Aaaaand, she's back!

Holy crap. What a week! That's all I can say. This deployment is kicking my butt, and we're only one week into it. You name it... it has gone wrong. Terribly wrong. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come.

Anyhow... on to more fun, pretty, crafty things! Today, I have a video tutorial (and a GIVEAWAY of *NEW* Pink Paislee) for this garden journal that I made using the new Pink Paislee "Amber Road" line...







In addition to being something nice to make for yourself (that is, if you're a gardener), these also make lovely gifts for any gardening friends you might have OR a lovely housewarming gift for a new neighbor! There are so many great flowers and veggies that make for great fall-starts in your garden. Here's an article that talks about all of your fall/winter vegetable gardening options.

As for the journaling kit, hey're quite simple to make and only require a few basic supplies. There are 6 coin envelopes contained inside the box that are the perfect size to store a packet of seeds, and have plenty of room on the outside for your gardening notes! So, shall we learn how to make one of these? Yes, let's...



Now that you've kindly sat through my video tutorial, I have an opportunity for you to win some *NEW* Pink Paislee "Amber Road" goodies. You will win everything pictured here:



It includes:
* A template for the garden journal box (that's right... no measuring or cutting for you!)
* 6 coin envelopes (not pictured)
* One of each of the new patterned paper designs that are part of the "Amber Road" line
* One pkg. "Amber Road" Bella Brads
* One pkg. "Amber Road" Punch Outs die cut tags
* One piece of "Amber Road" Patches canvas tag
* One pkg. "Chocolate" Expressions cardstock alphabets
* One pkg. "Pear" Expressions cardstock alphabets
* 1 yard cream grosgrain ribbon
* 1 yard jute twine
* 1 coordinating Prima flower

You have until Monday, August 31st at 11:59 pm PST to leave a comment on this post to be entered to win this nice little prize pack! I will announce the winner the following day (Sept 1st).

Speaking of video tutorials, my fabric embellishment tutorial was featured today on Mod Podge Rocks. So, if you missed the tutorial a while back on the Label Tulip blog, be sure to check it out!

As for all of the projects that I had been planning on featuring this month... not to worry. They will all be coming over the next few weeks. This start of this deployment has been much harder than I had anticipated... especially for the kids. That, and I've been busier than a one-armed paper hanger for the last several days (you'll understand VERY soon exactly why). *wink, wink* Thanks for your continued readership and support... I promise not to disappoint. There are lots of fun projects, new ventures and secret surprises in store! Stay tuned...

* you are goodbye*

It seems we're always saying goodbye. I can't believe he was only home for a little over a year before we had to send him back. The kids are having a harder time than I expected. So, of course, Mommy is having a harder time than expected.

Things are slowly finding their way back to normal. Well, as normal as things can be when you send your loved one off to war for a year.

You start counting your "lasts." The last dinner you cook for them. The last time you will pick up their mess. The last time you will wash a load of uniforms. The last time you will fold up their socks. The little things. But, then you close the drawer and try to get on.

It takes some time to find your way, but you always do. Please bear with me while I find mine... and help my children find theirs. You'd think it would get easier after you send them off time and time again. It doesn't.

Thank you for all your kind e-mails and comments. They mean a lot to me, and I will soon find the time to respond to each of them. Take care of you. Hug your loved ones extra-tight. Enjoy your weekend.

xo,
Holly

Hello, tulip.

Label Tulip, that is. Here they are... my pages in full view!



A super-fun summer layout using some of the slip 'n slide pictures from my visit to Illinois a couple weeks back.



I've really been trying to scrap my way through an old box of family photos, and this month's kits really lend themselves to those beautiful old photos. Very vintage-inspired! This is a photo of my grandmother, Hazel, who my daughter is named after.





There is a beautiful folder from Cavallini & Co. in this month's main kit. Coincidentally, I discovered on a trip to Anthropologie last week that you can also purchase the folders there. Anyhow, this month's challenge is to use that folder to create something fabulous. I used mine to make this little tribute to my great aunt's and great uncle's 50th wedding anniversary. I'm considering giving it to them for Christmas. Or, maybe not.



This is my version of this month's member lift... my favorite layout of them all! The original layout comes to us from the talented Leah Findell. Here is her inspirational layout...



So fun to lift! Thanks for checking out my pages, and I hope you enjoyed them. :0)

Sneaky, sneaky...

We're busy around here... saying our final goodbyes to my husband before he deploys. But, I wanted to give you a peek at the rest of my projects from Label Tulip using August's kits. My gallery will go live later on this evening, so be sure to check out the LT gallery! I'll be back tomorrow to post the full view of my pages, but here's something to tide you over in the meantime...









Until tomorrow, my friends...

Just a Quickie...

Yes, I know I missed yesterday's post. Things have been absolutely crazy around here this week. Bryan deploys in a few days and we have in laws en route to our home as we speak. I've barely had time to think straight... let alone blog or even do anything creative. But, I wanted to go ahead and post the winner of the Label Tulip RAK real quickly. So, without further ado...

Here are your random numbers:

23
Timestamp: 2009-08-14 23:07:14 UTC

And, #23 is...

Stephanie Baxter said...
Wow...it looks so yummy!

Congratulations, Stephanie! You are now the proud owner of Label Tulip's add-on kit #1! Please send me a quick e-mail at charmedgirlnc@gmail.com with your mailing address so that I can get your goodies in the mail to you!

As for me, it will probably be a little quiet around these parts for the next couple of days. My Label Tulip gallery will be delayed until the 18th, but you can catch the rest of the girls' creations on the regular reveal night... the 15th! Once things quiet down on Tuesday, I will be back in full effect with lots of fun projects and tutorials to share (and another giveaway)! Stay tuned...