Tuesday, December 8, 2009

:FIVE FAVES: Giftmaking ideas...

Whether it's due to a tighter budget or because you simply enjoy the act of creating, you might find yourself crafting more handmade or altered projects to give as gifts this holiday season.

If you still have someone on your list, it's not too late. You still have time to craft a beautiful and heartfelt gifts that are sure to please.

Here's a few items currently available that will help you get started!


#1 - Kaisercraft - Beyond the Page Collection - Advent Calendar Kit
An Advent calendar is a great tradition to start with your own family or gift to any family with young children.


How many people do you know that don't have a calendar in their home and/or at the office? Yup, a calendar is a pretty universal gift and you can customize it to fit anyone on your list!


Sometimes choosing the pieces can be the hardest (and most time-consuming) part of creating a gift album. Let a leading manufacturer make it easy for you by choosing this merry little mini album as the start of one festive gift.

Again, just like the calendar, a clock is a pretty universal gift. Fill the insets with photos, patterned paper or some combination thereof and embellish to your hearts desire to craft the perfect time keeper for someone you love.


#5 - Making Memories - Mistletoe Collection - Christmas - Recipe Book Kit
Do you have a foodie or a newlywed on your list? A homemade recipe album full of gourmet (or quick & easy) recipes is the perfect fit!

For more ideas, see the : GIFT PICKS : sidebar on the right! In case you can't tell, Kaisercraft has some AMAZING gift-giving products!!
:FIVE FAVES: Giftmaking ideas...SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Monday, December 7, 2009

:REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Vintage Hip Christmas Crafts from Ella Publishing

Since the inception of Ella Publishing earlier this year, I have been very impressed with the quality and variety of eBooks that they have launched.

Just in time for the holidays, they have a wonderful new eBook perfect for those that wish to create projects with a festive flair.

Vintage Hip Christmas Crafts is written by Margie Romney-Aslett. Romney-Aslett has been a well-known name in the scrapbooking industry for many years and I love the fact that she brought in her daughters, Megan and Brooke, to help provide inspirational projects for this mini idea book!

The eBook includes 9 projects including step-by-step instructions with detail shots and complete supply lists. They outline exactly what to gather, how to prepare, and finally, how to assemble each project. These elements are often overlooked in many idea books, yet they are so very important to any crafter who wishes to replicate a craft project.

There are 3 sections - layouts, garlands, and gift items.

One aspect that I love about this book is that each section includes 3 projects. Each project within the section progresses in level of skill and difficulty. The are labeled as 'Super Simple', 'Sorta Simple' and 'Artsy Fartsy' so there really is something for everyone!

One of my personal favorite projects in the book is one featuring a holiday garland made using circle punches. I do love my circle punches and this would be one great way to give them a workout for sure!



At the end of this 26 page eBook, there are also three bonus holiday cards as well as several templates to offer you further assistance in creating the projects in the book.

To check out the other great Ella Publishing Co. eBooks, check out their website.

All of their current titles can now also be purchased for instant download at Scrapbook.com!

GIVEAWAY:
Would you like to have a chance at Margie's book? Sign up for the Ella Publishing newsletter here and then leave me a comment once you've done so and you'll be entered to win!

As an added bonus, every NEW Ella Publishing newsletter subscriber who includes their email as part of their comment by the contest deadline will get a emailed coupon for $3 off any eBook direct from Lain Ehmann herself , the CEO if Ella Publishing Co.!!

In essence, every new subscriber will be a winner!!

Speaking of deadlines...the deadline to enter this giveaway will be Thursday, December 10th, 2009, 11:59 p.m. I will announce the winner of the Margie's eBook on Friday, the 11th.

GOOD LUCK!
:REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Vintage Hip Christmas Crafts from Ella PublishingSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Sunday, December 6, 2009

:ALTERED PROJECT: Advent Calendar

I've wanted to make an Advent calendar for a couple of years now and finally got around to it over Thanksgiving break this year.

I had mentioned in my review post for Scrapbook Trends Holidays idea book, there was an Advent calendar included in that issue the really encouraged me to get it done in time for this year's holiday season.

Here's the spread that included my inspiration.



The canvas in my inspiration piece was unaltered, but I wanted to add something a little extra, so I decided to give it a crackle texture.

First, I painted it with a deep red that would coordinate well with the patterned papers that I would be using.



