December 31, 2011

Delightful December Day 31

Dear Reader,

I hope the last day of 2011 is the best yet for you and that the first day of 2012 marks the beginning of a year full of good health, success, love, laughter and bursting with creativity.

1. Gennifer Bursett's The Everything Planner
Beginning in September 2011 and running until January 2013, this fun and colorful planner also includes checklists, contact lists, a gift giving record and party planning worksheet among several types of calendars that you can print of a whim.

2. Tangie Baxter's 2012 Art Journaling Workshop
Ever wanted to venture into art journaling?  This is a year long workshop that guides you week by week.  Also an excellent way to try digital elements or hybrid creating.

I wish you the very best!

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 30, 2011

Delightful December Day 30

Dear Reader,

The end of year is coming on us so quickly.  I am trying not to forget to savor the last moments of 2011 in my preparations for 2012, but it is hard.  How are you celebrating the end of 2011 and beginning of 2012?

Here are some more links of products to record the memories of 2012:

1. Ormolu
They have lovely journalers along with other physical and digital products.  They are currently on a holiday hiatus until January 9th, but be sure to check them out when they return.

2. Elle's Studio
They have darling scrapbooking products that work for any purpose including Project Life, Project 365 and the like.  You can find their journaling tags HERE.  Calendar and date tags are HERE.  One of my favorite series is the Handmade Layers which you can find HERE.  All their digital products are found at jessicasprague.com HERE.

3. The Project Girl - Weekly Planner 2012 by Jen Allyson
Another cool digital planner product that you can print out at your whim with meal planners, lists, chore charts and the like.

4. Crystal's 2012 Planner by Crystal Wilkerson
A colorful and comprehensive planner which you can print out at your whim with inspirational quotes and excellent tools to keep you balanced and organized in 2012.  Crystal Wilkerson will be posting a video with a tutorial on December 31, 2011 (tomorrow) on her blog. 

Bonus: it is 50% off until December 31st using the coupon code: ENDOFYEAR50 and a portion is donated to benefit a young family who is suffering health problems.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 29, 2011

Delightful December Day 29

Dear Reader,

I am back again with some more products for capturing 2012.  All of these products mentioned today are digital and for a reasonable price you download files that you can use digitally and/or print out to use in any application you can dream up: scrapbooking, art journaling, cards, mixed media, invitations, home decor, etc. as many times as you decide.  No more worries about running out of these products.  I love that!

1. Robyn Meierotto Designs
Today Robyn Meierotto came out with a few really awesome products to help with documenting the coming year including:

a. Dated - 2012 Date Stamps
b. Everyday - Journaling Card Printables v1
c. Everyday - Banner Stamps v1
d. Everyday - Letter Rubons Days & Months

Bonus: Today, December 29, 2011, the items above are 30% off.

2. Gennifer Bursett Designs

Another designer who released some great new digital products today that will help with chronicling 2012 is Gennifer Bursett.  Here some:

a. 366 Days Template Album
b. 366 Days Quickpage Album
c. Favorite Things Journaling Cards
d. Favorite Things 2 Journaling Cards

Bonus: Today, December 29, 2011, the items above are 30% off.

3. Marcy Penner

A scrapbooker on the Project Life design team, Marcy Penner has designed journaling cards from experience and they can be used no matter your style.  Here are some of her download offerings available right now:

a. Take Note Journaling Cards | Simple Series One
b. Scheduled Journaling Cards | 2012 Calendars
c. Take Note Journaling Cards | Brackets Series One
d. Take Note Journaling Cards | Arrows Series One

4. It's Time Kits Bundle by Rhonna Designs
Fun time-centric kits to bring in the new year and celebrate 2012.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 28, 2011

Delightful December Day 28

Dear Reader,

I am on the hunt for printable journaling cards all over the place as I love the ease of them (you can print them endlessly and in the middle of night if necessary) and they can be used in so many ways.  I am thinking one of these days I will need to challenge myself with how they can be used.  Do you love journaling cards?  How do you use them?  As always, I would love to hear your point of view and your sources for physical or printable journaling cards.

Anyway, here are some offerings for you today (mostly journaling cards):

1. Creativity Prompt's Make Your Own Planner Workshop 2012
I check out Creativity Prompt's blog every week for her great freebies which include delightful journaling cards that would work great for Project Life among other uses.  She now has a workshop with a video, pdf instructions and printables to enable you to make and customize your own planner in 2012 all for a bargin price.  You could use this to help with your memory keeping as well as keeping on track throughout the year.  This is a self-paced class.

2. Project Life Journaling Cards found at jessicasprague.com
All of the digital elements from Project Life are found at HERE.  If you run out of journaling cards any time day or night and need some to match the core kits, you can purchase them and print them when you want them.  They also have the papers, elements, templates along with other goodies for reasonable prices (the journaling cards are $3.99 and you can print them innumerable times).  They also have all the editions including the original so you have as much flexibility as you like. 

