Celebrate Spring

Hello, everyone! I created this card for the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog. Head on over there to see what the team has been making for spring!

I am hoping to celebrate spring in the warmth of Mexico on this first day of spring! My husband and I are on a cruise to Mexico for a week, soaking up their sunshine until ours makes an appearance! We are so ready for pool weather! It has been strangely rainy and cold where I live. I love the rain, as it is so infrequent, but honestly, we have had more than our fair share! We are close to our yearly rainfall and it is only March 20th! 

In celebration of spring, I chose some soft colors of ribbon and some matching flowers! I used off white cardstock to make a 4.5" x 6" card - which is an odd size, but I like it a bit better than the normal A2 size, and it fits into a 5" x 7" envelope with some padding. Win-win!

The paper is from Graphic 45 Cottage Life Collection, which is a new to me collection. (It is currently 50% off on the G45 site HERE.) I purchased a pack of 12x12 paper in September after taking a class which used the 8x8 version. It is very pretty!  

I used some lovely ribbons and flowers from Really Reasonable Ribbon. The pink ribbon is 5/8" Light Coral Delicate Stitched Satin. The lavender dots ribbon is 3/8" Lavender Swiss Dots Grosgrain, which is half off right now! 

The flowers match the ribbon perfectly. I used 15mm Lavender Open Roses with some Mixed Purple Rosebuds, plus Pink Miniature Gardenias. 

The doily is a die cut using the same off white cardstock as the card base. I also cut out the word "celebrate" from the same cardstock using G45 sentiment dies. 

Thank you so much for joining me today!

Really Reasonable Ribbon Supplies Used:

5/8" Light Coral Delicate Stitched Satin ribbon

3/8" Lavender Swiss Dots Grosgrain ribbon

15mm Lavender Open Roses

Mixed Purple Rosebuds

Pink Miniature Gardenias

1/2" and 1/4" Scor-tape

1/4" ATG tape

Zutter Bow-It-All

Other Supplies Used: 

Cardstock: ColorMates Smooth and Silky Natural

Printed paper: Graphic 45 Cottage Life Collection

Dies: G45 Folder and Sentiments, Cheery Lynn French Pastry Dioly

Adhesive: Art Glitter Dries Clear Glue, foam squares, hot glue

Chipboard: scrap

Really Reasonable Ribbon March 2023 Blog Hop

  

Welcome to the Really Reasonable Ribbon March Blog Hop! We have a THEME HOP again this month...each of the design team ladies is going to be creating EASTER PROJECTS! 

You should be coming to my blog from Ginny's Blog. After visiting me hop on to Kathy's Blog next! (The full blog list is at the end of the post.)

At the end of the hop, comment on the RRR Blog post, answering the question listed, for a chance to win a $10 Gift Card to the RRR Shop, plus one digital stamp set of your choice from Bonnie Garby Designs. The Design Team appreciates your comments, too!

I just completed a full reorganization of my paper stash, which means I know exactly where all my Easter papers are!

I am trying my best to NOT buy any new paper unless I "need" it for a specific project, or it's on mega sale, or it's pretty, or I want it...Well, phooey! {insert laughter here} Seriously folks, I really am on a mission to USE WHAT I HAVE when it comes to paper! So many generous design teams over the years, plus my own compulsive buying, has landed me in a paper hoard to rival all others! 

This 12x12 paper storage "area" is over 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide. But it is all organized, neat, and labeled! I was easily able to pull out this cute collection from Authentique called Cottontail. It has some adorable vintage Easter images. (I have not heard from Authentique in a long time, so I do not know when - or if - they plan to release more collections, sadly.)  

I created an A2 card, which is very simple and fairly flat for mailing. I have a few sketches on my desk for making quick cards so when i have some extra time I can make a few at once. That way I can add to my card stash AND use up some of this vast amount of paper! 

Now, as to the trims I used...I went pink all the way!  I wrapped the card with a length of 5/8" Pink Taffeta Ribbon. After plaid and gingham, my next favorite ribbon is taffeta. And after that...Swiss Dots! I added a layer of 3/8" Tulip Swiss Dots Grosgrain Ribbon. I added a dotted loop and a knot to the edge of the card. 

I finished off the card with some Easter-colored enamel dots and stamped a sentiment on the inside.

Thanks for joining me on the Hop today! Make sure to hop along and see all the other projects!

