6x6 Calendar Mini Album

I hope this finds you all enjoying this {for many} long holiday weekend! The Cardstock children and I took full advantage of this extra day {translation = stayed-in-our-pajamas-and-didn't-shower}. Now, Mr. Cardstock will tell you this isn't an uncommon occurrence for me - but I will defend myself by reminding him how many resources I am conserving (water, energy, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc). It's just my way of livin' green people - livin' green.

And before the mental picture sets in - let's move on. Okay, here's the Calendar Album everyone has been talking about lately - and by "everyone", I mean me. . . Anyway - to start off - here is the album itself - with rub-ons added (dust and dog hair added for free).

And here are the 12 included layouts - in order {of course}:

{side note: what a cute picture - I should totally use it more. . .}

100% lifted from a Donna Downey layout:

Okay - so these layouts were 6x6 and really came together pretty quick. I found the most challenging part was choosing supplies that would match the circle date stickers (from Sweetwater). After that part was done - the rest went quickly (even for a very s-l-o-w scrapper like myself). As you can see, I only used one picture/layout - and then added some patterned paper, ribbon and rubons. (It appears I was in a 'sanding phase' during this particular project.) Then, I attached the layouts to chipboard - and called it a day.

Here's a picture of a layout displayed with the clothespin. Perfect for sitting on a mantle, a desk at work or in your scrap space for daily smiles.

I attached the calendar with a clip:

This is just to show the agonizing work of stamping each month individually - and lest we forget - I made FOUR sets of these babies.

Up close view:

Here is the stamp set I used:

All in all - this is a project I will definitely repeat - it makes a perfect year-end gift. Just be sure to make a set for yourself (or you'll be forced to go into stealth mode so you can re-po the set you gave your mom in order to take pictures for all your lovely blog readers).

And, because I needed a reminder to smile today - and my daughter provided it - here's something that was overheard in the Cardstock household today:

Set-up: The kids asked me to play with them - and as usual, all parts were pre-assigned. I was to play "momma fairy", Kate starred in the role as "baby fairy" and Sam was left to play baby fairy's pet dolphin "squeaker" (he is very good to his sister - considering this role requires him to roll around and flop on the floor for the duration).

So, we all started out playing the usual scenes - baby fairy starts out needing momma fairy's help with something - only to learn {through difficult trials} she is able to do many things for herself {with her newly acquired skill of karate kicking} - all the while dolphin is proving himself to be a trusted friend and ally.

Business as usual - right? Well, next, baby fairy decided my role would shift to "grumpy momma fairy" {seriously, I have NO idea where this is coming from. . .}. So, she prompted my lines - things like, "No, you can't go to the fairy princess ball." or "You must stay here and clean all the dishes." or "No food for you until this place is spotless." {all said with a very convincing cackle}.

Well, being quite up to the task, I launched into what I would consider one of my more Oscar-worthy deliveries. And, as I was gaining momentum in this very liberating {but not like me at all} role - Kate decided it was time to take momma fairy down a notch.

K: "I know what you are doing grumpy momma fairy - you are holding onto a grouch {I assume she meant grudge - but I went with it}."

Me: "This grouch and I will never part - and only I know the secret of how to release a grouch."

K: "Oh, I know your secret - it's a potion for getting rid of the grouch you are holding."

Me: "You can't possibly know my secret."

K: "Yes I do - it's coffee."

Me: ". . . . you don't know me. . . . "

K: {giggle giggle giggle}

Perhaps this momma needs to work on her people skills - or at least bump up the caffeine intake?? Tomorrow will be a better day. . .

And, before signing off, I wanted to share a picture that reminds me to be thankful I live in a country where we can live freely, love freely, worship freely and choose freely. Mr. Cardstock coaches our kids' soccer teams - and at the start of each game, he and his players say a prayer. Short and sweet - not a big deal - and supported by the team parents. {It's really a pity about the blond kid - I hear he used to be quite a looker.}

And this one - well, I just like the angle here. . . .

Blessings,

Vicki

Romans 12:18 As much as you can, live in peace with all men.

bird keychain album & {WINNER}

Hello all - I hope you had a productive day - full of energy, vim and vigor - what's that? More filled with vinegar you say? Yeah, me too. . . But, I do have to say that reading all your comments about what makes your life wonderful truly brightened up the day around here! And seriously, THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to comment - you bless me!

