Around the Block

Here's another calendar that's sure to be a hit. My good friend Terri came up with this idea and I just had to try it out. You can add photos to this block, or encourage your recipient to add their own photos as the year goes by and when the year is done they will have a nice "year in review" for their collection.

Supplies needed:

My Creations Cube (or 6-5X5 heavy cardboard squares)

12-5X5 pieces of patterned paper

12-3X3 1/2 pieces of cardstock

12-2 1/4X3 1/4 pieces of cardstock

8- 10" pieces of ribbon or cord

Calendar pages-found here

Glue

1/8" hole punch

Again, this is a great project to use double sided patterned paper on....everything matches!! I chose to use 2 colors of cardstock for my mats, but you can use as many or few as desired!

When June is over and it's time for the last six months, simply untie the top and bottom corners of one square, rotate the pages and tie the corners back in place.

When the entire year is over, punch some holes in the top or side of your squares and insert rings in these holes, add a front and back cover and you have a cute little mini book to remember the year by.

Todays Products:

Z1152 - My Creations Cube

X7116B - Sweet Home Level 2 Paper Packet

Z1086 - Cranberry Waxy Flax

Z2130 - Indian Corn Blue Exclusive Ink Pad

Order yours here

Ooops

So sorry for the lack of project today....I got caught up in the Black Friday frenzy, traditional decorating of the Christmas Trees (7 of 8 done), etc and ran out of time.

Tune in tomorrow for another great project

debi

Save the Date

Here's a project that will last for years and years. This calendar is super easy to make, so easy in fact, we won't even need a tutorial movie!!

Here are the supplies you will need:

1-12X12 sheet cardstock

1-12X12 sheet of striped patterned paper

1- 9 1/2" X 9 1/2" piece of patterned paper

1- 2 " X 9 1/2" piece of patterned paper

1-paper flower

Calendar Grid - found here

12X12 picture frame

Dry Erase Marker

Here are the steps to create the layout I used.

First, round the top left hand corner of the 9 1/2X9 1/2 piece and adhere it to the bottom right corner of the cardstock. Leave about 1/4" border at the bottom and right side of the cardstock.

Next, round the top and bottom left hand corners of the 2 X 9 1/2 piece and adhere it above the first piece leaving a 1/4" space between the two pieces.

Adhere the calendar grid to the bottom right hand side of the large patterned paper, leaving a 1/8" border at the bottom and right sides.

Now, take the striped paper and cut each stripe apart. Cut these strips into 4 1/2" pieces and adhere under the left side of your large patterned paper in a V shape.

I use the striped paper here instead of ribbon because ribbon creates too much bulk and it is difficult to fit the layout in the frame correctly.

Now tape your flower onto the left hand side of your smaller piece of patterned paper and punch out a tiny circle from scrap paper and glue it to the center. I used brown cardstock here.

Again, a brad would create too much bulk - so I use paper.

To finish the calendar, add photos if desired and insert the layout into the frame.

Use the dry erase marker to record the month then add the numbers to the calendar grid to the front side of the glass of the frame. Each month, just erase the marker with a soft cloth and add your next months calendar!!

Any layout will work for this project, just be sure to provide a title area for the month. You don't necessarily have to use a 12X12 frame either, just adjust the layout and calendar grid size to fit any frame.

Super fun and super easy.

Today's supplies:

X7118B - Twitterpated Level 2 Paper Packet

Z1300 - White Daisy Variety Pack Flowers

Place your order here

Happy Thanksgiving

from the Macy's Parade!

LOL - We say this little diddy every year at Thanksgiving. You see, my niece Kamille was lucky enough to be a participant in the Macy's Parade and this was the chant they repeated along the parade route. We all went to New York with her and had a fantastic time.

There's no tutorial today as I know many of you will be busy with your families....I'll be back tomorrow with another great gift to share with you.

Steppin' It Up

This project will make your recipient think you spent a long time and worked really hard to create it - but, I'll never tell how easy it really is. Covering the pages takes the biggest chunk of time, then all that's left are the layouts.

