More Purse Calendars...

aThese are the last of the holiday gifts I put together. I couldn't wait to get this realtor stamp and go to town (thanks Jillybean) . The image is from Stamping Bella (sell-a-bella) . I dug out some old papers and made some new ones for this project. Before coloring, I picked out my copics that would coordinate with the colors in the patterned paper...you know, so everything was "matchy-matchy." I un-stapled the original cover that came with these calendars and inserted (re-stapled) new fresh colors. After I finished adding the colors I used my PTI Ambassador Alphabet to add the monogram.

I'm off to run errands! Be sure to tune in Wednesday. I will be starting a new monthly feature on my blog, "Behind the Seams." Some of these posts will be tutorials while others will just share some of my favorite products to use. I'm not endorsed by the products I buy and use, just get alot of questions as to where I buy certain products and I'm more than happy to share! This week's "Behind the Seams" will be a tutorial on how to alter a spiral notebook:)

Roundin' Out the Christmas Gifts...

Just a few projects I worked on in December. Some were gifts and some were "just because" projects. I love this stationary sketch from Michelle Wooderson. She always has some nifty ideas and I especially love her vintage taste:) I've been having TONS of fun with my soldering kit and wanted to try some new sizes. The glass slides used here are 1x3 and perfect for the wee ballerina. I colored them with my copic markers and added some stickles. To place the letters in the names close enough together, I used my Karen Foster Snap stamps and my stamp-a-ma-jig to align them.
This design is sort of "out-of-the-box" for me. I wasn't sure if it all went together, but I'm happy with the end result. Its hard to tell in the photo, but the butterfly is loaded with a shimmer ink and stickles. I also used a shimmer ink for the blue cs when I was adding the stripes.
Lastly, a little something for the boys. Your eyes are not fooling you in the size of the tags here. I ran out of the smaller rectangles and my Wal-Mart no longer carries them:( I ventured over to Staples and they only carry the larger ones. I suppose their "ok" for now, although compared with the smaller ones, these are HUGE!

Relay 4 Life & Funny Feedback...

Last night was my FIRST official Team Captains Meeting for Relay 4 Life. I have been to a few of the smaller meetings, but there is something about the larger teams that gets you motivated to make a difference! It was also the first time I was able to turn in my fundraising money!! My initial goal was to reach $100.00 by April, but after turning in $70.00 last night, I'm pretty sure I can AT LEAST triple my goal. I sold a few things from my Relay Basket last night so my envelope is started for next month's team meeting. None of this would be possible if it weren't for my generous friends and family helping me out and I would like to send a BIG THANK YOU to the following who purchased the HOPE notebooks and made cash donations:

1. Christie-$30
2. Elizabeth-$20
3. Luminaria Donations: $20.00-in memory of Jake Edds & his Wife Jessica(caregiver)

These are the donations that go in next months fundraising efforts:

1. Libby-$10
2. Amanda-$10

I'm still working of the rest of the orders for the HOPE notebooks. The turn-around has been pretty quick and so far everyone has said they purchased these to give to someone in need. I think that's a wonderful gift for those who need a little extra support or just to let them know you care:)

If you'd like to see more of what we're doing for Relay 4 Life in Onslow County you can see it HERE!

I volunteered to organize the silent purse auctions and this is the little number I made real quick yesterday. Individuals were able to bid on the purse without knowing what was inside. No, it wasn't the kraft paper...lol The winning bid took home this sweet little purse and the contents which included: a HOPE notebook, Victoria Secret Card, and a 3 night stay at an ocean front condo in Kure Beach...pretty sweet deal eh??!! That means all the other auctions need to be just as good OR better with the prizes...lol

Annnnd, a couple more purse calendars I made with my Cricut Expression. I told you it was addicting! I think my favorite right now is to monogram everything in sight...lol I played around with the polka dots(SU! small circle punch) and the scalloped frames(marvy punch). I didn't add the bow on the blue one since the scalloped square was larger and I thought it might look funny being at the tippy top. The scalloped edge was made with my Fiskar's Water Threading Punch and the tiny holes allow just enough room to squeeze in the adhesive rhinestones. Thanks Elizabeth!

OK, so if your still with me here, I thought I'd fit-in a little afterthought on the comments I receive...because some of you are quite comical and I get a good chuckle out of you:)

Santa brought me one too!! I was very excited about it. Can't wait to see what you whip up with yours....then I'll copy it. heehee!---Flipfloppinmama
ME: "then I'll copy it." ONLY if you send me some really COOL flip flops ummmmmmmm k?

