Hooray for the two randomly selected winners of the AC Knock Outs starter kits, Ann T and Janet B!

We hope that you get to accomplish all of your wonderful goals this new year!

Revlie Schuit finishes up New Year week with a layout and card duo:

What Did 2011 Bring Me by Revlie Schuit

Supplies: Hello Doily Paper (35558) - Amy Tangerine, Goodness White (53250) - Thickers, Decorative Tape (61748) - MixTape, Decorative Tape (61749) - MixTape, You're Golden Fabric Paper (35563) - Amy Tangerine; Other: Sticky back canvas, white pastel crayon

Let's Rock 2012 Card by Revlie Schuit

I just love to make simple cards. The thickers are covered with the lovely Zing! Leaf embossing powder. They look very festive now! I also added some red glitter Zing! embossing powder onto my punched hearts. They shine exactly enough to make it a lovely New Year card!

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Old Man Winter Paper (35480) - Hollyday, Goodness White (53250) - Thickers, Leaf (27141) - Zing! Embossing Powder, Red Glitter (27153) - Zing! Embossing Powder, Spooky Night (59148) - Stamps

Happy New Year's Eve - Eve!

Today's trio of New Year cards were made by Cindy Tobey!

You Make My Every Year Card by Cindy Tobey

Supplies: 12x12 Cardstock Vanilla (71041) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Cardstock Kraft (71464) – AC Cardstock, Richard Paper (35573) – Chap, James Paper (35574) – Chap, Chap Journaling Cards (64012) – JustWrite, Chap Decorative Tags (77260) – Bits, Chap Epoxy Brads (85568) – Elements, Lovely Straw (53243) – Thickers, Stream (61733) – Mixtape, Nightfall Harvest (89409) – Premium Ribbon, Dot Glue Runner (61713) – This to That

'12 Card by Cindy Tobey

Supplies: 12x12 Cardstock Ash (71078) – AC Cardstock, Scott Paper (35575) – Chap, Jacob Paper (35568) – Chap, Cameron Paper (35570) – Chap, Chap Decorative Tabs (77261) – Bits, Chap Fabric Brads (85571) – Elements, Mini Brads Cherry (8475) – Elements, Peachy Keen (89398) – Premium Ribbon, Typo Mustard (42979) – Thickers, Black .01 (62301) – Precision Pen, Black .03 (62311) – Precision Pen, Dot Glue Runner (61713) – This to That

Happy 2012 by Cindy Tobey

Supplies: 12x12 Cardstock (71081) – AC Cardstock, Scott Paper (35575) – Chap, Jacob Paper (35568) – Chap, Cameron Paper (35570) – Chap, Chap Epoxy Brads (85568) – Elements, Chap Buttons (85569) – Elements, Hollyday Envelopes (85556) – Bits, Lovely Peacock (53244) – Thickers, Typo Peacock (42980) – Thickers, Dot Glue Runner (61713) – This to That

Make sure to visit this past Monday's post for your chance to win one of two Knock Outs starter punch kits! New Year week finishes up tomorrow - see you then!

Take a couple minutes to watch and see our new Cutup Cartridge Trimmer in action and all the amazing things it can do!

After you watch the video, leave a comment on this post telling us which of the seven blades you'd like to try most and we'll randomly pick one winner to receive a trimmer with all seven blades! Leave your comment by next Wedensday, January 4th 2012 and we'll announce the winner with that morning's post. Good luck!

Our New Year week guest designer is Ursula Schneider!

Short bio: My name is Ursula Schneider and I live in Vail, Arizona. I've been married to my favorite person in the world, Jeremy for almost 20 years. We have four children ranging in age from 16 to 19 years old. We live on five acres of beautiful Sonoran desert with the two kids who are still at home, our dog Bean, and three kitty friends. My dreams include going to Paris (can I just live there?), improving my photography, and one day writing something that will make a difference to someone. For now, I love playing with paper, cooking, photography, singing on the Worship Team at my church, and spending time with friends and family. I’m one of those people who always pushes myself to do my very best, no matter what I'm doing. That applies in scrapbooking, photography, cooking, and everything else. Sometimes I think it drives me a little nuts, but in the end, I'm glad of it.

How did you get started scrapbooking? In 2002 a friend who was a Creative Memories consultant invited me to her home for a demonstration. I’d resisted such invitations before from numerous other demonstrators, but somehow, the time was right. After spending a couple of hours with Betsy, my photos, and the various elements I was hooked. It wasn’t long before I branched out and start a spending spree on every scrapbooking related item in sight. It’s so hard to resist all the lovely colors and textures out there!

What is your favorite American Crafts product? I think my very favorite will always be Thickers, but can I say there are two? My next favorite is definitely the Zing! embossing powders. I own a whole rainbow and I love adding them to stamped images.

What's New With You Card by Ursula Schneider

I’ve found that the best way to attach ribbon is to sew it down. This gives it staying power and creates additional texture on my projects.

