2011 Scrapbooking Goals

After thinking about this post for a few days, I think I have my scrapbooking goals for 2011 in order. Here goes ...

1. Finish the Organize Your Stuff Challenge over at 2Peas in a Bucket

2. Complete the "12 Weeks To Better Photos" on the General Photography board at 2Peas in a Bucket

3. Jump into Becky Higgin's "Project Life" (my 2009 kit is called Project 365, but it's the same concept)

4. Participate in Patter Cross's "ABC Scripture Challenge"

5. Monthly participation in Shimelle Laine's "4x6 Photo Love" workshop at 2Peas
6. Fully engage in BPC's "Embrace Imperfection" workshop during the actual class (starts 2/10/11)

7. Finish BPC's "52 Card Pick Up" class (tons of techniques still to learn)

8. 2011 Christmas cards

Project 365 makes me nervous. I guess that's why I've put it off for two years. But this seems to be the perfect project to pair with learning the ins-and-outs of my new camera. Between the 12 week photo course, P365 and Shimelle's class, I'll be forced to get comfortable with my Rebel.

Now I'm printing-off this list, hanging it right at eye level at my desk, then going to add some class reminders to my Blackberry. For all my crafty friends, most of the classes/challenges listed above are FREE (# 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6). Come join me!

This an extremely ambitious goal list for me. Especially since it's only my paper crafting goals, and doesn't include any knitting projects. But the knitting is easier to just pick up and go, where the scrapping stuff, at least for me, needs to be planned. Any one want to share their list?

Have a safe and happy New Year's Eve!

My new Rebel T2i

I have wanted to upgrade my Kodak bridge camera to a DSLR and have been researching models for months. It's been quite a while since I've used a SLR camera and I can't wait to get reacquainted. As my family and friends know, I am the Queen of Research. I choose the Canon EOS Rebel T2i and DH and I decided it would be my Christmas present. This is a camera I can grow into as I re-learn the basics of photography after using a point-and-shoot for so long.

I decided to purchase just the T2i body instead of a kit (lens included) since I wanted to choose lens I purchase based on my usage. I picked up the Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens to start with and have been thrilled with my photos so far. Next up will be a prime lens, probably the Canon 50mm f/1.4.

I'm starting the 2Peas in a Bucket, "12 Weeks to Better Photos", FREE online workshop next week and am excited to refresh my photography skills, step out of auto-mode and get comfortable with my new camera. Now I need to find a cute camera bag ;)

Jeanette Lynton's FINAL Color Me Monday

I Love the Winter Weather

"... OK, so perhaps I don’t love being in the winter weather, but I do enjoy looking at it. When the world is covered in a blanket of glistening snow and everything is touched with silver, it’s a pretty beautiful thing. Today’s final installment of Color Me Monday celebrates that look with a color combination in Buttercup, Grey Flannel, Outdoor Denim, and Sky. You’ll note that all the colors here are soft, with the exception of punches of Denim, reminiscent of a December nightfall. The Buttercup and Sky stamping (the background of the Winter Cheer card and pennants) are all in second generation, to give just a hint of color.

And just like the outdoors, every piece of artwork today is brushed with silver—the sentiments and snowflakes on the card are created with glitter rub-ons, the One of a Kind card is brushed with pearl paint, and my Mix ‘n’ Mingle clear banner is lavished in Dimensional Elements snowflakes frosted in silver and embossed in silver as well. Makes me want to cozy up for the end of the year!


And speaking of “end,” I did indeed say that this would be the very last post on Color Me Monday. It’s been such fun to experiment with color, share color tricks, and show my artwork and artwork created by my friends and fellow stampers in our art studio. If you’ve enjoyed Color Me Monday each week, then I think you’ll like what I have planned for 2011, too! I’ll be sharing “52 Weeks of Wonder,” a stamping technique every single week. Can’t wait to see you then!"

Jeanette Lynton

Merry Christmas

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with judgment and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."

Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)

Christmas: God Is For You

Christmas: God Is for You by Rick Warren

But the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people."
Luke 2:10 (NLT)

Knowing God is for you will change your whole perspective on life. You'll stop thinking of God as someone looking down from heaven, ready to yell, "Gotcha!" anytime you mess up.

