Tag Archives: Winter

Waiting for Christmas

Waiting for Christmas: A Childhood Memory and Christmas Gift for My Friends

Hello, Friends!  Christmas week is here…and the whole world is waiting for Christmas!  It’s been such a busy year here in the studio.  We’ve had lots of crafty adventures together, told stories, and shared our thoughts with one another.  What a blessing this blog has been to me…and I hope to you as well.

We are all probably in the middle of last minute holiday preparations…wrapping presents, baking cookies, putting the finishing touches on all the things that make Christmas such a special time. We are busy, and perhaps even frazzled.  So I thought I would invite you to slow down for a moment and breathe.  So go grab a cuppa and a snack as I share one of my very favorite Christmas memories of waiting for Christmas with you.

Winter on the Hill

You’ve heard me talk many times about growing up “on the hill” in rural Vermont during the 50’s and 60’s.  The picture attached to this post is the house I grew up in. I can  remember trudging up that hill, the snow squeaking beneath my boots.  Although wrapped up in layers of warm clothes, the icy cold still managed to sneak in and chill the bones.  Eyes watered in the frigid air, and clouds of vapor appeared with every breath I took as I carried school books and lunch box up the hill.

About half way up, the yeasty aroma of Mom’s homemade bread or hamburger soup would tickle my nostrils.  This always made me walk a little bit faster, knowing that warmth and good food were waiting for me at the top. Stamp the snow off your feet before you open the door, please. Take off your boots and put them on the  mat so they don’t make salty puddles on Mom’s freshly mopped floor.  Hang up your coat, hat, mittens and scarf so they’ll be dry the next time you have to go out.  And now you can grab a thick slice of that heavenly bread, slather it with margarine (no butter in our house) brew a cup of tea and take the chill off.

Giddy Anticipation

Most of the families who lived in and around our tiny town worked in the granite industry. The quarries operated year-round, regardless of the weather. I can still picture the men walking down the hill with their hard hats and lunch boxes in tow.  Some worked in “the hole”, some ran the huge derricks that lifted the massive blocks of granite out of the quarry. The “sheds” used diamond tipped blades to cut the stone into huge slabs. There were other sheds where the slabs were fashioned into beautiful headstones and monuments.  A few men….like my dad…worked in the office.

Christmas Day was a paid holiday, and the men got a half day off for Christmas Eve.  This is when the company handed out a cash Christmas bonus along with a turkey for the family to enjoy.  When the noon whistle blew, we knew my dad would leave work, get in the car and drive to town to do his Christmas shopping.

We were fairly giddy with excitement and anticipation at this point, We must have driven my mom to distraction with all our attempts to snitch a bit of her cookie dough or shake the presents under the tree.

It was a small house, and we were a big family.  There was no heat in the upstairs rooms except for the warmth that managed to drift up there through the grates that were installed in the ceiling. So we basically lived in the kitchen and the living room during those cold winter months.  Inevitably, our antics drove mom to pronounce, “That’s it!  Bundle up and go play outside!”

Waiting for Christmas…a Green Christmas

This was usually a punishment that we could live with.  But the Christmas of 1969 was a rare “green” Christmas.  We had no snow.  Which meant no sledding, no snow forts, no snowball fights, no making a snowman.  Although the trees were bare and the air was cold, there was no blanket of snow to cover the green grass.  It just didn’t seem like Christmas.

It begins to get dark around 3:30 in the afternoon in December, and that’s when the street lights would come on.  We had one half way up the hill, and another at the top near our house. When they flickered on, we trudged into the house, somewhat more subdued after romping around in the yard.

Inside the warm house, we watched out the window for the flicker of the headlights on Dad’s car.  If he didn’t get home from his shopping soon, we would burst with the agony of anticipation!  Finally, we saw him come round the curve and we squealed with excitement!  Dad was bringing Christmas home in the trunk of that car.

