Last Month's Scraps and Prayers Class Christmas Project

Today's post is brought to you by some of my Scraps and Prayers group.  We made a Christmas decor project at our last class.  We had SO much fun!  I love this group.  It's open to anyone so, if you live in the area, you might want to give this one a try.  You'll leave with a smile on your face.  I promise. 

Our frame is an 8" round embroidery hoop.  The group loved this project - except for using some of my old adhesive sheets:)  Getting the backing off proved to be a bit of a challenge.  I assured them that the new sheets were much easier to use.  As I've said, I'm trying really hard to use up my 'stash' instead of hoarding it all.

We attached our DSP to a piece of cardboard backing from a DSP pack.  They're handy for so many things.  I then hot glued the DSP piece to the back of the hoop.  Speaking of hoops, there are some teeny, tiny hoops coming out in our upcoming Occasions Catalog.  They are adorable!!!  I hope to place my pre-order today and it will surely include some of these cuties.

We used up some of my old Sticky Tape by attaching it all around the outside edge of the hoop.  We peeled off the backing and attached some bright red ribbon.  Our old, retired bitty heart and star punches were very handy for this project.  I don't often part with a punch.  We used Red Glimmer paper for the hearts and Silver Foil for the stars.
NOTE:
There is a downside to hoarding retired products.  I recently made a large quantity of large gift bags for my daughter to use in her Christmas Shoppe at our church tomorrow.  I thought this would be a good time to use up the rest of my Sticky Tape.  Wrong!  I had several rolls left.  They were very old and absolutely stuck tight together.  I tried and tried and could not get them to unroll so I could use them.  I had to throw them all away.  I ended up using Fast Fuse ... and it was fast:)

I gave each person a Green Sprig to use on their project, but they didn't like how they wouldn't stay where they wanted them to be.  They'll use them for something else later.  No, the sprig below was not left like that.  I had a bit of cute/sassy actions going on that night.  My adhesive sheets brought out the best in everyone:)  Like I said, we have a lot of fun.

Below are two of their finished projects.  I love them!

Aren't these pretty?

The Latest Scoop:
I HAVE 2 REMAINING KITS FROM OUR CHRISTMAS RETREAT. / EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE 18 CARDS! / $40.00

December 11 -- Scraps and Prayers Class:
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Christmas Cards and Tags
It's going to be a party atmosphere at our last class for 2017.  I've even been working on a hand made present for you!  The class is filling up fast, so be sure to reserve your spot right away!

Tentative 2018 classes and events schedule, coming soon!

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

Our Church in Tranquility, New Jersey ... All Hearts Come Home for Christmas

First, I want to share a photo with you of our former church in Tranquility, New Jersey.  A big part of my heart is there ... at Christmas and always.  New Jersey will always own part of my heart ... because of the beautiful people we knew there and because it's just a beautiful place to be.

Sorry it came out a little dark, but when I tried to get the photo outside, all I got were reflections in the glass.  I love this country church.  It was called 'the spire among the mountains' and was often used on the front of Christmas cards.  We had the most amazing organist.  She could play anything and play it well.  When all the choirs sang in this little country church, there were a little over a hundred singers.  Wow!
Now, would you like to see one of my absolute most favorite projects that I've ever made?  I love this one, especially because of the beautiful little church.

It really is straight and even inside.  It keeps slipping some in the frame.  I'm going to have to adjust it a bit.  Aren't the little houses adorable?  There's a church with a beautiful steeple.  I intentionally let it go outside the square.  I think it adds more interest.  Look closely and you'll find a teeny tiny snowman, too.  I love the stamp:  "All hearts come home for Christmas."

Now, just so you fully appreciate how much time and effort went into this project ---

The houses, church, trees, snowman --- Each and every one involves 3 layers of WW card stock AND a layer of Sahara Sand CS.  They are all painstakingly glued together, one layer at a time.  I got so wrapped up in doing this project that I kept at it until, the next thing I knew, it was finished ... and a lot of time had slipped right by me. 
It brings me great joy to make something that my friends and family and I can enjoy for years to come, as a part of our Christmas decor.  The little church reminds me of Tranquility Methodist Church in Tranquility, New Jersey.  So, yes, at one time, I was a Jersey girl --- and proud of it.  My father was the pastor at this church.  He was one of the best, perhaps the very best preacher I've ever heard --- and I've heard a lot of them, trust me.  I strive to live by many of the lessons he taught me through his sermons, his every day living, and his love of God and family.  I miss him every day.  I'll share more throughout the coming holidays about family, friends, and special memories.  Christmas just brings those out in many of us.  All hearts come home for Christmas.

