tomorrow's 12th and final guest for these 12 Days of Home for the Holidays is Tammy Tutterow!

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Michelle Cummings

2011-12-10T03:30:00.004-05:00

My guest today for the 12 Days of Home for the Holidays is Michelle Cummings. I call her the Faerie Dust
Queen. Michelle and I "met" through the Fiskateers online community. I love her blog. I was hooked when I saw her bird's nest necklaces. She and her husband are marvelous photographers. Michelle is a mixed- media artist, instructor, and Freelance writer. I believe that Michelle can make most any craft as you can see on her blog, Faeire *Dust* Dreams.
Welcome Michelle!

Michelle Cummings

My favorite thing about the Holidays is the baking. Every year I look forward to when I can put the extra leaf in the kitchen table, cover it with tins of cookie cutters, parchments paper and racks for cooling. Some years we do up to 15 different types of cookies. The process usually takes up a whole week! And sometimes we just focus on the rolled out cookies, because they are so fun to decorate! Ice cube trays come in handy for holding all sorts of fun cookie decorations such as raisins, mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, crushed candies, red hots and other colorful delights. For a nearly mess proof decorating with kids, place their soon to be decorated cookies on a large plate and place this on a larger tray, collect any loose sprinkles and decorations for later.

Use your circle and fall leaf cutters to make fancy ornament cookies!

When we are near done, we like to fill plates or tins with our creations and deliver them to our neighbors. I let Dyllan wear his jammies, apron and santa hat for the delivery. :)

Here is a recipe for my favorite cut out cookies.

Cream Cheese Cookies

Preheat oven to 370*

Ingredients:

1- cup soft (room temp) sweet cream butter

1- 8 oz. (room temp) package of cream cheese

1 1/2 - cup sugar

1 - egg

1- teaspoon vanilla

1/2 - teaspoon almond extract

3 1/2- cup flour

1- teaspoon baking powder

* Beat butter and cream cheese.

* Add sugar and beat until fluffy.

* In a separate bowl, mix egg, vanilla, and almond extract.

* Add to sugar. Mix well.

* In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder.

* Add dry to wet, 1/2 cup at a time, beat until mixed.

Divide dough in 1/2, wrap each portion in plastic wrap and chill for 1 1/2 hours in the fridge.

- Roll out dough 1/8" on a lightly floured surface, cut with favorite cutters, place on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool completely before adding frosting.

Makes approx. 7 dozen rolled out cookies.

Frosting:

1- Tablespoon meringue powder. - (You can find this in the cake decorating section of your favorite craft or specialty store.)

2- Tablespoons of 'cold' water

1- cup powdered sugar

In a medium bowl, beat meringue powder and 'cold' water with a electric mixer on medium speed until peaks form. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until more peak form. Beat for 1 minute. Spoon icing into piping bags or into small containers with matching lids.

Add colored food coloring, mix well and attach lid to keep icing fresh until ready to use.

This makes 1- cup of frosting. Make as much needed for amount of cookies you'll be decorating.

* tip- Metal or glass mixing bowls are best for meringue peaks , whether you are beating egg whites or using powder. Plastic can retain fat and grease, which inhibits the volume of the peaks. Whichever type of bowl you use, be sure it’s spotlessly clean.

Happy Holidays!

~ Michelle Frae ~ Cummings

Mixed Media Artist

*Need some Creative Inspiration? Visit my Blog! *

Faerie Dust Dreams on Esty

I'm in love with this recipe and all the tips for decorating with children. Thanks Michelle! Tomorrow's guest is Cheryl Waters.

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Tiffany Windsor

2011-12-09T03:30:00.015-05:00

Today's guest for the 12 Days of Home for the Holidays is Tiffany Windsor. I got the know Cool2Craft
through Lisa Fulmer with C&T Publishing. I love Tiffany's online Cool2Craft LIVE TV. She is an incredible host and has some of the most gifted and inspirational crafters on her show. She says she is crazy about crafts. Watch Cool2Craft and you will be a believer.
I learned to work with soda cans as well as other mediums. I always learn something and have a lot of fun.

I had the privileged to meet Tiffany at the Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show two summers ago. We were able to have a little chat while we were waiting to hear the announcement of the most innovated new product.

Welcome Tiffany!

Tiffany Windsor

As a young child, the holidays always came twice a year for me! Let me explain! In July of each year, my mother Aleene and her team of designers would decorate our home. As a craft distributing company, Aleene’s supplied mom and pop craft stores with supplies and the holidays were, of course, a very busy time. Those stores needed to decide in July what they would be selling in their stores during the holidays. That’s why they call it Christmas in July! During our open house days, my brothers, sisters and I would stand in our rooms and describe how the decorations were made. Yes! Even at the young age of 4, I knew how to talk crafts!

This photo of me was featured in Better Homes & Gardens Magazine and I remember being in LOVE with this theme of ice cream cones. And I thought that poodle was adorable! It was a bit confusing for me to understand the difference between Christmas in July and the real thing but I quickly figured it out by shaking the boxes. If they were lightweight, that meant they were empty and so that meant that the “real” Christmas was yet to come!

Because my sister and I are so busy designing every day for Cool2Craft TV, we don’t always take the time to decorate our homes like we enjoyed as kids but a family Christmas get together is still top on Momma Aleene’s list of favorites. Momma always made sure that each year was memorialized with a family photo and we love to sit down and look back through those family photos. Such wonderful memories!

Tiffany M. Windsor

Cool2Craft
Twitter
Facebook

Remember to leave a comment for Tiffany.

I'm in love with the ice cream cone tree. Thanks Tiffany. Tomorrow's guest is Michelle Cummings.

Winners of Give It Your Best Shot: Lights by Katrina Kennedy are...

Debbie Buckland said...
This is the third year I have made a ginger bread house from scratch. We usually have enough ginger bread to make some shaped cookies. Fast becoming a tradition in our family too.

Karen G said...
Those are the cutest little gingerbread men!! I am having our church friends over next week for a Christmas dinner. These would be great for everyone....especially the kids!

I have bookmarked your site. I can't wait to look around. I am finally going to be getting my first "real" camera and not a cheapie. I have asked for money from my parents to go with what hubby is giving me so that I can buy a nice camera. Any suggestions on what would be a good camera to start with?

I'm really excited about doing some real photos. I hope it doesn't take me too long to learn how to take some amazing photos!!

Congratulations! Send me an email at dspaperstudio@aol.com and I'll forward them on to Katrina. Thanks Katrina. FYI: she left a link to the gingerbread boys recipe in the comments.

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Katrina Kennedy

2011-12-08T03:30:00.004-05:00

Katrina Kennedy is a photographer, teacher, author, and a mom. She is passionate about documenting the
everyday moments of her life. Katrina has helped 100′s of people improve their camera skills. She started CaptureYour365.com for inspiration+ideas+support for people taking everyday photos.

Welcome Katrina!

Katrina Kennedy

I love the holiday season. We fill the month of December with as many events as we can, balancing quiet time together as a family.

Each year we plan visits to light displays, usually multiple trips so I can play with my camera and check off my December photo list. We drink hot chocolate, watch our Capitol's Christmas tree lighting, and try a little ice skating. My try usually consists of watching from the side lines. That still counts, right?

No holiday would be complete without food though. Gingerbread cookies have become a family tradition. My son and I get our trusty gingerbread recipe and mix ingredients together. Despite his protests, we wrap the dough up, place it in the fridge, and wait the recommended chill time. Imagine him asking every ten minutes if they are ready and you've got a complete picture of the tradition.

With excitement we grab the dough out of the refrigerator, roll out half, and cut out gingerbread boy after gingerbread boy. We almost always use one of our smallest cookie cutters for the perfect bite sized boys to adorn our holiday plates and pop in our mouths, guilt free.

Sometimes we decorate them. Sometimes they go directly from the tray to our tummies.

The remainder of the dough waits its moment in the refrigerator. When guests arrive we are able to grab a bit from the fridge, roll, cut it, and have fresh baked boys. Our house smells wonderful and we can offer treats to our guests.

It wouldn't be the Holidays without our gingerbread boys.

Giveaway

Katrina is offering Give It Your Best Shot: Lights to two lucky readers. This ebook tutorial is not available anywhere else. Leave Katrina a comment and I'll draw two winners tomorrow via Random.org.

Thanks Katrina. Now I'm wanting to snack on some Gingerbread. Tomorrow's guest is Tiffany Windsor.

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Roni Johnson

2011-12-07T03:30:00.032-05:00

Roni Johnson is my guest today for the 12 Days of Home for the Holidays. I met Roni at the Craft and
Hobby Association Trade Show. She gave me her card and I've been a Roni fan ever since. Her business cards are handcrafted and incredible.
Roni is an Author, Designer, and Instructor. Roni is a premier rubber stamper, collage, and altered artist. Check out Roni's book: "Teach Yourself Visually - Collage & Altered Arts." You can find Roni's stamps on Queen Kat's Stamps... Roni also serves on the Stampers Best , Third Coast Rubber Stamps, and Just for Fun design teams.

Welcome Roni!

Roni Johnson

Christmas has always been a big deal in my family. My mom would always spend the day after Thanksgiving decorating the entire house, transforming it into a real Christmas wonderland. That love of decorating for the holidays is in my blood. While I do put out a few store-bought decorations I love making my own even more!

Today I thought I’d share a fun project that is not only quick and easy but it also incorporates another love I have…rescued (recycled) goodies that might otherwise end up in the trash bin.

