Delightful December Day 31

Dear Reader,

I hope the last day of 2011 is the best yet for you and that the first day of 2012 marks the beginning of a year full of good health, success, love, laughter and bursting with creativity.

1. Gennifer Bursett's The Everything Planner
Beginning in September 2011 and running until January 2013, this fun and colorful planner also includes checklists, contact lists, a gift giving record and party planning worksheet among several types of calendars that you can print of a whim.

2. Tangie Baxter's 2012 Art Journaling Workshop
Ever wanted to venture into art journaling?  This is a year long workshop that guides you week by week.  Also an excellent way to try digital elements or hybrid creating.

I wish you the very best!

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 30

Dear Reader,

The end of year is coming on us so quickly.  I am trying not to forget to savor the last moments of 2011 in my preparations for 2012, but it is hard.  How are you celebrating the end of 2011 and beginning of 2012?

Here are some more links of products to record the memories of 2012:

1. Ormolu
They have lovely journalers along with other physical and digital products.  They are currently on a holiday hiatus until January 9th, but be sure to check them out when they return.

2. Elle's Studio
They have darling scrapbooking products that work for any purpose including Project Life, Project 365 and the like.  You can find their journaling tags HERE.  Calendar and date tags are HERE.  One of my favorite series is the Handmade Layers which you can find HERE.  All their digital products are found at jessicasprague.com HERE.

3. The Project Girl - Weekly Planner 2012 by Jen Allyson
Another cool digital planner product that you can print out at your whim with meal planners, lists, chore charts and the like.

4. Crystal's 2012 Planner by Crystal Wilkerson
A colorful and comprehensive planner which you can print out at your whim with inspirational quotes and excellent tools to keep you balanced and organized in 2012.  Crystal Wilkerson will be posting a video with a tutorial on December 31, 2011 (tomorrow) on her blog. 

Bonus: it is 50% off until December 31st using the coupon code: ENDOFYEAR50 and a portion is donated to benefit a young family who is suffering health problems.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 29

Dear Reader,

I am back again with some more products for capturing 2012.  All of these products mentioned today are digital and for a reasonable price you download files that you can use digitally and/or print out to use in any application you can dream up: scrapbooking, art journaling, cards, mixed media, invitations, home decor, etc. as many times as you decide.  No more worries about running out of these products.  I love that!

1. Robyn Meierotto Designs
Today Robyn Meierotto came out with a few really awesome products to help with documenting the coming year including:

a. Dated - 2012 Date Stamps
b. Everyday - Journaling Card Printables v1
c. Everyday - Banner Stamps v1
d. Everyday - Letter Rubons Days & Months

Bonus: Today, December 29, 2011, the items above are 30% off.

2. Gennifer Bursett Designs

Another designer who released some great new digital products today that will help with chronicling 2012 is Gennifer Bursett.  Here some:

a. 366 Days Template Album
b. 366 Days Quickpage Album
c. Favorite Things Journaling Cards
d. Favorite Things 2 Journaling Cards

Bonus: Today, December 29, 2011, the items above are 30% off.

3. Marcy Penner

A scrapbooker on the Project Life design team, Marcy Penner has designed journaling cards from experience and they can be used no matter your style.  Here are some of her download offerings available right now:

a. Take Note Journaling Cards | Simple Series One
b. Scheduled Journaling Cards | 2012 Calendars
c. Take Note Journaling Cards | Brackets Series One
d. Take Note Journaling Cards | Arrows Series One

4. It's Time Kits Bundle by Rhonna Designs
Fun time-centric kits to bring in the new year and celebrate 2012.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 28

Dear Reader,

I am on the hunt for printable journaling cards all over the place as I love the ease of them (you can print them endlessly and in the middle of night if necessary) and they can be used in so many ways.  I am thinking one of these days I will need to challenge myself with how they can be used.  Do you love journaling cards?  How do you use them?  As always, I would love to hear your point of view and your sources for physical or printable journaling cards.

Anyway, here are some offerings for you today (mostly journaling cards):

1. Creativity Prompt's Make Your Own Planner Workshop 2012
I check out Creativity Prompt's blog every week for her great freebies which include delightful journaling cards that would work great for Project Life among other uses.  She now has a workshop with a video, pdf instructions and printables to enable you to make and customize your own planner in 2012 all for a bargin price.  You could use this to help with your memory keeping as well as keeping on track throughout the year.  This is a self-paced class.

