you're awesome.

Several of you have shared your glass pebble projects with me and I love them! Thought everyone would enjoy seeing some variations of the project (see Oct. 5 post).


Well-deserved credit goes to the following ladies:

[ Top row ] Amy Snyder, Heather Kamarainen, Jeanna Ann Carver, Kathy Garcia, Mandy (from New Zealand).

[ Bottom row ] Anna Wasierski, Rebecca Holliday, Amber Reed, Jennifer Miles, and another one from Mandy from NZ.

Here's another twist from Rebecca Holliday: It's a calendar and the pebbles are each attached with velcro dots so she can change the calendar according to each month. Clever.



For those interested: Tomorrow you can begin ordering the Christmas card KOTM. I'll be in touch, trust me. In the meantime, don't miss out on Ali Edwards' "Courage through Hope" album that is still available as October's KOTM. All things KOTM can be found here, but you won't see anything on my Christmas cards until tomorrow - November 1.

Stay tuned. I've got something fun up my sleeve. : )

new favorite album

A few notes today:

[ love these albums ]

I remember when I first saw the leather albums from We R Memory Keepers. Do I dare say - I felt JOY!? I did. I was in love with the colors, the quality, and the fact that finally there was a beautiful 3-ring leather album that was acid-free and totally safe! AND ... it has the cute label on the spine. When I saw them again at MemoryTrends in Las Vegas last month, I was reminded of their ultimate yum factor and I finally got all my 12" x 12" albums converted.



I happened to be with C.D. Muckowsky (Scrapbooker of the Year for CK last year) and her husband when I walked into the We R booth. As we stood there drooling over the colors, I started to feel like my years of believing that black albums were best because of their classic nature, were over. It was time to go with more personality and oomph. And C.D. gave me just the right nudge that I needed to go for it. So now ... all of our family albums are red. Porter's are green. Claire's are yellow. And they have many more delicious colors to choose from.

Check your local scrapbook store or you can buy them online here or here. A lot of colors seem to be out of stock right now, but they'll be up when they become available again. Check out their linen albums too. Equally gorgeous. I like leather because they're so easy to keep clean.

Okay, enough about that. I just love sharing things that I love. And albums are very, very important to me. There are a million great albums out there, but these are the winner for my 12" x 12" family books.

[ CK Becky font ]

Yes - you can still download it. Just click here. It's still free.


[ christmas card kotm ]

So holy cow - the kit is on sale in just two days. My Christmas card Kit of the Month goes on sale THURSDAY. In the meantime ... speaking of my cute friend C.D., she is posting a card a day on her blog. She's giving a personal & creative twist to my cards and it's so fun to see what she's coming up with. If you know C.D.'s style, you know how free-spirited & wonderfully creative she is. Check out what she's doing.

engaged

Photographed Eric & Holly yesterday. Engaged couples are soooo easy to photograph. It's been so long since I've taken engagement pictures and honestly, I've forgotten how wonderful it is. They don't wiggle around, cry, whine, need me to make funny faces and ridiculous noises, they don't have parents sternly saying to them, "Look at the camera and smile RIGHT NOW." ... and they certainly don't need any bribing.







I've known Holly since she was 12, so to be taking these pictures of her with this sweet young man who adores her was just a treat. Also loved, loved, loved having my friend Tina here for the weekend. This cutie-patootie is Josh, her son ... and my kids' newest favorite fascination.

baby paige

This little angel is Paige and I got to take some pictures of her yesterday. She is BEAUTIFUL.









We're looking forward to a fun weekend with some great friends (even squeezing in a little creative time with the girls). So excited for that!

dessert platter

We're going to a dinner party with some friends/neighbors this evening and we're in charge of dessert (they know me so well!). So I decided to make a variety: Turtles (thanks to many of you telling me about this variation of the Pretzel Hugs), Andes Mint Cookies, and White Pumpkin Drops.

I'll share recipes later. I only had a minute to drop by and say hi today. Hope you're having a good one.

pumpkin chocolate chip muffins

The first time I tried these was about a year ago when my friend Karolyn made them for breakfast during a girlfriends retreat/reunion. Good memories (love you guys!). What I like about these muffins (besides the chocolate chips!) is that you barely taste the pumpkin. It's not overwhelming. Not even close. They're very light & fluffy ... not dense.