Supplies: White (71259) – Cardstock, Ivan (89418) – Ribbon, Elf Silver (53211) – Thickers, Shane (42221) – Remarks Stickers, Chap Epoxy Brads (85568) – Elements, Jacob Paper (35568) – Chap, James Paper (35574) – Chap, Grant Paper (35571) – Chap, Scott Paper (35575) – Chap, Jim Paper (35567) – Chap, Jared (59152) – Stamps, Adhesive Dispenser Dots (61713) – This to That, Foam Tabs Circles (61709) - This to That

Bucket List by Ursula Schneider

I wanted to create a monthly goal for the upcoming year, a bucket list of sorts. Pre-planning this page in the form of a grid sketch was invaluable in order for it to come together. After that, it was a matter of using each block as a mini canvas and layering the items for depth and interest. Finally, sewing gives each block a frame and a finished look.

Supplies: Ash (71078) -  Cardstock, Mustard (71036) – Cardstock, Jim Paper (35567) – Chap, Dave Paper (35569) – Chap, Grant Paper (35571) – Chap, Mike Paper (35572) – Chap, Richard Paper (35573) – Chap, James Paper (35574) – Chap, Scott Paper (35575) – Chap, Mark Paper (35576) – Chap, Ben Paper (35578) – Chap, Santa Baby Paper (35482) – Hollyday, Eric Surf (53252) – Thickers, Elf Silver (53211) – Thickers,  Tabs (77261) – Bits, Chap Variety Buttons (85569) – Elements, Chap Epoxy Brads (85568) – Elements, Ocean Medium Brads (8501) – Elements, Chap Frames & Journaling (64012) – Just Write, Ivan (89418) – Ribbon, Man of the House Printed Chipboard Frames (77262) – House, John (70074) – Flair, Shane (42221) – Remarks Books, Emilio (42220) – Remarks Books, Adhesive Dispenser Dots (61713) – This to That, Foam Tabs Circles (61709) - This to That

Looking Forward by Ursula Schneider

I love using the journaling cards in multiples to create a line of journaling going across the page. Adding some die cut journaling serves to create more depth and interest within the journaling itself. Using pop dots on various elements also gave this page the look of ‘levels’.

Supplies: Black (71082) – Cardstock, Mustard (71036) – Cardstock , Dave Paper (35569) – Chap, James Paper (35574) – Chap, Grant Paper (35571) – Chap, Mark Paper (35576) – Chap, Santa Baby Paper (35482) – Hollyday, Eric Surf (53252) – Thickers, Tabs (77261) – Bits, Chap Variety Buttons (85569) – Elements, Chap Frames & Journaling (64012) – Just Write, Ivan (89418) – Ribbon, Man of the House Printed Chipboard Frames (77262) – House, John (70074) – Flair, Shane (42221) – Remarks Stickers, Adhesive Dispenser Dots (61713) – This to That, Foam Tabs Circles (61709) - This to That

Gratitude Journal by Ursula Schneider

With gratitude journals being a common theme around the internet, I was inspired to create one of my own using the Chap and Hollyday collections. Given that we ought to be thankful for basic things, I felt that using paper bags as a base was fitting. I used the papers from the Chap line to fold over the edge of each bag after I shortened them to provide beauty and stability.

Supplies: Ivan (89418) – Ribbon, Elf Silver (53211) – Thickers, Shane (42221) – Remarks Stickers, Chap Epody Brads (85568) – Elements, Jared (59152) – Stamps, Mustard (71036) – Cardstock, Eric Surf (53252) – Thickers, Tabs (77261) – Bits, Chap Variety Buttons (85569) – Elements, Chap Frames & Journaling (64012) – Just Write, Man of the House Printed Chipboard Frames (77262) – House, John (70074) – Flair, Shane (42221) – Remarks Stickers, Mustard (71036) – Cardstock, Jim Paper (35567) – Chap, Dave Paper (35569) – Chap, Grant Paper (35571) – Chap, Mike Paper (35572) – Chap, Richard Paper (35573) – Chap, James Paper (35574) – Chap, Cameron Paper (35570) – Chap, Tim Paper (35577) – Chap, Scott Paper (35575) – Chap, Mark Paper (35576) – Chap, Ben Paper (35578) – Chap, Jacob Paper (35568) – Chap, Santa Baby Paper (35482) – Hollyday, Eric Surf (53252) – Thickers, John (70074) – Flair, Emilio (42220) – Remarks Books, Alex (72023) – Delights, Chap Tags (77260) – Bits, Frosty Grey (43392) – Minimarks Books, Adhesive Dispenser Dots (61713) – This to That, Foam Tabs Circles(61709) - This to That

Visit Ursula at her blog, twitter, and Pinterest to check out her amazing creations and get to know her even better!

For those faithful readers living in Utah, this is the last week of our popular warehouse sale. We've reduced prices on select items. Be sure to stop by!

Make New Year's Eve extra special by creating these count-down goodie bags by Melissa Mann!

New Year's Eve Goodie Bags by Melissa Mann

Supplies: Whiskers Paper (35502) - Hollyday, Merry Dimples Paper (35496) - Hollyday, Sign on the Dotted Paper (35553) - Amy Tangerine, Stars, Stripes, & Stitches Paper (35550) - Amy Tangerine, Cranberry (59517) - Pigment Ink, Bright (78053) - Details, Elf Red (53210) - Thickers, Seasonal (53210) - Ribbon, Stream (61733) - MixTape, Super Swell (42193) - Remarks, Fantastic Limeade (53109) - Thickers, Fantastic White (53110) - Thickers, Poppy's Pub Paper (35542) - Garden Cafe, Rockabye Powder (42955) - Thickers, Jewel Brads (85565) - Elements, Tinsel (89408) - Premium Ribbon, White Christmas (42203) - Details, Reindeer Red  (53206) - Thickers; Other: Paper bags, hole punch

To create these goodie bags, you will need brown paper bags, patterned paper, embellishments, Thickers, and goodies to put inside!

