Austin's Christmas Story

My newest grandson, Austin just had his first birthday celebration.  Austin is a unique little fellow in that he loves to sit quietly in a lap and look at books.  For a 12 month old this is fairly remarkable. OK I will admit that I am a doting grandma. I wrote a story and made Austin a book about Christmas with lots of pictures for him to enjoy.

I used all Digital Delights images to tell my story - What is Christmas?  Digital Delights has so many wonderful images it was easy to pick out the ones I needed.  All the image names below are linked to their store location in case you want to make your own story.  This is a long post with lots of pics so you might want to get a new cup of coffee.....

This story is dedicated to Austin Jason Dawes.

Candy Cane Jingles

Smiley Tree

Tangled Lights Reindeer

Sled and Bear from the Just Chillin Set

Caroling Penny

Santa Bryce

Wasn't sure what to put here so made my own.
After I finished this I thought I should have used  "Unto Him a Child is born" sentiment.

Singing Angel from Musical Angels

Mary from A Child is Born Nativity Set

Joseph from A Child is Born Nativity Set

Barn, Camel and Sheep from A Child is Born Nativity Set

Barn and Baby Jesus from A Child is Born Nativity Set

Project Recipe:

Stamps: Digital Delights images in order of appearance - Candy Cane Jingles, Smiley Tree, Tangled Lights Reindeer, Just Chillin Set, Caroling Penny, Santa Bryce, Singing Angel, A Child is Born Nativity Set

Paper: Bazzill, Strathmore Calligraphy papers
Inks: Distress Pine Needles

Markers: Lots of Copics - Mary - E25, 27, E01, 02, BV00, 02, B21, 23, Joseph - E15, 17, 18, R20, E01, 02, W1, 3, 5, TG63, 67, E59, Tree - G07, 14, 28, Y08, R20, R29, E25, 59, Jingles - C1, 3, 5, 7, R29, G17, B00, Y02, 06, 08.  All these colors were repeated for the other characters.

Embellishments: Spellbinders Grand Scalloped Squares, Fleur de Lis Squares, Gold and Frosted Lace Stickles, Ribbon, Twine for holding it all together

I had some challenges creating this book that I would like to share with you all.  First, I wanted the book to be durable for a little boy to toss around so I laminated the pages.  This of course challenged my creativity because I could only fit so many layers through the laminating machine.  I compromised and used just three layers for the story portion. I also couldn't add any ribbons, bows, flowers or pearls.  Most of you know what a challenge that is. Anyway, I think it turned out ok and I know that Austin will learn about our wonderful God by reading this story over and over as he grows up.

I can't help but enter this project into a few challenges:

• Christmas Card Challenges - Chocolate, Cream, Cranberry (I have a bit of all those colors)
• Christmas Inspirations - With glitter (I have glitter on the carolers dress)
• Getting Cricky - Winged things (Penguins have wings)
• Stamptackular - Anything goes
• Catch the Bug - Anything goes
• ECP Challenges - Yellow
• Just Some Lines - Anything but a card
• Bah Humbug - Christmas text
• Christmas Stampin - Fancy
• Fun With Shapes and More - Something die cut
• Inspire Me Fridays - Anything goes
• Jellypark Friends Challenges - Use a die cut
• Our Craft Lounge - Anything goes
• Winter Wonderland - Project for someone special (Grandson)

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my book for Austin.
NancyD