Dawney, you are the best sister!!! Telling all these strangers to pray for us is so sweet. Ok, so they're not strangers to you, but still. I wanna check out that machine when we come to visit. Looks like it might make some projects a lil easier and quicker? Thanks for adding the link to our support group, it's been great for myself and many others. I love you!Te
ME: "Dawney"--great now all my "stranger friends" know my code-name...lol

These projects are very pretty. I got my pendants from the Etsy store today. I also got a little enclosed note that if I blog about them, I will get a free pendant and necklace ball chain. You know I'll be telling the world! I truly do love what I ordered--Judy in Indiana
ME: HERE ya go Judy! These really are fun!!! I ordered 3 and received a free Marine Wife pendant:) I didn't ask for an extra one...she must know how many hours we wives slave away at cleaning jet fuel out of cammies. Here is the link for Home Studio on Esty.com

What is SU!?-
ME: in MY world it means STAY UP waaaaaay too late getting projects finished! In this case it refers to the company Stampin' Up!

I wish I had your daughters in class! These are the cutest teacher gifts I've seen in a long time - lots better than the usual hot cocoa mix in a cup!
ME: Seeeeeee, I KNEW it! There is more in your closet than the overabundance of apples eh?? I'm thinking some of you teachers ought to get together and open a Starbucks/Bakery?? You can call it the "Takery"....LOL!

Whew! That is a very looong post! I'm glad I could inspire a few of you! I have no qualms about my crafts being cased. Seriously, I don't have enough time in the day to "google" pieces of paper. Have fun! Keep the laughs coming:))

Dawn:)

Santa delivered this year...

Boy 7 a.m. sure came awfully early this morning! Its back to the daily grind after a wonderful Christmas and New Year's spent with my family. The girls are having fun exploring my new Cricut Expression that Santa delivered. My oldest would cut shapes all day long if I let her. I let them choose whatever they wanted to cut out and we did two little projects which are now proudly displayed on our fridge. I have alot to learn on this new machine, but I will add that it is pretty easy to get started. All the machines come with a wonderful "how-to" dvd which explains all the functions and options. I think its pretty neat that each cartridge comes with a rubber keypad overlay...notice how the keys are blank on this photo? You just add a cartridge and coordinating keypad and cut away. You will be addicted too:) These were some fun notebooks I made for a Relay 4 Life fundraiser. I cut a double matte "hope" and popped them up with 3-d dimensionals. The flowers are prima and Hobby Lobby(I rubbed my Aloe Vera Dew Drop over the large one so it would match) brands.
To cut out "hope" I loaded up my paper in the Cricut and cut them at 2" and 1 3/4" so that I could have a slight shadow of the wording. There is a small pc screen on the machine that allows you to see what will be cut, so you can always adjust and make changes before cutting. I wanted to add some "pop" to this image so I rubbed Dew Drop-Pearlescent Lavendar all over SU! Lovely Lilac cs. Although the shimmer is very subtle in person, it really helps the wording stand out.
These purse calendars were made for my sister who is getting together with her support group, Meningioma Mommas. A few of the gals are getting together and she wanted something to give them. The colors are from their theme and I added the SU! certainly celery to help balance out the purple and silver. The "mm" was cut with my Cricut and I kept the lettering the same size, 1 1/2 " on this.
The Cricut also allows you to cut scalloped frames which I tried for this project, but I ended up going with a simple Marvy Punch Square Scallop instead.
I'm excited to see what this year will bring for my family. I do know one thing....I'm going to be an Auntie again!!! My twin sister is due in July with baby #2. We are praying for a healthy baby and Mommy...this is the sister who had a massive brain tumor removed last February. She has had a few seizures this year and a recent one just last week. Her meds have been changed due to the pregnancy and from her ultrasounds everything looks healthy so far. Please keep her and their family in your thoughts.

Happy New Find...

Ok, so I LIED...I just wanted to add a quick link to my favorite "new find." They are these neato necklace pendants that are made from scrabble tiles...check it out here at Home Studio on Etsy.com

I have several on my wish list, but the "Marine Wife" is my favorite:) Check out the moxie fab Christmas Tree too...AND...she's on sale!

"Rate My Post"...

...this would be the post for all those fanatics(myself included!) that LOOOOOOOVE HGTV's Rate My Space. Actually, I love all the shows on HGTV, but this sweet request for a Teacher's Gift was done with a collaboration of previous posts. I try not to give Teacher's gifts that are OVERLOADED with apples because I have a sister who happens to be a Teacher, and I'm sure she has LOOOOADS and LOOOOOADS of apple memorabila...lol Most importanly, I always try to think of something they can use long term...notepads are always a terrific option:) That being said, I also made 2 more sets in this color combo for my Daughter's Teacher's since the supplies were already out! How bout' that HOT pink and black?? I think its kind of snazzy is you ask me!



Monogrammed tote...I use this monogram set ALOT because I think the front is classic in style! I will never part with it.
Little Post-it holder...I added a ring of Star Dust Stickles to the oval after I ran it thru with my nesty die.

Alrighty friends, this will be my LAST post until Jan. 5th! I'm going to be spending my time purging and creating with all my new supplies. And most importantly, spending snuggle time with my girls. I was trilled last night to get out some paper doll cut outs and put them together with the girls. They love bringing in there little Ikea table and crafting with Mommy...AND...I LOOOVE it every MORE!

