A Late Merry & an Early Happy

Hi everyone!  Can you believe the holiday season is almost over?  I have to admit that I got a bit overwhelmed the last few days before Christmas and then had a few hectic days after.  Things have quieted down now.  We did get a dusting of snow on Christmas Eve, so I guess that can count for a white Christmas.  The day after Christmas we had a bit more snow but it turned to rain.  Yesterday, we ended up with about an inch and a half of the white stuff.  Made me happy.  I love to cozy up under my afghan with just the Christmas tree lit at night. 

With all the last minute rush, I got behind on doing a blog post--hence the title.  I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas (which is now too late) and a Happy New Year (which is a little early)!  I do have a few cards to share.  Some of them, I'm not quite happy with.  I was in a rush to get some made and they look it.  lol 

First up is a little decorated envelope that I made with bits and pieces from my stash.  I do like the vintage look here.

Back of the envelope.

The next two cards use papers from Little Yellow Bicycle.  The circles were cut with EK punches.  I kept these two cards similar since I wanted to get a few done at once.  The holly leaves were made with a Martha Stewart punch.  Rhinestones are also Martha Stewart.  A bit of Stickles, bells and ribbon finishes them off.

The next two cards are based on a sketch that Romy Veul shared on her blog.  The paper for the first card is from MME.  Flowers and leaves are Prima, doily is Wilton, pearls from Recollections, snowflakes are Jolee and Queen & Co.

The papers for this card are from Little Yellow Bicycle, doily from Wilton, and rhinestones from Recollections.

And last but not least is a New Years' card.  The papers here are from Melissa Frances, holly leaves punch and rhinestones are Martha Stewart, seam binding is from Debbie Marcinkiewicz, and pearl swirl is from Want 2 Scrap.

Well, that's  it for today.  Do you have any New Year's Eve plans?  I must admit that it's not my favorite holiday.  I feel a bit sad putting the Christmas decorations away and losing a bit of that wonderful holiday spirit that everyone has beforehand.  We always stay home.  My parents come over for a dinner featuring Chinese food and pizza--what a combination!  They leave early as they are not night owls.  I have to confess I usually have fallen asleep by the time midnight rolls around!  My wish for the new year is health and happiness for everyone.  Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you'll continue to visit me in the new year.

Cape May and a Card

Last week, I was able to take a mini vacation to Cape May, New Jersey, with my parents.  We had a wonderful time enjoying the Christmas decorations in this quaint Victorian town.  We took a trolley car ride at night to see the homes all lit with the holiday lights.  So beautiful!  We stayed in a bed and breakfast called the Gingerbread House.  Here are some photos.

The Gingerbread House - Our suite was on the second floor with the porch access.  It was a bit cold to sit out on the wicker furniture, but you could see the ocean from the porch.

The living room filled with many antiques.  The house dates back to 1869.  No reproduction of furniture.

The Christmas tree in the living room was decorated with all gingerbread-themed ornaments.  It was fun to look at each unique ornament.

 

The dining table where we had breakfast which included the most delicious blueberry muffins, banana bread french toast, bacon, homemade granola cereal, fresh fruit, yogurt, and ambrosia.

 

 

One of the many beautiful Victorian homes.

 

 

A glimpse of the beach

 

 

I bought these adorable handmade Santa and snowman ornaments in a Scandanavian shop and the little Victorian girl in a Christmas shop.

 

 

And, finally, a birthday card I made for a co-worker.  Her birthday is on Christmas Day and she is very adamant about not having any Christmas-themed birthday cards or gifts.  I used Carta Bella paper, Petaloo flowers, Zva pearl swirl, a Recollections charm and a PTI stamped sentiment. 

 

I am very behind in Christmas cardmaking once again.  I am going to do my best to get a few made before the big day.  I hope you have a very good week ahead and thanks so much for stopping by.  And one last thing, please keep those families devastated by the Sandy Hook tragedy in your prayers.

Christmas Tags

Seriously, I am so far behind as far as making Christmas cards go.  This past weekend was spent finishing up shopping and decorating the house.  I did manage to make two quick tags, but I'm not real happy with them.  Anyway, here goes...

First up is a tag that I inked using Distress Ink in forest moss.  Using that same color, I stamped the design from Recollections onto the tag.  A K&Co layered sticker was placed on top of that.  I glued some bits of ribbon and trim to the bottom of the tag.  The snowflakes were made with a Marvy punch and accented with gold Stickles.  Another bit of ribbon was tied to the top.

The next tag is classified under "where was I going with this."  The picture in my head was totally different from how this turned out.  I lightly inked a Paper Company tag with antique linen Distress Ink.  The Christmas Joy stamp was inked with VersaFine Vintage Sepia.  Now, this is where it really took off on its own.  I found this eyelash yarn in Michael's and thought it would look great as an edging around the tag.  My son asked me what that was supposed to be!  Trying to dress it up some, I put some Recollections pearls across the bottom and a part of a K&Co sticker on the top.  I finished it with a satin bow and a flower button. 

I'll leave it at that!  It was really difficult to try to fix it with all those "eyelash" fibers in the way.  Oh well, live and learn!

As if I'm not pressed for time, I decided to take a trip to Cape May, New Jersey, with my parents for a couple of days this week to see the victorian homes all decked out for the holidays (my husband and son have no interest in this).  However, I have learned that it's important to make the time for some things when the opportunity arises.  Life is too short.  I hope everyone has a wonderful week.  Hopefully, I'll get some cards done when I get back (while I'm baking cookies)!

Christmas Cards

Hi everyone!  I didn't get much crafting done this past week other than decorating an envelope for a Christmas card.  It was kind of an up and down week--some good things and some not so good things.  I did spend most of the day yesterday decorating the Christmas tree but still have the rest of the house to make festive.  Anyway, I have two Christmas cards to share today.

This first card uses papers from Little Yellow Bicycle 6x6 Once Upon a Christmas paper pad.  I decided to make a tag to decorate the card.  I used some white chalk ink from Ingvild Bolme to edge the pattern paper before attaching it to the card base.  I then layered a piece of white lace onto the paper.  A snowflake stamp from Hampton Art was used for the background of the tag.  I cut out some banners from one of the pattern papers and adhered them with foam squares to the tag.  A bit of green trim was glued to the bottom edge of the tag.  A K&Co layered sticker, Recollection gold beads and a bit of red ribbon finished off the tag which was attached to the card with more foam squares by Therm-o-Web.  The snowflakes were made from a Marvy punch.

The next card is made with papers from Melissa Frances.  I cut a piece of Holly paper and attached it to the card base.  I wrapped a piece of cream twill around it and tied it in a bow.  The snow couple was cut from a sheet of Frosty paper and attached to the postage frame that I painted white and made it sparkle with Martha Stewart glitter.  A touch of Stickles was applied to the holly on the snowman's hat and the snowgirl's bouquet.  Then I tied a Melissa France candy cane and little snow-coated bells with baker's twine to the bow.  A PTI sentiment stamped to a tag finished this one off.

I need to get crafting this week so I'll have something to share soon.  I've kept to my one New Year's resolution to craft something at least once a week; and so far, I've managed to do that.  Thanks so much for stopping by and know that I appreciate all your sweet comments.  Have a wonderful week!