Okay - the winners of the cd tins from Monday's post are:

***Just Jen*** January 12, 2009 11:28pm
***Christa*** January 13, 2009 9:22am

Congratulations ladies!! Just e-mail me your contact info at vicki@simplycardstock.com - and you can start making plans to fill that little tin right up!

Now, do you remember when I mentioned back in the first post that anyone who would like to have a project of theirs posted here just needs to e-mail me said project?? Well - we have our {FIRST MEMBER SUBMITTED PROJECT}!!! Okay, truth be told, the submitter is my niece Hollie - and I think she's pretty awesome - and I relentlessly begged her to e-mail me her stuff - and I'm pretty persuasive {those of you who have been witness to my 'stink eye' can attest to that!). And on a side note, the best thing my brother has ever done was marrying Hollie's mom - she's a total keeper (my brother - iffy on his best day. . .). Anyway, the Maya Road chipboard bird keychain set was included as the matching treat in our August 2008 kit - and below is what sweet Hollie did with it:

Shut up!! Cute right? I know!! Ahem, and here's a layout Hollie created:

Yeah, she's pretty cute too. . .


That's it for today - but check back tomorrow because I'm posting another album {gasp}! This time it's that calendar album I also mentioned in the first post. And, for all those who are counting - tomorrow's post will bring the 6th time a certain picture will grace this blog.

Also - lest anyone think I took that picture out of a frame and just reproduced it and placed it ramdomly throughout my house. . . here's a more recent photo of my youngest:

Now, despite there not being a giveaway today - I would love to have your comments about a topic. Now, I'm just going to pick a topic at random, having nothing whatsoever to do with me personally. . . if you are so inclined, please leave a comment with your recommendations for the best brand of hair dye. . . for brunettes. . . who are 40. . . who often post on this blog. . .

Blessings,

Vicki

Luke 6:37 Do not say what is wrong in other people's lives. Then other people will say what is wrong in your life. Do not say someone is guilty. Then other people will say you are guilty. Forgive other people and other people will forgive you.

cd album, {GIVE AWAY} & sneak peek

First off - a little sneak peek for our members. . . January kits are getting ready to ship next week - and here's a little looksee at the goods:

Oooooh - paper {squeal}!!! I love this part:

Well, I hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing weekend! Ours was very uneventful (thanks to the "alleged" ice storm rudely cancelling our family Christmas for the second time)! But we made the most of it and the four of us spent a LOT of time engaged in all things Star-Wars-Clone-Wars-related (I have NO idea where my children get their obsessive nature from - none whatsoever). And, here's a little birthday peek for my mom {hint: start reading this blog} - this is what the other side of the craft room looks like at the moment. . . any idea why??? Oh, and did anyone notice the framed picture in the upper left? Yeah - that one again. . .

And now onto our album for today. A couple years ago - my scrapbooking goddess friend taught a few of us how to make these great cd albums. I literally trace around a cd - cut out the circles - slap on pictures - embellish - and done! (The albums can hold six circles of cardstock with a little bit of embellishment.) So, here's the front of the cd tin:

Note on doing the outside: I've done a couple of these tins and used black/white pictures on the front. By doing so I'm able to modge-podge over the pictures, paper and all - and it seals everything quite nicely (which is good when you want to whip out an uber-cool album at, say, your 20-year class reunion - even though everyone else just pulls out a lame 4x6 photo from a crinkled envelope - yeah, it's great for that sort of thing - or so I've heard). Ahem, anyway, I didn't seal the one I'm showing you because modge podge will wreak havoc on colored pictures.

Here's the first page: {Clearly my eyes are going because I swear this picture didn't look blurry when I edited it. . .}

Page 2:

Page 3:

Page 4:

Page 5:

Page 6: {what - where did that picture come from???}

Here's what it looks like all together:

Supplies: patterned paper (Crate Paper), twill ribbon (Stampin' Up), brads and ribbon from my stash.