The first bag I created featured a simple clock that I made out of patterned paper. Trace out a circle in a size that will fit the front of your bag and ink the edges.

Trim two strips of patterned paper into arrows and adhere them like the hands of a clock to the circle.

Place an embellishment in the middle.

Add "8:00" using Thickers at the top of your bag.

For my next bag, I cut out a block of star paper to fit the front of the bag and then cut another smaller striped paper block and adhered it down. I placed some Mixtape around the edges, stuck a label sticker in the middle, and put my "9:00" Thickers on the top of the sticker.

On the next bag, I first placed my time "10:00" in the middle. Then, I punched out a bunch of stars from patterned paper and adhered them randomly across the front of the bag.

The next bag also features a clock, but this time I place a "12", "3", "6", and a "9" around it and placed my hands to point at the 11:00 time on the clock.

The very last bag has lots of glitter and bling! I cut out two blocks of paper and adhered them together. Then I used the red tinsel to frame the smaller block of paper. I used some small glitter snowflake stickers and then placed my "12:00" on top.

Then comes the fun part of filling the goodie bags! I grabbed a handful of dollar items in the front bins from Target: chocolate gold coins, pencils, chapstick... the possibilities are endless! You could also have home baked goodies, small games, etc. It would be fun to put some party blowers and confetti in the last bag to bring in the New Year!

Fill yours bags with an assortment of goodies and enjoy opening them up every hour until midnight!

I hope you can find some inspiration from this simple tutorial and create a fun event for your New Year's Eve!

Welcome back to the AC blog! We hope you had a very merry Christmas! A new year is fast approaching - have you made a list of resolutions? We're ringin' in the new year with layouts, cards, and projects surrounding this theme! Lilith Eeckels and Rahel Menig each have a New Year layout and card to share with you today:

Looking Back by Lilith Eeckels

Supplies: Charcoal (71077) – Cardstock, Rose Avenue Paper (35551) – Amy Tangerine, Jacob Paper (35568) – Chap, Scott Paper (35575) – Chap, Garden Café Ribbon (89416) – Premium Ribbon, 4x6 Cards (64012) – Just Write, Epoxy Brads (85568) – Elements, Printed Variety Tabs (77261) – Bits, Fellow Sherbert (53173) – Thickers, Fellow Honey (53174) - Thickers; Other: Sewing pins, Chinese white ink, gold dust

Just Because by Lilith Eeckels

Supplies: White (71081) – Cardstock, Jacob Paper (35568) – Chap, James Paper (35574) – Chap, Scott Paper (35575) – Chap, Garden Café Ribbon (89416) – Premium Ribbon, Sentiments Large (59004) – Stamp Collection, Black (59500) – Pigment ink, Goodness Slate (53249) – Thickers, Fabric Brads (85571) – Elements, Printed Variety Tags (77260) – Bits; Other: Chinese white ink, gold dust

2011 by Rahel Menig

Supplies: Fellow Sherbert (53175) - Thickers, Jacob Paper (35568) - Chap, Mike Paper (35572) - Chap, Richard Paper (35573) - Chap, Scott Paper (35575) - Chap, Tim Paper (35577) - Chap, White (71081) - Cardstock

New Year Card by Rahel Menig

Supplies: Midnight Moon Paper (35511) - Nightfall, Wonder Rasberry (53264) - Thickers

Want to win an AC Knock Outs starter kit?

Leave a comment on this post by Friday morning, December 30th 2011, letting us know one of your New Year resolutions and we'll randomly select TWO WINNERS! Good luck to you!

A big congrats to the randomly chosen winner of the Chap line, Shelly J:

To finish up makeover week, Heidi Sonboul shares a layout that she "Heidified":

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Those Holiday PJ's by Heidi Sonboul

Supplies: Man with the Bag Paper (35494) - Hollyday, Whiskers Paper (35502) - Hollyday, Lavendar Paper (35535) - Garden Cafe, Petunia's Pastries Paper (35532) - Garden Cafe, Winderful Day Paper (35601) - Daydream, Sunny Day (35608) - Daydream, Autumn Gathering Paper (35524) - Nightfall, Stars, Stripes & Stitches Paper (35550) - Amy Tangerine, Hollyday Printed Tags (85555) - Bits, Glitter Chipboard Shapes (77253) - House, Winter Wonderland (42201) - Remarks Books, Garden Cafe Ribbon (89416) - Ribbon, Plastic Buttons (85564) - Elements, Chap Buttons (85569) - Elements, Man of the House Chipboard Frames (77262) - House, Amy (42212) - Remarks Books

Have a merry Christmas on Sunday! See you again on Monday with a brand new week of fun!

Today's page makeover is brought to you by Piradee Talvanna!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Enjoy the Day by Piradee Talvanna

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Jacob Paper (35568) - Chap, Cameron Paper (35570) - Chap, Scott Paper (35575) - Chap, Tim Paper (35577) - Chap, Grant Paper (35571) - Chap, Printed Variety Tags (77260) - Bits, Plastic Buttons (85569) - Elements, Epoxy Brads (85568) - Elements, Emilio (42220) - Remarks Books, Man of the House Printed Chipboard Frames (77262) - House 

Scroll down to Monday's post for a chance to win the Chap line! The winner will be announced tomorrow morning along with a final makeover layout!

