Happy First Day of Fall

It's Fall, my favorite time of the year. I love the crispness in the air, the cooler evenings and all the fun Harvest Time events going on this time of year. Though I hate raking up all the leaves, I do love playing in them and getting some great pictures of my son and the dog playing in them too. Plus the cooler evenings make me want to scrapbook all the pictures I will be taking. This picture isn't of my yard, but I just love the colors.

It is time to start the Holiday Season. For us, that means Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Not to mention all the extra events that pop-up this time of year. So, I decided to get organized early, and try to cut down on the last minute surprises. I think a Holiday Planner is just the ticket. What is a Holiday Planner you ask? It is a cute little booklet designed out of envelopes to help you organize and keep track of everything you need to get through the Holiday Season.

This is the front cover of my Holiday Planner. I used 3 larger envelopes (6x8). Each envelope is folded in half. You can use more envelopes if you need more planning space. I decorated with the Sparkle and Shine Paper Pack and Embellishments from CTMH. This particular Paper Collection isn't still available, but there are some great new collections that will work too.

The first section has two pockets, and the flap has been removed from the envelope. I put four cards with tabs on them into the pockets (2 on each side.) The tabs can be used for shopping or to-do lists, gift ideas, recipes, etc. I am thinking of adding a small monthly calender to each tab (Sept-Dec) just to help with the planning.

The middle section is an envelope with the flap still attached. I simple cut the flap in the middle and took out a small v-shaped area to allow it to open easier after being folded. This section is great for receipts, tickets, cards, or anything else that might need to be tucked in for safe keeping.

The last section is just like the first. Open pockets with 4 tabbed cards tucked in. If you don't need this many tabbed cards, you could just leave them out. If you used bigger envelopes, so that the pocket was bigger, you might even be able to tuck a few blank holiday cards or thank you notes in for quick access. A silk ribbon is secured across the back and front covers. The ribbon can be pulled to allow a pen loop on the spine. Then, tie the ends in a neat bow and your planner is all secure.

I think this simple planner could be used for lots of planning situations beyond just the holidays. If you would like the complete directions, please email me at lfaris68@gmail.com.

And don't forget time is running out to enter to win the Scaredy Cat Collection I am giving away on 9/30/14. Leave a comment below and let me know what you're working on and you will be entered.

Who Doesn't Love A Little Bling

Bling is growing in popularity. Everything from jeans to fingernails can all be enhanced with bling these days. So, why not scrapbook pages or cards? Close To My Heart has a great line of Base and Bling for designing you own necklaces, bracelets and headband. But, why not use it on our paper crafting projects too? I love playing with the possibilities.

Here is an example, created by Donna Digby, of using one of the Scaredy Cat Embellishments on a Base Necklace to make a Halloween charm. This can be used on a chain as a necklace, or with ribbon on a page/card.

I think the bases and glass toppers would be gorgeous as Christmas ornaments on a scrapbook page or even as a charm on a card. I would love to see what you come up with too.

Don't forget, you can still get in on this months Giveaway of the Scaredy Cat Collection. All you need to do is comment on one of the September posts or place an order on my website www.lisafaris.ctmh.com

Halloween Treats

Halloween is creeping up so fast. It's time to start thinking of cute goodie ideas for my son's class party at school. I am loving the new Cut Above Halloween Treat Bag Kits from CTMH. The kit comes with all the supplies to make up 10 Treat Bags, you just add the candy of your choice.

If you like an idea that doesn't involve sugar, here are some Scary Cute Pencil Topper Ideas that any little Goblin would love.

Contact me today to schedule a home class, and you could earn this kit or stamp set FREE. If you just can't wait, you can shop for these cute ideas on my website at: www.lisafaris.ctmh.com

September Giveaway

In honor of my blog launch, I am having a giveaway in September. Be sure to leave a comment in September, and you are entered to win a Close To My Heart Scaredy Cat Collection. Let me know what your working on.

The wait is over...

The new Artfully Sent Cricut Collection, from Close To My Heart, has arrived. I ordered mine today, and can't wait to start playing with it. This collection comes with the Cricut Cartridge containing over 700 images: cards and fonts, three D-size acrylic stamps sets and a package of the White Daisy Card Stock. Everything you need to start creating.

To view the collection or to purchase, visit www.lisafaris.ctmh.com

September Again... Time For A Giveaway!

Wow, time seems to fly faster and faster every year. I can hardly believe we are almost half way through September. Where did the summer go? School has started and the weather is getting fallish here too. With cooler mornings, and the leaves changing colors, fall is my favorite time of year. I love the crispness in the air, sweaters and scarves, and all the harvest type festivals and activities. I also start feeling the need to snuggle in and work on craft projects. Time to scrapbook all the exciting summer pictures, prepare Halloween projects and start on the holiday cards. January is the traditional New Beginning, but for me it is September. So, that means time to prepare the school album for my son. This will be his first year in middle school, so I'm sure there will be lots of memories to capture. Then, on to some paper crafting for Halloween. I can't wait to tryout the new Scaredy Cat Paper Pack and Embellishments. I'm thinking of a paper wreath for inside. I will share my pictures as I finish it up, so stay tuned. Now, I think it is time for a Giveaway. Leave a comment below, telling me what your working on this month. I will pick one lucky winner on the 30th to receive their own Scaredy Cat Paper Pack and Embellishments Set. Happy Crafting!

National Stamping Month

September is National Stamping Month.

Happy Stamping!