This is my all time favorite Paper Packet ever offered by Close To My Heart. It works for both girls and boys, is all distressy and can go with most pictures - Fabulous!!

A few tips for creating this project -

• Use double sided patterned paper - you won't have to make as many decisions as your paper will all coordinate.
  
• Choose one color to mat with and stick to it - neutral colors like white, creme and black work best with most photos.
  
• Don't over think the pages - each page has room for one large picture or 2 to 3 smaller ones, provide a spot for journaling and a title, then add some bling.
• Ink the edges with a medium to light brown color (I use Desert Sand) it will give you the coverage you want without overpowering the pages. I like to use a sponge for this as it gives a very soft look.

Supplies needed:

10 - 12X12 sheets of patterned paper

2 - 12X12 sheets of neutral cardstock

All Sorts Mini Album

Sanding tools

Sponge

Dye Ink

3 to 4 colors of coordinating ribbon

Glue

Click here to download the page sketches

Today's Shopping List:
Z1224 - All Sorts Mini Album
X7102B - Notebook Level 2 Paper Packet
D1296 - Chocolate Alphabet-Small Stamp Set
D1231 - Lovely Buckles Stamp Set
Z1124 - Heavenly Blue Ribbon Rounds
Z1138 - Blush Ribbon Rounds
Z1127 - Chocolate Ribbon Rounds
Z1034 - Black Ribbon Rounds
Z2118 - Desert Sand Exclusive Ink Pad
Z2105 - Black Exclusive Ink Pad
Z1294 - Sanding Kit
Z1091 - Finishing Files
Z1090 - Sponge
Z1155 - Clear Buttons
Z1096 - Neutral Embroidery Floss

Order here

One for the Kids

Need stocking stuffers for the kids? Or something unusual for your child's classmates. Here's a really quick project that will keep them fascinated for hours on end (Well, I know it intrigues ME for a really long time!!).

This project uses few supplies and is a great way to use up all those scraps you've been collecting over the year. Here's the list

12 - 3"X3" squares light weight cardboard

3 - 3" X 12" of different patterned papers (1 of 3 different patterns)

3 - 30" pieces of coordinating ribbon

Strong Tape

Glue

You can also replace the 3X3 cardboard squares with coasters, but they are a bit bigger so you'll also have to adjust the lengths of ribbon.

Today's Shopping List:
X7112B - Animal Cookies Level 2 Paper packet

Click here to order

For a Cold Winter's Night

Here's something everyone will enjoy.

Your supplies for this project:

1 piece 3 1/2" X 5" Cardstock
1 piece 3" X 3" Cardstock
1 piece 2 1/4" X 3 1/4" coordinating patterned paper
1 piece 1 3/4" X 2 3/4" coordinating patterned paper
1 piece 3 1/4" X 4 3/4" coordinating patterned paper
1 piece 2 3/4" X 4 1/4" coordinating patterned paper
1 sheet 12" X 12" coordinating patterned paper (for lid)
1 sheet protector (in the office supply section)
Stamp set of your choice
Stazon Ink
Coordinating Ribbon
Quart jar
Cocoa Recipe - found here

Any jar will do nicely for this project. I save all kinds of jars for this project - peanut, pickle, jelly-you name it, I save it. The recipe is for a quart jar, so just alter it to fill the jar you have.

I also pick up festive cups after Christmas when stores are running them dirt cheap to get rid of them. Or another good place to get inexpensive cups is Goodwill or a thrift store.

Shopping List:

X7103B - Aspen Level 2 Paper Packet
D1384 - Snow Flurries Stamp Set
Z1129 - Outdoor Denim Ribbon Collection

Order here

Day Three: Let the Light Shine On!!

Here's a project that will fit any room of the house. I've had soooo much fun making these I have all kinds of them!! So, lets get started.

Supplies you will need:

1 sheet 10 1/2" X 5 1/2" cardstock

4 -2 1/2" X 4" pieces of vellum

Stamp set of your choice

Ink of your choice

Strong tape

Oval Cutting System

Pop Dots (optional)

Flameless tealight candle (I found these at the dollar store - 4 for $1.00 - how sweet is that!)

