Friday, December 6, 2013

Visions of Sugarplums and Other Matters of the Heart

I should have known the day was not going to go right when our rooster, Jack, expired and not by natural causes.   But that is a story for another day.

I really don't know what to say other than I am exhausted and very disappointed in my make for several reasons.  I made a mini album out of red business envelopes.  Of course there was a tutorial on Youtube.   Much to my horror I discovered that when I put the album together, the pages were way too fat and did not behave well at all.  Then for some weird reason the colors were really off in the pictures.   All in all it is not too bad and I did learn a lot from the experience.  Next year I will start much earlier to accommodate for mistakes and trial and error.  So let's just get to it!  I give you my The Twelve Days of Christmas mini album.
This is the front and some of the back. It really does look better than the picture.
This is looking at the inside - a good example of the color showing up all wrong!!
Open this baby up and you will see the inside cover and first page.  Keep in mind that the pages are made from folded envelopes.  There are two pockets on a page, and a third one in the very top and one in the side which I will show you later.
Do you see the thumb print on the top left hand page?  That is where you can put an insert be it for family pictures or favorite recipes you use at Christmas. 
This is a tag that was in a small envelope  on the right hand side of the previous page.
Just another page ...
Do you see the gold at the very top of the right hand page and at the side?  Those are showing you how the  inserts pull out.
I do love my Lord dancing!  He is a tag in the right previous page.
This is the last page of the book - again you can see the gold insert sticking out of the top.

There are eight pages inside my Christmas album - my gift to you - I did not show you all eight pages.

Please visit my friends who have also posted today - the very last day of our Christmas hop.  Remember, the more you comment, the more chances you have to win!




Giveaways:  $10 gift certificate - Paper Sweeties - http://www.papersweeties.com/
                   1 set of choice -  Moonlighting by Mary - http://www.etsy.com/shop/MoonlightingByMary
                   1 set of choice - Digital Paper - http://www.etsy.com/shop/bydigitalpaper
                   1 set of choice - Graphic Market - https://www.etsy.com/shop/GraphicMarket
                       $20 gift certificate  - Nicecrane Designs - http://www.nicecranedesigns.com        
                        Lori's Giveaway - mine will grow each day and then I'll give it all away to one lucky winner


I too will give Graphic 45 Twelve Days of Christmas paper  to two lucky winners today.  So leave your comments and Lori will pick the winners from the comments.

I think you know how much I appreciate your visit and sweet comments.  Happy Holidays Y'all!
Sandy



84 comments:

Annmaree of Oz said...

Sorry to hear about your Rooster. its tough loosing our pets.

I think you did an amazing job on this envelope album, I think the colours look fabulous!

Great layers and pockets, so much to see and interact with! Thats a lot of fun! Great images and papers. Stunning!

May said...

O dear poor Jack...(was it that bear)...I love your album madam... the layers & papers are Beautiful...the pockets are a great idea... The images & embellishments are Gorgeous....Hugs May x x x

Karen said...

I have a few of those papers so I know how bright & beautiful this is Sandy! What a lovely little album to tuck away little Christmas bits :-D

So sorry about Jack, I hope he didn't suffer, HUGS XXXX

Inkypinkycraft said...

Oh Pooryou and poor Jack, sending hugs xxx trace x

Kelly said...

So sorry about Jack! We need some phone time soon. Well you astonish me! You made this! In such a short time you have been making all these gorgeous creations, no wonder we cannot talk on the phone, you are a creative mind at work!! I ADORE this album!! You did a amazing job and my favorite papers, it turned out perfect not too fat. I think it looks fabulous.

Love all the goodies in the pockets, the 12 day of Christmas is a great theme, I would think Graphic 45 should use your project to sell their papers! It is a gorgeous book to cherish!

I love your imagination and how you execute it!! I hope you have a awesome day and things go well. We are 7 degrees today with a wind chill and I have to go do my parents business, brrrr. Sending you warm hugs and love your way,
Kelly

cathylynn said...

