StarLitStudio

gift wrap room, tags & the turkey trot

I created 34 embellished tags (for cards) for a custom order - these are soooo Mish inspired!  Papertrey die, October Afternoon Good Cheer papers.

I used these doilies for this project, but I received a shipment of two new 4" doily designs today - made in the USA - English Lace and French Lace Paper doilies:

Also I wanted to share something I created that I've always wanted - a gift wrap station.  I primarily use kraft paper (on the left) and purchase them on 800 foot rolls and install them on a dull blade cutter.  One is heavy weight for wrapping school books and the other is more lightweight, for wrapping gifts.

With the philosophy of using kraft paper to wrap all gifts, it then becomes 'all about the bow'.  I have a ribbon addiction - which I'll happily admit to.  I am sure you can surmise with me there are far worse things to be addicted to!  This area is located near the french doors in the (walk out) basement. 

The kids use this as area as well, and enjoy making tags.

These were two of my Thanksgiving pocket cards - they housed school photos of the kids along with a quick note from me on a decorative tag.  October Afternoon Weathervane papers.

And here is a photo of me and the kids at yesterday's 5K - the Turkey Trot.  A bitter 35 degrees - but we finished before the snow started.  My chip time was 27:46.  No more 5K's until spring - just too darn cold for this chickie.

candy boxes

 

I made some homemade chocolate covered Georgia pecans for a dear friend and her family, and the above was the gift box and card.  Very inspired by Mish Wooderson and Anna Wight.  October Afternoon Schoolhouse papers used.

This is the candy gift box design I'm creating for a few neighbors this holiday season - will house more chocolate covered pecans.  Stamp is from Papertrey; paper from Very Merry.

I use only Merckens chocolate and only Georgia pecans from DoubleTree - they roast and salt them, saving me a step.

The box features a velvet ribbon tab, creating an elegant way to open the box.  So are you ready for turkey day?  I'm thinking I am going to brine mine this year.

butterflies and another 5K

 
I think the Lockhart Butterflies are some of the most versatile stamps I have, that and I adore butterflies...  I used the Star Butterfly for today's projects:  a birthday card and a needed anniversary card.

These papers are from October Afternoon's latest release called Modern Homemaker.  Black brads and red crinkle ribbon were added to a Thistle card base.

Two paper artists inspired the above card: Mishie Wooderson and Melissa Phillips.  I thank Mish every day for introducing me to doilies - whenever I use one I think of her!  Zva bling, and October Afternoon Good Cheer (sheet music) and more Modern Homemaker, yummy white 1-1/2" silk ribbon. 

Papertrey sentiment; Memory Box Presto Flourish.

Today was another 5K - that is me about to cross the finish this morning.  It was 45 degrees outside, and I had a PR (personal record) of 27:40 something - official times should be out later on today or tomorrow.  Second in my age group and #22 across the finish line.  This was the Girls on the Run 5K - I was an assistant coach for third to fifth graders this year at my kids' school.  Being an asssistant coach was a very rewarding experience for me - the girls were incredible and amazing, as were the head coach and other fellow assistant coaches.  I look forward to volunteering and experiencing the amazing time again next year! 

Next 5K is this Thursday - Thanksgiving morning - The Turkey Trot through downtown Flemington!

Best wishes for an incredible weekend - Cindy

 

modern homemaker is here

    

I wish to thank Lee, my Fedex driver, for delivering October Afternoon's newest goodies today!

These Tin Pins are adorable:

I've been working on holiday gifts, birthday gifts (my baby brother turns 40 this month!) and preparing my body for the next 5K - next Saturday.  My kids and I are running it - it benefits the Girls on the Run and New Balance is one of the sponsors.  My 3rd grader, Abbie, is participating and I am an assistant coach this year.  GOTR is not just about running - it is a girl empowerment program. 

My now 8th grader, Allison, participated in GOTR, and I strongly feel her positive attitude about herself, her committment to exercise, eating healthy and achieving balance, is in part due to the Girls on the Run program she participated in while in 3th and 4th grade.

Veterans Day is today, and I humbly wish to thank those that have served this wonderful country!

sympathy card

This project was accepted into this month's Cards Magazine - November issue.  I initially made a few of these for the etsy store and one for myself, then decided the design was good enough to submit.  Thanks Cards, for the boost to the ole' creative ego!

Papertrey Ink sentiment, Chatterbox cardstock, Tim Holtz Ornate Plates, Memory Box cardstock.