Christmas Photos to Take

Here's a list of the photos I've either taken or plan to take over the next few days.  You can adapt this list to include the photo ops you don't want to miss.  Merry Holidays!


Photos to Take


1.  Tree
2.  Gingerbread House
3.  Cookies
4.  Presents
5.  Christmas Eve
6.  Opening Presents
7.  Lego Village & Calendars
8.  Work Presents
9.  Village
10.  Family
11.  Family Portrait

Christmas Cookies

Making Christmas cookies with the kids. Mmmm ... I love the smells and tastes of Christmas!  And I love doing things with my children, especially at this time of year.  I'm so lucky that they still enjoy baking cookies with me.  (Most of the time, anyway.  :) )

A Quick Question

Hi everyone.  In an attempt to prioritize my life, I've been wondering whether or not to continue this blog.  I don't even know if anyone reads it anymore.  According to Blogger, I have 21 Followers (just lost one); but hardly anyone comments, and I'm not getting a lot of visits. 

Since time is precious, I'd really appreciate your letting me know if you're still reading this blog.  Just leave me a comment, and that will help me decide whether or not to keep it going.  I don't want to put a lot of effort into posts, how-tos, and videos if no one is interested.

Thanks a lot! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just popping in to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.  I'm going to attempt a Christmas Tags video soon, so check back after Thanksgiving for it.  Enjoy your turkey!

Holiday Tags Class Next Week at The Ink Pad - Photo Added

Hey guys, don't forget to sign up for my Holiday Distressed Tags class that will be held next Tuesday, November 8th, from 7:15 to 8:30 at The Ink Pad.  You'll need to call the store at 212-463-9876 to reserve your seat.  There is limited seating, so please sign up ASAP.  Directions to the store can be found here.  If you like Distress Inks, you'll love this class.

I hope to see you there.

Scrapbook Those Summer Layouts: A Fun and Simple Beach Layout

 If you're like me, you take lots of summer photos. You also want to fit as many photos on your layouts as possible. You want those layouts to be easy and fun, and you want to make good use of those tools in which you've invested your hard-earned money. I'm going to show you how to make the two-page layout below with just a few sheets of patterned paper, cardstock, buttons, thread, and one foot of ribbon, as well as your Cricut machine. (If you don't have a Cricut, you can certainly use another machine or other pre-made embellishments.)

Use solid cardstock as the base for your pages.

Cut coordinating cardstock into two 12" x 6" panels, and adhere two inches from the top of each page.

Adhere your photos to the panels, which will serve as mats for your photos. This will allow you to include photos of different sizes and orientations, yet have them look cohesive and organized.

Cut patterned paper into eight 3" x 4" rectangles, and adhere directly below photo mats. I alternated both sides of double-sided papers.

Punch decorative border strips from remaining patterned papers, and adhere to the bottom edge of each page.

Using the Cricut with the Jubilee cartridge, cut your title from your choice of papers. I cut "summer" at 1 ½" and "FUN" at 2".

Cut three 3" scalloped circles from kraft cardstock.

Adhere the title "FUN" to scalloped circles, and outline with a white gel pen.

Adhere the title to the right side of the layout, placing "summer" on the top and "FUN" on the bottom.

Add the journaling circle to the left side of the layout.

Freehand cut three circles at approximately 1 ½" and three at approximately 1" in size, all from patterned paper. The circles should NOT be perfect. Layer one of each size to create a flower.

Tie twine through the buttons and attach to the centers of the flowers.

Add ribbon (cut into two 6" pieces) and the flowers to your layout for embellishment.

Here is a list of the supplies I used for this layout:



Brights Cardstock Stack by Die Cuts With a View

Little Yellow Bicycle Journal Tablet by Deja Views

summer-themed patterned papers, such as Barefoot and Bliss by BoBunny

Cricut machine and Jubilee cartridge by Provo Craft

Scalloped-edge punch by E.K. Success

twine, such as this Baker's Twine by We R Memory Keepers

striped ribbon

buttons from my stash

Ghost Earrings (Revisited)

These were such a hit last year that I thought I'd re-post this video.  Have a fun and Happy Halloween!