Another day brings another makeover! This time Corrie Jones shares her before and after:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

2009 Christmas Photo by Corrie Jones

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Papa Noel Paper (35489) - Hollyday, Red Suit Paper (35499) - Hollyday, Old Man Winter Paper (35480) - Hollyday, Santa Baby Paper (35482) - Hollyday, Santa Claus Paper (35481) - Hollyday, Pere Noel Paper (35483) - Hollyday, Kris Kringle Paper (35292) - Hollyday, Babbo Natale Paper (35493) - Hollyday, Father Christmas Paper (35484) - Hollyday, Merry Dimple Paper (35496) - Hollyday, Babouschka Paper (35490) - Hollyday, Little St. Nick Paper (35495) - Hollyday, Christmas Gnome Paper (35498) - Hollyday, Man With The Bag Paper (35494) - Hollyday, Old Man Christmas Paper (35497) - Hollyday, Sinter Klaas Paper (35479) - Hollyday, Whiskers Paper (35502) - Hollyday, Bowl Full of Jelly Paper (35488) - Hollyday, Bellsnickel Paper (35487) - Hollyday, Reindeer Red (53206) - Thickers, Elf Green (53212) - Thickers, Frosty (43392) - Minimarks, Stocking (43393) - Minimarks, Be Good (59217) - Clear Stamps, Clear (27170) - Zing!

Cindy Stevens shares her amazing layout makeover today:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Sweet Summer by Cindy Stevens

Supplies: White (71081) - Cardstock, Geyser (71469) - Cardstock, James Paper (35574) - Chap, Tim Paper (35577) - Chap, Mike Paper (35572) - Chap, Journaling Cards (64012) - Just Write, Plastic Buttons (85569) - Elements, Variety Tabs (77261) - Bits, Variety Tags (77260) - Bits, Emelio (42220) - Remarks Books, Sunny (72024) - Delights, Wonder Kale (53263) - Thickers, Lovely Straw (43243) - Thickers

Happy Holidays!

It's Ann-Marie from the In-House Design Team and I'm here today with another challenge for you!

First Up: Create a layout or minibook from your social media feeds (i.e. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc).

Raise your hand if you have a layout that feels incomplete, unfinished, or not done yet? Or perhaps you have a layout that you want to completely re-do? This week our designers are giving their layouts makeovers and will showcase before and after shots! Starting with a layout makeover by Pamella Brown:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Two Months by Pamella Brown

Supplies: Cameron Paper (35570) - Chap, Jacob Paper (35568) - Chap, Mike Paper (35572) - Chap, Dave Paper (35569) - Chap, White (71081) - Cardstock, Josh Persimmon (53254) - Thickers, 4" x 6" Cards (64012) - Just Write, Plastic Buttons (85569) - Elements, Printed Variety Tags (77260) - Bits, Printed Variety Tabs (77261) - Bits, Emilio (42220) - Remarks Books

Want a chance to win our newest line, Chap (perfect for giving your layouts makeovers!)?

Leave a comment on this post by Friday December 23rd 2011 letting us know what you'd do with the Chap line and we'll announce the winner with that day's post. Good luck!

More layout makeovers are in the works for tomorrow!

A big round of applause to the randomly selected winner of the Hollyday line, Miriam Prantner:

We're also excited to announce the In-House Challenge winner, serena!

Here is her fabulous take on the challenge using chevron:

Today Leah Farquharson is back to share a Christmasy layout and card!

Merry & Bright by Leah Farquharson

Supplies: Orchid Bistro Paper (35533) - Garden Cafe, Lily's Bakery Paper (35534) - Garden Cafe, Rose's Kitchen Paper (35540) - Garden Cafe, Kraft (71464) - AC Cardstock, White (71081) - AC Cardstock, Savor (42210) - Remarks Books, Little St. Nick Paper (35495) - Hollyday, Man with the Bag Paper (35494) - Hollyday, Babbo Natale Paper (35493) - Hollyday, Winter Wonderland (42201) - Remarks Books, Tinsel (89408) - Premium Ribbon, Medium Jewel Brads (85565) - Elements, Dear Lizzy Christmas Assorted Brads (85514) - Elements, Dear Lizzy Christmas Metal Assorted Brads (85513) - Elements, Wonder Pool (53265) - Thickers, Lovely Straw (53243) - Thickers, Black F (62001) - Slick Writer

Merry Christmas by Leah Farquharson

Supplies: Kris Kringle Paper (35492) - Hollyday, Father Christmas Paper (35484) - Hollyday, Black (71082) - AC Cardstock, Stocking (43393) - Minimarks, Shiny (78052) - Details, Variety Buttons (85559) - Elements, Tinsel (89408) - Premium Ribbon

We've got a unique theme for the week on the AC blog next week so make sure you stop by again on Monday! Happy weekend!

Today's trio of Christmas cards were made by Leah Farquharson!

