Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! Hope you had a great Christmas. I just wanted to share the card I sent out to family. I have been so far behind at getting anything done this season. I didn't get my cards out until the Monday or Tuesday before Christmas! I was amazed though how quickly I got this card together! John took the picture on Saturday, I think. I got it off the camera and uploaded to Walmart and picked up the pictures, all in one day! That night I designed the card and got it all together! Jessie helped with the bubble of what Emily was saying. Hope you like the card. So beside getting my card out late, I didn't even get to bake all the cookies I usually do either. Going through menopause has really been difficult! Can't seem to stay organized and able to get things done like I used to! Well I hope you have be able to enjoy whatever holiday you celebrate. Now here comes 2010! Oh boy! Cyndy

December Technique

Well I had to reschedule my technique class again, but we finally had it! This is the side step card we made. I usually take the picture outside, but the weather hasn't been cooperating, so had to do it inside and used the flash. Well it burned it too much! The hardest part to this card is the cutting and scoring. It can be confusing, but once you get the hang of it, not too bad! We also used the embossing folder that's in the Holiday mini catalog for 3 of the ornaments. I recommend to punch the ornament out first and then run it through the embossing folder, otherwise it could get stuck in the punch! On the chocolate chip ones we used the gold shimmer paint to give it some sparkle. We also inked the other ornaments in the Classic ink then with a dauber applied the gold shimmer paint directly to the stamp and then stamped the image to give it some sparkle as well. Give it a little bit to dry before punching the image out or it can smudge.

These next 2 photos are the star ornament we made. It's not really a card, but

I've been wanting to do this for some time and this was the right time of year to do it! I tried to have the photo of it closed show first, but still figuring out how to manipulate everything! So the first photo is what it looks like when you have it open and the second is closed. This is really a very simple ornament to make. If you've ever made a "squash" book, it's the same idea. This is an origami technique and I've loved doing origami for a long time and this is a great way to bring stamping and paperfolding together!

For our third technique, it was definitely not a card! For those of you who haven't been to a technique class, I usually do cards. The techniques don't have to be done on just cards, but it's usually the easiest way to learn the technique. So this last one was another ornament using glass etching. It's really another very simple

technique, just takes a little patience and time. For this one we use the Sizzix Big Shot dies and the vinyl decor elements along with glass etching creme. If you ever try this, I would recommend putting the creme on thick. I usually this this first and then go onto to something else while the creme dries. It doesn't have to dry completely before removing, just follow the directions on the brand that you get.

Well I hoped you enjoyed the projects and can join us in January for my next class! Happy Holidays! Cyndy

December's First Snow

Well December has just begun and had our first snow storm. I got a part time job at Coldwater Creek in Chester, through a friend of mine. I had never shopped there, but after going to the store and working with all the wonderful women there. It's such a pleasant place to work and shop! Well back to my story. I had to work this weekend. They talked about snow coming but just didn't think it was going to happen. While I was at the store, the snow started to come in the afternoon. By the time I got out (4pm) there was probably a couple of inches on the ground, sticking to the roads and making a BIG mess! The drive home took a lot longer then usual. It continued to snow till about 9pm. I think we got about 4" of snow. The driveway wasn't too bad. Because of the warmer temperatures on Sunday it helped melt the snow. Thank goodness it was on the weekend and didn't have to sit in rush hour traffic! The next day, was a beautiful sunny day. I wanted to get a picture of the tree tops with the beautiful blue sky, but didn't get a chance before I had to leave for work. But John must have gotten these pictures later in the day. This is actually our 2nd snow storm for this season and it's not even winter yet!

Horseback Riding

Well I'm catching up on my November's activities. Just a short post from when John and I went riding. We went again the next week, but didn't take pictures that day. The day of the pictures, it was a really mild day with lots of sunshine. I only had to wear a light jacket! We go down to Footbridge Park in Blairstown and ride to the airport and get coffee or a bite to eat at the Airport Cafe. Then here's another picture of us outside the cafe at the airport. Some nice lady came along and offered to get a picture for us.

SU Holiday Party

Well I don't know what happened to November by it just flew right by! I did get a chance to go horseback riding with my husband during a couple of the warm days we had. Also this month my wonderful upline Tina had us get together for our annual Holiday party. We usually have this in December, but think everyone was busy to do December. Anyway we had a great time. Everyone brought an appetizer or a dessert to share. Pauline brought a star/card/ornament and Tina insisted that we all make one. We also all made a gift to swap. It had to be something made with SU products. Here's a picture of the box I made and the inside. I also made some ornaments to go in the box. Some were ornaments I made last year using the die cut "peace, love, joy, cheer". I also had made the star/card/ornament that Pauline had brought to show everyone and another ornament we made from our shoebox swap in September or October. It was Louise DelVecchio's. You use DSP and the ornament punch. It was so simple I made a few later that week. We play a game to see who gets what. It's a lot of fun and you may not go home with the gift you first pick, but you do go home with one of the gifts. I forgot my camera to take pictures of all the gifts, but if you go to Colleen's blog, she has pictures of all the gifts. Enjoy! Cyndy