Day 7 - 9: Documenting December 2014

Right, so things have been crazy 'round here! Like it's any different for anyone else.  It's been the last week of school/kindy & I've been trying to fit in all manner of Christmas activities on top of everything else.  And in all of that, something's gotta give.  This week its been my blog posts & some of my December Daily. 

But that has all changed now.  Friday school finished & BAM we hit the highway for our farm/shack on the Yorke Peninsula.  And I gotta say, there's something pretty darn good about just stepping out of the rat race right at this minute. Can really recharge my batteries to power through the rest of the month.

Ok. So I've been mostly doing my album while I've been blog absent.  I'm using the super sparkly kits from The Stamp Spot - the main, red & teal kits are my go to.

There are 3 days in this blog post so I'll warn you right now, it's pretty photo heavy. Also, I'm out of my normal environment & don't have my white background. Ack! These pics have all been taken outside on the back of my brother-in-law's ute.

Day 7

The vellum card, wood veneer & number are from the main kit. The stickers are from the teal kit. The other 2 pockets are paper from Teresa Collins Tinsel & Co range.  One has with script writing and the other a hand made tag with sequins, rhinestones & washi from the kits.

On this day we visited Santa and it really was a magical experience.  He spent so long speaking with the kids about Christmas, their wishes, his reindeer, getting surprises.  The kids were just spellbound.  I loved just watching them interact.  We also got an official photo.  I've used a 6x8 page protector with the 6x4 photos back-to-back. Around the photos I have machine stitched pockets & added sequins and gold thread.

This is the back.

The last page for the day has the journalling cards.  The space down the bottom is waiting for a gold foil silhouette cut saying Magic.  I did cut this the other day but the m was distorted & time was not available before heading off to the farm *picture husband tapping his foot impatiently*.  It's the first thing on my list when we return. The glitter card is from the teal kit and the cork Christmas tree & stars are from the Freckled Fawn very merry embellishments kit. The final card is paper from Teresa Collins Tinsel & Co range with stickers from the main & teal kits.

Day 7 looks just like this in my album:

Day 8.

The glitter shaker card is from the main kit & I have just added the number.  The journalling card, paper clip and tag are also from the main kit.  I have used a Heidi Swapp stamp on the tag and added washi from the Freckled Fawn very merry embellishment kit. Finally I used a Kaisercraft stamp with the gold ink.

Lots happened today so I needed another journalling card.  This one is just white card with 2 layers of washi at the top and bottom. The bottom card is from the Teresa Collins Tinsel & Co range with a star die cut giving a peek-a-boo to the photo behind. The banner is purple foil from one of the pretend parcel decorations - the kids just couldn't resist opening one *about 5 actually* to see what the tiny little gift inside was.  Hmmm... the piece of foam was a little disappointing. I have added a sticker from the Freckled Fawn very merry embellishments kit.  

In my album day 8 looks like:

Day 9

Overall, this is a pretty simple page.  To the day card I have added glitter & wood veneer stars and the number - all of which is from the main kit.  I have also added a Kellie Stamps on top.

The bottom left pocket is white card with a piece of gold doily and a Heidi Swapp Christmas ephemera attached.  

The bottom right pocket is white card base with a white doily and a sticker from the Freckled Fawn very merry embellishments kit.  I really wanted a gold border on the card however don't have my embossing stuff with me at the farm *can only take so much* so I improvised with my Wink of Stella gold pen.  And it worked a charm.

The journalling card is from the main kit & I have used the gold gel pen for the writing. Next to it is an acetate piece with a flair from the red kit.

The 4x6 pocket is another piece of acetate stamped with white Stazon to create a pattern transparency.  I may add something else to this pocket - perhaps some typed strips of journalling.

In my album day 9 looks like:

Ok.  That's it from me for this one.  Thanks so much for stopping by.  I hope you're enjoying your December Daily journey.

Day 5 - Documenting December

Right, so, it's the day after the day I promised day 5 but hey, that's how it goes. And as an extra sign it's busy, I'm getting this blog done while I'm relaxing at the hairdressers... as you do!!

Day 5 was a great day, as Friday's often are. Santa made a visit to playgroup and Hannah was excited. She normally takes a fairly wide berth around Santa but today she was quite happy to go right up to him. Perhaps it was the gift in his hand :-). And that gift - a battery operated chirping, talking bird - has been a real winner. 