Process:

1. Trace 7 cd-sized circles onto your cardstock or patterned paper of choice (one for the cover).
2. Hold up your picture to the light with the circle behind it (to see where to glue it and crop it).
3. Adhere picture to circle. Then, flip circle upside down and cut off the excess. {Optional: turn circle back over and sand edges of pictures.}
4. Adhere scraps/pieces of patterned paper or cardstock to the part of the circle that isn't being covered by the picture - then flip over and cut off excess. {Optional: turn circle back over and ink/sand edges of circle.}
5. Embellish as you wish - I used ribbon and then stamped on some sentiments.
6. Assemble the circles by starting with the one you want to appear LAST in the series (#6). Lay it on your work surface - then take the circle you want to come before it (#5) and rotate it 180 degrees (so it appears upside down). Lay the circle #5 on top of circle #6. Then, I used a paper-piercing tool and poked a hole on the LEFT side, close to the edge. Next, insert your brad. Now, when you "unfold" the two - both should be oriented the same way.
7. Now, keeping the two circles unfolded - take the next circle (#4) and rotate it 180 degrees again - so it will be upside down. Repeat the rest of step 6 until all the circles are joined. You might have to do some playing with this so your pictures fall where you want them {and no one gets a brad through the eye}.
8. Adhere your 7th circle to the cover.
9. Show it to everyone you know (and when you do go to your reunion, make especially sure to show it to your high school nemesis - who, in high school, thought she was so much smater and more talented than you - but then who admitted to getting 17+ speeding tickets during the trivia portion of the reunion - which, in the probation world we call "habitual traffic violator". . .). Oh dear, where did that come from?

Moving on. . .

Here's a picture of the stamps I used in the above album (my favorite set):
I've made these cd albums for new moms, grandmothers, friends - and friends of friends! And now you can too!!! That's right - {ANOTHER GIVEAWAY}!!! I've got TWO cd tins that would love to be on their way to a happy home. Just leave a comment - about what makes your life wonderful - and you'll be entered to win! I'll choose TWO winners and post them Tuesday, 1/13/09!

And, I must sign off now - but now without another photo from my favorites. Here's a more recent picture of my oldest - minus eight baby teeth - but with a mouthful of promise. . .

Blessings,

Vicki

I Peter 2:1 Put out of your life hate and lying. Do not pretend to be someone you are not. Do not always want something someone else has. Do not say bad things about other people.

Birthday wishes & {WINNER}

Congratulations are in order for. . .

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:3

***RACHEL***
January 9, 2009 1:50 AM

Please e-mail me at vicki@simplycardstock.com with your contact information - and a whole lot of cardstock is coming your way - woo hoo!


Well - thank you all so very much for your suggestions on what to do with the chipboard album from yesterday - I'll be sure to let you know what happens to the poor, neglected thing. You never know - it just might end up as a give away!!


Okay - I'll be back on Monday with another mini album to share - this one is super easy - and very portable!! I learned how to make it from my scrapbooking goddess friend - in about an hour. Oh yeah - and it just happens to feature none other than my very favorite picture of Kate (you might remember the one. . .).

And now, to show you a bit of my eyes-are-bigger-than-my-{fill in blank} syndrome I seem to suffer from . . . here are some of the projects on my needles right now:

First, a mistake rib scarf for one very patient Mr. Cardstock - (to make up for the *are-you-sure-can't-make-that-hat-fit . . . even-if-you-stretch-it* hat that never was). Don't worry, you'll see what I'm talking about next week. . .

Next, a lovely neckwarmer (in a 4x4 rib) for someone who's been waiting far FAR too long for something handmade from me. It should be finished this weekend - and you'll be the "cute friend" at school next week! Let's just hope not too cute - as to inspire a chorus of "Hot For Teacher" (unless we're talking about a serenade from a certain hot dad down the hall).

What - I've said too much? My bad.
And here's a little something I started a couple years ago - and sadly - I don't even remember who it was for (ooooh - something shiny. . .). Anyway, a friend just told me her family will be welcoming a baby girl very soon - so now I'm on a mission to finish it.

My very first attempt at seed stitch . . . {lets just hope the baby isn't a perfectionist}.

And for those who can't even guess what it's supposed to look like (even when squinting and tilting your head to the side). . . Well, this is what I'm going for - so let's all cross our fingers.

Oh, and that birthday I mentioned?? HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM - WE LOVE YOU!!! Isn't she great? Yeah, I think so too - as do the munchkins. Can you believe she had six brothers (ACK) - and lived this long to tell about it??? It's a good thing my dad is such a nice guy - or he just might have had a few angry brothers to deal with. (Oh wait - there was that time Uncle Jimmy chased you all the way back to the USAF base. . . again, another story for another time.)

