Crafting Gifts: A Plan for the Holidays

Making cards and gifts for the holidays takes some planning. Since I’m organized at heart, I start thinking about it early in the year. When I was young and broke, I made all my holiday gifts. Life got busier and I fell out of the habit.  When my boys were young, I didn’t have the time or the energy.  I’ve come full circle this year (for the most part).  I’m trying to make my cards and a few small gifts. Alternatively, it’s fun to buy from craft fairs.  I enjoy supporting artisans in my community.

Mini Photo Fold-Out Album

Last spring I attended a mini-workshop lead by designer Karen Phillips. Karen is a paper crafter and Creative Memories consultant.  She designed a charming, pocket-sized photo album which she sells in kits. She lead us through the process of creating our own.

I’ve made two so far, one in pink with pearl accents, and the purple mini album pictured below (with a floral theme, of course!)

Mini photo album

We like to show our appreciation for the boy’s teachers at the holidays with a small gift.  I plan to make a few of these to include with a monetary gift card.

Mini album and sleeve

Inside viewphoto album open viewCosmo Seed Cards

Late summer, when the Cosmos were in full bloom, I collected seeds from the prolific flowers. Cosmos are easy to grow under many conditions. They brought me such pleasure. I wanted to share their beauty with others.  I made seed packets using glassine envelopes from The Paper Source. I designed a card using digital software, a cute little five-sided fold out.  It’s the perfect size. I’m waiting for the 20% off sale before placing my order. Stay tuned for the completed project.

So many of you are crafty souls.  Are you planning on making gifts for the upcoming holidays?

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Croptoberfest: Plenty of Laughs, No Beer

The clever folks at Creative Memories came up with the signature event, Croptoberfest, hosted annually by CM consultants.  We “crop” in October, a term used by scrapbook enthusiasts to describe the process of creating personal photo albums and scrapbooks.

Not to be confused with Oktoberfest, the 16-day festival celebrating beer in Munich, Croptoberfest brings hobbyists together to pursue their craft.  Much like gardeners sharing collective wisdom, scrappers are a generous bunch. We fill a small conference room at a local hotel, where we share ideas as well as tools.  Seeds of friendship are sown; nurtured relationships grow.  The rhythm of a new season flows into the next.

Pumpkin collection

Created with Creative Memories Storybook Creator Digital Software

Throughout October, I’ve featured a pumpkin a day on my blog as part of my Halloween countdown.  Today’s signature pumpkin is brought to you by the creative spirit in the room.  Thanks to everyone who willingly and graciously joined in the fun.  The pumpkin will soon return back to the earth, but for now it illustrates our joy and camaraderie.

Special thanks to our hosts for the day: Inger Murdock, Karen Phillips, Pam Peters, and Mary Elizabeth Tait and for creating a relaxing and memorable event.

Halloween Countdown

Pumpkin collection signature

Signature Pumpkin (Part I)

Signature Pumpkin (Part II)