CHRISTMAS IN THE BANK (01/2014) a

It's time to start thinking about Christmas!  I know you are rolling your eyes and groaning but honestly if you do a bit each month along the way you will be ready.  I am not going to offer challenges this year but try and keep to my goal of crafting Christmas continually throughout the year and sharing my ideas with you.  I would love to hear what you are doing!

I fell in love with Graphic 45's "Twelve Days of Christmas" and plan to use that throughout the year.  My first project is what I call a mini/mini.  It's more than a card but less than a typical mini album.  I have used two paper bags and bound it with my Bind It All.

The cover background is "My True Love", inside I have used "Joyeux Noel", the first day tag and an assortment of scraps from other G45 papers (one of the great things about G45 is the ability to mix a lot of the basics).  I have left the inside free of embellishment so that it can be personalized at the time of gifting.  I will tuck in a few scraps so they don't get misplaced or used elsewhere.  I have used a vintage snowflake as the element to build the cover upon.  Yes, I am going to use my vintage holiday stash this year!  I love the mini bottle brush tree.  (use E6000 glue)

VALENTINE ORIGAMI BOX 2

I do adore crafting holiday projects!  Like no other holiday throughout the year, Valentine's Day inspires me to "more" - more glitter, more ribbon, more flowers, more frou frou of all manner.  Though this particular project is rather restrained considering.(I am thinking over a Valentine's theme in my pink and red guestroom..will let you know how that goes :)  You can find the video link for Christina Griffith's origami box here.

The base papers are again from an older Making Memories line featuring pinks, reds and craft tones.  A MS punch for the craft hearts, vintage packet of red piping, vintage millinery posies, roses, red seam binding, ribbon, lace and Felt Fusion (Queen & Co) from my stash were used here.

VALENTINE ORIGAMI BOX

An entry at Make It Monday last week lead me to discover Christina Griffiths and the "Origami Box" .. .thank you Margaret!  I can't stop making the boxes..

My first one had to be Valentines!  The bottom is made from one sheet of 12x12 pp, the top and inside bits part of another.  I have used Making Memories "Lovestruck", it's an older pattern that I particularly like.

The box is quite sturdy, great for a special gift or decor item.  Do check out Christina's video which I have linked up for you below.

Here is Christina Griffith's video showing you how to make the base, you can find the next video for the top from here.

 PS  I am entering this project in the challenges at The Shabby Tea Room, Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings and Make It Monday.