We'll see you very soon Mimi - and what a celebration it will be (Sam and Kate have big birthday plans for you).

I'll be back on Monday with more pictures and such of scrap-related items - oh yeah - and more GIVE AWAYS!!!! If you are so inclined - I'd love for you to send mom {you can call her mom too - she loves that} some birthday love. And don't worry mom (who apparently hasn't even read the awesomeness of this blog) I won't tell any of the family secrets - unless, that is, you won't actually be reading this blog - because if that's the case I just might have to dig something up. . .

Blessings for a wonderful weekend ahead for all!!
Vicki

Matthew 5:7 Those who show loving-kindness are happy, because they will have loving-kindness shown to them.

Chipboard Album & {WINNER}

Congratulations - today's 50-pack of Bazzill 12x12 cardstock goes to. . .

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:41


***SONIA***
January 7, 2009 10:54 pm

Hey there Sonia - e-mail me with your contact info and your 50 sheets of Bazzill will be sent right out to it's new happy home!

Okay - so here is that chipboard album from the first post on Monday. Pictures first - then my oh-so-brief commentary. . .

As you all know, I'm quite the fan of manufacturer paper packs - I mean, dude, the work is already done! Don't get me wrong - I've traveled down the road of mixing manufacturers - and I will again. . . sure, just put me in a room with, like, 50 sheets of patterned paper from different manufacturers - and I can totally pick at least three sheets of said paper that would work together perfectly. Okay, um, if we could narrow that number down to, lets say, three sheets of paper in that room - then I could definitely make it out of there in less than seven hours with my sanity intact - definitely. Just ask my friends - oh, but not my friend who is a scrapbooking goddess - to whom I turn with every annoying question - and who eventually just picks my paper for me. . . no, please don't ask her.

Anyway, the above chipboard album is from Maya Road, the patterned paper pack from Daisy Ds and I used many, many rub-ons and stamps and paint (oh my) to dress it up. Nothing real fancy - and I'm not sure it's even done at this point - or for that matter, what it will be used for. Originally, it was to be an 'all about me' album for a friend's 40th birthday - be we all remember that debacle (see post from 12/31/08 if you're new).

Now, on to one of those cardstock-only layouts everyone's been talking about. I share this one first - because it was my introduction to Becky Higgins. This layout is pretty much an exact replica of a layout in her first "Sketches" book. Can we say "aah, sweet freedom"?? (If you've not checked out her work - seriously - you should.) A little background - this serious of photos was taken the day my first turned one month old. I took 10 rolls of film - yeah, you read that right - FILM. Mr. Cardstock still laughs when we remember how much money I used to spend on photo developing. Well, he doesn't so much laugh. . . I was one of those moms who shot, on average, 15 rolls every month {ACK}! You know those CM photo holders that hold 2400(ish) pictures?? Yeah, I have pictures from Sam's first year in TWO of them {double ACK}! Oh, and no, his first year scrapbook is NOT finished - thankyouverymuch!

And for only weighing in at 4 1/2 pounds when this sweetums popped out - I'd say he chubbed up quite nicely :-) Yeah, I could just eat him up - and don't even get me started on those monkey toes. . .

Now, I don't know if any of you are {gasp} cross-crafty - but I like to knit. I took up knitting when my oldest started preschool - that way I would always know what to do for teacher Christmas gifts - scarves, scarves and more scarves! Well, this past holiday was a 100% handmade holiday - I knitted until my fingers were numb. Oh, don't feel bad, once the kiddos are tucked in, knitting gives the perfect excuse to cuddle up under a blanket, have a glass {"bottle"} of wine and watch educational television (read: The Office and One Tree Hill reruns). Shameless, I know. Anyway, this year I tried something different - neckwarmers. Think turtleneck sweater without the sweater. (I'll have to take a picture of it being worn for it's awesomeness to fully be portrayed.)
And, because I'm always looking for ways to get my little ones involved, I picked up one of those Knifty Knitter looms this year. Those things are AWESOME!! Kids can really create with them. Here's a couple hats we did together this year (with a matching scarf with the remaining yarn). These children's hats knit up in about an hour - it doesn't get much better than that!

Our family Christmas with my parents comes this weekend - so I'll have more awesomeness to share after that {oh yeah mom - get ready for fabulous}!

