"Grandma hugs better than a dinosaur!"-Mother's Day Mini

 Mother's Day is tomorrow and like most years, I try to encourage the kids to make a special project for their Grandmas.  Usually we do some pinterest inspired hand print art or crafty thing.  This year is not too different, still inspired by a post on pinterest, I decided to make cute mini albums.

The first step was to cut and score a 12 x 12 sheet of card stock.  When folded together, the album will have the dimension of 4"x 5" with a 2" flap.        

 Thanks to CTMH's bright Dream Pop paper and floral B&T I able to make a fun little album.  Get this exclusive paper pack during the month of May for only $10, with your purchase of $35 or more.  Shop my website here.  

Glitter paper tabs and baker's twine was a simple touch to close the back of the album. 

I added some fun embellishments and of course cute pictures of the kids.  I love how the right flaps glued together make a fun pouch/envelope for an additional photo or journaling.  

On the two flaps that fold out, I added a fun questionnaire that each of the kids answered about their Grandma.  I mean, who doesn't love that Grandma "hugs better than a dinosaur" or that she likes it when "Grandpa gives her money."  Some the answers my kids came up with are priceless.  Hopefully Grandma will think so too.    

 Completed project with some kid created embellishments.  Make sure to also have your child add their signature to their questionnaire.  

I hope all you Moms out there have a very Happy Mother's Day!  My goal for this weekend is to take some time for myself and get some crafting finished.  I hope you are able to take some time to do something you love this weekend.   

~Amy

This Witch Knows Her Broomstick!

Do you have a lot of scraps that you just can't quite throw away?  Here's a cute and simple way to use them by adding them to a gift tag.  

Every year, my kids and I like to make fun treat bags for our cousins and special friends that come to trick or treat.  This year was no exception, thanks to pinterest.  Using two small (3x4 inch) brown paper bags I created these fun broomstick gift bags.  

 All you need is-
     *2 small brown paper bags
     *a stick
     *treats
     *Raffia or Hemp
     *Your favorite Halloween paper (I chose CTMH Moonlight paper.)
Cut small 1/4 inch strips vertically on one of your paper bags.  Do not cut all the way to the top of the bag.  I left about 1 inch.  Place the 2nd bag inside the cut bag and open up.  Arrange the strips how you would like.  Fill with treats and the stick and then tie shut.
Don't they turn out super cute?

These little brooms would have been cute alone, but by adding a layer of scalloped circles, a stamped image and some different length flag strips, it adds some color and just finishes off these little treat bags.

I love how these turned out and can't wait to try to layering with other gift tags.

This week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge is to create anything "Halloweenie."  Although super easy and not too elaborate, I think these little gift bags are a perfect entry.  Make sure to check out all the other creations here.

~Amy

Simple Holiday Bracket Frame

Here's is another fun 3-D home decor project for November's Scrappy Creation Class.  I love Close to my Heart's new chipboard bracket frame, it has a simple shape and when using CTMH's Pear and Partridge Paper Pack as well as the coordinating chip board embellishments the project comes together nicely. 

 Don't forget to finish the sides of the frame with strips of paper and distress with ink.  The burlap ribbon attached to the back of the frame gives you an option for hanging the frame. 

More info on November's Scrappy Creation Class coming soon!  Mark your calendar for Thursday, November 15th. 

Check out the post below for another fun 3-D creation. 

~Amy

3-D Holiday Blocks

November's Scrappy Creation Class will feature a variety of great holiday crafts ranging from traditional cards and a scrapbook layout, to some home decor.  You can choose to create 1 to all 4 of the projects.  One of the projects for the "Christmas Extravaganza" is this cute NOEL block set.  

It is super simple to create and makes a great gift.

This project features Close to My Heart's Pear and Partridge Paper Pack and the Burlap Ribbon.  I used 2x2 inch wood squares painted with Pearl Paint and slightly distressed, but Close to my Heart's My Creations Collage Cubes would also be a good substitute.

This weeks Heart 2 Heart Challenge also features lots of fun Christmas ideas.  Stop by the website to get inspired. 

