It's my life

December Daily 2012, Day 1 and Class Information

Well, my December Daily is all ready to go and I have completed my first page.  Some of you might remember that I am teaching a class on how to put this album together, Saturday, December 8th, so I wanted to show a little of the process to those who are participating so that they can gather their own things for each day this week so during class time they can catch up on their own album.

Here is the cover which has been finished for some time and I have already shared.

Here is a picture of Day 1.  I wish I had thought to take a picture of it before I started the finishing process but I forgot to.  I did take a before picture of Day 2 so at least you can see the transformation for that page.

I am using the Teresa Collins Christmas Countdown Kit which is brand new this year.  I absolutely love it. The size is perfect and I love the three ring binder so I can add as many extra pages as I want.  There are three tabbed dividers. In the first section I will have all of my daily pages.  In the second section I am planning on documenting special foods and recipes that we like during the holidays and the third tab will be for all the family gatherings we will be attending when we go to Florida to visit after Christmas.

A December Daily should be a no stress fun way to document one or two things that are happening in your life on each day of December.  Some days I will take pictures, like I did today, and other days I will fill my page with thoughts, or quotes, or other important information.  I think the key is to have fun.

A goal of mine this year is to do more journaling than I normally do.  I have a hard time with journaling and so I am going to take this opportunity to really challenge myself.

Here is the start of Page 2.  I have put some embellishments and the date on each of the pages but I am sure that once finished it won't be as bare.

So here are some things to think about as you prepare for your December Daily album.

• Did something special happen that I could document either with a picture or journaling.
• Do I have a tradion that I want to document.
• Are there any goals that I have for December that I want to document.
• Did I get together with family or friends to do something special.
• Did I watch a holiday movie or show that day.
• My favorite holiday things, such as movies, songs, colors, decorations, presents, traditions.
• My holiday shopping experience.
• My wish list or that of my kids.
• Something special that I did for others.
• Something special that someone did for me or my family.
• Remembering holidays of the past.

Oh the list could go on and on, but hopefully that is a good start for you.  I used December 1st to document a tradition that we do each year on the first day of the month and how Garrett got to participate for the first time but maybe you will have something different that you want to document.

Please stop by tomorrow so you can see Day 2.  I will try to post a new page each day but if I don't I will be sure to catch up the day after.  For those taking my class, I suggest that you have envelopes or sandwich baggies labeled for Day 1- Day 7 and be sure to put down your thoughts or ideas plus any pictures that you might have for that day inside the envelope.  It will help you stay ahead of the game.

Supplies you will need for class:  (please check back as this list might change)

• paper trimmer
• scissors
• favorite adhesive for small things
• foam adhesive  (if you know me, I use these a lot!)
• black journaling pen
• circle punches
• ruler
• glue dots, craft and mini size
• small Xyron 'X'
• bone folder
• Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher and staples or small stapler

As of right now, there are only 3 spots left in the class.  Please contact me as soon as possible if you would like to either get a kit or participate in the class.

 

New Kit in the Simply Scrapbook Pages Store

My latest kit is available in the Simply Scrapbook Pages online store today and I will actually be adding a couple more later this week.  Today's layout has a Christmas theme and is created using the brand new Carta Bella Merry & Bright paper and stickers.  

You can purchase this kit and other here at the Simply Scrapbook Pages online store or email me if you live locally and we can arrange a pickup.  All of my current kits are also available at The Scrapbook Princess.

Announcing My December Daily Kit for 2012

I am so excited to share that I have put together a December Daily Kit/Class this year.  I have chosen to use Teresa Collins' kit with a lot of extras.  I'm still putting the final touches on the inside pages but I thought I might share a picture of the cover.  The book is a three ring binder that measures about 8x10.  Everything that you need besides your pictures and your basic supplies will be included.  I promise you are going to love it!

The class will be held at The Scrapbook Princess on December 8th, which I know is a little past the first of December but it just happens to be how the schedule works out.  If you are attending, I will be helping you get prepared for the first week prior to the class by sending you an email giving you tips about how to document your days without your book in your hands.  There are a limited number of kits available so if you are interested in one please email me right away.  If you can't make it to the class you are more than welcome to buy a kit.  Pictures of each page will be provided.

I'm really excited about this project.  It will be the first time that I do a December Daily officially and I can't wait to get started.  I'll be posting more as it gets closer to the date but don't wait to sign up, these kits will go fast!

