I would love to see your baking photos...

Christmas is just around the corner... can you believe it?!!
My son (Bradley) keeps asking: "Mommy, how many days are left?"
He asks me this every day!

We are so excited about this Holiday and the joy it brings into our home.
All the shopping has been done and this whole week, I will be baking and pre-making food to freeze. YUMMY! Will you be baking?

I would love to see your photos.
Do you have fun photos of your kids... baking with you?
Please email them to Hsonboul@gcdstudios.com
The person with the best photo will win a fun prize pack...
"Everything Green and Red"
You have until Wednesday the 23rd, to send me the photo :)


This cute Tag/Mug Gift set is by our Guest Artist Gina.
I love the star she layered on.

CARD GIFT SET

BY: Krista R

She created 4 cards and packaged them up pretty in this cute little rectangular tin. Which she also decorated. So cute... right?

Nice New Christmas Clothes

Every year, I get my boys dressed up in their nice new Christmas clothes and take pictures of them. I do this, because Christmas Eve, Christmas and Christmas Sundays are VERY busy days. Which means, I never have time to take nice pictures of them!

A few days before Christmas, I take photos of them and our home. I love to use our tree as the back ground for portraits and I love photographing anything Christmas!

Over this weekend, try to find the time to photograph this things:

Hanging stockings

Tree

Christmas Lights

Decor

Children baking

Drinking Hot chocolate

Holiday foods

Family in holiday clothes

New winter coats

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Wall Hanging

BY: Beatriz G

1- Paint a piece of chipboard and cover the front with patterned paper
2- Cover chipboard star frame with glitter, adhere, add berries, pearls and chipboard sentiment.
3- Punch holes and tie ribbon, add button
Wall hanging is 4"x 6 "

Two fun projects

Santa's Workshop

By Grace Tolman

Our wonderful DT coordinator Heidi gave me this birdhouse, as part of my project for this month. Honestly it sat on my desk for a couple of days, before I finally figured out what to do with it. Not that the birdhouse was not fun to alter, I just didn't know how to connect the item to Christmas until... after I looked at my papers some more and the idea came! I would add the whimsy patterns of our Christmas collection to the house and make it a Santa's workshop!

1)
I first primed my house with white paint. I think it's a great idea to always add a splash of paint onto any wood project. This gives you a clean and finished look at the end. The paint also helps if you can't cover the entire project with paper.
2)
I measured each part of the birdhouse and cut my papers according to size.
3)
I used mod podge for this project. I love the result of liquid adhesive on altered items like this.
4)
I then cut circles and cut that in half to make scallops for my roof and punched a scallop border from the striped pattern paper to hung from the roof. Finished that off with some GCD studios ribbon.
5)
I cut out some trees from one of the pattern papers in the collection and dressed up the front with it. I took one of my leftover popsicle sticks from the countdown project, covered that with pattern paper and grabbed a journaling block from the collection pack to house my project title.

Notes:
I made a mistake while spelling out my title and made the word workshop plural (added an s at the end) so to cover up my mistake, I added a button over the word and balanced it out with another ribbon on the top of the block. This just shows that creativity can always occur even when making mistakes.

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Christmas Kitty

By Renee

Renee has provided us with this fun Sketch.

Thanks Grace and Renee for a FUN post today!

In Print this week + Dec 16th project

This week, Creating Keepsake's Jan 2010 issue is out!
I'm excited about this for two reasons.
1) GCD Studios can be found on Page 44
2) It's a layout I made about my best friend's beautiful wedding dress.


This pretty paper is from our Morning Glory collection

and with this close up, you can see the foil shine.

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Stocking Gift Card Holder

By Angie H.

Supplies:

GCD Christmas Sleigh patterned papers Stocking Template White FeltQuickutz letters Embroidery Floss

Instructions:

1. Use template to cut 2 pieces of stocking out of patterned paper.

2. Hand-sew pieces together with embroidery floss.

3. Re-cut edges with pinking shears.

4. Use template to cut top portion out of white felt. Attach felt to the top, as shown.

5. Cut small strip of paper to create loop. Attach inside stocking.

6. Cut name out of patterned paper, attach to felt.

7. Insert small gift or gift card for a friend.

WINTER CHA NEWS

Can you believe winter CHA is 6 weeks away???

I'm so excited about this up coming show, because we will be there! This past month, the GCD team has been working HARD at getting everything ready. So far we have...

1. Collections made and named
2. A NEW TOOL is in the works (designed by Melody Ross)
3. The booth and make and takes have all been planned out!

