The Grandkids!

I love Christmas. But I am so glad the mad rush for the holiday is over with. I could do without the hustle and bustle of shopping, cooking, sending cards and decorating is in the past.
But the best part of the season could go on for ever “having my family altogether for the day”. It is so seldom that my three grown sons with their families are able to join us here on the farm as one big happy family. The grandchildren are all growing up so fast; Jeffery is as big as his papa. Aaron is in scouts now so much of his time is spent with scouting and outings with his dad. Julie spends her hectic days in cheerleading practice and football games. And the little one Cade is growing faster than a weed in the spring garden.
Gee, what am I saying the hustle and bustle is all worth it, when you have the greatest kids, grandchildren and husband in the world all here together for this most happy time of the year. Love, peace, hope and family!

Hand made hard cover journal.

Hand made book

I have always love handmade books and journals and have purchased many for my own personal use, some just for their beautiful workmanship.

A few years ago I tried my hand at making some for myself, and that is where it stopped. I could use them for my personal use but never would I give these poor little books to family or friends as gifts.

Well still wanting to create something useful and artistic I purchased a book called Cover to Cover by Shereen LaPlantz. Following her instructions on the basic codex I made my real first hard cover mini journal. I am so excited about the results, it turned out very nice.

I confess I used some scrap papers of poor quality and the covers of the book as well as the end papers are of scrapbook papers, but I did use a good professional glue and chipboard.

Photo #1 Block of signatures total of 86 pages.

Photo #2 Outside of book done with scrapbook paper.

Photo #3 Hardcover chip board, showing of the inside.

Photo #4 Signatures placed inside of the finished book.

Photo #5 Detail of the spine.

Photo #6 The finished hard bound journal.

The final measurement of the small journal is (43/4" x 53/4"). All in all I in joyed the whole process of making this this little book, it has encouraged me to try my hand at some more later on after the holidays. Who knows maybe I'll give some as gifts!

My wisdom of the day.

Be thankful for what you have today, for tomorrow you may have nothing!

Check me out at Etsy.com

I've been busy with stocking up my new shop at Etsy.com. Haven't been doing very much business as for sales, but hopefully things will pick up before Christmas. I am excited about the whole concept of Internet shopping and learning so much. This computer stuff has always challenged me!!!!
I've worked in retail sales for years, very hands on with the everyday duties of stocking, inventory and one on one customer service, I like the personal contact with the customers so this is a whole new world for me. Need to learn new ways to attract people. Any advice out there would greatly help this old dog!
These are some business card holders I've been working on. Now you can safely carry these cards with you where ever you go with out them getting lost in your handbag or getting those dog ears.

I made them from double thick cardstock from my own template and then decorated each one differently so on two are alike. I have been carrying mine now for a few months and really like the durability of them. They hold approximately 25 standard size business cards, more or less and go every where you go.

Thanksgiving,here and gone, hope everyone had a great day! With so many problems these days I have a lot to be thankful for, loving husband and family, good food, good health and a warm comfortable home. I couldn't ask for more.