Sunday, September 4, 2011

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:

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

26 comments:

CARLA PREDIGER said...

Great project! Wonderful idea! Thanks for joining us at Christmas Inspirations challenges.

Marianne Reijgersberg said...

OMG this is such a fabulous book you made. Love how you styled this. The images you used are lovely.
Thank you so much for joining us at Stamptacular Sunday Challenge this week.
Hugs Marianne DT

Carolyn said...

I think Austin's book is fabulous. What a lovely idea and keepsake for him :)

Maria Matter said...

Wowza, Nancy this is FABULOUS!!!
I love your little book...especially the story it tells!
You did an awesome job & I'm so happy
you shared it with us @ Inspire Me Fridays! definitely inspiring!!!
hugs & blessings

Dr Sonia S V said...

Nancy such a spectacular project and so wonderful your grandson is starting to enjoy books!

Cheers
Sonia
http://cardsandschoolprojects.blogspot.com

Jennifer Scull said...

oh gosh, he is going to treasure this book always! so glad you shared with the rest of us!
thanks for joining us at Jellypark Friends in the die cuts/punch challenge. :)

StephC said...

Fabulous job! Love the idea, and the book. So glad you joined us for this weeks CCC!

Alanna said...

WOW, this project is amazing. I absolutely love it. Thanks for playing along with Christmas Card Challenges this week.

jojoscraps said...

This is an amazing gift for your grandson. He's a lucky little boy. I love the design of the book and your coloring is beautiful, as are the verses. The lamination is a great idea so it will stand up to his reading it Christmas after Christmas. I know he's going to love it.
Thanks for sharing it with us at Stamptacular Sunday Challenges.
Jo xx

dawnmercedes said...

So fun to see a project!! Thanks for hanging out at Our Craft Lounge this week. Don't be a stranger!!

Jenn Borjeson said...

That is super cute!!!! Thank you for joining our Anything But a Card challenge at Just Some Lines! :)

Monica said...

How lucky is your adorable grandson to have such a loving, doting and talented granny. Such an awesome book. He will LOVE it...

Saw your creation on MIM.

xxx Monica

Janis Lewis said...

What a great project! You did a fantastic job. I love this. I've never seen a mini album like this. It's GREAT!
:) Janis
Getting Cricky DTM
http://PauseDreamEnjoy.blogspot.com

Glenda Atkins said...

Fabulous book, wow, very creative!

scrapperbecka said...

Love your book. I love Christmas and you did a great job on this.
Thank you for playing with us this week
Becka
Getting Cricky DTM
Creations With Becka

inkydoodlecrafts said...

Wow you've worked super hard on that, it's a stunning book, thanks for sharing it with us over at Jellypark friends. Mel :o)

Scrappy said...

What a fantastic idea! Great Job! Thanks so much for joining us at Catch the Bug! We hope you will be back to join us soon!

Scrappy - Bugaboo Stamps DT

The Craftin Mama said...

Sooooo cute and your right, Penguin's do have wings!! Thanks for playing along with us at Getting Cricky's Simply Sunday Challenge!
Happy Craftin :)

Ildi-Getting Cricky DTM
The Craftin Mama
www.thecraftinmama.blogspot.com
ildij3@verizon.net

Jess Willison said...

What a great little book! Thanks for joining us at CCC this week!

MacKenzie said...

Great project. I'm so glad you joined us this week at Christmas Stampin All Year Long :-)

Suzie McFloozy said...

What a super Christmas crafty project x
Thanks for playing along with us at jellypark friends Friday challenge & good luck x
((hugs)) Suzie xoxo

Kathy said...

OMG, this is something else. Such a cool idea. Great job on this challenge. Good luck!
Thank you for playing our Simply Sunday Challenge at Getting Cricky.
Hugs :),
Kathy - Getting Cricky DTM
http://the3esblog.blogspot.com

Lisa Minckler said...

What a fantastic idea and aren't you just the best for thinking of it. :D
Fantastic book project and a treasured memory for years to come. Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Make It Monday.
Good luck to you...
Lisa xx

Tamie said...

YOUR PROJECT ROCKS!! Love this idea. So glad I got a closer look when I saw it on MIM. Everything about it is awesome.

Chelsea said...

Great Book! Thanks for playing along at Just Some Lines!

Kerrie said...

I book to treasure for years and years... and thanks for the laminating tip...

Thanks for sharing your creation with Make It Monday.
Don't forget......... if you leave a comment on another entry, mention that you saw their card on "Make It Monday" for a chance at second prize. The more entries you comment on the more chance you have of winning second prize.