Today I'm using the stunning teal & main kits from The Stamp Spot as part of their design team for Documenting December. 

The left side:

The date card is from the main kit. I added some washi & stickers, also from the kit. The number is from the Freckled Fawn very merry embellishment kit. I've also done a little water colour script writing. 

The journalling is on kraft card with Teal Zing embossed Christmas trees. 

The right side is a 1/2 size insert. The photo is on a journalling card from the main kit with stickers & washi added. I used my tiny attacher to staple a Heidi Swapp acrylic arrow. On the side I have attached a tag with a sticker and mini tinsel. 

I added some water colour to the journalling card. 

The back of the insert is also just a simple photo & journalling card. I used the Rhonna Designs app to add text to the photo. The journalling card is from the main kit and I have journalled with the gold gel pen. 

The next "page" is the front of my sneaky 4x4 insert. I created this page on my phone using Rhonna Designs app for the text and a collage app to put it together. 

And this is how it looks in my album:

Thanks so much for stopping by. I am loving my December Daily journal for so many reasons. Top of the list is being able to just stop & reflect on each day. It lessens the blur of life. One of the other reasons is I'm actually getting my photos printed, journalled and in an album. It is truly wonderful to have something to look at that's not on the computer. 

I hope you have a great day & are also enjoying your DD journey. 

Day 6 - Documenting December

No, you're not mis-reading, I haven't yet done my day 5 blogpost.  That will be tomorrow.  Things have been a little hectic, as December can be.  Adding in a family birthday and I've also just been diagnosed (yesterday) with shingles.  I'm less than enthused with this, as you can well imagine.  I'm grateful that so far I don't seem to be suffering to badly with it {itchy as all get out though}.  I'm also exceptionally grateful that my wonderful husband is currently home from work.  Small blessings.

I'm part of the DT group with The Stamp Spot and am using the main, teal and red kits from The Stamp Spot {which are truly stunning} to create my December Daily album. Today I've added in stamps and a few extras bits from my stash. 

Ok, so day 6 in my album starts with my sneaky 4x4 page protector. I created this as part of my foundation pages and I still love this page.

The base is vellum with gorgeous teal dots.  I've added a doily, stickers, star sequin, tag from the main kit. Twine and enamel dots are from the teal kit and the number is from the Freckled Fawn very merry embellishment kit.

The next page is a full 6x8 with a red glitter base and white card on top.  I have used washi & stickers from the kits for the title.  As well as my new Wink of Stella red & gold pens. I'm already a little bit partial to these, though I really need to work on my doodling. This page is all about my shingles - woohoo!

Turn it over and there are birthday celebrations for John's uncle.  I've used a white card base, added photos, stamps, watercolour script writing and sequins.  Pretty simple, but looks like a party.

The shaker pocket on this page is from the red kit, handmade by the lovely Michelle.  To this I added washi and stickers from the kits. The journalling pocket is white card stamped with red stars.  The kraft tag has washi and ribbon from the kit.  I have used my sewing machine to attach the tag to the card. There are also a couple of pearls which I have coloured with a gold marker. The fabulous Beth Patfull, one of the other awesome DT members, did a very similar pocket which I absolutely loved.

And this is how it looks in my album:

Thanks so much for stopping my.  Day 5 will come tomorrow, I promise.

If you are after more inspiration, please check out Michelle at The Stamp Spot and also the other awesome DT members:

Tanya Watson

Stacey-Lee Collis

Beck Holder

Melinda Sweetman

Amanda Horne 

Bernii Miller 

Beth Patfull

Kirsteen Young

Amanda Miller

You can find me on instagram as @gabby_ingo and I'll also be linking up with Ali Edwards December Daily posts on her blog.

Have a great day,

Day 4 - Documenting December 2014

I'm up to Day 4 & I'm excited.  I'm keeping up with the actual Daily part of this project which impresses me no end!

Today I'm using more of the great supplies from The Stamp Spot main and red kits.  I'm loving all of the gorgeousness Michelle has put in all her kits.  


The left page:

This page uses a full 6x8 page protector to fit the tree picture on the other side.  On this side I have used kraft card as my base. The shaker pocket part of the red kit and I added the number.  The Christmas tree is from different washi pieces included in the kit.  Hannah's school photo is mounted on white card and I have journalled next to it with the gold gel pen from the kit.  I used my tiny attacher to attach the sequins.

