Randomness

The weekend is almost here and there is a lot on my mind today.
Must be the holidays!

* I am gonna be baking up a storm this weekend!
From now til Christmas, every day my house will be filled with the smell of deliciousness.
On the list is mini cherry cheesecakes, spritz cookies, brownies, a white chocolate bundt cake, gingerbread peoples, kolachkies (sp?), apple pie and something wonderfully easy for Christmas morning.
I'm gettting fat just looking at the list.

* After 3pm today I am off work til the 27th.
I usually take the full 2 weeks but I wanted to save some of my vacation time for a trip down south and to Jamaica this spring.
I can't wait...5 whole days off!

* THIS is just amazing, enough said.

* My friend Elizabeth sent me this website this week.
She's on a saving kick for 2008.
I'm just poor.
Good info and tips, if money is on your resolution list for 2008.

* The kid has been drawing up a storm the last week.
Wish he would do it in the pricey drawing tablets he made me buy.

He wanted me to post these to the blog, I think he thinks he has fans.
Ha!

* The kid brought home the new school paper yesterday and in it was 2 pages of an advice column.
Let me give you a little sample of what it said:

Dear Shirley,
I think this boy in my class is so so so cute, how do I ask him out?

This is grade school people.
Does anybody else think this is weird (possibly inappropriate)?
The questions were all listed by room number too and this one was from a primary grade!
I just don't think the school should allow adding fire to the already existent "drama" that exists at school.
Maybe it's just parents like me who aren't letting their kids date til they're 30 who would feel the same.

* I'm busy busy busy wrapping presents.
Got a family thing tomorrow, so at least those have to get wrapped.
And the kids presents need to be bundled because he is a total snoop like his mother.

* Sent out the last of my Christmas cards today.
I ran out of stamps yesterday.
And you'll notice that there are not cute little foil stars on the top of the trees as I planned.
Well, when I was cart-jacked the other day, they took my stars!
Max thought perhaps that was the reason I got jacked.
I assured him, not everyone gets that excited about little stars, just me.

This card is loosely based on this Hero Arts card.
The patterned paper is Scenic Route.

* There's a drawing over HERE for some free Making Memories.

* They are offering a free 12 week guide to Better Photos HERE, so if you are like me and want to get way better in 2008, this would be a nice place to start and the perfect price.

* This is my most favorite Christmas card this year.
See the little eyes at the bottom?
This card was exactly like this when I opened the envelope.
I laughed so hard I was crying.
Then every time someone would look at it, another eye would pop off.
Except Melana's eyes, hers are still in tact, go figure!
Greta has been wondering how many more blind cards were received this year!

Merriest of Holidays to everyone.
I'm sure I won't have time to post again til after Christmas.
I still have presents to buy!

Hope everyone has a safe and Happy Holiday!

Cute as Buttons

I realized that I should just start buttoning everything in sight since I own all those buttons now.
So I made this little button tree last weekend and it was lickety split.

All the buttons are held in place with glue dots and since I have been buttonizing everything I have officially run outta glue dots.

The little star on top is cut with my old Sizzix and then sticklized on the edges, I also stickled my fingers in the process.

Cut the litte trunk myself.

The greeting is from Savvy Stamps and stamped in Real Red.

I made another little button card but I sealed it in an envelope before I remembered I hadn't taken a picture.

Because of the buttons, these little button cards were sent along with presents to some girlies down south.

Today

Making me happy:

* My Xmas cards are just about finished, people may get them on December 26th but at least they'll get 'em.

* Found perfect star stickers for the cards which will save a major step in the production completion and they were $1.49 for 440 stars!!

* Listening to a local radio station that is playing the past 15 years in 15 days and today is 1995. Totally making me reminisce and reminding me of a whole lotta songs that I totally forgot about. Our Lady Peace, Clumsy...totally forgot that whole band.
You can listen online for free 9-5p at Q101.com.

* Ran to the Target at lunch break to grab a game Max said he wanted when we were in the Target last night. He totally thinks he's not getting it because it was a last minute decision and I told him last night, "Oh well, wasn't on your list buddy, maybe you'll get it for your birthday."
I love the total surprise gift.

