Friday, December 12, 2008



Here is a pic of the set for the musical "The Christmas Post", which is being performed right now at our church. It is based on the old Norman Rockwell painting. I was lucky enough to be able to participate in the painting of the set. Several men from our church constructed it ...and did an amazing job! It is made to look like a 1940's department store...complete with revolving door! All the store windows revolve around as well so the set can be changed from inside to outside. We'll be going to see the performance this sunday...can't wait!

Meet Charlie...





I realize this has nothing to do with anything remotely creative but I thought I'd share what we are up to this weekend(amongst other things!)

We are having a very special sleepover at our house tonight! We have the bunny from work for a few days. Her name is Charlie ( thought to be a male for several years before they discovered he was a she!)

Charlie lives at the flower shop. She hops in and out of her cage at will and visits with all the customers. Her favourite place to be is right under your feet....nibbling on all the greens that drop to the floor. I've never been too fond of bunnies...all I've known have been biters...but Charlie is just the sweetest thing. The boys are having a blast with her. She certainly won't be lonely this weekend.

Magnetic Personality?




I'm back working at the flower shop these days...a fun place to be this time of year. But my crafting time has come to a quick halt now! I'm so glad I finished all my shopping, and wrapping, and have a good start on my baking...looks like I'll be working pretty much full time til December 24th! I'll try to remember to take my camera with me to work tomorrow so you can see some of the cool treasures we are creating!
I've been working on a few stocking stuffers these day. These magnet names are really fun....and really easy. I used my Close To My Heart Typewriter Alphabet to spell out the names....just inked them on card stock. The Creative Memories circl punch was the perfect size to punch out the letters. Used the glue gun to adhere them to clear glass jewels from the dollar store. Then glue gunned the dollar store magnets on the back. They look cool printed with all different colour inks, although that is a little more time consuming. Then I found these cool gift card tins at Michaels and used them to store the magnets. How easy is that?

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Pin Cushion Tea Cup

Isn't this the cutest little pincushion you ever did see?
It caught my eye because I collect blue willow, but I thought the idea was just so cute. It would be a great way to give a special tea cup as a gift. And look at all the Christmas detail....LOVE IT!
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Monday, December 8, 2008



Here are a couple of really simple ornaments I wanted to share...so simple the kids could make them!

The first is made from dollar store playing cards. Just cut circles, fold them in half and stick six together...gluing the ribbon in the centre.

I made a bunch of these words to put into the tree after I saw some on Ali Edwards site. Love....family...faith...friendship...celebrate...laughter....you get the idea. I was just thinking how cool it would be to do a whole tree with only these simple word cards.

K guys....go make some ornaments!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Vintage Ornaments

One of my favourite things to pull out at Christmas is my Vintage Ornament Collection. I've been picking them up now for several years, whenever I see them cheap enough at antique shops and flea markets. One year I should have enough to fill the whole tree! Meanwhile, I enjoy them piled up in my covered cake plate.
The patina on some of them is just beautiful...colours that certainly couldn't be replicated, I'm sure!



Thursday, December 4, 2008

December Daily...




I just wanted to add a couple more photos so you can get the idea of what the finished product will be!

I was inspired by Ali Edwards and her idea of the "December Daily". It's a journal of the 25 days leading up to Christmas, and all the exciting things that happen....even if it is just an ordinary day. What a great way to remember all the little special moments that happen, then are forgotten.
Ali advises that you create the album itself before the business of Christmas starts. The take you pictures, print and then just add them to your book...a work in progress. I'm hoping to keep up with each day....so stay tuned!
I made the book itself from board, which I started cutting 6" x 12" . Some pages are only half that size, just to add some variety. Although all the pages I have numbered already, I may add some other pages inbetween if I need more space for one day. I may also punch some Christmas cards we receive and add those as well.
Sorry this post is all over the place....I keep having this problem when I am adding mulitple photos! If any ov you "bloggers" out there know how to fix that...I would love your help!
Thanks for stopping by!