Today is the birthday of one of my great friends & scrapbooking buddies.  Naturally a celebration was in order.  Three of us enjoyed a morning with a glorious high tea.  Needless to say, I didn't eat lunch & barely needed tea.
On the high tea/birthday photo I have used an overlay from Rhonna Designs. 

The journalling card is from the main kit and I have added sequins and washi tape.  I have journalled again with the gold gel pen.

The elf pocket is red glitter card with doily, stickers, sequins and one of The Stamp Spot's gorgeous exclusive flairs.

Pretty simple pages today, but I'm getting it done.

And this is how the pages look together in my album:

Thanks so much for stopping by to check out my progress.  If you would like some more inspiration, check out what Michelle from The Stamp Spot is up to and also the rest of the DT members:

Tanya Watson

Stacey-Lee Collis

Beck Holder

Melinda Sweetman

Amanda Horne 

Bernii Miller 

Beth Patfull

Kirsteen Young

Amanda Miller

Also, I'll be posting bits to instagram to be sure to check me out there as well - @gabby_ingo

Have a great rest of the day and can't wait to show you day 5!

Day 3! Documenting December 2014

Day 3, Day 3,

Look below with glee

And feel all warm & fuzzy,

As we trim the Christmas tree

Ok, so I'm not much of a poet, but there's something about the tree going up & carols blaring that really brings out my Christmas spirit.  More ho, ho, ho and less bah humbug.  We did wait for my husband to be home from work but he's never overly thrilled by the whole idea and mostly will leave me to my own devices.

I'm not an especially particular person.  Mostly close enough is good enough.  I rarely push for perceived perfection.  But for some reason my Christmas tree is different.  I like a colour scheme, I like pretty, I like matching wrapping paper & I really, REALLY want it too look like I imagine.  The kids however are growing up and getting much more vocal.  Zac always wants a rainbow tree - my colour scheme stifles him!  This year Hannah was happy to go with it, as long as she could get decorations from EVERY tub! *sigh* Just not the gold & white I imagined.  I have, with great difficulty, just gone with it.  I've reluctantly {and with great strength of character} not touched the tree since.  Surprisingly, it's actually not driving me nuts. Though we shall see how that goes as the month progresses

Below is Day 3 from my December Daily.  I'm part of the Documenting December DT for The Stamp Spot and today I'm using the main & teal kits only. 

The paper for the number card was in the teal kit and it's Bo Bunny Candy Lane - Jolly collection.  I LOVE this paper so much.  I edged the doily with the gold stamp ink from the main kit and placed a teal flair on top.  I covered a wood veneer star with glitter washi tape from the teal kit and added sequins, rhinestones and the number.  

I edited my tree trimming photo on my phone and added text using the Rhonna Designs app.  Super easy way to add journalling when space is tight.  

The other side is pretty simple. I added a sequin pocket from the teal kit to the top of the picture as a flip pocket and a sticker from the main kit.

Lift the flap and there's my tree, in all its mis-matched resplendent glory. I also edited this picture on my phone and added a quote from the Rhonna Designs app. I'm really liking this picture.

For my December Daily I'm printing all my pictures at home and the tree picture is the first one that isn't on 6x4 paper.  I just couldn't (easily, right now even) work out how to get it to print 6x8 so instead it's 5x7 with a great white border.  And it printed crooked!  But again, it's about just getting it done. 

This is how the pages look in my album. It really is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. 

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you're enjoying your December Daily journey too.  If you want some more inspiration please check out what Michelle is up to at The Stamp Spot  and also the rest of the fabulous DT:

Tanya Watson

Stacey-Lee Collis

Beck Holder

Melinda Sweetman

Amanda Horne 

Bernii Miller 

Beth Patfull

Kirsteen Young

Amanda Miller

Have a great day,

Day 2 - Documenting December 2014

Right, so, it's the 3rd and this is all about Day 2. I'm obviously behind - ALREADY! What can I say... my sister had a baby & a visit to hold the precious little girl was in order, of course. Her big brother {almost 3} just adores her already, it's so wonderful to see.  And don't bother asking, more kids are so not happening for me.  Two is my perfect number :-)

Okay, let's get onto what my album is looking like.  As you know, I'm on the totally awesome DT team for The Stamp Spot and am using the main (gold), teal & red kits for my December Daily.