Well, my daughter LOVED all the {completely unsolicited} comments about her picture - thank you, thank you. And, in the name of equality - here's a picture of Sam from my Favorites folder:

And now - what you've all {really} been waiting for - today's giveaway. . . MORE CARDSTOCK!! What's that you say?? You have more cardstock? Why how can that be?
Yeah - I guess she's seen my cardstock closet. . .

This give away is for another 50-pack of assorted 8.5x11 Bazzill cardstock (2 sheets/color). Hey all you cardmakers - this ones for you! To be entered in the drawing for - just make a comment about (my son, of course) a tip for what on earth I can do with that album up there - ARG!! The winner will be chosen and posted on Friday evening. Good luck!

Blessings,

Vicki

I Peter 2:1 Put out of your life hate and lying. Do not pretend to be someone you are not. Do not always want something someone else has. Do not say bad things about other people.

Top Ten Mini Album & {1/6/09 winner}

And the winner of the 50 sheets of 8.5x11 Bazzill cardstock is:

***Anouk***
January 6, 2009 8:22am

Congratulations!! Send me your contact info (name, shipping address and e-mail) - and I'll ship your cardstock out right away!!

Thank you all, once again, for all the wonderful comments. It's seems like we all are blessed to have lots to scrap about!

And now - another album - of the mini variety. . .

The kids and I made this little one for father's day 2007. After seeing a similar mini album on a message board - I lucked upon a deck of circle-shaped playing cards in the dollar spot at Target (and when I say "lucked upon" I really mean that I dove into the bin, scooped up 10 decks of cards and scanned the aisle with my 'stink eye' to make sure no was moving in on my treasures - I mean, after all - I can make 4 albums/deck - making each one only $o.25 - why, I can make a mini album for everyone I know {squeal}. . . Oh, and to answer your question, I still have 9 and 3/4 decks in my drawer). These particular cards had a picture of Homer Simpson on the back saying "doh" - fitting, wouldn't you say?? Anyway, I thought it would be nice to involve the kids in this gift - what else can make a grandparent melt where they stand??

Process: I started by asking my children their favorite things about their papa - then printed their quotes out on cardstock, cut them into strips - and then into individual words (rocket science I tell ya).

Now, enter yet another Basic Grey paper pack (Vagabond, I think?). I simply put adhesive on the Homer Simpson part of the cards (ace through 10 of hearts) - and then slapped them all down on the patterned paper. Next, just cut around the cards - and sand off the excess.

The kids got to pick out cardstock colors they thought matched the patterned paper - and then got to use the circle punch (which I found was quite a treasure for a 3 and 5 year old - who knew??). Then, they each got to glue down the circles onto the cards that would host their pictures.

Speaking of pictures - I have all my digital photos stored by category (a la Stacy Julian) - and one of those files is "Favorite Pictures". For this project I made an index print from all the photos in that file and printed them out on 8x10 photo paper. I cut out the pictures, leaving a small border, and let the kids match up which picture went with which card (alternating of course - I mean, let's be fair).

Next, the kids got to run their pictures through that little "x" shaped xyron sticker maker - along with all the words from their quotes. Then, momma got to place them all down (with their direction of course). And, lastly, the kids got to raid the ribbon stash (only the neutrals. . . I'm not crazy) and each got to pick a few that I then glued down on some of the cards.

And, saving the best part for last - we all used the crop-a-dile to punch the hole (and we have a rule around here. . . anytime this tool is being used - said user must crow like a rooster and scream "crooooop-a-doodle-dooooooo"). Well, actually, that particular rule originated that time a friend and I were cropping, way, way too late (you know, when everything you say is absolutely pee-in-your-pants hilarious??) - yeah, good times, good times. Oh - and I also think it's funny to make my kids crow for scrapping privileges. Ahem, then we assembled the cards together with a jump ring and tied on a few more ribbons.

We did the whole thing off-and-on in an afternoon - and much fun was had by all (I didn't even have to bring out the "stink eye" to get them to cooperate)!

And, back to that favorite pictures file? Well, I thought I'd include one with every post - just to make me smile. This particular gem was taken when Kate was 2. Up until this point I was using a point and shoot digital - and always wound up with very blurry pictures of my kids - or pictures taken two seconds after the picture I was going for. Anyway, a co-worker loaned me a digital SLR for the weekend (crazy, right) - and I took 400+ pictures in two days. It was then and there that I knew it must be mine - well, not actually my co-worker's camers - but you get where I'm going. So, back to the picture - this is my absolute favorite picture of Kate - and I don't even know why - it just makes me smile (maybe it's those beautiful lips, or her eyes, or the curl, or her elfin-like ear sticking out). On a side note - this picture also makes my friend smile (read: make fun of me) - because I have used this picture in about 20 or so projects.