2. Project Life Journaling Cards found at jessicasprague.com
All of the digital elements from Project Life are found at HERE.  If you run out of journaling cards any time day or night and need some to match the core kits, you can purchase them and print them when you want them.  They also have the papers, elements, templates along with other goodies for reasonable prices (the journaling cards are $3.99 and you can print them innumerable times).  They also have all the editions including the original so you have as much flexibility as you like. 

3. Paislee Press's Press Cards No. 1 -3
A brand new series of digital journaling cards perfect for Project Life or for any application when you need something with a design that will work with nearly any aesthetic that are extremely easy to print when needed.  She also has a tutorial on how to print on the journaling cards HERE along with a free downloadable print guide HERE.  Of course she has more designs you will want to look out for too.

4. Robyn Meierotto's Cool Kid Journaling Cards
With fun arrows in cool hues, these are fun journaling cards that work for any occasion or gender.  I am going to keep on checking her store for more cards in the future.

5. The Queen of Quirk's Printable Journaling Cards Kit
This looks fabulous and until December 31, 2011 is 35% off!

I'll be back tomorrow with more beautiful journaling cards. 

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 27

Dear Reader,

It was excellent to have a day off work yesterday.  Our office takes few days off so I treasure each of them.  Today was a happy day as it is the reveal day at Studio Calico.

Today I wanted to showcase a few classes online to help with documenting 2012:

1. Studio Calico's Photo-A-Day with Nicole Samuels
Speaking of Studio Calico, they have a new very modestly priced class that would tie in with Project Life or any sort of day to day chronicling.

2. Twelve with Stacy Julian
A 12 week online workshop that looks jammed packed with great resources, tips, information and inspiration for scrapping in 2012 and into the future.

3. Ella Publishing Co.'s Take Twelve
This online "guided inspiration kit" is all themed around the number 12 with lists, prompts, sketches and other tools.

4. Aja Abney's Real Life, Captured
This is a 8 week long online workshop that includes a vibrant digital kit designed by Aja Abney to help you to capture your everyday.

5. Creative Jump Start Summit 2012
A *free* event meant to help you keep creative in 2012.  Sign up for the newsletter HERE.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 26

Dear Reader,

As 2011 draws to a close, attention is drawn to the upcoming 2012.  Online are numerous projects to help chronicle the year.  For instance here are a couple:

1. One Little Word 2012 with Ali Edwards
For the past few years Ali Edwards has been choosing one word for the new year to act as a focus, wish and/or goal.  She also offers a year long class at Big Picture Classes to direct you each month in 2012.  Find the class HERE.

2. Project Life with Becky Higgins
A simplified system to document the year whether you decide to do so daily, weekly, monthly or any sort of way.  For a brief introduction try watching Becky Higgins' videos HERE.  I am wrangling the family to do this project in 2012.  I bought the Clementine Edition core kit and some of the page protectors in Design A and Design F to begin with.  I plan on supplementing this with my own stash along with digital journaling cards and other products by various designers.  In the next week I will list some of them.  Also, I will try to give you some inspiration on others doing Project Life.

Have a joyous day!

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 25

Dear Reader,

I hope this has been the best Christmas ever for you and your loved ones.  I certainly had a wonderful one.  I know tomorrow will come too soon and I will be thinking of the days ahead...the last of 2011, but just for tonight I will rejoice in the now.

I wish you a night blessed with love, warmth and laughter.

Happy and merry Christmas,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 24

Dear Reader,

I am enjoying a quiet day at home helping with the cooking of dinner of two choices of roasted meat: prime rib and pork belly (what bacon comes from) and watching an old favorite, "Pollyanna" right now--it is such a happy, feel good movie.

I hope you have a delightful Christmas Eve!

Need something special to dress up your presents tonight?  Try these free printables:

Gift Tags by Eat Drink Chic
Adorable plaid reindeer tags.

Holiday Knit Tags by Eat Drink Chic
Another winner.

Illustrated Gift Tags by Helen Dardik
Delightful illustrated tags for all your gifting needs.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 23

Dear Reader,

Last night a friend came over and showed us how to tie big puffy ribbon bows on presents.  I unfortunately can barely tie a bow on a card so the art is lost on me.  Regardless, I appreciate a beautifully wrapped gift and perhaps no one does more than my mom who rather have the prettily wrapped present than the gift in it.

I hope this day is a joyous one for you.  To help here are some links with lovely projects:

1. December Daily Photos by Paislee Press
Liz Tamanaha is the designer behind Paislee Press which are some of the most beautiful digital products around.  You can get a bit of her aesthetic sensibility just from this blog post.  Simple and beautiful.  Plus her daughters are adorable. 

2. Sale at Market Street Stamps
This is a new stamp company with some great looking stamps.  I especially love all the backgrounds they have and I am thinking their sale is just the push I need to try them out.