~Amy

Matchbook Treat Cards

I always love to create fun treat containers to give to those special trick-or-treaters that stop by on Halloween night.  Here are a few "matchbook" cards/treat holders I created using Close to My Heart's Moonlight Workshop on the Go papers and stamp set.  They were super easy and super mini, just 3 inches by 4 inches and perfect to fit "treat" sized M&M packages.  Check out the Heart 2 Heart Challenge web page for more ideas for mini cards.     

Didn't these turn out cute?  Stay tuned for more info regarding October's Scrappy Creation Class where we will make these as well as two layouts.  Class will be Thursday, October 11th @ 7PM.  Check back in a few days.  
~Amy

A Little Scrap Lesson

Today I had a great afternoon of scrapping with my niece.  She has always wanted to scrapbook and today we finally had the time to sit down together and create mini-paper bag album.  I created the album cover, while she created the inner pages with some help from me.  The album cover design was inspired from this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge.     

 It is not an exact take on the sketch, but can you see the inspiration?

 Here are a few of our favorite pages just for fun.

My niece was so tickled with the finished product and talked about making more albums as gifts.  I think I've created a scrapper.  How fun it was to share my love of scrapbooking with another!  

Just Smashing!

I love when weekly challenges fit into my crafting plans.  This week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge did just that.  I was snooping on Amy Moore's blog (even though I don't know Amy, I feel kindred to her as she has my maiden name and loves CTMH too) last weekend and found this cute post and idea about a smash book.  Unfortunately I did not purchase CTMH journals before they were discontinued so went in search of a "smash book/journal" I could use to captured fun momentos, ideas and use for journaling.  I did find a cute kraft looking journal with black binding and a black band.

When I saw the Heart 2 Heart inspiration photo below, I knew exactly what I was going to do with my "smash book." 

 I loved the crisp color combination of brown, white, teal and black and was drawn to the pretty floral accent in the room.  The journal turned out pretty clean and simple.  I am loving the pop of teal.   

 Using CTMH's Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge I cut 4 different sized flowers and layered them with foam tape.  The black button in the center finishes off the flower pefectly and ties in all the black on the journal. 

I have already started "smashing" a few memories from January and February.  I'll try to share a few pages now and then to give you an idea of what my smash book is about.  Thanks again to Amy Moore for the fun inspiration.  I can't wait to see what becomes of this cute little journal.

~Amy

My Happy Home

This morning I read a delightful post from Serena's Farm Chick Blog, regarding creating a happy home.  Here is an excerpt I copied from her blog.

I'm reading a mother's book from 1902 and have enjoyed discovering that the importance of a happy home has been around for a long while. In fact, I think this content is perfect advice for what I'm trying to convey.

Pleasant Homes:

Beautiful furniture on its own will not make rooms cheerful. The charm of a cozy home rests with its homemaker. If she is fortunate enough to have sunny rooms, her task is half done. In homes where the sun never shines, something must be done to make up for it. A sunless room should have bright and joyous color in its furnishings. The walls should be warmly tinted, and the curtains give a rosey glow to the light that passes through them. Ferns and shade loving plants may add cheer to the room and suggest quiet forest nooks.

An attractive room need not be too orderly. A book left lying on the table, a bit of needle-work on the window sill, an open piano, indicates the tastes and styles of those who live there, without suggesting that there is not a place for everything in that room.

There is such a thing as being too neat and nice to take comfort in everyday life, and this is anything but cheerful. And there is such a thing as being so disorderly and messy that comfort and cheer are impossible.
If a mom cannot rest while there is a fingermark on the paint or a spot on the window panes, she may have a neat home, but her tension will keep it from ever being cheerful.

A bird singing in the window, an aquarium on the table in some corner, plants growing and blooming, pets moving about as if at home, these give life and brightness to a home.

Creating a warm and inviting home is something all "mothers" aim for.  Yet with two young children, I often wonder if my home ever seems welcoming.  Our floor is always scattered with toys and it seems when I finally clean and organize one part of the house, there is a disaster in other part of the house waiting for me to tackle it.  For every mom, a completely clean home is a never ending battle that I am not quite certain will ever be won.

The tips from the 1902 Mother book made me smile today.  For a "happy" home is not the appearance of a perfectly clean, decorated and designed home, but one that is filled with the sounds, smells and sights of a family that lives together, plays together and loves together.

