lindaalbrecht

Fa la la la la !

Only 5 days until Christmas Eve... when all the festivities begin... and we are so excited!  Even though we decided to cut back a bit this year with extended family gifts, the joy mounts and we are counting the days until we get to celebrate. 

I love just being with my family on Christmas-- eating, laughing, and reminiscing.  I love the lights and the smells.  I love Christmas Eve service at my parents church, where the children ring little bells during the hymns and during the singing of "Silent Night" everyone lights a candle.  Then it's just us, the candle glow in the pretty church, and a reaffirmation of our faith.  It's magical.  It tugs at my heartstrings and brings a tear to my eye.  So wonderful... and I really don't need much more to celebrate Christmas than that,  because it fills up every ounce of your soul with joy.

Sniff, sniff.... okay on to other things or I'll just ba a big old ball of mush for the rest of the day ;-)

So, I bet that you want to know who the winners of the last giveaway is.  Did I say winners not winner?  Yes, I did.  It's so so so hard for me to pick only one, so I added one more to the drawing.

Congratulations to:
Amy Duff  who posted Dec 12 @ 9:11 pm -- your prize is some Pink Paislee Tinsel Town blocks that I made.  Remember these?
  You'll get a little something scrappy too!

The other winner is Jeanne Hill who posted Dec 15@ 9:20 am.  You win the Pink Snow Princess from my last post plus something for scrapping.   So ladies, please email me your mailing address so that you can enjoy the snow art before the season is over.   Thanks! 

Thanks also to everyone who posted.  You all are really the best blog readers.  I wish that I could answer every comment, but when the numbers get up there it becomes a little overwhelming.  I read every single one though and appreciate all of you. 

Someone asked how to make the Pink Snow Princess.  I used 3 sizes of styrofoam balls, painted them light pink, sprayed on adhesive, then sprinkled on the  Pink Paislee Pixee Stix Cotton Candy glitter.  I used a 12" silver pipecleaner to connect the balls.  Just add a dab of glue to the top of the largest ball and push the pipecleaner into it about 2 ", then string the smaller ones onto the pipecleaner.  (I didn't have to make the holes first, but if you feel more comfortable doing that you can.)  Then add the other embellishments.  Oh, and the silver pipecleaner that is left sticking out of the top of the head is used to hang it with.  Just make a little hook or curl with the pipecleaner.
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I've created a few more Snowmen since I last posted.  I just love snowmen.  They make me smile and they add the sparkle that I need to get through the winter without getting cabin fever.  Sparkle can do that you know;-)

  This snowman is made from Sculpy clay.  I used some Pink Paislee "Jack Frost" paper for the background, then added some other sparkly embellishments and lots of Mica flakes.  Mica makes me swoon.  Although, I must admit that it is a little messier to work with than glitter, but I love it anyway.

 
This one is made from paper mache and sits on a candlestick pedestal.  I finished it by painting it black, adding crackle medium, then white paint and again, lots of Mica flakes.  Maybe it is a little too sparkly.  It'll lose some of it when I pack it away, so then it will be perfect, right?

That paper is from My Mind's Eye.  One of my very favorite paper manufacturers-- it's from the Be Merry collection.  I LOVE the colors and the dots and well, every other paper in that collection.

Okay, I need to go get ready for Cort's Holiday Concert at school .  That is always a fun experience.  I already realized that he forgot his shoes to match his outfit.  I found them in the closet when I pulled out the vaccum this morning and it was too late to run them to school before the morning concert. 

 Yesterday he double checked his backpack to make sure that they were in there -- even after I had told them they were.  I said, "Don't you trust me?"  He said, "I'm just making really positive that they're there."  Oops, I am in BIG trouble when I bring them to him before the afternoon session.  I'll use the excuse of,  "Since when do you decide to put your shoes away in a closet? --  I thought that they were in the backpack still."  Think that will work? ;-)

I will probably be back once more before Christmas.  Well, I'll have to be,  because I'm going to do another "Winter Cheer" giveaway!!!!!! Yep.  More cheer...YIPEE!!!!! 

I'm going to make another one of the Framed Snowmen and you may just be the one to win it.  Can't wait to see what you think of him.

Have a joyful weekend and check back on Monday to see who wins,
Love,  Linda

Jingle, jingle, jingle...