Yes, this will be our best show ever and it's going to be the booth to hang out in.
It will be filled with creative ideas by our team and myself!
PLUS... we will be doing give aways of the NEW TOOL!

On January 1st-9th 2010...
we will be sharing a new collection each day. We have 10 new collections that will be at the winter show (Artsy Urban included).

AND like always... we will have a BIG give away to celebrate!
Are you ready for the details???


- Post this Blinkie on your blog
- Sign up for our google follower
(to the left)
- Leave a comment...so I can check
your blog for the blinkie ;)

and one

LUCKY WINNER WILL WIN.... ALL 10 OF OUR NEW COLLECTIONS!

You have until know- Jan 1st to enter.

Good Luck!
~H

P.S. The blinkie has a sneak of the NEW Homespun Chic Collection (by Melody Ross)

Good Day Dec 14th

Today is catch up day for me. I took the weekend off from posting :)

We visited Santa, had hot chocolate, baked a little... and much more. It was a great weekend.

For today, I have this adorable Snowman Frame by Our Guest Design Artist Gina :)

Gina used our Christmas foil paper perfectly! Can you see how shinny it is??? Isn't it so pretty?!

This frame would fit nicely... pretty much anywhere in a home. Thanks Gina!

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This is our Dec 13th post :)

Christmas Ornament

By: Renee

Materials Needed:
Sleigh Ride Pattern Paper
Adhesive (I used glue by Helmar)
Metal Barn Star (4x4) purchased at Michael's
Misc. Foliage, Buttons and Ribbon

Step One: Create your pattern for each arm of the star. Trace onto pattern paper and cut out.
Step Two: Adhere to star. Cut down if needed.
Step Three: Adhere embellishments.

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This is our Dec 12th post:

Hanukkah Fun
By Heidi

This manora is a fast and fun project the kids can play with, while you cook in the kitchen.

It's a simple shape, matted with magnets on the back. This same idea can be done with a Christmas tree.

See you all tomorrow...

WITH INFO ABOUT OUR NEW COLLECTIONS

Happy Hanukkah!

Today marks the first day of the Hanukkah celebration :)
Tomorrow... I will be posting a few fun ideas for this holiday!
To learn more about this celebration... go here

Creating Keepsakes did a great post about it! you should check it out.
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Congrats to.....

Liz Chidester said...
Great work Gina!I love this collection. Especially the paper with ornaments on it.
December 7, 2009 3:35 PM

You are the winner of our Christmas Sleigh collection!

send me your info at hsonboul@gcdstudios.com and place Christmas Sleigh winner in the subject line :)

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Christmas Card Set

featuring GCD Studios Christmas Sleigh Collection
By Lynn Ghahary
Supplies:

· GCD Studios Christmas Sleigh Collection
· Jewels from GCD Studios Artsy Urban Collection
· Red Cardstock from Stampin’ Up!
· Sheer Ribbon from Offray
· Letter Stickers from Making Memories
· Rub Ons from Making Memories
· Chipboard from DCWV and Recollections (Michaels)
· Dimensional Adhesive
· Glue Dots

“Christmas Joy” card

1. Adhere a 4 x 5 ¼” green patterned paper mat (# 733 Ornamented - Christmas Sleigh - Back) to 4 ¼ x 5 ½” red cardstock base. Round corners and add pen stitching as shown.
2. Adhere 3 ¼ x 4” striped patterned paper piece (# 734 Sleigh Stripe - Christmas Sleigh - Front) flush to right side of card. Round upper and lower left corners.

“Happy Holidays” card

1. Adhere 1” striped patterned paper strip (# 734 Sleigh Stripe - Christmas Sleigh - Front) flush to right edge of 4 ¼ x 5 ½” red cardstock base.
2. Mat a 3 ½ x 5 ½” green patterned paper piece (# 733 Ornamented - Christmas Sleigh - Back) ¼” from left side of card and scallop right edge. Add pen stitching as shown.
3. Adhere white die cut to dark green patterned paper piece (# 736 Christmas Trees - Christmas Sleigh - Back ) and adhere to card front with dimensional adhesive.
4. Add rub on sentiment to die cut.
5.Tie ribbon around die cut and adhere chipboard snowflake and jewel as shown.