Picture needed for a frame? Check.

Picture needed for a layout? Check.

Picture needed for a cirlce album? Check.

Picture needed for a mini-album? Check.

Picture needed for the front of the mini-album? Check.

Picture needed for a grandparent gift? Check.

Picture needed for an altered initial for daddy? Check.

My tendency to not know when to stop? Double check.

And once again, thank you to all of you who endured this post to the end. I mean, not just skimmed it - but really read it - you know, drank in its essence and let it simmer in your mind. {screeeeech} Yeah - kidding. But, if you DID make it through - then I think that deserves another blog giveaway. How about another 50 sheets of 12x12 Bazzill cardstock. Too much? Is there such a thing as too much cardstock? {shudder} No, I think a 50-pack is just perfect! Just leave a comment about how cute my daughter is (ahem) I mean about other ideas for mini-albums that can be created in an afternoon (theme, what size, kids involved? - that sort of thing). That way we can continue to inspire each other with our awesomeness!

The winner of the cardstock pack will be chosen and announced on Thursday's post.

Blessings,

Vicki

Romans 12:17-18 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. . . . Do your part to live in peace with everyone.

"All About Emily" album - {and winner}

Dooooode!! I'm seriously giddy with all the suggestions you guys gave!! Could you BE any more awesome (said with my best Chandler Bing inflection).


This week I plan to make lists of your suggestions and start incorporating them into this blog. Yes, I can see the lists now, many, many lists, pretty lists, all color coded and organized and tabbed - I could make a new list journal - one that's green, no blue. . . oops, sorry - ahem, back to your suggestions. . . . Yes, many wonderful suggestions were given - and I smiled with each one - so thank you for making today a great day for me! (As for the suggestion to include recipes - the next time the kids and I make a batch of my grandma's "scotcheroos" - I'm totally posting it!! Get ready for some seriously good, only-give-the-kids-one-so-you-can-have-the-rest, sweet treats!)


***************************************************************************
{1/5/09 WINNER} And the winner of the 50 sheets of 12x12 Bazzill cardstock is. . . . .

***lifesabeach32940***

who said: "Congratutlations on your new blog!! I would love to see LOTS OF TUTORIALS. . . for cardmaking, scrapbooks, etc. A good ongoing tips and techniques feature would be suggestions for color combinations!! I am excited about your blog!!

January 5, 2009 7:58am
****************************************************************************

CONGRATULATIONS!! Just e-mail your info (name, shipping address, e-mail) to vicki@simplycardstock.com and your cardstock will ship tomorrow morning!!!




Okay - for today I have an album to share - not the one from yesterday (although I'll be posting that one soon - once I take pictures of all the pages). This album is an "All About Me" album I made for a good friend who was turning {gulp} 30. She had done such an over-the-top lead-in to my {double gulp} 40th birthday last year that I wanted to celebrate her special day in style. On a side note - she started 40 days before my 40th birthday - and then delivered one present each day until my birthday. Some were small - some were funny - some were crafty - some were meaningful - but all were amazing. It gave me a reason to wake up in the morning (you know, other than "how can I get to the coffee pot before someone asks me for something")!



I'll do my best to list the supplies and techniques I used. But, please e-mail me if you want more details, more pictures (yeah, because I took 51 of them - ack), or any other info - and I'll do my best to answer any questions.



Okay, below is the album cover. The album is one of the suede ones - can't think of the manufacturer (as the album now lives in Texas) - but it is 8x8, has a square opening on the cover for a picture and comes with 10 (maybe 12) page protectors. For the flower decoration, I just pulled out the little plastic thing in the picture insert and then 'bradded' all the flowers to it. Then, just kind of bend the plastic thing and smooshed it back in place.
For the general layout of this album I stuck to one paper manufacturer (Basic Grey - Urban Couture line) so everything matched - and of course Bazzill cardstock. I started with an assembly line process: cut all cardstock to 8 x 8 (2 of each color), cut all patterned paper to 8 x 3 (two strips of each pattern) and cut all paper strips to 8 x 3/4 (for this strip I used the 'plain' papers included in the Basic Grey paper pack). Next I inked the edges of all of it (because I like to torture myself like that) - I used Tim Holtz' distressing ink in Vintage Photo - and then just glued it down.

