Hello, December.

We are so excited about the season. I am way ahead on my shopping (which is unusual for me), my Christmas cards went out in the mail today and I am looking forward to a peaceful and enjoyable December. Bring it on!

Our elf, Red, arrived today. Luke got hopped out of bed, which is practically unheard of, to see if he came. He was surprised to discover that Red now has a pet reindeer. After Nash woke up and Daddy came downstairs, they all decided on the name "Rocket". I can't wait to see what trouble Red and Rocket get in this month!

Friends With Flair

I thought I'd pop in here today and see if my blog still works! It's been so long. I'm sharing a card today that I made for my niece's 17th birthday. Time sure flies! This Unity stamp by Phyllis Harris stamp suits her so well. She is a blonde haired surfing beauty so it couldn't be more perfect.

Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate your visit!

December Daily Sharing

I am not totally caught up but closer than I've ever been! I am loving this project and keeping it super simple to keep from getting overwhelmed.

I'm using a lot of Simple Stories Cozy Christmas in my album, some Webster's Pages All That Glitters, and lots of other bits and pieces (new and old) that I've collected.

 

I don't know how to use my sewing machine *sigh* so I handstitched the top of the 2x2 page to keep the confetti mix in.

 

The Eat. Drink. Be Merry. page is one of my FAVORITES! I lifted this from Geralyn Sy, she is GENIUS in her creativity! Although, I do believe she mentioned she lifted this page from someone else, I always LOVE her designs and drool over her work.

 

 

As you can see, I am definitely keeping it simple, trying to get down some stories and memories while they are fresh in my head. This year will be the first December Daily that I complete. I started 3 other times and have 2012's album "almost" complete. 2013 still needs a lot of work and 2011 didn't even make it past day 1 and I probably won't go back to it at this point! But, this year THIS YEAR is THE YEAR of the completed December Daily! I'm really happy with my progress so far and there ain't no stopping me now!

 

 

Thanks for looking! I love reading your comments, if you have any questions on product, don't hesitate to ask! Happy December!

December Daily

I have worked on a December Daily for several years now, but have not fully completed an entire album (yet!)

I am almost finished with last year's, only a couple more days to go. This year my plan is to keep it very simple and hopefully finish by the end of December (fingers crossed!). I love looking back, even on the partially finished albums. You don't fully grasp how quickly the kids grow and how traditions change until you look back at previous years!

Here is the start of this year's album.

I haven't decided on how (or if) I am going to number my pages yet, but that can easily be added/updated later. I am already enjoying the process and am excited to keep at it!

I am using a lot of Simple Stories Cozy Christmas this year, along with a bunch of other supplies I've collected (and hoarded) in the past!

If you want to learn more about December Daily, check out Ali Edwards blog, she is GENIUS in her storytelling and memory keeping!

 

 

 

"My Reason Why" is a free download that Ali Edwards shared on her blog. Click HERE to access it and read all about her December Daily process.

 

Our elves always arrive on December 1st, since we are away in West Virginia on Thanksgiving. This year they brought Christmas jammies, some peppermint sugar cookies, candy canes and an Elf on the Shelf DVD.

 

I love this gold doily, I cut it out with my Big Shot and an old die from Papertrey Ink. I never purchased the tool to help pop out the extra pieces so I rarely use this die, even though I love it so much! The "December 2014" wood veneer is from Elle's Studio and that pretty red and pink heart embellishment came as part of one of my Studio Calico kits. I believe it is by Hello Forever, and I just love Marcy Penner's designs!

 

I used the Rhonna Designs app on my phone to lighten the below photo of Luke and Nash decorating the tree. I wanted to the word art (made in Word Swag App) to stand out so I masked the photo which gave it that faded look. The holiday spirit wood veneer is from a Gossamer Blue pack that I don't even remember buying, but so glad I did!!! *giggle*

 

I'm hoping to share here throughout the month, but I'm not making any promises! Thanks for stopping by, if you have questions on any products, leave a comment. Happy December!

Clear Stamp Storage

Just a quick post here after AGES of abandoning my blog to share my clear stamp storage. I have tried many different ways to store my clear stamps, from binders to magnetic sheets to iris containers to plastic drawers. The best solution I have come up with for me is the Avery Elle sleeves labeled and organized by manufacturer and stored in a basket to easily flip through. The only issue I have is too many stamps, right now I need about 2 more baskets to hold the rest. I have seen a lot of people use these and add a white cardstock to fit inside the envelope. I wish I had seen that when I started this method, but I may go back and do that so they are not as flimsy, especially the smaller stamp sets.

As of now, I've had them this way for about a year and I think I have finally found my permanent solution!

Summer Breeze

So I was home from work yesterday because my kids are sick with a summer virus. I feel so bad for them. BUT, on the bright side, I was home when my July Unity Kit of the Month arrived! I couldn't wait to ink this stamp up!!!!
I kept it quick and simple with some watercoloring.
Go check out all the DARN GOOD deals and new stamps at Unity!!!!

Happy Friday!!!!
Nora Anne

Put On Your Dancin' Shoes

It's Friday! Time to party!

There is always lots of fun going on at Unity! 

But this week is special because they are celebrating their 6th birthday!

Check it out HERE!

Happy Mail!!

