Christmas at the Cottage Mini-Album

Hello Dear Blog Friends
My new Bind-It-All arrived this week (yay!) and so I was able to complete a mini-album about our Christmas up north.

Inspired by Susie McGuire at Creative Cafe, this mini will be given as a thank-you gift for my daughter and son-in-law, whose cottage we invade every Christmas. Their cottage is located in very beautiful countryside in the midst of trees and lakes, so I kept to an outdoors-y and woods-y theme.

For the most part, I used the Winter Wonderland papers from Recollections. The papers were just perfect for my woodland theme.

Two tags slide in underneath the deer; on the back there is space for a photo and some journalling. You can also see two sideways tags which pull out for more journalling.

 A long policy envelope (L) and two photo flip books (R).

Many of the Winter Wonderland papers have gorgeous photographic images - above you can see the beautiful sled image on the front of the envelope. 

And on the back, a nice place to record the names of all the friends and family who visited.  Inside the envelope is a long tag with space for some private journalling.

Each flip book holds four wallet-size photos. Here are two interior shots of this cozy and elegant getaway place.  We always feel so lucky to spend time here!

To keep this post from being too long, I'll do a second post tomorrow with the final pages.

Meanwhile, I want to wish everyone all the best for a happy and healthy 2012.  This must surely have been the fastest year ever - it just seemed to whoosh by.  Thanks to each and every person who stopped by, and for taking the time to leave your sweet and encouraging comments.  Paper and ink are two of my creative passions, but truly it is the connections between us all which really matter.
Many blessings, and Happy New Year,

Christmas at the Cottage: Playing Hearts

Hello Blog Friends
I've been away from my craft desk because I've been spending some time here:

and here:

Now that I've shaken the sand out of my suitcase, I have a very laid- back feeling - an attitude I hope to keep throughout the Christmas season!
Here's a Christmas layout I did using My Mind's Eye Lost and Found Christmas collection:

The photo shows assorted sons, daughters, and my husband playing their annual mega-tournament of Hearts. (Apparently this is an addictive card game; I am no good with cards so I just take pictures!)
I love this collection from MME.  The papers are double-sided and have good weight to them. Gorgeous rich colours, and the glitter does not fall off - very nice to work with.
(Note: Plus it doesn't smell - there are some glittered papers out this year that have such a strong odour from the UV process that I've had to air them out in my garage for 3 weeks. A good reason to buy from your LSS, where you can touch and smell before purchase!)
I found the MME paper is so beautiful with its glittered borders and embellishments, that it seemed to call for a simple treatment.
I  detail-cut the holly leaf so it would overlap the photo at the bottom L:

 I tucked a white doily behind the photo for texture and contrast.
 I adhered a MME embellishment with trim, popped on a bead, a button, a tiny twine bow.

Some  vintage lace trim. two journalling cards, and voila - merry & bright!

We are all looking forward to our Christmas reunion up north, where the fun will start all over again soon.