Enjoy ~

Altered Clock Snowmen Trio

By: Roni Johnson

Finished Size: Varies

Supplies:

Stampers Best Stamps: Snowman Hugs SSJ125; Snowman Caroling SSJ127; Snowman & Birdies SSJ128; Christmas Holly Borders SC02003

Stampers Best Cling Cushion Scraps

Old/Junk Travel or Alarm Clock

Archival Ink (Blue & Black) – Ranger Industries

Distress Ink – Ranger Industries

Distress Stain or Glimmer Mist Dye Inks

Bic Markers

White Acrylic Paint

Glass Glitter – Meyers Imports

Mica Snowflakes – German Corner Store

Liquid Glue

Super Glue

Cardstock – Georgia Pacific

Tissue Paper

Instructions:

1. Carefully disassemble your clock. You will most likely need a tiny screw driver and a pair of needle nose pliers. You will need to determine which parts you will need to build your shadow box and how you will reassemble it. Most of the time you will have a metal housing from the back of the clock movements for the shadow box and can be super glued back in place if it can’t be reassembled with the existing hardware.

2. Stamp each snowman on white cardstock using Archival Ink. Color as desired, trim and set aside for later use.

3. Prepare each clock by painting it with white acrylic paint. Let it (them) dry completely.

4. The outside of each clock was decorated using a different technique. Your clocks may or may not be similar to the clocks used for this example, these general directions will give you a general idea on how to go about decorating your clock. Each technique is described below…

Snowman Hug –

A. Align the three snowflake border stamps (from the Christmas Holly Borders set) on a single acrylic stamping block. Use blue Archival Ink and begin stamping the snowflakes in any desired pattern on a 5.5x8.5” sheet of white cardstock. Continue stamping until the entire sheet has been covered with snowflakes.

B. Color this sheet of paper with liquid dye inks (Distress Stain; Glimmer Mist, etc.) as desired. Let it dry completely.

C. Trim the paper into strips and glue each strip to the clock covering the sides and back of the clock.

D. Stamp the face plate in a similar fashion as you did the paper trim.

E. Glue glass glitter and mica snowflakes to the edge of the face plate.

F. This clock has a cavity that I created the shadow box in. The inside of the clock was painted, a scrap of cardstock was inserted to cover the holes in the back of the clock and I covered the seams around the paper with mica snowflakes.

G. It’s time to insert the snowman into the shadow box. To lift the snowman off of the background so it looks like it’s free standing I stick 3-4 pieces of scrap cling cushion together and glue the snowman to this stack of cushion. I then glue the snowman in the shadow box.

H. Replace the face plate and glue it into place.

I. If there is a space between the Snowman image and the bottom of your clock add a bit of glue in the space and sprinkle on an additional layer of mica snowflakes.

Fa la la la la Snowman

a. After this clock was painted with acrylic paint I simply sanded the edges to distress and reveal the wood.

b. I used the metal housing from the back of the clock movement to build the shadow box. I covered the bottom of the metal housing with a combination of blue glass glitter and mica snowflakes. I used the same method of lifting and attaching this snowman as I did in step “G” from the Snow Hug Clock.

c. Insert and glue the metal housing which contains the snow scene back in the clock.

Birds of a Feather Snowman

aa. Cut one snowflake from each of the snowflake borders. You will use these individual snowflakes to create the tissue paper used to cover the final clock.

bb. Cut a sheet of tissue paper large enough to cover your clock.

cc. Position all three snowflakes on a single acrylic block and use blue Archival Ink to stamp these snowflakes on a sheet of white (or colored) tissue paper.

dd. Once the entire sheet of tissue paper has been stamped let it dry completely. After the tissue paper is dry, gently crumble then open it back up.

ee. Apply a thin layer of liquid glue to the outside of the clock.

ff. Carefully position the tissue paper in the wet glue. Avoid pushing and pulling the tissue paper very much as it will be very fragile. Simply press it directly into the glue. Don’t worry about wrinkles here or there, it only adds character.

gg. After you have completely covered your clock with the stamped tissue paper set it aside to dry completely.

hh. When the paper has dried, tear away the larger pieces of excess tissue paper. Use sand paper to remove any smaller bits.

ii. The shadow box for this clock was created using the metal housing as was used in “Fa La La La La” clock.

Roni Johnson

Ink Stains Blog

Ink Stains Esty

Make sure to leave a comment or question for Roni.

Creative altered art! Thanks Roni for the tutorial, clear instructions, and the photos. Tomorrow's guest is Katrina Kennedy.

PS For those who could not open the .pdf file for Aly's mug pocket card, I've reposted it in .jpeg format. Aly's Template.

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Erin Bassett

2011-12-06T03:30:00.006-05:00

Erin Bassett is my guest today for the 12 Days of Home for the Holidays. Erin is another member of the Two Peas in a Bucket Pub. It is a message board for those being published and designing within the paper craft community. Through a mutual friend, Sudie, I followed Erin on Twitter and she is a ton of fun, information./inspiration, and seems to love a good twitter conversation.

Erin currently serves on Remember When, imaginisce, Simple Scrapper, and Kurtake design teams. Her blog, creativiE, should be a regular on your inspiration list. Erin has such wonderful projects, art, scrappbooking, videos, sewing, and giveaways.

Welcome Erin!

Erin Bassett

I love everything about Christmas! I'm one of those people that wants to listen to Christmas music before it's even December...although so I don't annoy my husband I do wait until Black Friday to start it up. He's a great guy and I want to keep him. ;)

Growing up we had favorite Christmas music. Of course, back then it was on records. My brother loved the Little Drummer Boy and I loved any song except that. -Typical brother & sister style.

We had other traditions as well, such as baking cookies and leaving them and some milk out for Santa on Christmas Eve. I still bake cookies with my nieces.

We also celebrate on Christmas Eve by gathering with family and friends. We're each allowed to open one gift then. When we were kids my parents would usually choose which present we opened. Now we just pick our own.

My husband and I also have a tradition we started when we got married. We both know how hard it is to think of gifts for each other year after year, so we don't exchange gifts, instead we do one big thing for both of us like taking a trip somewhere or making a major purchase. It really takes the stress out and allows us to do something together.

Do you have a tradition that you still do from your childhood or have you started any new traditions?

*Check out Erin's blog for great craft tutorials and ideas. You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Happy Holidays!

Make sure to leave a comment for Erin.

Thank you Erin! Tomorrow's guest is Roni Johnson.

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Aly Dosdall

2011-12-05T03:30:00.007-05:00

Aly Dosdall is another crafter that I met on Two Peas in a Bucket. I was prividelged to serve with her on the
Epiphany Crafts Design Team. Aly is an extraordinary scrapbooker and crafter. Aly is another crafter that has a resume too long for me to quote. She is very active and has many publications with Creating Keepsakes. She is currently serving on Epiphany Crafts, Write.Click.Scrapbook, and We Are Memory Keepers design teams. Aly's blog , it happened like this, is full of inspiration and more.
Welcome Aly!

Aly Dosdall

Season of Giving

Growing up in my family, Christmas was always a time for giving and sharing with others. Every year our family would bake goodies and deliver them to neighbors, widows, and the sick singing Christmas carols at each stop. We would often provide Christmas for a less fortunate family in our neighborhood anonymously. We felt like we had been given so much that sharing with others was one simple way to show our gratitude. This tradition made for some wonderful childhood memories, and my husband and I have tried to continue this tradition with our children.

I love creating things, and so do my kids. So our family tradition is that each Christmas we make simple gifts or prepare goodies for our loved ones, neighbors, some widows, and other people we know that need a lift during the holidays. Over the years we’ve come up with some fun projects so I thought I would share some of my favorites with you in hopes that you’ll be inspired to share some love with those who need it during the holiday season.

Homemade hot cocoa

I created the tag toppers using digital scrapbook supplies.

Icicle treat boxes

Fun ornament gifts filled with goodies to hang on the tree.

Post-It note covers

These make great teacher gifts or stocking stuffers.

Photo desk calendar

I make one of these for my husband and both sets of grandparents every year.

Mug pocket cards

Print the template on the back of some patterned paper, cut it out, glue it together, and add embellishments and some hot cocoa.

Thanks so much to Debbie for inviting me to share my Christmas traditions with you. In the spirit of the Season of Giving, I’m sharing with you my free template for making the mug pocket cards so you can make some to share with those you know that need some love this holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!

(Copy Paste, and resize.)

Mug Pocket Card Template.pdf

My blog: www.alydosdall.blogspot.com

Register now for my latest Big Picture workshop: http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/doablediy.php

Remember to leave Aly a comment.

Thank you Aly! Tomorrow's guest is Erin Bassett.

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Hilde Janbroers-stolk

2011-12-04T03:30:00.004-05:00

My guest today is the incredibly talented Hilde Janbroers-stolk. I first "met" Hilde at Two Peas in a Bucket.
It was from there I became a fan. We worked together on the Epiphany Craft's Design Team. Hilde's blog Scrapworld is exceptional. Hilde is on the the design team for Graphic 45, Kaisercraft, My Creative Scrapbook, and Creatief Met Foto's. Hilde lives in Leidschendam-Voorburg, Netherlands. Welcome Hilde!
Hilde Janbroers-stolk

Our tradition is to have dinner with family. We dress up the girls (and this year Thomas as well of course ) and we go over my dads house.

My mother will be in the kitchen cooking and I usually go there and sit down in the kitchen and have a nice chit chat.

The girls will help their grandfather decorate the table. They love to do that!! Napkins, the 'special tablewear' and candles. They also know to eat some Christmas candy from the tree in between.

Most of the times they are ready with the table, but my mother isn't ready with her cooking....so then the girls need to wait!! And because we always open the presents after dinner, they want to start dinner as soon as possible.

