Peace on Earth

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

American Spirit

Today millions of us will celebrate the birth of our nation with cookouts and fireworks, my family included. Each year though, I like to take some time to remember why we celebrate and also all those who have fought, or are fighting, for the freedom and liberties we all to often take for granted. Thank you to you and your families for all the sacrifices you make.


There are many though who don't serve in the military, but still fight for and honor the spirit of our nation. I read a wonderful story in Parade Magazine yesterday, A Grand Old Flag. I thought Ms. Haven's family story was a great statement of the spirit and character that can still be found in many Americans today. So, for all the Ricky Haven types out there-Thank you too for your courage and strength, and for making this a wonderful country to live in.

Fun 4th of July Facts:

• In May, 1776, after nearly a year of trying to resolve their differences with England, the colonies sent delegates to the Second Continental Congress. Finally, in June, admitting that their efforts were hopeless; a committee was formed to compose the formal Declaration of Independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee also included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman. On June 28, 1776, Thomas Jefferson presented the first draft of the declaration to Congress.
• Betsy Ross, according to legend, sewed the first American flag in May or June 1776, as commissioned by the Congressional Committee.
• Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.
• The Liberty Bell sounded from the tower of Independence Hall on July 8, 1776, summoning citizens to gather for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon.
• June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress, looking to promote national pride and unity, adopted the national flag. “Resolved: that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
• The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’
• The first public Fourth of July event at the White House occurred in 1804.
• Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on Independence Day, July 4, 1826.
• The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence did not sign at the same time, nor did they sign on July 4, 1776. The official event occurred on August 2, 1776, when 50 men signed it.
• The names of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were withheld from the public for more than six months to protect the signers. If independence had not been achieved, the treasonable act of the signers would have, by law, resulted in their deaths.

from purpletrail.com

**Happy 4th Everyone!**

Remembered

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.
photo from biguniverse.com


I am proud to have several family members who have served. So, I would like to send a simple but heartfelt prayer of Thanks to all those who lost their lives fighting for our country.

And to all their families and friends, my deepest condolences. They are remembered!

The dreaded "S" word

Wow, I can't believe how long it has been since I lasted posted! Sorry about that. :(

It has been very dreary and windy the last couple of days and it is getting downright cold. Now, for me to say it is cold is generally unheard of as I go around most of the winter without a coat. But today, we actually got our first little ssssssnowfall.

YIKES, the dreaded S word! It wasn't much, but it was still not welcome. My ideal winter would be to snow on Christmas Eve a soft, fluffy gentle snow. You know the kind, the perfect snowfall you always see in the movies where you get snowed in with that special someone and spend the evening curled up next to the fire, or sharing some much needed quality time with your family, and then it would be gone the day after Christmas. (and be about 68 degrees and sunny the rest of the time) Perfect! :)

I thought this card would be appropriate to post since we have been seeing the little flecks blowing about today.

Cardstock: Soft Suede, Real Red, Crumb Cake, Pear Pizazz
Ink: Soft Suede, Whisper White
Accessories: White Embossing Powder, Build-a-Brad, Scallop Edge Punch, Heat Tool

I stamped the trees in Whisper White craft ink and then embossed them with white detail powder. The green mat and Build-a-Brad center are the new Pear Pizazz In-Color. I really liked the clean easy style of this card, and it went together very quickly.

I hope wherever you are the weather is clear and bright!


Enjoy!

The term, Godspeed, is relatively obsolete. However, it's most common meaning, of wishing someone a safe journey will never be outdated.

To all the veterans, the men and women currently serving their country, and to their families, I would like to say Thank You!! Because of your sacrifices and dedication, I am able to live the life that I do. I'm honored to have had several relatives in the military and appreciate their time in service.

To all of you, Godspeed!!!!

Quick and Easy Treats

Need cute quick ideas for your child's class party? How about a fun little gift for your co-workers or friends?

These fun little treats are quick and easy to make. My daughter loves the little peppermint patty spiders and will be helping me make some for her class party.