ONLY 2 REMAINING KITS FROM CHRISTMAS RETREAT.  GET YOURS WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. / $40.00 / EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE 18 CARDS! 

UP NEXT:
December 11 -- Scraps and Prayers Class:
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Christmas Cards and Tags
It's going to be a party atmosphere at our last class for 2017.  I've even been working on a hand made present for you!  The class is filling up fast, so be sure to reserve your spot right away!

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

A Simple 'Joy' Project ... A Joy to Create and A Joy to Display

I am over half-way finished with making up the kits and gift totes for the Christmas Retreat.  Since we've had to go to 'kits only' for this class, I'd suggest that you come up with your own ways to make this into your Retreat.  I know you'll enjoy making all 18 cards.  If you're wondering why it takes so long to make up your kit ...
When I'm finished, I will have put together enough kits to make over 180 cards.  Whew!  I look forward to hearing how your Retreat went and how you enjoyed finding your little surprise gifts.

While you're waiting on your kit, enjoy today's post.  It's one of my most favorite projects that I've ever made.  It brought me joy to create it, and now joy to enjoy having it on display ... and ... it will be a joy to reuse it as a part of my Christmas decor for years to come.

I've had this idea to create this project for a couple of years now.  It's lived in my head all this time.  This year, I finally took the time to make it happen.  I love it!  I've combined silver and gold embossing (mostly silver) and the word 'Joy' is cut from black CS and then silver foil.  I wanted the blue behind the beautiful star to be lighter than the DSP, so I layered it under a piece of vellum CS.  I wanted mostly silver on this project because I created it to pair with a gorgeous trio of silver angels.

Love, love, love it!  I added the light touches of gold to my project so it would tie in with all the silver and gold already on display.  The library cabinet that has the angels atop is right next to my mission style library table, where I have all the silver, gold, copper and even champagne.  I'll share an update on that soon, too.  Library cabinet?  Library table?  Gee, do you think it's that obvious that I used to be a teacher.  Seriously though, I love this style of furniture.

One thing I learned from this project is that I can go to my local craft store and have them cut a mat exactly the size I want, as well as the dimensions for the opening.  I never would have found a frame already on sale with these exact dimensions.  This is actually my second most favorite project for this year.  Wait until you see my number one!

 UP NEXT:

November 18 -- Christmas Retreat / KITS ONLY
     10:00-3:00 / NOW $40.00 / 18 Cards: 6 Designs - 3 Cards Each
     Fee includes all materials to make 18 cards. 
NOTE:
We are having a TON of conflicts come up with this date.  I am doing 'kits only' for this class.  I'm thinking that there is NO 'good date' in November for a big Saturday class.  I will have to  rethink this for next year.
   
I only have 3 kits remaining, so sign up fast to reserve yours. 

December 11 -- Scraps and Prayers Class:
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Christmas Cards and Tags

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world.

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.

Pine Trees Hoop Project

I am finding that I really enjoy building a little vignette  using an embroidery hoop.  You are limited only by your imagination.  Here's my latest. 

This is the first time I made one with paper and, whether I used burlap, cloth or paper, I always like to add a cardboard backing, for extra stability.

This was a very simple one and used varying shades of green for added interest.  I added Wink of Stella to the hearts and tiny rhinestones to the sequins.  I really like how it turned out.

Updates:

- My card kits are sold out. 

- I have 4 more Tin of Tags kits available, if you'd like to join   

  us at my Dec. 12 Scraps and Prayers.  I can get out some   

  extra chairs:)

- I'll have class schedules coming out soon for 2017.

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top to see my class schedules. 

- Look on the left for sneak peeks and registration policies. 

- Please sign up to follow my blog and/or leave a comment. 