“Merry Christmas” card

1. Adhere a 5 ¼ x 4” green patterned paper (# 736 Christmas Trees - Christmas Sleigh – Front) mat to 5 ½ x 4 ¼” red cardstock card base. Round all corners.
2. Adhere 3 ¼ x 4 ¼” green patterned paper piece to card front (# 733 Ornamented - Christmas Sleigh – Back). Scallop right edge and add pen stitching to left edge as shown.
3. Add 1 x 4 ¼” striped patterned paper strip (# 734 Sleigh Stripe - Christmas Sleigh - Front ) to right edge of green patterned paper piece.
4. Adhere red die cut to card front with dimensional adhesive.
5. Add ribbon, chipboard sentiment, snowflake and red jewel as shown.

“Merry and Bright” card

1. Adhere a 5 ¼ x 4” green patterned paper (# 736 Christmas Trees - Christmas Sleigh – Front) mat to 5 ½ x 4 ¼” red cardstock card base. Round all corners.
2. Mat 1 x 5 ½” striped patterned paper strip (# 734 Sleigh Stripe - Christmas Sleigh - Front ) to 1 ½ x 5 ½” green patterned paper strip (# 733 Ornamented - Christmas Sleigh – Back). Scallop bottom edge and add pen stitching as shown. Adhere to card front approximately ½” from bottom edge.
3. Adhere circle die cut to center of card with dimensional adhesive.
4. Adhere light green alphabet stickers and red alphabet stickers to spell “merry” and “bright” sentiments.
5. Add ribbon bow, chipboard snowflake, and red jewel as shown.

Home Made Gifts

Mini Album

By Beatriz G.

Mini Album:
1- Cut 4 4"x 6"pieces of chipboard round the edges,
2- Add patterned paper, inside and out of album, punch holes and tie together
3- Embellish the cover with tin, lace, chipboard snowflake, brad, crochet flower and buttons

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Little People Gift Set

By: Grace T

Little People activity tin:

I got the idea for this project because I scored the "people" die cut set at the closing sale of my lss. I used party it up papers (mostly scraps from my other project) and just run them through the die cut machine, layering the pieces for more interest. I laminated them with contact paper and adhered a small strip of magnet on the back. Since my kids will use this during church time, I wanted it to be sturdy for tough kids. LOLI also covered the tin but this time with the Sunny Days papers (I just love that line!)Another thing I love about this project is that it's so thin and compact which can be taken anywhere.

Hot Chocolate To Go

By Jenyfur P

It is soooo cold today! When I woke up this morning, it said 47 degrees...HERE.... in California! I know most of you have much colder weather, but you have to understand.... it hardly ever gets this cold. lol

Today's project bring us warmth on a cold day. Our very talented Jen, made this adorable Hot Chocolate gift. Just add water and enjoy :)

Sometimes it's the simple gifts that mean the most. A thoughtful "Stay cozy this winter" can warm the heart!

~H

News + new project = Dec 8th

Santa Frame

By: Angie H

Instructions:

1. Cover basic frame with flocked Santa hat patterned paper.

2. Accessorize with epoxy stickers, die cuts, and various santa-themed embellishments.

3. Add photo with Santa and display for the holidays or give to the grandparents!

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In the news for GCD

This week there are a few give aways you should know about.

1) 2 sketches 4 you

They are having a Christmas celebration and we are sponsoring the gift.Here are two lovely cards their DT made

Kathy

Sankari

2) Here at GCD- we are also giving away the Christmas Sleigh collection and you have until Friday to leave a comment for it.

3) At my personal blog... Heidi Sonboul... I'm also doing a give away with GCD products and you have until next monday to leave a comment

Needless to say, there are lots of fun give aways... for everyone to enter! WOOT!_________________________________________________________

Product Tester: Heidi Mattessich

Heidi's bio:

My name is Heidi. I live in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA which is on the coast between the South Bay Beaches (Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo) and Long Beach. I am a married Mom of 3 beautiful girls (ages 2, 5 and 7). About 9 years ago we received a scrapbook for our wedding. This inspired me to create my own scrapbook of our honeymoon. That was when my love of scrapbooking started. My passion really took off upon the birth of my 1st daughter and has been growing since then. Now I find some way to incorporate scrapbooking into every day. I subscribe to some magazines, follow many blogs, maintain my own site and either work on or plan my own projects daily.

________________________________________________________

Back in October our guest designer NANCY HOLLEY, created this adorable card. Do you remember it?

Lucky us... She has provided a video for us, on how to make it

Thanks Angie, Heidi and Nancy for making this a fun post!