Monday, December 1, 2008

Sully Snowmen



While 3 out of 5 of the Richmond clan were inside suffering from the stomach flu, Sully and I went outside for some FRESH AIR! And here's what we made!

We had lots of wet, heavy packing snow and before we knew it, our snowment were BIG!

I'm noticing one is leaning on a bit of an angle today....wonder if they are going to make it til Christmas?

Glass Ornaments



Been working on my Christmas ornaments!

The boys found me working on these one day and decided they wanted to play too. So everyone made a variety for our tree, and to give away this Christmas. Theirs were full of snow and beads and snowflakes and just about anything they could fit in there! I'll have to post some of theirs....or maybe you'll be one of the lucky receivers! LOL

It's hard to see in this pic, but inside the glass ball are curled up pieces of coordinating papers. A little time consuming, but I love the look. On the outside I used rub ons, which were a bit tricky....a flat rub on...a rounded surface!

I saw the idea for these on the 2 peas in a bucket site: http://http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/layout_images/1259442-6.jpg

And some cute monogrammed ornaments from Ali Edwards site: http://http://aliedwards.typepad.com/photos/holiday_projects_2006/ornaments.html

I hope you are all having fun creating for Christmas! Give these a shot...quick and easy fun.










Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Wreath of Joy


I wish I could say this was mine....and that all my other Christmas decorations are all finished and hanging!
I did this fresh wreath for my friend Kim for her front door. LOVE the skates...and the bells really jingle when you open the door!
I think this may have lit a fire under me...stay tuned, my front door may be next.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Sketch Challenge


Another sketch challenge from Split Coast Stampers this week. (SC203) Check out the link below if you want to see what the others have created! http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=398931

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Tuesday Colour Challenge


I'm home with Sam today, who has a very sore throat. SO instead of the set painting I had planned to do, I thought I'd take some time to create a new card.


A Colour Challenge (CC189) from http://splitcoaststampers.com/ inspired me to leave the traditional red and green and add some fresh new colours. We're asked to create with piroette pink, kiwi green, and chocolata chip. So here's my take.

Monday, November 17, 2008




Isn't it beautiful! I know everyone complains about driving in it and shovelling in it...and the coldness. But it really is amazing. Driving along today I thought the gigantic pine trees looked like they had gobs of thick sugar icing all over them. This is one of the perks of Canadian living...

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Craving Christmas
















One of the things I most look forward to this time of the year is decorating a local catering company....Cravings...for Christmas with my friend Laura!
As we bring in all the fresh evergreen and begin creating our arrangements, the place smells heavenly. We add lots of white lights and the whole store sparkles.
Angela, Cravings owner. kept us fed with her wonderful Italian home cookin' and kept us awake with her yummy cappachinos...what a wonderful hostess! Check out her website if you are looking for a real treat! http://www.cravings.com
She has a great menu as well as a unique store filled with wonderful gourmet products.




Friday, November 7, 2008

Another Variation...


Oops...forgot to add this one....a whole new set of colours, and different sizes of tins.
Can't wait to make some more!

Beautify a Tin Can...


I can't take credit for this one. I found it online. It was meant to be a "Snowman Soup". Inside you can put some hot chocolate mix, marshmallows and a tiny candy cane. Cute idea! And a great gift for children.
I think I'm going to use mine to hold homemade baking (peanut butter balls) or maybe candy...we'll see!
You need to have one of those can openers that removes the whole can top without sharp edges.
Take the top off and run it and the can through the dishwasher.
All the items I used, I had on hand.
Cut your paper to fit around the can, overlaping by an inch or so.
Decorate with ribbons and a mini card to match.
Fill it up, use a strong glue to put the top back on. Place something heavy on top overnight for a tight seal.

