"Upcycled" mini album

Ever hear a new term and realize you have been doing it all along? That has happened to me recently. The new buzz word in crafting is "upcycle." From what I can tell it means taking something that you would normally put in the recycle bin and using it to make something more valuable. That's my specialty!

Win Free Holiday Cards from Shutterfly!

Christmas card model baby Eli

I thoroughly enjoy the beauty of a handmade Christmas card and the satisfaction I get from knowing I made it myself, but I also appreciate just being able to mark something off of my to do list. Let's face it, sometimes you just don't have time to crank out 50 Christmas cards. Shutterfly.com is a great way to get professional looking cards for great prices. They also have a personal touch because you are using family photos to create them. I especially like the square stationary cards. They are look so modern and because of their square shape they remind me of a scrapbook page. (My favorite canvas!)

To help you get your holiday rolling, I am offering a chance to win 50 free Shutterfly Cards. Just sign up as a follower to this blog and leave a comment in the comment box below. I will announce the winner on Monday! In the meantime, check out these great products available on Shutterfly.com!

Christmas photo cards

calendars

gift tags

personalized mugs

note pads

Christmas Mini Album

Occasionally, I get the opportunity to complete projects for hire. My latest is a Christmas Chipboard Album. I thoroughly enjoyed this project thanks to the beautiful Bo Bunny Noel paper collection. It was just the right look for my client, an "antiquey" Christmas. On the cover I did a poinsettia paper piecing that I am super proud of. Even though I now have a Cricut machine, there is still nothing more satisfying than my own free hand creations.

Relay for life crop update: save the date March 11-12, 2011

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of being apart of an awesome event that raised money and awareness for Cancer research.  It was also a lot of fun! The First Annual Relay for Life Crop was organized by a group called the Little Rock Scrappers.  The purpose of the event was to raise money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, an international event that raises money for  Cancer research, honors Cancer survivors, and pays tribute to those who are no longer in the fight. The Little Rock Scrappers are at it again, already planning for next year's event. Sign up to follow my blog and check back for updates. Registration will open soon. Mark your calendars now for March 11 - 12, 2011. More information to come on location and entry fee. For more information about Relay for Life, visit http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/