Don't Forget The Little Things

This is the time of year where I always ask myself, "what should I be taking pictures of?" and "what moments should I journal?"  Well, of course, there is the obvious like opening gifts on Christmas morning, Christmas dinner with family, and and all those special Christmas events our children participate in.  But what else?  This year I have chosen to take pictures of the little things that all are part of our annual traditions AND that lead up to the big day.  I also vow to try and scrap as I go that way it doesn't get too overwhelming.  So with all that said, here is where I am starting my Christmas 2012 scrapbooking:

Our Christmas holiday season always starts soon after Thanksgiving when we go out to cut down our family Christmas tree.  As always, we went to Pruitt's Tree Farm, and this year we cut a Blue Spruce (pictured above).  The girls found a tree they liked

however their daddy and I both agreed it needed a little more time to grow ;).  Besides, if Mia can jump over it......

it probably should stay in the ground!  So Anthony got to cutting down the tree.

Bella and Mia played while Caterina hung with us watching her daddy cut the tree....

The girls have a favorite part once the tree is in the house.  That is watching the wrapping get cut and the tree POP open.

Now the lights get checked.  We are still using the same lights we bought in 1998 when we first got married (YES they work)!

And, finally, we have our tree all trimmed and lit!!!!!!  What a great day we had getting our home ready for the holidays!

So as you can see, it doesn't take much to journal by jotting down some quick thoughts about your own family traditions.  My advice is to just take the few minutes to do it!!!  You will be grateful you did.  Want to scrap your Xmas memories?  Let me show you how.  Stay tuned for December classes and workshops and join us!!!!!

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Hi, all.  What a great time of year to build your own business!  Take the first step between now and November 30th by signing up and you will get a FREE gift from me!  Get started today and with a new year, bring in a new business.  I am here to help you get started.  Contact me by email or visit my website today and sign up!  Click here

Let's create together!

Handmade Recipe Box Using a Great Technique!

Hi, everyone.  I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I am sure most of you are in full swing now getting ready for Christmas.  I know how this time of year can get extremely overwhelming.  I am pulling together some gift ideas for those special people in my life and I wanted to share this one with you.  I created this awesome handmade recipe box for someone (I can't say who as they may be reading this post..LOL).  However, this was so super easy to create thanks to Close To My Heart products and and little know how. 

Check out this "how-to" video clip on how to stamp across multiple surfaces.

Here is the technique on my recipe box:

If you look closely, the smaller flower image is embossed.  Wow!!!  This was so easy.  I added some pinwheel flowers and a little handle....so cute!

Want to make one of your own recipe boxes for a special teacher, co-worker, or neighbor?  Well I will be hosting a workshop to show you how on Monday, December 10th @ 6:30p.  The cost of the class is $15 per person.  Contact me here if you would like to join us.  Or visit me here to see my calendar of classes and events!  Happy crafting!

Come Join Us!

Nov 30, 2012 (Fri), 1:00pm
Arrive: 12:50pm

The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyard

16804 Hamilton Station Rd, Hamilton, VA 20158

Notes: This workshop should take no more than 1 hour to complete.  Those arriving at 1:00 will be home in plenty of time to pick wee ones up from school.  This day's project will be 4 holiday gift tags.  Cost is $10 per person.  If you would like to participate in a wine tasting it will be an additional $10 per person payable to the vineyard. Start time is as follows:
1:00p We will be in the loft until 4p so you can come and/or go as you please.  Please let me know in advance if you will be joining us as I need to prepare materials necessary for this project.  Hope to see you there!

Sip & Create!

To all local scrappers and paper crafters, keep your eyes WIDE open as I will be announcing dates and times!  I will be instructing scrapbooking classes and hosting card workshops at one of our local vineyards!!!!!  Yep, you heard right.....we will create some beautiful things, learn about an awesome craft AND fit in a tasting of some amazing local wine!  The calming atmosphere and fun peeps make for a GREAT afternoon out with the girls. Perfect timing too with the holidays right around the corner ;).

Cheers!!!

Giving Hope For the Holidays

We are honored to have you join us as we create for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.  So many families throughout New York and New Jersey have been severely affected by this monster storm.  They are desperately working to get their lives moving in the right direction.  What makes things even worse is that the holidays are right around the corner.  We are taking this time to create handmade cards to package and send to these states to be distributed to families who may want to fill a simple wish to just send out a holiday greeting. 

Here is how it will work.  Those who  join us pay $15 per person if registered before November 30th.  ($20 per person at the door)  You will create 20 holiday cards (2 each of 10 designs).  Proceeds and 10 cards plus postage will be packaged and sent off to families.  The other 10 cards will be yours to keep!  This can be a huge success but we NEED you all to join us.  By all means, invite whomever who wish to join you too!

All registrations need to be paid for prior to event.  Email Danielle at my3gurls12@gmail.com or Chrissy at curtis.chrissy@yahoo.com for payment options and registration info!

Thank you so much and we look forward to seeing you all as we come together to make a difference

Danielle Valentino & Chrissy Curtis

Updated 4 hours ago