Graphic 45 Nutcracker Sweet Altered Compact

Without a doubt, one of my favorite parts of The Nutcracker Ballet is the Waltz of the Snowflakes (the best version is with Mikhail Baryshnikov, of course).

The scene is beautifully magical and I've been wanting to capture it in some way. Recently, I was about to toss out some used makeup when I noticed a bit of sunlight from the window was illuminating the translucent blue plastic of the compact. 

I'm not sure if that counts as heavenly inspiration, but I immediately saw teeny tiny snowflake ballerinas dancing inside that little case. Below is the end result.

For this project, I used the Snowflake Waltz paper from 

Graphic 45's Nutcracker Sweet collection.

I filled the bottom with lots and lots of Aleene's Glitter Snow Paint.

I also used a VERY liberal amount of Stickles. :-)

Love how the mirror reflects the scene!

This past weekend was a snowy one in our neck of the woods so it was the perfect time to work on this project! 

Christmas Blessings to You and Yours,

Millie

Christmas...Thing-A-Ma-Bob

I'm selling some of my craft items at my church's women's Christmas tea this year. Below are some simple minis I created. There's also a spot to hold a gift card and write a sentiment. Wasn't sure what to call this creation so, for now, it's a "Christmas Card/Gift Card Keeper/Mini Album Thing-a-ma-bob".

If any of you can come up with a more clever (and shorter) name than that, leave a comment. :-)

I'm working on some other items too and will post them soon.

Since it's kind of a mixed audience at the tea, I thought 

I'd keep everything in the traditional colors

of Christmas

This was the first one I created and probably my

favorite. The base of the "thing-a-ma-bob" 

is made from 1 sheet of 12"x12" cardstock.

Each one has the same layout, just different papers. 

I used a Christmas stack from Recollections for this one.

On the right is a place to write a personal note.

Unfold it again and there's a spot for a gift card....

.....and unfold it again, and there's some spots for

some memorable Christmas moments. 

Believe it or not, the DCWV paper stack I used for this one

was found at (Can you guess????)

YUP! My local Goodwill for $2!

Love that Santa paper! The pad came with a couple of

sheets of journaling tags too.

Spot for the gift card (need to use that Starbuck's card...)

....and the spots for photos. 

These were super easy to make and can be adapted to any holiday or occasion. 

Blessings,

Millie

Altered Christmas Stockings and Matchboxes

My two younger sisters mean the world to me. I miss our childhood Christmases together. So many wonderful memories of secretly searching the house for our gifts or quietly staying up, listening from the upstairs hallway of our house until our parents went to bed so we could tiptoe down to see what was under the tree.

We live miles apart now and Christmas get togethers are a little more difficult. They live down South, not far from our mother. In recent years, she's needed more and more attention and care and my sisters have done a wonderful job of looking after her. This year, I wanted to express my thanks and appreciation, in a very special (and crafty) way, for all they have done. They've given so much of themselves to care for her, oftentimes following a full day of work and caring for their own families. To Monika and Amy, know that all you have done and are doing doesn't go unnoticed. I love you both. Merry Christmas.

Our local Goodwill had a HUGE tote filled with 

these stockings. Each was marked .49 cents.

I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them. 

 My sisters have very different tastes so I wanted

to reflect that in the way I altered the stockings.

My sister, Amy, is a lover of all things PINK!

This is her stocking. 

All the trims and embellies came from

things I had on hand. Really love 

how this turned out. It's so girly!

If Amy is a little bit shabby, I'd label my 

sister, Monika, a little bit rock and roll!

I think I captured her spunky person-

ality here. :-)

This isn't my style AT ALL, but I really had 

fun altering this for her. I made sure to 

bling it up quite a bit!

I also altered a couple of small matchboxes

to match their stockings.

Since they live in the South and don't

usually see snow, I thought I'd 

send a little their way. :-)

Backside of Amy's ornament. 

Inside of Monika's ornament.

And the backside.

Love how these turned out. Hope they like them! Merry Christmas All!!!

Blessings,

Millie

Jewelry Box

"Just because something didn't work out according to the way you 

planned it doesn't mean it didn't work out for the best.

Blessings are often disguised as pain first." 

Recently, a friend sent me a jewelry box project that was featured in Country Living (see below). I liked the idea, so I attempted to give it a try as a gift to her.