That's it!
Just think of the possiblities :)

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Wedding Bells


Congratulations Stephanie!
She has kindly asked me to do the flowers for her December 27th wedding. I'm excited to work on this project for her. Although it is a Christmas wedding, she doesn't want all "Red and Green". So all her flowers will be white with evergreen and touches of silver.... not unlike this picture....BEAUTIFUL!. So stay tuned for more pictures!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Unity Challenge (USC11)


This weeks challenge was to be inspired by these plates. I must say I was stumped with this one. I decided to take the plate shape, some of the colours and an angel instead of butterflies. Okay....so it isn't exactly the same but it really was only meant to be an inspiration. In the end.....I like it. I don't think I have ever received a round card before!

Christmas Socks!


Aren't these GREAT stockings? I know....it looks like a lot of work. Did you notice the cute strawberries hanging from the cuff? The cuffs look as if they are trimmed with rick rack. And I LOVE the colours....muted shades. Might have to try these guys.

Women are like buttons....they hold things together!


Okay....for all you button collectors, and you know who I am talking about, isn't this a great idea? If I had a button collection like some other people I know, I think I would be making these for everyone. Easy enough that the kids could do them too. I think what I really like about it is the way the colours are put together. Reds, browns and greens....all in different shades. Love it!

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Tidy time!


Uh-oh....it's getting kind of messy around here. And this is only a small part of the crafty room! That's how you know I've been having too much fun! I really need to get into the habit of putting everything away between projects. I think I could do with some reorganizing in this room too.











Okay....I can't say enough about these Copic morkers. I kept seeing everyone else talking about them online but had never heard of them. Our local Curry's carries them. They make colouring in your images really fun...and it looks much more professional than pencil crayons or markers. You can actally blend colours to create shadowing. THey have a chisel point at one end and a brush on the other. Fun Fun Fun!
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Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Up for the challenge...


CSP #88
I was so excited to see this challenge sponsored by Unity Stamps...since I just received my order this week.

Yeah....New Stamps....


I didn't have them in the house 15 minutes and I had to go try them out! They are from a company I found online called Unity Stamping. The stamps print up nice and crisp....and they have some beautiful words.
I saw this "folder card" and decided to try it. Very simple. I have a tag that slips inside that you would put your sentiment on.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies...

I keep bragging on these cookies as being the best I've ever had...it's true...they are. So I thought I would share them with everyone. If you like your cookies chewy like me, than this is the one for you.

3 1/2c flour
1 tsp baking powder
1tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 c butter
2c brown sugar
6 tbsp white sugar
2 eggs
4 tsp vanilla
12 oz chocolate chips

Blend in a bowl: flour, baking powder and soda, and salt. In your mixer blend butter, brown and white sugar, eggs (one at a time) and vanilla. Add dry mixture to butter mixture. Blend well and then add the chocolate chips.

Drop by spoonfull on cookie sheets ( I use parchment paper under). Flatten to about 1/2" . Bake in a 300 degree oven for about 17 minutes, or just starting to turn brown. They will be soft so let them sit 20 minutes until cooled. Eat a couple yourself, then package them up cause they won't be around long!
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The Christmas Bug is Biting...


I've had a little more time to play this year than in the past. I'm REALLY enjoying the extra time in my "playroom"!
Usually I struggle to come up with one great Christmas card design, then I duplicate it 50 times! But this year I've had a great time getting together with friends and playing with new ideas.
These were created really with just a bunch of scraps that just happen to go well together. I love putting patterns and colours together. The cute penguin stamp was borrowed from Darlene...so cute.

Why Blog?

I was searching the web for some new Christmas card ideas one evening. I started my search at www.splitcoaststampers.com It was recommended to me by a friend. It is a great site, and as I wondered through it, I noticed how many of the people involved had blogsites. I didn't realize you could spend hours just moving from site to site, meet other creative people, and get some really awesome ideas. Many of these sites give creative encouragement by having challenges to create specific cards. In order to publish the cards I create, I realized I too would need a blog. So here I am!

I hope all my creative buddies will join me....or at least follow along and comment.

My First Post..My Family


Since this is my first post, I thought I'd introduce you to my family. They mean the world to me...and you will probably be hearing a lot about them or seeing their faces in my work.
This was a picture taken at the Elora Gorge in Thanksgiving weekend. It was our last camping weekend of the year...what a great time!