2009 Christmas Albums - Oh little Town of Bethlehem - The Nativity

The good news and the bad news.

The Good.
I have finally finished and posted pictures of the first of my three 2009 Christmas Albums.

The Bad.
First, I'm a bit frustrated with how this album came out. I've had a lot going on in my personal life that has me emotionally tied up and has really limited my creative abilities. It's also tied up my time like you wouldn't believe.

And so...
I'm not making kits this year. I know, I'm sorry. I WILL be selling the acrylic albums and I'm granting permission for anyone who wants to use my techniques and even use my album as a reference for creating their own permission to do so... on a couple conditions:

I just ask that you:
1. Give credit where credit is due.
2. Don't market my work as your own design and sell them for profit.

I will have the acrylic album ready for purchase within a few days. Email me, if that's not soon enough.. camillemcc@gmail.com

And now, I am proud to present to you my 2009 Christmas Album.

Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

The Nativity
Copyright Camille McClelland 2009

The album is much larger than my previous designs at 16.5 inches x 8.5 inches for the acrylic only, or 16.5 inches x 16 inches if you include the star.

The album is comprised of four sheets of custom designed and hand cut acrylic pages. The papers for the most part are the coolest new papers from Melody Ross Designs. Gorgeous saturated colors with glitter and flocking and texture... Pretty much everything you've ever loved about everything Melody has ever created.

Here's my latest tip and secret. I can't stand the look of binder rings holding my albums together. Who says your pages all have to be aligned on the left side with holes and 15 yards of ribbon to hide the binder rings?

I've developed a new technique using strong ribbon as hinges and those super powerful flat magnets to keep pages perfectly in place. It looks awesome , it's completely functional, and no bulky binder rings.

I'll show you how later in the post.

Sorry for the lighting problems....


The building windows are all cut out . One of my favorite bits about using acrylic as a page is the three dimensional versatility.


The words "Glory in Excelsis Deo" I printed onto tissue paper, by taping the tissue paper onto a piece of regular printer paper and running it though my printer. I then used paint medium to decoupage the words onto my star, and added glitter.

View without the black background. I'm planning on stringing my mini Christmas lights behind the album so the light shines through the windows.

With the pages open, freestanding. I prefer to keep the pages closed and use a small easel for display.

That's the album.

Now for technical stuff.

The hinges and magnets.

Glue two to three 2 inch pieces of ribbon between the acrylic and the paper as shown.

I find it's helpful to use a small amount of glue and glue my paper in place before adding the ribbon, trim the paper to the exact size with either sandpaper or a metal file. Then remove the paper, glue the ribbon in place, and then glue the perfectly trimmed and inked paper back into place. saves trying to trim around the ribbon.

Place the page in place where you want it, and glue the ribbons down to the second sheet of acrylic.

Next, design the "wise man" or whatever paper item you choose to use to cover the hinge and cut the item to fit around the first acrylic page as shown.

Slide, half behind, and half in front and glue in place as shown.



In the next picture you can see the back of the first acrylic page, unfinished.

(Do you love my sketches? Yes, that's really how I start each album.)

A couple things to notice:

First, The ribbon hinges. You can see they extend about 3/4 inch or so, and are securely glues in place so they won't slip out.

Second, the thin magnets. Here's how to line them up just right. Stick two magnets together. Put glue on the outside of one magnet and glue it in place on the page, while the second magnet is still stuck to it. Then put glue on the back of the second magnet and close the page, making sure the acrylic pages are lined up right were you want them. Then leave it alone while the glue dries completely. After completely dry, very carefully open the page, separating the magnets. Then glue in place the papers, or photo mats or what not, on the back side of the pages, covering the magnets, and holding them securely in place.

Ta Da!


Repeat the process for each page.



I hope you like it!

I am still planning on making two more albums.

One will be a Stable, and one the Inn...

Long Time Coming..

Yeah, I know. My blogging skills have been sporadic at best. But, I have good reason.

Things have been crazy busy.

In October, I went back to work full time. I haven't worked for someone else since August of 1999. It's been quite an adjustment.

First day of work:


I started working for a particular company in a position with loads of potential and a decent paycheck. Then, 2 days into the job I got a call from a company looking for an office manager. I wasn't putting a lot of stock into the opportunity because I had interviewed for several other office manager positions in Boise, and none of them paid very well.

I returned the call, because to not do so would have been very unprofessional. We discussed what the company was looking for and what the position paid, and it was actually in my pay range, so I agreed to come in for an interview.

The interview went well until the very end when they asked me to take a "personality assessment test."

Ah crap.

