Holiday Planners & Hittin' the Road:)

Holiday planners are a nice and conveient way to keep everything in one spot! I made one of these last year at a stamp camp, but with 2 sheets of 12x12 paper, which was too thin and the folds just didn't work well. I was much happier with these Pendaflex files. These are just the regular size files you use for you metal file cabniets. I'm thinking I got the luck of the draw and the whole package I bought had crooked cuts on the folders, but no fretting, I just trimmed them up on my paper trimmer and began folding:) I used all Basic Grey Fruitcake paper, with the exception of the Green Christmas tree pattern which is from AC Moore. I also used a Bazzill Cranberry and Olive for background matting. To add a little "aged" look to the folder, I just went around with my Color Box Topaz pad and rubbed around all the edges. Gives it a nice vintage look:) I have attached links(they will be highlighted in blue) for easy to follow instructions:) You can also click on any photo for a larger view:)
I took this photo just so you can see comparison size from both patterns. The larger one is a WHOLE folder, where as the smaller one is only half of the folder. Since these do have ribbon and embellishments they are probably not too practical to toss in and out of your purse, however, I just keep mine in a plastic sleeve and then you have no worries about ruining the pretty front:)This larger template came with instrucitons courtesy of Taylor VanBruggen
When sewing around corners, TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE PEDDLE! Now, I'm NOT yelling, its pure warning as I have learned this several times. I used to think when sewing on curves, if you just sew faster and "whip" it around the corners your good to go...DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME...lol I took my foot off the peddle and used the good ol' hand knob on the side to finish the corners. I also only sewed the 2 layers together, it is not sewn on to the folder itself.

I uploaded this template from Kwernerdesigns. If you haven't had a chance to visit her blog...YOU SHOULD!! She has some excellent video tutorials...try the easy-peasy Oragami Box, no taping, no gluing:)

We are heading out shortly for our Thanksgiving vacation...a long drive to GA, two kids, a dog, and don't forget the fish! Should be fun:) I'm looking forward to visiting my sister and her family, and enjoying peace of mind from this crazy city we live in!! I do have things to post, but I'm not making any promises that I will post during vacation...depends on if I can get out of all the crafting stores while I'm there...lol Happy Turkey Day to you all:))