All I Want For Christmas Blog Hop Day 1

Welcome to the "All I Want for Christmas" Blog Hop!!
We're so happy you could join us for this super-fun hop showcasing cards, layouts and projects that feature everything about what we want for Christmas!! You'll find an array of ideas throughout the hop -- We hope you'll enjoy each and every project along the way!!

If you've hopped over from Paula at http://www.scrapyourworld1.blogspot.com then you are in the right place!! If you've just popped in to visit my blog or are reading this via email and you'd like to join our All I Want For Christmas FUN, then please jump to http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/ at Lisa's blog!! Keep alert for blog candy along the way as some hop stops will be offering some goodies...

For the hop today, I've created a frame for a photo of the little boy we are adopting.  Christmas will probably come in January for us because that is when we should be able to bring him home. 

I used the Roxie papers, Cherished Flourishes, and Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge, all available from Close to my Heart.  The present is a mini ornament that I bought at a sale the day after Christmas (my favorite day to shop).  The flourishes are heat embossed in each corner with a mini brad to anchor each one.  The name is also heat embossed.

To be eligible for the grand prize blog candy, you MUST visit Lisa's blog and leave a comment on her blog for the day and also become a follower at "Scrapping With Lisa" and her facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scrapping-with-Lisa/130882060268842. Please let her know if you don't do facebook and she won't count that against you for the blog candy. Now for the blog candy, I bet you are wondering what it could be. It will be a mini paper bag album that will come with all the pieces you would need to assemble the mini album.

Thank you again for checking out my project... Now hop on over to Jamie at http://myamusinglife.blogspot.com and make sure you come back tomorrow!

Here's a list of the entire hop, in case you get lost along the way or want to revisit anyone:
Lisa http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/
Berenice http://karbersweetescape.blogspot.com/
Paula http://www.scrapyourworld1.blogspot.com
April http://www.curlsandgrins.blogspot.com/
Jamie http://myamusinglife.blogspot.com
Anita http://anitaandbugs.blogspot.com/
Gina http://californiascrappin-gcinderella21.blogspot.com/
Melinda http://thepaperthumb.blogspot.com
Shawnee http://www.blessedonthebrightside.com
Rachelle http://www.creationsbyrachelle.blogspot.com
Indira http://craftyhomemade.blogspot.com/
Barbara http://barbarab3.blogspot.com/
Christina http://cema1cema.blogspot.com/
Theresa http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com
Suzanne http://www.cricutcraftingrammy.blogspot.com/
Sherry http://www.upordowntheyrebeautiful.blogspot.com/

Christmas Home Decor Blog Hop

Welcome to the Christmas Home Decor Blog Hop!  If you came from Anita at http://anitaandbugs.blogspot.com then you are in the right place!  If not, head to Shannon at http://shannonleffew.blogspot.com to get started!

For my project, I created a countdown to Christmas box:

Inside the box are 25 cards of activities to do each day leading up to Christmas: 

This box is perfect because it looks nice on the shelf and serves a fun purpose.  The materials are all from Close to my Heart and can be purchased at www.ctmh.com/aprilnourse.  I used the Elemental papers and the My Creations Memory Game set.  The stamp set for the numbers is Little Reminder.  All purchases made at my site go towards our family adoption fund. 

Your next stop is Ashley at http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com. 

Christmas Verse Blog Hop

Welcome to Curls & Grins Creations! Today we are here to give God the glory for what is the real reason of the season with our favorite verse for Christmas that means so much to us...please read and enjoy the creations these wonderful ladies did on their blog. Now lets get this party started!

If you came from Tina at http://craftyandgreen.blogspot.com then you are in the right place. If you happened upon my blog then start with Kari at http://purplefuntastickcreations.blogspot.com/... We don't want you missing a thing!

We have a great prize to give away so you must comment on every blog along the way...easy peasy! :)

One of my favorite Christmas verses is Isaiah 9:6:
For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God,
The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

The shepherds, the wise men, Joseph and Mary all looked upon a baby and knew this verse.  It's almost overwhelming to imagine how they felt when they first laid eyes upon him.

I created this card with Isaiah 9:6 in mind.  I stamped Mary and Joseph using the 2nd generation technique and covered Jesus with Liquid Glass to make him stand out a little from the card.  I left it simple to keep the focus on Jesus.  "Celebrate the Season" is underneath the scene and the verse is stamped inside the card.  Below is my new favorite Christmas stamp set: Glory to God from Close to my Heart. 

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have been inspired and remember the important reason for the season! Have a blessed Christmas and holiday season!

All purchases at my Close to my Heart site go towards the adoption expenses of our son.  This year, we will get him just in time to celebrate our first Christmas together, though it may be a few days late.