REACHING OUT TO TOUCH... (A PROJECT TOO)

Good day, family-friends.  I hope all is well in blogland.

Considering how things are going, I haven't had time to get around to visiting all of you and/or visit with any consistency; therefore, this post is mainly to  reach out to each and everyone of you saying hello, and to let you know I'm thinking of you; particularly those of you I haven't reached yet.

Update, the kitchen-remodel is one I wish we hadn't began!  We've had to move up the work date and delivery dates by a couple of days because I did not anticipate how much preparation time it would take before the work could start.  I am still packing and trying to find places to store things I'm determining to keep, and I still have to decide on and purchase flooring and wall tiles.  Between praying, crying, and expelling a few choice words I wouldn't normally use, I'm a wreck!!!  Disregarding my bathrooms, my kitchen is one of the smallest rooms in my home and I can't imagine I've packed sooooo much stuff in one teeny-tiny space  and causing me so much frustration!

An example of how bad things are going, the other night I was so tired I broke down and literally threw a tantrum accusing my hubby of this all being his fault.  Thank GOD he laughed at and overlooked me.  What a great stress-reliever that was because I ended up laughing at myself too.  Unfortunately, my son didn't think it was so funny when he came to help and I got "snippy" with him; but, of course, he understood and has forgiven me.  Seriously, this is turning me into a maniac!!!  I'm not liking myself very much right now.

In the meantime -- and between --  I completed a project to share (aaaah, my crafting -- another stress reliever).  This project came about when I saw my aunt's address/phonebook  which was small, so worn she could hardly read it, and was held together by rubber bands.  Of course to me that meant making her a new one.  Here it is:

I added a page on the inside that shows all her emergency numbers (I did not picture this page as, understandably, it's completed with the names and numbers), and alpha-tab pages for her to add her own additional information, and a page to write notes.  Here are pictures of the inside pages:

 

 

 

I even made the last back page to match:

I did all the pages in WordPerfect.  As quick and easy as it was, I'm so pleased with how it turned out -- but a problem is that she'll be as pleased and won't want to use it!!!  LOL!!!  Knowing her, she'll want to wrap it in tissue and only pull it out for "show"!!!  Maybe I should start on a plain and ordinary one she'll actually use, huh?  LOL!

Again, I know I'm behind on visiting and commenting but, unfortunately, it's not going to be any better until my work is done. So, please hang in here with me as you've always done -- oh yea, say a little prayer for me too... LOL!!!

Well, I'm off  again.  Still got packing and shopping to do, so I'll be back when I can.  Hugs and love to you all, and...

Thanks for stopping by.  I'll be seeing you!

GATEFOLD ALBUM AND ANOTHER BLOG AWARD!

Hello, everyone!!!  I hope it's a beautiful day where you are!  We've had a few terrible storms the past late evening, but it actually turned into a gorgeous and fabulously cool day today; although more storms are expected.

As I've mentioned, we have a family reunion this weekend -- beginning with the "Meet and Greet" on Friday, so I probably won't be around here as much as I'd like because I've still several things to do in preparation.  One of those things is completing a gatefold album I've been working on for a relative coming to Chicago for the reunion.  Because I probably won't get it finished to have back here in time to show the completed version, I'm going to share with you peeks into the album now.  Of course the album pages will be left blank so that my relative can add whatever she likes inside.  I have left room in this album for photos, journaling, notes, etc.  It will hold anything from wallet-size photos to 4"x6", anything in between, and pockets for something slightly larger (or folded items):

Album Front

When you open the album, the frame insert on the back cover (on the left side) will hold a 4"x 6" photo or can be used for journaling:

Here are more of the inside pages:

The left page (shown below) holds a pad which opens into pages for photos, journaling, etc. and

... an envelope with a blank tag is on the right page to be used as preferred.

The insert on the first left side page of these pages holds a personal card.

The gatefold page in the middle holds a blank book which opens into pages for photos, notes, etc. and includes a built-in envelope holding a tag.

Here's a page with an envelope larege enough to hold many things.

And, the envelope opens into an additional 2 pages to hold photos.

There are more pockets and tags throughout the album for additional storage.

When I started this album it was only a few pages but, as I've been working on it, it's grown.  I just love how the gatefold pages open up to all the little nooks and crannies!!!  I actually had to take the original wires off to put larger ones on...lol!  Anyway, while it was in it's "work-in-process"stages, I did manage to get a picture of it standing, so you can at least get an idea how that'll look:

I hope you like what you've seen of it!  I wish I could've had it all completed in time for you to see a finished project but I'm pushed for time as it is, so I don't think that'll happen.  Anyway, at least, as crafters you can use your imagination!  Right?!!!

With so many families coming in (already arriving) I probably won't get back here much until after weekend; therefore, if you don't hear from me have a wonderful and joyful weekend, and I will see you after the reunion!  (I will, however, try to sneak in a few visits though when I can... lol!!)

Oops!  Before I leave I've just got to acknowledge another blog award I've just received from my friend Girlia.  It's the "Stinkin' Cute" Blog Award and it really is stinkin' cute:

Thank you so much, Girlia; this is such a cute award and I appreciate your passing it on to me!

Now I'd like to pass it on to the following bloggers:

Georgianna, Carson's Cricut Creations

Angi, Cokie Pop Paper

Bobby and Jill, Cricut Coule

Lisa, Lisa's Craft Room

Deborah, Love My Paper

Stacy, Love My Bug

Rhonda, Scrap Happens

and because, as I understand, there are no rules for this award other than passing it on...  why not just all of you -- EVERYONE -- grab it from me and pass it on to more deserving bloggers!!!  How fun!!!

Thanks for always for thinking of me and stopping by to visit, I appreciate that.

Hugs!