3. Betsy Veldman's Peppermint Packaging
Betsy Veldman never disappoints...she always creates lovely projects and she has some sweet red and white peppermint packaging for your viewing pleasure.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 22

Dear Reader,

Let me get down to business:

1. Janet Hopkins' December Daily
Tres elegant and very chic, Janet Hopkins's December Daily was created using some of her own digital designs that you can purchase through her blog...they can be found at the end of the blog post.

2. Kirsty Wiseman's array of wreath images
On this blog post are a slew of beautiful wreaths that will make you rejoice.

3. An Artful Christmas givaway by Red Lead
Goodies abound with this giveawy.  Enter soon as the winner will be announced in the newsletter on December 24th.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 21

Dear Reader,

Happy Hanukkah to anyone out there celebrating the Festival of Lights this year.

Here are today's links:

1. A Branch of Christmas by Stephanie Dagan
A tree branch decorated with beautiful hand-stamped tags and banners.

2. Creative Mint
Just some lovely eye candy for all of you out there.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 20

Dear Reader,

Lots of late nights getting things done and I have had the chance to watch a couple of Christmas movies which were pretty good "Desperately Seeking Santa" and "12 Dates of Christmas".  I happened to really enjoy "12 Dates of Christmas" as it is based on the repeating day formula like that in "Groundhog Day".  Both movies are available to watch online for free for a limited time.

Here are some inspiring links for you today:

1. December Journal by Eve Johnson aka evalicious (Part One)
She sells her journals and embellishments through her store and is her best advertiser with her fun and eclectic style.
Part Two: HERE

2. Papertrey Ink's Make It Monday: Any Die into a Folded Tag with Erin Lincoln
You can watch this video on how to use dies we all (or is it just me?) collect purchase to make folded gift tags.

3. Handmade Gifts by Michelle Wooderson
Some sweet packaging that isn't your traditional Christmas fare.

4. Baby Gifts by Kate Whelan
These onsies and little fabric backpacks would be adorable gifts.  The same technique can be used for gifts for older children and adults too.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 19

Dear Reader,

The baking for gifts (with the important exception of the biscotti I promised to bake my sister) is officially over (imagine how "over" is dramatically said in the dubbed version of "Iron Chef")!  The majority of the delivery is being done today.   I hope everyone enjoys the goodies.

Here are some fun links for today:

1. Documenting December with SMASH
SMASH are cool books you can use to capture memories, ideas, pictures, etc.

2. Darcie Heater Designs' Pennant Tutorial and Freebies
A pretty pennant with instructions for you to use and decorate as you please.

3. Flickr Fans of Lawn Fawn Holiday Cards
Some really adorable and creative cards to get you going on those last minute cards.

4. Countdown to Christmas with Chari Moss (Day One)
Speaking of Lawn Fawn, go to Lawn Fawn design team member, Chari Moss' blog for a project every day until Christmas...they are a real treat.
Day Two HERE
Day Three HERE
Day Four HERE
Day Five HERE
Day Six HERE

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 18

Dear Reader,

Never underestimate the power of Santa Claus.  Last night my dogs did indeed sleep through the night. 

Here are today's links all courtesy of One Pretty Thing:

1. Christmas Roundup 
2. Ornament Roundup

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 17

Dear Reader,

Do you have those nights when you can't get a break when you and sleep are parted way too many times?  My dogs decided to wake me up from my blissful slumber several times during the night.  Can I use the threat of Santa Claus putting them on the naughty list to get them to sleep through the night?  Of course that will work.

Now on to something that is a great deal more fun, today's links:

1. Secret Elf Gift Tag Freebie by Celeste Rockwood-Jones
She's the terrific graphic designer behind some of Basic Grey's lines like Eskimo Kisses and she has a secret elf tag freebie for everyone (and on the right-hand bar are a few more fantastic freebies.  You will also want to search through her blog as there are more freebies not listed there.  I used the Halloween labels at last year's Halloween party found HERE).  HERE are some lovely Christmas tags.

2. Christmas Card Mini Book by Dawn McVey
Do you collect all those wonderful Christmas cards you receive year after year and don't know what to do with your favorites?  Dawn McVey has a great idea to showcase them in a mini book.

3. Marcy Penner's December Daily
I can't believe I haven't shared her December Daily with you yet because I have become quite a fan of her work and follow her blog pretty regularly now.  Her work has a lovely use of white space while  feeling handmade and ethereal.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 16

Dear Reader,

Tonight and the rest of the weekend looks like we will be working many hours in the kitchen finishing up all the food gifts on our the list.  Also, I have another project I need to wrap up this weekend.  I think I will be drinking copious amounts of coffee to get it all done!  I wish you ease in getting everything done that needs to be done this holiday season!