3. Paislee Press's Press Cards No. 1 -3
A brand new series of digital journaling cards perfect for Project Life or for any application when you need something with a design that will work with nearly any aesthetic that are extremely easy to print when needed.  She also has a tutorial on how to print on the journaling cards HERE along with a free downloadable print guide HERE.  Of course she has more designs you will want to look out for too.

4. Robyn Meierotto's Cool Kid Journaling Cards
With fun arrows in cool hues, these are fun journaling cards that work for any occasion or gender.  I am going to keep on checking her store for more cards in the future.

5. The Queen of Quirk's Printable Journaling Cards Kit
This looks fabulous and until December 31, 2011 is 35% off!

I'll be back tomorrow with more beautiful journaling cards. 

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 27, 2011

Delightful December Day 27

Dear Reader,

It was excellent to have a day off work yesterday.  Our office takes few days off so I treasure each of them.  Today was a happy day as it is the reveal day at Studio Calico.

Today I wanted to showcase a few classes online to help with documenting 2012:

1. Studio Calico's Photo-A-Day with Nicole Samuels
Speaking of Studio Calico, they have a new very modestly priced class that would tie in with Project Life or any sort of day to day chronicling.

2. Twelve with Stacy Julian
A 12 week online workshop that looks jammed packed with great resources, tips, information and inspiration for scrapping in 2012 and into the future.

3. Ella Publishing Co.'s Take Twelve
This online "guided inspiration kit" is all themed around the number 12 with lists, prompts, sketches and other tools.

4. Aja Abney's Real Life, Captured
This is a 8 week long online workshop that includes a vibrant digital kit designed by Aja Abney to help you to capture your everyday.

5. Creative Jump Start Summit 2012
A *free* event meant to help you keep creative in 2012.  Sign up for the newsletter HERE.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 26, 2011

Delightful December Day 26

Dear Reader,

As 2011 draws to a close, attention is drawn to the upcoming 2012.  Online are numerous projects to help chronicle the year.  For instance here are a couple:

1. One Little Word 2012 with Ali Edwards
For the past few years Ali Edwards has been choosing one word for the new year to act as a focus, wish and/or goal.  She also offers a year long class at Big Picture Classes to direct you each month in 2012.  Find the class HERE.

2. Project Life with Becky Higgins
A simplified system to document the year whether you decide to do so daily, weekly, monthly or any sort of way.  For a brief introduction try watching Becky Higgins' videos HERE.  I am wrangling the family to do this project in 2012.  I bought the Clementine Edition core kit and some of the page protectors in Design A and Design F to begin with.  I plan on supplementing this with my own stash along with digital journaling cards and other products by various designers.  In the next week I will list some of them.  Also, I will try to give you some inspiration on others doing Project Life.

Have a joyous day!

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Papertrey Ink December 2011 Blog Hop

Dear Reader,

It has been too long since I participated in a Papertrey Ink Blog Hop, but I thought what better time to jump right in than on a day I have off? 

This month's challenge was to use the holiday leftovers such as ribbon, gift wrap and the like to create something new with Papertrey Ink products.  Since I need a few thank you cards from gifts received during this holiday season I thought what better way to use some leftovers.

Inspiration for my card designs, I am sure you could see, came from Maile Belles.  My use of tissue paper was inspired by the work of Marcy Penner and Rahel Menig.  I just love how they layers of tissue paper and twine along with other elements for a feminine and delicate appeal.  I am also finding pure white to be very attractive right now.

These were the leftovers I used on the couple of cards I created this afternoon:


I glued the wrapping paper to scraps of cardstock before I die cut the pinked edge circle.

Here are close ups of the two thank you cards:





Thank you for stopping by!

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

{thank you card}
stamp: Botanical Silhouettes (limited edition), Papertrey Ink
ink: weather vane, jenni bowlin by ranger
die: 1.75" Limitless Layers Dies, Papertrey Ink
ribbon: aqua mist classic grosgrain, Papertrey Ink
punch: scallop, Fiskars
cardstock: white, Georgia Pacific

{a note of thanks card}
stamp: Happy Trails, Papertrey Ink
ink : weather vane, jenni bowlin by ranger
die: 1.75" Limitless Layers Dies, Papertrey Ink
cardstock: white, Georgia Pacific
other: button, Papertrey Ink; star from Holiday Style Flower Sack, October Afternoon; white embroidery floss, DMC

December 25, 2011

Delightful December Day 25

Dear Reader,

I hope this has been the best Christmas ever for you and your loved ones.  I certainly had a wonderful one.  I know tomorrow will come too soon and I will be thinking of the days ahead...the last of 2011, but just for tonight I will rejoice in the now.

I wish you a night blessed with love, warmth and laughter.

Happy and merry Christmas,
Shay.

December 24, 2011

Delightful December Day 24

Dear Reader,

I am enjoying a quiet day at home helping with the cooking of dinner of two choices of roasted meat: prime rib and pork belly (what bacon comes from) and watching an old favorite, "Pollyanna" right now--it is such a happy, feel good movie.