“Go upstairs and get dressed for church while I help your father carry things in, ” was Mom’s next directive.  And we scurried up the stairs, our ears attentive to the rustling sound of packages being carried in.

Candlelight Service

Every Christmas Eve we attended services at the Presbyterian church “down in Lower Graniteville.” The simple white structure was about a mile from our house.  Every Christmas Eve they held a candlelight service.  The ladies of the church decked it out in Christmas greenery, and it smelled like the piney woods.

As we walked from the parking lot to the front door of the church, it didn’t seem like Christmas Eve.  No snow.  Green grass. Bare sidewalks. We were handed  a small white candle poked through a paper circle to catch the drip of candle wax along with the bulletin as we entered the nave.

We sang the beautiful Christmas hymns, endured the pastor’s mercifully short re-telling of the Christmas story from the book of Luke,  And then the magical moment arrived at the end of the service.  The ushers turned out the lights and lit one candle at the end of each front pew.  Then we passed the light from candle to candle until the whole sanctuary glowed with the golden light while we sang “Silent Night, Holy Night…all is calm, all is bright.”  Jesus, the Light of the World, filled my heart with joy and my eyes with tears.  It was a holy, hushed moment I will treasure all my life.

Then down into the church basement to watch “The Night Before Christmas” movie, eat a sugar cookie and take home a popcorn ball that the church ladies lovingly made for each child in the congregation.

Let it Snow…and snow and snow and snow!

The ushers opened the front doors of the church, and to our amazement…the grass was covered in white!  Snow was swirling everywhere, coming down hard and fast.  We drove back up the hill, and my father said, “I think we are in for an old fashioned blizzard.”

And he was right.  It snowed while we opened our presents and continued to snow all that night. When we woke up to open our stockings on Christmas Day, it was still snowing. And it snowed all day long and into the night. By the next morning, there was so much snow that no one could get up the hill.  Even the snowplows were silent.  It snowed and snowed and snowed and snowed, and by the time the storm passed over, we had more than 3 feet of snow on the ground!

Even the quarry was shut down!  So Dad did not have to go back into work the day after Christmas!  We played games and munched on the treats from our stockings and enjoyed being snowed in.  This was a magical Christmas that I will never forget.

It was also the very last Christmas that Dad was with us.  In the spring of 1970, he suffered a fatal heart attack.  So that snowy extended holiday with him was a gift from Heaven.  We didn’t know it at the time, of course, but looking back, I think maybe God sent that big storm to snow us in and give us extra time together as a family so we would have the warmth and joy of that last Christmas to carry in our hearts forever.

As you are waiting for Christmas, you might enjoy seeing some of my past winter projects to get you in the proper frame of mind.

Your cuppa is probably needing a refill by now, so I will close.  I wish every one of you a memorable, joyful, light-filled, love-filled, hope-filled Christmas.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

 

 

 

Spellbinders Home Sweet Quilt Cards

Spellbinders -Home Sweet-Home-8 point star quilt-Carta Bella-Welcome Winter-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design Photo 01

Spellbinders Home Sweet Quilt Cards

Hello, Friends!   It’s been a chilly week here in North Carolina, and that has inspired me to make these Spellbinders Home Sweet Quilt Cards.  Growing up in Vermont, we always had at least one quilt over piles of blankets or afghans on our beds during the winter.  The weight of the bedclothes, and my mom saying “Snug as a bug in a rug” as she tucked me in at night are sweet memories.  Maybe that’s why I sleep under a weighted blanket now, who knows?

I’ve never been a quilter, but a while ago, I started saving diagrams for various quilt squares in a Pinterest file.  My intent was to replicate the patterns with paper.  Spellbinders must have been reading my mind, because this die set allows you to do just that, without all the geometry and measuring it would have taken for me to do it on my own.