Here is just part of my happy home.  Amongst the constant clutter these small signs that little people live here always make my heart happy.        

~Amy

Tradition #9- Preparing for Christmas

The month of December is a special and sacred time in which we can prepare for the arrival of Christ.  It is a great time to read the Bible and remember when Jesus was born in the stable so many years ago.

As part of our advent this year, we read a daily devotional for the book below every night at dinner time.  It is a great resource for parents that has daily devotionals that walk you through the Christmas story, give you a variety of advent activities, questions to discuss and prayers to pray.  We enjoyed our time reading this book and the kids would ask to listen to the advent story every night at dinner.  It was great!      

 Although, we didn't do all the advent activities.  The book was flexible enough that we could pick and chose and do those activities in which we had time and resources for.  Here is R. making a simple tree ornament. 

 As part of the advent we even had a birthday party for Jesus. 

In addition to the advent, we also have a "Christmas Counter Downer" to help the kids count down the days and get excited for Christmas.  Within each door is a felt ornament and piece of candy. 

 The kids take turns opening up a door and choosing a carol to sing. 

 They eat their candy and place their ornament on the advent tree then push the star at the top that plays "Jingle Bells." 

 Each night while the "Jingle Bell" song plays the kids have a "tickle race" with Dad around the kitchen that usually ends in the kids get caught and tickled.  It is a little wild, but is a fun memory we all have of the "counter downer." 

As Christmas Eve comes to an end, the countdown will be over and the true celebration will begin.  Of course the kids are excited for Santa, but because we prepared they are also excited for Christmas.  This morning my daughter woke up bright and early excited for the Christmas celebration.  As we sat in the dark watching morning cartoons she said to me, "I can't stop thinking about Santa, stockings, Christmas trees, Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus."   Kids will be kids and are always excited for Santa, but I am glad that we prepared and that even at a young age, my daughter understands that Christmas is more than just presents and Santa.  

Hope you all have a blessed day!

~Amy  

P.S.  For more info about the Advent book, visit their website at http://www.faithfamilystyle.com/family-book-advent/

Please LIKE Me!

I am entered into Lindy's Stamp Gang "Linky Party" Contest. Please check out the link below and vote for your favorite holiday craft. Mine is the the first link, Santa Handprint Ornaments. Please vote for me, I could win a gift certificate to Lindy's. Thanks!!!!

Lindy's Stamp Gang: Christmas Linky Party!: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at Lindy’s Stamp Gang! We’re hosting a Linky Party with a prize, and you’re invited! Che...

Tradition 7- "A Humble Stable"

New traditions can be fun.  Yesterday we had some friends over and the kids created these cute little stables with Mary, Joseph, shepherds, sheep, a donkey, angles and of course Baby Jesus.  This was the perfect activity for kids of all ages, ours ranged from 2 1/2 years-9 years and all were happily engaged during the entire time.  J. the youngest enjoyed eating the candy, watching the "big kids" and talking, while W. the oldest carefully constructed and decorate each piece of his nativity.  

Here are the final projects. They turned out pretty cute.  (Click on the picture if you would like to see a larger version.) Now each of my children have their own nativity displayed in their rooms.   

 Making a little sheep using a jumbo marshmallow and black licorice. 

 Hay made from coconut with a sweet angel on top. 

The idea came from here with instructions and a recipe for frosting.  I just used store bought frosting and took inspiration from the picture. 

It was a great morning with friends to celebrate and remember the greatest gift that was born on Christmas morning in, as E. would say, "a humble stable."  

Merry Christmas!

~Amy 

Mini Shopping Bags

I just love CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge mini shopping bags and have used them so much this holiday season.  They are perfect for sweet treats, ornaments and any small gift.  This week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge was to use the very festive and colorful wreath below to gather inspiration for a project.  I loved the color combination and all the polka dots and was inspired to decorate some mini-shopping bags as gifts for my daughter's dance teachers.  Do you see the inspiration?  

 I used the black tone on tone plaid paper from the Sweatheart Workshop on the go pack, the Pear B&T paper for this spring's Sophia paper pack, and punched the Sunflower stars out of the snowflake stocking stamp from October's Stamp of the Month. 