There's just something about Happy Mail that makes a crafter's day!!! It's always so fun to dive into new paper, stamps, dies, etc.

I've been wanting to order some Amuse Studio from my friend Pat for ages.

I finally took the plunge and am so happy I did!

 

 

 

It was hard to pick just two stamp sets, but I went with these because I thought they would be versatile for Project Life as well as cardmaking.

 

Here's the first card I whipped up in a couple minutes. Love the gold and pink combo, so fun! This card was hard to photograph because of the reflection in the gold paper, but you get the "picture". LOL!

 

Mama Said....

Happy Friday! I don't know about you, but I am READY for Spring....it is so cold here and I've had enough. Bring on the blue, sunny skies, chirping birds and baseball practice! Except the weatherman is calling for ANOTHER snow/ice storm for Sunday...sigh.
I mad a card with this humorous stamp set to brighten a friend's day. The flowers are springy and I'm hoping they make her smile. She is an amazing friend and is always making everyone smile and laugh! After a few months of tragedy, loss and bad luck, I am hoping things get better for her!

Have a great weekend and be sure to check out Unity's March Madness sale, along with some amazing creations for Friends with Flair.

I'm Alive!

After moving while 37 weeks pregnant, then having a baby who suffered terribly from reflux, never sleeping, going back to work....ya know, all that stuff we call life?!?! Well, I never thought I would get my craft room set up and organized. BUT, thank goodness for small miracles, I have kinda sorta done that! And now, watch out! I am back to creating and I am so happy! It's one of the things (besides my family) that makes me feel so GOOD!

With that said, here are two cards I quickly put together for my son's teacher and our babysitter. I wanted to get fancy with them, but I waited until last minute, however anything with this cool owl is sure to be cute!

Thanks for stopping by and I will hopefully be posting here a little more regularly now!

I'm joining in with Unity Friends with Flair today...YAY! Be sure to check out the Unity Blog for details on their current sale!

Where did the summer go?

Labor Day Weekend already!

Check out all the great sales at Unity for the

"You work hard ya deserve a high 5 sale!"

 

This card came together so easy with a Donna Downey sentiment stamp

and some pretty paper!

 

 

 

 My boys lookin' cute!

They have a cousin at Rutgers and a cousin at Mizzou!

 

 

 

 



Happy Friday

I miss my weekly Friends with Flair participation. I would love to get back to a regular blogging schedule one of these days! In the meantime, I made this card using another super cute Kit of the Month image and sentiment (July 2012). It came together so quickly with the help of my Copic markers!

 

Of course there is always something fun going on at Unity! Check out the website for some great sales and new releases! Make sure you see Hazel, LOVE HER!!!! A sweet and beautiful Unity witch!

 



 

Have you joined the sequin craze?! I'm selling bags of sequin if you want to try them out! You will receive a variety of 23 different sequins, a mixture of 8mm and 6mm, iridescent and opaque.

Only $3.50 and that includes shipping to US addresses!

Email me at noraanne219@gmail.com and I will send you a Paypal invoice!

 

 

Have a great weekend and enjoy what's left of summer!!! Our kids go back to school on Sept. 4th and I go back to work on Sept. 16th after almost 6 months of maternity leave. **Sniff sniff**

I {Heart} Unity!!!

Just sayin'! In case you didn't know, yes, I do love UNITY!!! And have you SEEN THE NEWEST releases? Check them out HERE! Right up my alley!

This company has got to have the BEST stamps ever, so fun, funny, trendy, vintage, clean and simple...whatever your style...they got 'em!

 

Today I am sharing two different cards and you'll have to excuse my pictures. Ever since we moved in March, I cannot find my camera cord, so the only way I can blog is with phone pics. It is what it is, for now, til I find my cord!

 

Both cards use Unity's Kit of the Month stamps. The graduation hat card is from May 2013 and the lightbulb is December 2012.

 

 

We are heading into the weekend with some BEAUTIFUL weather here at the Jersey Shore and I plan on enjoying every minute of it! Go do the same!!!!

xoxo

 

 

Happy Friday

I'm joining in with Unity's Friends with Flair today with a card I made for my husband for our 8th anniversary. Definitely not your typical lovey dovey anniversary card, but it suits us perfectly. He's always calling me a nerd so when I saw this cooler image and sentiment, I couldn't resist! I added the blak Tim Holtz letter stickers to spell out "Real Deal". My husband's name is Neil and through high school and after his nickname was Real Deal so I thought it would be cute to add that for him.
 I added a sentiment from the May Kit of the Month on the inside. I had fun with this card but my most favorite part (OMG!!!) is the super duper fun sunray stamp from the June SMAK kit! I will use this stamp over and over again, I love it!!!! I picked the right time to become a SMAK member, don't know what I was waiting for!

Unity has some new releases this week and some fabulous sales, so make sure to check that out after you are done looking at all of the fabulous creations made by Unity friends!

It's A Girl

 
Post and run today! So much to do...

This image and sentiment is from an old Unity kit

from 2009.

Paired up with some OLD Cosmo Cricket (clouds)

and October Afternoon Midway.

 

Check out the Unity blog today for

some sales and Friends with Flair!

 

 

(the little "tickled pink!" is an old AMuse stamp :)