A masterpiece of a book.

I don’t talk about books often – creative or otherwise. My main reason? If I talk about them I adore them… and that just isn’t common. Today I’m excited to talk about a book that kept me entertained, has me inspired, and that I wholeheartedly recommend.

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Everyday is a Holiday is a blog I only discovered at CHA this year, as Jenny and Aaron were at the show debuting their new amazing line with Melissa Frances (more on that later). This dynamic duo has an approach to mixed media that is encouraging, inspiring, and makes everything seem like you can just jump right in and do it today. The approachability of their methods and style, not to mention the outstanding quality of this book has me singing their praises. Truly – I’ve not been this inspired by a creative book in quite a while.

What is it that is so great about this book? For me there are three things:

  1. Step-by-step photos and instructions
  2. A wide range of projects from décor to art journaling
  3. The “come hang out and make stuff” feel of this book is welcoming and made me feel I could do anything!

I didn’t even mention how adorable the book itself is – so much attention to detail and so lovingly crafted. It makes my creative heart happy!

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Just mix up some caulk and paint to frost a “cake”. The simple brilliance throughout this book, the basic tools needed and the conversational warmness of this book has had me read it cover to cover. Twice.

Have I made anything? Well not yet but if you saw my calendar for the month of May you’d understand why!! All things in my current online classes and here on my blog so far this month have been pre-scheduled projects done long ago.

Will I make anything from this book?

Oh yes. In fact, both of my daughters also took turns with this and each came back explaining how there were things they felt like we ought to make and asking when could we get started.

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I think I’d like to start by making a house like this – but honestly I want to make most everything from the book. I have already scheduled some “just because” creative time in a few weeks and I will be sure to share what I create then.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to see some inspiration as well as specific project how-to for adorable décor, canvas, and other mixed media projects. As someone with a ‘no rules’ kind of approach I am delighted to find that Jenny and Aaron are my kind of people – utterly welcoming and encouraging through their book as well as their blog. I can’t tell you how much I smiled as I read and discovered that they were simply inviting me, the reader, in to create. No stress, no hard and fast rules… just lots of techniques, ideas, and opportunities for creative fun.

Where can you get it? It’s available all over the place including Amazon.com. Now my little disclosure – Jenny & Aaron sent me a copy of this book to check out and write about if I was so inspired. I think it goes without saying… they inspired me!

Side note about the Sweet Life!

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Their paper collaboration with Melissa Frances is out in stores and it is every bit as fabulous as I could have hoped.  In fact I purchased a couple of pieces as well and I’m anxious to start playing and sharing. But first – I just need to survive some travel, end of school year madness, field trips, and other assorted life things. Don’t worry about me though- I’ve got some BIG creative blocks of time coming my way in June. I can’t wait for summer…

Herbs & Honey

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This Basic Grey line? Love at first sight. I was worried about if it would be useful in non-farmy/country layouts. OH YES! It totally is in fact I made a layout about Minecraft with it that you can see over on the Simon Says Stamp blog here.

What did I do with some of the more fruity bits from the waterfall pack? Why I made a card!

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Loving this card – and it will be coming along with me oh so soon to Ohio! If you’re anywhere near the Columbus area please do come on down May 30-31! Simon Says Stamp’s Create event is sold out, however they will have a shop set up and ANYONE is welcome to come (free!!) to shop and check out the demonstrations from various creative people! Me? I’ll be going there to create. What I mean is – I’m making a mini studio out of my demo table and I’ll be there the whole time just creating, sharing ideas, and I’ve got some treats to hand out so be sure to come say hi! If you need more info check out this page.

Challenge: Botanical

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What happens when you take a little girl to see Tinkerbell… she waits for an hour… and then it is a boy fairy? Answer: A very angry little girl. The funny thing was when I asked her if we could please still take a photo because I HAD to document this – she said “yes. We need a picture of this guy”

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It has become a whole funny memory for us – that time we went to see Tinkerbell and THIS GUY was in her house. I’m told they know of him now – that he is in the movies so it’s ok. But at that time – oh man. just so much funny.

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I was really excited that this week’s Simon challenge “botanical” got me inspired to scrapbook this photo!

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50dollar_voucher_600pxWhat botanical fun will inspire you this week? Join in the creative fun! Simon is, as always, offering a generous $50 voucher that will be randomly drawn from the eligible entries each week. Join the fun by creating a project this week – and for your chance to win a $50 voucher you should hop on over and join in the challenge here.

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Also starting up this week – don’t miss out on my Distress Ink class! Still just $12 (That price ends this week!!) you can sign up here.

Links to main supplies used:

challenge: M

50dollar_voucher_600pxThis week it is letter “M” challenge – what will you create? Simon is, as always, offering a generous $50 voucher that will be randomly drawn from the eligible entries each week. Join the fun by creating a project this week – and for your chance to win a $50 voucher you should hop on over and join in the challenge here.

This week I decided to share “May’s favorites” and I picked five of my favorite previous challenge projects to share with you here today! I love the creative challenges presented by this weekly challenge blog – and it’s been fun looking back at things that I’ve made.

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“altered F” – The process for this one was so much fun and I just love the texture and how it came out.

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“luau layout” – a favorite layout of mine as well as a Tim Holtz blogworthy pick – I still really like this page!

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“bloom” – this was my first try (and started my absolute OBSESSION) with these mixed media pieces on wood or canvas.

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“floral card” – just simple but straight up one of my favorite card designs. I make this regularly!

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“amenities layout” – this page just came together for me in a way that I love, and it is one that remains in my mind so I wanted to include it.

I’ve enjoyed walking down memory lane with some of my favorites! As you read this I’m up in the sky, or perhaps in the middle of recording. You see I’m on a trip to Cleveland, Ohio to film Scrapbook Soup!! I’ll be posting about that trip once I return. Happy Crafting!