Sorry about Jack. You have me in total awe here! This mini album is phenomenal!!! Love every square inch of it! Gorgeous papers! So much to look at. Thanks for sharing your talent with us!
Hugs, Cathy

SD pooja said...

Hey your album ha turned out so well !! I loved the wonderful pps used and various inserts you have made,those vintage images look fabulous too !!

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Your album is gorgeous, so much beautiful detail ! Sorry about your Rooster, it is difficult when our pets leave us. Take care, Shirleyx

Marilyn S said...

Ohhhhh Sandy, this is
Beau-Ti-Ful!! I adore Graphic 45 papers and this album is fabulous! It doesn't surprise me though, your talent and creativity bring this project to life and I love it!
I took a class on making an album this fall and we did it out of the Graphic 45 Steampunk Spells papers and what a great project. Of course, then I had to go buy all the papers and tags from their Secret Garden collection. As yet, that album is not started but I intend to do it before Christmas...for a Christmas present actually. Thanks for the inspiration and now I have a fire under me to get it done!

Marilyn S said...

I also want to say... so sorry to hear about Jack!

Jayne A said...

Hi Sandy, so sorry to hear about your roots. We had an incident with a fox and rabbit a few weeks ago.

Dont be disappointed with your album Sandy because it's an absolute stunner.

Hugs
Jayne

Lynn said...

Your album is very pretty even if the colors didn't show up right! I am sure it took a long time to make! I love Graphic 45 paper! I love the look and feel of their paper and that time in history. I often wonder what it would have been like to live in the Victorian Era! Thank you for sharing with us.
Hugs,
Lynn

DIANA L. said...

Beautiful. I love what you did with the G45 paper. It looks like it took a long time. Have a great day
DIANA L.
dianamlarson.blogspot.com

Carla S. said...

Sorry to hear about your rooster, Sandy. Your album is really gorgeous! I love the papers and embellishments and design!

Annie said...

Gosh, if you're so disappointed in this little beauty, I can hardly wait to see the one you would be happy with! I also wouldn't have minded a bit to see all your pages. I'm gonna have to check out that YouTube video to see how you constructed this. It's a treasure, Sandy, it really is!

Lau W said...

Oh so sad news, so sorry for Jack...my thoughts are with you :-(
Your album is fantastic Sandy, don't be disappointed, it's a beautiful creation with fab images, fab colors, congrats for this work !
I send you big bisous my friend !
xxx

Valerie-Jael said...

This is fantastic, don't complain, it's a wonderful album.Sorry to hear about your rooster, things like that are always sad. Take care of yourself, Sweetie! Hugs, Valerie

Sue B said...

Oh Wow! this is stunning Sandy! what a wonderful mini album… every page is so beautiful… I love the gorgeous papers and images…so much to see... it has a lovely vintage feel to it… I think it's awesome! :-)
Thanks for your lovely comments on my blog… I am now a Follower of your blog also!
Take Care
Big hugs
Sue xx

koala said...

Wow, wow, wow, what a BEAUTIFUL ALUBUM, Sandy !!! (^o^)/"""
Sooooooo BEAUTUFUL and amazing job !!!
I really love papers and coordination, I do not see anything wrong with colors, Sandy !
YOU are AWESOME !!!
I LOVE colors, papers, decoration detail, everything !!!
I would love to use like this papers, but I do not have good ideas, so difficult for me… (;*.*;)"""

Emily H said...

Incredible!! Wow! This is amazing!!!

Redanne said...

Oh no Sandy! I hope it was not that big bear that got Jack - if it was I hope it was quick.... Your album is fantastic, so much detail and so very beautiful. I love the dancing Lord too. Amazing what a gorgeous creation you can make from envelopes! Hugs, Anne xx

scrappymo! said...

RIP little rooster...

Your book is wonderful. So many pockets and tags and surprises.
It looks fab in the pictures...none of the negatives you mention show to me.
All I see is a gorgeous mini book, full of wonderful surprises...just as minis should be!