I hope you have a delightful Christmas Eve!

Need something special to dress up your presents tonight?  Try these free printables:

Gift Tags by Eat Drink Chic
Adorable plaid reindeer tags.

Holiday Knit Tags by Eat Drink Chic
Another winner.

Illustrated Gift Tags by Helen Dardik
Delightful illustrated tags for all your gifting needs.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 23, 2011

Delightful December Day 23

Dear Reader,

Last night a friend came over and showed us how to tie big puffy ribbon bows on presents.  I unfortunately can barely tie a bow on a card so the art is lost on me.  Regardless, I appreciate a beautifully wrapped gift and perhaps no one does more than my mom who rather have the prettily wrapped present than the gift in it.

I hope this day is a joyous one for you.  To help here are some links with lovely projects:

1. December Daily Photos by Paislee Press
Liz Tamanaha is the designer behind Paislee Press which are some of the most beautiful digital products around.  You can get a bit of her aesthetic sensibility just from this blog post.  Simple and beautiful.  Plus her daughters are adorable. 

2. Sale at Market Street Stamps
This is a new stamp company with some great looking stamps.  I especially love all the backgrounds they have and I am thinking their sale is just the push I need to try them out.

3. Betsy Veldman's Peppermint Packaging
Betsy Veldman never disappoints...she always creates lovely projects and she has some sweet red and white peppermint packaging for your viewing pleasure.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 22, 2011

Delightful December Day 22

Dear Reader,

Let me get down to business:

1. Janet Hopkins' December Daily
Tres elegant and very chic, Janet Hopkins's December Daily was created using some of her own digital designs that you can purchase through her blog...they can be found at the end of the blog post.

2. Kirsty Wiseman's array of wreath images
On this blog post are a slew of beautiful wreaths that will make you rejoice.

3. An Artful Christmas givaway by Red Lead
Goodies abound with this giveawy.  Enter soon as the winner will be announced in the newsletter on December 24th.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 21, 2011

Delightful December Day 21

Dear Reader,

Happy Hanukkah to anyone out there celebrating the Festival of Lights this year.

Here are today's links:

1. A Branch of Christmas by Stephanie Dagan
A tree branch decorated with beautiful hand-stamped tags and banners.

2. Creative Mint
Just some lovely eye candy for all of you out there.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 20, 2011

Delightful December Day 20

Dear Reader,

Lots of late nights getting things done and I have had the chance to watch a couple of Christmas movies which were pretty good "Desperately Seeking Santa" and "12 Dates of Christmas".  I happened to really enjoy "12 Dates of Christmas" as it is based on the repeating day formula like that in "Groundhog Day".  Both movies are available to watch online for free for a limited time.

Here are some inspiring links for you today:

1. December Journal by Eve Johnson aka evalicious (Part One)
She sells her journals and embellishments through her store and is her best advertiser with her fun and eclectic style.
Part Two: HERE

2. Papertrey Ink's Make It Monday: Any Die into a Folded Tag with Erin Lincoln
You can watch this video on how to use dies we all (or is it just me?) collect purchase to make folded gift tags.

3. Handmade Gifts by Michelle Wooderson
Some sweet packaging that isn't your traditional Christmas fare.

4. Baby Gifts by Kate Whelan
These onsies and little fabric backpacks would be adorable gifts.  The same technique can be used for gifts for older children and adults too.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 19, 2011

Delightful December Day 19

Dear Reader,

The baking for gifts (with the important exception of the biscotti I promised to bake my sister) is officially over (imagine how "over" is dramatically said in the dubbed version of "Iron Chef")!  The majority of the delivery is being done today.   I hope everyone enjoys the goodies.

Here are some fun links for today:

1. Documenting December with SMASH
SMASH are cool books you can use to capture memories, ideas, pictures, etc.

2. Darcie Heater Designs' Pennant Tutorial and Freebies
A pretty pennant with instructions for you to use and decorate as you please.

3. Flickr Fans of Lawn Fawn Holiday Cards
Some really adorable and creative cards to get you going on those last minute cards.

4. Countdown to Christmas with Chari Moss (Day One)
Speaking of Lawn Fawn, go to Lawn Fawn design team member, Chari Moss' blog for a project every day until Christmas...they are a real treat.
Day Two HERE
Day Three HERE
Day Four HERE
Day Five HERE
Day Six HERE

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 18, 2011

Delightful December Day 18

Dear Reader,

Never underestimate the power of Santa Claus.  Last night my dogs did indeed sleep through the night. 

Here are today's links all courtesy of One Pretty Thing:

1. Christmas Roundup 
2. Ornament Roundup

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 17, 2011

Delightful December Day 17

Dear Reader,

Do you have those nights when you can't get a break when you and sleep are parted way too many times?  My dogs decided to wake me up from my blissful slumber several times during the night.  Can I use the threat of Santa Claus putting them on the naughty list to get them to sleep through the night?  Of course that will work.