Instead, you'll realize God loves you; God is with you; and God is for you! God is for your success in life; he created you for a purpose and he wants you to succeed. It is God, your Creator, who will measure your success in life, and no one else.

This is extremely good news!

It means you don't need to be afraid of God because God is for you. Yet, some people are so afraid of God they get nervous just talking about him. Do you know why? They feel guilty, and then they start thinking, "If I get close to God, he's going to lecture me. He's going to remind me of all the things I've done wrong, and then I'll feel even worse!"

Nothing could be further from the truth of God. Jesus said, "I did not come into the world to condemn it, but to save it." In effect, Jesus is saying, "I didn't come to scold you, I came to save you."

And if God is for us, who can be against us?

Jesus came to save us, not to scare us. That's why when the angel was telling the shepherds about the birth of Jesus, the first thing he says is: "Don't be afraid!"

In fact, when God sends a message to people in the Bible, it's not unusual for the first words to be: "Don't be afraid." There are 365 messages from God in the Bible that begin with a phrase like, "Fear not!" In other words, every single day of the year you can read a message from God that says, in effect, "You don't need to be afraid. I am for you; I am with you; I love you."

We celebrate Christmas because of this good news from God!

Art & Soul®: Pulling It All Together

CTMH has put together another amazing Art & Soul webisode. "Pulling It All Together" features mixed media stamping techniques that take your stamping ... beyond paper. Watch and enjoy.

"It’s the most versatile mixed media album ever. Learn how to stamp with pizzazz on the My Creations® Mix & Mingle album’s clear plastic and chipboard pages. Then watch it transform from an album into a wall hanging, a banner, a card, or use pages from it on your scrapbook layouts. You’ll also learn how to create gorgeous B&T Duos® paper using a faux painting technique with Liquid Glass. Jeanette Lynton shares her fully compiled calendar she’s been creating page by page and showcasing on her blog each month this year. Truly inspirational!"

Jeanette Lynton's Color Me Monday

The Best Gifts ~

"Presents are on everyone’s mind this week. Did we choose the right one? Is it wrapped and ready? Did it arrive in the mail yet? While getting and giving gifts is definitely a fun part of the season, I have to admit that the best gift of all is time together—and of course, the scrapbooks we create to preserve it all.

Today’s color combination in New England Ivy, Garden Green, Cranberry, and Crème Brulee features a layout that really hits home with that idea. This adorable little girl is Abbie, daughter to Stacy, our Marketing Manager. She’s an only child and apple of mom and dad’s eye! Stacy is such a sweet and caring mom, and Abbie is a favorite around the office, always sharing little notes and colorful drawings with the marketing team. I love this layout, which showcases a dozen of the things Stacy loves about her daughter—each one concealed inside a fun peek-a-boo window that Abbie will enjoy opening again and again. What a great gift!"

Jeanette Lynton

Lovely Leaf Lace Scarf

I am currently working on the gorgeous Lovely Leaf Lace scarf I found over at The Purl Bee. It's the most intricate pattern I've attempted so far, and I love all the details. The stitches that create this beautiful and dimensional pattern are a simple combination of strategic yarn-overs and decreases. The lace pattern has a wonderful dimensionality, while the stockinette pattern curls around your neck like a big soft hug.

I choose a great 100% Peruvian Highland Merino Wool (The Heathers 220 - color 9407) from Cascade Yarns and I'm thrilled how the flecks of color accent the stitch pattern. Sharon Fogg, the owner of StillWater Fibers, helped guide my choice as I'm still learning the ins and outs of yarn selection. Her customer service is superb and I will definitely visit her shop again. Thanks Sharon!

Seasonal Wish from Lion Brand

Paper Christmas Trees by Jeanette Lynton

For those of you that noticed the paper Christmas trees in Monday's post, here are directions to make your own for the upcoming holiday. And if you post your work on a blog, please add a comment with your link here so I can see your creation. :)

"A couple of you posted comments that you’d love to re-create the trees shown in this week’s Color Me Monday. It takes a little time, but the project is a simple one and the results are totally worth it!

