Okay, Technical I'm Not...

I have been so envious of all the beautiful blog banners out there and here my poor blog was NAKED. I had been shopping around, looking in to different blog banner designers and let me tell you, there are some really talented folks out there. Decisions, decisions- who to use, how much money to spend, the actually design itself... Well, lately I have had to do some self re-evaluating. Namely how do I organize my time and what are my priorities. My blog is just for FUN (isn't that what draws us all into the wonderful world of paper crafts?). While I would love to be able to say that I have been published (still working on that) or have a couple of design teams to my name (other than my lss), I realize that with all of the wonderful, talented, and creative folks out there, we can't all achieve these goals. That being said, I decided that it would be FUN to attempt something new. So, yes, Mrs. Technically Inept decided to give digital scrapbooking a try starting with my own blog banner. And, yes, I did accomplish the 2 things I set out to do- create a color banner that suits my personality (notice the little birds for those that know me) and to have fun learning a new skill. Is it unique to me? No. Anyone that wants to spend a couple of bucks at The Shabby Shoppe and a little time reading instructions can "create" a banner just like mine. But I like it because I know what hurdles I jumped to figure this sucker out (even computer geek rocket scientist husband was impressed.) Anyway, enough of that chat and on to today's project. With Christmas just around the corner (oh my goodness) I decided to share a little ornament that I did a while back when my computer was sick. I started with an oval paper mache ornament that cost about $1.00 at Michael's and covered it with the new MME Christmas PP. I used my Basic Gray Precision File Kit to file the edges so the sides and front had a nice finished look. Next, I punched out an oval of Glorious Green CS and sponged the edges with Chocolate Chip Classic Ink. Then I paper pieced the wonderful Santa from PTI's Believe using coordinating MME PPs. I added Liquid Applique to his beard and hat and some Cinnamon Stickles to the trim on his rob and hat. Finally, I topped it off with a beautiful piece of green May Arts ribbon (I can't seem to complete a project without ribbon- teeheehee.) Thanks for listen to me ramble on about my new banner. Please remember to take time for yourself this holiday season- you are so... worth it. It's ALWAYS a Stampin' Good Time! Take care!

Santa Ornament Recipe:

Stamps: PTI- Believe

Paper: Glorious Green, Shimmer White, PP- MME

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Palette Burnt Umber, Versamarker, Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker

Accessories: Oval paper mache ornament, Basic Gray Precision file kit, Hero Arts rhinestones, Stampin' Dimensionals, White Liquid Applique, Cinnamon Stickles, Dazzling Diamonds, Sakura Quickie Glue pen, May Arts ribbon