Look. Other people are doing writing 52 letters too.

the non-consumer advocate and Nonny

Who will you write a letter to [...]]]> (Cute and totally unrelated photo. I love the way Baby O’s toes curl up tight!)

Look. Other people are doing writing 52 letters too.

the non-consumer advocate and Nonny

Who will you write a letter to this week?

I know Christmas feels like it was ages ago (how does that happen so fast?) but I thought I’d share our Christmas card anyway. Of course I used one of Cathe Holden’s vintage images to make our card. It was printed on linen card stock and mailed in parchment envelopes.

Here’s the front and back. I love [...]]]>

I know Christmas feels like it was ages ago (how does that happen so fast?) but I thought I’d share our Christmas card anyway. Of course I used one of Cathe Holden’s vintage images to make our card. It was printed on linen card stock and mailed in parchment envelopes.

Here’s the front and back. I love this photo of my little family. (Thanks, Darren!)

I decided to add in the “and a Happy New Year!” bit after reading this article about the history of Christmas cards.

Our tradition is one of reflection. Counting my blessings always fills my heart with gratitude.

I love Christmas cards. I love sending them. I love receiving them (hint hint). I love it all. Merry Christmas!

(You can see our 2009 Christmas cards here.)

Here’s my tip for this week: Gather up a few note cards, envelopes, stamps and a pen. Put them all together (in a basket or pile or [...]]]> It’s week one of my 52 letters project. Have you written your first thank you? Feels good, huh. Have you put a stamp on it and mailed it? That feels good too.

Here’s my tip for this week:
Gather up a few note cards, envelopes, stamps and a pen.
Put them all together (in a basket or pile or this really cool organizer).
Keep them handy (in your purse or on your nightstand) so when the thought comes to write a thank you to someone for something you can do it right then.

Happy writing!

(ps – If you don’t know what I’m talking about,  read my 52 letters post and then join in the fun. It’s never too late.)

When I was in high school, my sister made me a very special book filled with letters from family and friends and quotes and scriptures. (And since it was the mid-90s the book is a 3-ring binder covered in quilt batting, fabric, and lace)

One of my favorites from that collection goes something like this:

Gratitude is the [...]]]>

When I was in high school, my sister made me a very special book filled with letters from family and friends and quotes and scriptures. (And since it was the mid-90s the book is a 3-ring binder covered in quilt batting, fabric, and lace)

One of my favorites from that collection goes something like this:

Gratitude is the attitude that makes optimism possible.

Recently I’ve realized two things about gratitude.

1). Share my thanks. It’s not enough to feel grateful. I need to express my gratitude in a letter or email or face to face.

2). Be specific. (Example: “I’m thankful for my husband” vs. “Chris, I’m thankful you took down the pumpkin lights that have been falling on to the counter for a week now and that you helped the boys realize we will put up the Christmas lights next week so it’s OK if we take down the pumpkin lights.”)

My goal is to keep the spirit of Thanksgiving for one whole year (my favorite holiday). My plan is to write one letter each week thanking someone for something. One letter a week between now and next Thanksgiving equals 52 letters. That means 52 people who make a difference in my life will be thanked. Fun, right?! I can’t wait to get started.

Join me! Write one letter each week for an entire year. Anyone? Anyone? Just remember that more gratitude equals more optimism (and we could all use some of that).

And now I’m off to enjoy some turkey. Happy Thanksgiving!

I’m so happy with these announcements. Months ago, Cathe Holden posted a vintage “i spy” image on her blog. I knew immediately I wanted to use it in the announcement. (Thanks, Cathe!)

[side note: Last year I used one of Cathe's images for our Christmas card. You can see pics of it here.]

The text reads, “I spy [...]]]>

I’m so happy with these announcements. Months ago, Cathe Holden posted a vintage “i spy” image on her blog. I knew immediately I wanted to use it in the announcement. (Thanks, Cathe!)

[side note: Last year I used one of Cathe's images for our Christmas card. You can see pics of it here.]

The text reads, “I spy a new little bird in our nest” followed by Baby’s name and stats. (Can you spy the little bird in a nest?)

The birth announcements were printed on white linen card stock. It is 5″ by 7″ and the thank you card is 4″ by 5.5″. I combined my announcements with thank you cards this time. I’m surrounded by such amazing friends and family so I knew I would have lots and lots of thank you notes to write.

How cute are those orange shoes?! (Thanks Mom!) I can’t wait for when Little O is big enough to wear them. (And no, I didn’t send out a pair of shoes with each announcement… but that would have made me awesome.)

Here are the mailing labels. I love stickers. Not writing my return address a bazillion times makes my letter writing so much happier.

Ta-da. That’s it! We love our little man to pieces. As I write this, he is snuggled on my chest sleeping. The sink is full of dirty dishes. The carpets really need a good vacuum. The laundry mountain needs folding. But I don’t care. Before I know it, he will grow up. So I’m enjoying the tiny fingers and toes and cries as best I can.

Hi. Remember how I used to blog? Well, I’m ready to do that again.

