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.

The Stockings Were Hung in My Studio With Care ... and Some Tips On Creating Your Own

The stockings were hung in my studio with care ... in hopes that my customers would soon be there ..... to see and enjoy what I love to create and share.  Ok, I may be an artist but a poet ... not so much:)  I loved making my stockings this year ----- 31 stockings, in fact.  Warning:  If you decide to get these thinlits dies, they can be very addictive.  Just sayin' ... You have been warned.  We had a wonderful, wonderful time at my class last night and they were delighted with all the stockings.  Enjoy today's post .... and then ... go create something beautiful!  But wait!  There's more!  Be sure to check out my tips if you plan on making some stockings.  There's even a link to a video to help you.

Now, talk about a photo challenge!  As you can see, they're everywhere!

A closer view:

My curly-headed baby:)

Helpful tips:
- Some people use Tear and Tape Adhesive for this project.
- Some people use Fast Fuse Adhesive.
- I think both work well.  I used my Fast Fuse, simply because it was out and handy.
- The funny little 'slot' thinlit piece can be used to give more dimension to the jingle bell.
- Some people used it to cut an opening for their ribbon.  I just punched a hole for it.
- I found that the heavier DSP and the regular DSP both worked worked well for this project.
- The only thinlit that I needed to cut using my Precision Plate was the snowflake.
- Click here to see the latest Stampin' Up! video on making these fun stockings.

The 'banner' hangs behind the bar where I do the bulk of my stamping and paper crafting.  It's so much nicer to work in a happy and inspiring work space.

UP NEXT:
November 18 -- Christmas Retreat
     10:00-3:00 / $45.00 / 18 Cards: 6 Designs - 3 Cards Each
     Fee includes materials, light lunch, and a ton of fun. 
NOTE:
We are having a TON of conflicts come up with this date.  I may have to go to '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 a few kits remaining, so sign up fast to reserve yours.  In your kit, I'll have everything you need to create your 18 cards.  If you sign up for just the kit, I'll adjust your class fee (to remove lunch expense for you).

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.

Let's Have a Little Talk ..... About My Upcoming Open House/Christmas Party

Each and every time I host an Open House Party, I try to make it as special as possible.  I keep what works and change what I want to make even better.  The creating with friends is always there, but I think it gets better each time, too.   You'd better study your holiday catalog because you'll be trying to guess a few of my favorites from it.

Some of what you can expect:
- Fall ideas and inspirations --- cards, decor and 3-D projects...  just a taste.
- Christmas ideas and inspirations --- cards, decor, 3-D projects, and gift ideas...
- Refreshments, of course...
- Make and Take projects...
- A special gift for those placing orders of $25. or more...
- A special coupon for those placing orders of $25. or more...
     The coupon will be for a discount toward my 2017 Christmas Retreat Class!!!
- My Christmas Boutique, where you can shop for gifts and stocking stuffers...
     Bill will be my cashier and I will help with the party.
- Prizes and/or coupons may be earned for participation in various activities...

Here's a sneak peek at a few things.  Enjoy!

I have already finished a lot of fun, new displays to share with you featuring some really cute Christmas critters.

I have K-cup holders, mini pizza boxes, mini coffee cups and holders...

... and lots and lots of medallions.  You'll just have to wait to see how I used these.  Believe it or not, I took my glue gun on vacation and made them during my rest times.  It was so much fun to sit and enjoy seeing and hearing the ocean while working on super fun projects.  I was really glad to have them finished when I got home, too.

Remaining classes / events for 2017:

November Classes / Events:
November 5 -- Open House Christmas Party / 2:00-5:00
November 13 -- Scraps and Prayers
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Home Decor Project for Christmas
November 18 -- Christmas Retreat
     10:00-3:00 / $45.00 / 18 Cards: 6 Designs - 3 Cards Each
     Fee includes materials, light lunch, and a ton of fun. 

December 11 Scraps and Prayers Class:
     5:30-7:30 / $15.00 / Christmas Cards and Tags
This will be my only event for December.

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

- Come back often for more creative inspiration.

- Let's create something beautiful today.