Anonymous said...

Some days it doesn't pay to get out of bed. Sorry this was that day for you. The album does look good - you are probably the only one disappointed. thanks for sharing. Hope tomorrow starts better.

friemelchen said...

WOW was für ein tolles Album, so viel Details, einfach wunderschön!

cuilliesocks said...

Aw poor Jack, and horrible for you to find him.

I think your book is glorious, what an amount of work went into this project. Every page is wonderful with all the little element to it. The colours still look good.
Hope tomorrow is better for you, hugs Kate x

Netty said...

Not the best of experiences for you today Sandy, hope the others are all OK.
I love your wonderful book which must have taken you ages to make. Enjoy the weekend, hugs Annette x

misteejay said...

Oh my, what a super project. All those nooks & crannies to tuck away Christmas keepsakes is amazing - TFS.

Sorry your day started so badly but this project is wonderful.

Toni xx

Anonymous said...

Sandy,
Your book is great. Well done.

MaryH said...

I see a story "Requiem for a Rooster" and am waiting to hear what happened.Now I think your album was gorgeous (bear in mind I don't album, so I don't know what to really look for, but you said you were disappointed!) I loved every page...each was loaded with so many wonderful papers & elements, it was just a joy to see each page. I'm awed by all the wonderful 'finds' you had to embellish - & I wouldn't have a clue as to how to even start this kind of complex artistry. So whatever you're not liking about this, I can't see it. I LIKE it VERY much!!! Awesome. Hugs & hope your weather has warmed today, as has ours. I even saw the sun poke his head out, but he doesn't stay long. I think he's skeert to! TFS

Vicky said...

Gorgeous as always hun...and I hope you have a lovely weekend too...:o)

biggest of hugs Vicky xx

Danielle Champagne said...

Well Sandy, I do not know why you say that you are disappointed in your album, it is awesome. full of surprises, colors and gorgeous details. I am sorry to hear about Jack, can,t wait for you to tell the story. Wonderful project, all in all. Hugs.

Meggymay said...

Fabulous project, so many wonderful details and things that pull out, an Aladins Cave full of delights.
Yvonne

Anonymous said...

Oh Sandy, this is spectular!!!!!!!!! I hope your having a great holiday season!!!

Migdalia said...

Gorgeous! Amazing! Beautiful! Stunning!! Love this!!
Have a wonderful day,
Migdalia
♥ Crafting With Creative M ♥
♥ 2 Creative Chicks Challenge Blog ♥

Karon said...

Oh my goodness this is one stunning mini album! WOW

cghundley said...

Beautiful album.
Thanks for sharing
it.
Carla from Utah

Linda Palmer said...

Gorgeous book or album. I am sorry I couldn't see it better because my eyes are blurring again so not seeing to well but I know your work is always beautiful and amazing.

Stamps and Paper said...

Hello Sandy..so sorry to hear about Jack....
Your album looks really good such a shame that it wont closse properly but I think we all learn from our mistakes...but I still think it FABULOUS....

Anne

Craftin Suzie (Susan Wykes) said...

My Sandy you are far too harsh on yourself this looks fabulous, I really enjoyed looking at all the other pictures and I'm sorry you didn't post them all!

Goodness me does this mean you have a murderer in your midst? Hope you find the culprit! Susan x

Craftin Suzie (Susan Wykes) said...

My Sandy you are far too harsh on yourself this looks fabulous, I really enjoyed looking at all the other pictures and I'm sorry you didn't post them all!

Goodness me does this mean you have a murderer in your midst? Hope you find the culprit! Susan x

MRS DUCK said...

Hi Sandy
Not sure why you're not happy as this is super but we are our own worst critics.
My sympathies for Jack's untimely demise.
Have a great day.
Ang x

Maria Matter said...

