Holiday Planner

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I can post some Christmas stuff.  I had been holding off because I always feel like Christmas overpowers the end of fall.  And I love fall.  But after my Black Friday ordeal at Walmart - I feel like Christmas really is here.
 This year I decided to make Holiday Planners for all my sisters (and sister-in-laws).  Then I couldn't leave myself or my mom out, so I undertook the task of making 7 Holiday Planners.  Ugh!  It was fun, but a lot of work.  I actually haven't gotten them in the mail yet - that'll happen tomorrow.  I did remember to photograph them before I shipped them off.  Here is one of the planners (I still haven't decided who is getting what).

I made this planner with a single file folder.  I cut off the tab and a little extra to make the open side of the folder straight (except for the small indentation that comes down where the tab is, that'll be covered with paper later).  I scored the folder 4 inches from the bottom.  Since the open folder is too big for my paper scorer, I scored either side of the closed folder.  Then I opened the folder, and folded the 4 inches up.After the bottom is folded up (to make the pockets) I folded the folder along it's natural fold up the center, only the opposite way it was originally folded.  Then fold the folder into fourths.  This will allow you to glue the two center fourths together on the back, and create a 'book'.  If this is too confussing to follow, here is a youtube video:  How to Fold the File Folder

I decorated each pocket differently.  Basically, I lined each back pocket with a paper cut to about 4 1/4" by 6" long.  The front of the pocket is all you really need to decorate (about 4 1/4" x 4").  I used all kinds of different stamps for these.  Here is the Crazy for Christmas stamp with the gifts.  I tried not to add too much bulk, so they could close easily.

Here's a Prima Pointsetta with a glitter brad for the center.  I found the Prima Pointsettas in a tin at the craft store.  It included paper flowers, sheer fabric flowers, paper Christmas die cut bulbs, and green paper Pointsetta and Holly leaves. 

 

Some of the paper already looked layered, like this lovely piece, so all I did was add a stamped holiday tag.

All the patterned paper I used was from a huge stack I picked up at the craft store.  Usually I don't bother with those stacks, because I only like a hand-full of the patterns.  This stack, I liked nearly every one of the papers.  Good buy, especially with a 40% off coupon.

I didn't have the inserts for the planners before I photographed them, but here is a link to some free Holiday Planner pages.  Pocket Planner Printables

Each of planners are tied with a ribbon to keep closed. 

Winter Jewels

 

A couple Saturdays ago I found myself wandering the aisles of Joann's, enjoying the time I was spending all by myself.  I wandered up the jewelry aisle and discovered prepackaged Swarovski crystals in various sizes and colors.  I loved this color combination: White Opal, Saphire, and Crystal.  There were three sizes, 8mm, 6mm and 4mm all in one bag.  I paired these with 6mm white Swarovski pearls and some sterling silver spacer beads.  I used a magnetic clasp - word of caution - magnetic clasp isn't best for bracelets.  Mine accidently comes unhooked on the car, seatbelts, and sometimes shopping carts, so I have to keep an eye on it (I've nearly lost it twice).

This second piece is my personal copy of an earlier work I did.  But I added an additional row of 6mm crystals and increased the roundells from 5mm to 6mm.  I really love the way this one turned out.  I used Indicolite Swarovski bicones and a white Swarovski pearl.   I made it short - 18 inches.  I like the way it hangs when it's shorter (right across the collar bone). 

Another Teacher's Gift

So this next week is Caleb's teacher's birthday.  I couldn't let it go by without a special little something.  Once again I turned to one of Lauren Meader's Timeless Templates.  This time it was the Take Along Tote.  I found some beautiful damask patterned paper at the store.  I loved the red and turquoise color combo (coincidently my Christmas decoration color combo). 

On one side of the tote I put a birthday wish stamp in Riding Hood Red over a Damask stamp in Soft Sky.  I stuffed that pocket with a Mint Hot Chocolate packet and a peppermint stick and a chocolate chip cookie.  On the other side I stamped the damask print in Soft Sky and accented with Stickles.  I stuffed this pocket with a few note cards and envelopes.

Style Challenge Card

This is a card I made for a style challenge: Black, Cream, Baby Pink, Element: Flourish.  I liked it so much, I wanted to post it on the blog.

I used the Stampin' Up! heat and stick powder to put the glitter on the flourish stamp.  There is also a little rhinestone on the top of the star flourish.  I really like this color combination - It's so sophisticated! 

Finally Fall

After a hecktic month, I have finally settled back into my papercrafting addiction.  I have found tons of great techniques on the internet.

This album is called a Waterfall Album.  It's difficult to get the idea from the still pictures, but you basically pull the tab and the pages flip on their own.

I created the cover from the white chipboard backing from a SU! patterned paper pack.  Then I covered the cover with some patterned paper.  In the interest of time I made the pages simple with little embellishment.  I used some older Stampin' Up! patterned paper that was on clearance, along with Really Rust, More Mustard and Soft Sky cardstock.  I inked the edges of the journaling with Soft Sky.  For the cover I included some glitter chipboard I found at the craft store. I've included a link to the youtube video with all the measurements and instructions:  Waterfall mini album instructional