I've got a couple of great ideas to share with you today for Advent calendars.  My mum has made calendars for the kids again this year and her idea for this December was a beauty.  Just had to take some pics to share.

She brought over a big box for Hannah and one for Jack with their names on top, plus a little box each.  Inside each big box were 24 envelopes - one for each day until Christmas.  (They were guessing what might be inside the envelopes - Hannah thought it might be money and Jack thought it might be fluffs, yes he's very 4!) 

Once December 1st arrived they discovered that inside each envelope is a jigsaw piece so each day they're adding 2 more pieces to the Christmas puzzle.  And the little boxes - they've got M and Ms for a little chocolate treat each day too - yum.   We're 5 days, 10 jigsaw pieces and quite a few M and Ms into our countdown and having lots of fun.   What a great idea. 

Here's a couple more of mum's advent creations from previous years.   One time she decorated this for Hannah - each drawer had a little treasure. 

And for Jack - who was a little young for the drawers - she made a 12" calendar and each day he stuck on a Christmas sticker (and had a smartie.)

I've been getting ready for Christmas today too with the annual attempt to get a nice shot of the kids for my Christmas cards.    I've decided the requirements for this are lots of patience, a sense of humour and definitely definitely a digital camera!!   Some chocolates for bribery come in handy too.   I tried a few different locations in the house, and a few different positions of children ..... after lots and lots and lots of pics we found a winner.   

Put some of our attempts into a collage - do you like Jack's suggestion for a nice pose?  I'm guessing you'll be able to spot it.

And our photo for 2010?  I think we'll go with this one ....

Now to come up with a card design for it!  

Hope you're having a great weekend with lots of smiles.

Cheers, Sue

December 1st is here and I have two great bits of Stampin' Up news to share.

1.  Summer Mini Catalogue

We have a brand new Summer Mini catalogue here in Australia with lots of yummy new stamps, accessories, papers and tools.  

Click on the catalogue to view it online. Email me if you don't have a demonstrator and would like a copy mailed to you.

My personal favourites from the Summer Mini (well so far, I do change my mind daily when it comes to my craft stash!) -

* the gorgeous crochet trim ribbons on page 8

*the specialty Presto Patterns Designer Series Paper on page 10 - add ink to reveal the designs, versatile, hands on, choose your own ink colour, I'm going to have lots of fun with these

* the Square Lattice embossing folder on page 17 (I'm completely addicted to embossing folders - now how did I manage without them in years past!)

* and I'm turning into a bit of a greetings collector I think and just LOVE the swirly beautiful 'Well Scripted' stamp set on page 18

Have a browse through the mini - I'd love to hear what catches your eye.  Got any favourites??

Summer Mini Launch

My local ladies:  If you'd like to grab a copy of the Summer Mini and see some of the new products in action, check out a nice collection of samples and try some things out for yourself at the make and take table, come along to my Open House - Summer Mini Launch. 

2 dates to choose from:  Thurs Dec 9th 7.30pm or Sunday Dec 12th 2pm

Cost $10.  We'll have a couple of projects to make, some drinks and nibblies, door prizes and my always popular Hostess Rewards Prize Draw for anyone placing an order at the launch.  Almost Christmas so perhaps a glass of bubbly too.  Places limited. Phone or email to book your spot.  More details here - Summer Mini Launch.

2. December Frenzy Special

And now onto the second bit of news from Stampin' Up Australia for December - the December Frenzy special. 

Stampin' Up have a great list of products at up to 50% off from December 1st until 29th.

You can download the flyer here:  December Frenzy Flyer (1.5MB)

Or view the details in the table below.

The first thing I noticed was Teeny Tiny Sentiments - a fabulous bargain at 50% off.  For $31.48 you get 24 greetings including your most often needed ones.  I use this set HEAPS.  You can find it on page 105.  (Great in combination with the Word Window or Modern Label punch.)

If any of those sound tempting and you'd like something from the special, get in touch by phone or email before December 29th to place your order and I'd be happy to help. 

And A Card ...

We can't finish up without a card can we!   Here's one I made on the Stampin' Up Incentive Trip at our Make and Take (and Chat and Eat Choccies!) Session.   It features the Summer Mini stamp set 'Love Defined' (pg 6).  And the gorgeous little Mini Library Clips I'd not spotted before on page 139 of the main catalogue. 

Now I'm not sure if you can spot the unusual aspect of this card.  It is a bit of a tricky one to photograph as the base card is transparent (cut from the clear Window Sheets (main catalogue, pg 122).   Something a little bit different.

 
Back with more Summer Mini creations during this month. 

Cheers,  Sue