* Won a little goodie over at Craft Critique, now I just have to decide which picture to use for my 2008 postage, don't be surprised if you see the kid's face on my cards next year!

* Someone sent me a card from DisneyWorld and signed it Mickey and Minnie.
The kid is totally convinced that we are being stalked by Disney characters.
"See Max, they really want us to come!"
Hysterical.

Not making me happy:

* On my Target run, 2 chicks stole my cart while I was searching for snow pants. I couldn't figure out for the life of me what they were staring at me and whispering for, til I saw my stuff on the floor and the cart gone.

* Boss has got me doing busy work and I hate busy work.

* Not a thing in the fridge to make for dinner, looks like a trip to the grocery store is on my afternoon list.

Hey Look!
The happy list is way longer...YEAH!
Looks like a pretty good day.

Christmas Tree 2008

Tried to get a picture of the tree over the weekend.
But this brat kid kept getting in my picture.

And I just decided to snap him being ridiculously funny instead of just my stupid tree.
He had commentary for each of his stupid poses.
No, really!

"So you call this a Christmas tree, eh?"

"I like your balls...(laughing) I said balls."
I laughed too, of course.
"I wub you Christmas tree."
And finally when he was done with his antics, he stepped away to let me take a picture of the tree...or so I thought.

These are probably easier pictures to scrap than just the tree and (god forbid) if he ever loses his silliness, it will be nice to look back and remember these goofier times.

Thanks everyone for the advice/support about the school crap.

Max was super mad when he heard that mom couldn't fix it but we had a good talk about letting things go and not letting little things eat at ya.

I'm not good at that whole "letting go" thing either.

And we talked about being Proactive about the whole thing and how it takes a bigger person to try and make a change than just sit back and complain.

He liked that, he's all about injustice and righting the wrongs of the world.

So, that's our new cause.

Getting that whole perfect attendance thing changed because let's face it, the word "perfect" isn't really something I want thrown around in my kid's school anyway.

And penalizing kids for illness, family deaths or doctor's appointments wasn't the goal of this whole award thing to begin with.

So, they should change it and I love the idea of exemplary attendance. (I love this idea Denise!)

And that will be were we will devote our energy, in changing things and learning school policy and not in dwelling on this current year.

And lucky for me, attendance is not as big a thing this year as it will be next year when it counts toward our score for getting into our Selective Enrollment High School.

More Xmas RAKS

A few more cards to share with everyone...

This one is from Paula who I am sure is enjoying a warm pleasant day in Florida today while I am freezing and trekked through the snow freezing my booty off.
Truth be told, I was hoping to get one of these babies because I got a little sneak peek of it while she was assembling a while back and it is as I expected...Amazing.
See the piece behind the clear? That's cuttlebugged!
And even better yet, it looks wonderful on my garland with the lights sparkling through the transperency, everyone who has seen it has Oohed and Ahhed over this one.

And this second baby is from my buddy Michele.
This is one of her amazing 4 hour cards, as I like to call them.
I mean seriously people, look at all the layers, stitching, glitter and Copic coloring...she puts my cards to shame.
And see the pink? That's a felt layer!
Michele doesn't fool around when she makes a card, everyone is a masterpiece and looks like she spent hours on it, which she admits she does.

Michele brought this little penguin over on Saturday, when she came over for a little holiday visit and some vittles.
She is officially now my prompt friend.
I was still in the shower when she arrived because, well, I'm her slacker friend.
But I didn't mind a bit because she came bearing gifts, forgot to take a picture of those...dang!
And my buddy Carol came and of course she brought a gift too...Can I be any more spoiled??

And if you are wondering about the production of my cards...
Well, as of today, I have an idea, I stamped a few pieces of the card yesterday and put together a mock prototype to see if it is workable and I think I may be on to something.
Now, my goal...Finish at least 30 cards in 2 days, not impossible but it will be slightly chaotic.

Randomness

It's Friday.
I've got time.
So here goes....

* I just don't get these stamps, sorry Michele.
I've been looking at them for the past week and I just don't get it.
But then again, I don't get headless people either so one could assume I wouldn't get oddly shaped heads without noses and mouths either.

* Still working on the 'ol Christmas cards.
But I'm also working on some New Years cards as well, just in case a few don't get out in time.