Todays Shopping List:

Tutorial Sample:

1272 - Cranberry Cardstock

1395 - Vellum

D1212 - Playful Flourishes Stamp Set

Z2105 - Black Exclusive Ink Pad

House Sample:

D1377 - Around the House (November Stamp of the Month)

1385 - White Daisy Cardstock

Deer and Bears:

1386 - Black Cardstock

D1067 - Raccoon and Friends Stamp Set

D1166 - Vintage Christmas Stamp Set

Z2134 - Moonstruck Exclusive Ink Pad

Z2118 - Desert Sand Exclusive Ink Pad

Click here to order your supplies.

Let's Accessorize

Now that we have our fragrance holder, how about an accessory to help with the mood?

These candles are really quick and use very little supplies. The only thing holding you back is your imagination!!

To complete this project you will need these supplies: White tissue paper (the cheaper the better) Stamp set of your choice Dye Ink of your choice Wax Paper Heat Embossing Gun

Today's Shopping List:

C1286-Goodness of Life Stamp Set (Retiring 12/31/08)
Z2160-Twilight Exclusive Ink Stamp Pad
Z669-Silver Embossing Powder (optional)

Click here to place your order.

Tune in tomorrow when I'll show you how to make another really cute light - sure to please anyone!!

A Gift a Day: Day One

Today we will begin our 10 day series of quick, easy and inexpensive gift ideas for every person on your list.

A few items to note as we begin:

Most of the products used are from Close To My Heart, feel free to substitute your own materials, but if you feel compelled to create an exact replica, a shopping list will be provided at the end of each tutorial.

I use PVA glue when applying paper to cardboard or chipboard, that's what I prefer, but any water based glue will do, most of the items have no need to be archival protected, so that's not a worry.

I save the backs off paper tablets, underwear packs and anything else I can get my hands on for the lightweight cardboard I refer to. It's generally thinner than chipboard and FREE!!

With that taken care of, let's start our first project

How fabulous is it after a long day at the office, or running the kids around to take a nice hot fragrant bath? Here's a project designed for just that occassion!! This handy Bath Salts Holder is a breeze to make and can be coordinated with any bathroom.

First, gather your supplies. You will need:

2- 7 X 6 sheets of the same pattern paper
2-5 1/2 X 4 1/2 sheets of coordinating paper
1- 7X12 sheet of coordinating cardstock
1-6X12 sheet of light colored cardstock
1- 4X5 piece of coordinating cardstock
1-2X3 1/2 piece of coordinating cardstock
6-Standard Size Envelopes
12" ribbon
Stamp set of your choice
Coordinating ink
Glue
Strong tape
6 Small plastic ziplock bags (found in the jewelry section of your local craft store




Here is a video showing the assembly process:

Today's Shopping List:

X7088B - Free Spirit Level II paper packet

C1286 - Goodness of Life Stamp Set (Retiring Stamp-Hurry & order before 12/31/09)

Z2140 - Outdoor Denim Exclusive Ink Pad

Z2114 - Cocoa Exclusive Ink Stamp Pad

Z1280 - Expressive Font CD Volume 1

Z1041 - Expressive Font CD Volume 2

Order your supplies here

Click here for a printable copy of the title and instructions

You can make your own bath salts with just a few ingredients. You will need:

1 cup Epsom Salt

1 - 2 Teaspoons Baking Soda

2-3 drops Essential Oil (Lavendar, Rose or Chamomil is soothing at bath time)

Mix this all together in a bowl.

A Gift A Day Starts Tomorrow!!

Times are tough and if you are like me there isn't enough in your checkbook to cover all the gifts you need to give this holiday season. Join me as I share with you some quick, easy and inexpensive gifts to make for everyone on your list. There will be a new gift idea in the next 10 days, so be sure to tune in each and everyday!!