So last year I took a photo of Fenna, who was tired of all the waiting. ( just see her expression )...lol.

Maybe this year we will open up the presents before dinner. ;-))

papers and embellishments are by Kaisercraft.

I asked Hilde to also share about another special family tradition she had told me about .

Here's a pic of the Christmas Tree ornaments. They're from a famous brand Villeroy & Boch.

Every year during our summer holiday in Germany we go to the Villeroy & Boch outlet. they have a separate Christmas department. My daughters can choose a Christmas tree ornament every year...

It's a really tradition...and our collection is growing and growing...lol.

Make sure to leave Hilde a comment.

Thank you Hilde! Tomorrow's guest is Aly Dosdall.

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Patti Milazzo

2011-12-03T03:30:00.007-05:00

I had the privilege of "playing" with Patti at Keepsakes back when I first started scrapbooking. Matter-of-fact she is the one who encouraged me down the path I've gone with my crafts. Patti's art and crafts have always inspired me. I made my first tag by following the design of a tag in a Creating Keepsakes ad. When Patti saw it she told me it was her's. Amazing from there I became a tag-a-holic.

Patti designs for several premier manufacturers in the crafting industry: FISKARS Americas - Craft Designer; Glue Arts Design Team; and Project Manager for Bo Bunny. Patti's blog is full of inspiration and tutorials: {Crafting Life} ... Welcome Patti!

Patti Milazzo

When I asked my family what their favorite holiday tradition was they unanimously said it was putting up the Christmas tree over the extended Thanksgiving weekend. I have to say that I agree! At our house it’s the official kick-off to the Christmas season. Everyone is home, no other plans are made, we forgo any Black Friday shopping and instead opt to find our “perfect” Christmas tree that year.

We take our time and put it up but don’t decorate right away. I love waking up to the smell of fresh pine the next morning knowing that we’ll spend the day decorating the tree together. It’s the most relaxing weekend where we don’t rush one bit. And after a fall season of running around for various sports and extracurricular activities, it is soooo needed!

Egg Nog is poured and Christmas music or a favorite movie is usually playing in the background. I’m a stickler for the Bells of St. Mary, but the kids are happy to sing along with any of the animated classics like Rudolph or Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Once Joe and the kids have the lights strung, we start pulling out the ornaments.

We never fail to reminisce a bit over those special ones that hold memories and stories. And they don’t seem to tire of that even though we tell the same tales every year. There are ornaments from our first Christmas together (Joe and I), each babies’ first Christmas, handmade ornaments they’ve each made for us, ornaments gifted from friends and family and so many more. Often we’ll add a few new ornaments that reflect what’s going on in our lives at the moment. Some years I’ll add a few handmade ornaments too. They all hold meaningful memories for us.

We finish the top of the tree with the angel that Joe and I have had since the first Christmas we were married. Joe used to put one of the kids atop his shoulders to place it on the tree, but as the kids get older (10 and 15 now) and the tree seems to get taller over the years, that’s become quite a challenge! And the final touch is my son’s favorite part, setting up the manger under the tree. He so enjoys making it look just right. My favorite moment is when it’s all done – the tree is lit and decorated and everyone sits around chatting and enjoying the warmth and glow. We’re together, having fun and nothing could be better than that for me.

I am very glad that we’ve made this weekend a time for us to be together as a family without the crazy pressures life sometimes brings. I’m looking forward to carrying on this tradition in the coming years as our family grows. It’s a wonderful way for us to greet the season with excitement, anticipation and warmth and I hope it will be among my children’s favorite memories growing up. I hope you too are enjoying your own traditions this holiday season and finding time to be with family and friends to carry on your most loved traditions and creating new ones together too.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to you all!

Warm wishes,

Patti Milazzo

{Crafting Life} Blog

Make sure to leave Patti a comment.

Thank you Patti! Tomorrow's guest is Hilde Stolk.

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Francine Clouden

2011-12-02T03:30:00.007-05:00

Today's guest for the 12 Days of Home for the Holidays is Francine Clouden. I became aware of Francine
on Twitter. Following Francine is like having a wealth of inspiration each day. Sine then I've been inspired by her blog Callaloo Soup, Callaloo on Esty, Craft Gossip Network, and Write.Click.Scrapbook. She is also an incredible photographer. Francine lives in Lyon, France. Welcome Francine.

Francine Clouden

Being Home for the Holidays has always been important to me, because I live far away from my home country. As a young adult, I wasn’t too far away but even then I couldn’t wait to get back home to celebrate with my family. Holiday traditions, even the silly ones like new sleepwear, were very important to my family. I even did a layout to capture that!

Now that I live in a country with very different traditions, I think fondly about Christmas in the Caribbean when I can’t be there. This layout is all about remembering the tropical holiday season.

The journaling says;-

Christmas back home is more than a day, it's a season. You can feel it in the air from early December. Everybody is talking about it, and holiday music is playing on the radio and in the stores. We’re all busy cleaning and fixing our homes up. New curtains, new furniture, even new appliances! We're mincing and soaking our fruit in wine, we're making sorrel, punch-a-creme and ginger beer; we're buying cases of soft drinks and beer; we're making sure we have wine, Harvey’s Bristol Cream and Bailey's Irish Cream. One day you get home and the whole house smells of baked ham with cloves, and you check the fridge to make sure you have Piccalilli. There's always some kind of party, you have your office party, your friend's office party, all kinds of activities to go to. Parang music!!! Not to mention Sparrow's version of "There's no place like home for the holidays", Red Plastic Bag's "Maisie" and The Merrymen's "Santa Got a Sunburn". Friends you haven't seen in ages drop by the house saying "Compliments of the Season!" because they have to taste your ham and cake. Finally you get your tree and set it up, close to the window of course so everyone can see it as they pass by. And one tradition particular to our house: Mummy coming home on the last day of school with gifts from all her students and us trying to convince her she can't open them till Christmas Day. It never worked of course! Then the cake is baked and you break out the sorrel and have it over crushed ice. By Christmas Eve everything is perfect, the gifts are under the tree, you’ve given cake to your friends and family - because everyone has to have an assortment to compare! You’ve also stocked up on Quality Street candies, After Eights and other treats. There’s a bowl of nuts on the coffee table with a nutcracker nearby. Maybe you head to midnight mass, maybe not, one thing is for sure, Santa Claus is on your mind! At some point in the night you might hear singing outside, most likely a group of merry gentlemen and they won’t go until the rum come! Christmas morning arrives, and on the breakfast menu is fresh baked bread with fried ham (with Piccalilli!), maybe some bakes and salt fish souse with cocoa tea. But that is only after the gifts are opened and we all thank each other. Then comes the big preparation for lunch. If the extended family is getting together it’s a bit easier since everyone pitches in and makes one or two dishes. On the menu: Stuffed turkey, more ham, stewed peas, macaroni pie, rice and peas, a big salad, sweet potato casserole, green beans…. No need to ask what’s for dessert – fruit cake of course! Then things calm down, depending on your age you play with new toys, read a book or spend time chatting. By the end of the day talk turns to the next big event: what are we doing for Old Years Night?

Luckily, I have made it back in recent years. The first time I was very happy to combine some of the traditions from my adopted country with those at home! This layout is all about how our Christmas meal in 2005 was a combination of holiday treats from Grenada and France.

Last year we took our son Kieran back home to spend the holidays with my family, most of whom he had never met. It’s hard to explain the joy that everyone felt on this trip, and I was especially happy that he got to meet his great aunts and uncles!

And there was nothing better than seeing him with his grandmother (my mum) on Christmas morning.

We won’t be making it back this year, so my plan will be to finally scrapbook the memories from a year ago to keep me warm!

Make sure to leave a comment for Francine.

Thank you Francine for sharing and inspiring! Tomorrows guest is Patti Milazzo.

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Ali Edwards

2011-12-01T03:30:00.009-05:00

Welcome to Day 1 of our 12 Days of Home for the Holiday. I have an incredible guest today: Ali Edwards.
As I began to list her accomplishments I realized it is too long to manage. Ali is an inspiration in my life, craft, and art.
Ali Edwards

I'm a big fan of December.

I love the transformation. I love pulling all my Christmas stuff out of the garage and opening up the tubs - that always feels like a wonderful gift. I love the feeling of the season and the twinkle lights. I love the anticipation and the music. When it's over I feel thankful for another season and am usually ready to put it all away not long after Christmas day.

As a way to document the season, since 2007 I've created a December Daily album.

It's a way for me to celebrate, to slow down, and to create a memoir of our holidays.

You can link to all my past albums here: December Daily Albums. I've joyfully continued this each year and love pulling out all the albums with my decorations and looking back at Christmas past.

The project basics are simple:

1. I create the foundation of my album before December (usually in October) so I can spend more time enjoying December and less time trying to get the basics of the album together. I do December 1 through the 25th. Some people choose to start earlier and some go later into January. Knowing myself and knowing this project as intimately as I do I find 25 days to be just right for me.

(Click on photo to see details.)

2. During December I document one story per day. Some days the stories are long and some days they are just a photo (which tells it's own story). I use my computer, my camera, and my craft supplies to bring it all together. I adhere photos, I write or type stories, I do a bit of crafting and adding a bit of sparkle or patterns.

3. I don't stress. I don't tell only Christmas-related stories (remember, I'm most interested in capturing the beautiful everyday moments so those often show up in this album too).

4. There are no rules. I encourage people to make this project work for them - it's not a competition, it's not about keeping up with your neighbor. It's about recognizing and celebrating your life in December.

It's definitely a commitment to embark on this project. I can tell you from personal experience it's been so, so worth it.

Ali Edwards

Blog

twitter

newsletter

one little word | light | 2011

Make sure to leave a comment for Ali.