~H

Welcome December's Guest Design artist

Good Morning
It's raining here in California and lol I had to walk Bradley to school in it... with one umbrella and all 3 of us under it! About half way there, I gave it to the boys to share and I walked in the rain. Oh the things we do for our kid-os.

The count down continues, but for today we are going to welcome our December Guest Design Artist. Please Welcome...


Gina Hanson

My name is Gina Hanson, I live in South Eastern Washington with my husband Joe, we just celebrated out 16th Wedding Anniversary. I am a SAHM to our two children, Kaitie (14) and Jakob (10). I discovered this amazing hobby almost thirteen years ago when my daughter was just about two years old. My sister dragged me to a party and ever since then I've been hooked, although my style has most certainly evolved from the days of heart and star shaped photos! I'm so thankful that I found this amazing hobby, I'm able to hold onto memories and special moments that would otherwise soon become packed in a box and stored in a corner.



Over the past few years, I have been lucky enough to have had numerous layouts, cards and projects published in scrapbooking magazines and idea books. I also have a passion for photography and very rarely can be found without my camera. I enjoy capturing our everyday life through my lens. I've always had a hard time defining my style, it seems to be whatever the mood of what layout I'm working on and of course the products. I try not to limit myself to one particular style nor could I describe it with just one word. It's always evolving, some layouts are simple and others are more complex. Clean and simple with a "kick" does ring a bell though! :)


Welcome Gina! We are so excited to have you with us this month :) aren't her card beautiful?!

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This weeks Give away:
One pad of our Christmas Sleigh Collection


Pattern paper, Cardstock & Lace paper


All this month our girls have been working with this collection and have created many amazing projects that I can't wait to share!
Leave a comment and on Friday (Dec. 11th) I will pick one lucky winner to receive this same fun collection :)

Happy Monday everyone
~H

Setting the table

At Christmas time, I love getting together with family and eating a nice dinner. I'm so excited to share Lori's ideas, for setting the perfect Christmas table!

The Perfect Table

By: Lori R

I ended up creating a whole place setting. The plate is sitting on a piece of the scalloped paper. To create a "place mat" I layered the clear sheet over the patterned paper and cut around the edges. The napkin holder is one of the die cuts from the Christmas Sleigh collection. I also added buttons around the charger plate to add texture and more color.

I choose to use 1 1/4 inch squares, to create these trees and the trees are sprinkled with dazzling diamonds. The squares were pinched in the middle and glued on at the tip, to the tree. It's the same technique as the "tissue paper school projects", we made back in the 2nd grade :)

The trees are arranged on a piece of the scalloped paper from the Christmas Sleigh collection, on a crystal cake plate. I placed a wreath around the bottom of the cake plate to jazz up the ensemble.

I embellished with a bird, a few small flower, and a ribbon.

Then to finish the Christmas winter look, I hung snowflakes from the middle of the table (adding a focal point).

Heidi's Thoughts:
Do you do a big Christmas Dinner? Are you planning on setting your tables with decorations, matching this season? We'd love to see pictures. Feel free to share here.
~H

Winner and a count down

The winner of the Scarlet lime collection is:

Rbarakat said...
What I'm excited about December is everyone will be home for the holidays!!! NO school, errands appointments, good food,music and fellowship!Ummm fabulous lo's ladies! WHo wouldn't love a little scarlet lime!!!
December 2, 2009 12:22 PM

Congrats girl! Send me your info at hsonboul@gcdstudios.com Subject line "Scarlet lime kit"

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Christmas Countdown

By Grace Tolman

When I was given the assignment to make a countdown calendar I was a little bit scared. I've never made a countdown calendar before and with all the cute and fun ways this idea has been done before, I didn't have any others that would be fresh and exciting. But after browsing through my favorite stores I got the idea to make a countdown bucket.

I got the bucket from the dollar spot at Target, then I headed to my local dollar store where I purchased the Popsicle sticks, moss and flower foam. I cut out the many wonderful pattern papers from our Christmas collection into circles, matted them with the designs' coordinating solid colors and cut it out with a scallop scissors. I added colors and designs to the bucket with some GCD studios ribbon and white gross grain ribbon. I love that GCD studios ribbon are self adhesive. It took out the work on me trying to get that adhered to the bucket. I also added a journaling block (also from the collection) as my title block and placed that in the middle of the bucket.
I added glittered numbers from the collection, as well as a red one from a separate glitter alpha pack. When I did my research on advent calendars and countdown projects, I found that most of them were about storing little presents and in most cases, candies in each number. While that idea seems fun, I didn't want my children to equate Christmas too much with the candies and gifts as opposed to Christmas being the season for giving and serving.