Christmas Cards by Leah Farquharson

Supplies: Red Suit Paper (35499) - Hollyday, Whiskers Paper (35502) - Hollyday, Kris Kringle Paper (35492) - Hollyday, Santa Baby Paper (35482) - Hollyday, Christmas Gnome Paper (35498) - Hollyday, Pere Noel Paper (35483) - Hollyday, Rose Lips Paper (35491) - Hollyday, Elf Green (53212) - Thickers, Tinsel (89408) - Premium Ribbon, Winter Wonderland (42201) - Remarks Books, Dear Lizzy Christmas Assorted Brads (85514) - Elements, Wishes (59204) - Stamps Collection, Wonderland (59205) - Stamp Collection, Black (59500) - Pigment Ink

If you haven't entered the giveaway for this week make sure you scroll down to Monday's post! Christmas weeks wraps up tomorrow!

Our special guest designer this week is Vee Jennings!

Short bio: Vee lives in the suburbs of Washington, DC with her two children - Saadiq and Synai, who are a major source of her inspiration. Her designs are simple with lots of “artsy” elements added in such as paint, sewing, and spray ink to make it just on the verge of messy chic. Her motto is nothing is fully compete if it doesn't have paint or mist on it! She's been published in various magazines and idea books including Memory Makers, Somerset Memories, Scrapbook m.m, and Scrapbook Trends. She also enjoys hosting and teaching custom online workshops, designs for Studio Calico,a 2009 Memory Makers Master, and member of The Dares.

How did you get started scrapbooking: I started scrapbooking after the birth of my son, Saadiq. Once I started I never looked back and that was 10+ years ago!

What is your favorite American Crafts product: This is tough one, but since I have to choose... hands down Thickers!! I love them and will never ever get tired of using them! :)

A by Vee Jennings

To crete a fun ribbon design, use a stapler to create a pattern to tack it in place and for a bit of shine.

Supplies: Tim Paper (35577) - Chap, Jolly Old Elf Paper (35501) - Hollyday, Babouschka Paper (35490) - Hollyday, Bellsnickel Paper (35487) - Hollyday, Cameron Paper (35570) - Chap, Bowl Full of Jelly Paper (35488) - Hollyday, Red (71558) - Cardstock, Elf (53211) - Thickers, Chap Fabric Brads (85571) - Elements, Decorative Tags (77261) - Bits, Chap Premium Ribbon (89419) - Ribbon, Slick Writer Pen (62001) - Pen, Foam Adhesive (61709) - This to That, Strip Glue Runner (61712) - This to That

Happy Holidays Card by Vee Jennings

Use no more than three coordinating colors on smaller spaces in order to keep design fluid.

Supplies: Bowl Full of Jelly Paper (35488) - Hollyday, Santa Claus Paper (35481) - Hollyday,
Red (71558) - Cardstock, White (71081) - Cardstock, Holladay Decorative Tags (85555) - Bits, White Christmas (42203) - Remarks, Shiny (78052) - Details, Foam Adhesive (61709) - This to That

Vintage by Vee Jennings

Make a title more whimsical and fun by slightly stacking the letters on top of each other, I love this look!

Supplies: Richard Paper (35570) - Chap, Man with All the Toys Paper (35500) - Hollyday, Kris Kringle Paper (35493) - Hollyday, Tim Paper (35577) - Chap, Holladay Decorative Tags (85555) - Bits, Memory Marker - Charcoal (6113) - Pen, Cherry (62620) - Stamp Marker, Hollyday Buttons (85559) - Elements, Let It Snow (59219) - Clear Stamps, Reindeer (53206) - Thickers, Foam Adhesive (61709) - This to That, Strip Glue Runner (61712) - This to That

Altered Wooden Blocks by Vee Jennings

An easy way to use up extra photos and make quick presents is to adhere small photos to wooden blocks with coordinating papers and embellishments. A good place to find these blocks are thrift stores in the toy section!

Supplies: Twinkling Eyes Paper (35485) - Hollyday, Sinterklaas Paper (35479) - Hollyday, White Christmas (42203) - Remarks, Shiny (78052) - Details

Find out more about Vee on her blog, Twitter, and Pinterest!

Mandy Koeppen shares how to make this adorable Christmas Notebook in a step-by-step photo tutorial!

Christmas Notebook by Mandy Koeppen

Supplies: Opaque Rouge (27123) - Zing! Embossing Powder, Kris Kringle Paper (35492) - Hollyday, Babbo Natale Paper (35493)  - Hollyday, Be Good (59217) - Clear Stamps, Hollyday Variety Buttons (85559) - Elements

Step 1: Cut Avery plastic dividers to 9 x 6.5" then fold them in half.

Step 2: Cut patterned paper to 8.75 x 6.25" then fold them in half. Cut graph or lined paper to 8.5 x 6" and fold them in half.

Step 3: To make pockets, cut patterned paper to 8.5 x 8". Fold at the bottom 3". Fold 1/2" on both sides. You'll want to mark just above the 3" on the side folds and snip it with your scissors. I stitched the sides of my pocket with a sewing machine or just use adhesive.

Step 4: Glue the pocket inside one of the folded page spreads.

Step 5: Using ribbon or bias tape as a guide, stitch down the middle of book. You could also do this by hand.

Step 6: Adhere the leftover bias tape to the spine of the book and tie it in a bow.

Step 7: Stamp a Christmas image with watermark ink onto the plastic notebook cover, sprinkle with Zing! embossing powder, then tap the back of the cover to remove the excess powder.

