Making Paper Bag Books

Pam and I had a great time with our paper bag project and the 40 new scrappers! I am posting more information on how to do it and samples of ones I've made. They are just so cute and so much fun to do!

This was the version we did using the regular size lunch bags that come in a package of 50. Pretty cheap! Anyway we used two bags. You can use more. To see how to make the basic bag click HERE. I usually sew mine together. I have punched holes and tied ribbon before, but that method takes space from your pages, so I prefer the sewn method. If I sew the bags together, I do not punch as they show on the how-to page.

The bag below is called a "Waterfall bag book." It is just two bags placed on top of each other but one pushed back to leave just over an inch. Then fold so that you have the waterfall layers in front. Sew on fold. 

The one below is made with the larger bags. It's finished size is about 6 x 6. I really like this size. It would be better if I had sewn in the middle rather than punching. That way the pages lie flat. Remember you can fill the pockets with tags and lots of photos and journaling!

Happy paper bag book making! It is fun and limitless!!

Forty Happy Scrappers!!

This was forty happy scrappers! Today Pam and I made a scrapbooking presentation at the Rankin Childcare Directors Association. We presented lots of ideas how they could use scrapbooking with preschoolers.

We made a cute Summer themed paperbag book. They just loved it!

Pam and I had such a good time introducing new folks to scrapbooking!

 I am sure Michael's and Hobby Lobby greatly appreciate it!! In fact we just had to stop off at HL on the way home!

We also got 100% approval on our evaluations!
 I would love to present again next year!

Other stuff we did...besides have a beautiful wedding!

 We had a wonderful time visiting with our former neighbors, Russ and Irene. We lived next door to them in Pensacola. We were there for only one year from the time Betsy was one until she turned two. They were great neighbors and friends !

During our visit I learned that Irene has taken up scrapbooking with a friend and they love to go to Gigi's. In fact they will be attending the Gigi's retreat. I hope we can see them and also meet her friend Jan while we are there. Pam even said they could come eat with us when

 it is her night to cook!!

 Josh's parents took us all on a deep sea-fishing expedition on Sunday!!

 We caught tons of red snapper and other fish!

Bob and Brian took Brennen to the Naval Air Museum  . It is an awesome place. We had visited many times when we lived in Pensacola. Brennen just loved it! Especially the aircraft carrier.

 Once we got back to Gantt, we had a family cookout on the Conecuh river. It was great to reunite with our cousins in such fun place. My cousin Phil and his wife Robin had just renovated his parent's cabin. They did a wonderful job and it was so cozy and cute!

Just wanted to share these with y'all. I know you've seen enough photos for a while.

We will be scrappin' tomorrow and Thursday, so I promise the next post will be about scrappin' !!

Memorable moments of Retreats Past......more to come!

 Just thought I'd share some fun photos from our first two Retreats! 2010 and 2011! In the photo above we were out on the balcony. The wind was incredible and COLD! We decided Edith looked like Pippi Longstocking! 

 Pam gets a Deer!

 We had such a great time the next year, too! We spent a lot of time at Gigi's and

 discovered Billy's Seafood!

 Gigi's 2012 Retreat is scheduled for Jan 19, 20 and 21st. I thought we would enjoy going at the same time this year, since we got so attached to Gigi on the last trip! I have contacted Edith about getting in touch with Martha about the condo. So put this on  your calendar!! I hope we have more folks attend this year since we have plenty of room!!

Wedding part 2

We had the cutest bridal party ever! Brennen was just a doll in his tuxedo 
and he took his job very seriously! All these photos were taken by family members. 

All the kiddos at the wedding had a great time. They enjoyed playing

 together and ran around outside barefooted!

Here comes the Mom!! 

Charlie took his job very seriously! He wanted to be sure to get me in the correct spot!

 Audrey, Ava and Isabella were the cutest flower girls! They made sure 

they threw out all those petals!

The bride and groom! Betsy just looked beautiful and her dress was awesome. They made such a lovely couple! This was one that the photographer was taking of them. 
Can't wait to see those photos!

Wedding Part 1

Betsy and Josh loved the plates and mugs from my fellow scrappers! They were so cute. Someone said "Why did they just get some for Betsy?" Forgot she is now Betsy Blackledge!

They also received several place settings of their china. It is really pretty and they

 just love it! Hope to be served on it on a holiday soon! 

The children also enjoyed the wedding. Being at the beach was just a blast. Getting all the kiddos together was wonderful. This is Brennen, Camille, Audrey and Ava. We were enjoying the delicious brunch given by my brother Richard and sister-in-law, Barbara and my Brother Jess and sister-in-law, Kay. They did a great job!

The Boys!
Jake, Brady and Brennen

 Barbara and Richard ready for the wedding!!

 A beautiful sunset captured by Richard. View from Portofino's. Gorgeous!

My next post will include some of the snapshots taken by family members at the wedding!

It was beautiful!

We will resume class next Wednesday. I will send out an email to see who can come. I am sure everyone, including me is ready to scrap again! I made a visit to Target and found a new set of colors in those cards we like! it will be perfect with the new embossing colors I found !!

Scrappy !