Don't be intimidated by the supply list for the Treat Box; this project really is easy to make. Especially, if you use the Big Shot and Stampin' Up!'s exclusive Matchbox Die. The Sweet Treat Pop uses the fabulous new In-Color Rich Razzleberry. The Sweet Treat Cups are a fun new product offered in the current Holiday Mini Catalog.


Supplies:
(All supplies Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted.)

Peppermint Patty Spider-CS: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie; Accessories: Scallop Circle and Photo Corner Punches, Mini Glue Dots; Googlie Eyes, Peppermint Patty (discount store)

Trick or Treat Box-Stamps: Holiday Best (Level 1 Hostess); Ink: Basic Black; CS: Perfect Plum, Basic Black; DSP: Cast A Spell; Accessories: Big Shot, Sizzix Matchbox Die, Large Oval, Scallop Oval and Curly Label Punches, Crop-A-Dile, Pumpkin Pie 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Acetate, Bone Folder, Sticky Strip

Sweet Treat Pop-Stamps: Sweet Centers; CS: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Basic Black, Ink: Rich Razzleberry; Accessories: Sweet Treat Cups, 13/4" Circle Punch, 1/2" Rich Razzleberry Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon; Sticky Strip, M & Ms and Popsicle stick (discount store).

Origami Bell Ornaments

These are some origami bell ornaments that I am making for a craft fair I'm participating in next month. Once you get the folding down they are really easy and super fast to make.

There are a lot of pictures to this tutorial, as I am a visual person myself, and find them very helpful. I hope you do too.

You can use any type of paper or cardstock, just make sure it is square.

Supplies:

Stampin' Up! Dashing double sided paper (I used 5" x 5" for these)

Wild Wasabi and River Rock cardstock

Bone Folder

Red Grosgrain Ribbon and Gold Cord

Snowburst stamp set

Real Red Craft Ink

Scallop Punch

1 3/8" Circle Punch

Anywhere hole punch

Heat and Stick Powder

Glitter

Quick Dry Glue or Sticky Strip

Heat Gun

Fold square in half, turn page 90 degrees and fold in half again. Make sure to crease the edges really well with the bone folder.

Next fold the paper from corner to corner, rotate 90 degrees and fold to corners again. Remember to use the bone folder on all your creases.

These are the crease lines after these folds are complete.

This next fold is a little tricky to explain, so I hope the pictures will help. Fold each side up to the center crease, lining up the edge of the paper with the crease. Do this on each side at each corner. You will complete a total of eight folds for this part. Again, use the bone folder on every crease. Was that clear as mud? :) You will be able to see what I mean when you are actually folding.

This is what the crease lines will look like when all your folding is complete. You will have an octagon in the middle of your square.

Pinch corners together.

If adding a hanging embellishment, punch a hole in the middle of the square. Put ribbon through hole and tie a knot, or tape in place. Stamp River Rock cardstock with Real Red craft ink. Sprinkle with Heat and Stick Powder; heat and then sprinkle with glitter. Heat again. Punch with circle punch. Punch two scallops from Wild Wasabi cardstock. Adhere circles to scallop punches. Adhere ribbon to back of one scallop; adhere other scallop over ribbon.

Push sides in toward the middle of the square.

As you brings the corners together, you may need to push the bottom center out with your finger.

Glue opposite sides together. Glue or tape ribbon to the center of one side. Then glue the remaining sides together.

Completed ornament.

There are endless possibilities for decorating these: beads, glitter, fibers, etc. If you have any questions regarding this tutorial, just shoot me an e-mail. Have fun!!

Holiday Organizer

This Holiday Organizer was so much fun to make, and will keep all those little bits of holiday papers, like gift lists and receipts in order. The organizer was made from a manila file folder and Stampin' Up!'s Wintergreen double sided patterned paper.

The Gift Guide is a great place to keep track of everyone's sizes and favorites. (fabulous idea from JanTink) There is even a small notepad for shopping lists, or those little reminders to yourself.

On the back you can track your online and catalog orders by website and/or company name, date ordered and received, person receiving gift and cost.

I will be offering this as a class on October 27th. For full details, look here.