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I found a really cool green binder at the Dollar Store and it sat on my table, taunting me to put it to good use. A school binder? An inspiration binder? Something for Christmas? The December Daily? None of these seemed like the right calling for it. Then inspiration struck.
A recording of Christmas morning! To me, there is nothing that signifies the culmination of the Christmas spirit like Christmas morning. The family gathered around each other, generally in pajamas, sporting bed hair, and sleep still blearing their eyes. There is chit chat, hands gripping coffee cups, and a special glow from the Christmas tree which seems reflected in the love showing through on everyones faces.
My intention with this book is to make quick one page layouts that focus on those moments. I have only gone back two years so far, but I may go back further. I want it to be a snapshot of who was there, where the celebration happened, and maybe even some things that were going on with those people.
In 2008, we were in Oregon for Christmas. My brother and sister-in-law were expecting their first child. I love this picture of my siblings and I curled up on the couch together, the last year before there were children in our lives, our last year before we crossed the threshold of being someone's child to having our own.
I used KaiserCraft's Ginko patterned paper border punched with an MS Around the Page punch, Bazzill dotted swiss card stock inked with Vintage Photo Distress, AC Thickers number stickers, K&Co chipboard sentiment, and a greeting card from the Dollar Spot at Target last year. The card holds the journaling.
This layout is from my niece's first Christmas and I love how these photos really embrace the feel of our Christmas morning and that Miss Cady-Bird is at the center of the action, much like she is at the center of our hearts.
This is based on red Bazzill card stock with a K&Co Yuletide patterned paper on the bottom, Me & My Big Ideas chip trees and bird, Making Memories snowflake transparency, K&Co Evergreen glitter tree and sentiment, and GCD Studios number stickers. The pom pom trim and snowflake brads are of unknown origins.
I know in the craziness that can be the holiday season, you might think that having one more project is just too much, but I certainly encourage you consider making one of these Christmas celebration books for yourself. It is a tradition that can be enjoyed for many years. If you do choose to follow me on this journey, I would LOVE to see your creations, so please, please, please share.
Oh, I love these. This book is such a nice idea, and I especially like how you look back at the 2008 picture. Nice idea to use the card as a journaling area, and it just adds so much to the page too.
ReplyDeleteWow!!!! What a creative and lovely take on a Christmas journal and your pages are absolutely gorgeous and amazing!!! LOVE the pom pom trim! Thanks for the blog love too sweets!!!!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteLora you are brilliant! Your post almost made me cry. I miss being able to get together with MY family on the holidays. Your post reminded me of those Christmas's at Grandmas house. The huge tree, bursting with ornaments and lights, cheerfully wrapped gifts jam packed underneath. Grandma in her chair... GG in hers. Everyone else crammed where ever there was room... all us kids on the floor. All the laughter and smiles. The aftermath... turning Grandmas festively decorated and immaculate living room into a giant explosion of wrapping paper and ribbons.
ReplyDeleteThose were the good ol' days.
Most of all I miss sitting around the living room back in "the barn" ... as you said, with bed hair and coffee mugs in hand. The crackle and smell of the fire. The laughter and sharing of memories.
I need a four wheel drive.
What a fun idea!!! Your two layouts are great, I love the 2nd one and the white pom pom trim you used. Very pretty!!
ReplyDeleteWhile I always love your creations, I also love that statement you made about 2008 being a transitional year. That's quite a profound statement, really. Your work is so creative. You use stuff that would never occur to me for use in scrapping. I applaud you!
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