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas with family and a prosperous New Year. This New Year's will be nice an quiet for us since we are no longer living in NYC. My hubby and I will be lucky if we make it that late, but hopefully with some yummy hot chocolate and popcorn we can ring in the New Year in our PJ's.

I look forward to sharing many more creations in the New Year!

Lastly, please remember those service members abroad who will not be sharing the Holidays with their loved ones! We love them ALL:)

Sincerely,

Dawn Chau

#1 New Years Resolution...ORGANIZE!

So this will be the start of my organization tools. I was really excited how well they turned out. I picked these calendar booklets at Micheal's in the dollar section to see what I could do with them. Because the casing seemed sort of "flimsy" I wasn't sure how well they'd hold up to extra thickness. The thickness doesn't seem to be a problem after completion. The original front was stapled inside the calendar pocket book, so I took it out and used that as my template. I made this fun and bright one for myself. That sewing pattern looks awfully familiar doesn't? Its one of my fav's! I hadn't intended on adding the orange glittery layer, but it looked a little dull after it was done...stickles to the rescue! The monogram is from Papertrey Ink--Ambassador.
One to keep for a friend...
Since my stapler did not reach to the middle of my calendar book, I ran her thru my sewing machine. I don't recommend this since the booklets are quite thick and its hard on your machines, however, I did turn the knob by hand and it seemed to do just fine. I have since purchased a longer stapler to reach the middle:)
I lOOOOVE the repetition of the boots on this card. It is fairly simple and I just used my CM punches to matte the boots. The boots are from my My Favorite Things--Rain or Shine set. They are colored with my copic markers...see the two different browns?? It was late and I couldn't decipher as to which brown I started with...let's just call this my "eclectic" card...lol The ribbon is SU! Choco. Chip Satin(YUMMY!).

For the Girlfriends...

Some goodies for the friendships I've made along the way. Being a military spouse can be the hardest job there is at times, however when you find great company that empathizes with your experiences, you keep them close. My husband has been in nearly 14 years now(I have been present for 10!)and it seems to have flown by! I have made many wonderful friends and kept in touch with a few close gals and these sweet little gifts are for them....you know who you are:) I have used this pattern before so I will skip the details! And what about some cute matching key chains?? My soldering skills are improving...the bumps are getting few and far between...lol Add a little ribbon as well...its a great way to use up those scraps!

I have decided to "double-up"(several projects per post) on posts this week since Friday will be my last post of the 08' blog year. So there will be lots of goodies to share! I'm really needing some extra time to get my supplies organized and prioritize my work load for the New Year! I'm very excited to see what the New Year brings for myself and my family.

HUGE BLOG CANDY!!!!

Okay, not from me, but I do have fellow design team member who is giving away some really yummy goodies!!! Swing on by PaperMonkey.org and tell Suzy I sent ya! She is also giving away several items from Glue-Art and Paper Studio. This is the company that I've had the pleasure of working with and their products are tremendously well crafted! Have fun:)

I will be back later today with a new post!

ETA: I'm AMAZED at the overwhelming response to my Relay for Life items. There is currently a waiting list for the "Survivor" notebooks and each order will be completed as they're received. I will continue to take orders until supplies run out! I'd like to add that ALL proceeds from the sale of these notebooks will go to Relay for Life Cancer Research. I'm not making any money off of these...all supplies are purchased out of my own pocket! If your're interested in purchasing a notebook for friends or family they are $10.00 each, please contact me at: madscrapper24@yahoo.com


ETA: at this time I'm only shipping the notebooks. The chocolate boxes are only available here locally:)

Thanks so much for supporting such a wonderful CAUSE!

Dawn Chau

Relay for Life Goodies...

Just a few more goodies I've made for Relay for Life fundraising. These cards are pretty straight forward and a great sketch pattern for mass producing. The sentiment is pc generated and I punched them out with my SU! oval punches. A few more chocolate boxes in new colors:)

Post-it note booklets. Since these will be tied and untied ALOT I heat sealed the ribbon ends to prevent fraying. There great for jotting a quick note and putting in your purse!

Inspired...

I'm hooked on my notebooks AGAIN! I have a closet full of things to alter, but I always seem to go back to my notebooks. I suppose its because they are fast and easy, and with 2 little ones, TIME is not something I have alot of these days. When I saw THIS card by Becca Feeken I felt inspired to see what I could come up with. My dear friend Michelle sent me this stamp all the way from Texas...thanks Mish! Sure wish we had a Hobby Lobby close by:(

The patterned paper is made with my PTI Polka Basics and SU! cs. I love the texture of the Bazzill cs along with the Dew Drops ink. The ribbon is from Mike's.

I'm hoping this will be a great raffle at the next Relay for Life Meeting...wouldn't it be great to give to a cancer survivor?