Now on to something that is a great deal more fun, today's links:

1. Secret Elf Gift Tag Freebie by Celeste Rockwood-Jones
She's the terrific graphic designer behind some of Basic Grey's lines like Eskimo Kisses and she has a secret elf tag freebie for everyone (and on the right-hand bar are a few more fantastic freebies.  You will also want to search through her blog as there are more freebies not listed there.  I used the Halloween labels at last year's Halloween party found HERE).  HERE are some lovely Christmas tags.

2. Christmas Card Mini Book by Dawn McVey
Do you collect all those wonderful Christmas cards you receive year after year and don't know what to do with your favorites?  Dawn McVey has a great idea to showcase them in a mini book.

3. Marcy Penner's December Daily
I can't believe I haven't shared her December Daily with you yet because I have become quite a fan of her work and follow her blog pretty regularly now.  Her work has a lovely use of white space while  feeling handmade and ethereal.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 16, 2011

Delightful December Day 16

Dear Reader,

Tonight and the rest of the weekend looks like we will be working many hours in the kitchen finishing up all the food gifts on our the list.  Also, I have another project I need to wrap up this weekend.  I think I will be drinking copious amounts of coffee to get it all done!  I wish you ease in getting everything done that needs to be done this holiday season!

On to today's links:

JBS Inspiration Blog
Jenni Bowlin Studio's creative team are fabulous and on the blog this month are cards, cards, cards (which I still need, need, need).

While I am on the subject of Jenni Bowlin Studios, check out this design team member's blog:
Ranjini Malhotra
Outrageously pretty and elegant offerings plus she has freebies too!

Emma's Paperie
I have mentioned them before, but it is worth looking at their blog again for their Color of the Month challenge HERE and their Spotlight on Basic Grey HERE.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 15, 2011

Delightful December Day 15

Dear Reader,

Let's get right to today's offerings:
Generous Blogger

my life in lowercase {Celeste Smith}
I love this blog because she culls the web for awesome free printables, projects and cool happenings regularly and shares what she has found.

Pretty Projects

12 Days with Basic Grey
For the next 12 days (beginning yesterday, December 14, 2011), find a new project with instructions on Basic Grey's blog (love that they finally have one!).

Wrap It!

DIY Christmas with Rhonna Designs
I think Rhonna Farrer is amazing.  There I said it.  I keep track of whatever she designs (her designs are sold through her site Rhonna Designs) and her projects.  Here she has some ideas for using doilies in gift wrapping or decorating.  And I think I would remiss if I did not point you to her new Chevron Tool Kit found HERE.  The rest of her designs are also pretty outrageous.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 14, 2011

Delightful December Day 14

Dear Reader,

Have you had to brave the post office to send out packages yet?  We are packing up the boxes with treats right now for those friends and family members out of town and the post office will have to be visited Friday.  Wish us luck and a short line!

Today's offerings:
Documenting December/December Documented

Latonia Grant
A beautiful red, black and white December Daily.

Generous Bloggers

The Graphics Fairy
If you have never stumbled upon this site you are in for a wonderful treat--thousands of incredible clip art to use in your art and projects.

Cathe Holder of Just Something I Made
I am going to let you in on to a great resourse for lovely free printables here. For instance these awesome gift card holders found HERE.

The Vintage Workshop
A new vintage image every day.

Party with Prizes



Seven Days of Giveaways
Two extremely talented ladies with an excellent blog full of gorgeous projects are having a giveaway every day for the next week.  Also each day concentrates on a different theme--Day 1 Traditions, Day 2 Peace on Earth.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 13, 2011

Delightful December Day 13

Dear Reader,

What sites do you visit without fail when you need inspiration?  I would love to hear what has your mind buzzing with possibilities.
Now on to some fun links:

Documenting December/December Documented

Journal Your December
A blog dedicated to helping you journal about your December through prompts and lots of examples--a very cool resource.  The blog is in a couple of languages so just scroll down and there is usually English in italics.

Quirky Heart
Here is a very fun and cute hybrid December Daily/Journal Your Christmas using various kits from the designers of The Lilypad.

12 Days of Christmas

12 Days of Christmas with Silhouette
A free shape every day for your Silhouette or if you are like me your future Silhouette.


My Chic' n Scratch 12 Days of Christmas
With downloadable instructions and some videos this should be a great way to get some ideas.

12 Days of Christmas with Little Dreamer Designs
A digital subscription site for $5.00 a month, $25.00 for 6 months or $50.00 for a whole year plus all of the content from 2011 you also receive monthly freebies and starting today Christmas freebies for the next 12 days.

 Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 12, 2011

Delightful December Day 12

Dear Reader,

How crazy is it that for a short time we had 3 televisions on yesterday running 3 different Christmas movies?  I am not the only one watching Christmas movies...I am merely the one who enjoys them most of all and who gets a little chocked up by them no matter how cheesy they are.

