Happiest of Holidays

Wow...
I can't believe that I have not posted since Halloween.  

Totally sorry about that, but you know how life gets.

Anyway, I have been crafting and polishing...so time to share a bit.

This may be a little long since I have so much to share...hope you don't mind.

So, I decided to make a Christmas house...different from my plaster ones that I do each year.

Yeah, I didn't even get those out this year...that's how crazy it's been.

I had this paper mache house that I was wondering what to do with and here is what I came up with.

 

Here it is as purchased.

I was able to get this at my local Hobby Lobby.

 

Here it is with the top askew.

Yes, the roof comes off.

 

I split the house to the back, but not all the way, just so it can be opened.

I also painted gesso on the whole thing before applying papers inside and out.

 

Here is the final product.

I embellished it with everything I could find...as always.

I wanted to make it as cold looking as I could.

Living in Florida, I miss it being cold at the holiday time...but not enough to move back up north!

So this will do for me!

 

Another photo of the house finished.

I think this will be another decoration for years to come.

Next, here are the Christmas cards I actually finished and mailed BEFORE the holidays!

That's right...I was able to make a hundred cards and send them out this year.

I am so excited.  I really did not think I was going to make it.

I really need to start earlier next year.

But anyway, I did do it...and I am so proud of how they came out.

The ornament was cut from my Cricut machine which made this much easier.

Though cutting intricate shapes sometimes gives me headaches.

It has the white background shape, then the darker blue ornament shape, 

then the lighter blue ornament bulb.

 Here it is with the next piece, the bow, put on it...and now its ready for...

GLITTER!

Yes, I used my Silver Stickles Glitter Glue on each one!

Here's a picture of some of them!!!

The finished card.  

I put the glittered ornament on blue card stock, then patterned paper, then on a blue card base.  

I then embossed in white the sentiment.

 

I love making cards for the holidays.

To me it's like giving a mini present to everyone each year.

I hope everyone enjoys them.

 The last big thing that I have finished creating is a 'metal look' clock.

I know, you are wondering what 'metal look' means...

Well...look at the following photos and maybe you can get an idea.

Here is a wood board that I purchased on clearance at Michaels.

I put a coat of white gesso on it.

 Next, I added some chipboard numbers, some acrylic shapes and some mesh-rhinestones.

 I then covered the whole thing in metal tape.

You can find it in any hardware store down the roofing aisle.

No, I don't know what you use it for...but I know what I use it for!

 Next, I took my metal kit that includes all kinds of dry embossing tools and carefully went around everything that I have underneath on the board.

I also made many dots, dashes and scratches.

Then I took black acrylic paint and painted the whole thing.

Then before it was dry, I took tissues and wiped it all off.

It leaves black in the grooves and that's what makes this look.

I then added the clock parts...and ta-da!

 This now hangs on my wall in my studio.

My hubby loves it!

Now on to some polishing...

I was challenged last week at work to not do any nail art that I had done before.

 So, after browsing Pinterest...another one of my favorite places online...

Here's what I came up with.

 Rather easy...especially if I was able to do it!!!

This week for Christmas, I did a new manicure...another easy one.

At first I only did the tips with green and red...but wanted to ask my friends if I should put glitter on them or not.

After a long debate on Facebook...

I should have known with my friends that glitter is the only way to go.  LOL!!!

 Here they are with the added glitter.

 I rather like them this way myself.

Well, I told you this was going to be a long post.

I hope to post again soon...but the holidays are almost here.

Oh...I want to know who told me to get the Rainbow Loom?

I have been making these kiddie bracelets all weekend, and I don't have any kids!

What in the world am I going to do with them all?

Especially since it is so easy to do and addicting!

Oh well...

I think the kids in the neighborhood are going to be styling some bracelets for the New Year!

I hope everyone has, or will enjoy their holidays and I wish you all the best New Year.

I have been thinking of some new resolutions for the the New Year...besides for the usual ones.

What are yours...I'd love to hear...maybe I can get some ideas.

Take care all!!!