IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR...

What an excellent way to start off my week!! When I checked the mail today, I found this wonderful Christmas RAK from my good friend Anne aka jdmommy on SCS. This card really has the "WOW" factor and is really quite simple. The silver ribbon and bows really add a perfect finishing touch. Thanks Anne for this gorgeous card.. the first we've recieved this season - woot!


As promised... This is my small Santa collection. I decided to display it in the window on the stairwell. I never know what to put in this big window.

Next we have my small hand-painted village. These were pieces I bought at Michael's eons ago. I love how they turned out. Some of the pieces have paint chipped off (thanks kids)... so a few need a touch-up. But I love the way it looks on the never used dining room table, especially in the dark with the lights on under the gold netting. I used large North Carolina pinecones for trees and minature cones for bushes.

Thanks for looking..

DECORATING THE TREE!! - bc

I love this time of year - going out to get a tree, then bringing it home to decorate is one of my favorite things. The kids are super excited this year, and it was so neat to hear them talk about various ornaments and to remember making certain ones. There once was a time when I painted ceramic ornaments and made beautiful bows.... well, I don't have time for that anymore, but I also enjoyed looking over the ones I painted in the past and placing them on the tree. The tree is about as far as we have gotten with the decorating. I also have a small ceramic village that I hand painted one year (bc - before children, when I had the time to do that sort of thing - LOL). When I get that set up, I'll share photos of that as well. It was time consuming, but worth it in the end. I also set up my ever growing snowman collection on the mantle (some I've bought, some given to me as gifts, some I made, and others I painted) and my Santa collection in the large window by the stairs (I'll show that later). We are beginning to get into the spirit around here, and I am really trying not to become overwhelmed and caught-up in things that don't really matter.

All the best for a wonderful Christmas season for you and your family!!

Inky hugs,

BRAK from Crafty Turtle...

This is a beautiful birthday rak (brak) that I recieved in the mail today from Deborah Albright, known as Crafty Turtle on SCS. I just love this technique and the colors. My birthday isn't until the end of the month, but how fun to start getting some happy mail now!! eek!

Thank you Deborah for making my day!!

TRENDY TREES W/TEXTURE...

I made this for a swap that I participated in. It was a Fall theme 6x6 scrapbook page that had to have texture. This is how I made it...

Step 1: tear coordinating cardstock and dsp, layer to create a landscape.

Step 2: Add stamped trees. I used Stampin' Ups Trendy Trees set.

Step 3: Add stitching around edged with your choice of thread (I used black). Then add a mat for photo. I'll be using the pages others made that I got from this swap for the HHN scrapbook challenge.

Thanks for looking!

YOU ROCKET!

I needed a little boy birthday, and this changito image was perfect.
Thanks for looking!

Additional Info
Stamps: Changito
Paper: real red, basic black, whisper white, green galore, dsp
Ink: stazon
Accessories: SU! markers, nesties, ribbon, stickles, sticker dots

REMEMBERING...

For a friend...

GOING BRA-LESS...

I just love these ladies and this sentiment is perfect for a Birthday Card that I needed. It makes me laugh everytime I read it...

DARE SKETCH CHALLENGE...

Well, it is my turn to host this week's Doubledog Dare Challenge. I decided to create another sketch. I love card sketches! Any and Everyone is welcome to participate, just put DDC as one of your keywords so that we can see your creations. This sketch can be combined with any other challenges... just have fun!

RAK FROM JDMOMMY...

This is the gorgeous card that I recieved from Anne aka jdmommy. She sent this lovely card to me accompanied by some Changito images that I can use in my classroom this year! Thank Anne! I love this technique and the colors are so rich and beautiful!!

LORI'S SAS...

I went to my friend Lori's house last night and made these cards.. It was so fun to sit and stamp with friends. I love the set and can't wait to use them. Thanks for a fun time Lori!