Let's get back to the good stuff:

Documenting December/December Documented

Nicole Harper
This is a lovely December mini album.

Margie Romney-Aslett
A pretty December Daily with traditional Christmas touches.

It's a Wrap

Cosmo Cricket
These are cute paper bags that can be customized however you wish.

October Afternoon
Cute ideas using bags.

Cards, Cards, Cards

Create blog
Maybe you are like me and still have to make a few Christmas cards and want to see the possibilities out there.  Here are many with various styles for your viewing pleasure.  Also if there is a particular card that catches your fancy click on the cardmaker's name and check out their blog as you may discover a new source of inspiration and information.

Party with Prizes



Graphic 45 and May Arts Blog Hop
Two companies, two blogs, double the inspiration and giveaways.

Paper Crafts Presents: 12 Days of Christmas
Every day a new giveaway.

Merry and happy creating,
Shay.

December 11, 2011

Delightful December Day 11

Dear Reader,

It is a wonder that weekends seem to slip by so quickly!  Anyway, I am going to be brief today because this one link is full of other links:

One Pretty Thing's Christmas Roundup
One place with tons of ideas and inspiration.

See you tomorrow and have a relaxing and blessed Sunday.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 10, 2011

Delightful December Day 10

Dear Reader,

Do you enjoy listening to holiday music during this time of year?  What is your favorite song?  Mine may be "Silent Night" as it is beautiful and I imagine light twinkling with snow fluttering down in the background.

Here are today's offerings:

Parties with Prizes




Countdown to Christmas Blog Event with Simple Stories & Maya Road
Simple Stories and Maya Road has banned together to offer a blog event.

My Mind's Eye's 2011 Holiday Hoopla
A new tutorial each day and a chance to win some prizes from My Mind's Eye.

Live Webshow


Hybrid Holiday with Heidi Swapp
A free webshow tonight, December 10, 2011, at 10:00 p.m. Eastern with Heidi Swapp which includes a tutorial, tips and freebies!  Don't worry if you miss the live show, it will be available for viewing later.  A tip: listen with headphones.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 9, 2011

Delightful December Day 9

Dear Reader,

How is your holiday preparations going? Do you bake for the holidays? Growing up we used to bake dozens and dozens of cookies to give out. I remember one year my mom being on a stool so she could stir the dough that was in a huge container (that now houses 30-40 pounds of dog food) with a massive spoon.

On to the fun:

December Documented/Documenting December (I can't seem to make up my mind)

Vee Jennings
Colorful and full of layers this is a lovely December Daily.

Karen Grunberg
Eclectic goodness meets December Daily.

Delightful Decorations

Dear Lizzy's Kids' Crafts: Ornaments
Liz Kartchner shows how to make adorable ornaments with kids.  A fun activity for the family.

Clear Ornaments with Hambly Screen Prints
These are beautiful and fun ornaments to make with little mess.

Napkin Rings with Hambly Screen Prints
Another great idea using the ever fantastic Hambly Screen Prints.

More projects with Hambly Screen Prints
Some fabulous archived projects.

Video Series

12 Videos of Christmas with Becky Higgins
Different videos that are meant to inspire, educate and entertain.  So far they are all very different.

On the ___ Day of Christmas Projects by The Paper Trail
Each day a new Christmas Project with a tutorial and video by The Paper Trail.  I am particularly taken with the wonderful message board HERE.

Gift Guide

Great Crafty Gift Ideas by Nichol Magouirk
I like the things on her list and am seriously considering a Silhouette Cameo in my future and should you need anyone to push you in that direction then Nichol Magouirk is it.  She is excels with her use of the Silhouette.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 8, 2011

Delightful December Day 8

Dear Reader,

I love having sappy Christmas movies when I am creating during the season.  I often watch Hallmark Channel (my other favorites are Lifetime and ABC Family) all season as they play Christmas throughout the night which is wonderful for when you need to stay up baking, making cards, decorate, wrapping presents or just when sleep escapes you.  Do you watch them too?  Which are your favorites?

Now on to the good stuff:

Documenting December

Ashley Cannon Newell
Her December Mini Album is a great take on documenting your December in a do-able way and her work is always elegant.

Laura O'Donnell
I love this tag version of December Daily and I am always a sucker for seeing all the pretty supplies used in a basket or special container.

A very Crate Christmas (Crate Paper)


Peppermint Projects
Crate Paper is having a a very Crate Christmas this year including a way for readers' to submit their own projects using their Peppermint collection.  For guidelines check out this post.  Up for grabs are their brand new Paper Heart collection kits.



Merry Makings
Holly, jolly tutorials by the creative team of Crate Paper.  Well worth checking out.

Party with Prizes



The Hero Arts 2012 Catalog Blog Hop
Tomorrow kicks off this big blog hop with prizes from Hero Arts' brand new catalog.  Don't miss out on seeing all the samples from people like Tim Holtz, Ali Edwards, Basic Grey and so many more.