Start by making a 12” and a 10” cone out of topiary cardstock. You may use a protractor or use a long string attached to a pencil. Measure out 12 “on the string and mark it. Hold this mark exactly at one corner of the paper while you draw a line on the bottom curve of the paper with the pencil. Cut on the line and roll the sides together keeping the corner where you held the string at the top. You now have a 12 inch cone. Adhere the sides together lapping only slightly using hot glue (or sew with thread and needle to give it extra reinforcement). Repeat for the smaller tree using a 10 inch string.

To make the small, tree punch approximately 64 one-inch circles from Pear cardstock and punch about 60 one-inch circles from the Topiary leaf-print B&T paper taken from the Splendor Level 2 Paper Packet. (Or use any combination of green cardstock and B&T scrap paper that you may have from other projects—your trees will look a little more eclectic, but it’s a fabulous use for scraps!) For the large tree, punch 84 Pear cardstock one-inch circles and about 75 from the same Topiary leaf B&T paper.

Using a White Daisy Exclusive Inks Pad, direct distress one side of each circle. Allow ink to dry for several hours or set ink with a heat gun. Slightly curl each circle by wrapping it around a pencil loosely. Using a hot glue gun or glue dots start at the bottom of each cone with the pear cardstock circles. Overlap them slightly as you go around the entire bottom circle. Alternate the paper for the next row and also overlap each circle slightly as well as lapping over the bottom row slightly. Continue alternating rows until you reach the top. At the top of the large tree add two small bows of Blush gingham ribbon back to back using a glue gun. At the top of the small tree add two Dimensional Elements Stars back to back (using Glue Dots) that have been inked with Topiary ink.

On the large tree, for a little extra flair, embellish the “leaves” with pink Sparkles using large ones at the bottom and smaller ones at the top. On the small tree use the green Sparkles to embellish the tree. Put them in the center of your table with fluffy fake snow underneath and enjoy!"

Jeanette Lynton

I Saw Three Ships by Jon Schmidt

Color Me Monday

A Cozy Winter Party

"If you’re feeling a little “blah” this winter, then here’s a color combination sure to transform the drab days into a real party! Today’s color combination includes Pear, Topiary, Baby Pink and Smoothie and features everything you need for a great winter gathering. In addition to the great colors, the “All Decked Out” stamp set (D1308) is really the star of the show—I call it the “build-a-snowman set,” and it’s an adorable, easy way to create all things snowy."

Jeanette Lynton

Tag Advent Calendar

After registering for Karen Grunberg's FREE "Embrace Imperfection" workshop at BPC, I clicked-over to her personal blog and found some amazing stuff. Like the gorgeous advent calendar shown here. Twelve pocket tags, created with 5 different color schemes, each embellished differently and each with a simple 2x2 square message tag inside the pocket.

I love this project! I wish I had found it sooner, but will definitely making this next year. Karen's blog post includes a materials list, step-by-step instructions and a template for the 2x2 message tag. She evens shares her list of tag messages! There's a bunch of photos of her advent calendar and the individual tags to help jump-start your creativity. Thanks for the inspiration Karen.

FREE class at BPC

"Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it." Salvador Dali


I've discovered another FREE class, this time over at Big Picture Classes. Karen Grunberg's workshop, Embrace Imperfection, is all about different areas of imperfection that possibly get in the way of your crafting. Class starts on February 10th and I look forward to letting go of the need to achieve perfection on each layout and getting back to the business of preserving memories.

"Many people never create the layouts they dream of creating because they are paralyzed by the fear of imperfection. They think that if their photos aren't technically excellent, their words aren't just right, or they use the wrong colors, their layout will not be worth creating. A voice in their head tells them the page is not perfect, the photo is less than ideal, and the papers are not lined up properly. They cannot stop the feelings of inadequacy from creeping into their mind and so they stare at one embellishment as they try to decide where to place it…for hours…days. Sometimes they even walk away permanently." Karen Grunberg