Next step - I took the tag sheet that comes in the Basic Grey paper pack and modge-podged the tags onto the Basic Grey chipboard tags that come in the same size. This step took the longest because of the drying time. The next time - I'm going to use a glue stick and a brayer - it seems to adhere just as well. Oh - and for those of you who have a 'brayer' in your tool stash and have never known what to do with it (like me) - it works great when you're adhering larger items (like paper to chipboard or layouts to chipboard backing). Just put on the glue, lay on whatever you're gluing - and then roll over it with the brayer to make sure all the parts stick.

Once the tags are done - I went through my ribbon stash and pulled out a few that coordinated - then threaded the ribbon through the tags.

In all seriousness, I learned from a very good friend that you just can't over think the matching process when it comes to embellishments and ribbon and such. You've got to focus on the big picture - and it's not likely the gift recipient will open the album and think "great overall aesthetics - but that green ribbon just ruins it for me". This same friend taught me to just breathe, choose quickly and then move on. The friend you ask?? The uber-talented Jenn Johnson - ring any bells?? Yeah, she's great. She saved my life.

Okay, back to the album. Below is the title page - "A Celebration of Emily at 30". Supplies: rub-ons (Basic Grey), chipboard A (Heidi Swapp), stamps (Stampin' Up), stickers (Basic Grey - included in paper pack) and (Making Memories). The flowers are from my stash - and the fabric tag in the upper right corner, not certain about that one either (sorry) - but it came in a pack of 6 tabs - assorted sizes.

Pages 2-3 - the brown mat on the left is for a current picture - you know, seeing that she's all young and 30 and gorgeous! The right page has room for her to journal her thoughts about her life right now. Supplies: small tag (Stampin' Up), large tag (7 gypsies), journaling sheet (Making Memories), twine (Stampin' Up), stickers (Basic Grey) rub-ons (American Crafts, Making Memories), stamps (studio g).
Pages 4-5 - left page "My family" is for a picture of, well, her family. The left page says "Our Story". Supplies: journaling tag on left (My Mind's Eye, cut in half), journaling tag on left (Hambly maybe?), rub-ons (American Crafts, My Mind's Eye), stickers (Making Memories), chipboard letter (Heidi Swapp), adhesive lace tape, brads, flowers and plastic "family" (my stash).
Pages 6-7 - these pages are for Emily to put some of her favorite photos. (And if you've ever seen her amazingly beautiful self and crazy beautiful kids - you know this is no small task!). Supplies: journaling tag on bottom left (bottom half of My Mind's Eye tag from page 2), rub-ons (Bo Bunny Press, American Crafts).
Below was just one of my favorite things from this album :-)
When Emily and I were first getting to know each other - one of her first questions was about the music I listened to. . . So, I thought she would appreciate a place to list her current favorites. Like, when I was 30 (so long ago) - I would have listed the likes of {swoon} Randy Travis, REM, or Vanilla Ice. I mean, what's better than a mom who can totally sing every word to Ice Ice Baby? Wait, that's not cool? Oh snap, my kids were right. . . Ahem, supplies: journaling stamp (Autumn Leaves), stickers (Basic Grey), chipboard bracket (American Crafts), little green flowers (Oriental Trading Co), adhesive lace tape (??).
Pages 8-9 - "10 random facts about me". For all those mothers among us - it's easy to forget who we are in the midst of daily life. I wanted to provide a place where my friend could list things about herself she might have forgotten - or things she'd like her children to know about her - or whatever. . . I didn't leave too much space because I didn't want to create any stress - just short and sweet. Supplies: tags (large from U-line and the rest from Stampin' Up), stamps (Image Tree), chipboard bracket (American Crafts), rub-ons (Basic Grey), chipboard letters and numbers (Heidi Swapp).

Pages 10-11 - Emily is a very crafty gal (of the sewing and general creative sort) - so I wanted her to have a place to keep things that are inspiring to her right now. That tag on the left says "observations". Supplies: stickers (Basic Grey), journaling tag (7 gypsies), brackets (American Crafts), twine (Stampin' Up), stamp (savvy stamps - it looks like a upc bar code - I use it all the time).

