lindaalbrecht

Off to a beautiful start!

"The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord." 
Psalms 33:5

As I headed up stairs this morning to rustle my sweet little boy out of his warm bed, I noticed the glow but didn't want to be distracted, so I headed into his room and woke him up with a nuzzle and a kiss.  He's such an angel in the morning.  Never acts tired or crabby and usually springs out of bed.  I left to go into my room to make the bed and I saw him fly past my door toward the upstairs hallway window.  I asked what he was doing as I wandered out to see and this photo above is what I almost missed in my morning rush. 

Wow..... isn't it beautiful?!!  I didn't do a thing to enhance this shot-- this is all God's glory and splendor.  It was much more beautiful in real life.  It glowed almost a neon pink with deep purple contrasts. I am still in awe and it really made me appreciate this cold fall day and all that it will bring.

So, I had a productive weekend.  Normally weekends are more about just being with my family, sharing meals together, watching movies, etc. , but last weekend everyone was busy with their own things so I had some time to create.

First here is another idea for those glass bottles. 

A little winter bird built it's nest right up on top of one of those  pretty bottles.  She even has her own little Christmas tree.  Her nest is made with some Jenni Bowlin "Book Print" paper that I got over at The Scrappy Gourmet.  There is also some white tuelle, silver beads, frosty pinecones and twigs, and pretty BasicGrey plaid ribbon.  The alphas on the bottle are by Making Memories and the rub ons are by Me & My Big Ideas. 

I made my bird from clay, painted , stained, then glittered her up.  If you're not comfortable with handmaking your own bird, I found these really cute birds at Michael's.

They are on a pick and come in several different colors of glitter.  They were like 57 cents and 30% off of that.  Can't beat that deal, right?  I loved the light apple green glittered ones also, but went for the silver as it goes better with my other stuff.

Then I made 2 layouts using the new Melissa Frances Christmas collection papers.  They are so pretty and vintage like.

See those glittery Chipboard pieces?  They are made by Maya Road ... and me and them seem to be having "a thing" lately.  :-o  ;-)  I mean, are those not the cutest little naked trees that you've ever seen?  Adorable.  I love their snowflakes too and you get so many in the package and one can never have too many chipboard snowflakes , now can we?  No siree. 

I used new Martha Stewart "White Gold" glitter on the chipboard.  Sigh... it reminds me of aged tinsel.  Not too silver, not too gold-- just perfection.  That Martha, what would we do without her?

The glittered up chipboard in the top corner and along the right lower side are also Maya Road.  Sweet little chipboard frames--I just cut one of them up to balance out my page.  That's what I told myself anyway (remember me and them are having "a thing".)

There's also some Melissa Frances white resin flourishes on 2 opposite corners that just sort of say, "wha-la"  and added that final bit of wintery fun to the page.

Next is a Snow Day layout of Cort.  I always think "homespun and handmade" when I see him in that hat, so I love these papers with the photos.

I added the sparkle with Mica Flakes and clear irridecent sequins shaped liked snowflakes and circles.  More BasicGrey plaid ribbon, hand embroidered french knots and freestyle stitches, vintage buttons, Melissa Frances glitter snowflakes, a couple of Maya Road ones too (ahem)... and "SNOW" alphas from the MF Christmas Page Kit .

Whew!!  Thanks for hanging round for all of that.
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So, I didn't forget that I said I'd do a Giveaway on my next post and this is it.  So say something here ;-) and I will put your name in the drawing for one of the Glass bottle Snow People.  I'll give away 2 of them so you have a better chance of winning.  I love giving stuff away especially because my house is bulging at the middle with too much "stuff".  I think that someday I may have an interent garage sale and clear out some of those unused crafty items.

Off to work now on some Creative Cafe projects for an upcoming CHA show.  Oh how I wish I could show you because they've got some new things that  are cute, cute, cute!!!!

Have a happy day!
Linda 

The glitter's a flyin'

Everything sparkles here, including people.  I love it!  The boys... they are not so thrilled about it though ;-)  ;-).  I guess that it does look sort of funny to see my husband sitting there in his flannel shirt as he (and it) sparkles and shines, but it's all a part of the season in our house.  Have you ever seen those pink T shirts that they have for boys now that say, "Tough enough to wear pink" ??  Maybe they should have one that says "Tough enough to wear glitter"  Ha ha ha!!!!

I have quite a few photos to share today.  First I have to show you Cort in his Halloween costume.  This was his first year of not wearing a cute costume.  It was all about the creepy stuff this Halloween-- and just when I thought that I could manipulate him into doing  just about anything he decides to go all independant and choose his own costume ;-)

I know, creepy.  I kept telling him that and he just kept saying, "That's what it's supposed to be."

So, on now to prettier things...

I mentioned glitter and this project played a big part in the latest "sparkling."  Five little snow people.

I made these using a couple of recycled glass bottles and a couple that I purchased at Michael's craft store for 97 cents each. 

There's Frosty, Winter Joy, Glisten, Snow, and Merry & Bright.  They are decorated with painted jingle bells, metal snowflakes, Tuelle, white feathers, rhinestones, rub ons, tags, ivory fleece, sheer ribbon ruffles, silver tinsel, trims, and beads.  There is so much more too,  because  it so much  fun to dress up a snow friend in a nice warm house --  so I got a little carried away!  Oh, I also used some keys, both metal and Melissa Frances white resin ones.

Their happy hats are made with some vintage Christmas music papers that a sweet blog reader friend sent to me.  Thanks so much, Debbie D!!!!

The letters are made by Making Memories and the silver star stickers are the one's that you buy in the school supply aisle in department stores. Do you remember your teacher's putting them on your school papers?  I always liked the silver and red one's best and can remember staring at my starred up papers as I rode the school bus home :-)

My only suggestion if you decide to make some of these for yourself is to add the feathers AFTER you spray on the adhesive and sprinkle on the glitter.  I spent a little time picking apart the plumes that were adhered together from the spray glue, but all in all this was one easy project.  I got the idea from artist Sue Pelletier.  Her's were on the the latest cover of "Cloth, Paper, Scissors." 

I also love the glass bottles that are topped with jewels and shells that the Junk to Jewels Boutique ladies make.  They are so classy and vintage that someday I may just need to have some.

One more thing for today.  I found out that my Skate Box and Snowflake album kit will be up for sale at The Scrappy Gourmet on December 1st.  Here is a little sneak peek:

If you are interested in the kit, please check it out -- it has lots of the new Melissa Frances Christmas collection, including papers, dimensional stickers and cardstock tags.

Only 2 more weeks and I can get out the Christmas decorations and glisten up the house with it all.  It's my favorite time of the year.  Somehow the snow seems so much better when the house is decorated for Christmas.

I'll be back soon with more to share and a surprise Giveaway!!  You know that you want some of that ;-) :-)

Love and sparkles to all,
Linda