At the last minute, I decided to be a vendor at the July Jubilee in College Station so I’m working around the clock getting ready. This is my first official craft fair – I’m excited to give it a try. I [...]]]>

Hi. Remember how I used to blog? Well, I’m ready to do that again.

At the last minute, I decided to be a vendor at the July Jubilee in College Station so I’m working around the clock getting ready. This is my first official craft fair – I’m excited to give it a try. I think the part I’m most excited for is decorating my booth. I’ll share details about that coming up.

But for now… here is a sneak peek at a new product I’m making. It’s a gift card holder that fits in a regular envelope (unlike my accordion style gift card holders). The idea came to me when my mom ordered a handful of gift card holders for upcoming weddings this summer but I knew at least one of the weddings she wasn’t going to attend. So how would she mail the accordion gift card holder? So I made a flat one.

The idea is still new and I’m working out the kinks, but I’m close. I hope to have some at July Jubilee in a couple of weeks. Here’s what I have so far:

This gift card holder is 4″ by 6″ and fits in a standard size envelope for easy mailing.

Inside, there are a handful of papers with different words on them.

Then there is the pocket to hold the gift card (or check or cash or whatever).

After the pocket, is a page to write a note to the recipient.

Doesn’t it make you want to give a gift card? I thought so.

Now it’s back to work for me. Come and visit the craft fair if you are in the area. You can find details on their website as well as in my sidebar. See you at the fair!

Recently, I received this apple box in the mail from my Grandpa. He is the master of letter writing and package sending.

He sent me two cranberry crates from his father’s grocery store (Dan’s Foods). I’m such a sentimental girl – I love having these pieces from the old store. Of course, he included a letter about [...]]]>

Recently, I received this apple box in the mail from my Grandpa. He is the master of letter writing and package sending.

He sent me two cranberry crates from his father’s grocery store (Dan’s Foods). I’m such a sentimental girl – I love having these pieces from the old store. Of course, he included a letter about what they used the crates for at home. Mostly his mother used them as shelving in the basement.

The boys helped me open the box and were delighted to find this:

I love that Grandpa used these non-conventional packaging materials. A big bouncy ball. 5 hot wheels. Markers galore. Granola bars, cookies, tiny cereal boxes. Even when I was a little girl, he sent packages this way. And it still makes me smile!

Thank you, Grandpa!

I’m breaking away from my baby and kiddo tutorials this week so you can get prepared for Mother’s Day. I don’t live close enough to my mom to celebrate Mother’s Day in person (sniff sniff) so I try to send something meaningful in the mail. This year, I designed a little flag book with pockets that [...]]]>

I’m breaking away from my baby and kiddo tutorials this week so you can get prepared for Mother’s Day. I don’t live close enough to my mom to celebrate Mother’s Day in person (sniff sniff) so I try to send something meaningful in the mail. This year, I designed a little flag book with pockets that are just the right size for little notes, gift cards, photos, or anything else foldable. So you should have plenty of time to make it this week and ship it off to your mom – where ever she may be!

I’ve included a TON of photos to help make this as simple as possible. There is no sewing involved. And all the gluing can be substituted with tape if you want to skip dry times.

Leave a comment or email me if you have questions.

Here we go.

HOW TO MAKE A SMALL POCKET FLAG BOOK

SUPPLIES

+ 3 sheets of 9″ by 12″ paper (I used a double sided Amy Butler print)
+ 1 piece of paper for your covers that is at least 4″ by 9″ (I used a thick, rough handmade paper)
+ 1 piece of paper for the accordion that is at least 6″ by 14″ (I used a text weight paper, ie computer paper)
+ bone folder (optional)
+ glue and paintbrush
+ double sided tape

STEP 1: Make the pockets.

1. Start with one sheet of the 9″ by 12″ paper.

2. Fold in half (hamburger style) and crease with the bone folder. Unfold.

3. Choose which side of the paper you want to be the inside of the pockets. Lay this side face up. Take the bottom left corner and line it up with the center crease, making a triangle.

4. Take the top left corner and line it up with the center crease, making a triangle.

5. Fold paper in half (hot dog style). Unfold.

6. Fold the triangle half along the first center fold you made.

7. Fold in half along the crease you made in step 5.

8. Trim off the extra paper with an xacto knife or scissors. This is your pocket! It should be about 4″ square.

9. Make 2 more pockets following the same steps. (side note: you can make as many pockets as your little heart desires. The next steps of the tutorial would need to be adjusted for how ever many pockets you decide to make… email me if this is confusing and you need more pockets)

PART 2: Make the book block.

1. Start with your paper that is at least 6″ tall.

2. Measure 3/4″ from the edge and mark with the bone folder (I used my trusty 3/4″ guide made from binders’ board, but you can use a ruler and pencil for this). Crease. Continue folding accordion style the entire length of your paper. For 3 pockets, you need 14 sections (as shown here).

3. Spread glue (I used a paintbrush) in the second “valley” from the left.

4. Place one pocket in the glue with the edge lined up in the bottom of the valley (along the crease).

5. Now fold over the other side of the valley (already has glue on it) and press firmly. Now your first pocket is secure.