Rolled Fabric Flowers tutorial

I found the greatest tutorial for making rolled fabric flowers over on the Our Best Bites blog. Who would have thought I'd find a craft tutorial on a cooking blog?! Sara's set-by-step tutorial is awesome ... as are her creations. I've pulled-over a few of her photos to entice you to visit their blog. Here's a link to the tutorial post: Rolled Fabric Flowers

~~~

Knitting Needle Knitting Bag from Knitting Daily

I found this super cute (and FREE) pattern by Pam Allen on Knitting Daily and can't wait to give it a try. I have a collection of needles from my grandmother that would be perfect for this project. I prefer circular needles over long straight needles and this particular bag would showcase a pair of my grandmother's beloved needles.

Although the bag will be functional for smaller projects on-the-go, the instant visual memory of my grandmother is the main reason for creating this bag. What better way to honor her love for knitting and crocheting than a bag meant to hold a yarn project that also incorporates a pair of her well-loved needles.

I've included a few photos of some finished bags by fellow Raverly knitters. Aren't they gorgeous! In order of the photos, projects are created by the following crafters: christiemarsh88, mma and knittybarb.

Thank you for this wonderful pattern Pam Allen!

Crafters Alert!

The Tuesday Morning ad that breaks today has Advantus Spinning Totes for $9.99. They are listed in the "Weekend Specials" section which runs Friday - Sunday, December 10 -12. Product description is listed as: "CRAFT SPINNING TOTES by ADVANTUS $9.99, ORIGINAL RETAIL $24.99. Magnetic carousel spins for easy use. Features 35 pockets. Accessories not included."

The Advantus Tote - Ally Cool Tote receives rave reviews. The two models shown in the ad are black with pink trim and a black/green combo. My enabling is complete ... ;)

Another CTMH Color me Monday

Home for the Holidays ... With Studio J!

"Today’s color combination is a holiday classic in Barn Red, Cocoa, Garden Green and Olive. The two Christmas-themed cards are elegant (check out the pearl Opaques, used as tree trimming and as ornament hangers—I tell you, these are just the most versatile accents of the season!), but I admit that the big story of today’s post is the layout. It features some great photos of Kristine Widtfeldt’s clan enjoying last year’s holiday activities, and it was created using one of my anytime favorite activities—scrapbooking in Studio J!"

Jeanette Lynton

Your Destiny has Eternal Significance

"All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent me, because there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end."
John 9:4 (NLT)

Your destiny has eternal significance. And it will impact the eternal destiny of other people, so it's more important than any job, achievement, or goal you will reach during your life on earth.

The consequences of your mission will last forever; the consequences of your job will not. Nothing else you do will ever matter as much as helping people establish an eternal relationship with God.

This is why you must be urgent about knowing your destiny and completing your mission. Jesus said, "All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent me, because there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end." (John 9:4 NLT)

The clock is ticking down on your life mission, so don't delay another day. Get started on your mission of reaching out to others now! We will have all of eternity to celebrate with those we have brought to Jesus, but we only have our lifetime in which to reach them.

This does not mean you should quit your job to become a full-time evangelist. God wants you to share the Good News where you are. As a student, mother, preschool teacher, salesman, or manager or whatever you do, you should continually look for people God places in your path with whom you can share the gospel.

by Rick Warren

HOLLERADO - AMERICANARAMA Video

Watch the 24 people in the background structure and you'll be amazed. From what I've read, this video was shot in just one take. Gives new meaning to the phrase ... "Timing is everything".

CTMH's "Plenty for Twenty" Promotion & SOTM

Spend $20 or more in December and receive a FREE D-size stamp set!

Place an order of $20 or more* on my CTMH website from December 1–31, 2010, and CTMH will reward you with a popular, retired D-size stamp set for FREE! Talk about getting more for your money—the free stamp set is valued at $22.95! I’m sure you’ll be thrilled with the set CTMH picks out for you.

CTMH is also giving you FREE shipping/handling and tax on your free stamp set. That’s a lot of Plenty for your Twenty! Grab Plenty for Twenty in December by visiting my CTMH website and making a qualifying purchase today!

*Excluding tax and shipping/handling. Qualifying purchases must include shippable products (Studio J® layout purchases excluded, Studio J memberships and 5-packs will count toward a qualifying order only if shippable items are also ordered).

And the December Stamp Of The Month, Amore, is gorgeous! Want to join an exclusive club? Every month CTMH offers you an exclusive My Acrylix® D-size stamp set FREE or at a large discount. The stamp set is available to qualifying customers for that month only. It’s our way of saying thank you, and your way of getting fantastic deals on our amazing stamps!