* Went to Max's school to find out why they are giving him 1/2 day absence for going to get lab work done a couple weeks ago.
Apparently it's an "excused" absence like a sick day, death in the family, doctor's appointment would be but still counts as absent.
What's the big deal you ask?
Well, at Max's school they make a big hairy deal about having perfect attendance.
So much so that last year when he got strep twice he cried and cried about missing one day of school each time.
Because there's an award involved here.
And an assembly.
So I went to school to find out if he could get a waiver or something because the poor kid had to have bloodwork done that Monday morning and after 9am at the hospital that is 35 minutes from the school.
The school secretary is such a yotch and not just this particular day, I swear I almost had a smackdown in the school office this morning.
I could've whooped her.
I was so fed up with her bitchy attitude and the way she was talking to me, I just said, "you know what, let me talk to the principal."
"She's not here today."
We walk out of the attendance office and who is standing there.....the principal.
"She's not here today, huh?!"
She promptly walks up to her and starts...
"Mrs. Collins came in questioning Max's attendance and is being so rude..."
I promplty chime in..."I would just like to speak to you myself if you have a moment, if not I can make an appointment."

The principal is super nice.
She spoke to me, apologized for the crabby yotch that works in their office.
Then explained, she couldn't put our .5 day back on his record.
He won't get the award.
He won't be in the special assembly.
They would only do it for religious reasons.
So sad.
If your kid has a disability and needs medical treatments, etc...they'll never get an award.
Or be the star in a special assembly.

It's just not right.
I'm getting misty even thinking about it now.
We've worked so hard, battled for everything and still...
Maybe it's just PMS.
But I'm still pissed at the whole situation
And especially that lady.
Would it kill her to be just a tad nice?
Especially cuz she works with kids.

And I have to tell the kid, "mom couldn't fix it".
And hear him argue about what is fair and then tell me how he won't care anymore about going to school.
That's what he does.
And I honestly just thought they would do what was right.
I feel like I have a mission now for my kid and all the other special kiddos out there, we want perfect attendance too!

* Papertrey Ink is coming out with new stamps, tonight.
Some of the sneak peeks look appealing.
And Nichole Heady is pure genius when it comes to fresh ideas, I love that.

* Having a little holiday lunch with some buddies tomorrow, so I guess I should tidy up the place a little, or at least shove it all in closets til they leave.

* A muse has come out with new stamps for their Valentine release and someone may have already bought some when she got an exclusive sneak peek a couple weeks ago.
And someone nice person over at A muse may have also sent this person some of their new bling and some Elzybells to play with.
You can see all the new goodies here.

* My buddy Noel is running a sale this weekend, right Noel?
And her shipping is totally fast, so if anyone's hubbies are looking for some scrappy presents for you ladies, send them over to her shop, she'll get it to ya in time!

* MaryAnn has started a new blog and from what I know of her and have heard, I think it will be the next best thing since sliced bread.
She's going to feature all kinds of artists and handmade goodness, so be sure to add that this one to your bloglines. INDIEPENDENCE

* I know Guns 'n Roses is scary but this story is hysterical.

Sorry about the long vent.
I've got a hard time with anger and letting things go.
It's on the list for things to work on next year.
But it isn't 2008 yet!
More Christmas RAKs will be posted next week, promise.

Have a happy and safe weekend everyone, especially those of us who may be getting some of the white stuff!

Ornament Parade

The tree is up, although I haven't gotten a picture of it yet because the lighting this time of the year just sucks big time, right?


I have A LOT of ornaments.
My mom is not a "saver", material things quickly come and go in this woman's life, so there are no baby clothes from us kids or cards we made in 2nd grade in a box somewhere for us to see and reflect on...she throws everything away.
I think the pack rat thing scares her, so she rarely saves anything.
Some things that she does save though are ornaments.
And so I think when I was younger I always thought they meant more than maybe they actually do to most people.
We take our ornaments seriously in my house, it's some of the "meaning of Christmas" that some people forget about.
Every year we buy 2 ornaments, I pick one and then persuade the kid to use his choice to pick the other one I want.
We try to buy things that mean something to us, conjur up a memory or reflect the year.
How does everybody else buy ornaments?
Do you buy new ones every year?
Do they have to be a certain kind?