Step 8: Heat the image with heat gun to set.

Step 9: Sew a button on front cover.

Step 10: Punch a hole in the back cover. Make a loop with baker's twine, hook it over the button, then go through the back cover hole and tie it in knot. This will help hold the book closed.

Your Christmas notebook is complete! You can add more embellishments if you'd like, I kept this one pretty simple.

Write down wishlists, special recipes, and more in this one-of-a-kind handmade notebook and carry it with you throughout the holidays so you can write things in it and refer back to it as you need to!

Check out our new Christmas-themed American Crafts blog blinkies:

Hi Everyone! It's Lindsey, from the In-House design team, and today we are kicking off a fun, new segment for you guys that we have lovingly titled: In-House Inspiration. Twice a month, my fellow In-House scrapbooker Ann-Marie and I will host a new challenge to kickstart your mojo and put you in the running for a hand-picked prize pack. We hope you will play along!

First up: Create a layout inspired by an image. This is a picture of a mixed media collage by Erin Loechner.

When I came across this photo on Pinterest, I was instantly drawn to the chevrons. I then realized that I could apply the same basic shape to my layout to create a paper-pieced tree and a mountain range. From there, I chose a random assortment of patterned papers and cardstock and started cutting and gluing. To add even more interest, I sewed a few running stitches sporadically along the tree branches and the mountain range and used embellishments from various AC lines. 

Other Options: Tilt all the elements of your project diagonally. Take inspiration from the color scheme. Cannot wait to see what you come up with.

Best Seat in the House by Lindsey Hansen

Supplies: White (71081) –AC Cardstock, Spinach (75051) –AC Cardstock, Kale (71564) –AC Cardstock, Fountain (71510) –AC Cardstock, Cedar River Trail Paper (35359) – Campy Trails, Yes Peas Paper (35549) –Amy Tangerine, Clover Cantina Paper (35537) –Garden Café, Jolly Jingle Paper (35216) –Dear Lizzy Christmas, Sleighing Song Paper (35200) –Dear Lizzy Christmas, Scott Paper (35575) – Chap, Sign on the Dotted Paper (35553) – Amy Tangerine, Holiday House (77253) – Hollyday, Kale Wonder (53263) –Thickers, John Flair (70074) – Chap, Emilio Remarks Stickers (42220) – Chap, Shane Letter Stickers (42221) – Chap, Hans Ribbon (89419) – Chap, Man of the House Chipboard Frames (77262) – Chap, Bits (77288) – Amy Tangerine

Leave a comment on this post with a link to your challenge by Friday morning, December 16th 2011, and we'll select one winner for the kit above that we chose just for you!

Just two weeks until Christmas! We'll show you how to use your holidays pictures on layouts, create fesitve cards to send out (better late than never!) and feature an awesome step-by-step tutorial! First up, Suzy Plantamura made a darling layout and matching card:

Gingerbread House by Suzy Plantamura

Supplies: Pow Glitter Paper Pacific (71520) - AC Cardstock, Kraft 12x12 Cardstock (71464) - AC Cardstock, White 12x12 Cardstock (71081) - AC Cardstock, Babouschka Paper (35490) - Hollyday, Babbo Natale Paper (35493) - Hollyday, Man With The Bag Paper (35494) - Hollyday, Merry Dimples Paper (35496) - Hollyday, Kris Kringle Paper (35492) - Hollyday, Garland Card Ribbon (89407) - Ribbon, Bright (78053) - Details, Hollyday Buttons (85559) - Elements, Winter Wonderland (42201) - Remarks Books, Stocking (43393) - Minimarks, Mini Jewel Brads (85282) - Elements, Elf Red (53210) - Thickers, Elf Green (53211) - Thickers, Glitter Christmas Shapes (77253) - House Collection, White Christmas (42203) - Remarks

Last year, my father was in the hospital over the holidays, so my daughter and I created a big banner with gingerbread houses all over it for his hospital wall so he could look at it all day. This made me think it would be fun to use some of these houses on a page as well. I cut my houses out of kraft cardstock using my Making Memories Slice and the Noel design card, but you could print them from online or cut out your own in basic shapes. I then decorated them with all kinds of stickers, rub ons, buttons and ribbon from the Hollyday collection. Lastly, I added some glitter glue to finish off the houses. I layered the houses over the gorgeous Pow glitter paper and cut snow hills out of white cardstock. The felt trees, snowman Details, and the glitter white Christmas snowflakes finished off my little gingerbread house scene.

A Merry Little Card by Suzy Plantamura

Supplies: Father Christmas Paper (35484) - Hollyday, Kraft 12x12 Cardstock (71464) - AC Cardstock, White 12x12 Cardstock (71081) - AC Cardstock, Winter Wonderland (42201) - Remarks Books, Hollyday Buttons (85559) - Elements, Elf Red (53210) - Thickers,  Garland Card Ribbon (89407) - Ribbon, White Christmas (42203) - Remarks, Medium Jewel Brads Primaries (85285) - Elements, Glitter Christmas Shapes (77253) - House Collection

While in the gingerbread house decorating mood, I decided to make a card with a house on it as well. For the card base, I utilized the two sided paper with the cute matching borders. I folded the paper over with the border along the edge so one side of the paper is on the inside of the card. On the backside of the border, I added another border strip to cover the writing. I decorated the gingerbread house in the same fashion I did for the pages and added it over a piece of tied ribbon. I finished off the card with a small sticker as the greeting.