Thank you Ali! Tomorrow's guest is Francine Clouden.

Do You Leave Santa Cookies? Sneek at First Guest for 12 Days of Home for the Holidays

2011-11-30T03:00:00.000-05:00

Are you ready? I'm geared and excited about the first day of December. 12 Days of Home for the Holidays begin tomorrow. 12 days with inspiration, laughter, recipes, crafts and tutorials, and tradition. Some of your favorite crafters will be joining you here at D's Paper Studio to share some of their traditions for the holidays.

At the end of each post I'll share with you who the next guest will be. Today is the first day to announce tomorrows guest. Oh, remember it is at the end of this post.

Let your friends and family know it's time to make hot chocolate, get your favorite cookie or cake, and sit down to read what your favorite crafters are sharing about their holidays.

Speaking of food. Do you leave cookies for Santa Claus? My children have always left Santa a plate of sugar cookies and a glass of milk. Many times there would be a thank you letter to Santa. As time goes on Santa's tastes have become more sophisticated. I have it on good authority that Santa would love a slice of Pumpkin Ribbon Bread.

My mom is a great cook. One of the best in my opinion. During the holidays no one can hold a candle to her delicious cakes, cookies, pies, candy, etc. One of my favorites is her Pumpkin Ribbon Bread. Here's mom's recipe.

(photo from Taste of Home)

Pumpkin Ribbon Bread

From the Kitchen of “Mom”

Filling:

2 pkg (3oz ea.) cream cheese softened

1/3 cup sugar

1 tbs flour

1 egg

2 tsp grated orange peel (opt)

Bread”

1 cup of pumpkin

½ cup veg. oil

2 eggs

1 1/2 cup sugar

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. cloves

½ tsp cinnamon

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup chopped pecans

For filling beat cream cheese sugar and flour together, add eggs. Mix. Stir in orange peel. Set aside.

Make bread by combining pumpkin, oil, and eggs, salt, cloves, cinnamon, flour, baking soda and pecans. Mix to blend. Pour ¼ of batter into 2 greased and floured 7 ½ x 3 ½ x 3 loaf pans. Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter. Add remaining batter, covering filling. Bake 325 degrees for 1 ½ hr. or until test done with pick. Cool 10 min. before removing from the pan. Store in refrigerator.

I hope you enjoy.

12 Days of Home for the Holidays first guest on December 1st, tomorrow, Thursday....

Ali Edwards.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. accomplishing several goals yesterday
2. a quiet, trusting faith
3. the sights, sounds, and smells of the season
4. driving safety in this rainy weather
5. the gift of caring for my granddaughter

Finally Finished My Foundation for December Daily, Giveaway Winner

2011-11-28T06:08:00.001-05:00

I'm finally finished with the foundation of my December Daily book. I thought I had committed to too much. But I didn't give up.

My short term goal was to use as much of the older stash as I could. I put a big dent in my Christmas stash, but believe it or not I still have plenty.

Another goal was not to buy anything for this project. When I realized I did not have enough transparencies to to place between each page I decided to make my own using paint and an acrylic sheet. It is outstanding.

The challenge for me was to complete the design of my book without photos. It was also a tough one for me to keep to my style of scrapbooking in a small size. I actually ended up with a part1 and part 2 of the book due to the thickness. I used Grungboard letters for each day and it really bulked up my book.

These are my foundation pages that I detailed cut, glimmered and shimmered, stamped, embossed, and added more elements that I can believe.

I created a photo page on Photoshop. I added a Christmas friendly bar with 25, one on each page, of my favorite Christmas Songs. I thought this would make a great memory for my kids.

I attached some of the elements I'm going to put on the page once I get my journaling or photos in the book.

Good Luck to all that are taking daily photo and writing their story. Cross your fingers for me that I make it all 25 days!

Winner of the "I Can't Believe I Did It" Stamp is
Pamela said...
What a fabulous stamp! And good for you...giving it away instead of returning it! :)

Congratulations Pamela! Send your snail mail address to dspaperstudio@aol.com.

I need to SHOUT it from the top of the Internet....12 Days of Home for the Holidays starts this Thursday! I've been working with the blog posts all week and I am amazed, licking my lips in shear delight of the recipes, can't wait to create the projects, and laughed myself silly with some fun family traditions. You do not want to miss one day of fun.

I'll let you know who my first guest will be on Wednesday. I'm squealing in delight right now.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. the unbelievable grace of God
2. a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with my whole family
3. photos of my aunts and uncles at the Thomas Thanksgiving Dinner
4. strength
5. an understanding husband

"What Was I Looking For?"---Giveaway

2011-11-21T03:51:00.000-05:00

With age or motherhood comes moments of pause. It's like "what was I looking for?" or "did I...." What about the famous "why did I come in here?" LOL I think it is inherited from our children.

I had one of those moments where I purchased a Christmas stamp not remembering I already had the identical stamp. Instead of taking it back I thought of you and decided to have a giveaway.

Let's start the countdown before the 12 Days of Home for the Holidays here at D's Paper Studio. We are at 9 days and counting before the Holiday fun commences. Recap: for 12 days 12 different crafters, artists, and photographers will be blogging about some of the traditions they have over the holidays. I'm in the middle of receiving the posts. I am so inspired.

Two To Do
Help me countdown by leaving a comment each day between now and Thursday midnight (all time zones). One comment per day please. I'll let Random.org pick a winner of this beautiful stamp by Inkadinkado.
Increase your opportunity to win by letting others know about 12 Days of Home for the Holidays by any of the following:

posting on your favorite message board adding the link to D's Paper Studio, http://debbysdares.blogspot.com
adding the 12 Days of Home for the Holiday badge on your blog with a link back here
post it on Facebook or even set up an "event" and invited your friends to come
commit to post with a link on Twitter each day between now and the end of the month about the countdown

Remember to let me know what you've done in your comments and add your links. If you can not post a comment send an email to dspaperstudio@aol.com with your comment and I'll see that it is posted.

I'm taking a few days away from the D's Paper Studio in order to finish my December Daily album I want to share with you on Friday. The big ticket item is to ready all the 12 Days of Home for the Holidays posts. I'm dancing with excitement.

Have a Crafty Week!

I am Thankful

for my husband and best friend, Jim
for all my children and the good people they have become
for my grandchildren and a glimpse into the future
for my friends, Ruth, Bob, and Sudie for bringing sanity into my life
for each of you
for God's pursuit of me and all that I learn daily of His love

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas-52 Weeks of Mail

2011-11-18T05:50:00.000-05:00

Dream of a White Christmas? In South Carolina snow at Christmas is a dream. Last year was the exception as Upstate did get snow on Christmas but the Midlands got snow the day after. That was the first time I've ever seen snow at Christmas since living in South Carolina.

I grew up in snow that started in October and ended in March. As a child that was fun.

Snowmen

Snow Angels

Snow Cream

Snowball Fights

Sledding

Ice Skating

Snow Forts

...a red nose

I created my weekly card for 52 Days of Mail challenge by jumping on the season of snow.

The paper is from Moxxie.

I won their entire new release a few years back at CHA. It was out of the blue someone came up to me doing a cheer about Moxxie. In the spirit of the moment I cheered back. The Moxxie folks fell out laughing and one even hid her head under the table. The funny secret was she had said if someone could get an unknowing victim, person, to cheer for Moxxie without telling them why, they would giveaway the entire new release. I believe they thought know one would do it. Never underestimate the fun spirit of a crafter!

The Winter paper was so much fun I decided to design around the snowman. I added

flocking to the snow bank
buttons to the snowman
lace
a banner with rub-ons
a Prima Flower
and highlighted the snowflakes with a Sakura pen

I'm beginning to like this card making idea.

Crafty News

Creative Therapy blog has closed. I will miss them. Creative Therapy challenged through Catalysts to think about life and create art, including scrapbook layouts, about it. The examples of some of the most creative artists are incredible. I asked about how long the blog would stay up and they will keep it up as long as they can. My plan is to write down the Catalysts so I can scrapbook more of them in the future. I really encourage you to check out the blog and the Catalysts before it is gone.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. looking forward to some crafty time

2. a wonderful husband

3. a bit of a sick, yucky week turning out better

4. working on getting a handle of understanding the "realness" of God's Love

5. my sweet granddaughters

I Feel The December Overload!

2011-11-16T05:40:00.000-05:00

I have so much fun crafting through the holidays. It's like my yearly "high!"

I plan on making Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas again this year, IF Tim decides to do it again. I've been collecting Tim's products, Christmas stamps, ephemeral, paints, etc., etc., etc. I love Tim's Tags. It like having 12 days of classes with a Master Teacher.

Now I've decided to participate in Ali Edwards December Daily. I've sort of tried to figure out the album, but I do get the drift of it: document the first 25 days in December with photos. The important thing is to create your book ahead of time. This is exciting.

Tuesday I worked on the guts of the book. I created my photo page in PSE. I added my favorite and memorable Christmas songs on the bottom of my photo page, along with the day of the month.

I've made my own transparencies by painting circles. They look cool!

I need to work on my foundation pages. I'm using a cream cardstock at the base, then I plan on using a variety of Bo Bunny, Graphic 45, and several other of my favorite paper lines. My main goal for the book itself is to use my older products and try not to buy anything. We'll see how that goes.

First of all I made my cover for my December Daily over the weekend.

I'm using an 8 x 8 acrylic album. The front cover is simply Grungeboard numbers painted with Snow Cap Dabbers by Ranger. I sprayed the numbers with adhesive and added the Diamond Dust. I used Zip Dry Glude to adhere the numbers to the album cover.

