Katie's Nesting Spot: January 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

Love Me Freebie: Treat Topper and Brag Book Pages

Adori Graphics has yet another new release! It's so fun to create with and perfect for making custom Valentine's! I used it to make a cute treat topper you can print out, fold in half, and attach to a sandwich bag. These are a great way to pass out treats to your kiddos classmates.

Here is a copy for you! Just click on link, right click, and save to your computer.

For Personal Use Only ~ Click for Freebie

Brag Book Page Blog Train

The Design Team has also put together another Blog Train full of freebies! We've each used the kit to create a brag book page. I was inspired to use it to create two perfect for showing off pictures of home sweet home! Here are my contributions:

If you would like to see an example of a finished brag book, with tips for how to assemble, check out my previous post for the Jungle Jane Digital Kit release. It also has a link to where you can download that freebie, a complete brag book with cover, back cover, and six pages!

For Personal Use OnlyClick for Home Sweet Home Page (Above Left)
Click for Bloom Page (Above Right)

Don't forget to snag the rest of the pages so you have a complete set! You should've come from Amanda & Millie Designs. Your next stop is Pavei Photos. Please keep in mind that Design Team members are from different countries and time zones, so some Blog Train posts may not be up yet. Here is the complete list of stops:

Adori Graphics
Amanda & Millie Designs
Katie's Nesting Spot
Pavei Photos
ATALW
My Healthy Frugal Home

Disclosure: I am a member of the Adori Graphics Design Team and receive free products to use in creation of promotional items.

Sharing at: Craftomanic, Sew Can Do, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Embellishing Life, and

Sunday, January 30, 2011

One World One Heart 2011

It was so much fun traveling around the world, via blogs, and I'm so glad I participated as a stop! Thank you to everyone who visited, left me a comment, and entered! Surprisingly, my OWOH winner is actually and old friend, Maryanne from Scrappy Gifts! I did a double take, when I checked the number random.org came up with against my comment list!

Welcome One World One Heart participants to my blog! I'm Katie, a former teacher turned SAHM to a sweet four year old. We are expecting our second child in August; while my favorite job is being a mother and wife to Brad, my husband of ten years, crafting is one of the great passions in my life. I also enjoy traveling and took advantage of my six years in Northern California to explore that wonderful state. Some of the day trips my husband and I went on there are my favorite memories. I am also an avid amateur photographer. I am thrilled to be a participant and not just a traveler for the first time this year.

Here are some examples of my projects. My favorite creative outlets are memory keeping related, specifically papercrafts. I was introduced to scrapbooking after going to Hawaii for my belated honeymoon and a whole new world of creativity opened to me. I think I was drawn to scrapbooking because I have a tendancy to forget things unless they are written down. Plus I take so many pictures, I needed something meaningful to do with them! I especially like making minibooks and enjoy making them from scratch, like interactive accordian fold pocket books with tags. They make great gifts.

Another favorite project is the 10 Reasons Why You're A Great Daddy book I made with my daughter. It incorporates her handwriting. Making custom and personalized home decor is another thing I do frequently. I'm always interested in learning new techniques, and am teaching myself to sew and how to expand my skills through digital and hybrid scrapbooking. I invite you to look around, the pull down menu under my blog header will help you navigate my blog by categories.

For my readers who are unfamiliar with One World One Heart, here is the description from the organizer's site My Life as a Whimsical Bohemian:

One World One Heart is a worldwide event for bloggers only. It gives all those who blog a chance to meet and mingle and form connections with those they may not have otherwise met from all over the world. In the past 4 years this event has grown to over 1,000 participants with lasting friendships (and even one love connection) formed along the way. Think of it as a GIGANTIC open house allowing you to travel without ever leaving your home........going from blog to blog(in various countries) seeing the wonder each one has created and meeting all the fabulous people behind those blogs. As a bonus each blogger participant will offer up a "door prize or prizes"....just for dropping by, saying hello and seeing their world. It's really that easy.

Giveaway:

As a thank you for coming by my little spot in the blogisphere, I'd like to offer an altered frame to one lucky winner. It will be the frame shown above, minus the picture of my little cutie pie☺. I painted it a pretty sage green and decoupaged fruit patterned paper onto it.

