Michele Holcomb

the simple things 2012:: week 3

You've been spending lots of time in your room the last few weeks, foregoing t.v. and the wii to listen to music, rearrange your dresser, work & write at your desk, sing, and the many other things that you come up with. 

We may not see you for a few hours, so I peek in from time to time to see what you're up to. This particular day I caught you doing one of my most favorite activities. 

***This post is part of a weekly challenge to capture "The Simple Things" in life hosted by Rebecca Cooper. Click on the button below to see the wonderful entries***

cupcards {to go}:: valentine kit reveal

The anticipated CupCards {to go} Valentine kit went on sale last night and let me tell you...it does not disappoint. This kit is packed with lots of my favorite product, especially the Kissing Booth line from Basic Grey. LOVE!

The card below uses my all time favorite patterned paper from BG called Heartbreaker. I cut out a few of the hearts, adhered it to the pink lace ribbon, and added a few embellies. I also love the look of faux stitching. It's a quick detail without the need to pull out my sewing machine.

My next card is based on the sketch. I added a few simple details, such as the staples (tiny attacher), faux stitching and the die cut mini tags.

And last...a simple design with paper layering and faux stitching again. I think I'm addicted. Either that or I just like the word "faux".

Well...that's all from me for now. Be sure to visit the gallery for more Valentine inspiration.

Happy Tuesday!

the simple things 2012:: week 2

I love leaving little love notes in your lunch box. I've been doing this since you were in kindergarten. Now that you're in 4th grade, I'm so grateful that you still look forward to receiving them. 

You really are such an awesome kid!

***This post is part of a weekly challenge to capture "The Simple Things" in life hosted by Rebecca Cooper. Click on the button below to see the wonderful entries***

on my goal list:: learn to sew

I remember as a little girl wearing a yellow and white striped dress that my mom had sewn out of curtains. I must've been about 3 years old and from what my mom told me, I loved it. I soon outgrew wearing dresses - give me jeans, a t-shirt and comfy sandals any day, but I digress.

One of my life's goals is to learn how to really sew. I started back in the day with a good friend and her mom. We met up weekly at the sewing center to make a quilt - never finished. I still have the fabric to prove it. Then we started meeting at her mom's house to make christmas stockings - never finished those either:)

But...that doesn't stop me from dreaming of making aprons, blankets, totes, skirts for the girls and so much more. I'm in love with pattern, color, and fabric from so many designers one of which is Anna Maria Horner. I love her style and her blog. So much goodness in one place.

[image source: Meissner Sewing and Learning Center]

Anna Maria is coming for the first time to our local sewing and learning center next month and I just can't decide which one of her classes to take. I'm thinking the trunk show since I wouldn't have the first clue in how to operate a real sewing machine, much less understand the lingo:)

This is probably the push I need to make this goal of mine a reality.

If your're local, registration is open now.

the simple things 2012:: week 1

I've been looking back at my entire week and this image stands out the most. You'd think that with the first week of 2012 behind me I would be in a resolution sort of mode. But to be honest, it's been quite challenging here. On Wednesday, I received this promotional card in the mail at work and I knew that I needed to hear these words. So, I slipped it into my calendar and it's been close to me ever since. 

Sometimes junk mail is worth keeping. 

***This post is part of a weekly challenge to capture "The Simple Things" in life hosted by Rebecca Cooper. Click on the button below to see the wonderful entries***

sometimes...

Sometimes I'm so inspired by all of the goodness on the world wide web, magazines, and endless amounts of pinterest boards that it makes me want to create something right that instant. But then...I don't know where to begin.

Sometimes I think about focusing on taking better pictures and making photobooks like this.

Sometimes I think about giving it all away. Letting go of the cutting, gluing, printing, and designing.

But when I clean and purge my stash, I start to dream about all of the projects that I want to make and all of the stories that I want to tell.

I think this demands a project list.

a year of simple things:: looking back at 2011

I can't tell you how happy this collage makes me.

One photo per week.

One simple thing that made me smile.

One memory that I wanted to hold on to.

All here.

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If you're looking for a photo project to take on for the year, I highly recommend that you join The Simple Things Sunday hosted by Rebecca Cooper. It's a great compliment to a 365 project or Project Life. 

simple scrapper:: january layouts

I'm welcoming 2012 with open arms! First up...a scrappy share.

The January templates from Simple Scrapper are now available through the premium membership. There are some awesome things happening over at Simple Scrapper, including a Design Team Call for the the January - June term. It was such a pleasure designing with Jennifer's templates which also helped me break into a little digital creating.

Here are my latest two layouts. 

supplies: Sketch template from Simple Scrapper's Premium Membership; Paislee Press (this much collection - patterned paper & blue cardstock); Ali Edwards (light blue striped patterned paper); One Little Bird (Beige Like Me)

supplies: Sketch template from Simple Scrapper's Premium Membership; One Little Bird (Beige Like Me - kraft); Paislee Press (this much collection - cream & navy cardstock, patterned papers, ink splatter - changed to grey); Anna Aspnes stitching

the simple things:: week 52

A new wreath adorns our door.

I even kept it open all day enjoying the fresh cool air. 

For the last week we have been enjoying one another's company. Staying in pj's all day and playing Clue & Just Dance 3 well into the night. I'm really savoring these last few days of time off before I have to go back to work on Tuesday. I started to clean up the last few remnants of Christmas and will work on cleaning out some spaces in each of the rooms. I love that feeling of saying goodbye to the past and starting a new! I'm really looking forward to 2012. So many plans lay ahead for us. 

Since this will be my last post of 2011, I want to say Thank You!

Thank You for your kind words, emails, encouragement, and silently visiting my space. I truly do appreciate it! 

Happy New Year! 

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This post is part of a weekly challenge to capture "The Simple Things" in life hosted by Rebecca Cooper. Click on the button below to see the wonderful entries.

the simple things:: week 51

The Spirit of Hope Fairy has been apart of our family for the last two years; delivered to Nyna from her grandparents (my in-laws) on Christmas day.  At 7 years old, I don't think she knew what to think. Now that she's a little older she has a better understanding of what he can brings to our lives. I like knowing that he'll be around each year to keep an eye out for everyone. He really does look like he's smiling into the camera, right?  

Merry Christmas Eve! 

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A little bit about our fairy - The Spirit of Hope Fairy brings the hope of healing and prayers for a cure to breast cancer survivors everywhere. He shares in the daily struggle of those afflicted and provides hope, inspiration and courage to the many millions of women everywhere who have heroically battled breast cancer. 

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This post is part of a weekly challenge to capture "The Simple Things" in life hosted by Rebecca Cooper. Click on the button below to see the wonderful entries.