So here's a look at some of the goodies on the tree...

I have many Santas on the tree in all shapes, sizes and colors. I figure when the big guy shows up he'll be happy to know we are big fans of his work.

There are the ornaments Max made when he was younger, I AM a saver of all things sentimental unlike my mother.

Even if the sequins start to fall off...I still save it!

And this little guy makes me giggle because I love the claymation Christmas specials and he's fuzzy.

This is one of my favorite movies, so of course Gene's on the tree always toward the top.

See this ornament....1981!

I remember it was on a package from my aunt and uncle that year.
I don't even remember the present inside but I remember this ornament.

Some of my favorite literary characters.

For a girl who would never consider or refer to herself as religious...I've got a lot of Jesus on the tree.
My grandma used to give them to use as kids, so I have a ton of these plastic religious ornaments, circa 1978.

And 1980 Simone is on the tree too.
My brownie troop 354 creation with a picture of me dressed as an elf for the show that year.

I remember my step-mom made my costume and I always thought I looked like Robin Hood.

I bought this little puppy way back in 2002 because he looked identical to our Jack Russell Terrier, Nerf.
When Max was a baby, Nerf went to live with my aunt because I couldn't care for him and a baby all at once and her dog had died.

(Truth be told...my darling son would not stop playing kick the dog!)
And even though he wasn't "our dog" for many years, I got a little misty this year as I hung this one because Nerf died suddenly this year.

And lastly, there's Simone again.
Little, flat, wooden me.

This ornament is super special to me because I remember the year I got her, I actually played with her like a doll.

Sure I had Barbie and Baby Alive back then, but I played with this stupid piece of wood and our tree that year.

And see my name written on the ornament...My grandma wrote that, her handwriting.

When I see her writing I am flooded with a multitude of amazingly wonderful memories of times we spent together and all the cards she used to send.

This is a good argument for writing letters yourself, your handwriting means something or will mean something to someone else.

I may not be that fond of Christmas, but I LOVE my tree and all the ornaments on it because it is like a 6 foot scrapbook.

The Jetson Tree

Instead of working on Christmas cards, I created another little paper tree that only took a whopping 20 minutes, start to finish.
That seemed way more achievable than the cards.

I saw this tree on this blog, which by the way is filled to the brim with AMAZING projects especially her star ornament...WOW!, and knew I wanted to try and make one myself.

Searched the web and found Sandi Genovese's template and directions HERE and Voila!

Now if you wanted to make this little tree as a card, because it does flatten, you would have to shrink the template a bit beacuse this little baby is almost 6" high.

I promptly placed this little goody right next to my other paper tree , which is falling apart just as I suspected, and asked the kid, "What do ya think?"
"Looks like The Jetson's tree"
"Wha..?"
"You know, the space family, the Jetsons..."
"I know who the Jetsons are but what do you mean?"
"All those rings and in that crazy paper, looks spacey. Be cooler if it had a robot."

I'm so proud my kid knows who the Jetsons are.
And loves Robots.

Supplies: Cardstock-Bazzill, PP-Scenic Route, Ink-Distress Ink in Black by Ranger, Buttons-from Oriental Trading, Die-Sizzix.

RAK - Xmas Kitty

I've gotten a few Christmas cards already and I love them so much as well as the little reminder they are providing me that I should probably get a move on with my own.
This first one is from the super fabulous blogger extraordinaire, Allison.
She is the girl in the "know" on the web when it comes to all things stampy.
Love all the flowers on this card and the little kitty with the evil eyes on skates made me giggle.
Thanks Allison!


Stamp from The Cat's Pajamas

Letter To Santa

Dear Santa,

How's it hanging?
Things good at the Pole?
Elves behaving themselves?
How's that lovely wife of yours?

Well, you see Santa, I've been thinking...
I know there is only 13 days now til the big event, only 10 til my first family gathering, and I was hoping that maybe you and I could come to compromise.
I know you're a busy guy and well, I've been super busy as well...
I have only bought one present Santa and haven't even started out on my cards, which have to be handmade, you know that...
I'm sure you are still checking lists, ordering elves around and getting the reindeer ready, a lot to do in 12 days if you ask me.
Soooooo, I was thinking....
How about 4 day extension?
How about we plan on December 29th instead?
Give you a few more days, give us parents a few more days to hold the whole Christmas-thing over our kids heads and finish our shopping...
What do ya say?

