I created this month's desktop calendar using my new Christmas Candies kit (and the add-on mini from the SSD Quarterly Assortment. I hope you enjoy viewing it on your desktop all month long! Click photo to download.
Freebie for you!!!
Hi! We love the fact that so many of you take the time to come and visit this blog to enjoy what Heather and the team have created, so what better way to say thank you than to give you another special freebie this month!
This hybrid freebie was made using Heather's two scoops with Julie Billingsley: Trail Mix. I also used Val's fabulous card template that she shared here on this blog a couple of months ago, to make this card:
...and if you want it, here it is:
Simply click on the image above to download, then print, cut out and add that final embellishment to make it uniquely yours - perhaps a flower like I did, or a bow, a cluster of buttons... whatever takes your fancy!
With love from us all,
SaraL x
Sneak Peek!!!
Hello there!! It's Leah (girlygirl) here with a sneak peek for you! Heather has an adorable little goodie out for this week's new release!! You are sure to love it!! Be sure to go by her store tomorrow and snag it! 
Christmas hybrid ideas...
Hi! SaraL here with a couple of lovely hybridy ideas for Christmas decorative trimmings!
I am so delighted with how this first idea turned out.... take a look at my sweet little Nativity scene:
This took a little time to cut out, but with some music on and a coffee by my side, it was a very pleasant way to spend a quiet half hour or so. The shapes of the characters are beautifully simple, making cutting out nice and straight forward! Let me show you the basic steps:
I printed the characters, animals, star and stable onto card and cut them out.
Next, I made simple flaps to attach to the reverse of each character to help them stand. I had to adjust each flap slightly for each individual image, as some were a little wider or taller than others - but this was just a matter of trimming the flap with my scissors until the character stood nicely! The two flaps I made for the stable were a little larger, for stability.
Finally, I attached the star to a curled piece of craft wire, and securing the opposite end to the reverse of the stable.
All the images are from Heather's Star of Wonder - and they are simply gorgeous.
My second decorative idea is an Advent inspired one, made with Heather's DIY Printable Template - Box Tower and her 'Who Let the Elves Out?' kit:
I made 24 mini 'calendar' boxes, all containing a chocolate and tied up with a bright red organza ribbon - with a thin loop of thread to hang from my Christmas tree. Take a closer look at the box for December 24th - which I actually made a little larger for a special Christmas Eve gift for my son to go into:
I made all my boxes look identical, except for the numbers and the final box for the 24th, which as I mentioned was larger than the others. I did this simply because that's how I wanted my Advent to look - but you could have lots of fun making each box totally individual or make them to coordinate with your choice of colour scheme for the holidays!
I think these boxes would also look lovely arranged along a mantle above a fireplace too...
Remember, Heather has a wonderful collection of DIY Printable Template presentation ideas for small Christmas gifts, including pillow boxes and treat bags. Take a little look through her store and let your imagination loose!
Enjoy the rest of November!
SaraL x