Wow, this is amazing!!
love all the detail & these G45 papers! beautifully done Sandy!
Great being in the hop with you this week!
Merry Christmas

Karin said...

wow you did a great job, it looks beautiful Have a great sunday,
Groetjes Karin

Words and Pictures said...

Very sorry to hear about Jack... horrid way to start the day.

But I think you've been unnecessarily influenced by that in your feelings about the album... from here, it looks fabulous. I love the papers you've used, and all the tags, pockets, inserts and half pages - so much interactivity (which I love in a mini-album)... And yes, the Lord dancing is hilarious!

I want to see more pages!!!
Alison xx

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

I think it really looks stunning Sandy...what a great job, lots of work, with such a nice result!
Compliments :-)
Have a great month, Alie

Chris said...

So sorry to hear about Jack, I hope all your others are ok! I think your ini album is fabulous...I would never have thought there had been any trial and error, it's so gorgeous! Hugs to you sugar plum.

Sandra said...

Really sorry to hear about your rooster Jack! I really love your album! It's perfect! Can only imagine the work that you put into it! Stunning!!! Hugs, Sandra

Julie Lee said...

Well, I can't see one single thing wrong with this, Sandy! It looks absolutely amazing! I am in awe of such a terrific creation. I have to agree that your 'Lord a leaping' is terr-i-fic!!! I want to leap off into the sunset with him! So very sorry to hear about Jack. It's tough when our loved animals die. Take care and be proud of that album!I would be, if I had created it. Julie Ann xxx

Patricia St Martin said...

Sandy, I'm so sorry about Jack. It is always hard to loose a friend. I'm sorry you are not happy with your creation. Love all the layers and the vintage designs with the pockets.
Hugs, Pat

Jenny Marples said...

Love this book Sandy. Getting photos right is always a tricky business but these do show how much care and attention you've paid to each of the pages. Jenny x

Cat's sCrap said...

What an magnificent vintage project ! Pages are quite also beautiful one as the others. Great work ! Bravo !

Hugs from France.
Catherine.

Unknown said...

I'm sorry about Jack :(
Your album is just amazing, with all those pretty details, love it!!

vic said...

Sorry to hear about your rooster jack I hope your ok,

Your album is fantastic it's looks fab you should be really proud :)

Vic x

Janiel/ janny said...

Hello Sandy.. I have not been here in a long while....... I wanted to stop by and wish you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
big hugs, Janiel

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Wow Sandy, that's a fantastic project, your album looks wonderful. I'm joining the December Daily project this year. One page have to be filled each day... just a little adventure.

Marjie Kemper said...

Fabulous, Sandy! I love the different heights of the pages and pockets. Merry Christmas!

Alice said...

i think this is really beautiful, Sandy! so much work went into it and it's all worth it! gorgeous album! Happy Holidays to you and yours! =)

Marja's Stamp Addiction en Marja's Creativity said...

This is great and such a beautiful work. So much to see.
lovely greet
Marja

Nicecrane Designs said...

What a cute and all over hard work on this amazing book Sandy,,,,,You are so creative love it, love it.

Lori said...

Just wonderful, Sandy! Love every single bit! So glad you were a part of Visions of Sugarplums!

Scrap Affair said...

So Sorry about Jack.
Sandy, I am in total AWE as well! This mini album is phenomenal, SUPERB-Stunng!!!Greatly enjoyed looking at this wonderful piece of work!

Christina C. said...

I don't know how I almost missed this posting. I don't seem to get your new posts for some reason...will have to click for your emails! Now, Miss Sandy, I can't imagine why you are not happy with this album. It is an absolute work of art!!!!!! I adore every page of this treasure. You should be proud...it is magnificent!!!!!

Marie Rayner said...

Oh what a shame Sandy. It's so disappointing when something doesn't turn out the way you want it to. It looks really lovely to me! I think it's beautiful! I just finished a 60th Birthday album as a surprise gift for a friend of ours. I hope she likes it!

Lisa Minckler said...