Home Sweet Quilt Filigree 8 Point Star Square

Spellbinders-Home Sweet Quilt-8 Point Star-Carta Bella Welcome Winter-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design-Photo 02

This 5 1/2″ square card uses the Filigree 8 Point Star pattern.  There are a lot of little parts that come with this die set, and at first it can seem a bit overwhelming to figure out how they all go together.  So first, maybe try die cutting from inexpensive cardstock to get the feel for how the pieces fit together.  I, of course, did not do this.  For fools rush in where angels fear to tread.  But even with my harum-scarum approach to creating, I managed to produce a very pretty design.  Bottom line: it’s not hard to do, but it gets easier with practice.   And the end result is so pleasing that I think I probably will take this die for another spin.

Here’s a peek at the inside.  Winter plaids make me think of pajamas…and that is a cozy thought, indeed.  You could put on your flannel pj’s and enjoy a hot cuppa of Winter Spice tea while watching Dr. Zhivago for the ultimate cozy winter experience.  (The winter scenes are epic!)

Quilted Stained Glass Window

Spellbinders-Quilted Stained Glass Window Dies-Becca Feeken-Amazing Paper Grace-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design-Carta Bella-Gather Again-Photo 02

Next I created an inlaid mosaic design with the Quilted Stained Glass Window dies.  I will not lie to you: this was a lot of work because of all the little pieces.  But it was very rewarding to see the design come together.  If I did t his one again, I would probably just die cut the outline from white cardstock and lay it over a sort of calico patterned paper.  That would be a quick and easy way to create the same effect.

Spellbinders-Quilted Stained Glass Window Dies-Becca Feeken-Amazing Paper Grace-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design-Carta Bella-Gather Again-Photo 01

Adding machine stitching to the Carta Bella Gather Again patterned papers really amped up the homespun vibe of this project.

Here’s a peek at the inside.  The cozy farmhouse vibe is perfect for winter cardmaking.

There are 6 different quilt square dies in this release along with an embossing folder and sentiment stamps.  You can take a look at all of them along with some pretty samples HERE.

You’ll find a linked supply list below this post.

I hope you’re staying warm and cozy this winter!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY  LIST

Loaded Sweetheart Envelope Tea Party in a Box Folio

Echo Park Winter-Spellbinders Sweetheart Envelope-Amazing Paper Grace-Tea Party in a Box-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design-Photo 01

Loaded Sweetheart Envelope Tea Party in a Box Folio

Hello, Friends! Today I have a Loaded Sweetheart Envelope Tea Party in a Box to share with you.  This is yet another way to use the Amazing Paper Grace Sweetheart Envelope and Notecard dies.  (You can find my previous projects HERE.)I’m having so much fun with this beautiful and versatile die that I can’t seem to stop playing with it!  It keeps calling my name, and I keep answering!  I hope y’all are not tired of seeing it yet, because I am definitely not tired of playing with it!

Loaded Sweetheart Envelope

Spellbinders Loaded Sweetheart Envelope and Notecard Die-Echo Park Winter-Tea Party in a Box-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design

How fun is this loaded envelope?  It is such a quick and easy way to add a surprise focal image to a card!  If you look closely, you’ll see that this loaded envelope has 2 compartments.  How did I do this?  It’s actually quite simple:

  • First, die cut the basic envelope from grey cardstock using the largest die in the set.
  • Next, die cut the filigree liner from the same grey cardstock.
  • Then die cut contrasting patterned paper using just the liner die without the filigree insert.  Adhere this to the “peak” of the envelope as seen in the photo.
  • Now, fold the envelope on the scored lines and secure the tabs inside the pocket.
  • Next, die cut just the curved front of the envelope from complementary patterned paper.  I just cut a small square of patterned paper, lined the die up and secured it with Post-It tape, and then ran it through the machine.  Adhere gussets to the sides and bottom of this piece and glue it down as a pocket on top of a pocket.
  • Now die cut the heart base from contrasting cardstock and mat the grey filigree heart on top as the decoration on your envelope.

