Calendar Bits Blog Hop

It was an adventurous weekend in the Felts household! Because of Patrick's upcoming work schedule we decided to try to get some holiday decorating done. For me, that is like an extra Christmas in itself, bringing in boxes and unwrapping each decoration to put it in its special place! We've got a LOT of decorations because before I became a card-maker I was a tole-painter...each piece has a story behind it and many special memories. I just LOVE this time of year! Here's a picture of our hallway with some of my hand-mades.

I don't know how it is for you but it seems that for us, nearly every year, there is some little decorating fiasco! Sometimes it is something small, like a button coming unglued...this year, the fellas got the pre-lit Christmas tree light cords tangled up in the mechanism of the attic ladder, so...heheh, we'll be shopping for a new tree sometime this week! ;) (This tree is history! LOL!)

My calendar stamp set arrived Saturday afternoon, but with all the excitement of an upcoming Thanksgiving dinner with guests, and Christmas decorating, I didn't get to stamp until this afternoon. I had this idea loosely organized in my head, and I'm wishing the daylight hours were longer so I could have gotten a brighter picture (re-take in the morning!).

Each year our community has a Messiah Sing where local church musicians of all ages, denominations and skill levels gather to sing the Christmas section of Handel's Messiah. The feature soloists prepare in advance, but the choir has a single impromptu rehearsal before the crowds appear to listen to their performance. With Tami's Calendar Bits and Pieces, Nina's Vintage Borders, and Melanie's Festive Frame I had the perfect combination of images to make a special invitation to this event. I used Pure Luxury Card Stock (tan leather and cranberry tart), a Nesties Labels 4 and some pretty satin ribbon, but kept the design very simple. Loved adding that tiny embossed crown for The King of kings down in the corner! There are even a couple of treble clef flourishes! The details of the performance are hand-written on the pull-out tag that is tucked into the pocket on the front of the card. Plenty of room inside to include directions and a scripture or Christmas greeting.

For more inspiration, please visit Calendar Bits and Pieces' illustrator, Tami Mayberry, then to the following Blog Hop Participants from the GinaK Designs team:

Carolyn, Erika, Donna, Jessica, Lee and Nina

{the GinaK Designs CSS team}
Deb, Sharri, Sue, Melissa.

{Tami's Guest designer}
Jennie Harper

Make sure you stop by Gina's blog to leave your comment for a chance to win this amazing stamp set for free! Remember to check our Idea Center for even more samples, tutorials, and links!