For one final chance to win the entire Hollyday line:

leave a comment on this post by Friday December 16th 2011 and we'll randomly draw one winner. See you again tomorrow!

Congrats to the winner of the box of American Crafts Christmas ribbon, Robin Hanning:

Shimelle Laine finishes up the week with an altered advent calendar!

BEFORE:

DURING:

AFTER:

Advent Calendar by Shimelle Laine

I happened upon this advent box in a Christmas sale two years ago, and while I liked the structure of the box with its big, sturdy drawers for each day's surprise, the colours and illustrations just weren't my style. This year I've decorated it with papers and embellishments from Hollyday plus my favourite of the versatile woodgrain designs from the Campy Trails collection.  Sets of drawers with identical sized compartments make it easy to replicate the paper covers once you make a template and mine was a rectangle with a semi-circle punched from the top. Choose one fewer papers than there are columns of drawers to create the diagonal repeat of patterns. It reminds me a bit of Connect4! Then embellish the front of each drawer in any way you like. I decided not to add numbers on the outside because the contents of each drawer included the number and they count down in order. By not using numbers, I had plenty of freedom to use various stickers and details from the Hollyday line!

Supplies: Man With The Bag Paper (35494) - Hollyday, Santa Baby Paper (35482) - Hollyday, Little St. Nick Paper (35495) - Hollyday, Cedar River Trail Paper (35359) - Campy Trails, Peppermint (72104) - Delights, Shiny (78052) - Details, Poinsettia (42202) - Remarks, Winter Wonderland (42201) - Remarks, Elf Red (43210) - Thickers

Next week is the last week we'll be featuring Christmas projects galore! See you back here Monday morning!

Just a handful of supplies is all it takes to create this stellar piece of Christmas tree decor by Jenny Chesnick!

Christmas Tree by Jenny Chesnick

Supplies: Garland Greetings Paper (35199) - Dear Lizzy Christmas, Poinsettia & Pine Paper (35201) - Dear Lizzy Christmas, Jolly Jingle Paper (35216) - Dear Lizzy Christmas, Twinkling Tree Paper (35214) - Dear Lizzy Christmas, Comfort & Cheer Paper (35203) - Dear Lizzy Christmas, Snowy Sidewalks Paper (35215) - Dear Lizzy Christmas, Winter Blooms (72000) - Delights, Tradition (78036) - Details; Other supplies: Silhouette Cameo, paper mache cone

The winner of the American Crafts Christmas-themed ribbon box will be announced tomorrow - make sure you enter to win on this past Monday's post!

Because of the popularity of Amy Tangerine's first Daybook (previously known as a Mini Book), we've created four brand new Daybooks and are debuting them here today! We are so excited to show you these, and at the same time introduce a special challenge for you to win new Amy Tangerine Daybooks for yourself!

THE GOODS

Measuring in at 5.5 x 8.5 inches and 4.5 x 6.5 inches, these new Daybooks are bursting with beautiful colors, dozens of eclectic pages and that inspiration galore that is so uniquely Amy Tangerine.
For those of you who love adventure, these new Daybooks offer crafters of all ages and skill-levels versatility in personalizing your books with photos, journal entries, ticket stubs, food wrappers — anything from your trip across town or across the world.

And we even have some new embellishments to share as well:

Aren't they lovely? And what's even greater is that the original Amy Tangerine line complements these new Daybooks and embellishments products perfectly! 

THE CHALLENGE

We want to give away some of these products, and we want you to show us your creativity, too! 

Capture the memories of decorating your Christmas tree with this handy dandy wall hanging created by Jamie Harper!

Christmas Wall Hanging by Jamie Harper

Supplies: Bellsnickel Paper (35487) - Hollyday, Santa Baby Paper (35482) - Hollyday, Jolly Old Elf Paper (35501) - Hollyday, Whiskers Paper (35502) Hollyday, White Christmas (42203) - Remarks, Shiny (78052) - Details, Decorative Tags (85555) - Bits, Hollyday Buttons (85559) - Elements, Prancer White (42809) - Thickers

Come back tomorrow to check out an adorable piece of Christmas decor!

Leslie Ashe is going to show us in a step-by-step photo tutorial how to make these whimsical mini Christmas trees!

Christmas Trees by Leslie Ashe

Supplies: Pere Noel Paper (35483) – Hollyday, Santa Baby Paper (35482) – Hollyday, Cherry Nose Paper (35486) – Hollyday, Old Man Winter Paper (35480) – Hollyday, Café Iris Paper (35541) – Garden Café, Work In Progress Paper (35546) – Amy Tangerine, Good Company Paper (35554) – Amy Tangerine, Oh Happy Grey Paper (35565) – Amy Tangerine, Light Bright Paper (35564) – Amy Tangerine, Yes Peas Paper (35549) – Amy Tangerine, Stars Stripes & Stitches Paper (35550) – Amy Tangerine, Is It Any Wonder Paper (35556) – Amy Tangerine, Rose Avenue Paper (35551) – Amy Tangerine, Dot Glue Runner (61713) – This To That Adhesive, Garden Café Plastic Buttons (85564) – Elements, Hollyday Variety Buttons (85559) – Elements; Other: mini styrofoam Christmas trees, dowels, various sized bobbins, pins, black paint, hot glue gun

1) Gather your supplies.