Wrap It!

7Gypsies
This post has some lovely inspiration for creative wrapping ideas.  If you look at other enteries on 7Gypsies blog you will also find ways to store Christmas cards along with a giveaway HERE.


Enabler Alert
Sign up for scrapbook.com's newsletter and receive a new deal each day.  There are only a few days left, but a deal is a deal.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay


December 7, 2011

Delightful December Day 7

"Lasso the Moon" ATC made using Fiddlette Designs digital kits (found at http://www.catscrap.com/)
Dear Reader,

How does this Wednesday find you?  Last night I had the last ATC Trade of 2011.  Monthly we get together and trade ATCs we made according to the assigned themes.  If you have an opportunity to be part of a communal art project, it is a wonderful way to challenge yourself and share art with others.

Today's inspiration:

December Documented

Tara Anderson
Her December Journal is light, airy, artistic and as pretty as Christmas ribbon candy.

Liz Kartchner
Happy, bright and playful, Liz Kartchner's December Daily is sure to give you ideas.

Wrap It!

Gift Wrap Week by Big Picture Classes
Good things are wrapped in pretty packages.  Learn some new tips on how.

Class


12 Days of Christmas at Big Picture Classes
12 teachers giving you instruction for 12 layouts.

Enabler Alert


12 Days of Cheer by oh, hello friend
Cool gifts at a great price.

Eye Candy
55 Days of Vintage Christmas with Danielle Thompson
Wish you could give your Christmas a bit of a retro feel?  Then this is for you!  Full of images that are fun and bold, they will inspire you to look back to create something new today.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 6, 2011

Delightful December Day 6

Dear Reader,

It has gotten cold here much to my delight.  I love how much better coffee or tea (and during the weekends  a mug of homemade hot chocolate or spiced cider) tastes when it is cold outside.  I think it even better when able to create in a warm house during the holiday season. 

Today's offerings for inspiration:
The Softer Side of 12 Tags of Christmas



12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist
Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas is nearly an institution, but there is another version for those who want a feminine version.  Ellen Hutson and her teachers create pretty tags that are sure to inspire and there are giveaways as well.

December Daily/Journal Your Christmas

Geralyn Sy
This is one classy, bright and inspiring December Daily.  I love whatever Geralyn Sy does.

Generous Blogger


Roadside Designs' 25 Days of Christmas 2011
Each day a free template to be used in your December Daily, Journal Your Christmas or any December memories.  If you miss some days, you have the option of buying the templates later.

Class


Holiday Memories Free Holiday Class with Jessica Sprague
Want some ideas for handmade gifts and decorating ideas using your computer for *free*?  Learn Photoshop tips along the way with Jessica Sprague.

Party with Prizes


Last-Minute Gifts Blog Party with Lori Whitlock & Kerri Bradford
Gift ideas, prizes, sales and free designs from some incredible designers...don't miss out.



A Colorful Christmas with 2 Peas in a Bucket's Garden Girls
Each day a different color combination and projects to break out the color during Christmas.

Lawn Fawn's December Inspiration Week
Lawn Fawn is releasing a new stamp set and during this week they are going to have a video introduction, creative team inspiration and giving away some of their adorable stamps. 

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 5, 2011

Delightful December Day 5

Dear Reader,
I hope you are keeping warm and the joy of the season is alive and well in your home. What activities do you do to make this season special?  What are your traditions?

Here today's offering of inspiration to keep you in the holiday mood:

December Daily/Journal Your Christmas

Ella Publishing
A cool take on the December Daily is to include some of the lists in List It! Christmas Edition e-book available through Ella Publishing Co.

Jamaica Makes
Clean, graphic, and full of character, I am looking forward to seeing more of this book.

Robyn Meierotto
She's designed some of the best kraft products around (My Mind's Eye Kraft FunDays and ) and now she has a kraft December Daily.  Winner!

Free Journaling Cards from Robyn Meierotto
These are awesome!  Thank you rock designer, Robyn Meierotto.

Wrap It!

Focus on Wrap by Emma's Paperie
On their blog the talented design team have been Focusing on Wrap with beautiful and creative ideas to add style and flair to your gift wrapping.

Whimsical Wonders



Want to make some handmade projects that will add that gorgeous vintage touch?  Each day using Paper Whimsy's downloadable vintage images, Nancy Maxwell James is showcasing lovely projects that you could use to decorate with or give as thoughtful gifts.  There are also giveaways.

Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Tutorial at Creative Chaos
Want to make trees that are whimsical, pretty and inexpensive?  Here is a tutorial to make your own using crepe paper.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 4, 2011

Delightful December Day 4

Dear Reader,

Sunday.  What better day to view all the handmade beauty out in the world?  To feel more hopeful?  To be uplifted? 