It's decorated with several embellishments like fabric and paper flowers with brad centers. There's a cute charm that says "Growing Up" attached so it looks like it's hanging from the bow. Plus an epoxy button and chipboard heart all in this corner.

The corner of the pink heart has been intentionally left blank so that a monogram or year can be added to personalize it more. I will add the letter for the winner before mailing it out, if he or she indicates what they'd like it to say.

Chipboard letters spell out "Sweet". The second half of the title was stamped in green and then embossed so it has a raised and shiny finish. Put together the frame's title is "Sweet Memories".

In the opposite corner I added two more chipboard accents, a decorative bottle cap, and more ribbon. It is a very cute and cheerful frame and I hope the winner will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it. Altering unfinished frames is one of my favorite projects.

To Enter:

To win the Sweet Memories frame, please leave a comment on this post.

I would love to know one of your favorite memories or perhaps you favorite fruit and way to eat it. You can also just say, "Hi," or tell me something about yourself in your comment too.

Important Giveaway Details:

Winner will be chosen via random.org on February 17th and have 48 hours to respond to my notification email. The winner will also be announced on my blog.

Please make sure you leave a email address in your comment, if it's not part of your profile. If the winner does not respond to my email notification, I reserve the right to choose a new winner after the 48 hour period.

If you would like to join One World One Heart, please visit this link to find out the details on how! If you are visiting from One World One Heart, please leave me your number on the list (I'm #137) so I can be sure to come see you too!

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting me. I hope you will stop by again and visit often so we can become friends. I love meeting all the talented artists from around the world through this event and have been lucky enough to win handmade treasures from participants twice in the past. The first time was a lovely amulet necklace from The Colour Guru and last year we received a beautiful soft sculpture doll from Kaerie Faerie. Both are displayed proudly in my home. If you haven't taken part in One World One Heart before, I encourage you to spend some time visiting and meeting new bloggers, you won't regret it!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Review & Giveaway: Read and Share Bible

Thank you to everyone who entered and congratulations to Kim C., comment 28, who said, "I get your emails too!"

Brad and I feel that one of the most important things we can teach our daughter is to know and love the Lord. She has always loved story time and reading age appropriate books with a religious message has been one of the best ways for us to introduce her to Him and facilitate discussing His message with her.

I was sent The Read and Share Bible by Tommy Nelson and I've very happy with it! Over 200 Bible stories are presented in a short format, usually one to two paragraphs. It's just the right amount of text for young children. At four ER can sit through several at a time, while one or two at a time would be suitable for a younger child.

The illustrations are bright, colorful, and will appeal to preschoolers. My favorite part about The Read and Share Bible, and what sets it apart from others, is the discussion starter with each story. I think it's a great tool for starting dialog with your child and helping them see the real meaning of the story.

Just like I've recently started a Daily Devotional, The Read and Share Bible by Tommy Nelson is ideal for daily study with our child. I think it'd be a great way to end the day each night before bedtime prayers. The title retails for $16.99 and is priced right to make it the perfect gift for a preschooler or for a baptism or dedication ceremony present to help new parents start their collection of children's religious titles.

Giveaway!

One reader will win a copy of The Read and Share Bible by Tommy Nelson!

To Enter:

Visit the Tommy Nelson website and tell me something you liked on it, or how you share God with your child.

Extra Entries:

Publically follow my blog using Google Friends Connect.
Subcribe to my blog via email.
Blog about or provide a text link somewhere on your blog to this giveaway, tell me where I can see it to confirm.
Follow me and/or Tommy Nelson on Twitter, leave your profile name in your comment
Like my blog and/or Tommy Nelson on Facebook, leave your profile name in your comment.

Don't forget to leave a separate comment for each additional entry. Please make sure your email is either visable in your profile or leave it with your entries so I can contact you if you win. Giveaway open to US residents now February 12 at midnight EST. Winner will be chosen via random.org, emailed, and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is picked.

Disclosure: A reviewers and giveaway copy of this title were provided by Tommy Nelson. This did not affect my review in any way. My personal and unbiased opinions are given.

Friday, January 28, 2011

To the Stars and Back: Valentine Freebie

Today I am over at Adori Graphics sharing a set of hybrid Valentine's I created with Louise's latest digi kit release, To the Stars and Back! That's a preview of what I've created above.