Here is the RRR Blog Hop Order in case you get lost!
Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings
Ginny
Gloria - YOU ARE HERE!
Kathy
Cheryl
Bonnie
Karen
Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings

Really Reasonable Ribbon Supplies Used:

Trims: 5/8" Pink Taffeta, 3/8" Tulip Swiss Dots Grosgrain

Adhesive: 1/4" ATG tape, 1/4" Scor-tape

Bow making tools: Zutter Bow-it-All

Other Supplies Used:

Printed paper: Authentique Cottontail

Cardstock: CutCardStock Basic Natural

Enamel dots: Fancy Pants Designs Hometown Summer

Stamps: Taylored Expressions He is Risen (inside)

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa

Adhesive: Art Glitter Dries Clear Glue, Glue dots

Tools: paper trimmer, scissors, bone folder and score board

Christmas Card Assembly Line

Here we are, Christmas on the 25th again! I have a big project to share, but I am going to push that back until Christmas in July I think....we will see. I haven't had time to do the video or edit the photos, and I don't want to rush it. So...let's talk Christmas cards today instead!

Years ago I used to prep my Christmas cards early in the fall, working on them during my spare time so that my cards would be ready by December. I used to mail over 200 cards per year, also including a letter and a family photo. Well, as life got busy (and different), I stopped doing the prep work ahead of time. Which means I am always scrambling in December to get out my very much abbreviated Christmas card mailing - including 2022 when I mailed STORE BOUGHT cards for the first time in over 30 years! The horror! {grin}

Part of my immediate problem is the state of my paper stash! I have so much paper and it is not organized well, and I have stuffed paper here, there, and everywhere! I organized all my 6x6 pads to make them easier to use and see, but the 12x12....oh my lands! 

I recently did a reorganization and purge of my craft space. I have been in the space for nearly 18 months now, and can see what is working and what is not, plus there were things that never got purged or sorted out during the move in 2021. So...I took a little over two weeks to GET BUSY! I focused mainly on the paper hoard!

I added another row of paper storage, going almost to the ceiling! (I cannot reach the top two bins without a step stool, but I am happy that I am tall so that I only need to step up a little to get to them! No falling off the ladder here!) The stack is a little over 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide. That is a honkin' lot o'paper! And no worries - my husband has affixed all the carts to the wall studs! It will NOT topple over on my head! (smile)

During the sorting process, I was able to make some "kits" of things that I had already pre-cut. I packaged a bunch of pre-cut items that I had already prepared and forgot about, or had prepared for one photo shoot or another. Hence, Christmas 2023 is NOT going to catch me napping!  I already had enough things assembled to create about 50 cards. Yeah, I did. No surprise there!

Next I pulled a few card designs that I had already used to make cards which seemed to lend themselves to bits of scraps and leftover pieces. I wanted something that would be flat for mailing. The card above was one of the chosen few.

Now for the assembly line part. I broke down the original card to its various pieces: card base, basic measurements for the front pieces, focal image, embellishments, inside lining, inside stamping, envelopes, and so forth.

I decided to keep the same scheme of red, green, black, and white which made things easier, plus allowed me to use up lots of paper scraps! I found a bunch of already cut and scored A2 card bases, made from black cardstock - probably left over from a class I taught at some point. I will eventually cut more, but I think I have 30 card bases so far!

I also had a lot of precut strips of patterned paper, cut to 4 1/8" wide so that they are the right size for an A2 card. I chose the colors and patterns that worked together, to make "stripes" of various prints to fill the card front space. I have already started to assemble some!  

Next, I cut pieces of white cardstock to line the inside of the cards. Again, I  had a lot of scraps that I could cut to slightly smaller than A2 size, and gobs of white paper. It was easy to watch a TV program and cut paper! 

Then, after much to-ing and fro-ing I chose a stamp from my stash for the inside message and stamped a bunch of panels. Using a stamping platform made this step SUPER EASY! Again, this is something I can do for 30 minutes and watch a podcast. If my  husband is traveling I can spend all day fussing about in craft world, too! 

Next, I need focal images and sentiments that could work for my card fronts. I have a HUGE bag of these! As I was doing my paper sort of Christmas themed paper, I just tossed everything that was a focal image and was already cut apart into a bag rather than try to sort them back into their matching paper collections.

My next task will be to chose one image or sentiment for each card that I have assembled so far, then I need to choose cardstock mats and other papers to create the focal point of each card. 

As you can see from my card sample, I have several layers of matting around the focal image, plus I added some trims and embellishments. This is the part that takes the longest and I will continue to work on the cards as I have free time throughout the year. I hope to keep this process going so that I am ALWAYS working on the Christmas card (or Birthday card) assembly line for a bit of time each month.

I also pulled out a bag of precut items that I can use for making tags! Or I can start a new group of cards using the colors shown above! 

My other plan is to look in my cardstock scrap bin frequently and cut card bases and card linings of various sizes out of what is lurking in there! Do you have a favorite process for making Christmas cards? I would love to hear about it!

As for the craft room reorganization, I am finished with it! The whole room is tidied up and I am ready for making things. I have some fun news coming next month, so watch out for that. In the mean time, I am still making things for Really Reasonable Ribbon, plus I am deep into my revived hobby of cross stitching! I also hope to get back to my artistic coloring projects! I do have a cruise coming up in March, so that is a new opportunity for a mini album, I think! {grin}

Look for another post on using up scraps and found items. Because...in my reorganization I found a huge bin of castoffs! There are embellishments, tags, journal cards, flowers, and all manner of things that just got dumped when I was too busy to deal with putting them away! I think I will either sort them out into some kit bags for myself....or....pack them up and do some mystery envelopes for y'all. What do you think??!?

Thanks for hanging out with me for a bit! Have a great weekend! 

Really Reasonable Ribbon February 2023 Blog Hop

     

Welcome to the Really Reasonable Ribbon February Blog Hop! We are changing things up this month! We have a THEME HOP this month...each of the design team ladies is going to be using OUR FAVORITE RIBBON STYLE! 

You should be coming to my blog from Ginny's Blog. After visiting me hop on to Kathy's Blog next! (The full blog list is at the end of the post.)

At the end of the hop, comment on the RRR Blog post, answering the question listed, for a chance to win a $10 Gift Card to the RRR Shop, plus one digital stamp set of your choice. The Design Team appreciates your comments, too!

My favorite ribbons are....gingham and plaid ribbons! I love the casual, country feel of gingham and plaid. I love it in every color, in mixed colors, in all the widths! Thankfully the RRR Shop carries LOTS of gingham and plaid! 

There are three different assortments in the shop just now, and I recently asked Bonnie to send them all to me so I can start to replenish all my plaids! Now, let's check out my project!

I created another stitching project! (To see the June sampler, click HERE.) I am having so much fin making these samplers, then finishing them with coordinating easels and ribbon toppers! 

The finished stitching is 9" x 3 1/4", and the full project is 11" x 4 3/4". I used 14 count Vintage Blue Aida cloth (it looks like clouds) and DMC floss. The pattern is Sampler of the Month - July by Country Cottage Needleworks. I purchased all 12 months from Fat Quarter Shop online. 

I did change some of the colors in the stitching to use a true blue and a true red, rather than what the pattern called for. I also altered the tree as it only had branches on one side. {grin} 

My ribbons are Navy Taffeta (the navy taffeta is out of stock, but there are other shades of blue and red available) and 5/8" Patriotic Plaid. I attached a metal star to the top of my bows. As always, I used the Bow-It-All tool to make all my bows!

And don't giggle at Uncle Sam's wonky, googly eyes! I tried French Knots and finally seed beads, and he looked odd no matter what, so I decided he was charming rather than strange. {smile}

I just love how this turned out. My only complaint, other than Sam's eyes, is that the white pennants and stars do not show up well on camera. They look fine in person, but my photo booth keeps washing it all out a bit.

And on that note, I just ordered NEW photo backdrops! The ones I have are old and have seen better days. And my booth (box) is falling apart. Time for some new things! I already struggle with the light in my new space, and I am sick of also struggling with my backdrops! Amazon to the rescue!

Here is what the back looks like. I pulled out some old Authentique paper, the Liberty collection I think. I have no clue how old it is, but I had just a few sheets left. I see all the internet ladies finishing their stitching with fabric covered chipboard, but...I have paper, not fabric! So...I am using what I have! 

I do put a little cotton batting behind the stitching, to give it some dimension. Oddly, I did have some of that in my stash! 

I love the little houses in this set of samplers and I can see stitching them for little ornaments or cards in the future! I have already started to stitch the August sampler, and it is just adorable, too! 

I love that there are so many ways to use ribbon! I love making a topper for my samplers out of ribbon. Again, I see all the internet stitchers using ribbon this way and thought...I got ribbon, baby! I am having a lot of fun getting back into stitching again after 23 years away! I am falling in love all over again! {smile}

Thanks for joining me on the Hop today! Make sure to hop along and see all the other projects!

Here is the RRR Blog Hop Order in case you get lost!
Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings
Ginny
Gloria - YOU ARE HERE!
Kathy
Cheryl
Bonnie
Karen
Really Reasonable Ribbon's Ramblings

Really Reasonable Ribbon Supplies Used:

Trims: Navy Taffeta, 5/8" Patriotic Plaid

Adhesive: 1/4" ATG tape, 1/2" and 1/4" Scor-tape

Bow making tools: Zutter Bow-it-All

Other Supplies Used:

Cross stitch pattern: Country Cottage Needleworks (Sampler of the Month - July)

Fabric: Zweigart Artiste 14 count Aida Vintage Blue (Hobby Lobby), cotton batting from Amazon

Floss: DMC white, 3031, 869, 3363, 817, 744, 369, 754, 336

Chipboard: Grafix White

Cardstock: WorldWin Black

Printed paper: Authentique Liberty

Metal star: from my stash

Adhesive: Hot glue, Art Glitter Dries Clear Glue

Tools: paper trimmer, hot glue gun, scissors, bone folder and score board

Old Things are New Again

I wish I was talking about myself when I say "old things are new again" as I just celebrated my 58th birthday yesterday! But, alas, I am not talking about myself! i did not wake up yesterday with new joints or a slim waist! I just keep getting older every day! {smile} But, discovering new things in craft world, or in this case re-discovering an old passion...that's pretty amazing, right?!!

You may remember back in 2013, when I had a back injury, that I retaught myself to crochet, something I had not done since my early teens! I enjoy the process of crochet, but I really do not care for crocheted items. (I know, I know!) However, I was wanting something to do with my hands when we watch TV, or when I am sitting idle in waiting rooms, or traveling, and so forth. 

Well, long story long...sit back and relax now...my very first craft as an adult was counted cross stitch. Back (way, way back) in 1988 I was freshly out of college, married to a husband who was traveling a lot for his job, and I needed something to keep myself busy in the evenings after work! My friend shared with me her new hobby of cross stitching. She took me to the local Ben Franklin Crafts and said, "Look, Gloria! You can pick any craft you want!" (Well, I have picked them all by 2023!) So I blame my friend Mari for the state of my craft room! {giggle}

I chose counted cross stitch because it was inexpensive in those days. The cloth and a pattern and the floss...you could do a nice project for $5 back then. And, money was tight for us. I stitched a lot between 1988 and 2000. I made all the things! But in 2000 I was homeschooling two children and had just had another baby, my husband was still traveling a lot, plus I had started paper crafting. Something had to fall by the wayside, and....it was cross stitch. I eventually gave all my stitching things away, except for a few bits of cloth and my boxes of floss, because I thought I would NEVER pick it up again. 

Yes, yes, famous last crafter words! I recently have been seeing lots of cross stitch that has made me VERY interested in the hobby again! (Thanks to my friend Amber! My friends are bad influences!) My style now is very different from the past, so I cannot morn my lost patterns and projects too much. Plus, money is no longer an issue...so I have dived back into the fray, so to speak! 

This sweet sampler pattern is from a series of 12 monthly samplers by Country Cottage Needleworks, called Sampler of the Month. I purchased all twelve (from Fat Quarter Shop online) and decided to begin with "June" so that I could make sure to finish them in time to display each month. {smile}

I stitched on 16 count off white aida and the finished stitching is approximately 8 1/2" x 3 3/4". After so much time away from the craft, and with my older eyes, I decided that 16 count was probably the smallest size fabric I could use! The project called for this sampler to be stitched on 32 count beige linen...which was a big nope for me at this point! 

I used DMC floss (available at Hobby Lobby and other craft stores), but I did change some of the colors because I was stitching on white. My only trouble was with those pesky French knots, which have always been my nemesis. Next time, they are going to be replaced with seed beads! 

I decided on a flat finish or flat fold, which just means that the stitching is not in a frame or made into a pillow. At any rate, that is my understanding of the terminology of the day. I simply put my paper craft skills to work and added a piece of batting to the back of the cross stitch panel and wrapped the whole thing around some heavy weight chipboard.  

I then created a top-fold "card" out of chipboard, which I also covered with scrapbooking paper (Lawn Fawn Perfect Plaid). The finished easel card is 9 1/2" x 4 3/4". Since the card easel is made from heavy weight chipboard, it stands up well on a table or shelf. Perfect for home décor. I am so excited to add these monthly samplers to my tiered tray displays! 

I added a little bit of ribbon and a button to match the stitching, but I may rethink that later. We will see. 

I cannot wait to stitch some of the other months, especially for my favorite holidays of Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas!

I have started the July sampler already - in fact I am nearly finished stitching it! I plan to finish all 12 samplers in the same way, with coordinating papers and ribbons. I love when several of my hobbies play together! 

And, because I am me...I have huge plans to design my own patterns! Not only to alter existing patterns, but to design my own from scratch! Y'all know me...go big or go home...with a huge basket of craft stuff! 

What old hobbies do YOU want to bring out again? I would love to know. And if you are a stitcher, leave me a comment! Oh, also...there is a thing called FlossTube! Go to YouTube and search on Floss Tubers....oh my! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Christmas on the 25th - Christmas Printer's Tray

I know, it's the end of January, but...starting this month, I am going to try to share a Christmas themed project on the 25th of each month. I will share a NEW completed project, a work in progress (WIP), or something from the vault that I want to share again. The projects could be any sort of crafting item, not just paper crafting. {smile} 

Today, I am sharing a NEW project that I completed just before Christmas 2022. I was able to put it up with the rest of my holiday décor! Yes, a NEW printer's tray! 

I love printer's trays. I have made a number of them over the years - some for myself, some for shops or companies to display in stores or booths, and some to give as gifts. I have not made one for my home in a while, so it was high time! 

I had this 7Gypsies tray in my stash (okay, I have a few of these in my stash, why not?!). As you know if you have been reading the blog for the last few months, I am trying to USE things that I have in my stash! I tend to buy things and hoard them for "just the right time." Well, the  "right time" is NOW! 

Note: This style of tray is not popular at the moment, so you may have to do some Google searching to find something similar. You can always make one with chipboard, similar to the Tim Holtz configuration trays and boxes that used to be on the market. Or you could all start asking your favorite companies to bring them back! Then we can hoard more of them! {giggle} 

Anyway...I decided to repurpose a kit I purchased at the Ready Set Create event I went to in September. From the project photos I liked the kit (by Paula Cheney, see her similar one HERE), but in practice it was not really what I wanted. Paula used the Tim Holtz Vignette Tray and Matchboxes, but I felt the matchboxes were not only "fiddly" but not sturdy enough to handle being stored away. I ended up just pulling bits out of the kit and using some of them to make my printer's tray! 

I hauled out all the Christmas things in order to choose the papers and embellishments that I wanted. I decorate with a vintage/retro theme for the holidays, and I wanted to make the tray to match my other décor.

I spent the best part of a week working on this project! I completed one little opening at a time. There are 20 openings in the tray, where Paula's project kit had only 12 little boxes, so I used her project as an inspiration to create my own 20 vignettes for each "window" in the tray.

The tray is approximately 12 1/4" x 10 1/2" x 1/2" not counting the handle at the top. So the little widows are pretty small.

I pulled a lot of papers from Graphic45, Authentique, Simple Stories, and more! I really only needed small scraps of paper, stickers, then various small embellishments. I made my own embellishments in some cases. I got out the glitter, the seed beads, and just all the fun things! 

For such small spaces, each window is a little work of art! Each vignette takes time and planning to get it just perfect! 

Let's look more closely at each little window! I don't know for sure what company every item is from, but that is not really necessary for you to know. If you want to make something like this for yourself, just shop your stash for things you like or things that match your décor!

From the top, Window #1 contains a scrap of red and white plaid paper and a small chipboard rectangle with some vintage writing on it. I added a fussy cut flower taken from a scrap of paper and a few flat back red pearls. I used foam dots to pop up the flower, plus I added gold Stickles to the flower center. 

Window #2 contains a scrap of holly paper and a phrase sticker. The dove is a resin piece I had in my stash which I covered with glitter! I simply painted the bird with glue and then drowned him in glitter! {smile}

Window #3 contains a scrap of collage style paper and a chipboard tag/tab that I painted with red paint (I use cheap Apple Barrel paint, usually). I added some small screw brads that I painted white. Then I glued on resin numbers, which I think were in a package by Tim Holtz called Typography, in white.

Window #4 contains a piece of the same holly paper I used in #2. I added a gold seal sticker under a bit of flair. I have no use for flair pieces normally, but this one fit the tray opening perfectly! The angel is another resin piece I found in my hoard, distressed with paint, then again drowned in glitter!

Window #5 contains a piece of black and white gingham (plaid) paper and a piece of Christmas ribbon (from Really Reasonable Ribbon, where else?!). I slipped the ribbon through a sparkly ribbon buckle than added a sticker word. 

Note: Much of this stuff is old product, meaning you won't find it in the stores anymore. Instead of getting all frustrated, look for similar items, look in off the wall places, or shop your own stash! 

Window #6 contains a scrap of candy cane striped paper under a popped up faux metal stenciled letter "C." The letter is a Tim Holtz product, too but I totally lost the packaging and cannot remember what it is called. I added a few stickers to the letter tile. 

Window #7 contains more of the red plaid paper and a glass bottle that I filled with glitter. I added a sticker and a twine bow to the bottle to make some "wishing powder." I also added a metal star brad to the window. 

Window #8 is a larger window containing the black plaid paper and a collage I made from various Simple Stories and Graphic 45 stickers and chipboard. I also added a metal snowflake, a twine bow, and some red Stickles.

Window #9 contains a piece of wood grain paper (it is actually the reverse side of a journaling card). I found the door tag in my stash and colored it red with Distress Ink. I added a wreath with Stickles berries, a ribbon bow, a tiny bell, a "Joy" sticker, and die cut hearts. The little door knob is made from gold Stickles.

Window #10 contains a piece of paper with a fir tree. I used paint to antique a Tim Holtz Salvaged Santa and glued him to the tray (Santa, not Tim). I added some fake snow using some cotton batting and then some Grunge Paste. I gave Santa a sign made from a piece of ephemera I had on hand. 

Window #11 contains a red and white plaid paper scrap. I found a tiny tag with some gold decoration in my stash. I tied on a bit of twine and popped it up in the window. I then used some gold paint to change the color of the metal poinsettia, which I then glued to the tiny tag. 

Window #12 contains red/green/white plaid paper and a few stickers popped up.

Window #13 contains more of the holly paper for the background. I used a small bingo card to which I added the "deck the halls" sticker. I created a Christmas vignette with a tiny tree and some baubles and other bits and pieces. I added fake snow with Grunge Paste and Stickles. 

I have a whole bin of tiny Christmas bits and pieces that I dig into when I need something tiny! I don't toss extras, I just save them for...just the right time! {smile}

Window #14 was a fairly easy one, but it took me the longest time to figure out! I eventually added some green plaid paper to the background, then placed a Graphic45 tag on top. I added some Stickles to the berries. But....it just needed something! I ended up making a tiny book from paper scraps, a sticker, and a tiny piece of ribbon! 

Window #15 contains more of that holly paper. (I must have used up a whole 8x8 sheet! Gasp!) I used a bit of the candy cane paper to cover a wood spool, then added the Grunge Paste to look like snow! I added some glittered and painted baubles and a flower, plus some pearls. I used a sticker tag from on of the Authentique collections. 

Note: Most of the "baubles" you see are just fallen bits from floral sprays! Sometimes in my making these little bits fall off a bigger arrangement, so I just scoop them up and save them. Win-win!

Window #16 has a snowflake paper background. For the vignette I used a thimble that I painted to look antique. I made use of the Tim Holtz candy pieces, all covered in glitter of course. I also added some punched and glittered greenery, some pearls, and a clear star. 

Window #17 contains yet more holly paper and a metal frame that I painted with white paint. I added some twine, a bell, and a sticker. I also fussy cut some leaves from the paper and added them to the top of the frame, under the bow.

Window #18 contains a scrap of the red plaid paper, a metal snowflake painted white, a glitter snowflake button, some sequins and bling, and a sticker phrase.

Window #19 contains yes...more holly paper and a Graphic 45 postage stamp image. I placed seed beads and pearls into a bottle cap, then filled it with Glossy Accents, which looks like a resin-filled baking tin!

Window #20 contains more holly paper. I used paint to color the Salvaged Deer. I added some punched and glittered greenery, some moss, a wood slice. and then fake snow made from Grunge Paste. The little deer has a red bow, and there are Stickle berries and clear stars on the background. 

I hope you enjoyed looking at this Christmas project, and I hope you are inspired to try to make a tray of some sort in any style! If you have one lurking in your stash for "just the right time," pull it out and get to making! 

I have another big project to share February 25th, so come back for that, especially if you love Christmas as much as I do! March 25th will probably be either a WIP or something from the vault as I am going to be on a cruse then! My husband and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary in September but were not able to get away then. So, we are going to be cruising the Mexican Rivera in March for a week. {smile}

Thanks for stopping by!