December 8, 2012, kit/class price is $35

Fall Is Here

There are so many fun things going on in this mini album, and I want to tell you all about it, so here is a warning.  Lots of pictures and a very long post.  Hope you get inspired.

Here is the front of my mini book that I made for Lori Whitlock's blog post.  I really love making mini albums but I have to confess that I was getting a little bored with the front cover, inside pages, back cover, rectangular albums with rings.  I wanted to try something new and Lori has just what I was looking for and more.  This is not the only new album in the store right now, so I will be having a lot of fun in the future playing with all of the different styles of mini albums.  I shared my Halloween one last week.

So this is the cover of the box that holds the 5x5 mini album.  It was only two pieces and so easy to put together.  Just a little glue on the tabs and it was done.  The decorative panels are also part of the file so you can put it together in a snap.  Two other things I want to mention about this cover.  First the orange gingham patterned paper is actually from a digital scrapbooking file.  Lori has her digital scrapbook files over at JessicaSprague.com and I had picked it up just a couple of weeks ago.  It was really easy to print.  I just loaded my 12x12 white Bazzill paper into my printer and printed the file from Photoshop.  It turned out really nice.  The other element you might notice is the tree with the fall leaves.  This is actually a Print and Cut file that I had purchased at the Silhouette store awhile back.  Print and Cut is my most favorite technique to use on the Silhouette.  I just printed it with registration marks on my printer and then placed that paper onto the mat and cut.  It's really so easy.  Sounds complicated but really easy as pie.

Here is the cover of the mini book.  You can see more papers from the Fall Fling digital papers by Lori Whitlock.  The yellow stripe, the orange gingham, and tone on tone green chevron papers all came from that file.  I used a couple of die cuts from Lori's store to decorate the front. 

This mini is put together like a book similar to the Halloween album I created.  The two holes where the twine comes through is already cut for you so you just pull it through the holes and tie a bow.  So so cute and so so easy.

 I just loved that little owl so I just had to cut him out.  A tip:  Those little black eyes are the tiniest cuts.  I just cut out all 4 pieces for the eyes from white paper and then colored the pupil parts with a black Copic marker.  A lot easier than changing your paper.

Here are the inside pages.  The file contains the decorative shape for the backround paper, rounded corners and all.  I love that.  It makes it so easy.  You might also notice some fun journaling cards. These are from the Digital Scrapbooking Fall Fling Elements pack by Lori Whitlock in the Jessica Sprague store.

I just printed them out using Photoshop onto white paper and then cut them out with my trimmer.  

The banners were also part of the Elements pack.  Here is the center of the album.  You can see the twine that acts as the binding.  If you are making the album, you will notice that the inside pages are just slightly different.  The spine on each is just a little smaller than the next.  This way the pages fit nicely into each other and are easy to turn.  I really like how it is constructed.  Pretty brilliant Lori!

Well, thank you, if you have made it this far.  I did warn you though. :)  Here are the supplies that you will need to complete my album as is.  If you have any questions please feel free to leave them in the comment section.  I love to hear from people who visit my blog and you never know when a RAK might appear for some lucky commenter.

Have a terrific day!  xoxo, Christine

Supplies:

 

Lori Whitlock 5x5 Album with Box die cut file

Lori Whitlock Tall Owl die cut file

Lori Whitlock 4 Fall Titles

Lori Whitlock Print and Cut Fall Tree die cut file (Silhouette Store)

Lori Whitlock Digital Fall Fling Scrapbook Papers 

Lori Whitlock Digital Fall Fling Scrapbook Elements

Echo Park Colored Cardstock, red and orange

White Bazzill Cardstock

Twine from The Twinery

Copic Marker, Black and Brown

 

 

Halloween String Tied Mini Pocket Album

Just a couple more Halloween projects to show before the big day arrives.  I am really looking forward to it this year because Garrett will actually going out to trick or treat this year.  I'm sure we won't make it too far but it's going to be fun.  We've already tried on his costume, and he loves wearing it.  Speaking of his costume, my Mom makes my kids costumes every year. We picked out the cutest pattern, he is going to be a zebra, and so I thought I would make her a little mini brag book to say thank you and help her to show off her newest grandson and her excellent sewing skills too.