...Christmas time is here.  It's my favorite time of the year for creating, buuuttttt.............
it's also the busiest time of the year. I've been gone so long that my Typepad "New post " page doesn't even look the same.  Uh oh.  I hope that it works the same, because I don't have time for being confused.  So cross your fingers and let's get this done! ;-)

I know that you really want to know the winners of the "Give away" from my last post so I'll get that done first.  Sorry that you had to wait so long.  The winner's are: 

Natalia - who posted November 18 @ 8:38 pm
Kat - who posted November 19 @ 12:54 pm

Congratulations ladies!!! Please email me with your mailing address so that I can get these off to you within the next day or two.  Thanks!  And thanks to everyone who commented and said such nice things.  I truly appreciate that you do that.

So if you feel bad that you didn't win this time, you can try again real soon because I am participating in a little "Winter Cheer" giveaway. 

Carolyn Peeler started this and will also be giving away some fun stuff on her blog, so you can just hop from blog to blog and comment to try to win.  Yay!!!!  

So, I will draw a name from the comments on this post and will announce the winner next Friday, December 19.  There, now I am committed to post in a week ;-)  I'm not exactly sure yet what I'll give away, but it'll be a BIG one.   Some scrapbook supplies and a handmade item probably.  Fun!

Okay, so a few things about my kits for sale at The Scrappy Gourmet.  My Skate Box  kit sold out in 3 days--wow!!!  So thank you, if you purchased one.  I'm busy cutting out more skate sets for this kit so there will be a few more available and shipping around the middle of December so if you want one head on over there and reserve it.

I have a new "Christmas Memories" kit that should be shipping soon. 
 It contains the makings for a mini album, a layout, and a My Minds Eye gift bag.  Most of the supplies are from My Mind's Eye and Kaiser Craft along with some Daisy D's, Melissa Frances, and buttons and rub ons galore!  It was a fun one to create.
 
 
 
I'm trying to remember if I created anything recently that I can share... have been working mostly with new unrealeased product for CHA in January.  Oh, yes-- I created a funky little ornament for Pink Paislee.  Don't laugh, but she is a pink snowgirl.  
   I think that she likes being pink... or maybe she's just cheesed off about it by looking at that smirk on her face.  :-)

Okay, I need to get away from Typepad before I lose this whole post because something is not working right. 

I'll be back next Friday to announce the winner of my Winter Cheer prize.  Hope that your holiday season is happy!
Linda
 

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 

 

Boo!

Yes...scary, I know.  It's me again with another blog post.  Amazing! 

I actually was challenged by Debbie@ribbonwoodcottage to post at least once a week.  Sorry Debbie, I can't promise that--wish that I could but I know that I would be sorry if I vowed to blog once a week.  Totally scares me to even think of it.  See, I hate to let people down, so it's better if I just stay away from broken promises ;-) ;-)

Autumn is swiftly flying by for me.  I can't seem to catch up with all that I have on my list and of course when I check something off, it seems to backfire on me.  Like the day that I washed all of the main floor windows. 

Mmm hmmm... it rained on my clean windows.  Then the wind blew like crazy and now they are dirty spotted windows.  Typical. 

So if you're ever in a drought just call me to come and wash your windows and believe me...  it. will. rain.  All that I really ask is a week or two of nice clean windows.  That's a good time period for feeling like  I accomplished something,  but Mother Nature seems to have her own plan which normally contradicts with mine.  Oh well. 

My Cort went to the eye doctor last week and yep, he needed glasses.  Dang.  I remember that I was about his age when I got my first glasses.  How I hated those things.  I tryed to get by without wearing them in school and the teacher (the big tattle tail) told my mom.  I don't really remember what Mom said, but knowing my mother it was something about spending all of that money on glasses so I'd better wear them.

But really, do you blame me? 

Look at those things!  Not bad enough that they were "cat glasses" but they were a pale metallic  blue.  For crying out loud.   No wonder I have issues today :-)  They actually look pretty good in these photos because most times they sat at a crooked angle on my nose.

The summer before I went into 9th grade I got contact lenses.  :-) :-) :-)  Yay me!!!!!!

Cort's glasses are 100 times better, but notice how I let him get the one's that are barely noticable.

They tried to talk me out of that pair (they being the tech at the eye doctor's office and my husband.)  I told them both that I didn't care if they weren't practical but that I wanted him to feel good about himself.  We did get a second pair for sports and other activities just to keep everyone happy that doesn't know what it was like to have to bear the pain of wearing glasses when they were a kid.   