Those types of tests make me a bit nervous, and I don't think I do very well on them. Took the test, and they told me they had a few other people they were considering and they would call me in about a week. Great.

The next day, just before noon I got a call, and a job offer. Wow. I guess they want me in spite of the personality test...

Decided to accept the job. Then my new boss tells me that he's been giving that personality assessment test to employees, and potential employees, for years and years, everyone from entry level to business professionals, and I scored higher than almost anyone they have ever tested. WOW. That was so surprising.

So I quit my first new job exactly one week from when I started, and started my second new job, but not before decorating a pumpkin for my team at my first job though...

Yeah we won. Even if Shawna did say whoever designed it was trying a bit hard and kissing A$. Whatever. (I think someone is jealous of my mad modge skills.)


LOVE LOVE LOVE my second new job.

It is so much closer to what I'm use to in owning my own business than my first new job, which was really more of a micromanagement environment.

My boss is awesome. He has very high expectations, but isn't unreasonable. He is willing to share and teach me everything he knows about the industry, and is an excellent mentor. I am learning so much. Every day my job responsibilities are new and exciting. There is nothing monotonous or boring, and I get to actually use my brain and problem solving abilities. That's always a big plus.

Oh, and this is the view from the office at night:

Enough about work...

Jennica and I went out for a girls night, and on the spur we decided to get Jennica's ears pierced. Most of her friends have theirs done, and Jennica is getting to be so responsible I knew she was ready and capable of taking care of them.Jennica was so brave and didn't even complain when the piercing happened.


She was SO excited.


Afterwords we went to dinner and had delicious Wendy's frostys. Yum. I love frostys.




My amazing big girl!

It's been about three weeks since we got her ears pierced, and Jennica has taken excellent care of them. She can't wait till Christmas when she gets to change them out for "fancy Christmas earrings."

I love having a daughter. I think I would drowned in a sea of Halo X-Box, Star Wars games, and smelly boy socks without her.

Speaking of...

On November 10th Noah turned ten years old!

Andy put together a Star Wars birthday party.

It was great, and completely full of testosterone. .. Well, as much testosterone as a room full of 10 year olds can muster.

There were sword/ light saber fights.

Pin the light saber on the Jedi...

Presents and cake and ice cream...

All the boys had fun. Especially Noah.


Next, and maybe most important. (it's toss up)..

I can't forget the NEW MOON Premier.

Majestic made us line up outside... for 2 hours.

It was DANG cold.

My Brave Friend Kristi bared the cold and wind to see it opening night with me.

When I asked Kristi if she wanted to go, I guess I sort of neglected to tell her I was talking about the opening night show.. at 12:10am. She didn't know until after I had bought the tickets.

Oops.

So glad she came anyway. It was so much fun, and we got to keep all the teenage girls around us in check.

((We fought them for Jacob, and we won.))


Just for the heck of it. I took this picture of myself before church today. I went shopping Saturday with my fav Boise girl, Shawna and got this great sweater. I love it!


Picture quality completely sucks, but I had to show off how freaking awesome the outfit looks with my stacked vintage western boots.

And finally, I've had my Nativity album finished for a while, but since I'm working full time it's always too dark in the morning and when I get home from work to take any decent pictures. Finally got them taken today. Here's a peak. I'll be doing a whole 'nother post about the album so check back in a bit.

I'm still staying busy. I'm working on some special scrapbook design projects for a friends of mine that I'm really excited about. I'll post more about that when it's all said and done.

Love ya!

Getting Rowdy..

Hey all you Rowdy girls and boys!

I've been getting emails asking if I still have any bags left, the answer is YES! I am about sold out of the Bowler style bags (not shown), but I still have a good supply of the Rowdy Rocker style bags, the Rowdy Scoop News bags, and the awesome, oh so cute, Rowdy Changing Pads!

The Scoop News Bag: $30.00 (retail around $65.00)

The Scoop News bag is big and floppy and so totally hot. Complete with snap out liner,and removable change purse, this bag is a must have. Perfect for day trips.. or whatever.. my niece even uses one as her school bag!

The Rowdy Convertible Rocker: $30.00 and under! (retail $109.99)

This bag is my favorite! My kids are way past the diaper bag stage so I use mine as an over sized purse. I love it, and I get compliments on the Rowdy Convertible Rocker everywhere I go.. Available in black/cream, green/cream, and copper/cream.

The Rowdy Changing pad: Ignore the price, mine are only $15.00!!



The Rowdy Changing Pad is perfect when your little rowdy one starts to get past the diaper bag stage.. but is still not free of the "diaper" stage. Keep a Rowdy changing pad in your car and your always ready for the unexpected. The changing pad is roomy enough to easily store an extra set of clothes along with diapers and wipes.



