Merry Christmas one and all from our family to yours!!
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My Digital Studio Challenge - Color Combo 2
 
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With only a couple sleeps left until the main elf makes his trip from the North pole, this is the culminating post of my 10 weeks of Christmas series.  These weekly posts have done many things for me.... extended what I considered the holiday season, made me think outside the box (and around the box too), pushed me to be creative even when I didn't feel like it, highlighted what I enjoy about the holidays, and connect with you. Thank you so much for being a part of my journey to Christmas!!


I don't know about you, but every year I take a ton of pictures;  some of our favourite traditions, funny moments, snow play days, skating, family and friends, Santa and the kids, and of course, gift opening craziness.  This year I have made up a special squash book using the Merry Moments Simply Scrapping Kit to display and keep some of my favourite holiday photos.  Here it is:
What do you think?  It may look like there is a lot happening with those pictures. How does it all go together you ask?  Well, to help illustrate I went back to my fabulous videoing skills and walked through the book.  Take a look! 
Now what do you think?  I think I can't wait to put all my fave pics in there :)

I am planning to offer this as a class after the new year (Thursday December 3rd at 7pm).  The class will come with half of a Simply Scrapping Kit, champagne glitter paper, cherry cobbler seam binding, linen thread, and *NEW* ribbon from the spring catalog! 
If you would like a Merry Memories squash book for your special holiday photos please RSVP by December 2nd. 

What was that?  Did I mention a Spring Catalog?  But it's not even Christmas yet?  I know. I know. For those who are itching to get their hands on it shoot me an email and I will get one to you during the holidays.  It may that while you are sipping cocoa and watching the snow fall you can flip through the new catalog and dream of sunny spring days. 

Happy Stamping!

 
 
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Well, I may be a day late (and likely a dollar short too, I suppose) but here is the 10 Weeks of Christmas post #9.  As it happens, the boys and I brought out the decorations and decked our tree this evening.      
We opted to decorate our tree with all of our homemade and memory keeper ornaments this year. Our memory keeper ornaments include "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments, ornaments with pictures of the kids, and I try to get the boys an ornament every year, so those are up there too. We also started a tradition of trying to buy a Christmas ornament whenever we go somewhere new - this year we got one when we made a family trip through Jasper National Park, one from Stampin' Up Convention, and one from Las Vegas! I love that now when we decorate our tree we can reflect on all those family memories. 

I wanted to share with you all a few easy-to-make Christmas tree ornaments that can be made and given as gifts  or made with your kids to enjoy year after year. 
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Salt dough ornaments stamped in ink with Stampin' Up Cookie Stamps. Kudos go to Jill Buehler for these.
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Glass ornament filled with curled First Edition Paper and Glimmer Paper topped with a Scalloped Tulle bow. Kudos to Desiree Spenst for this beauty.
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Glass ball filled with curled red paper, wrapped with Glimmer Paper coloured black and a Silver Glimmer belt buckle. Kudos to Becky Fleck.
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Varied strips of designer series paper and a strip of red cardstock held with mini brads at the top and bottom. Kudos to Holly Finney for this great gift.
Those are some pretty ornaments that won't break the bank to create and give this holiday season. 
Lastly, I wanted to share y favourite photo from our tree decorating sess this evening.  This is Chae wearing his newly created "moose hat", of course with his hands as the antlers.  He didn't participate too long, but was all smiles while he did.  My older son, Liam, actually did most of the decorating while dancing and listening to not deck the halls..... Gangnam Style, of course. I didn't realize it was a holiday song, but hey....it worked and why not ;) 
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Happy Holidays!
 
Those who have read the intro to me and my life will be aware that I spend the winter months freezing and cheering in various ice arenas throughout the province of BC (and sometimes even  beyond).  This past weekend was much like the rest - full of hockey. Liam's team, the Kelowna Vipers, participated in a tournament in Lumby and went undefeated through the round robin (first three games) and Liam, who plays goalie went through all three games with no goals against!! That means he didn't let in a single goal.  They went on to the championship game and it was a nail-biter!  The game was tied after the final period and went to a shootout. My heart was so relieved that Jack, the other goalie was in net for the shootout.  Still tied after the shootout, so we went on to sudden death shootout and won!
Here is the scrapbook page that I created with his team photo right after they won. Don't you love the overlay behind the picture? To me it looks just like the ice after it has been skated on. Liam is the goalie that is laying down on the right side.  He was feeling more than awesome after they won and absolutely adores his brand new trophy.   
   
 
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If there is one thing I know about this time of year it is how complicated things can be.  Christmas holidays can mean more more stuff to do, more people to see, and less time to fit it all in. Family can be complicated.  Coordinating schedules can be complicated. Gift-giving can be complicated. I hope that todays 10 Weeks of Christmas Post #8 will uncomplicate things, even just a tad for you this year. 

If you have seen the holiday catalog, you have no doubt taken notice of the gorgeous decoration hanging on the cover.  The re-creation of this decoration from scratch will require extensive investment in time and effort that many of us do not have.    But, never fear!

To uncomplicate the holidays, Stampin' Up has released a limited number of kits which include all the pieces (already stamped and cut!) to make 10 of these beautiful ornaments for only $17.95!!  All you need (in addition to the kit) is a glue gun, adhesive glue stick, and scissors. 

I plan to make these beauties and give them to colleagues, teachers, and coaches as a little token of my holiday spirit.
Order now so you will have plenty of time to make them for Christmas gifting—or for your family tree! Online orders available here or give me a call and let me know that you want a Ornamental Elegance Kit.