While love notes might not be the first thing to come to mind when you see this kit, it was just perfect for one of my favorite sentiments. My daughter and I say it to each other all the time: I love you to the moon and back.

In my guest post, I'll share some tips on how to print out digital designs and ways to make them extra special, as shown in the photos of the embellished designs. Be sure to click over to Adori Graphics for printing tips, more details on the simple how-to, and to download a copy of the FREE set of Valentine's!

You can also download a PNG version of the Valentine's, by clicking here, then right click and save as to your computer. Just don't forget to see how to embellish them, by reading the guest post. You will need a program that works with layers to insert photos, like Photoshop Elements. Enjoy! Please leave us some comment love if you download and remember these freebies are for Personal Use Only!

Shared At: Categorically Crafting at Someday Crafts and Strut Your Stuff Valentine's at Somewhat Simple.

Disclosure: I am on the Adori Graphics Design Team and receive access to digital kits to create promotional items.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

A Crafty Soiree #22

I am so excited by all the great projects we've had linked up, really they are the best of bloggerland! You all impress me with your creativity and talent! This week I my spotlight is on three participants who linked up ways to make personalized serving pieces for your table and home.

Amanda at The Ivy Cottage has figured out a way to always have the perfect charger for your next dinner party, no matter what the theme. I love how easy they are to switch up and have a different look each time, all with minimal cost and without having to store a bunch of tableware.

Cheryl at Sew Can Do shows us how to make a stylish sippy cup in seconds! I have seen coffee cups with interchangeable inserts but never one a toddler version. I'm definitely going to have my eyes open for some. Cheryl points out how easy it is to change them for different seasons and holidays, fun!

Over at On the V Side find out how easy it is to make a personalized Pyrex dish and this very pretty monogramed apothecary jar for a fraction of the price one from an upscale home store would cost.

Ladies, for being our features this week, we're happy to offer you our special Crafty Soiree Ribbon! It's yours to proudly display! Don't forget to check out today's Crafty Soiree post at Yesterday on Tuesday, we both pick three participants to feature each week so you might have been featured by Malia. But you'll have to visit her to find out!

Now it's your turn to link up! The linky will be open for a week, so you have plenty of time to join us! Here are some guidelines for our guests:

Link up your creative projects! Crafts, Decor, Recipes, Sewing and Organizing tips are are welcome. Kids crafts are welcome too, we want to see how you're encouraging the next generation of artists!
Add your links to the specific posts and not your blog's homepage. Please make sure you post is NEW to A Crafty Soiree, it can be from your archives but should not be something you linked up to our soiree before.
Add my Crafty Soiree button above or link back to me in your posts, so others can find us and join in!
Please comment on the post linked up in front of you. All partygoers love meeting new friends... don't just stop there...if you see something that catches your fancy-- stop by and say hi!
Please consider following the hostesses, me and Malia, we want to get to know our guests
Most importantly... enjoy yourself and have fun!

Don't forget, A Crafty Soiree is hosted on two blogs, so when you link up on one your link will automatically show up on the other one too! Please note, by linking up to A Crafty Soiree, you're giving permission to feature your project and photos in the future, with proper credit of course☺

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

And Baby Makes Four

Here's our first picture of our new little love...just over twelve weeks along and thankfully no morning sickness but a lot of tired days, which is why things have slowed down a lot around here. We've been hoping and praying for baby number two for quite some time. We are simply overjoyed by this pregnancy and can't wait to have another summer baby to love!

Okay so not quite wordless but I think in this case it's understandable! Shared At: Wordless Wednesday at Go Graham Go, Five Minutes for Mom, and Two of a Kind Working on a Full House...and Wordful Wednesday at Seven Clown Circus.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Scrapbook Layout: Making Paper Hearts

Last year ER made a few paper mosiac hearts, one of which we gave to Great Grandma and another we used as a photo prop for our Valentine photo card. The pictures from that day have been sitting in my "to scrap" pile for almost a year. When I saw Laura's first Layout of the Week and knew a similar design would be perfect. Here's how it came out, very easy and quick to scraplift.

Shared at Scrappy Saturdays at Scrappy Gifts.