So I picked 12 things that we can do to show our love for our family and opportunities we can give service to our friends. Below are the 12 things I picked for us to do....

12. Make cookies to give to our friends
11. Send out our Christmas cards to family and friends
10. Write our letters to Santa
9. Pick a movie to watch together and eat some popcorn too.
8. Make ornaments to add to our Christmas tree
7. Go through out toys and see which ones we can donate to our local Goodwill.
6. Call our cousins out of state to wish them a Merry Christmas
5. Bring Cookies to our friends' house.
4. Visit our temple and see the Christmas lights displayed.
3. Pass out Christmas cards and cookies to our neighbors
2. Sing some Christmas carols.
1. Read the nativity story from the Bible.



To add these things to each of my numbered sticks, I printed my list on cardstock, trimmed it and wrapped it around each stick, then tied an embroidery floss around it. I love that this project was both easy and meaningful to me. I can't wait for my family and I to start feeling the meaning of this Holiday while we do our Christmas countdown.

Heidi's thoughts:
Isn't this just adorable??! This whole project is under $10 to make and it would be fun to make with little ones.
Starting on the 16th of Dec... we start the count down. We hope you find the time to make this or something close to it ;)
Thanks GRACE!
~H

You gotta love a give set

First up... today is the last day to enter in the Scarlet Lime Give Away... so hurry if you haven't :) and now...

Christmas Gift Set

By Krista R.

I decorated a wooden CD box with the Patterned Paper to hold all of my little gifts. It's nice because the recipient of the gift can use the CD holder for many different ideas.

This picture shows a card and a Ghiradelli Chocolate bar all wrapped up-because who doesn't love Chocolate???

This picture shows a mini gift card set wrapped up in a glassine bag that I also decorated. I thought the recipient of this gift might be able to use these cards as Christmas thank you's

This picture shows a Christmas candle that I decorated along with some bath fizzies that I placed into a glassine bag that I decorated to coordinate with everything else. I thought this would make a really cute gift for a teacher, a friendly co worker, or a friendly neighbor

Hold onto those gift cards Ladies...

1st... Don't foget to enter our Scarlet Lime Give Away :)

2nd... Over at Amber's blog she is hosting a GCD give away until tomorrow.
Make sure you check it out!

3rd... Todays post:

Our DT has been hard at work this past 3 week, creating fun new ideas. If you are a "gift card giver" for Christmas... then we have the perfect idea for you!

Gift Card Box
By Nancy Doren

I’m always looking for a thoughtful way to give gift cards. This box can be used as a present to the whole family... fill it with one gift card for each family member, or with a variety of gift cards picked out for one special person!

1)

Measure your box and cut two lengths of 12” cardstock to a slightly smaller height. For example, my box is 4” long, so I cut my cardstock strips 3 ½” high.

2)

Score your cardstock at intervals slightly smaller than the width of the box. For example, my box is 3” wide, so I scored my cardstock at 2 ½” intervals. Fold in a mountain/valley pattern. Adhere the last panel of one piece to the first panel of the other piece, so you have one very long strip of folded cardstock.

3)
Cut and adhere patterned paper into one long strip the same length as your cardstock strip. Sew patterned paper together down the middle.


4)
Next, sew the patterned paper strip to the cardstock strip at each fold.

5)

Using foam tape, adhere the first panel of the cardstock strip to the bottom of the box.
6)
Adhere the last panel of the cardstock strip to the inside of the box lid.

7)

Embellish the box as desired and fill with gift cards!

Supplies:

GCD Studios Christmas Sleigh paper, Christmas Sleigh Transparency, Lustrous Limes epoxy sticker. Other: paper mache box, cardstock, felt flower.

Isn't this the BEST idea???!!! This could be a fun idea for personalized stationary and pens :)Thanks Nancy!

~H

News+Give Away+Daily Project=Dec 2nd

News + Give Away:

This month over at The Scarlet Lime Kit Club, you can find our new Artsy Urban collection among the papers and embellishments.

I spoke to Christy and she gladly gave us one of her kits for a GIVE AWAY this week!

Wasn't that so nice of her?! AND isn't this kit GORGEOUS!

Here are two layout by her contributing December Team.
Valerie Salmon:
Emeline Seet:

How can you win this lovely kit? easy...just

1. You must be a blog follower to qualify (our google follower group over to the left)
2. Leave a comment between now and Sunday Dec 7th...
3. Subject: "what I'm excited about this December is..."
4. and one lucky girl at random will be picked

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Dec 2nd project:

Christmas is all about...