Come on...


I do also have a small supply of baby blankets, and one of a kind Rowdy demo product samples.. let me know if you're interested! Camillemcc@gmail.com

All sales are completed via email. (camillemcc@gmail.com) I accept the following payment options: paypal, money order or personal check (unless you're local, then cash is an option too!)

Camillemcc@gmail.com

This is pretty much the last of the inventory... once they are gone they're gone. Don't miss out! camillemcc@gmail.com

Sneak Peak....2009 Christmas Album Kits

Wanna peak...

My 2009 Christmas album kits..

"Oh Little Town of Bethlehem"


This year, due to time constrains, and my desire to keep my sanity, I am only making three album kits as opposed to my usual five.

I've got the first album cut, and the first couple pages partially done.

I have not named the album yet.. but I think you'll get the point.

I am so excited about this album.. I'm trying something new.. and it's working out really well.. I am so excited to finish and show you what it is I'm talking about.

My goal is to finish the album today, and get it posted for pre-sales here on my blog, by Tuesday morning.

That's a tall order.. but realistic.

I'd love to know what you think so far.

9/26/2009
UPDATE::

There is no way I'm going to have this album posted before the weekend.

I started a new full time job today, and until I adjust to the schedule change.. not a lot of anything is going to get done.

However, if you are into nativity albums, or creche albums.. it will be worth the wait... The album is looking SOOOOOO good! :)

xoxox

Cam

Bravery

I have this amazing "sister." Her name's Kat. And she is amazing, AMAZING.

One of Kat's greatest strengths is that she knows how to love, and show her love, and be supportive, and be a great friend, and a confidant...

And it does not matter if she agrees with you, or likes your decision, and would have made the same decision herself.. she just knows how to make a person feel loved.. and important... and special... and mentally sound.. like no matter how crazy I feel like I'm getting, she helps me to feel grounded, and she helps me to know that God still loves me and that I'm going to be okay.

And she does it better than anyone I have ever met.

She has great faith.

((and she is so beautiful and so much fun!!))



Anyway, I found these pants at Kat's house.. They are Kat's pants.


Cute, army green, cargo, brave girl pants.

And so I had to borrow them.

Because they remind me of Kat's self confidence...

And they remind me to be brave.

And besides, I need cargo pants to carry my baggage.

I'm trying to unload a bit of my baggage... but I don't even know about all of it yet. I'm discovering it a bit of a time.

For example.

If I respect someone.. or if a person in authority gives me their opinion about something. I automatically agree with them.. regardless of how I really feel.. because I want their approval.

For example:

I am a republican. I have always been a republican... I have always voted 100% republican.

I have no idea what republicans really stand for or believe.

I have no idea who 90% of the people I have voted for even were, or what they stood for.

Or why Republicans think Democrats are evil Satan worshipers...

Or why Democrats think Republicans are evil Satan worshipers...

AND, I really like the idea of socialized health care. I know it will have faults, but I don't think they could be possibly worse than the health care situation in America right now.. I mean which is worse, possibly a lower standard of care, or sitting up nights with a severely sick child with a horrible case of bronchitis... stressed to the max because your husband is out of work and you have no health insurance, and you know getting the care your child needs is going to put you hundreds of dollars in debt that you can't pay back..

Yeah, I did that... like so many other people... I've been there.

This post is not about socialized health care.. or politics...

It's about me figuring out what I want to believe.. not what I'm told to believe, or expected to believe.

(these are my brave girl cargo pants... I think I'm going to wear cargo pants every day for a while..)

It's about self esteem too.

I SOOOOO wish there was a self esteem store.. well there sort of is.. it's at the mall, but unfortunately self esteem that you have to buy doesn't usually last past the 3rd wash cycle.

In high school my self esteem was built on what other people said about me. For me, that meant I liked boys a lot... because boys made me feel really good about myself. Everyone needs to be built up, and I only seemed to get that from boys. And so I spent all my time thinking about boys, and wanting boys to like me, and thinking of ways to make boys like me more. And the more I did to make boys like me more, the less self esteem I had. And so the more I felt like I needed boys to like me.. It was a really effective downward spiral.

Healthy... I know.

Then I got married. And my husband did his best to compliment me when I looked nice, but it wasn't enough. It wasn't his fault, and I do not blaim him. It was my baggage. I was use to more attention.

I went for a long time not feeling very good about myself, till I found art again.