Cort seemed to be much more excited about his glasses though than I was about mine.  Maybe he really wants to see clearer and doesn't care about all of those "4 eyes" jokes.  I did reassure him with the fact that he will only have to wait 2 years to get contact lenses.  I'm not sure if he was worried about that or not, but I felt good saying it.

Are you ready for Halloween?  I'm not not not.  Ugh.  Why do I always procrastinate carving the pumpkins?  I don't even have to clean them out because David always does that.  I must really like to see how much I can get in a day.  No pressure .  Especially when the ghosts and goblins around here start about 5 o'clock. 

Here are a few little Halloween treat bags and a jar to fill with candy or even a candle. 

 

Those vintage images are rub ons by Art Warehouse.  They are from the "Harvest Moon Swatch Book" and I am in love.  They are so awesome and rub on so easily. 

The colored images are amazing and exactly what I would choose to work with because of the vintage look.  The papers  and the cardstock sticker that is on the black envelope are also from the Art Warehouse Harvest Moon collection .  The envelope and the little bag were cut with  AccuCut dies.

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I did another Christmas project for Pink Paislee using the new Tinsel Town collection.  This one was made for a Blog post to show a little technique using letter stickers and glitter. 

The snowman head is made from a 2.5" styrofoam ball.  I smoosh it up a bit before I paint it white, just to smooth out and fill in some of the holes so that it takes paint better.  Plus it gives it that not so perfectly round look.  The nose is made from clay that I hardened in the oven then I added brads for eyes and a painted smile.  He's glittered up with a "Coconut" white Pixee Stix glitter from Pink Paislee.  The letter stickers are also covered with Pixee Stix glitter. 

I actually have more to share, but my window for posting here has almost closed.  I'm waiting for a package to arrive from Melissa Frances so that I can complete a project for The Scrappy Gourmet.  Here's a little sneak peek. 

The kit for this will be for sale around November 15 -- I think.  There's much more to it than what you see here, so I'll let you know when it's on the site and about all of the other details and goodies included.

I know that I  won't be back before Halloween, so here's to hoping that you have a frightfully good time.

Love,
Linda

Seriously.

I should not have a blog.  I broke my own record this past month for the time lapsed between posts.  I'm so bad :-(  I can give you many excuses, like more computer trouble, lack of creativity, etc. etc.  but who really wants to listen to me complain, right?

I can't believe that it's mid October.  It's not as warm here as it was last year so it seems that we are spending more time inside now.  There have been a few opportunities though to take some shots of the fall foilage.

I love fall.

We also had a family wedding since I last posted.  It was a great time in a beautiful setting with a goo-goo ga-ga in love couple.  Really, you can't help but be ecstatic for them because they are so happy together.  Here are Mark and Samantha Albrecht as we made a jaunt through a local park for a few photos.

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Have you seen the new Pink Paislee Tinsel Town Christmas papers?  The color combination is so unique and fun for a Christmas line.  Here is a little paper mache house box album set that I made with it. 

Now, don't you want some of this collection?!!  I used Tinsel Town papers, rub ons, stamps, and the new Pink Paislee "Pixee Stix" glitter in Green Apple and Coconut.  When I received my shipment of the Pixee Stix, Cort and I discovered that they are all named yummy candy flavors like Cotton Candy, Strawberry, and Orange Crush.  Too cute, right?  After going through all of the color names, for some reason I had a craving for something sweet :-)

The mini books are made using an AccuCut die.  Some scrapbook stores carry these, especially the ones that have the Creative Cafe Artbar.  This is a darn cute little book with its scalloped edges.  It reminds me of small boardbooks that my kids had when they were little as it measures 3.5" square.

One more thing to share.  This Halloween set is made with lots of the Pink Paislee Vintage Moon collection. 

And the fun thing is that you can purchase this in a kit at The Scrappy Gourmet.  You will get all of the supplies including papers, paper box, pumpkin for top, chipboard album, stamps and other accessories, plus the step by step instructions and images. 

Here are a few images of the inside of the album.

Wouldn't grandma just love this album?  She can put it out every year for a decorative item that holds a treasured album of Halloween images.  So if you'd like to make this, head over to The Scrappy Gourmet for the kit and if you have any questions throughout the creative process, you know where to find me! :-)

I feel like I've forgotten something, but that'll give me reason to get back here more often.  I have a lot going in the creative department, so there'll be more to share very soon. 

Hope that you're having a beautiful fall season in your little corner of the world too!

Love,
Linda