Christmas 2017 Scrapbook Page

This is the scrapbook page that I created with a few photos from our Christmas.  All of my scrapbook pages are very simple, but this one may be the most simple one yet!  

I always begin my scrapbooking process the same way . . . by laying out all of my photos.  What I noticed was that there were a lot of patterns in the photos (in mine & DeDe's sweaters, in the rug, etc).  So I knew then that any embellishments would need to be "quiet", so they wouldn't compete with the photos.  As I looked though my Christmas-themed patterned paper, the one that I thought would work best was this simple black/white paper from the Merry Little Christmas collection.  Then it seemed natural to use black cardstock as my background.  My photos took up most of the room, so the only other element I used was the journaling tag.  At first, I was just going to have a block of white cardstock for the journaling, but then I thought that cutting off the top corners to make it look like a tag, would give it more of a Christmas look.  The red tinsel trim added a festive touch.  And that's it!  I am pleased with how it turned out.

SIMPLE STAMPING TIP #24 - Use narrow strips of patterned paper to border your scrapbook pages. 

As you can see, scrapbooking doesn't have to be time-consuming or expensive.  I hope that as we begin the new year, that you will feel inspired to put some photos into a scrapbook!  

Books (and bookmarks) for Christmas

A few days ago, I was shopping for a Christmas book to send to my grandchildren in Oregon.  As soon as I saw this one, I knew it was the perfect one!  

Have you heard of the long-standing tradition in Iceland of giving books on Christmas eve?  Click here for a good article that explains it all.  I can't think of a nicer way to go to bed on Christmas eve!

Books are one of my favorite gifts, both to give or receive.  When I give a book, I often make a simple bookmark to accompany it.  These are quick to make, using the Scalloped Tag Topper punch from Stampin' Up and patterned paper.  (And yet another use for patterned paper!)  Here, I used designs from the Quilted Christmas paper & the Merry Little Christmas paper.

This is a perfect time of year for hand-made crafts . . . take a look through our catalogs for some inspiration!  

Small & Simple Gift Bags

It's nearly that time of year when most of us are thinking  about gifts.  During the holidays it's nice to have small & simple gifts on hand to give away to people such as:

• someone who has invited you into their home
• someone who recently did something kind for you
• someone with a birthday, who is not expecting a gift from you
• an elderly person who you are visiting
• neighbors
• your child's teachers or other "helpers"
• your hairstylist
• delivery people

For these "small & simple" gifts, I like to give chocolate candies, tea bags, packets of apple cider or hot chocolate.  Of course, there are all kinds of other gifts that would be enjoyed as well.

Today's "simple stamping tip" is one that I shared a few months ago:  

SIMPLE STAMPING TIP #6 - - - Make your own gift bags using patterned paper.

These bags were quick and easy to make, with the Gift Bag Punchboard.   It punches out bags in a variety of sizes, from up to 3 5/8" wide and from 4" to 10" tall.   

Another reason I enjoy making these bags is because it is another way to use patterned paper.  The bags at the top were made from the Painted Autumn collection.  I am always surprised at how much "milage" I can get from one pack (12 sheets) of paper!  I bought a pack of this paper a couple of months ago and have made countless cards (many of which you've seen here on my blog) and scrapbook pages.  I am down to just a few scraps, but luckily I had enough to make a couple of bags.

Painted Autumn Designer Series Paper

The second set of bags were made from the Merry Little Christmas paper collection.  I have to admit that this is not an item that I would have bought!  But I won it in a contest for Stampin' Up demonstrators.  Black just doesn't seem like a traditional Christmas color to me!  However, I think that the black & white buffalo plaid has a nice winter look to it and I also like the floral prints that are included.

Merry Little Christmas Designer Series Paper

If you would like to get started on some hand-crafted packaging or cards this holiday season, let me know if I can help!