Gift wrapping idea

The boys were invited to a couple of birthday parties this month, and even though I have 2 boys, I didn't have any boy-themed wrapping paper. So I grabbed an old map (which I picked up at the thrift store for $.10) and used it for wrapping paper. Then I finished it off with some twine and an aged manilla tag. Voila!
I would be tickled pink to get a gift like this- and I'd probably very carefully take the map off so I could use it for something else:)

School Scrapbook

I am nearly finished putting together the kits for my

next class. I love setting out the piles and creating the kits. Has something to do with my need for things to be organized, I think:)

For this school themed album, I used a vintage style crayon box as a cover and carried out a vintage school theme throughout- even embellishments from a Dick and Jane book! I plan to put my mom's school pictures and memories in this.

I was actually finished with the example until a trip to Archivers this morning- had to find spaces to add a couple things. I just can't pass up cute school themed papers!
I should have the kits finished up by tomorrow. I don't realize how much goes into a mini album until I go to make the kits!

(interior page of the album)

Front Entry Project

                                                                                                                                                                                                  

I've had this old door hanging in my front entry for awhile. I've been trying to figure out how to display photos on it. This is what I've finally come up with.

My hubby helped me hang old clipboards evenly spaced out. Then I put an 81/2 x 11 page protector on each clipboard before placing an 8x10 photo in each protector. That way the protector not only protects the photos from the environment, but also keeps it from getting a mark from the clip on the clipboard. Quick and easy- once I made my mind up!                     

New Classes!

I am back on the bandwagon! I have examples made for my next 2 classes. I'm planning a school themed album (pics to come) and "A Day In My Life." This one has room for lots of photos. I had a good time carrying my camera around for the day to capture a day in our lives. I wish I had one of these from when my kiddos were younger- lately I've really been missing those toddler days!

The Gold Standard of Yard Sales

I love going to yard sales and thrift stores looking for goodies that I can use for crafting. Today was an awesome day- as a matter of fact, it was a gold standard of yard sale shopping. I scored a vintage typewriter for $2. I got 2 good size wooden shutters for $1 each (they will possibly become message centers). I also got this rockin' park bench chair for $5. How cool is this? I also got one of those old fold out rulers for a quarter! Don't know yet what I'll do with it, but the possibilites are endless!

Believe it or not, my hubbie and kids came with and they had a great time! The boys found 2 pairs of nunchucks and asked if they could get them. Not wanting to be the bad guy, I told them to ask their dad. He let them get them! I really thought he had my back on this issue:)

Awesome thrifting finds

Well, I got to visit the thrift stores today and I got some excellent buys. I got this entire bolt of red ribbon for $.50! And the brand new book full of ledger paper- $.50 too! I nearly danced out of that store! Other awesome buys today: a
French workbook, a novel written in some far off language (which is Asian of some sort and looks just beautiful in print! Will make gorgeous paper flowers), and a copy of Child's First Encyclopedia from 1971 (I love old children books- especially ones that I can use for projects!).

Travel Album class

Had a nice small group get together tonight to make a travel journal. Only took 2 hours and we had a great time!

I'm really looking forward to taking trips so I can get some photos in here!