I know you're a reasonable man Santa and I am sure I can count on you.
And with your extra 4 days, you can run off and get me one of these or this or even this.

Thanks Big Guy!
Love,
Simone

Birthday Book Tutorial

I am the first to admit that I suck at getting out birthday cards on time, let alone getting them out at all.
So, one of my resolutions for 2008 is to try and be more timely in my life.
Get to places on time.
Call people when I say I will.
Get cards out to people at least in the month their birthday is.

I love to be functionally crafty, so I thought I would make up a little reminder book to track all these birthdates in order to get a little more organized.
This is the same way I make most books.
All from scratch and all super easy and cheap.

So, if you want to make up a little Xmas list book, it was done the same exact way but with 2 covers instead of one.

Birthday Book Tutorial

1. Cut out Chipboard (you can use a cereal box, those work great too!) for the cover.
Measurements are 4" x 10".
Cut the paper you would like for the cover as well.
Measurements are 5.25" x 11.25".

2. With a glue stick or tape runner, stick your chipboard to your paper and snip the corners like so.
3. Score along the edges of the chipboard.
4. Place double sided super sticky strip all along the four sides. You really need the sticky strip for this so that it will stay put forever.

5. Fold in all four sides. I like to do top and bottom first, then the sides.
6. The snipping of the corners gives you nice mitered corners for that finished look, all nice and neat.
7. Next you will need another piece of paper to cover the center.
Measurements are 2.75" x 8.75". Glue in place.

8. This next piece is a genius moment I had with Greta a while back when she was making up these books with the pre-made SU! version.
A pencil holder for the side using the Tab Punch!
Punch out a tab with whatever paper you would like.
Wrap punched tab around desired pencil or pen and hold to the side of the book.
Slip out pencil/pen and staple in place.
9. Your cover is done, you can embellish as you like. I always start out simple and then add to it later.

10. Next we need tabs for the pages so that each month is easy to flip to.
I used the word window punch and my Target dollar spot alphabet stamps for this part.
Hint: Stamp the words first and then punch out. I thought of that after I did it the hard way!

11. Print out the inside pages from your computer on nice white cardstock, I used my cheapo Walmart stuff, it is fabulous!
Then attach the tabs with glue dots to the back of each month.
I envisioned the tabs would all fit to show each month, but alas November and December had to be attached behind the other months.
I put the pages on their side to line up the months as best I can.
12. Punch a hole with your crop-o-dile at the top right corner.
It will go through the cover and all the pages in one punch!
Grab your messy ribbon jar and add some to the binding clip you're using to hold the whole book together.
You don't have a junky ribbon jar like me?
Really?
Well, this is where I keep all my little bits 'o ribbon to use for things just like this.

13. Then you'll need to do is add your friends' birthdays.
I hope I have yours.
14. Embellish the cover more if you like.
I added that stamped cupcake from Savvy Stamps and some buttons.
Ok, a lot of buttons.
And a pencil, a skull pencil of course.
See all the pretty tabs at the bottom, reminds me of fringe.
I felt like I totally needed to add the buttons because I just got all these:
I had to get them.
They were totally cheap from OT.
I totally thought I couldn't pass up this deal.
$4 for a buttload of buttons.
And while I was browsing, I found these and these.
So I bought those too.
That was about 1600 buttons.

But I was running low, I only had these.
Oh, and these vintage babies, I had those too.
Oh and I already had these too, forgot about that...

It's a sickness people, a sickness.
And the fact that I am so giddy about the colors of my new buttons...well, that's just your basic insanity.

I hope the directions for the Birthday Book were clear.
I know the pictures aren't the best, it is super gloomy here these days.

And if anyone wants the word doc to print out the monthly pages all you need to do is email me at spazzgirl555 at yahoo dot com with Bday Book in the subject and I will email it to ya.


All papers are from Dude Designs.

