Thanks for the Joy and a Giveaway

Good Morning,

Wow! Christmas was wonderful and I am looking forward to a Happy New Year. Santa was very good to everyone here. My children were extremely surprised, especially my daughter who could NOT figure out what was in the package. Even after she opened it she still had no idea. Some moments are just priceless.

My husband and I picked out our gifts this year, which was even better the day after Christmas. There were NO returns. That was a great feeling! Here are my crafting goodies I received. I also got a new purse and wallet (Dooney & Bourke), but didn't think you wanted to see that. It was a FABULOUS deal and one of my favorite colors (blue).

We did go shopping for After Christmas sales and found a few more deals that couldn't be passed, but we are done now...well..except for one new addiction or two I may have now.  I will share below. : )

TJMaxx has Martha Stewart supplies for the BEST price, especially when they are 50% off.



Now, I want to share some thank you cards I made for my students last night. I will give them out when we go back to school next Tuesday.

I used the Winter Woodland cartridge, which I received just a few days before Christmas. I actually won the eBay bid while on our mini vacation. I really wanted Winter Frolic, but that will come next. 

The sleigh (p. 53) was cut at 2 1/2". Then I used the scalloped circle (p.33) and circle cut at 1 1/4" for the sentiment.

Other Materials:

Recollection, DCWV, and Cloud9Design papers

silver and white cardstock

silver and red gems

red ribbon

Martha Stewart snowflake stamps

Stampendous silver embossing powder 

Challenges:

Docerela Challenge ~ Holiday Thank You

Little Scrap Pieces ~ Anything Goes

Crafty Cardmakers ~ Use it Three Times

Can you guess my new addiction?

 If you guessed heat embossing then you are correct!

I tried heat embossing once a couple months ago and the tool I had must have been defective. It made a loud noise, smelled terribly (it may have even smoked some), and it turned on only once then stopped. I exchanged it without difficulties, but feared the same thing would happen again. I figured it must have been me since I didn't really know what I was doing. I decided to give it another try last night and it worked. Yeah!

Now, I need help!

 What type of embossing powder is recommended and what are your favorite colors to use? I bought silver since it matched the sleigh, but I know I am going to want to expand and have choices. 

I also tried a few rosettes from my new cartridge...Ribbons and Rosettes. My daughter made a personal request for an orange one. I can see these being a big hit.

  Don't forget about the Surprise Holiday Giveaway.

There is still time to enter. Be sure to leave a comment here. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2012. 

Wow!

Lots going on and still another week off. I wonder what else I can get accomplished. One goal is to get published in 2012. Any tips?!?!

Stay Creative,

Georgiana