[ pumpkin muffins ]

1 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. ground pumpkin (canned)
1/2 c. cooking oil
1/3 c. chocolate chips

Mix together. Fill muffin cups and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Super simple. When the recipe is this simple, I definitely involve the kids. Porter & Claire helped me make some today and we're sharing with some neighbors when we go for a walk later this evening.

thankful & random stuff

Feeling so thankful for the concern over Claire. (She's doing great now.) Feeling thankful that those of you that I missed meeting in Kansas City were so understanding about my last-minute absence. I heard you were SUCH an awesome group. Feeling thankful for a very understanding & hard-working Events staff at CKMedia who put on such wonderful events. They're so awesome. Thankful for Micaela, who covered my classes. She is amazing.

And ... Feeling thankful for the birthday wishes. So sweet that some of you knew that. Enjoyed a really nice birthday weekend with extra David-time and family time.

Onto some random topics & answers to a few of your questions:

[ GLASS PEBBLE PROJECT ]

No, the glass pebble art/Christmas decor project does NOT have glass over it because it's really chunky with those glass pebbles. But I did leave the glass piece in the frame, BEHIND the art. Keeps it all nice & sturdy. I bought those large glass pebbles at Target. I'm sure you can also find them at craft stores, WalMart, etc.

By the way, I've gotten a few pictures from some of you who have made your own variation of the project. Anyone else want to share their personal creation? E-mail me a picture. I'd love to share them here on my blog so everyone can see the different styles & ideas.

[ 200 LAYOUTS ]

It took me about 4-5 months to create those layouts for my new Sketches book.

[ TACO SEASONING ]

I told you this was random. When a recipe calls for a specific amount of taco seasoning, I do not use the individual packets. In fact, I don't think I ever use those. We got a big container of it at ... you guessed it ... Costco.

[ PDA ]

The handheld organizer (that doubles as a cell phone, etc.) that I use is the Motorola Q but I REALLY want the iPhone. Of course.

[ BEDDING ]

Does anyone have a great online source for adorable girl bedding? Looking for Claire.

[ SPEAKING OF ADORABLE ]

Attn: Michelle. Michelle Wooderson. Will you please e-mail me? [bhiggins@ckmedia.com]

update on claire

You guys are so sweet. We really appreciate the concern and well wishes. I'm pleased to report that Claire is doing significantly better and we are home from the hospital. Even though not quite 100% yet, she IS herself again ... super sassy and all. : )

Again, thank you. Enjoy your weekend.

sorry, kansas city.

Some of you are planning on attending the CKC in Kansas City this weekend. I was planning on being there too, and I was looking forward to meeting many of you!

However, I will not be there.

Actually, I'm coming to you live from the hospital. Our two-year old daughter, Claire, was hospitalized earlier this week for breathing difficulties/severe croup. Once she was discharged, I was still planning on coming to Kansas City. However, her symptoms worsened and she had to be readmitted. Though we are certain that Claire will be fine, I am so grateful for your support and understanding as I put my role as mother and caregiver first.

Those of you enrolled in one of my classes at the event should have received an e-mail from our events staff, which explains more. We really worked hard to come up with a good solution to the sudden changes. I am grateful for the thought they put into working this out; the team is truly awesome and I know you will enjoy the convention experience. So sorry I can't be there with you.

my space

I'm kind of feeling like it's time to address more of your questions. I DO read all of your posted comments but, as I'm sure you understand, I don't have time to respond to each comment or question. I'm going to try to catch up with many of you who are patiently awaiting a response. Watch for more of this in the coming week or two.

So I'll start with the #1 request I've been getting from you: What does my home office/creative space look like? Well ... here's a sneak preview:



I did an article on my room/system/creative process for Creating Keepsakes magazine. This article will have more info, pictures, and tips and it will show up in the February issue, which will hit most of your mailboxes (for those of you who subscribe) the first part of December. I also did some filming in my room, complete with a tour of all the details. As soon as I have more information on that DVD, I'll let you know.

On that note ... Remember: I'll keep you posted on any creative-related stuff I think might interest you. That's the main reason I started a blog. I won't keep you in the dark. Promise. : )

still live from orlando

Finished teaching. Had a few minutes to share some pics before I run off to the commencement festivities tonight. Here's the gang with Goofy at Magic Kingdom last night. So fun. And ... the bonus ... I got a funnel cake! (A long-time favorite.)