I added a separate title page "December Daily." The paper is from Websters Pages. I added Snow Cap to the house to look like a snowfall had occurred. The calender is a Tim Holtz stamp from Stampers Anonymous. I inked it with a combination of the Fall and Winter Limited Edition Distress Inks. The title was the most fun. I used Dabbers Espresso to "ink" up my foam stamps and stamp/paint the title.

I'll share the features of the album next Wednesday. I'm sure as I go along I will learn what to do and not do next time.

Don't forget in the midst of December Daily and (cross my fingers) 12 Tags of Christmas, D's Paper Studio will be hosting the 12 Days of Home for the Holidays.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. good report from LH's doctor
2. a wonderful son-in-law
3. a restful day
4. gifts from God I often take for granted
5. a melted heart for the things of God

From Home Decor to Scrapbook Layout

2011-11-14T03:56:00.001-05:00

While waiting in the doctor's office last week I decided to go through 5 year old magazines. In a home decorating magazine I found this stylish, beautiful wall. I immediately wanted to do this for my home until I realized the cost and the fact that I just redecorated my walls.

I decided to turn the wall decor into a scrapbook page.

The Story
The photos are another of our family Christmas tradition. We have always taken pictures of the kids with the Christmas Tree. It is really fun to go back and put them all together. You really see how they've grown!

I added the words to the song O, Tunnenbaum in German. When the kids were growing up I would sing it all the time to them.

The Layout

What I Learned

Home decor projects are fun to imitate on scrapbook layouts.
I dislike my camera. I can't get a correct photo.
Stickers can add much to a page. I'm not a sticker person but the giant snowflake worked.
The shapes all worked together. Rectangle and circles together add an interesting flow to the layout.
Sometimes a straight edge trimmer is better than a rotary trimmer. I learned early on to "halo" paper. Another words make a frame. With a straight edge trimmer you can cut the corners precisely. With the rotary cutter it's much more a guess work than not.
I love doing the circle border at the bottom. Large circles, small circles, Epiphany Crafts scalloped caps. I added some chipboard buttons to add dimension.

I used...
Glitz Design Paper
Fiskars Border Punch
AC Thickers Letters
Basic Grey sticker
Epiphany Crafts scallop tool and caps
Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Vintage
Making Memories tiny letters

I had a great deal of fun creating this layout and I was able to preserve another family tradition.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. a good crafty weekend
2. learning more about God's love
3. the incredible fact that God does not condemn me, but loves me
4. my wonderful family
5. life's struggles that make us stronger and more dependent on God

Thanks To Our Veterans

2011-11-11T03:53:00.000-05:00

Operation Write Home is having a blog hop starting today to honor our Veterans. There are 11 outstanding companies participating. I urge you to check it out over the weekend. Here is the link to the beginning of the blog hop: Stars and Stripes Blog. The focus is thanking those who serve and have served in the USA military. I've already went to a few of the blogs and the inspiration is incredible!

This is a Thank You card I made in memory of my father, TSgt Otis C. Perkins USAF. I'll be sending it to one of my friends that currently serve in the military.

Products used:

Graphic 45

Idea-ology

Ranger

Sizzix

My Dad

Have a Crafty Weekend!

Gratitude List

1. my dad who spent 22 years of his life serving our country
2. my son who wants to follow in his footsteps
3. John who currently serves stateside
4. two mentors for my son, Chief Master Sergeant and Colonel both from LHS
5. for the freedom afforded us by God and the men who protect and serve

Celebrate Tradition! Winners of X-Acto Giveaway

2011-11-09T04:41:00.000-05:00

I'm counting down to December 1st. Why? 12 Days of Home for the Holidays begins!

This is the 3rd year of what is now a Tradition at D's Paper Studio.

During the Holidays, traditions pull at our heart and memories. Our family have several traditions that go back a few generations.

During December 1-12 there will be 12 amazing guests joining all of us here on D's Paper Studio. Each day someone special will be my guest to share one or more of their Holiday Traditions. I can tell who my guests are, but I'd rather be in the spirit of the Holidays and surprise you each day. Hint: there are 12 of them.

In the past my guests have shared recipes, crafts, photos, and ideas to add to your own family traditions.

I'm going to try and share with you each week until December 1st some of my family traditions in a layout. This way my traditions will be preserved for another generation.

Help me spread this word by grabbing my 12 Days of Home for the Holidays badge and linking it back to D's Paper Studio. Thank you for doing such a kindness.

Would you like to have some of your family traditions included in my Pre-December 1st blog post? Send me an email telling about some of your family traditions and I'll include them in my blog post. dspaperstudio@aol.com

Here is my first layout of Christmas Traditions for the Lewis Household.

(combo of Bo Bunny, Graphic 45, MME, Cloud9, and EK Success)

1. Someone in the family always makes a gingerbread house (Jay and Adam). Adam seems to like doing it the most.
2. Each year someone (here it is Jacob) has their photo made with Santa. One year there was no one so Jim and I had our photo made with Santa.
3. We do not let the children come into the room with the Christmas Tree until I get out the camera, Dad gets up and dressed, and of course I have to make a cup of coffee. The excitement was almost to much to bear so they would gather in one person's room and whisper, loudly I might add. LOL

X-Acto Winners:
Denise said...Thanks so much for sharing your tips and talents with a craft knife. I too love using my knife but I am no where as talented as you. I would love to win the knifes and mats. Thanks for the opportunity.

Amy said...
Love these projects! The new easy handle and retractable knife look fabulous! Thank you for the chance to win!!

Congratulations! Send your full name and address to dspaperstudio@aol.com and I'll pass it on to X-Acto. Thank you everyone for the comments and to X-Acto for the awesome giveaways.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. time talking with Will
2. sweet patience of my hubby
3. love my of Tab, Dave, and Little Honey
4. coffee friends
5. for the life God gave me to serve others and take care of myself all to God's Glory

The Cutting Edge! Sponsored Giveaway, X-ACTO

2011-11-06T16:02:00.034-05:00

X-ACTO contacted me to show to how I use X-ACTO around my home. Around my home includes my crafting studio where I've used X-ACTO for years. It was probably the second tool I purchased when I started scrapbooking.

Each year I make a new Christmas Layout that is framed and hangs on the wall as part of our Christmas decorations. This year the subject is Tabitha and her Grandmother in 1980.

How I Used My Designer Series #1 Craft Knife

Designer Series #1 Craft Knife has a more ergonomic grip.

I was able to do some precision cutting with more control with tight corners.

I fancy myself as great at using micro-tip scissors. With precision cutting on photo paper I can't get it quiet as smooth. The X-ACTO knife did a great job. If you look at the layout the 1st and 2nd Reindeer are cut with X-ACTO and the third with micro-tip scissors.

Designer Series Gripster Craft Knife

Still lovin' Pink? This X-ACTO knife is slim lined with a great grip around the middle. It made is easy for me to cut my circles and title.

I was able to cut circles from a pattern paper. Worked great!

Pre-electronic die cutting. I have a few, but rarely use them. This is how I learned to create words and letters. I print my word on the back of my paper in mirror. I use my X-ACTO knife to cut the inside of the letters first then the outside. I love the font and it turned out wonderfully.

How I Used My X-ACTO Retract-A-Blade

I opened this knife, retracted the blade and stuck it in my husband's pants' pocket. He worked out in the shed without any problems of it un-retracting. He was able to fine tune up some of his projects that needed a little trim here and there.

I have Christmas Tree ornaments of all my children and grandchildren made from CDs. This year is Little Honey's first Christmas so I had to get her's made. I could not have done it with my X-ACTO knife. I started with the base. I glued the paper down first with Ranger's Glossy Accent. I used X-ACTO's Retract-A-Blade to cut very close to the CD. In this case I used the clear protector that comes with the CDs.

I added paper, photos and I used some old product packaging to dry emboss. I fastened the plastic to the CD and used X-ACTO Retract-A-Blade to trim it to the CD.

I also used X-ACTO's craft knife to trim around my Fragment and to cut out the Holly.

All Cool Stuff!
I spend too much time cutting out coupons, so I tried the X-ACTO Designer Series #1 craft knife. I zipped through them in no time.
Make stencils for Wall Decor or Decorating your windows for Christmas.
Created Matting and Backing for framed prints.
Trim Wall Paper while hanging.
Clean Paint from Windows

There is so much you can do. Here is a list of 300 ways you can use your X-ACTO craft knife. Creative Knife Uses guide. My favorite is Craving an Egg Shell.

GIVEAWAY
X-ACTO is generously giving away two prize packs which include:

Retract-a-Blade knife
Designer Series Gripster craft knife
Self-healing mat

Leave a comment and spread the word. If they mention your name I'll add your name again to the list as many times as you are mentioned. United States address only. I'll draw two winners Wednesday using Random.org.

Thanks X-ACTO!

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. generosity
2. health
3. my wonderful hubby
4. a visit from Jay
5. God's tapping at my heart

Thankful for Mail!

2011-11-04T05:00:00.001-04:00

I made it through October, the first month, of 52 Weeks of Mail. You wouldn't think sending someone a piece of mail would not be that hard. Just making a card is hard. Then to find a stamp or buy one. Oh, yeah my mailbox is a 5 minute walk from my house. LOL Have I listed enough excuses?

Last week I sent one to a friend and her family. Actually she was one of my students when I taught at the University (CIU). Her and her whole family are incredible and inspiring people. My best memory of Julie is that she was not a morning person! It was good to hear back that the kids really loved the Halloween card. Makes my day.

Since I'm on a Congratulations spin this week I made a card for my niece who is making me a Great Aunt.