Christ, family, food, gifts, giving and CHRISTMAS CARDS!

Just about everyone sends out a "family Christmas card"... with a sweet family photo tucked inside. Why do we do this??? It's a fun update of our family...right?!

Most of the time "we scrappers", scrap Christmas morning photos and being with family & friend, but we often forget to scrap about our "Christmas card photos".

Tips:

1. This year take the time to scrap your Christmas card photos.
2. Tell the story behind it.
3. Was it an easy photo to come by?
4. or a hard photo to come by?
5. Did you match every ones clothes?

It's these little moments that are easy forgotten and should be documented.

Layouts by Brenda H

Hello December!

We at GCD Studios are so EXCITED about this next 25 days! The days will be filled with fun ideas from myself and our DT gals. Today, we start by decorating our doors:

Christmas Wreath

(featuring GCD Studios Christmas Sleigh Collection)
By Lynn Ghahary

Supplies:

· GCD Studios Christmas Sleigh Collection
· Various buttons, jewels, etc
· Cricut Expression
· Accent Essentials Cartridge (or template and scissors)
· Various circle punches
· 14” Foam Floral Ring
· T-Pins/Dressmaker’s Pins
· Dimensional Adhesive
· Glue Gun (or other strong adhesive)

Instructions:

NOTE: I used my Cricut Expression and Accent Essentials Cartridge to cut various size poinsettias ranging from 1.5” up to 4” large. Each poinsettia consists of two layers of which the bottom layer is ½ inch larger than the top layer. If you are using the template provided to cut your flowers you will need to adjust the size accordingly.

1. Cut poinsettia layers using the Accent Essentials Cartridge (or template) along with 3 circles in the same pattern. Circles should be large enough to cover the center portion of each flower layer.

2. Turn bottom layer over and adhere punched circle as shown.

3. Pinch edges of petals upwards and add dimensional adhesive to center.

4. Follow steps 1-3 for top layer and adhere to bottom layer as shown.

5. Pin flowers to foam wreath and cover pin head with additional punched circle.
Continue to fill in with various size flowers in different patterns until wreath looks full. Hot glue buttons and/or other gems to flower centers once your wreath is complete.

The longest post ever!

Hey everyone :)
Starting Dec 1st... tomorrow... we will be celebrating the 25 days of Christmas and we will have a few Hanukkah and Kwanzaa ideas as well :)

This post has got to be the loooooooooooooooongest post ever! It's filled with 3 spot light gals and "projects" created by past winners, of give aways. So, get ready... paper ideas are coming your way!


1st up... SPOT LIGHT GAL...
Kim Dellow
Hi, my name is Kim and I am a UK based crafter living in London. I love all things crafty from sewing to papercrafts. The cardmaking bug hit me in 2007 and I just love trying out all the different techniques and playing with paper and colour. Papercrafts is such a wonderful hobby and you get to 'e-meet' so many wonderful and talented crafters. I'm really lucky and have been publishing some of my makes after winning Papercrafter of the Year 2008 with the UK Magazine Papercraft Essentials.

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2nd SPOT LIGHT GAL...

Gudrun Loennecken

My name is Gudrun Loennecken
I live in Oslo, the capital of Norway.
Married to the kindest husband. We have 4 kids, age 6 - 13

I have always been passionate about beautiful paper, art, photography, colors, painting ... and I have been scrapbooking since my first son was born 13 year ago.
Or, well.. I have actually made cute little albums ever since my early school-days. I love to create, to make stuff, and beautiful paper have always been one of my hangups.

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3rd and last SPOT LIGHT GAL :)

Michele Brooks

My name is Michele Brooks and I enjoy designing graphics, scrapbooking, and playing softball.

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and now... all the blog winner that used their goodies

Lydia Siegel

Heidi Mansion

Kim Holmes

MICHELLE GALLOWAY

Jill Cornell

Stacey Legg

Deana Boston

Michelle Roycroft

Lucy Edson

Julie Ranae

Andrea Amu

Joli

Melissa Brown

Lisa Foust

I'll see you all back here bright and early :)

Good bye November and hello December!