Friday the 13th Promotions

Friday the 13th Promotion
The 13th doesn't have to be a bad luck day - Check out your chances to receive FREE goodies!

The first thirteen people to post a message on my blog will get 13 sheets of cardstock or 13 pieces of Close To My Heart Exclusive pattern papers sent to them FREE!! *Only posts dated on Friday, November 13th are valid. Please leave your first and last name or your email so that I can contact you for mailing your prizes.

The first 13 people to send an email to 13 of their scrapping friends telling about my blog, or website will get a goodie bag valued at $13.00. *You must forward a copy of the email to me to qualify.

Place a qualifying* Stampaganza order on our website on Friday, November 13th and receive a Lucky 13 goody bag in addition to your order!! I'm not going to tell ya what's in it but I'm certain there will be at least 13 items that you'll be thrilled to have!!

Good luck to you all!!

debi barber

Independent Consultant

Close To My Heart

***website:mysistershobby.myctmh.com

***blog:debiistheothersister.blogspot.com

***email:debi@mysistershobby.com

*Qualifiying Stampaganza orders are purchases of two or more stamp sets

to get the third stamp set FREE!!!

Stampaganza Blog Hop

Welcome to the Close To My Heart 2009 Stampaganza Blog Hop! Join me and other CTMH consultants as we share our creations featuring stamp sets from the Autumn/Winter ideabook with you. If you've come from Shirley's blog then you're hopping right along. This is a "round robin" hop so just keep hopping.


Shown here is Holiday Commentary C1379 featuring a unique way to use a sentiment stamp. Additional items used are Evensong Level 2 paper X7104B, Just Blooms Paper Flowers, Big Pinks Z1033, New England Ivy Cardstock 1282 and Ink Z2135 and Cranberry Ink Z2116.

To create the flower, cut the petals from a white flower apart shaping the end in a point. Using a sponge, ink 5 of the petals with Cranberry ink and two with New England Ivy Ink. Arrange the petals on the card front to form the poinsettia.

With 4 large sentiments and 4 smaller included in the Holiday Commentary stamp set, how will your garden grow?

To order this stamp set or any others you have seen along your way, visit my website and conveniently place your order online and have it shipped directly to your house. Don't forget the November Stampaganza Special - buy 2 stamp sets and get the 3rd one FREE!!

Thanks for visiting my blog, I hope you were inspired to create this card for someone you know. I would love to hear your thoughts on this technique, so please leave a comment below.

Now, hop on over to Heather's blog for more fabulous artwork.

Here's the list just in case you get side-tracked along your blog-hopping journey:

Shirley Ross - www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com
Debi Barber - www.debiistheothersister.blogspot.com
Heather Snow - www.snowfilledhearts.blogspot.com
Rita Mefford - www.istamphearts.com

Teri Baxter -http://www.themidnightartist.blogspot.com/

It's a Stampaganza!!

WHETHER YOU’RE A LONG-TIME FAN OF STAMPS OR ARE just venturing into this fun hobby, now is the perfect time to grab some My Acrylix® decorative stamp sets! From November 3–30, 2009, when you purchase any two stamp sets (sizes A,B, C, D, and/or E only) at full retail price you will receive a third stamp set of your choice FREE (of equal or lesser value)—a savings of up to $22.95! Choose from any stamp set offered in any 2009 Idea Book or the current Product Review. Take a minute to visit our website and look over the retiring stamp sets, available thru December 31, 2009 or while supplies last. Take advantage of this month’s great offer to add to your assortment of these innovative stamps

*Shipping/handling apply. Offer valid November 3–30, 2009. Stamp sets available as the FREE set include A, B, C, and D-size sets only. E-size, customizable (K), Art & Soul® and Stamp of the Month are not available as the free set. Stamp sets that count toward the qualifying purchase include full-priced A , B, C, D, and E-size sets only. Stamps that do not count toward a qualifying purchase include Stamp of the Month, Art & Soul, Workshops on the Go™, and customized (K) stamps. debi barber www.mysistershobby.myctmh.com debi@mysistershobby.com
Let me show you how!