While that layer was drying, I started to work on the layered squares that would hold the 24 tins.

I cut a 2 3/4 inch square in a deep brown as the foundation for each tin.

Then, I cut a 2 5/8 inch square to layer over the top and punched a 2 inch circle from the same design of patterned paper. The circles would later be used to embellish the lid of my tins.

Each square has a different patterned paper - 24 patterns in total.

I also punched 24 2 1/2 inch scalloped circles. These were all a solid cardstock and I used three different colors - deep red, deep green and a lighter green.

Then, I loosely matched up all my sets.



Next, I rounded the corners on my 2 5/8 inch squares and inked the edges of all my layers - circles and squares alike.

Then it was time to adhere the 2 5/8 inch patterned squares to the 2 3/4 inch brown squares. I then adhered the 2 1/2 inch scalloped circle to the 2 5/8 inch square, choosing the solid color that coordinated best with each pattern.



By this time, my layer of red paint was dry on my canvas and it was time to add the crackle medium.

Ohhh...shiny...



Now, while that layer was drying, I started working on the actual embellishment of the 24 tins.

Again, each tin is embellished uniquely. No two are the same. The only thing that ties them together are the number stickers that I used by Making Memories to countdown from 24 to 1.



Once the crackle medium was dry, I added a layer of cream colored paint.

In this case, it was actually FUN to watch the paint dry and see the crackle finish appear!!



Once the last layer of paint was dry, it was time to adhere all the squares and tins. I attached the tins using velcro tabs so that they can be removed from the canvas.

I printed the title, embellished with rub ons and added to the canvas as the finishing touch!



All that was left was to add a piece of candy to each tin. Kaitlin's been enjoying this little treat each day as we count our way down to Christmas!!

The great thing is that no full sheets of patterned paper were harmed in the making of this project! :-) It was a great way for me to use up bits and pieces of holiday-themed scrapbook papers that I had left over from previous years.

I also got the canvas (14" x 18") at Hobby Lobby when it was on sale for 50% off and I used a 40% off coupon for the tins which I actually found in the wedding aisle and came in a box of 24 - how perfect!

So, overall, this was a pretty cheap project to complete considering it's size.

Here's a few more pictures of the finished product.







I'd love to know what you think!! Please leave me a comment...

Supplies:
Canvas: Master's Touch
Favor Tins: Hobby Lobby
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye, Making Memories, Basic Grey, SEI
Rub ons: Pink Paislee
Gems: My Mind's Eye, unknown
Buttons: Unknown
Metal Signs: Making Memories
Epoxy Stickers: Making Memories
Number Stickers: Making Memories
Brads: Prima, Making Memories
Flowers: Prima
Metal/Gem Snowflakes: Favorite Findings (Wal-Mart)
Circle Punches: Marvy
Corner Rounder: Marvy
Scallop Border Punch: Fiskars
Paint: Americana
Crackle Medium: Folk Art
Velcro: Velcro
:ALTERED PROJECT: Advent CalendarSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Saturday, December 5, 2009

:SPONSORS: December 2009 Sponsors

FEATURED SPONSORS:

TESSA ANN:
Tessa Ann's handmade buttons are just the cutest thing EVER!

Her unique designs and vivid colors make them truly an element that will add that little something that makes your layout or crafting project extra special!

You MUST check out her etsy shop today!

Also, if you visit her blog this coming Monday (December 7, 2009), she is hosting a giveaway for a $10.00 Gift Certificate to her shop just in time for a little holiday gift for yourself (or someone else if you're feeling equally generous)!

GET IT SCRAPPED!

As always, Get it Scrapped! has some great new course options available right now!!

Some are guided and some are self-paced, but there is certainly something for everyone considering their wide variety of titles!

Check out all their current and upcoming class offerings here!

NICOLE LOMBARDO

Nicole is an amazing artist and every month she's got some great new custom designed die-cuts in her etsy shop.

Here's one new one that caught my eye on my last visit...just in time your holiday layouts and other craft projects!

--------------------------------------------------------

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING A SPONSOR OF THE AMOM BLOG? If so, please contact me and I would be happy to provide you with further details.
:SPONSORS: December 2009 SponsorsSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Thursday, December 3, 2009

:GIVEAWAY WINNER: Holidays Idea Book by Scrapbook Trends

Thanks again for all the wonderful comments on my review post of the Holidays Idea Book by Scrapbook Trends! It was so fun to read all of them and see which are popular. There are lots of you out there that have a special yearly ornament tradition, for sure!!