Advent Calendar

Sarah Jane
Christmas Book Advent Calender is my personal absolute favorite.  Any gift including dozens of wrapped books is superb in my opinion.  Holiday book wrapped and numbered as an advent calendar for a family is perfect.  Story time...spending time together reading about the wonder of the season, what could be better than that?  The same idea was done by Susan Weinroth this year.  Simple and magical, these will be something that your kids (and you) will cherish.  I think this would also be the perfect holiday gift for a beloved bibliophile in your life...merely change the books to suit their tastes.   

Maya Road Design Team Blog
A new twist (ha ha!) on an advent calender using bottle caps.

ScrapGoo
Here is a wonderful cheerful advent banner.  She also has a Christmas Planner tutorial in a later post as well as chalkboard gift tags.

Party with Prizes


Holly Jolly Holidays with Echo Park Paper Co.
Every day another new project, sale, giveaway, journaling prompt or surprise.



Lily Bee Design's 24 Days of Holiday Inspiration
Cute projects with tutorials and prizes too.

12 Tilda's of Christmas with Simon Says Stamp
Tilda of Magnolia stamps is the focus of this blog celebration.  Each day a new Tilda, a giveaway and a sale on Magnolia stamps through Simon Says Stamp. 

Gift Guide

Jennifer McGuire's Holiday Gift Guide
Over 50 gift items to help those needing something crafty for their friends or family. 

Class



Online Card Classes' 2011 Holiday Card Boot Camp
It may no longer be live, but should you need an extra boost to get those Christmas cards out right now, you may want to try this online class by Kristina Werner and Jennifer McGuire.

Holiday Enabling

October Afternoon's Santa Sack
I am a sucker for grab bags.  It is a mixture of finding a good deal and an intriguing mystery.  If you love October Afternoon and have a bit of extra money to splurge on yourself or someone you love (or if you want to buy one and keep some and give some away who is know, right?) then I recommend purchasing one of their Santa Sacks as you won't be disappointed.

Happy and merry crafting,
Shay.

December 3, 2011

Delightful December Day 3

Dear Reader,

The first Saturday of December, already.  I hope today finds you with plenty of time to play and get crafty.  Perhaps you need a little inspiration?  Or a giveaway to dream about?  I hope these links will help.

December Daily and Journal Your Christmas

Michelle Wooderson
I have been following her due to her work with Papertrey Ink and am really inspired by her Project Life work and now she has a wonderful December Daily to follow.

reverb 2011 / Hope Wallace Karney
Hope Wallace Karney of Besottment by Paper Relics is taking on reverb this year and using the daily prompts to fill up her delightful December Daily.  Plus she also has free downloads.  Cool lady (by lady I mean a woman of refinement and grace).

Nancy Wyatt
I love that Nancy Wyatt's December Daily is made from Rhonna Designs digital products and that she customized everything to fit with her needs and vision.  As someone who loves hybrid projects, Nancy's blog is so much fun to follow and she's a sweet lady (see above definition).

Baers Garten Designs
A fabulous designer of digital products and scrapbooker, Iara Baer of Baers Garten Designs never disappoints.  She shows her off her beautiful December Daily and I can't wait to see more.

Video Series

Kristina Werner's Holiday Card Series 2011
An annual event, Kristina Werner creates 25 different holiday cards on video.  Not to be missed for anyone who loves graphic and clean card design along with stamping.

Quick and Easy Holiday Cards by Britta Swiderski
She has a video series running of Quick and Easy Holiday Cards.  You can subscribe to her Youtube channel where she has great video tutorials for beginning cardmaking, stamp techniques and the like. 

Generous Blogger

Creativity Prompt
Every Friday there is a Friday Freebie including lots of cool journaling cards to use in your December Daily, Journal Your Christmas, Project Life, mini books or any other project you fancy.  She should receive a reward.  Thank you (not much of a reward, but heartfelt). 

Creativity Countdown

December Countdown with Scrapbook & Cards Today
"Join SCT for 24 days of inspiration from some of our favourite designers..."


December Daily with kesi'art blog
It may be en Francais, but isn't inspiration universal?  Or a picture worth a thousand words?  Whatever the cliche, their are some good tutorials.  If you don't read French and wish to read the blog I recommend subscribing through something like Google Reader and using its "translate into my language" option.

Classes

The Gifted Stamper with Julie Ebersole
Ellen Hutson now has the HOWNow School of Creative Arts and The Gifted Stamper is their inaugural class.  Looks like a wonderful opportunity to make some handmade gifts for those on your list.

Party with Prizes

anthropologie's 20 Days A'Gifting
Who doesn't love anthropologie?  A giveaway of anthropologie goodness...brilliant.  When I was straightening up my studio Thursday night I found 3 catalogs from 2009.  Did I toss them?  No way!  They withstand the test of time and are little marvels.

12 Days of Christmas Blog Party by Rahel Menig
A party with recipes, decorations and a giveaway.  Rahel Menig's style is really lovely and her bunny is adorable.
 
Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 2, 2011

Delightful December Day 2

Dear Reader,

Are you capturing your December in the December Daily with Ali Edwards or Journaling Your Christmas along with Shimelle Laine?  I have intentions of doing the project myself, but in the end I often fawn over images of others' December projects. You like to do the same as well?   Love other gorgeous projects celebrating the season? Or perhaps some digital goodies? Then here are some links. 

Inspiration for December Daily or Journaling Your Christmas

Nichol Magouirk
For a December Daily that has a traditional Christmas feel (love the reds and browns) and plenty of panache look at Nichol Magouirk's album.  Beautiful and full of her masterful use of the Silhouette, there is plenty to inspire.

Lisa Truesdell
I love how fun her December Daily album looks and the non-traditional colors are lovely and festive.  I am really charmed by her use of confetti and the chalkboard bits on her cover. 

Kelly Purkey
I love Kelly Purkey's simplified, straight-forward take on the December Daily which makes me feel even I could do one!

Amy Tan
Fun, graphic, bright and sassy, Amy Tan's December Daily is another project that is accessible and still has a lot of style.

Susan Weinroth
Susan Weinroth's December Daily is elegant, cool and classy with a color combination that is one of my favorites any month of the year.

Doris Sander
Using a piano lesson book as a base, Doris Sander's Journal Your Christmas book is handmade, vintage goodness! 

Alissa Fast
Another lovely and creative Journal Your Christmas book taking shape.

Advent Calendars

Liz Kartchner
Beautiful, rustic and chic her 25 boxes are well worth the viewing.

Jamie Pate
Get over to this blog and check out these gorgeous advent tags!  I am now a devoted follower of Jamie Pate's blog ever since she was named one of the ladies on Rhonna Designs Creative Team.  Everything she does is pure loveliness. 

Add to Your Digital Collection



The Lilypad's December Deals
Each day another category is 25% off.  One of my favorite shops full of awesome designers.

Catscrap's Advent Calender
A different lovely digital freebie every day by very gifted designers.

I hope you have found these links as inspiring as I have!  If you have more holiday eye candy or deals, please comment away!! 

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

December 1, 2011

Delightful December Day 1

Dear Reader,

I have been batting around ideas of how I want to celebrate this holiday season in a meaningful and personal way.  Have you?  One of my favorite activities is to see how the talented people out in the world celebrate.  I love observing so much beauty and creativity!

I thought I would do something a little different to celebrate the holiday season and all of the crafting goodness awaiting us online.  Why not list what is available right here?  I hope I can add something every day to the list.  Please comment with more suggestions!  I love visiting new blogs and sites. 

No admission fee:

2011 First Tag by Tim Holtz
1. The 5th year of Tim Holtz's 12 Days of Tags. 
Chock full of inspiration, techniques and a daily giveaway.  This is today's tag bu
http://www.timholtz.typepad.com/

2011 December Daily Album Cover By Ali Edwards
2. Ali Edwards' December Daily. 
Chronicle your December in anyway you want with ideas from Ali Edwards blog.  A wonderful way to celebrate and savor the season.
http://aliedwards.com/

3. Basic Grey's 25 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar. 
Each day another goodie.  Today is a favorite recipe.  Tomorrow?...a surprise!
http://www.basicgrey.com/pages/advent


4. Pink Paislee's Winter Wonderland Blog Event. 
Giveaways, free printables, pretty projects...what is there not to like?
http://www.pinkpaislee.com/pink-paislee-blog/

5. Oscraps' 12 Days of O Christmas. 
"Check daily for challenges, freebies, tutorials, some fun Christmas trivia and even a sale or two."  What a treat!
http://ozone.oscraps.com/blog/


6.  20 Days of Christmas Crafts on Design House Digital Blog.
Tutorials of beautiful digital designs used to create lovely physical crafts.  I am there.
http://www.designhousedigital.com/content/category/blog/

Small admission fee:

1. Designer Digitals' Days of Christmas.
Each day a new $0.99 digital product and 285 items 30% off.

Online Classes:

1. Shimelle Laine's Journal Your Christmas
Awesome class with daily prompts for journaling and photography to capture the wonder of the season.  This can be used in conjunction with December Daily.
http://www.shimelle.com/paper/1284/journal-your-christmas-2011-online-scrapbooking-class/

2. 12 Artsy Ornaments of Christmas
Looks like a fun class with 12 different projects from 12 great teachers like Christy Tomlinson of Scarlet Lime, Donna Downey and Margie Romney-Aslett.
http://christytomlinson.typepad.com/christytomlinson/2011/11/sneak-peeks-holiday-cheer.html

Spark your Christmas garland by Margie Romney-Aslett
3. Spark your Christmas with Margie Romney-Aslett
Looks like a class full of ways to add handmade holiday sparkle and decoration to your house.
http://margieromney-aslett.typepad.com/im_just_a_girl/2011/11/spark-your-christmas.html

Hope this either reminds you of something you had wanted to see today or introduces you to something new!

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

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