6. Skip one valley and put glue in the next one (can you see where the glue is?). Spread it around with a paintbrush.

7. Put in the second pocket the same way you did the first. This time, pay careful attention to the positioning – make sure you line up the top and bottom of the pocket with the first pocket. Fold over the other half of the valley (already has glue on it), just like you did with the first pocket.

8. Skip a valley and put glue in the next one (sound familiar?).

9. Put in the third pocket. Again, make sure it lines up perfectly with the other two pockets. Fold over the valley (already has glue on it) and press firmly.

10. Now, your book block should look like this. See how each pocket is glued into every other valley of the accordion fold? You will use the extra valleys on either side to secure the book block in the cover. That was the hardest part! You did it! Stick it under something heavy overnight (ie under a stack of books, a mattress, etc)

PART 3: Fitting the book block into the cover.

Here is what your book block looks like after you’ve pressed it overnight.

1. Trim off the top and bottom of the extra accordion folds so it’s flush with your pockets.

2. Lay the book block on your cover paper and use a ruler to mark the edge. (side note: I’m lazy when it comes to measuring. You could actually measure this out if you wanted. I prefer to use my book block and eyeball it.)

3. Tear or cut the paper.

4. Put double sided tape on the backside of the book block. NOT on the pocket. ONLY on the accordion (mine is white).

5. Carefully line up the book block on the right hand side of your cover paper. Press firmly so the tape sticks. The first pocket of the book block should be face up at this point.

6. Use your bone folder to mark the spine of the book block.

7. Lift up the book block and back cover so the spine rests on your desk. Mark along the book block edge again with your bone folder.

8. Fold the book all the way over so the back cover is now facing up.

9. Open the book back up. Put tape on the front accordion paper (again, mine is white). Fold back over the same way you did before and press firmly making sure the tape sticks to the cover.

This is what the cover and book block should look like. See how the tabs from the accordion folded paper are now attached to the cover paper? The pocket pages will turn easily.

10. Now it’s time to mark and trim your front cover. Lay the book block down and mark along the edge with your bone folder (or pencil).

11. Tear or cut the excess paper from the cover.

You did it! You made a book!

Part 4: Personalize and Package.

So what will you fill your pockets with? I had a few ideas:

+ old photos of the family (moms love those)
+ gift cards are just the right size
+ left over paint chips are great for writing notes on

There are so many options here so get creative and do something that will make your own mom smile.

I added a fabric flower (from this tutorial) and some twine to tie it all up. Pretty cute, I think!

Enjoy! Let me know how it goes!

I know I’m a little late on this post, but I’m still going to share! For Valentine’s Day this year, I kept it simple. I drew a few cheesy valentines on smallish pieces of paper (I think they were about 2.5″ by 4″) with my trusty Sharpie. Then I left my almost-four-year-old with his markers at [...]]]>

I know I’m a little late on this post, but I’m still going to share! For Valentine’s Day this year, I kept it simple. I drew a few cheesy valentines on smallish pieces of paper (I think they were about 2.5″ by 4″) with my trusty Sharpie. Then I left my almost-four-year-old with his markers at the kitchen table and this is what he came up with! Notice how some of the names he wrote have the letters scattered all over the paper? He wanted it to be a game so the person would have to hunt for their name. How cute is that?! Oh, I love this kid.

So, Happy Valentine’s Day.

(better late then never…)

Hooray for Tutorial Tuesday! Still January = still posting tutorials about letter writing.

When I was in elementary school, I did some kind of summer class at the library and that is where I learned how to write with invisible ink. Thankfully, I tested out my memory of how to do this and it worked. So I [...]]]>

Hooray for Tutorial Tuesday! Still January = still posting tutorials about letter writing.

When I was in elementary school, I did some kind of summer class at the library and that is where I learned how to write with invisible ink. Thankfully, I tested out my memory of how to do this and it worked. So I can pass it on to you.

I did this with my almost-four-year-old yesterday afternoon and it was right up his alley. He drew monsters for a few his friends. I’m thinking all of my valentines will have invisible messages this year. Think of it: a hidden love letter!!

SUPPLIES:

+ paper (the lighter colored, the better. The red construction paper pictured here didn’t work as well as the light yellow. Test your paper before doing your whole project)
+ lemon juice
+ q-tips
+ something hot (candle, match, 150-watt lightbulb, iron)

1. Write your message. Dip the q-tip in the lemon juice and draw on the paper. You can draw or write a message or both.

2. Let it dry completely. The message will totally disappear. Cool, right?!

3. Heat it up. Using your hot source (I used a candle) heat the paper and the message will slowly start to appear.

So if you are using this to send to someone, stop after step #2 and mail it with directions for the recipient to heat it up. A cute little valentines idea would be to send it with some yummy smelling candle as the gift. I’m thinking I will make a bunch of magic hearts with messages on it and package it up with candles to send out.

How will you use your invisible ink?