Happy 90th Birthday, Grandma Florida!

I finally finished Grandma's Bookmark Album, and not a minute too soon, lol!  Close to My Heart has retired this little album since they have introduced a new Cricut Artbooking Cartridge that virtually replaces it, so it is no longer available, but I wanted to show it to you anyway!  :)  I used the gorgeous Avonlea Paper Packet which has also been retired and is out of stock--of course!  Next time I won't procrastinate, lol!  ;)

Here it is!

The great-grandkids all got to write a little note to her that I tucked in to little hidden pockets.

I really wanted to make envelope-style pockets for the letters from the kids, but that made the album way too bulky to close.  Instead, I settled on adhering two sides of a decorated piece of CS. 

I cut these tags for my girls to write their messages on and tucked them in with the ribbons sticking out a little file-folder style pocket for easy removal...I added a sticker to the tab after looking at these pics, lol!  ;)  The great thing about do-it-yourself projects is that you can always do-it-yourself some more! 

I could not wait to pretty-up the binding rings with some ribbons and hemp!  :)

I added these velcro dot closures to help it stay closed better with all that is inside...

We are probably partying it up with the birthday girl as you read, so enjoy!  :)  This is the perfect gift for the grandma who has everything and wants nothing...can't wait until she opens it!  :)

A Little Family Project

Hello, Blogosphere!  Today I wanted to share a little SECRET project that I am working on.  My hubby's Grandmother will be the big 9-0 this summer and we are planning a big shindig!  I wanted to come up with a little something to give her for this milestone birthday.  I decided to make her a book about the family using the Close to My Heart My Creations Bookmark Album.  Don't worry, I don't think she reads my blog, lol!

I recently completed the cover and would love to share it with you.  Here it is...

What do you think?  I thought that the Avonlea paper was the perfect look I wanted for a classic family heritage feel.  What better representation of family than the timeless tree symbol.  I hand cut this one and pieced it carefully to the front.  The trunk is formed with one of the B&T Duos in the Dakota Paper Packet.  The greenery of the tree is made with B&T Duos from both the retiring Flirty Paper Packet and the Pear and Partridge Paper Packet.

This flap is held shut with a magnetic closure.  When you open it up, this is what it looks like underneath.

Why yes, those ARE Jamberry nail sheilds!  ;)  I have been trying them out lately.  I added a strip of Shimmer Trim here because it really needed some sparkle at this point.  

How cute is this little guy?  He is stamped from the Whooo's Your Valentine Kit My Acrylics stamp set.  You can only get this kit while it lasts!  The deal ends when supplies run out or on January 31st whichever comes first!  My sources tell me there is only 15% left!  Let me know ASAP if you want to get this fantastic kit for only $10!!!  Details HERE!

I am super-excited about this process and will definitely be sharing more of this project as it progresses, so stay tuned!  Now go leave some glitter in your path!  :)