Let me tell you that this was the easiest mini album that I have ever put together.  Lori has constructed it so that the spine is flat like a book and the pockets fold and fit inside each other.  I had this mini album cut out and assembled in less than 5 minutes. Then I cut out the title and the cute little witch's hat for the front cover.  I used the Outline feature in my Silhouette program to cut the shadow behind the title Boo.  The base of the book was cut in all black but I wanted to have some color on the flap so I recut the flap and cut the end of it off and just positioned it a little bit past the edge so some of the black base was showing.  The patterned paper I used is Doodlebug's Haunted Manor.  I love the bright colors of this line and the cute characters.  Totally my style!!

The pockets just need a little adhesive.  I used Scor Tape for ease and sturdiness and then used three colors of twine from The Twinery to bind the two pages together.  The holes for the binding are already cut for you.  All you have to do is feed them through from the center and tie a bow on the outside. What you end up with is 4 pockets, 8 sides including fronts and backs.  Lots of places for pictures. 

Here is a closeup of one of the pages.  I used some fun and bright Doodlebug Haunted Manor paper.  I also cut out some cute little bats from Lori's shop.

Here you can see how inside the pockets are journaling cards or more spaces for pictures.  All of the pieces you need to cut the album are included, even the journaling cards.  Here you can also see the way the twine is binding the pocket pages together.

Here you can see the front flap of the mini album.  I adhered a button on it for decoration and will use some velcro on the back of it to secure the mini album close.

Here is the last pocket of the mini album.  I think Garrett's Grandma is going to love this little book.  This project was super cute and super easy.  Just how I like it.

The mini book is featured on Lori Whitlock's blog and so you'll want to stop by there to see fun Halloween projects.   

Supplies used from Lori Whitlock:  Mini Album with Pockets, Halloween Bat Set, Halloween Words, Witch Hat

Other Supplies:  Patterned Paper: Haunted Manor, Doodlebug, Button:Doodlebug, Adhesive: Scor Tape, Cardstock: Bazzill

Lori Whitlock's Awesome Autumn Blog Hop

Today is a very special day and if you have come from Amanda Jones blog then you are in the right place. If you didn't know about the Lori Whitlock Awesome Autum blog hop and you just happened along, you'll definitely want to start at Lori Whitlock's blog, so that you can collect all of the letters for the fabulous freebie that she is giving away.  In fact, I have a letter that you can collect right now!  It's the letter I!  Click on the picture below or click here.  I can't wait to collect all the letters myself to make a banner for my home on Thanksgiving Day!

Not only do we have freebies, but we have stunning fall projects for you to see and a special discount coupon for Lori's shop for 30% off your entire purchase.  That is a fantastic savings!  You'll find the coupon and the last big news at the end of my post.

But now, I want to share with you the layout that I created using some of Lori's fall diecut files.  The first file I used was the kraft background shape that you see.  The 12 x 12 Background Pack 1 contains 12 different shapes.  They are all such fun it was hard to choose which one I wanted to use.  After I cut the shape, I stamped leaves from a Hero Arts stamp set in Versamark all over it.  Then I layered it on a polka dotted background paper from Lily Bee's latest fall line, Autumn Spice.  I also added some other patterned paper from the same line on the bottom as an accent.  Then I cut my title, Autumn Leaves.  It is part of this fall file, called 4 Fall Titles.  I think there are so many possibilities with this title and the rest of the cuts in the file.

Next I cut my leaves from this file, 8 Fall Leaves.  I really love texture on a scrapbook page so I decided to cut the leaves out of fabric.  I used a type of fabric called Drill.  It's not as heavy as canvas and not as light as a heavy muslin so it goes through my Silhouette easily yet still maintains it's shape after spritzing and distressing.  To cut the Drill, I ironed on some fusible web to the back of it and then made sure to set my Silhouette Cameo to multi cut.  Then I spritz them with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist and dried them with my heat gun.  The last step was to rub some brown distress ink on the edges.  The bottom leaves were attached with regular adhesive and the top one was attached with foam adhesive.  I really loved how they turned out.

The next file I used is the Fall Flourish.  When I saw it, I just knew I wanted to incorporate it into a layout somehow.  It is so dainty and detailed.  This time I just cut it with one patterned paper, from the Autumn Spice line, in order to keep within the scheme of the layout, but I can see me cutting it out in the future in a brown color and then adding second cuts to the leaves with multiple colors of patterned paper.  

The last part of my scrapbook page that I would like to tell you about is the acorn and leaf grouping.  You can see that I used another of the fabric leaves but I also cut out the acorn and leaves from this file, Apples and Acorn Leaves, using some of the cream Lily Bee patterned paper.  I spritzed some Glimmer Mist on the leaves and then colored the acorns with my Copic Markers.  Then I inked the edges for definition.

