Journaling holiday style ...

Journaling during the holiday season is pure joy for me, so I thought I'd share a little of that joy with you ...

An abundance of holiday-themed papers and stamps arrives in your mailbox everyday, so you are never short on supplies.

Even a festive paper coffee cup leftover from a little afternoon pick-me-up at a favorite local eatery is journal fodder.

A favorite technique of mine is to use whatever scraps are lying on my desk leftover from the latest projects. Instant journal page + Clean desk = Happiness!

Here's a little break from the traditional red and green, plus it incorporates a piece of glittery gift wrap leftover from Christmas morning (another place to get great paper for free!)

Favorite holiday things

Thought I'd just stop and share a few of my favorite holiday vignettes I've put together this year. Finally feeling pretty relaxed and ready for the holidays ... how's about you?

Treasure Boxes are Back!

Treasure boxes are back (but only for a limited time!) From now 'til December 31, I'm offering medium flat rate boxes stuffed to burstin' with a combination of paper, fiber and/or other goodies for $12 each. Worth every penny!

Just want to point out that each box will cost $10.95 to ship (that's the rate the post office charges; I don't make a cent on shipping), so if you want to order more than one, please place a separate order for each one. Thanks!

http://thepaperfleamarket.com/treasure-box.html

Holiday workshop

I signed up for Teresa McFayden's holiday workshop called "12 Days of Comfort and Joy". She's got some nifty and terribly clever ideas for holiday decorations, a centerpiece, a journal and photo tips. It's not too late to join (and you can even visit the workshop after the holidays in case you want to get a jump on next year!) Here's the link http://www.paperbellastudio.com/item_172/12-Days-of-Comfort-Joy-2011--New.htm Hope your holiday prepartions are coming along swimmingly!

Hugo!

Oh my gosh, I had the opportunity to see the movie "Hugo" today ... and I repeat, oh my gosh! I discovered the book quite by accident over a year ago while helping at the school library. The story was captivating and the format was unlike anything I'd seen before. So when I saw there was going to be a movie based on it, I was thrilled. I cannot express how beautiful this film is! The scenery, the costumes, the props ... an absolute treat for those of us who love all things vintage! I mistakenly went to the 3D showing, but am glad I did, and will see it again if I have the chance.

So if you can, I recommend stealing a little time this month and going to see this film!

A holly jolly giveaway!

I've partnered with my buddy Mel Kolstad over at Ephemeraology to offer a $25 gift certificate to the store! That's $25 worth of vintage goodies ... all for free! All you have to do is post a comment, either at http://www.ephemeraology.com/ (scroll down to the Dec 5th post) or on her Facebook page, and tell her your favorite holiday. Be sure to include your e-mail address in the "name(at)domain(dot)com" format so she can let you know if you win. (If you don't include your e-mail address, unfortunately, you won't be considered.) She'll keep the contest going until this Friday, December 9, at 5 p.m. CST. Good luck!

The power of a punch card

Today I sold the very last computer punch card. This is significant for me because this was *the* item that got the wheels in my brain turning and launched the store! I found the cards at an estate sale in the basement of a small house and bought a few. After I left the sale, I kept wondering what would happen to those hundreds and hundreds(!) of cards, would they end up in the trash, could I use that many in my lifetime? Then I got to thinking that if I liked them that much, maybe other mixed-media artists would, too. So I called the guy who had held the sale and asked what was going to happen to all the leftover items. He said he and his crew were cleaning out the house the next day (cleaning out = throwing out). I asked if I could come back and get the cards and he said, sure. And the rest is history. So, thanks, little punch cards ... we've both come a long way :)

Holiday eye candy

Images of some treasures from my last holiday show of the season!

It's that wonderful time of year!

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! It's that time of year again and I'm ready to go! Been having a ball creating with many of my favorite found treasures, getting ready for local shows. Anybody out there in Northern Virginia? If so, you *must* check out the Chick's Picks show in Sterling this weekend! http://www.chickspicksbyhillary.com/ Here's a little sampling ... Promise, promise, promise I will be posting lots of finds to the store this weekend!