On to today's links:

JBS Inspiration Blog
Jenni Bowlin Studio's creative team are fabulous and on the blog this month are cards, cards, cards (which I still need, need, need).

While I am on the subject of Jenni Bowlin Studios, check out this design team member's blog:
Ranjini Malhotra
Outrageously pretty and elegant offerings plus she has freebies too!

Emma's Paperie
I have mentioned them before, but it is worth looking at their blog again for their Color of the Month challenge HERE and their Spotlight on Basic Grey HERE.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 15

Dear Reader,

Let's get right to today's offerings:
Generous Blogger

my life in lowercase {Celeste Smith}
I love this blog because she culls the web for awesome free printables, projects and cool happenings regularly and shares what she has found.

Pretty Projects

12 Days with Basic Grey
For the next 12 days (beginning yesterday, December 14, 2011), find a new project with instructions on Basic Grey's blog (love that they finally have one!).

Wrap It!

DIY Christmas with Rhonna Designs
I think Rhonna Farrer is amazing.  There I said it.  I keep track of whatever she designs (her designs are sold through her site Rhonna Designs) and her projects.  Here she has some ideas for using doilies in gift wrapping or decorating.  And I think I would remiss if I did not point you to her new Chevron Tool Kit found HERE.  The rest of her designs are also pretty outrageous.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 14

Dear Reader,

Have you had to brave the post office to send out packages yet?  We are packing up the boxes with treats right now for those friends and family members out of town and the post office will have to be visited Friday.  Wish us luck and a short line!

Today's offerings:
Documenting December/December Documented

Latonia Grant
A beautiful red, black and white December Daily.

Generous Bloggers

The Graphics Fairy
If you have never stumbled upon this site you are in for a wonderful treat--thousands of incredible clip art to use in your art and projects.

Cathe Holder of Just Something I Made
I am going to let you in on to a great resourse for lovely free printables here. For instance these awesome gift card holders found HERE.

The Vintage Workshop
A new vintage image every day.

Party with Prizes

Seven Days of Giveaways
Two extremely talented ladies with an excellent blog full of gorgeous projects are having a giveaway every day for the next week.  Also each day concentrates on a different theme--Day 1 Traditions, Day 2 Peace on Earth.

Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 13

Dear Reader,

What sites do you visit without fail when you need inspiration?  I would love to hear what has your mind buzzing with possibilities.
Now on to some fun links:

Documenting December/December Documented

Journal Your December
A blog dedicated to helping you journal about your December through prompts and lots of examples--a very cool resource.  The blog is in a couple of languages so just scroll down and there is usually English in italics.

Quirky Heart
Here is a very fun and cute hybrid December Daily/Journal Your Christmas using various kits from the designers of The Lilypad.

12 Days of Christmas

12 Days of Christmas with Silhouette
A free shape every day for your Silhouette or if you are like me your future Silhouette.

My Chic' n Scratch 12 Days of Christmas
With downloadable instructions and some videos this should be a great way to get some ideas.

12 Days of Christmas with Little Dreamer Designs
A digital subscription site for $5.00 a month, $25.00 for 6 months or $50.00 for a whole year plus all of the content from 2011 you also receive monthly freebies and starting today Christmas freebies for the next 12 days.

 Happy and merry creating,
Shay.

Delightful December Day 12

Dear Reader,

How crazy is it that for a short time we had 3 televisions on yesterday running 3 different Christmas movies?  I am not the only one watching Christmas movies...I am merely the one who enjoys them most of all and who gets a little chocked up by them no matter how cheesy they are.

Let's get back to the good stuff:

Documenting December/December Documented

Nicole Harper
This is a lovely December mini album.

Margie Romney-Aslett
A pretty December Daily with traditional Christmas touches.

It's a Wrap

Cosmo Cricket
These are cute paper bags that can be customized however you wish.

October Afternoon
Cute ideas using bags.

Cards, Cards, Cards

Create blog
Maybe you are like me and still have to make a few Christmas cards and want to see the possibilities out there.  Here are many with various styles for your viewing pleasure.  Also if there is a particular card that catches your fancy click on the cardmaker's name and check out their blog as you may discover a new source of inspiration and information.

Party with Prizes

Graphic 45 and May Arts Blog Hop
Two companies, two blogs, double the inspiration and giveaways.

Paper Crafts Presents: 12 Days of Christmas
Every day a new giveaway.

Merry and happy creating,
Shay.