Well I hope I showed you some different ways to use Lori Whitlock's digital cutting files.  Don't forget to grab your banner letter and the coupon code and head over to the shop and stock up on your favorite files while they are on sale.  

And last but certainly not least, be sure to stop by Lori's blog to find out how to win a $20.00 gift card to the Lori Whitlock Shop!!  

 

Whew, if you made it down this far then you'll be delighted to know that Lisa Barrie  is up next and has a gorgeous project to show you too.  Below you will find the links to all of the designers in case you get lost along the way. :)

Natalie Graham 
Corri Garza 
Joy Dickson 
Lisa Bell 
Mendi Yoshikawa 
Amanda Jones 
Christine Ousley 
Lisa Barrie 

New Fall Simply Scrapbook Pages Layout Kit

I just added a brand new Fall Simply Scrapbook Pages layout kit to the store.  I loved working with these brand new Jillibean Soup papers.  They matched my fall leaves pictures perfectly with their rich vibrant fall colors.  I also added my homemade touches with hand stamping and felt leaves.  

There is a place on the bottom for journaling and some fun Elle's Studio circle accents.  You are going to love how your pages turn out with this kit!

Don't forget that almost everything is cut and ready to go in my kits.  That's why I call them simple.  I want you to be able to add your pictures to the bag, grab your basic tool kit and have everything you need to complete your layout fast!!  

A lot more kits coming soon!

This Just Makes Me Happy

Don't forget World Card Making Day is this Saturday, October 6th.  I'll be having a special celebration at my house from 10-2.  Here is some of the information.

World Card Making Day was started by Paper Crafts Magazine to support Operation Write Home. OWH collects cards for our soldiers so that they can send them home to their loved ones.

During the crop you will be asked to donate at least 1 card (envelope too if you have one), but more of

course are welcomed!
Here are the details of the crop.

October 6, 2012

Fee: $5 for food, paypal accepted. Payment due to reserve your spot.

10am-2pm Time for working on cards.

11am-12pm Free Card Class, sign ups are mandatory.

I will be hosting it at my house. When you signup, I will send you directions. I live in Hoover, Alabama.
You will be able to use all of my tools so no need to bring all of your big stuff. If you are wondering if you should bring it please PM me and I will let you know if I have it.

This is going to be a really fun time. Besides the free class, I will also be having giveaways and lunch.

I hope to see you there!

Today I am also sharing another layout about Garrett's First Birthday party.  I have so many good pictures it's going to take me some time to scrap them all.  Love how they turned out too and I think they go fabulously with this Bella Blvd Birthday Boy paper.  

What a fun day!!

I still have a few double page layouts in this paper left at Simply Scrapbook Pages.  You can order yours here.

Pinterest and last day for giveaway!

Oh, my goodness.  I am having so much fun on Pinterst tonight.  I found a board filled with the most incredible mini album pins.  I just have to share my pins with you.  Click this link to see my Minis board.  I love how Pinterest gets my mind a whirling with ideas!!  If you have some fabulous pins to share with me please leave me the link in the comments section.  

Today is also the last day of my Simple Scrapbook Pages contest. Below you can read the details.

It's time for a new kit release and this time I have a twin set for you.  Yes, a boy and a girl birthday double page layout kit.  I really couldn't create one without creating the other.  They are sold seperately but for the first week of the release, if you buy both you can get 10% off of each kit.  Just use codeNEWRELEASE at checkout.

Happy Birthday Boy Double Page Layout Kit - $12.00

 

Happy Birthday Girl Double Page Layout Kit - $12.00

Buy both kits by September 8th, receive 10% off - $21.60, you save $2.40  Use code NEWRELEASE at checkout.

In addition to the savings, starting today through September 8, 2012, I am also having a giveaway. The winner will receive one scrapbook kit in the store of their choice!  There will be a couple ways to win!

 

1.  Purchase a Simply Scrapbook Pages layout kit.  Every kit you buy earns you an extra entry. 

2.  Like Simply Scrapbook Pages on Facebook and share this post.

This giveaway will end September 8th at midnight.

 

Put Me In Coach

 Here is a quick page that I did for a Got Sketch doubles sketch.  I haven't really been a scrapbooker who does many double page layouts but I find myself doing more and more.  Well, it doesn't hurt either that I had a fantastic sketch to use.

 

 

Lots of Bella Blvd here.  I just loved this sports line.  The colors with the black made my pictures just pop.