- Come  back often for more creative inspiration. 

New Fall Decor and Favorite Past Christmas Projects

I took one of my Christmas decorations off my movie reel and added a Fall decoration.  I'm fortunate to have 2 of these wonderful old reels.  And... yes, I still remember how to thread the old movie projectors.  Those were the days!

Below, close-up from above banner:

I had 4 people have to cancel (family emergencies) for the November Christmas Retreat, so I still have 4 spots available.  Therefore, you may still register for this great class.  It's going to be a lot of fun and you'll go home with 18 cards --- 3 of each design.
If you are unable to attend, kits are available for $30.

Special Reminders:

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top to see my class schedules. 

- Look on the left for sneak peeks and registration policies. 

- Please sign up to follow my blog and/or leave a comment. 

- Come  back often for more creative inspiration. 

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

This year, since I held my Christmas Open House so early, my guests got to see Fall AND Christmas displays.  This was kind of fun ... in a crazy fun way:)  This is one of the projects I made to display, because I just couldn't stop making these cute little gingerbread men! 

Aren't these little guys cute?  When you make as many projects as I do, it's so much fun to share some with others and save some for the next Christmas.  I had this little tree and it was within easy reach.  I thought it would be perfect for these little gingerbread men.

I'm almost finished with my prep for my November 19 Christmas Retreat.  This is the class where I go all out to 'spoil' my class attendees with lots of extra gifts and treats, as well as the beautiful Christmas cards we'll be making.  Sign up and join in on the fun and let me spoil you, too. 

Special Reminders:

- Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top to see my class schedules. 

- Look on the left for sneak peeks and registration policies. 

- Please sign up to follow my blog and/or leave a comment. 

- Come  back often for more creative inspiration. 

Christmas 2015... Family Memories and a Bit of Decor

As the year ends, I thought I'd share some of my Christmas memories with you.  These are my true blessings.
Olive Jane must have veen trying out for the 'most perfect little girl' award Christmas Day, because she was just that.  Here she is sporting her new, slightly shorter hairdo.  She posed this way on her own:)

Joey gives me the sweetest smiles ever.  He has been trying out for the 'most perfect baby' award since the day he was born.

Great Grandma Horton with 4 of her 'greats' as she calls them.  As you can see, our Benjamin has been a great help with the baby.  Little Aaron is hunkered down in the corner.  One of my goals for 2016 is to teach him to give me a decent smile for a photo.  This will be a tough goal:)

This was our little Joseph's first Christmas.

Lilly Belle.  She looks bigger here than she really is because of the close-up.  She only weighs 15-18 pounds.  She is the sweetest little girl I could ever hope to have for a puppy.  She will forever be a puppy to me.

Buster Bo Jangles.  He has grown into a beautiful, beautiful boy.

Toby Joe, my sweet, sweet and wonderful Border Collie mix.  We didn't actually adopt him.  He adopted us!

... and here's our tree...

There was one more piece of coordinating decor on the right side of the hearth, but a big, white tail wiped it out one day, so I set a tray of Christmas cards there.  We like to go through them several times and reread the messages sent from family and friends.

This is our 'Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night' photo:) 

God bless you and yours in the coming year.  In my next post, I'll be looking at what's ahead for 2016.  Have a safe and happy New Year's Eve. 

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or look on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration. 

Christmas Dinner, with the help of Stampin' Up!

I always like to add some personal, creative touches to setting the table for special guests.  Nothing could be more special than my guests for Christmas dinner.  We enjoyed having my mother-in-law, both our children and all the grandchildren.  It was a wonderful day.   

I made elf treat bags for all the boys, a Santa treat bag for Olive, and square pillow box treat bags for the adults.  I kept them all very simple, as I had minimal time to make them.  Everyone loved them.

They had good treats inside, too:)  Did you notice the same stamp set that was used on the stocking charms in this post? (Click here to see my previous post.)

The boys helped me set the table.

I love using the battery operated (with remote control:) candles to keep everything pretty and safe.  Tiny pre-lit trees in each corner and a lit wreath in the window completed the warm glow of Christmas.  The beautiful garland down the center of the table picks up the glow of the candles, wreath and little trees.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or look on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.