Echo Park Winter-Spellbinders Sweetheart Envelope and Notecard-Amazing Paper Grace Die of the Month December 2022-Tea Party in a Box-Loaded Envelope-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design

Mat designer paper from Echo Park Winter Mega Pad on soft blue cardstock, then machine stitch around the edges.  Adhere this over a 5 3/4″ square of the plaid pattern that has been stitched to another panel of the same cardstock.   Now add a sparkly snowflake and a handmade flower and layer this whole mess of goodness up on your card front.

What’s in the Loaded Pocket?

I was hoping you would ask that!  Create a little notecard with one of the 3×3 images from the paper collection and tuck that inside the front pocket.  Then make a little mini folio with the 3×3 images and tuck that in the larger pocket.

Good things really do come in small packages!  This little book has 4 pages and a center side pocket.  How fun would it be to add small photos of the kids or the pets playing in the snow here?

Create a cute tag with another image and scraps of cardstock, and add this to the larger pocket along with the mini book.  Score a row of the small images, accordion fold, insert in a memo pin and then stick that in the corner of the envelope.  Isn’t this fun?

A Peek Inside

The inside of this Tea Party in a Box folio is as fun as the outside.  In addition to the tea party, I created a little photo album on the top of the card.  This has a magnetic closure to keep everything neat and tidy.

The accordion pull-out has (5) 5 1/2″ square panels, so lots of room for great photos.  Create the mechanism by joining (2)  5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ panels of cardstock and scoring every 5 1/2″.  Tuck the small flap behind the base page at the top of the card folio.

The magnetic closure tucks behind the base page on the opposite side of the card.  Create even more space for photos by adding a flap page to one of the panels.

You can add little tip ins and even a side pocket for even more winter fun!

Tea Party in a Box

Winter is a tough time for a lot of folks, so it’s nice to create a cheery surprise gift like this one to brighten up the days.  Do you spy the cute notecard made with the same Sweetheart die?  I’m telling you friends, this is one dynamic die!

I wonder what I’ll make next with this sweet die?  Whatever it is, I’ll be sure to share it with you!

Enjoy your weekend, make time to play with paper, and stay cozy!

You’ll find a linked supply list below this post.

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

Frosted Windowpanes Winter Wall Hanging

Ciao Bella Time for Home-Spellbinders APG Grid Die-Reneabouquets Beautiful Board-Frosted Windowpanes-Wall Hanging-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design-Photo 01

Frosted Windowpanes Winter Wall Hanging with Reneabouquets for Throwback Thursday

Hello, Friends!  Do you remember the old Christmas tune, “Frosted Windowpanes“?  Every time I hear that song playing, it takes me right back to my childhood Christmas memories. Our little town had one short strip of shops on its itty bitty Main Street, but oh, how magical they were to the eyes of a child!  Sidewalks were scraped mostly clean of snow, but you still had to watch out for the odd icy patch as you briskly hurried from store to store. Heavy coat, hat, mittens, boots and a sturdy scarf helped to keep out the cold, but  you could still feel the icy breeze and see your breath swirl into the frigid air. But did you care?  No, because the street lights twinkled with Christmas decorations and the storefronts were all dressed up in their holiday finery.

Decorations never went up until the day after Thanksgiving. Then all us “country folks” drove into town, snow squeaking under our tires, anxious to see the town all dressed up in its winter finery.  It was the same year after year, but I never grew tired of seeing the transformation.  Mom and I would peer into the shop windows ooh-ing and aaah-ing over the display of trees, ornaments, toys and Christmas dresses.  That memory inspired this sweet little wall hanging made with Ciao Bella’s “Time for Home” paper collection and a whole host of goodies from Reneabouquets.

Frosted Windowpane Shaker Box

Can you feel the temperature drop when you look at this icy delight?  I’ve created a mixed media background (tutorial below) then stitched it onto natural canvas.  The windowpanes are made with an Amazing Paper Grace Grid Die.