~H

Winners & News

I received so many entries for the Pam's Challenge. It was fun looking at all the work and seeing how "you all" used her templates. However... there can only be one winner and that person is:

Tracey Taylor

Tracey send me your info and I'll get your $50 in prizes sent to you :)

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Also, there were so many great comments "to be grateful for" on our give away! It was really touching and I was so happy to read everyones thoughts.

our winner is....

Liz Chidester said...
I am so grateful that even though DH has been out of work for a while, he has picked up so much side work that we've been able to stay afloat. So thankful for little blessings like these.
November 25, 2009 2:16 PM

Liz, send me your info at hsonboul@gcdstudios.com and place Thanks Giving Give Away.

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Now... can you believe December starts tomorrow?!

Starting tomorrow we are going to celebrate the 25 day of Christmas. It's going to be 25 days of fun crafts, recipes, and much more!

Get ready to party!

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A little later today... I'm going to post more Product tester and Spot light gal. Oh plus... girls that won in the past... who shared their work with me. It's going to be a great day :)

I have a lot of fun plan and I hope to see you all back here later today.

~H

It's here...

HAPPY THANKS GIVING EVERYONE

(Layout by Brenda)

Fast reminders:

1) The Pam Challenge Layouts are due tomorrow :) I can't wait to see everyone work!

2) don't forget to leave a comment on our give away (yesterdays post)

WOOT 2 GIVE AWAY!

That's right IT'S A GIVE AWAY!!!!

Isn't this turkey soooo CUTE?!

This adorable layout was created by Renee (dt gal) and the stamp is from Unity Stamps

1st give away)

I've talked to their fun stuff and they were willing to sponsor this set as a give away...

Thanks Unity ;)

Link to stamp at Unity

2nd give away)

Renee used our CUTE Vintage Boy paper as well

Leave a comment letting us know "what you are grateful for" and one winner will win "the stamp set" and the other will win "the Vintage boy collection"!

Happy Cooking everyone!

~H

The simple things

The recipe box is out and we are all gearing up for the feast! Here is a layout that speaks the simple truth about Thanks Giving. lol I thought this was very clever of Sherri (DT gal).

You can find out more about this layout here LINK


Our Guest Robyn, made this beautiful, but simple wall hanging. I'm a big fan of holiday decor and this is warm and inviting.

Robyn also made this cute card. I love these owls... which you can find at Unity Stamps. Wouldn't this be cute to send, as an invite for dinner?!!

This layout was created by Brenda (DT gal)

I love the cloud and bird placement, and I love her title. It's the simple joys I'm most grateful for.

Simple Challenge:

This week before you get to busy, take a moment to write down what you are grateful for this coming Holiday. Then give back!

If you are grateful for your family... do something kind for them.

If you are grateful for a home... give to a homeless shelter.

I promise this will get you in the spirit of the holiday's

~H

Please welcome....

Product Tester

Naureen O'Neale

Bio:
My name is Naureen O’Neale, and I live in Orlando, Florida with my husband, and our son. I work full time as an Elementary School Teacher and I spend much of my free time scrapbooking. My husband supports my addiction 100%. I have been scrapping for about 7 years. I started seriously scrapping right after I got married and right when I found out I was pregnant with my son. I also teach classes at my local scrapping store each month, along with designing projects for retail displays.

Heidi's thoughts:

I love Naureen uses of pattern paper and how she mixes them together. I also love how much colors is used! Great work girl.

~H

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Diana Fisher said...
The samples today are amazing!! I love those cards!

*charygirl said...
I just love Melody Ross' style!Those tags are wonderful!

KateB said...
gorgeous! and for those of ya'll who are looking for it at Michaels, it is only being carried at those Michaels that are SUPER stores (the huge ones) which sucks...I know this since I went to Michaels 5 times before I was told this.

CONGRATS GIRLS... send me your info at hsonboul@gcdstudio.com

please place "Artsy Urban tag winner" in the subject line.

She Sprouted wings....

I love these tags and I love the vintage quality of them!
This fun pack of tags is from our new Artsy Urban collection


Here are 3 beautiful projects made using them:

This layout was created by Laura (over at a Kiss on the Chic) and if you remember... She is the first kit club to carry Artsy Urban for the month of November.

Kit link

For Laura's layout, she cut out the butterfly and used pop dots to create an embellishment, among flowers.

About two weeks ago, I received these two beautiful cards... using the same tag from our DT gals :) Isn't it to die for?! I just love this "She Sprouted Wings"!

Card by: Beatriz

Card by: Jenyfur

Leave a comments and tomorrow I will pick 3 lucky gals at random...who will win these gorgeous tags.