The contest ended last night, so it's time to announce the winner of a free copy of one great idea book...just in time for the holidays!!

According to Random.org...



#5 is the lucky winner tonight!



Congrats, Kelly!! Watch you inbox for an email from me with further details on how to claim your prize!

Stay tuned...more great giveaways to come!
:GIVEAWAY WINNER: Holidays Idea Book by Scrapbook TrendsSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

:MEMORYWORKS EXPRESS: December 2009 Kit - "Snowbird"

This month's kit is coordinated perfectly for capturing the melody all of those sparkling winter memories...

Simple and elegant, "Snowbird" is a chilly blend of wintertime whites, icy blues, and beautiful reds. You'll adore all of the frosty page enhancements and crystal embellishments that come along with this kit.


Patterned Paper
{1} 12x12 Flocked Winter Song (SEI)
{1} 12x12 Flocked Sweet Holly (SEI)
{1} 12x12 Merriest Tale (Fancy Pants)
{1} 12x12 Snowy Serenade Crystals (Bo Bunny)
{1} 12x12 Snowy Serenade Concerto (Bo Bunny)
{1} 12x12 Snowy Serenade Overture (Bo Bunny)
{1} 12x12 Hollyberry Song (Creative Imaginations)

Solid Cardstock
{1} 12x12 Island Mist Medium (Prism)
{1} 12x 12 Blush Red Dark (Prism)
{1} 12x12 Tawny Light (Prism)
{1} 12x12 White (Prism)

Embellishments
{1} 12z12 Blizard Transparency (Fancy Pants)
{6} Windsong Designer Brads (SEI)
{1} Red Glitter Letters (G.C.D.)
{3} White Glitter Florals (Heidi Swapp)
{6} Mini Snowflake Chipboard (Maya Road)
{3} Crystal Trinket Pins (Maya Road)
{4} Page Bird Coaster (Maya Road)
{1} Crystal Flourish (Zva)
{6} White Glitter Buttons (American Crafts)
{1} 8x8 Clair De Lune Rub-on (Fancy Pants)
{1} Yard 3/8" Dark Red Two Tone Ribbon (May Arts)
{1} Yard 1/2" White with Red Swirl Ribbon (Creative Impressions)

Bonus Cards
{4} 5.5 x 8.5 Island Mist Medium (Prism)
{4} 5.5 x 8.5 Island Mist Light (Prism)
{4} 5.5 x 8.5 Tawny Light (Prism)
{4} 5.5 x 8.5 White (Prism)
{4} 5.5 x 8.5 Blush Red Dark (Prism)
{5} 5 3/4 x 4 3/8 White Envelopes

ALL FOR ONLY $29.95!! (plus $6.50 S&H)

Take a look at the amazing projects the MemoryWorks Design Team created using this yummy kit in this month's free Idea Express download!

If you are interested in this kit or subscribing to the MemoryWorks Express Kit Program, please contact me today for further details!
:MEMORYWORKS EXPRESS: December 2009 Kit - "Snowbird"SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

:CHRISTMAS BOOK COUNTDOWN: The countdown starts TODAY!

Thank you all for the wonderful comments about your favorite holiday traditions to this post!

I can see that my family shares the same treasured traditions with many of you and you've also given me some great ideas for beginning some new traditions as well!

Last year, I shared one of my favorite traditions here on my blog - The Christmas Book Countdown.


Basically, we read a holiday-themed book each night starting December 1 through Christmas Eve (of course, that night is always 'The Night Before Christmas'). It took a couple years to collect enough books and last year was the first year we have a full countdown from the 1st to the 24th.

Last year I actually wrapped each book, so it was like opening a present every night for Kaitlin! This year I ran out of time, so I just put the numbers on and mixed them up so she'll have to search through the basket for the right number.

Here's the list of books that fill our Countdown Basket:
While, we generally like all the stories, I bolded a few of our absolute favorites.

I am hoping to keep collecting holiday books so that we can switch out a few from year to year and that's where I could use your help.

Do you have a favorite holiday book (or two) that isn't already on my list above?? If so, please do leave a comment to let me know the title and author if possible so that I can look them up and add them to my wish list!!
:CHRISTMAS BOOK COUNTDOWN: The countdown starts TODAY!SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend