January SOTM Blog Hop - Cross-Stitch Wishes

Welcome to the first stamp of the month blog hop of the New Year! Thanks for hopping over from Brae Montgomery's Blog. There are over 50 participants this month, so if you get lost along the way, you can find a complete list at Adeline's blog.

January's Stamp of the Month from Close To My Heart features 13 stamps that look like cross stitching. Now, it's been a long time since I've done any cross stitching, so I had to reach a bit with the stamp set. But, the more I worked with it, the more I liked it. This may end up being my husband's Valentine's Day card. I cut out a little window for the LOVE stamp and sanded all of the edges to clean it up a bit. Inside, I also added some stamping for a little something extra.

Thanks for taking a peak at my creation. It's time to head over to Jill Lucas' blog to see what fabulous art she's ready to share. And, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Holiday Photo Card Display Album

Don't you just love looking through Christmas cards? It makes me feel so warm and fuzzy receiving cards from new and old friends, sharing what's happening in their lives today. I especially love to see photos of them and their children.

The phenomenally talented Melissa Laverty has designed a couple of these adorable Holiday Photo Card Display Binders. I scraplifted her first design and have enjoyed using it all season!

Washi Wonderland

I am OBSESSED with washi tape this season. Here's a great little tutorial on how to use washi tape with your Cricut machine. Fabulous!

Countdown to Christmas Blocks

"How many days until Christmas, Mom?" If you hear that a lot during the month of December, have I got a solution for you! Countdown to Christmas Blocks using the CTMH Sparkle & Shine paper, a little bling and the My Creations Block (retiring...get them while they last!) and your kids can answer the question themselves!

I simply distressed the edges with Slate ink, covered each side of the blocks with a piece of 3x3 Sparkle & Shine Paper and embellished using Washi Tape, Sparkles, Shimmer Trim and various stamping. It was really quite simple and adds such a nice homemade touch to my Christmas decor! 

Merry Christmas everyone!

Clearly The Best: Swirlin' Shapes (S02E10)

Okay, so this is a time consuming technique, but it's stunning and has such a wow factor! Let me know if you try it and how it turns out.