INTRODUCING MR & MRS PAUL CLOUSE

This is an "unofficial" posting of a smattering of wedding pictures. DH and I are now heading southwest to spend thanksgiving with the grandbaby, son and daughter-in-love. :-) So we unpack...and then we pack. Again.

Meanwhile, I'd like you to meet Mr. and Mrs. Paul Clouse:

Aren't they radiant? And, the Reluctant Ring Bearer...oh there WILL be stories! Trust me!

And the Unity S'more. Oh yes. I'm serious. Details to come!

The wedding shoes and throw away bouquet...aren't they too die for?

And the reception tables...a few surprises upon our arrival: A) It was a gymnasium, NOT a low-ceilinged reception hall. B) There was a basketball court drawn on the floor C) IT WAS A GYMNASIUM...

However, NOT to be undone or delayed, I wrangled a few of the bridesmaids and hubby dear and we got the place set up in intimate, cozy little gatherings. More pictures of the OVER abundance of desserts and the happy bride and groom. (Oh, and a few of mom and dad...as we couldn't seem to get away from the camera that day.... :-(

STARBUCKS JINGLE CUP...

Greetings, dear reader!

Wanted to show you a quick Christmas ornament...made with a favorite "recycled" product:

The STARBUCKS JINGLE CUP! Designer Wilna Furstenberg came up with this little treasure. It's super simple to make:



First, I suggest you purchase a holiday Mocha Peppermint Twist from Starbucks. Venti (XL) is great, but Tall works a bit better for this project!




1. Using red glitter glue, cover the red part of the cup.

2. Using white glitter glue, cover the white parts of the cup.

3. Cut a circle from Christmas paper to fit the top of the lid and glue.

4. Add a bell to the ribbons

5. Using a craft knife, make a slit in the lid and loop ribbon(s) through. Be sure to glue or tape ribbons to inside top of cup

6. Add some glitter to the rim of the lid

7. Drop or string 2 or 3 bells to the inside of the cup

8. Adhere the lid to the cup

9. Add a tag, ribbons, decorations, or more bells!





Add a Starbucks gift card and you've got a great little gift package that hints of what's inside!

Ornaments not your thing? How about a Starbucks Christmas Card?





Simply flatten the Starbucks Tall Cup. Trace cup onto cardstock. Fold both in half. Use brads, eyelets, staples, ribbons, or needle and thread to adhere cardstock to inside of cup. Crease fold with a bone folder. Now simply add a holiday greeting with rub-ons, a photo, or tape a Starbucks gift card to the cardstock! Voila! A wonderfully festive red and "green" way to recycle!

More soon!

XOXOXOX

PRACTICAL HOLIDAY PLANNER...

Greetings, dear reader!

I hope this finds you staying warm and getting used to the idea that winter is nearly upon us?! I am less than thrilled at the prospect, however, there ARE good things that happen during the winter months:

• many of the bug-gy creatures go dormant and/or die off
• many of the germs do likewise
• Thanksgiving!
• Christmas!

And now I add to the list, my youngest son's wedding! November 22 is the big day, and I am busy as a mad hatter getting things ready for the gala event:



Meanwhile, between bursts of wedding madness, I am still creating goodies for my shop. This little treasure has a much more practical use (which, ask anyone who knows me, is NOT my typical!). Behold the Holiday Planner:






It includes:

• Travel Itinerary
• Budget Worksheet
  
• Christmas Card List
• Craft Supply List
• Gift Ideas
• Black Friday Coupons & Ads
• November & December Calendars
• Master Task List

I also added lots of 9x12 and 6x9 envelopes, to hold ads, coupons, cards, photos, and other miscellany. I joined the SisTV's "30 Days to a Handmade Holiday Online Class" and so have my Master Supply List as well as Class Schedule.

I will be stamping and decorating and adding visual goodies to the planner up until and through the holiday season. I DO after all have the title of "Queen of Embellishments" to live up to!

What are YOU doing to prepare for the coming holidays?

More soon!

XOXOXOX



Paula Clare

WHAT'S IMPORTANT...

Norwegian Coral Reefs Threatened from Greenpeace Nordic on Vimeo.

More soon!

XOXOXOX



Paula Clare

HONOR TO WHOM HONOR IS DUE...

Greetings, dear reader!

(You'll note there is no music for this post...I'd like for us to take a moment of silence in honor of those who have sacrificed and given so much for their country)

I wanted to take this opportunity, Veterans Day, to say "Thank You" to my eldest son who spent 8 years in the marines and 2 years in the Coast Guard fighting for, believing in, and defending the country he loves so much. You are loved and appreciated, Ian!









And I am equally proud of my son in this role:



Thank you, Ian, for who you are and what you've done and continue to do for God, family and country!

More soon!

XOXOXOX



Paula Clare