Totally enjoyed the company of so many wonderful, sweet, funny, talented, amazing women in my Snapshot of Me album track (who, by the way, ranged in age from 13 to 78!). I love that. Scrapbooking is for everyone. So here's a little shout-out to all of you that were in my classes. Loved spending that time with you & getting to know you better!



And one of my kind students took this picture of me sitting on the floor signing albums. It's a tradition in my album track. Glad she caught it.



Gotta run! I'll be back in touch after the weekend.

live from orlando

Enjoying CKU in Florida this weekend. I love meeting such wonderful people ... like Stacy & Alyson, pictured here.



And look who else popped into one of my classes! This is my brother, Kevin. Happened to be in Orlando at the same time for a convention and made time to swing by and ... he even made a page in my class! Love that.



Next stop: Disney World with my chums tonight. Then teach my album track all day tomorrow (love doing this album with people) and then back home in time to go to church with my family on Sunday. : )

PS - Yes, I cut a few inches off my hair. Always changing my hair. Was totally in the mood for short this time.

interview on Scrap In Style TV

While in Las Vegas for Memory Trends (trade show) a few weeks ago, I did an interview with the one & only Jeanette Herdman from ScrapInStyle. Head over to their (adorable) web site if you're interested in viewing that. As of today, it's available to watch and they've broken it into 3 segments.

christmas card kit FAQ

I'm super excited to share a little bit about my Christmas card kit. This will be the featured KOTM (kit of the month) for November. Here is a sneak preview, as well as answers to some of the questions you likely will have. I love that so many of you are already thinking about your Christmas cards! It is my hope that this kit simplifies the process for you.



I know that so many of you want to make your Christmas cards but time seems to be a little more strained as we approach the holidays. This kit allows you to still make your cards withOUT thinking up a design, shopping for each of the pieces and parts, finding envelopes to fit the cards, and everything else that's so so much work. Fun? Absolutely. I encourage making your cards! But I know some of you desperately want an easier creative route this year.

Q: What IS the kit?
A: It includes everything you need to make Christmas cards, and everything is pre-designed. And yet ... they're still "made by you" because you simply add a piece or two (included in the kit and totally coordinated, of course). Some of the pieces are chipboard, some are clear acetate, etc. You're getting the cards, the pieces to add to the cards, all the brads, the envelopes, the letter seals (stickers), and even some bonus chipboard gift tags ... that coordinate with the cards, of course.



Q: What skill level is required for assembling the cards?
A: If you can insert a brad through a hole that's already pre-punched for you, you're in luck. I wanted this to be super simple. Even the kids can help out!

Q: Is it all about Christmas?
A: Yes. I do not have another version of the kit that is specific to Kwanzaa or Hanukkah.

Q: When is this kit available to buy?
A: November 1st, until they're gone.

Q: Where can I buy the kit?
A: On Lisa B.'s site - click right here.

Q: How many cards per kit?
A: Twenty cards. 4 designs x 5 of each design = 20 cards. If you only send 20 cards you just need one kit. Or you may need to get 2 or 3 kits. Some of you are big card senders and you'll need even more kits than that (I'm not stopping you). Get as many as you need to be sure that all of your loved ones are covered.

Q: What size are the cards?
A: The folded size of the card is 4 1/2" x 8". This is a unique size but no extra postage will be required (unless you add a lot of weight or bulk).

Q: What's "personal" about the cards?
A: Inside each card you will attach 2 strips. Behind these, you will tuck your photo(s), contact information, newsletter, or whatever you want to include. I'm a big fan of somehow incorporating your family photo or SOME photo in your Christmas cards.



There's also a special little place on the back of each card for you to sign your name (as in, "made with love by..."). Plus - you should totally feel like you can alter these cards however you want. Ink the edges, corner-rounder-punch the corners, distress the chipboard pieces ... whatever floats your boat.

Q: Can I use my printer to print addresses on the envelopes?
A: These envelopes are not a standard size and not intended to feed through a printer. What they ARE, is meant to really stand out in the stack of mail that your loved ones receive. They scream, "You've got happy mail! Open me immediately!" And they will be adorned with your own handwriting as you address each recipient.