The Story
I don't do cards...I don't do cards...I don't do cards. Really, this is what it feels like to sit down and try to make a card. I use to be the same way with stamping. Mmmmm, can I say I'm a bit obsessed with stamps now? Hopefully, I'll get through this and cards will become a great joy to make. I do like the finished product.

The Card
The idea for my card came from one of the Micheal's Arts and Crafts project sheets. their card was very shabby chic or a Tim Holtz style. Mine, not so much.

What I Learned

I need more "word" stamps. I found having to use an alternative word to Congratulations challenging and "magical" was perfect.
I can't make anything without applying ink!
when you are new to card making then make sure you have enough paper to experiment and mess up. This should have been simple scraps, but I went through a whole sheet of the just the base getting it cut right!
Don't put your needles in a safe place so you will remember where they are. It will never happen!

Congratulations to Megan and Edgar! God has given you a great gift in each other and in this new one coming.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. quiet moments in a busy day
2. safety
3. the hard places of life and the glory that is due God for what He makes from them
4. ears that hear and a heart that listens
5. eyes that sparkle and a smile that could stop my world

Congrats To My Baby Sister!

2011-11-02T05:10:00.000-04:00

My sister is going to be enjoying the thrill of being a grandmother. As much as I love being a grandmother I know Cindi will enjoy it beyond her imagination.

I went through my older photos just remembering when Cindi was born. My first memories of Cindi are her crib and above her crib was wall decorations of Winkin, Blinkin, and Nod. My other early memory is that she cried a lot when she was put to bed. Mom made me stand by the crib and pat Cindi on the back until she feel asleep. Sometimes that was a long time. LOL

I created this layout in honor of my sis. The photo is my sister when she was less than a year old.

Stuff in the Layout

Most of the product is older but works marvelously.
Ghost Flowers by Heidi Swapp and Rain Dots by Cloud Nine with Fiskars. I added the Rain Dots to the flowers to define the flower itself and with the upper flower it gave it dimension.
Rub-ons are from Foof-a-La.
The photo corners are from Heidi Swapp.
Clips and Brads from Making Memories.
Stamp of the little girl is from Stamp Camp.
Small frame: I do not know.
The newest products on the page are the Tiny Attacher I used on the Ribbon and photo corners; and Ranger's reinkers for the background, the American Craft's Thickers.
Tim Holtz Distress Inks for the edges.
I was inspired by a layout design in the book Tantalizing Textures.

12 Days of Home for the Holidays
Can you believe December is coming fast?! Soon it will be time for some of my favorite crafty traditions: Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas (I so hope he does it again) and the 12 Days of Home for the Holidays right here on D's Paper Studio. This year I'm going to try and do Ali Edwards' December Daily. What crafty traditions do you have?

Have A Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. seeing my grandchildren having a wonderful time Trick or Treating
2. my family and their support
3. God's mercy as I am imperfect
4. quite moments
5. my grandaughter's smile

Boo! Not A Scary Post

2011-10-31T05:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween! Tis' the day of dress-up for children and adults alike. "Knock, Knock." "Trick or Treat." Anyone give or get Tricked? Some of my best memories of growing up are about Halloween.

This year I went with my daughter and granddaughter to her first Halloween Party. All the kids were totally cute. Even the monsters were not scary! They sang songs, played games, and played on all the equipment. Mr. Jared, LH's instructor, was Hans Solo. It was so much fun.

I could barely wait to scrapbook LH's first Halloween page. Not in the least scary.

The Story
This is LH and me sitting on the trampoline. She is Minnie Mouse. You can tell grandma loves her grand-girl.

The Layout

(i'm frustrated about photographing my layouts...sorry it is crooked once again)

What was Fun!

I cut the scalloped circle using another scalloped 12 x 12 paper traced on to the sheet of My Minds Eye.
I printed Minnine and Blue Bird onto photo paper and cut it using my Fiskars Micro-Tip Scissors.
My photo is still crooked. I think I'm just photographing it wrong. :( Please tell me what I'm doing wrong!
The flowers, lace and bling, and buttons are all from Prima. The paper is from My Minds Eye, cardstock and Thickers are from American Crafts.

Can you believe it's only been 8 months ago that my granddaughter was born? It's like I blinked and time flew by.

Challenge
I would be honored if you were to add my badge for the 12 Days of Home for the Holiday to your blog for the holidays. Right click on the image at the top right hand of the blog. You can link it to http://debbysdares.blogspot.com. You are going to love this year's crafters that will be sharing their traditions for the holidays.

Have a Crafty Day! and BOO!

Gratitude List

1. the precious time I get with my granddaughter
2. my amazing husband
3. seeing Jacob
4. the gift of my son and his wife, Adam and Vanessa
5. God's continual working, calling, and pursuing me to let me know He loves me

Why? Just Because! Halloween Fun

2011-10-26T04:00:00.002-04:00

For no rhyme or reason I decided to create this series of Halloween art with Tattered Angel's Glimmer Chips as my base. I had no goal in mind other than to take these five "chips" (4" x 8") and make Halloween Art. I had so much fun. It was very relaxing.

I used Tim Holtz's Limited Edition Fall Distress Inks on every chip. For me, these are the best colors Tim and Ranger has produced.

I won't bore you with everything I did for each chip, but rather just the techniques I loved doing.

Favorite Technique(s)
I inked two grommets (Making Memories 2007) black with Stazon Jet Black Ink. I added the bat from a Heidi Grace stamp for the eyes eyelashes and added the "eyeballs" with a marker.

Favorite Technique(s) I used Tim Holtz's Tissue Tape (click on the link for the tutorial by Tim) to make my flower. After I made the flower I took the ink applicator and just lightly tipped the edges with the Ripe Persimmon Distress Ink. I added the title A Bootiful Night that came from some older Halloween stickers. I distressed the edges and inked all around. I added it to the flower with a Tim Holtz's Memo Pin.

Favorite Technique(s)
I dipped the flowers in UTEE from my Melt Pot. The flowers already had a grungy, dark look (Prima). I stack them together and secured them with a brad. Once I dipped them into the UTEE the flowers darkened and I was able to quickly "fluff" the petals with my craft tweezers.

Favorite Technique(s)
The gate is already embossed on the chip so I could not put anything behind the gate. I took a rub-on and placed it on the gate. I carefully used my Xacto knife to scrap away any of the rub-on that was on the posts of the gate. When I finished it looked like the gravestone was behind the gate. The illusion is better in person than on camera.

Favorite Technique(s)
I made the "dripping sky" using Tattered Angels' Glimmer Screen and Clear Snap's Smooch Spritz. I laid the screen on my craft mat and spritzed it with the olive green spray. I held up the screen to allow some of the excess to run off. Not too much. I treated the screen and spritz like a stamp and ink. I carefully laid the screen on the chip and used my embossing stylus go up and down lightly on each extension. Actually, this screen is of icicles! I did it a second time. Of all the chips I think I like this one best. Mainly, I like it because of the Edgar Allen Poe reference.

Do I send these out as cards for part of my 52 Weeks of Mail challenge? We'll see.

Thanks for all the tips on the photography for my layouts. If you haven't read them, go to the last post and read the comments for some great advice and tips.

What do you create "just because?"

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. I survived Monkey Joe's
2. making new friends
3. safety, peace, and love from God for a very good friend
4. a very inexpensive fix for my car
5. God's power in this world is never diminished by how little I attribute to His glory

Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch

2011-10-24T06:26:00.000-04:00

Each time I attend the Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show I take of photos of beautiful and trendy layouts. To date I've never really done anything with the photos. Often they end up being deleted. Somehow a photo of one layout from CHA Summer 2010 survived. I've wanted to give it a shot since I've saw it. Well, I did and love it! It will be up there with my favorite.

Note: I did not find a name on the original layout, but thank you. If you are a reader of D's Paper Studio please leave a comment and I'll certainly give credit.

The Story
Little Honey, my granddaughter, went to the pumpkin patch last Friday with her friends. This is my favorite photo of the bunch. The hat is very special. Halloween 2008 my Fiska-friend Pam crochet this witch's hat for me. I wanted to fix it this year for LH. To make it fit I just turned up one edge, added an accent made with flowers from Petaloo, Bo Bunny, and Prima. TaDa!

This is her first Pumpkin Patch, Halloween hat, her first little girl's tights, and (you can't see) her first patent leather shoes. I love firsts!

The Layout

What I Learned

to machine stitch better. By following the original layout I was able to get the narrow but wavy look I love.
the importance of patience and measure more than once to get it right. I spent most of my time on measuring everything.
placement. Before I sewed my frame I wanted to place my buttons down in the order they would be placed. It was so worth the time. I think that's planning before doing...not my strong suit.
the fun is in the details. I hand sewed all the buttons on the paper. I was just going to give them a stitch then glue dot them down. I knew it would not look as neat. Glad I spent the time doing it "right."
I knew the title would be a bit long, but can you beat it?! "cutest Pumpkin in the Patch" By combining the fonts from small with Jenni Bowlin to the larger Pink Paisley it turned out great with the emphasis on the title of the event "Pumpkin Patch."
The paper is Glitz Design and Bo Bunny. The Glitz was given to me about four or five years ago. I still have two sheets in my stash.

This will really be my favorite layout not only for the design but for the photo and the cutey in the photo!

Correction from last Wednesday: Yes, Stephanie the paper is from Glitz Design. See with age goes the mind! LOL Thanks

Bloggers, do you have any tips for photographing layouts? Somehow I never get it quiet straight and now that the days are colder and shorter how do I photography indoors?