I started with a basic, unfinished wooden box from AC Moore, some string, felt, and some paint. I did great with the felt inserts and painting, but writing the name of my friend (which only requires 3 letters) in string was unusually challenging for me. It was as if all my crafting knowledge and motor skills in my hands just flew out the window. I tried to fix it over and over but it went from bad to worse so I completely abandoned the idea altogether. Once I freed myself of that job, I set out to decorate the box in a completely different way. I'm happy to report, it turned out great. I love the girliness of it. I'm secretly hoping she'll really hate it. I have a spot in my bathroom all ready just in case. :-)

Not one extra penny was spent in the making of this project! Yay!

Everything came from "shopping" my closet.

I love these pink flowers but changed out the plastic centers

and replaced them with pearls. The gold corners were freebies 

sent from my friends at Stay True to God. 

The ribbon roses were found at Goodwill. 

There were TONS in a bag for .99 cents!

The laces were also found at Goodwill for mere pennies.

Inside of the box. Pink and white felt accordion folded

to hold all her precious baubles. 

I have several small Scripture stamps and used one for 

the inside of the top. 

Not exactly what I planned, but the end result is lovely. Like so many things in life, Amen?

Blessings!

Millie

Birthday Card in a Box

"This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." 

Psalm 118:24

Tomorrow is my younger son's birthday. His addition to our family nine years ago was a timely one. He has brought much joy and laughter to our home. Indeed, November 14th is a day to celebrate and be glad.

Justin announced very early in his life that he IS a marine biologist so it was pretty easy to come up with a theme for his birthday card. 

I saw this "card in a box" recently on Graphic 45's Facebook page and just knew I had to try and make one. You can find the tutorial here. 

For this project, I used Tim Coffey's, Travel Collection. I used images from the chipboard stickers and paper from the 4" x 6" mat stack. 

When folded, the card measures 5" x 6" and will fit easily in 

an envelope. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JUSTIN!!! 

WE LOVE YOU!!!

Blessings,

Millie

"Be Thankful" Shadowbox Tag

"...in everything give thanks;..."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

There's ALWAYS something to be thankful for! 

For this project, I used Graphic 45's Place in Time collection.

I used elements from the September, October, and November pages, 

the phrase, "Be Thankful" from the Sentiments page, 

and the red flower from Chipboard Sheet #2.

Sideview. The base of the tag was sprayed LIBERALLY with 

Adirondak Color Washes in shades of red, yellow, and plum

The sunflowers came from a paper by K & Company.

I layered them to add more dimension to the tag.

The pretty beads are from an old autumn garland 

I've had for years. 

The chipboard laser cuts on the top and bottom are from 

the fine folks at Stay True to God. 

I painted them with copper and gold metallic paints 

for some sparkle.

The frame of the tag was created with a 

metallic printed paper from Sei.

I embossed it with clear and gold embossing 

powder for added texture. LOVE that little doggie rolling in the grass!

Fun project, but it took forever and I'm THANKFUL I'm done! Now on to Christmas!!!!

Blessings,

Millie

Greece Vacation Journal

"It was Greek to me." ---Servilius Casca, Julius Caesar

Recently, I was asked to create a vacation journal for a friend's son and daughter-in-law. They're heading to Greece so the theme of the journal revolves around the beautiful sites and colors of the country!

Used my trusty Bind-It-All to bind the book. 

All the images were found online and printed on a 

pearlized cardstock so they have a little bit 

of a shimmer to them. 

Found the pretty charms at Hobby Lobby.

Back cover. The covers are made from chipboard and

covered with a thinner scrapbook paper. I used some metal 

corners from Tim Holtz to protect the edges and I 

Mod Podged the covers for durability.

Inside of the cover and page 1. 

On the right, I included a kraft envelope covered on the back

with some scrapbook paper. 

I also attached a journaling card

Other side of the envelope and page 1.

The envelope is perfect for holding ticket stubs, receipts,

and other memorabilia.

Next couple of pages. Found all the images online. :-)

Included some familiar sites. The back of these cards can 

be used for journaling or for small photos.

All the main pages are actually top loading pocket pages. 

They'll be able to store more photos or larger bits and 

pieces they collect along the way.

These are my favorite pages! Love how this came out.

The page on the right has a little pocket where the newlyweds 

can insert a nice photo of themselves. 

Also included a mini paper sack for storing more memories.

The paper bag has a several journal tags as well.

Last couple of pages. I made a pocket on the inside of 

the back cover. 

The postcards can also be used as photo mats. 

Another fun project. Hope the kids enjoy themselves!

Blessings!

Millie