Then my self esteem became tied entirely to my art. If I make a piece and don't get compliments, or I should say, don't get a LOT of compliments on it, I feel very, very down. I know that sounds very self centered, and very prideful, and very "Oh look at me.. and look at what I can do!" And it totally is. See, I have baggage. BIG big baggage.

And now that I've lost weight and feel relatively good about my body image ALL of my self esteem is built into compliments on my figure and compliments on my art. If I lost those two things I would feel completely 100% worthless.

I realize all of this makes me look like a completely self centered B!%@).

Maybe I am.

But, I don't want to be like this.

I want to change. I've wanted to for a very, very long time.. But I didn't know how. I still don't really.. I just recognize that change needs to happen.

I want to know that if something happened to me and I lost those things that I could still love myself.

I'm working on how to get there.

Introducing Aletha:


Ah Aletha!

She is the only project I managed to finish at Brave Girls Camp.



Alethea means "truth."

She carries messages of truth in her beak.

Today I am clipping a new message in her beak.

The message says,

"Your soul deserve your attention, sweet friend."


And so it begins.

Can you be BRAVE?

What does it mean to be BRAVE?

Brave \Brave\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Braved; p. pr. & vb. n. Braving.]

1. To encounter with courage and fortitude; to set at defiance; to defy; to dare. [1913 Webster]

These I can brave, but those I can not bear. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

2. To adorn; to make fine or showy. [Obs.]

[1913 Webster]

Thou [a tailor whom Grunio was browbeating] hast braved meny men; brave not me; I'll neither be faced or braved. --Shak. [1913 Webster]


What is a Brave girl?
A brave girl faces her life problems head on. Without wavering.

Oh, she feels fear..
and anger...
and sorrow...
and loneliness...
and even despair at times.


And disappointment... can't forget disappointment.

And change... Change that she did not want, but needed, and was prepared for..

if she knew it or not.


A brave girls has been bruised... emotionally... sometimes physically... usually mentally.


A brave girl has inner fears... and denial... and hangups..

And a brave girl is SO STRONG. She has inner strength inside screaming to take charge.
Brave girls have dreams... BIG dreams... dreams to change their lives... and the lives of those around them.. and then maybe.. the world.


And she dreams her dream, and dreams her dream,and then dreams her dream again...


until she gets it right.



And, man alive... she gets it right. She really listens and gets it right..
Brave girls do not hold back.

Brave girls have baggage. Lots and lots of baggage...


Brave girls can STRUT when they need to.


And lift each other up... and bear one another's burdens.

No matter how heavy.


Brave girls know... it's all good.. ALL of it. All the trials, and meanies, and heartache, and pain... it's ALL good.

Brave girls KNOW first hand what it takes to makes us brave.

Brave girls are not afraid.


Well, okay... some brave girls are afraid of itty bitty snakes... but only the real snakes... not the metaphors.

Brave girls do not slow down.

Brave girls take time for themselves... no matter how much they cannot afford it.


Brave girls share their love and their strength with those around them.


Brave girls assess what they have been given, and they make their lives amazing.
Brave girls do not give up, or cop out...

Even though they might want too..

Even though the temptation is SO strong..

Brave girls persevere.

Brave girls know life will be great! Really GREAT...


Maybe not today...
but if they continue to be brave.

And brave girls smile.


And put on a brave face...


and laugh.


Laugh till they cry, and then laugh some more.

((Even after crafting more in three days than they have in the entire rest of their life.))


Brave girls know after the rain the world is clean, and refreshed... and that the world has to have rain..

And rain often...


But the sunshine will ALWAYS be back.


Brave girls never indulge.

They have extreme self control...


Well, okay, sometimes brave girls indulge a little...

Well, over indulge a little...


But brave girls share their caramel.


Sometimes.


Once a brave girl... always a brave girl.





A brave girl has the strength and self confidence to look you square in the eye.




Brave girls are life long friends.

The kind of friend who is with you for the long haul.


And really wants to share your burdens.



Till we meet again... my brave girls.






I have been asleep all my life.

Drifting... not really knowing what I want or need... carrying around baggage that wasn't even my baggage, and along with the baggage, the worlds smallest violin case... ((hmmm, I wonder what could be in there?))

I admit.. I am not fully awake.. but I am stirring....

What matters.

Sunday I took my Jennica and Aaron for a walk. Noah has been sick with a fever. I missed having him there so much. The day was so beautiful.









I am so surprised any pictures of me came out.. my kids have not mastered the "push the button down slow so the camera can focus before it clicks" technique yet..








This next one cracks me up! Jennica says take my picture, so I do and she says, "Wait I'm not ready yet!"
NOW I'm ready.



I know I still owe you a Brave Girls post... hopefully later this afternoon.

xoxoxo