Stock up on your hot chocolate, wassail, peppermint tea, or your favorite beverage. 12 Days of Home for the Holidays is certainly going to be warm and inviting as you read 12 crafters holiday traditions, December 1-12. FYI: my favorite beverage for the holidays is Creme Burlee Coffee from Starbucks.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. a fresh new week to start again
2. a really crafty weekend
3. spending time with Jay on his Fall Break
4. Jacob's smile
5. God sheer goodness and mercy to me

Homemade Halloween

2011-10-19T05:47:00.000-04:00

My mother always made my Halloween costumes. I remember a beautiful clown suit. I also remember wearing these very shiny, black boots. I presume it was a witch's costume. Was it Mom? Mom reads my blog just to see what I'm up to!

When Tabitha was 1 year old I made her first costume, a witch. It was so adorable with a cape and hat. I even made the pointed hat. I have made at least two clown costumes that I still have.

There is nothing more fun than a homemade costume for Halloween.

The Story
William and Tabitha, my clown and ghost. The clown outfit was Tabitha's the year before. Three of my children wore this suit over the years. William picked out the hat and face mask. He did not like the make-up. Tabitha wanted to be a ghost so a sheet, a pair of scissors (I wonder if they were Fiskars scissors?) and a quick zip around the sewing machine and there was my easiest costume.

The Layout

What I Learned

It's fun to use the old stash. I haven't purchased any new Halloween papers this year because I have so much from previous years. This I think is Little Yellow Bicycle.
I found some older rub-ons and added the haunted house on the bottom. It turned out better than I thought it would. It looks like the paper was designed that way.
BIGGY: I wanted a spiderweb border. Instead of buying one I used my Heidi Grace spiderweb stamp and stamped my border and cut out one side of the webs. I love my new handmade border "punch"! FYI: As I'm typing this I remember I have an EK Success spiderweb punch. I do like my border better.
I ran out of O's with this set of chipboard letters. I used the inside part of different letters to make my eyes. I used Tim Hotz's Distress Ink, Picket Fence. After it dried I used my Sakura Gel pen to make the eyes. For the finishing touch I added eyelashes from my scraps. Love it!

What fun I had creating this layout. The fun memories and making my own spidey border.

Note: I knew I could not make 52 cards. Now I am behind on the third week. Fortunately, I have cards to spare for mailing. I am so freaked out about making them that it took me forever to scrap a few layouts. I know it must be a mental thing.

Pssssssst...12 Days of Home for the Holidays has some of the most incredible crafters from around the world sharing their holidays right here on D's Paper Studio. Mark your calendar for December 1st!

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. a well Little Honey
2. Jay's Fall break from college
3. strength from God to get up every morning
4. Adam, Vanessa and little Lilly (pup)
5. the wonder of God's world

The SC State Fair...a Two Pager

2011-10-17T03:54:00.000-04:00

Friday was my 34th Wedding Anniversary. 34 years with the same wonderful man. We've had laughter, great hills to climb up, and sheer joy.

Saturday Jim took me to the South Carolina State Fair. We had not been the last few years. I did go with friends for lunch with friends so I saw what was going on.

We explored the Art and Agriculture building. We love seeing all the vegetables. Jim and I have always loved fresh from the garden veggies. We watched Mule sports and nearly died laughing. The dog show was so much fun. Adam and Vanessa are now trying to teach Lilly to jump for the Frisbee. We always love the Hand-Craft exhibit. The wonderful quilts, tatan, woodwork, cakes, etc. were all incredible. Of course I love looking at the Scrapbook pages. We played my favorite game: the water gun race. Lastly, we ate. I really didn't eat anything weird for Fair food. My husband had his traditional donuts. My son did eat Deep Fried Snickers. To me this is a call to have an ambulance standing by for those who have a heart attack eating this stuff. LOL.

I didn't take my camera, but I have photos from a past State Fair that Jim and I attended.

The Story
Really the story carried itself with the exception of pictures of Jim on the cell phone. I took the photos to proved to him he spent an awful lot of time on the phone.

The Layout

What I Learned

I'm still not great at two page layouts.
Do not experiment on the only two sheets of paper (of this design) that you have. I used my Distress Stains to add a little design. As I messed up I kept working to fix it. Until this was the end results. Yuck. Next time try it out first.
I love using multiple photos and this is a great placement I picked up in my blog hopping.
I used original photos. I'm learning to love doing that, but I've got to be more careful. The photo of me and Jim was accidentally cut. Yikes. I didn't want to lose it so I put it back together. Now I have a story in a story.
Fashion always come back around. Most of the paper is older and I loved using it.

I hope you make it to your State Fair/Festival. Jim and I had a wonderful Anniversary time together!

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. my incredible husband
2. my life path that God has chosen for me and has walked me with the whole way
3. Time with Jay this weekend
4. abstaining from fatty fair food
5. holding hands

52 Weeks of snail Mail

2011-10-13T03:00:00.001-04:00

This week starts the challenge of sending out at one piece of snail mail per week for 52 weeks. I'm adding to my challenge. I'm making some type of card then actually mailing it off. I've already sent my first card. It was the Fall Tag from this post. I sent it to my son and his family.

This week I made a Halloween card. Word of warning: I don't do stamping then coloring the stamp. There are very few exceptions. I love my cards to be like my layouts, part of me.

The Card

Ingredients
Core'dinations paper (background)
K & Co paper pad (Fence with Pumpkin)
Fiskars Twinkle Twinkle Squeeze Punch (stars)
Moxxie Autumn Buttons (middle of stars)
Tim Holtz Distress Inks (inked the bottom of the fence)

Here is my question: I sewed through all the layers, all the way around the card. Now the card is "tight" and will not close without a fight. How do I do it differently?

Now the hard part. Who do I send it to?

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. wellness for T and D
2. strength to get through today's humidity
3. a great walk
4. talk to Mom
5. God's protection on my children

Stickers? / Winner of Easy Canvas Prints

2011-10-11T06:21:00.000-04:00

What a marvelous weekend of crafting and resting! I did a lot of "learning" that I'll share with you this week. For now let's get to the good stuff. The winner of the 8 x 10 Easy Canvas Prints canvas is (drum roll please):

True Random Number Generator: Result: 6

Viji Siddharth said...
Oh wow! this is such a cool giveaway! I have always wanted a custom canvas! Thank you for the opportunity to win!

Congratulations Viji! Send your email address to dspaperstudio@aol.com . I'll pass it on to Easy Canvas Prints. Thanks everyone.

Here is the last layout from CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) this summer. The original photo of the layout was not really good so I had to wait until I received it back from Epiphany Crafts. FYI: Epiphany Crafts has a new blog! It is really great.

The layout is of me and my granddaughter. She makes my heart beat.

The biggest stretch for me is the stickers. I'm not keen on stickers unless I really alter them. The flowers were too irresistible not to add to the layout. I did add Epiphany Crafts flower buttons, but for me that's not really "altered." But the journaling block and title? Good Grief it's not my style. Well, not until now. I love how it all came together.

The heart "flowers" was done with machine sewing the stems and adding Epiphany Crafts hearts. Since I was able to use coordinating paper it fit perfectly with the layout.

I want to call this the perfect storm. All things came together to make one of my favorite layouts.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. wee Little Honey
2. relaxing weekend
3. the wealth of a wonderful family and great husband
4. ..."home of the brave."
5. God's gift of true freedom

Nope, Not Halloween

2011-10-05T04:10:00.000-04:00

The Story
These are photos of my son Adam back in the late 80s. My children were very active in the children's program at church. Adam had no problem being on stage and dressing in costumes. He is dressed (1) for a world missions program, (2) a program for a world conference, and (3) as Noah in the whale. He was so much fun to watch on stage. Then he was not shy he jumped in with great enthusiasm.

The Layout

What I Learned

Instead of placing the banner on top of the page I added it to the bottom. To my surprise it really brought out the photos much more.
I had fun using Graphic 45's Magic of Oz product line. The different characters have a special place in my heart. The Wizard of Oz has always been one of my favorite movies.
I've been going through some of my alder albums. I found that a lot of pre-adhesive chipboard letters have come loose and fallen. I decided to start adding more adhesive with my Xyron Sticker Maker.

Note
I had mentioned that Wednesdays will be a day dedicated to my cards for the 52 Weeks of Cards. The challenge doesn't actually start until the 9th, so I will be starting my posts next Wednesday.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. a child's trust
2. sweet sleep
3. wonderful husband
4. safety driving
5. moments of recognition of God's love and care for me

What Do You Do With All Those Wallet Photos?

2011-10-03T04:32:00.000-04:00

I have purchased way too many photo packages of my four children through the years. When the children were babies the sales people had me. I wanted every shot in every size. I have been going back through our professional photos only to find way too many photos of the kids.

I recently saw a layout on Facebook (which I bookmarked and lost) with a wonderful photo arrangement that I loved using what looked like wallet photos. I pulled out the box of professional photos and dug until I had enough photos of Adam, child number three, to create a layout using the photo placements.

The Story

There are too many stories in this layout. In columns: the second column from the right is two photos of Adam when we lived in Tennessee. I was a student and a friend would keep Adam supplied with some of the sportiest clothes. He knew how to "work it" with the photos! In the second column from the left, top photo is Adam first Christmas. The first column from the left is Adam dedication (like infant baptism, but not) photo. There are so many memories tied up with this one layout.

The Layout

What I Learned

I'm still skid-dish about using original photos, but one purpose was to get the photos out of the box and onto the page.
The song by Roger Miller and later Glenn Campbell, "Old Toy Trains," reminded me so much of my husband's love of trains and took pride in "helping" the kids play with them. When I hear the song it makes me look back at their childhood. I could not resist using Graphic 45's Playtime Past and adding the song to the journaling.
I'm running out of a, e, o letters. I decided to mix it up and have every word out of a different font. Not bad.
I'm glad I've kept my G45 scraps. The balls, Engine block, and checkered paper were left over pieces from another layout. If you collect your scraps, don't let anyone tell you not to. After a few years you might want to think about it.
I'm very happy about the way the photo arrangement turned out.

