a relaxing christmas

....that's all I want to do over the holidays - crash onto a couch and stay there for at least a week.  Ha. anyone else with me, on this first day of December?

It doesn't help that we've all been sick for the last few weeks, and we're starting some home renovations on Monday.  (I just want to put up my tree, people, and drink hot chocolate with crushed up candy canes on top of a mound of marshmallows, but  I just might have sawdust sprinkles in there instead *wink*)

In the spirit of just wanting to relax, I paired a comfy sofa (from Papertrey Ink's "on my couch") with my favorite Precious Remembrance "christmas" sentiment.

Check out the Precious Remembrance blog for more card chit chat.  Have a great weekend!

a crafty gift + TMKS

Hi peeps!

I loved our discussion yesterday - you all rock for taking the time to write down more than a "I love your photos" comment :)  And to those of you who really said you liked my card photos, thank you sweeties!  I'm still really on the fence about which direction I want to take, so until I "find myself", you might see some funky experimentation going on...

I went a little artsy with today's project :)

I taught a card class on the weekend, and I needed a gift to present my hostess (never show up empty handed, right?)  I could have made her a card set, but I just did for her birthday the previous week.  So this is what I came up with:

A set of tiny papers, decorated with images from hero arts' "my happy" in light grey and pink.

Along with a set of dainty little pink envelopes in a mix of patterns...

They fit inside, see?  

Package them up in a glassine bag, top it all with a cute tag, and you're done!  A sweet crafty gift.  And for the pictures, get a beautiful little model to hold it up.  I want to kiss that dainty pinky she stuck in the air!

And now, TMKS.  If you read my facebook yesterday, you'll already know part of this story...Yesterday morning, my not-even-2-year-old Maia refused to wear a shirt.  Socks? yes.  Pants? ok.  Shirt?  Nooooooooo sssssshirt!!!!!!!  (a lot of yelling.)  Ok, so it's not worth a fight.  I figured, she'll ask for a shirt when she's cold, or she'll forget that this was a big deal to her in a bit and I'll sneak one on her while we're talking about Backyardigans :)  But this kid went shirtless for, like, almost 4 hours, and despite pleas from her brother, who was very bothered to see her walking around looking like a male-trucker... And then she started saying she was cold.  But still refused a shirt.  and refused.  and refused.  Until Thomas had the amazing thought to offer her something else: a sweater.  She smiled and put it on without a fuss.  She was given an out, and was able to save-face.  Amazing.

card class - week 4!

I'm pretty sure this is going to be like all the summer camps I ever attended, where everyone is standing around crying at the end because we all had such a great time... I can't believe it's almost over!

Isn't that a great color combo?  Very watery... or... like upholstery!

As soon as I saw this week's colors, I had a mental image of this scrapbook paper that I knew was in my stash.  It is so old that I have no idea who makes it, but it has the green and teal that I was looking for.

I built my scene (using "on my couch" and the additions set from PTI) and paper-pieced the couch and lampshade with the same patterned paper.  Adding bits like the painting and the mug on the side table made it easy to incorporate the rest of the colors.

Thanks for looking!

i chair-ish you.

I love that armchair.  Like, really love it.  I don't know why I don't break out this set more often.  I saw this card yesterday and was totally inspired.  I stamped a sheet of white paper with "text-style II" and then stamped the chair outline on top.  Adding another layer, I stamped the circles pattern in SU's cherry cobbler ink.  A few swipes with a copic marker added some definition and then I used my colorless blender to spread the color around.  The SU ink bled (on purpose - ha!) and covered the whole armchair.

The little cushion got the same treatment.  Doesn't this look like the most comfy armchair ever?  I want to curl up in it!  I stamped the kitchy little sentiment in memento black ink, and the rows of text style II underneath in antique linen distress ink.  I ragged-up the edges of the white mat - to underline the comfiness of the worn-in couch.  Sooo, to say it plainly:  your friendship is so cozy, and makes me feel as comfortable and warm as sitting in the cushiest of chairs.  Cheesy?  you bet.  But sweet too, non?