Basic Grey Tree Ornament

This Bah-humbuggy chick has actually been cooking up some Christmas crafts.
Not my Christmas cards, of course, but creating none the less.
Had to use up my Basic Grey Blitzen papers from last year so that next year I can buy some new holiday paper!
So I made this little tree ornament with my prehistoric Sizzix machine and this little tree die that my buddy Carol gave me a while back.
This is honestly the only thing I've done with it since I got it, but I am super happy with the results.
I cut out 8 trees in all different papers of that same line, although I am sure you could easily match up some scraps and make this as well, just make sure you are using thicker, cardstock-like patterned papers, not that flimsy stuff.
Then, the real trick was getting it all together, perfectly aligned and with adhesive that would actually hold it in place, forever.
I bet the Gorilla Glue would work perfectly but I didn't have any of that, so I used Aleene's Quick Dry Tacky Adhesive.
It's my secret crafty weapon, so don't pass it around too much, otherwise there won't be any left for me.
The real secret of this glue is to apply it as thinly as possible while still covering well, then let it sit about a minute before you actually attach the two papers together.
I used the thread from SU! as a hanger for the little ornament because it is lightweight but super strong.
Plus, I think it matches the look of the Basic Grey.
This is just two different views of the same ornament, I didn't make two.
I was totally inspired by this little tree.
The way she created hers seemed way too difficult for little 'ol me, so this Sizzix creation was perfect.
Look at your dies if you gotta 'em or visit your local Archiver's, they've got some you can use for free! and make up your own cute little 3D creations.

Back on Monday with a full tutorial for making your own little List book with a twist.
And if anyone knows how to add a PDF or Word file to a blog so that everyone can grab it to use and love, let me know.
I need to do that so that everyone can make a book of their own!

Scenic Route Christmas

'Ol Scrooge McDuck here and I have some Christmas goodies to share with y'all.

Just a quick ornament for the tree using Scenic Route paper and chipboard star. I love these stars because not only are they cheap ($1.50) but they are sturdy.
The little birdie and greeting are stamps from Hero Arts. These babies are clear and wonderful. I am not the biggest clear stamp fan but I can honestly say that these stamped beautifully and are so reasonably priced, I know there will be more of these babies in my future. I inked the edges and added a little bling.
The greeting is stamped on "fake acetate".
If you had real acetate or transperencies you could use those too and just stamp using Staz On ink.
The little bird was colored with the Copics and it was actually easier than I thought, sometimes those markers are not the friendliest to small images.
This little ornament will sit on my tree, which is now up and decorated single-handedly by yours truly, apparently almost 12 year olds are too cool for Xmas trees too.
And one day will sit with all my other scrappin ornaments (these too!) on my very own little scrapbooking Xmas tree so that I can look back at all the old papers and products.
And probably laugh.

Like prepared and organized people, I'm sure many of you are working hard on your Xmas cards or some of you over achievers are already done! (Paula...I'm looking in your direction!)
And then there is me who is wondering if I will ever get cards done at all this year and freaking out about the fact that I don't have all my addresses in one place.
But I have made a couple cards, like this one, so at least two or three people will get a little love this year.

This little baby has a cute little sequined star at the top.

Where did that come from?

I found it in my stash but I assume that you can get them at Michael's or Joann's...right?

And the tree was stamped on that Scenic Route paper and then pieced together.


And I just love this bird because it is so easy to cut out and piece together like I did here.
I used a tiny (1/4"?) punch to make the little ornament and added the string myself with a marker.
And for this little tree card, I used THIS Scenic Route paper and just cut out each tree, stamped the trunk from one of the Hero Arts stamps and then added some glitter with a Stardust Clear Gellyroll Pen but it is hard to see.
I would like to get my hands on one of these Just Glitter pens because these other pens are good but just not glitter enough without the mess of loose powder.

The little stars on top are just Stickles.

Love that stuff, always predictable and reliable, you can never have too much Stickles.

I know that Noel's got the plethora of stickles and Christmas is the perfect time to yank that goop out and make everything twinkle. She's also got the Xmas Scenic Route Roxbury kit available in her store if you love to find it all in one spot!

I don't know who is selling that Hero Arts set but it is called Laughter and Merriment if anyone wanted to know.