Craft With May

So, had a mild FREAK OUT yesterday when I realized we’re half way through November and I am so not ready for the holidays. I’m known for sending out some of the earliest cards, having all gifts shipped before Thanksgiving, and having my home decorated by Sunday night (after Thanksgiving). So to be less than 2 weeks from T-day… well… panic set in.

Now rather than sit in a corner and rock and mumble to myself I got up and did some stuff! While E was at preschool becca and I went out Christmas shopping for the various relatives I need to ship my gifts to. I was impressed with how much ground we covered WITHOUT my christmas planner. Plus- we had so much FUN!

Why no planner? Can’t find it! Oh well, moving on. I already got the girls their Christmas dresses weeks ago with intent to take photo around nov  2 or so for cards. That NEEDS to get done asap so I can start working on the cards. I will send cards with a photo  of girls inside, and I like to start writing those out/addressing/etc. by Nov 15 normally. Sooo…

C’mon girls let’s go take pictures!

E, when I said to cover your privates I don’t mean like that, I mean sit like a princess. (sigh) this ‘aint workin.

This is my favorite photo because it’s so random that they both have same sad sap look. Plus anybody who knows me knows that I take quick, painless photo shoots with my girls. 10min maximum start>finish. They are actually quite happy here- I think I just caught them off for a moment.

See- lil B is showing off that blue M&M. nice. That’s not gonna work. Ok, I’m going to try one more thing before giving up and running back into the house crying…

GOTCHA! Everyone in focus, smiling, no weird stuff going on… yes sir this will do. PHEW! Off to Costco to pick up the prints!!

PS- I can’t recommend being an early (holiday) bird enough. JUST DO IT. Come December you’ll be SO GLAD that you did because then you can relax and just enjoy the season. 🙂

As I said in my last post, I love hand cut titles. here’s a page I just made:

Just super simple Making Memories stuff (all except the big button flower- that’s from evalicious.etsy.com)

I didn’t feel like the “art” title stood out enough so I outlined in black pen. Oh and yes, the scratchy look is definitely on purpose. I didn’t want thick/solid lines.

So there’s a sample of a hand cut title. I have so much fun with this technique!

Would you like a Fiskars craft knife + pair of microtip scissors to do your own titles? Just leave a comment here and I’ll draw a winner Monday.

This is a very simple technique that you CAN do. You so can make your own titles. any size, shape, style, and out of any paper or fabric. It’s budget friendly too!

My #1 suggestion is to practice first on scratch paper for a while until you are feeling good. Then move to ‘real’ paper and cutting out your titles. Ready to try?

Using a stylus or other tool that will make slight mark/indentation write your title on the front of paper you intend to use. Use just enough pressure so it will show through to the back. Note: if you are good at writing backwards you could skip this step.

Next- can you see (just above stylus) the “hi” indentations ever so slightly? That is going to help you draw your title now. My #1 mistake is drawing letters (like e) the wrong way if I skip the first step. So now I know how my title will look backwards.

Now use a pen or pencil and lightly sketch out the outline of letters you want. Note that I have a lot of lines as I write and re-write how I want it. Just be careful not to get heavy handed here (you don’t want lines to show through to front side of paper).

now for the part I do while watching TV. Cut out the letters with a craft knife or a rockin’ pair of microtip scissors like these.

I hope you try this- it’s lots of fun. If you don’t like your handwriting you can use a computer font too. I think I’m going to go make a layout using this technique, and when I come back to share it tomorrow I’ll bring a give away. (hint: scissors + craft knife!)

I already told you about my brocade/damask love. Since posting that I’ve taken photos when I find more things I have around the house already, and so here’s further proof of my love:

Rebecca’s Christmas dress.

my 2 current journals

glass votive holder on my desk

(may the obssession continue…)

Sometimes a little luxury can go a long way into making something better. Currently I’m working hard to reduce calories in my diet. Not fun! Well, it will be fun when I can wear smaller sizes, but for now it’s not so fun.

Anyhow, one thing I’m doing is brewing up pots of tea and then drinking my (unsweetened) tea in a pretty teacup.

Just a little elegant touch to my afternoon that brings a smile to my face. Plus- the teacup and saucer just feels right when crafting.