So there you have it! Any questions I missed? : )

pretzel hugs

This is the easiest snack ever. And the kids will love to help. We made a bunch this weekend and delivered them to a few friends & neighbors. This was the first time that we used the waffle-style pretzels (instead of traditional). BIG hit. Much better.



1 bag pretzels
1 pkg. M&Ms
1 pkg. Hershey "Hugs"

Place pretzels on baking stone or sheet. Place a Hug on each pretzel and bake at 200 degrees for about 8 minutes (just watch for the Hugs to melt). Remove from oven and promptly place a couple of M&Ms on each pretzel, pressing into the melted chocolate. Allow to cool before serving. At room temperature, this takes SEVERAL hours. I would recommend making these the day before you plan on eating/delivering. Or you can put them in the refrigerator to speed up the process.

Note to self: I tried to experiment with the caramel-filled kisses (the batch before this one). Bad idea. It didn't work. But my friend, Karolyn, said that Rolos work. So maybe you'll want to try that version.

PS - Yes, I've put this "out there" before ... somewhere (maybe it was in a layout I published?). But not on my blog. So now it's here. : )

weekend project idea

I did this Christmas project in advance because I'll be making it with several friends next month. Thought I'd share it with you, too.



Here's what you'll need and how you do it:

8x10 frame (I picked up my black one at Target)
12 glass pebbles (also found at Target or craft store)
1 sheet 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock for the background (trimmed to 8" x 10")
various patterned papers (I used some from a new Basic Grey Christmas line)
circle punch (I used the 1 1/8" punch because those "fit" my glass pebbles)
28" of ribbon
Mod Podge
sponge brush & plate
hot glue gun for glass pebbles
adhesive tape or glue for ribbon
tin foil for drying pebbles

Punch circles of patterned paper. I also made a couple of circles in a document on my computer (they read "Merry Christmas" and "The Higgins Family"). Using a foam brush, apply a light coating of Mod Podge to the flat (back) side of each glass pebble - one at a time - and place the circle on the pebble with the pattern side of the paper touching the Mod Podge. Place these pebbles on some tin foil to dry while you work on the base of your art.

Cut your cardstock to 8" x 10". Cut 3 blocks from 3 different patterned papers. The sizes are: 2" x 2" (for the top left corner), 2" x 6" (for the top edge), and 2" x 8" (for the left side). Adhere all pieces to the cardstock. Adhere ribbon along the edges of the patterned paper.

Arrange the pebbles where you would like them to be. Using a hot glue gun (or some other strong adhesive of your choice), adhere the glass pebbles to your background.

And with that ... you're done! I'll probably put this on our entry table inside the front door (when I decorate for the holidays). Of course this doesn't have to be holiday-specific. And you could put photos behind the glass pebbles. Oh, that would be SO cute. You could get REALLY creative with this! What a fun project to do with girlfriends or sisters or mom or your kids.

So seriously - if you end up making this project, I really want to see it, okay? Pinky promise me that you'll share your creation. E-mail me a picture at bhiggins@ckmedia.com.

baby photos

This is baby Molly. Sweet little thing that I got to photograph last week.





And some of you have asked what my set-up is for photo shoots. This is it. Super high-tech, eh? I get really great lighting in the later afternoon on the back side of our home. So I hang an old, white sheet from a couple of hooks that David screwed in, under our roof. And that's it.

surprise scrapbook night

Had a fun scrapbook night this weekend ... thought I'd share.

One of your fellow blog readers, Deneigh, arranged to get her gal pals together for dinner on Friday. There she presented to each of them a copy of my new book with a poem attached, which basically communicated that they were going to my house for a scrapbook night. Fun, fun. The girls arrived and got right to work (I LOVE that) and even brought a whole bunch of yumminess (more recipes that I need)!



Super nice group of girls, and very talented. We had a great time. In between all my gabbing, I even managed to do a page. Since Claire is two now, I thought I better not wait any longer to do her title page (for the baby album). I love how it turned out.



In other news, the new Kit of the Month is for sale now. Another job-well-done by our good friend, Ali Edwards. Check it out when you have a minute. Perhaps you know of someone in your life who demonstrates hope, courage, and determination. This would be an awesome kit to honor that individual.

Also in KOTM news, I'm pleased to tell you that the November kit is a Christmas card kit that I designed. I am thrilled with out it turned out and will be sharing pictures soon. Just wanted to give you the heads-up since some of you are super ambitious and already thinking of your cards.