Monday, January 24, 2011

I Heart Spring Hybrid Project: Post It Note Holder Freebie

I think the brand new kit from Adori Graphics, I Heart Spring is my favorite yet! I love the colors and with it being so dark and dreary lately, the cheerful palatte is just what I needed. This time around, I've made a Post-It Holder to share. It's perfect for jotting quick notes and would be great next to the phone or computer. As part of the kit release celebration, I have a freebie download for you too!

The Adori Graphics Design Team is having another Blog Train, which means lots more freebies for you! You should've come from Sew Retro, So You. Your next stop is Pavei Photos. Please keep in mind that Design Team members are from different countries and time zones, so some Blog Train posts may not be up yet. Here is the complete list of stops:

Adori Graphics
Sew Retro, So You
Katie's Nesting Spot <-------You Are Here
Pavei Photos
My Healthy Frugal Home

It's very easy to make, just print out the file. Each sheet gives you two options. Cut out the backgound of your choice and then slip it into an inexpensive 4"X6" plastic frame. Mine was only $1 from the Dollar Store. Peel off the backing from a stack of Post-It Notes and stick into place.

There you have it, a very pretty little holder. Give one with a few stacks of Post-It Note and a matching colored pen...you have a quick and inexpensive gift. These would be perfect for teacher appreciation day and make pretty party favors!

Blog Train Freebie

Click here for the download. Right click and hit save as to your computer. It's designed to be printed out on an entire 8.5"X11" sheet of presentation paper. You may have to set your printer to "no border" or "borderless" printing. For Personal Use Only

JPEG Versions

If you're having trouble getting the file to print properly, I've also got the images available individually. You don't even need a digital editing program to enjoy them. Here are three photo versions, including a bonus green one. It doesn't have a title so you can write in your own or use letter stickers to personalize it. Just develop it like you'd a normal print and slip into your plastic frame. Click the links below to access the image. Right click and hit save to your computer.
For Personal Use Only
Pink Post It Note Freebie
Blue Post It Note Freebie
Green Post It Note Freebie
Valentine Freebie This FRIDAY!

Don't forget to visit Adori Graphics on Friday to see my guest post, it includes a free set of Valentine's using the To the Stars and Back Kit! I'll be sharing simple ways to add your own touch to hybrid projects and you won't want to miss it!

Shared At: Tickled Pink at 504 Main, I'm Lovin' It at Tidy Mom, Feature Yourself Friday at Fingerprints on the Fridge, It's a Hodgepodge Friday at It's a Hodgepodge Life, Fun Friday Finds at Kojo Designs, Friday Link Party at Creation Corner, and Friday Favorites at Simply Sweet Home.

Disclosure: I am a member of the Adori Graphic's Design Team and am provided with access to Digital Kits to create promotional items.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

A Crafty Soiree #21

The Valentine projects are beginning to show up everywhere! This week the three projects I've spotlighted are all very pretty and handmade ways to decorate your home for the upcoming celebration of all things related to love.

Irene at Crafty Girls Workshop has a great tutorial for a specimen art. I really like the heart layers in her version.

April at Cup of Delight made this sweet little hand embroidered sign, I think it would make a lovely Valentine gift. It's great how it captures April's own handwriting. Older children might even be able to make it themselves.

Jo-Anna from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs made this pretty yarn ball garland, it sounds easy to make too!

Now it's your turn to link up! The linky will be open for a week, so you have plenty of time to join us! Here are some guidelines for our guests:

Link up your creative projects! Crafts, Decor, Recipes, Sewing and Organizing tips are are welcome. Kids crafts are welcome too, we want to see how you're encouraging the next generation of artists!
Add your links to the specific posts and not your blog's homepage. Please make sure you post is NEW to A Crafty Soiree, it can be from your archives but should not be something you linked up to our soiree before. We've had a few repeats and we'd like to avoid that.
Add my Crafty Soiree button above or link back to me in your posts, so others can find us and join in!
Please comment on the post linked up in front of you. All partygoers love meeting new friends... don't just stop there...if you see something that catches your fancy-- stop by and say hi!
Please consider following the hostesses, me and Malia, we want to get to know our guests
Most importantly... enjoy yourself and have fun!