Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Giving Thanks

It seems like every year I have intentions of making Thanksgiving cards. Just a few for family that we won't see over the holiday. This year I actually got them made--not with the stamp set I had ordered specifically for Thanksgiving cards. The important thing to remember is that I got them done.
I strayed a little bit out of my comfort box and used some non-traditional colors and went with a sentiment only card, but I love the finished product. The stamp is from an old Unity Stamp Co. set called Simple Blessings that had yet to be inked up. I used a couple of different My Mind's Eye patterned papers for these two cards. I kept both cards simple with baker's twine and ribbon and a couple of pearls on one and black rhinestones on the other. I love the clean and simple look. What do you think?
Thanks for stopping by!


Monday, November 14, 2011

Family Recipe Book

It has been a long time since I posted, but I hope you will agree with me when I tell you it was worth the wait. 
My oldest daughter lives in the Midwest with her new hubby and my granddaughter. Hubby, my youngest daughter and I are in southern Maryland. We were hoping that they would be able to come out here for Christmas this year, but since my oldest daughter just started a new job it doesn't look as if that is going to happen. I'll admit, I was very disappointed, but decided that maybe I could send a little bit of Christmas to her. 
I made a recipe book of the cookies, candy, bars and treats I make at Christmas time.


 This is a picture of the cover. I used my Cricut machine to cut the tree and reindeer (PDDU), then added some highlights with a white gel pen, black marker and liquid pearls. The snow was cut with a scalloped punch and then layered, I added some stickles for a little sparkle. Merry Christmas was stamped and then heat embossed with PTI white filagree embossing powder. I added some red ribbon and a couple of rows of liquid pearl dots to finish it off.
When I was done I used my Cinch to bind it all together. I used white spirals and added ribbons.
The book is made up of five pocket pages, all sewn on to make sure they will last.  I printed the recipes on my computer, wrote notes on the back of each and then used My Story laminator to laminate the pages. Easy for her to pull out and keep on the counter while she is baking or even stick in her purse for a trip to the grocery store.  
 After each recipe was laminated I punched a hole with my crop a dile and added eyelets and more ribbon.

I usually make twenty or so different treats, some old favorites and a couple of new ones too. I think this is a great way to share these with my daughter. I am going to have a hard time putting this in the mail to her next week, it has to be one of the nicest things I have ever made (IMHO). I am going to pick up a couple of cute rubber spatulas and some of the spices she will need and send it on it's way.
Thanks so much for stopping by, I really appreciate your patience!