Ohhh dadgummit...poor Jack! I hated to hear that news, but in better news...your project looks amazing! I have always admired books made from envelopes and even though you say the colors are not exact, if at all...I think it just oozes merriment and vintage wonder for the Christmas season. What you've created here is gorgeous Sandy and I applaud you!!!
Biggest of hugs to you,
Lisa x

~Tammy~ said...

So sorry about Jack! That makes me sad!

I think you must be way too harsh on yourself. This is a gorgeous project and turned out perfect. Lots of time and love!

coldwaters2 said...

Hi Sandy firstly I want to thank you for visiting me and leaving such lovely comments for me to read, secondly this is one awesome album full of so much beauty and delight it looks like a Pandora's box full of so many good things to see, I am in awe of your creative talent.
hugs
lorraine x

Stamping With Bibiana said...

hello sandy I am so sorry no words specially for a beloved faithful pet...as for your album you did great...you are too hard on yourself...and if any mistakes only you see them , to me it looks perfect!!! congrats..
bibiana

1CardCreator said...

Wow Sandy this is stunning! I love all the details you put into this and the papers you chose are beautiful! ~Diane

wilme said...

Oh Wow! That is incredible! It looks like so much detail was put into it, I wish I could hold it in my hands and have a closer look. Beautiful :) So sorry about your rooster

*Vicki* said...

Such a gorgeous book Sandy!! The papers look stunning!! ;) I wanted to stop by and wish you the very Merriest of Christmases and best wishes for a Happy New Year!! HUGS

Patricia Garcia said...

Sorry to hear about your rooster...sending big hugs.
Absolutely precious album, love everything about it, I would love to make one, unfortunately no time now.

Merry Christmas, stay safe!!

Hugs,
Patricia

Sarn said...

Goodness me Sandy, HOW on earth did I miss this post? This is just FANTASTIC and must've taken you ages. There is so much to look at, it's just delightful.

Sorry to hear about the Rooster.

Hugs
Sarn xxx

KarinsArtScrap said...

gorgeous project you have made Sandy.

gr karin

Mrs.B said...

Now I couldn't just leave without saying what a wonderful mini album this is, there's so many details in every page, Love it.
Avril xx

toni said...

Wow! So much to look at with this wonderful album! I love it, going back for seconds x

Anonymous said...

It's still beautiful though Sandy and we'd never have known about its shortcomings if you hadn't pointed them all out!! Thanks you for all of your fum comments and encouragement this year. I'm glad you like my rootin', tootin' snow blower!! You always make me laugh. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Hugs
Brenda

EnblogSail said...

Whoa!!! What a 'delicious' piece of artwork! Pardon the word but I think it reminds me of the delicious Christmas spread:)
Caryl

jimlynn said...

Sandy, this is sensational!!! So creative and beautiful. It's something you could look at all year long and not just at Christmas! Simply gorgeous!

I do want to hear the story about the rooster now! LOL!

Lynn

Marilyn said...

I thought I had commented on this before Sandy but I can't see me anywhere among this. I know I read about poor Jack.. hahahhaa.. actually felt bad about him too until I read how that dirty bugger attacked you. Anyway, enough about the rotten old thing.
This album is gorgeous Sandy... so much work and detail. I love those papers too and Graphic 45 are one of my faves. I just finished my first album and like you, the pages are way too thick so the next one will have some better planning. I love this though... fabulous design.

Unknown said...

Beautiful and creative! Love all the details.

Carol Q said...

absolutely scrumptious - love Graphic 45 paper and you've done wonderful things with this set!

Craftychris said...

Wow this is amazing! It must have taken ages. I think its stunning even if you are not so sure! Sounds like you will be much safer after the demise of your Rooster! xx

WendyK said...

What a fabulous album, so much to see. Love all the pull outs and the papers are lovely. All your Christmas cards look brilliant as well.
Happy New Year to you and your family.

sara j said...

Oh my, this is wonderful! This paper collection is so gorgeous and you've done a masterful of combining it all. You're right - the Lord a Leaping is wonderful!!