 Create your very own custom polka dot tissue paper by using the eraser of a pencil as a the perfect stamp. 

So simple, yet so cute.  Scrappin' makes me happy!

~Amy

12 Traditions of Christmas

Christmas is always a busy time of the year.  Holiday gatherings, school plays, gifts to buy and wrap, cookies to bake, trees to decorate and lots of self-inflicted expectations of "the way things should be."  I try my best not to get literally "wrapped" up in those expectations and try to put things in perspective and remember why we celebrate Christmas. 

Not only is it a time to be with and enjoy time with family, it is also a chance to celebrate and refect on the greatest gift God has ever given us....Jesus.  With two young children is easy to get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas and the ever so exciting anticipation of the arrival of Santa.  While that can be fun and shouldn't be overlooked, it is always important to try to bring Christ and the spirit of service and giving into many traditions throughout this special season. 

I have decided to try to post 12 fun traditions our family participates in throughout the month of December.  Some may just be for the sake of fun and celebrating, while others will incorporate a special lesson and bring meaning to this holiday season.  I hope you enjoy the traditions and can try some yourself.  I would love to hear about your traditions, please share.  Tradition #1 coming soon. 

Happiest of Seasons to You and Yours!
~Amy 

"Hand Made" Fun

With our first real snow this morning, it IS beginning to feel like Christmas.  As Thanksgiving approaches, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season always sneaks up on me and goes by way too fast.  I try my best every year to get as much done as I can before Thanksgiving, but even so, it still seems like there is not enough time in the day to do all I want to. 

During the month of November, I always make a point to make and finish our "Hand Made" Ornaments for our homemade Christmas tree.  Ever since our daughter was a baby I have created hand/foot print ornaments.  It is fun to see how big both kids hands and feet have gotten.  This is the first year their hands have been too big to combine in a joint ornament.  I think next year I may have to use thumb prints to keep the ornaments at a manageable size.  Here is a Studio J layout I created talking about our tradition. 

Drum roll.....here is this year's ornament.....SANTA!  I saw an adorable porcelain hand print ornament similar to this and just adapted it to paper and to my kids' hands.  Aren't they adorable?  I am tickled with how they turned out.

 The hats noses and mustaches are just paper pieced on. The kids helped me put on the eyes and added the fluffy paint to Santa's Hat.  To make fluffy paint, simply combine equal parts shaving cream and Elmer's glue.  I let the kids use their fingers to decorate.  When the paint dries it has a spongy consistency and looks and feels pretty cool.  Would be great for a snow scene painting too. 

Here's to the first of many holiday posts!  Happy Crafting!

~Amy

Grateful for YOU!

As many of you may know, I am holding my 1st Annual Christmas Card Extravaganza Christmas Card Workshop this Saturday.  I became a Independent Consult with Close to My Heart in May.  I signed up really just for the good discount, but after holding a gathering at my home I found a few faithful scrapbookers who wanted to join a monthly club.  Now I hold a class once a month with a handful of friends who enjoy getting together to scrap, chat and enjoy some time away from their "Mom" roles. 

I am by no means a "big time" consultant and am happy with my few fellow scrappers that encourage me to be creative and enjoy the same hobby as me.  I am thankful to be able to share this fun hobby and hope to continue to for some time. 

As a momento of thanks and appreciation, I created these cute gift/candy bags using CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge to give to those attending my workshop.  Don't you love the the AP Cartrige oval snowflake tags?  Plus the Silver Glitz Gel gives them just the right amount of sparkle. 

Can't wait to share these little treasures! 

~Amy

P.S.  Please check out other gifts/cards of appreciation at this weeks Heart 2 Heart Challenge.

Dirt and Feathers!

 For some reason, this year for Halloween, the kids decided on costumes that were a little unconventional and different.  I don't know how they came up with them, but once they decided, they were pretty much set in their ways an could not be swayed.  So for much of the week before Halloween, I was surrounded by all things boy and lots and lots of pink feathers.   Simple supplies around the house went from this......

......to this!  I love my continuous shoot camera, as it allows me to get an array of emotions and faces from my kids.  I think my little flamingo and bulldozer loved their costumes.  Best thing about them is that they were no sew and fairly easy to put together.  Enjoy! 

~Amy