Orange Blog Hop

Wow! I learned quite a few new techniques I hope to use and share them with you. 34 different blogs in one weekend. I'm very thankful for all the Fiskateers that participated in the Orange Blog Hop. I appreciate all of you that hop along each of the blogs. You made our weekend with your comments and encouragement.

Winner of the Fiskars Halloween stamps per Random.org

True Random Number Generator

Result: 31 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Laney said...

Beautiful tags Debbie. I am a new follower and my favorite orange tool is my trimmer. Without it I would be making crazy cuts.

Congratulations! Send your mailing address to dspaperstudio@aol.com. Thanks everyone.

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. loads of rest, scrapbooking, and house cleaning this weekend

2. time with Jim

3. cool days

4. getting ready for the holidays

5. God's goodness even when things are rough

2nd Annual Orange Blog Hop: Lovin' the New Distress Inks!

2011-10-01T03:23:00.005-04:00

Welcome to the Orange Blog Hop where Fiskateers get an opportunity to share their passion for crafting. If you have arrived here from the Fiskateers Blog then you are in the right place. If you have "dropped in" for a spot of inspiration then please do join us on our adventure this weekend.

If you get lost remember to check back with the Fiskateers blog. They have all the blogs listed.

Your next stop will be Lindy's blog, Veni Vidi Scrappy!

Happy World Card Making Day! Isn't funny this comes right after my declaration to make one card a week to mail? LOL

Thursday I made a CD card for my granddaughter. I used the Orange Blog Hop to take the opportunity to make more cards. I don't think you will find me making very many traditional cards. They are beautiful, but when I have to make them I freak out. Instead I created three tags that will be used as cards for friends this month.

Let the Orange Flow
"Orange" for Fiskateers means the awesome line of crafting products from Fiskars. I took it both ways: the color orange and Fiskars tools.

I finally had a chance to use Tim Holtz's new Limited Edition Fall Colors of his Distress Inks. They are rich and beautiful. They come in a pack of three: seedless preserves, ripe persimmon, and gathered twigs.

Tag One

Fiskars Products:
Paper Crimper
Trimmer and Micro-Tip Scissors (my personal favorite)
Scalloped Border Punch
Easy Stamp Press

Tag Two

Fiskars Products:
Trimmer
Mirco-soft Scissors
Stamps
Easy Stamp Press

Tag Three

Fiskars Products
Trimmer
Micro-tip Scissors
Stamps
Leave it to Weaver border punch
Scalloped border punch
Easy Stamp Press

Giveaway
I never thought when I started to scrapbook that I would fall so totally in love with stamping. I want to share my passion for stamps with you. Follow D's Paper Studio by Join this Site and becoma a follower or follow by email. Then leave a comment tell me your favorite "Orange" product.

I'll announce a winner on Monday's blog post chosen via Random.org. The winner will receive Fiskars Halloween Night clear acrylic stamps.

Have A Crafty Day!

Don't forget to head on over to Veni Vidi Scrappy for the next stop in the Orange Blog Hop.

Gratitude List

1. watching brother and sister grow
2. God's overflowing abundance
3. remember God has this thing planned out and nothing in the world is going to happen without Him
4. meeting new people
5. strength to get through baby's My Gym

I'm Going Postal

2011-09-29T06:06:00.000-04:00

I am taking a stand! I'm old fashion and I like "Happy Mail" much more than an email, card, etc. I wrote this on my Facebook Wall this week.

"I'm I old or what. It seems like the art of personal invitations is going by the wayside. Now you can email your Wedding Invitations, send birthday professional cards from American Greetings via email, post a shower invite on Facebook, text birthday party invitations...if you really want me to show up send me a REAL invitation. Good Grief."

Many of you know I'm not great at making cards, but I'm taking on another part of my journey.

52 Weeks of Mail, brought to you by Etsy Greetings Team, is designed to encourage people to be more intentional about relationships and keeping in touch with friends and family by sending out a card or letter each week, for the next year. I don't know about you, but I LOVE getting a personal, hand-written card or letter in the mail.

Throughout 52 Weeks of Mail, we are asking everyone to commit to sending just ONE card or letter each week. You can send more than one, of course! 52 Weeks of Mail BEGINS on October 9th, 2011, and ends on October 7th, 2012 .

Isn't that incredible? Well, I'm committed to making cards and sending them to my family and friends.

Here is a blog that is totally and completely way out there. Did you know "If it's 13 oz or less it can be mailed. She has mailed a flip flop, a bottle of pencils, round balls, and more. Check it out. " If it's Thirteen Ounces or Less."

I'm making my cards starting now so I can get ahead for those days I'm busy or out of town. This is a CD with American Craft paper and embellishments. I glued down the embellishments with a strong glue so hopefully they will not come off. I'm going to put the address on the back along with a couple of stamps. It will be interesting if it really goes.

So Wednesday is going to become Card Day each week in walking through my crafting journey. I need to conquer this inability to make cards. This time next year I will have sent at least 52 cards not counting Christmas.

How about you? No signing up. Just commit and determine to do it. Leave a comment if you are going to give it a try. Remember not to stress yourself out. If you miss some weeks it's no biggy. Just give it a try and come walk with me.

Orange Blog Hop

Don't Forget the Orange Blog Hop this Saturday and Sunday. There will be lots of inspiration, tutorials, and giveaways. Several are giving away Fiskars tools. This is a don't miss Blog Hop!

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. walking and losing some weight
2. my Jay
3. my husband who continues to support and love me
4. my friend Ruth, who is so creative and has a commitment to the things of God
5. the breath God gives me each moment

Finally Finished: Little Honey Has a Scarf!

2011-09-27T05:52:00.000-04:00

I posted earlier about my adventures in knitting. Since I watch/play with my granddaughter during the weekdays it is hard to get a lot of scrapbooking done. I have done a few pages and a little album, but as LH becomes more active and sleeps less it hard to get started. I needed another outlet to create. Thus knitting.

I did not have time to take classes so I searched the internet for how-to videos. Let me qualify that. I searched for how-to videos that worked! Many times I had to take information from one video and that of another to make it work. Then it was just a matter of practice. LOL I did a lot of that.

I finally finished my little scarf for my granddaughter. It's not perfect, but there are no holes from dropped stitches. LOL I took one of my beautiful Prima flowers and attached it to a hair bow to create an accent piece.

The Unveil

Links that Helped
Knitting Tips by Judy --two thumbs up!
Knitting Help -- 1 1/2 thumbs up. Great for Long-Tail Cast-on
Cyber Seams -- 1 3/4 thumbs up. For beginners the very end where you cut the yarn it wasn't clear.

I plan on learning new stiches from Tips by Judy. They look so cool.

Attention! Watch Out! Here They Come!

October 1st and 2nd the greatest blog hop event takes place. This is a blog hop full of inspiration, how-tos, and at times giveaways! It's the Orange Blog Hop.

The Orange Blog Hop is made up of Fiskateers. Fiskateers is a community of crafters (Fiskars Brand) that love to share the passion for crafting.

Saturday morning the event opens and go through Sunday midnight. The starting blog is at the Fiskateers Blog. I hope to run into you Hopping!

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List

1. crafting fun
2. smiles
3. hilarious moments
4. my world
5. God's crafting of my life and the path I go in this life

D's Paper Studio

One Sketch Week

How's Your Winter Going?

All I Can Say Is Break Out the Cute!

Using Up the Stash!

Trains Are In!

Art Journal--Mine, Right?

Pinterest, Enthusiasm , and Hilarity

Some Reality When It Comes to Adhesive

Got Sketch? Bo Bunny Challenge

Got Time? Tutorial and Giveaway!

New Year, New Word, New Paper Adventure

2011: A Very Great Year!

Completion of My December Daily...New Year's Comin'

From Me to You

A Happy Exhaustion, December Daily 13-19

December Daily Days 7-12 & Happy Chanukah!

First Time Around ... December Daily 1-6

12 Days of Paint, Ink, Stain, and Windex!

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Tammy Tutterow

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Cheryl Waters

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Michelle Cummings

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Tiffany Windsor

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Katrina Kennedy

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Roni Johnson

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Erin Bassett

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Aly Dosdall

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Hilde Janbroers-stolk

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Patti Milazzo

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Francine Clouden

12 Days of Home for the Holidays: Ali Edwards

Do You Leave Santa Cookies? Sneek at First Guest for 12 Days of Home for the Holidays

Finally Finished My Foundation for December Daily, Giveaway Winner

"What Was I Looking For?"---Giveaway

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas-52 Weeks of Mail

I Feel The December Overload!

From Home Decor to Scrapbook Layout

Thanks To Our Veterans

Celebrate Tradition! Winners of X-Acto Giveaway

The Cutting Edge! Sponsored Giveaway, X-ACTO

Thankful for Mail!

Congrats To My Baby Sister!

Boo! Not A Scary Post

Why? Just Because! Halloween Fun

Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch

Homemade Halloween

The SC State Fair...a Two Pager

52 Weeks of snail Mail

Stickers? / Winner of Easy Canvas Prints

Sponsored Giveaway: Easy Canvas Prints

Nope, Not Halloween

What Do You Do With All Those Wallet Photos?

2nd Annual Orange Blog Hop: Lovin' the New Distress Inks!

I'm Going Postal

Finally Finished: Little Honey Has a Scarf!