~H

PS

If you are waiting for me to respond to your emails... I'll be getting to my emails later today. Our car battery die yesterday and lol it put me behind... a lot! oh life... isn't it fun?!

The winner is....

At random our Christmas Sleigh winner is....

Handmade Creations by Stephanie said...
Love this collection!!

CONGRATS! Stephanie, send me your info at Hsonboul@gcdstudios.com and please Christmas Sleigh winner in the subject line :)

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REMINDER....
Don't forget about the Pam challenge. To find out more... click on the link to the left :)

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today's fun creations are


Layout and card by: Robyn... our Nov Guest Design artist :)
Layout by Estee

Leave a comment :)

Okay I'm done for today... ya know... posting about our spot light gals :) Fun day!

Anyways, Leave a comment and I'll pick a winner on Monday. Oh... remember to leave some love for our spot light gals :)

Have a great night

~H

Elle Sosnoski

Ellen's blog

"When I got the Chianti papers, I instantly knew I wanted to make something altered with it and that is when I made the Fortune Cookies and Take Out Container. It was right around Valentines Day and it was perfect timing. I also did a tutorial on how to make them and posted it on the blog."

Bio:
hi, i'm ellen. i love to have fun & am a passionate person, especially when it comes to what i love; family, friends, dogs, and paper ;)

Heidi's thoughts:
YOU have to go and visit this girls blog!!!! She makes the BEST altered items and has inspired me in fun new ways! She... for sure.... has fun skills!

Grace Ma

Grace's blog

Bio:

"I'm Grace Ma from Singapore! I'm a stay-at-home mum to two little tykes aged 5 and 3 years, a freelance writer, and a scrapper with whatever left over time I have. My idea of winding down is creating a layout or a handmade gift for a friend. I don't really have a particular style, but I've a penchant for browns, reds and oranges so they tend to show up in my creations. Some days when I'm on a roll, I can scrap or make stuff until 2am! My husband thinks I'm crazy to sacrifice sleep but he's still awfully sweet and supportive of my hobby. I also love to take pictures, especially of my travels and children, with my Canon EOS 350D - a second-hand purchase that I consider my best investment to date! So, photography+scrapping = a happy me =) I'm thankful that I can capture the moments I spend with my family and friends and enjoy every minute of it."

Heidi's thoughts:

I love that Grace has a clean layering style! It allow you to enjoy everything... without overload!

It's such lovely work :)

Melita Chow

Melita's blog

Bio:

I am a SAHM with two wonderful kids and a very supportive husband of 11 years. I have been scrapping for almost 4 years now and grow to love this wonderful hobby more and more each day. I love all the different elements in scrapping: the paper, the embellishments, and the tools. It amazes me how much talent everyone has and I am so blessed to have discovered something that brings me so much joy! I am also so thankful for the opportunities scrapping has provided me. I have made wonderful new friends, gotten to travel a little, and met more than a few "kindred" spirits along the way.

Heidi's Thoughts:
when I read "I scrapbook because it keeps me sane and feeds my soul" I totally agreed!! You can see the peace through Melita work. I love this Heritage and serenity layout! such beautiful work!
Thanks for sharing your talent with us Melita :)

Pamela Young

Bio:

Hello! My name is Pamela Young, and I absolutely LOVE scrapbooking. It is a way of life for me. :) It is my therapy and my peace. I have been scrapbooking for about 8 years and card-making for 7 years. I have just added altering and digital/hybrid scrapbooking to what I do this past year. My style keeps evolving. I love to try new things. I also tend to stick with my favorite techniques and designs. If I find something I love, I tend to use it a lot. :) I have been published in several different magazines (Cards, Creating Keepsakes, Memory Makers, Scrapbooks and Cards Today, Scrapbooks Etc, and Scrapbook Trends). I keep an updated blog at http://pamelasworldofscrap.blogspot.com/.
I am currently living in Colorado, and I am a SAHM to two wild boys, ages 6 and 4, and a baby girl (almost 5 months old). They grow up so fast. I am enjoying life right now, even though it can get a bit chaotic. J I am so thankful that I scrapbook and will be able to look back over these days. I have a wonderful husband who is supportive of my scrapbook obsession. We have been married for 9 years. Family plays a big part in my life.

Heidi's thoughts:

First of all... I love the stitching Pamela did on her layout. SO PRETTY! and 2nd... what cute and fun altered items :) I love the way Pamela used our pattern papers and wasn't afraid to mix with other items :) Great job Pamela!