Pages 12-13 - "30 Things to see, do, be. . .". This is a place to put all the things she'd like to accomplish in the next 30 years. I thought it would be fun for her children to see what she hopes to do in her life. The tag on the right side reads "My dreams". Supplies: chipboard (Heidi Swapp), stickers (Basic Grey), rub-ons (Bo Bunny Press, American Crafts).
Another close up of the title.

Can you tell I'm addicted to rub-ons?? Someday I'll show you my stash - sorted by size, theme and color (of course). Yeah, that's another thing you'll learn about me - compulsive behavior makes for a much more interesting gal (I figure if I say it enough - even I'll believe it??).

Pages 14-15 - "My hobbies". Just another fun page to put things she enjoys doing right now. I love reading my mom's journals from when we were little and getting some insight into her as a person - not just as my mom. Fascinating really. I wanted to give Emily a place to do the same - show her children she isn't just a mom - but that she's so much more. Supplies: rub-ons (Bo Bunny Press, American Crafts), chipboard letters (Heidi Swapp).

Yep - love those rub-ons. This one reads: "Be still, at peace, free" - it's from Bo Bunny.

I'd love to talk about how symbolic these butterflies are - but I'm not that deep really - I just like them - and they were brown.

Pages 16-17 = "Prayers for my kids". If there's one thing that will make any mother melt into a puddle of goo - it's worrying about her children. Shortly after my first child was born I was consumed with worries about pretty much anything you can imagine (like most new moms). I started reading "Power of a Praying Parent" by Stormie Omartian - and I'm telling you - another thing that saved my life! I worked as a probation officer too long to ever see this world as all roses - but reading this book and letting go of some of the weight truly helped me find a balance. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED book for any parent!! Supplies: rub-ons (American Crafts, Scrapworks, Basic Grey), chipboard letters (Heidi Swapp), journaling tags (7 gypsies, K & Company, Making Memories), chipboard bracket (American Crafts), stickers (Basic Grey).

Close up of title. . .

Pages 18-19 - This page is simply titled "Emily Nicole" (however, it should read "Nichole" - oh snap). The rub-on word on the left page says "beauty". The journaling sheet on the left reads "Just a Few Things to Remember" - and the red rub-on word reads "reflections". Because so many of us don't see our own beauty - this is a page for Emily's favorite picture - of herself. Even if that means setting the camera on a tri-pod and filling up an entire memory card. . . we all need to find a picture of ourselves we can look at and think "I can see it now - me - and it's okay". Supplies: chipboard letters (Heidi Swapp), chipboard bracket (American Crafts), rub-ons (Bo Bunny Press, American Crafts, Making Memories).

Page 20 (WHEW - you made it!!). The tag on this one says "Believe" and the words underneath it read "in you". The year is listed in the bottom right corner as well. A place for a parting shot - maybe on the day before she turns 31???

Okay - so congrats to all of you who stuck in there until the end. I have to say I truly enjoyed making this album. It gave me a time to think about my friend - just think - and enjoy my memories of her - and us. This was also the first album where I didn't over think it - just went with my first instinct. I would HIGHLY suggest trying that on your next project and see how it turns out. Wait - do I see a challenge???

One more thing. . . the structure of this album can be stretched to any theme. I've used this layout to make baby albums, the ABC's of Me albums, memory albums (for loved ones who have passed) - the possibilities are endless!

So - too many pictures?? Too much in the way of description?? I'd love your feedback. I want to create a happy medium: not too much - not too little - just right for baby bear.

Okay - for the next give away - I have ANOTHER pack of cardstock to give away!! This time it's 50 sheets of 8.5x11 Bazzill cardstock - varied, but at least two of each color - and it could be on it's way to your door. All you have to do is post a comment about what your next craft project is going to be - you know, the one where you don't over think it - and just go with your gut?? I'd love to know what all of you are working on. . . (in reality or even in your mind). Comments will remain open until Tuesday, January 6th at 9pm EST. The winner will be posted tomorrow evening!

Blessings,

Vicki

Live in such a way that there will be NO REGRETS when someone else follows in your footsteps.

Hebrews 12:13 Mark out a straight, smooth path for your feet so that those who follow you will not fall and hurt themselves but become strong. (Living Bible)