2) Trace around your tree for an accurate template.

3) Glue one side of your paper and start wrapping your tree. You might have to trim along the bottom for a smooth edge.

4) Do this for all of your trees.

5) Paint all your dowels and bobbins black then set aside to dry.

6) Measure each of the empty space on your bobbins (mine are 1/2” or 1”), trim patterned paper, and wrap them around the middle. You can double up on papers if you’d like, as shown.

7) Using a straight pin, glue two of the same button on each straight pin.

8) Decorate your space with your trees and enjoy!

Cute, easy, and fun, these mini Christmas trees are sure to brighten up your creative space!

With Christmas just a few weeks away, there's still plenty of time to spruce up your home with lovely handmade projects! Amy Heller shares her cute'n'creative new family tradition to start us off:

Naughty & Nice Containers by Amy Heller

Supplies: Crimson (71029) - Cardstock, Old Man Christmas Paper (35497) - Hollyday, Kris Kringle Paper (35492) - Hollyday, Pere Noel Paper (35483) - Hollyday, Variety Buttons (85558) - Elements, Decorative Tags (85555) - Bits, Bright (78053) - Details, Shiny (78052) - Details, Winter Wonderland (42201) - Remarks, Garland (89407) - Premium Ribbon, Frosty (43392) - Minimarks, Black Velvet Ric Rac Ribbon Spool (58318) - Premium Ribbon, White Tinsel Glitter Ribbon Spool (58664) - Premium Ribbon, White Delight (53042) - Thickers

For a chance to win an entire box of American Crafts Christmas-themed ribbon:

Leave a comment on this post by Friday morning, December 9th 2011, and we'll randomly select one winner!

PS - congrats to the randomly selected winner of one of each of our new Flutterbys, Keri:

We'll have more chances to win these in the future along with lots of ideas for using them!

These final Christmas cards were made by Mandy Koeppen and Shimelle Laine!

Have a Merry Christmas Card by Mandy Koeppen

Supplies: Babouschka Paper (35490) - Hollyday, Santa Baby Paper (35482) - Hollyday, Printed Variety Decorative Tags (85555) - Bits, Tinsel (89408) - Premium Ribbon, White Christmas (42203) - Remarks, Bright (78053) - Details, White (71259) - Cardstock, Dot Glue Runner (61713) - This to That Adhesive

Merry Christmas Card by Mandy Koeppen

Supplies: Santa Baby Paper (35482) - Hollyday, Whiskers Paper (35502) - Hollyday, Christmas Gnome Paper (35498) - Hollyday, Santa Claus Paper (35481) - Hollyday, Variety Buttons (85559) - Elements, Winter Wonderland (42201) - Remarks Books, Dot Glue Runner (61713) - This to That Adhesive

Happy Holidays Card by Shimelle Laine

Supplies: Textured Card Pack 5.25x5.25 (71378) - AC Cards & Envelopes, Santa Baby Paper (35482) - Hollyday, Father Christmas Paper (35484) - Hollyday, Cherry Nose Paper (35486) - Hollyday, Babbo Natale Paper (35493) - Hollyday, Winter Wonderland (42201) - Remarks Books, Bright (78053) - Details

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas Card by Shimelle Laine

Supplies: Textured Card Pack 5.25x5.25 (71378) - AC Cards & Envelopes, Winter Wonderland (42201) - Remarks Books, Poinsettia (42202) - Remarks, Holly Jolly (59216) - Clear Stamps, Evergreen (61735) - Mixtape

That wraps up Christmas Cards Week! We hope you've found one or two (or several!) cards that you want to replicate for your own Christmas cards this year! Happy holidays and we'll see you again on Monday!

We've made it to another Friday — phew! We'd like to announce the winner of the Hollyday line, from Monday's post, as we finish out our Christmas card week. Congratulations to Jessie Hansen!

Sounds like you're going to have a great holiday, phones and all. (And just so you know, you've won more than what's pictured here — exciting, right? A great way to start the weekend, for sure.)

Didn't win this time? No worries! Enter to win our new Flutterbys on the post down the page. And have a great weekend everyone!

The Design Team has been hard at work creating extra projects for the monthly gallery update! Here is a sneak of what you'll see if you click on the full gallery over on the right.

Until next month, enjoy!

Melissa Mann's Christmas cards are in the spotlight today!

Merry Christmas Card by Melissa Mann

Supplies: Santa Baby Paper (35482) - Hollyday, White (71081) - Cardstock, Christmas Gnome Paper (35498) - Hollyday, Tinsel (89408) - Premium Ribbon, North Pole (42201) - Remarks, Babouschka Paper (35490) - Hollyday, White Christmas (42203) - Remarks

Jolly Card by Melissa Mann

Supplies: Fireberry (71558) - Cardstock, Jolly Old Elf Paper (35501) - Hollyday, Papa Noel Paper (35489) - Hollyday, White Christmas (42203) - Remarks, Elf Green (53212) - Thickers, North Pole Accents & Phrases Stickers (42201) - Remarks

We'll announce the winner of the Hollyday line tomorrow morning as well as share a few more sets of Christmas Cards.