Here’s a closeup of those frosty windowpanes, and the wintry scene outside. The metal hanger was a gift from one of my sweet blog buddies.  Do you recognize it painted with white chalk paint, Becky?

Don’t you want that cozy velvet coat that our little snow ball throwing girl is wearing?  This piece, all the flowers and the shabby snowflake accents are all from Reneabouquets.

White satin ribbon is one of the featured items in the RRR December Ribbon Club Assortment.  It was such a perfect match for this project that I had to use it.  Topped with Iridescent Metallic String bows and surrounded by sliver leaves, it adds the perfect icy touch to this sweet composition.

Frosted Windowpanes Winter Wall Hanging Tutorial on YouTube

If you’d like to see this piece come together, I hope you’ll enjoy this little YouTube video.

Thanks for joining me on my trip down memory lane today!  You’ll find a linked supply list below this post.

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

**NOTE: Since Throwback Thursday projects feature older or retired product, I may or may not be able to provide links for you.  Thanks for understanding.

Photoplay Winter Chalet Folio Project Share

Photoplay Winter Chalet Folio with Reneabouquets by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Photoplay Winter Chalet Folio Project Share for Make & Take Tuesday

Hello, Friends!  This sweet Photoplay Winter Chalet Folio is my “Pre-Thanksgiving” Make & Take Tuesday project.  I had just enough time in my schedule (well, not really…but who can resist new paper?) to get this sweet folio put together.  After this, I plan to hang up my crafting apron and put on my pie baking apron.  You won’t hear from me again until Friday’s Heartfelt Creations Alumni Team Blog Hop.

This is a busy week for most of us with houses to dust and menus to plan and trips to the grocery store.  Thanksgiving, after all, is “The Cooking Olympics”.  But I thought you might enjoy grabbing a cuppa with me before the games begin!

Although there is no tutorial this week, I will share a lovely new paper collection and a fun “DIY” Photoplay folio to share with you.  All the online sites are offering Black Friday specials, so I might as well tempt you with some new paper pretties to place in your shopping cart right?

Warm & Cozy Winter Chalet

Photoplay Winter Chalet Folio Project Share-Reneabouquets-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design-Photo 01

Right off the bat, the color palette of this collection grabbed my attention.  You just can’t go wrong with blue, green, brown and cream in a winter collection!  Toss in the darling images and delightful patterns of this collection and you’ve got a real winner in my book!

Alter a Prima Resin Frame with Nuvo Toasted Almond Mousse and Metallic Wax to add to the winter vibe.  Surround the shaker frame with sparkling snowflakes, winter florals and  elegant ribbon.  Now you have a folio that  you’ll be happy to display all winter long!

Dangle Charm

Here’s a peek at the sweet little dangle charm on the album spine.  I chose charms that will transfer over from Christmas to winter with no problem.

A Peek Inside

This flap style folio offers lots and lots of room for large photos.  Each of these front flaps opens to reveal some really fun interactive pages beneath.

Look how huge this folio is when it is opened!  There are so many elements to look at that I created a short video tour so you can see them all.  I also share helpful tips as we walk through the project.

Photoplay Winter Chalet Folio Project Share on YouTube

I hope you’ll enjoy walking through this Winter Chalet Wonderland with me in this YouTube video.

If you have time on your hands, and would like to enjoy archived Thanksgiving posts from years gone by, please click HERE.  There are even some great tutorials that might come in handy before the holiday!

I’ve added a linked supply list below this post for your convenience.

I wish you all a blessed, happy, and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving.  Don’t forget to save a slice of pie for breakfast on Friday!  I’ll see you then with my Heartfelt Creations Alumni Hop post.

I am truly thankful for each and every one of you.  Sharing my passion for paper with you brings me so much joy.  Group hug, everybody!

Cheerio,

kathy