The day pocket is Teresa Collins paper from the Tinsel & Co range.  The number, vellum star and wood veneer are from the main kit. The paper clip & red label stamp are funnily enough from the red add on kit.  I stamped and red embossed the vellum star.  I like this pocket, it's simple but bright.

The 6 x 4 paper is from the main kit and I added some punched hearts from a piece of gold foil, also from the main kit.  A gorgeous little heart stamp using the gold ink from the kit finishes off the card.

At the top our somewhat reserved elf also made an appearance on a piece of white cardstock with the writing using the gold pen from the main kit.

Now for the other side...

The kids are doing their letters to Santa.  Zac is using the great printable I got from the Pinterest page of Stacey-Lee Collis (another DT member).  Hannah chose to type her letter but since she's only 5 and can't read/write/spell yet the letter is pretty much open to interpretation.  I'll fill in her printable later and post them to Santa.  I'll also copy the letters (and the typed pages!) to include in this album.

The title card, letter/word stickers, washi & sequin star are from the main kit.  I added a Heidi Swapp Project Life stamp and also a coloured rhinestone to the star.  The journalling card and gold pen are also from the main kit.

And together in my album they look like this...

Thanks for coming by to check out my DD progress.  I'm really liking how it's looking with photos in there.  And I am extra grateful for all the work I did in November creating my foundation pages.  Already that is proving a god send.

Want some more inspiration?  Check out what The Stamp Spot and other DT members are up to:

Tanya Watson

Stacey-Lee Collis

Beck Holder

Melinda Sweetman

Amanda Horne 

Bernii Miller 

Beth Patfull

Kirsteen Young

Amanda Miller

Have a great afternoon.

It starts! Day 1 - Documenting December 2014

December is here and it's time to use my gorgeous, mostly ready, December Daily album. 

Some basic deets: I'm using a teal Snap! album from Simple Stories with a variety of pocket pages. My super fabulous kits are from The Stamp Spot - main kit and teal & red add ons. I've been incredibly fortunate to be part of The Stamp Spot Documenting December DT. As well as being able to work with Michelle's stunning kits and be a part of a great team, I'm now at the start of December with my foundation pages done. This is my first year undertaking December Daily and I'm pretty sure that already having my album set up will be my saving grace this silly season.

My photos: most of my pics will be taken with my iPhone 5c - it's handy & I love it. I'm printing my pictures at home - either on my big printer HP photosmart or on my super handy Canon Selphy. 

Let's have a look and see what Day 1 looks like...

Day 1 covers 7 pockets and uses the main and teal kits.  The first page was a 4 pocket page (each pocket 3x4 size). I cut the page in half leaving 2 pockets on the left side. I love this - it's a page in its own right but it also shows sneaks for the next page. This day is all about the return of our elf and making Christmas pudding. Seriously, I could eat pudding all year round :-)

The Hello card is embossed vellum from the teal kit. The stickers and number are from the min kit. The white card has gold star stamps and I've used the Freckled Fawn star washi to attach the photo.  To show the page is a half size, I created a file tab covered with washi & enamel dots from the teal kit with a Heidi Swapp stamp as well. 

Flip the half page over and you get...

Page 2 in more detail:

The 'lovely' pocket is from the main kit and Michelle had already sewn the gold ribbon which I just love. I added the doily, enamel dots and the wood veneer.  I coloured the wood veneer with Heidi Swapp colour shine and added a layer of glossy accents on top. The journalling card next to it is also from the kit.  I have used a great technique from Beth Patfull (also in the DT) to emboss the word - World - with some teal Zing.

I 6x4 pocket is white card I have added photos and journalling to.  Journalling today is either with a black Sharpie or the gold pen from the main kit.  I have attached one of the photos with washi tape from the teal kit.

The pages look like this in my album...

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I'm looking forward to getting today documented and added to my album.  And it will be even more special as my sister has given birth to a gorgeous girl this morning so she too will make a special appearance.

For even more inspiration, check out what the other DT members have been up to:
Ok, my computer keeps crashing so I can't provide all their links here. Grrr. But please check out Michelle's blog at The Stamp Spot for all the links.

Have a great day & I'll see you tomorrow. Same bat time, same bat channel

Gabby