Christmas in July

Monday, July 5, 2010

Good morning.  For those of visiting me from Unscripted Sketches, thank you.  And to my other visitors, thank you as well.  I've got some special Christmas projects to show you today for our Unscripted Sketches Christmas in July event.  If you're not already following along with the festivities, make sure and head over there once you're done here.

If you frequent my blog, you know that I've been making at least 1 Christmas card a week for the last year and a half.  This way, I can have my cards ready by the beginning of December.  It's the only way I can send out handmade Christmas cards.  Well, I was running out of space to put all my cards in so I knew I wanted to make a cute box to house them during the year. 

I started with a plain white photo box that can be purchased at Michaels and Hobby Lobby.  I then covered it with CTMH's Jingle paper on all 4 sides and the top.  I also took the liberty of removing that pesky label holder that was on the front. I used that very sticky red tacky tape, which I think that Provo Craft makes to adhere the paper.  I didn't want any chances of the paper coming up.

I ran a length of PTI's pure poppy ribbon around the lid of the box.  I also used CTMH's color ready alphabet stickers for my title on the front of the box.



Here is a view of the top and with my cards peeking out.  Insert happy sigh here.


Are you still reading?  Make sure and go all the way to the end because there might just be a Christmas present for one lucky blog reader.

Now that I had a secure place for all my cards, I knew I needed to get better organized for the rest of the Christmas season.  I covered a black composition book with the same paper.  I'm in love with all the buttons I put on the left side where the seams met.  Another happy sigh here. 

I then made 5 tabs for the inside:  The list, Cards, Baking, Crafty things to make, and a miscellaneous section. 

Each of these areas is where I will be writing down some particulars, such as who to buy for, some possible gift ideas, who I want to give goody plates to along with some possible recipes, the crafty things I have in mind to make for a few special recipients, a listing of everyone I need to send cards to, and anything else that jumps into my head as I try and prepare for the Christams season. 

Right now, my notebook is blank but I'm soon going to start thinking about preparations and get some ideas jotted down.

I also added a front pocket to the front of the book to hold any receipts for gifts purchased. 

Lastly, I still had some scraps on my desk and thought I'd whip up a few quick and easy cards.  The paper and the stickers did all the work for me.  I used some puffy stickers to spell the different words.  I thought about adding some buttons or something else to the cards but in the end, decided to leave them plain.  I don't have too many friendly mailing cards and thought some flat ones would be good for the stash.

I've got about 35 Christmas cards made already for the year and if I make at least one each week for the rest of the year, I'll be in good shape come December 1st.  My goal this year is to have them addressed and ready for mailing come the beginning of December.

Okay, if you've made it all the way through, then I thank you.  I hope you've enjoyed my Christmas in July projects today. 

Remember that Christmas is less than 6 months away which may seem like quite a long time but come on, you know it's going to sneak up on you.  If you like to send out handmade Christmas/holiday cards, I would urge you to start making them now.  There are lots of challenge blogs out there that encourage this process throughout the year.  Just look at my sidebar for a listing of a few. 

As a special gift to you, leave a comment and be entered for a chance to win a Christams present from me to you, an assortment of PTI papers and some matching buttons.

I'll draw a winner this Thursday.  Thanks so much for your visit today.  I hope you have a wonderful day andif you're in the States and have the day off for the 4th of July holiday, like me, YIPPEE!, have a fabulous day. 

26 comments :

Sara said...

Love the Christmas card box and notebook- great ideas! Thanks for the chance to win :-)

Penny said...

I love this this project!!! Oh geez, thanks for pointing out how close Christmas is. I better get started on my cards. I'll start shopping for the kids in September!

Caryl P said...

Wow Alanna, this is AMAZING! I love the box and you've inspired me to get working on things NOW. My favorite bit is definitely the book, love those buttons!

ps-don't enter me for the candy, just wanted to leave some love!

Laurel said...

Fantastic box and cards!

Ted said...

Alanna, I love that box o' cards and what a great use of one of the photo boxes. :) I now know that I should start my 2011 Christmas cards come January! :) Thanks for the great tips!

Carla said...

So much great stuff in this post! Wow!! I'm bookmarking to come back to when I get started on my 'christmas preparations'!!

Anita said...

Stunning projects! Great idea for the notebook. anitamocha@charter.net

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Alanna,

I was bitten by the Christmas bug myself yesterday - I made two Christmas cards! Your plan is actually awesome and inspiring - I am envious of how prepared you are!

Your notebook is just darling - that row of small buttons is the cats meow!

Kathi Carlson said...

Your Christmas ensemble is awesome! Love the box and planner, and your cards are great. Thanks for the inspiration!!

Anonymous said...

I love the planner, a great idea to have on hand now! Your card box is also perfect, I'm sure it will be full in no time! ;)

Nikka Geers said...

Those ideas you have are great. And those cards were cute and simple to make. Thanks for sharing some wonderful ideas.

Sparkplug17 said...

This is such a darling set!

Lynne in NI said...

Cool project, I'm gonna have a go at making a pretty box like yours and maybe it would encourage me to keep up with my Chrissy cards too!

Cassie_lu said...

cute box and the journal is a great idea!

Liz said...

How sweet is that I love it

Maria Matter said...

absolutely fantastic creations Alanna!!!

wish I could be this organized!
I have two cards made and will be going crazy in Nov trying to get them done! lol
hugs!

Kelly Massman said...

Your Christmas cards are great! Amazing that you have so many finished already!! Thanks for a chance to win!

Unknown said...

These are fantastic!!!! I love the idea of the little jouranal! You made me fall in love with this pp again!

hey congrats on making dt at practical Scrappers! I'm looking forward to being on another great team with you!!!!
Blessings,
Kim xXx

Kathy said...

Alanna, I absolutly LOVE your idea of using the photo box to store the cards. The notebook/journal is a GREAT idea as well! Thank you so much for sharing.

Sheila H said...

Wow - everything is so great! That Christmas card box is to die for! Thanks for the chance to win.

Linda Beeson said...

Those colors are just plain wonderful!!! Now I am inspired to use that color scheme! Good for you on your resolution too.

Carolyn said...

Gorgeous cards! The box is beautiful! You have been busy! :)

Ruthieann said...

The projects are fabulous, the ideas inspired. I would not have thought of a Christmas planner. Have just the box for the cards. Thank you so much.

Anonymous said...

Oh wow, as a mother of three I can really appreciate the idea for making one card a week, the boc and especially the notebook! Thank you for your beautiful ideas!

Jena said...

It was fun to see you featured! Love your fun little collection here - I think the box is my favorite! Thanks for sharing your fun ideas and projects - take care!

Alanna said...

The box to hold your Christmas cards is really beautiful, and is a neat idea. Imagine how proud you'll feel when you open that box and there's a year's worth of homemade Christmas cards in there. Great work Alanna!

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