Melissa Runcie | Uniquely Yours Scrapbooks & More

Christmas Dictionary Page Banner + Ray Charles

In keeping with our "Partridge in the Pear Tree" theme of eco-chic decor, I used pages from an old children's dictionary I bought awhile back from my favorite used book store. While the banner style is quite understated, the font adds that holiday-esque feel. Since it was a children's dictionary, most pages had illustrations, too.  

All you need is a page for each letter...I used the pages that had the following words:

Christmas
Holly
Reindeer
Icicles
Sleigh
Toys
Merry
Angel
Season

Then choose a decorative font, like Cast Iron shown here. Print each letter on the corresponding dictionary page.

Hang from silver metal clips and a piece of thick twine to finish the banner.

And since I love Christmas music so very much, here's a little goodness from Mr. Ray Charles...and you've gotta love the 1970's audience! ;)

Sign of Things to Come...

My house has turned into Santa's Workshop as we prepare for this Saturday's "Partridge in a Pear Tree" event! We are busy little elves creating all sorts of easy, inexpensive, eco friendly holiday decor ideas. Materials for our Christmas display include lots of patterned and vintage papers, paper doilies, coffee filters, bakers twine, cupcake papers, coin holders and some produce from the farmers market. With a muted color palette and a few vintage inspired touches here and there, we hope the showcase of ideas will get everyone in the holiday spirit!

 

I really, really, really need to figure out how to shoot photographs that aren't blurry! Hmm...perhaps a New Year's resolution will be to read my camera's manual and take a photography class!  

It Takes a Village...

I am slowly learning the importance of collaborating with a team of creatives...team of support...team of cheerleaders...team of encouragers...team of people to pull off big ideas. Whether it's getting people on board with the ideas that seem oh-so-fabulous-in-my-head or getting people to help execute said ideas...nothing great is ever done alone.

We wanted to bring in some great vendors for our "Partridge in a Pear Tree" event that would help our small tribe of participants shop in a new light this holiday season...instead of brand name...DIY...instead of Macy's...Etsy...going back to supporting the mom and pop shops on the corner...

We received some great giveaways and exclusive discount offers from some really great indie artists and local stores who believe in this spirit of community...here are a few. I hope you will take time to visit their shops! They are vibrant. decadent. cute. vintage. lovely!

There is still some time to join our workshop! Register Now. November 20th is D-Day!

Salvage Life.

A fresh approach to yesterday's fashions, this shop's clothing and jewelry designs are not only the hippest color of going green, but they are so chic. Beth does an impeccable job at selecting and repurposing all things vintage.

Amy Hanna.

 

 Wow. If I could simply be her bag lady on a vintage treasure escapade, I would be in heaven. She is a pure genius and her jewelry is nothing short of exquisite. Seriously. Her new book, "Rejuvenated Jewels" will be part of our raffle giveaways.

Gilding the Lily.

This gorgeous shop is just around the corner from PÄS and is filled with more treasures than you can possibly imagine...vintage laces and ribbons, beads and all the trimmings for an exquisite project.

Oh, Hello Friend.

 
An artist whose love for her work and keen eye for design shines through in big way. Her necklaces, charms and pins are just lovely and make me smile.

Paper Pastries.

I never thought I would describe paper as YUM...but YUM-O! Everything in this cute shop of stationary, signage, bookplates and more are adorably whimsical.

Hearts and Laserbeams.

Sooo engaging and witty this one! The artwork and wide range of products is vibrant, colorful and, at times, just makes you want to laugh at loud.

Adorned. 115 S. Harbor in Downtown Fullerton, SOCO District

Nestled in the garden courtyard across from PÄS is this shop to INDULGE YOUR INDIVIDUALISM! Adorned boutique specializes in artful apparel, handmade jewelry, accessories and vintage & handmade gifts. Imagine handmade, imports, funky fresh, vintage all at your fingertips!

A wonderful THANK YOU for the vendors who will make our participants shine a little brighter at our workshop!

 

Partridge in a Pear Tree Sneak Peek...Workshop 2

After a long week of the flu, our household is finally getting back to normal and I can show the second workshop. The workshop is inspired by this vintage letterpress tray. We'll work with a smaller custom made unfinished wooden tray using some objects found at flea markets, vintage stores and in your own collection of goodness. Each piece will be so different to reflect each individual person's style and favorite colors.

Here is a close up of the size and scale we'll work with in the workshop:

Tomorrow I will highlight a few wonderful vendors who are providing exclusive offers, discounts and giveaways to all our participants.

We are extendeding the registration until November 20th since this week was a bit of a wash being sick. Hope you can join us! Check out all the details here!

Partridge in a Pear Tree Sneak Peek...Workshop 1

Here's a peek at the first workshop for Partridge in a Pear Tree event on December 5th. We'll work with a variety of fabric, brooches, pins, found jewelry, ribbon to create a unique, one-of-a-kind statement necklace. Perfect for a holiday gift for mom, sister, girlfriend...or yourself!

For a complete schedule and description of the workshops, click here. Stay tuned for more sneak peek samples and exclusive offers for our workshop participants! The day is going to be so fun and we can't wait!!!

Click on image to view larger.

Registration Deadline is November 15th. 

This project is in collaboration with PÄS.

Registration is Open!

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...a partridge in a pear tree!

I am so excited to launch this little project in collaboration with great friends at newly opened PAS. This has been in the works since this summer and it's nice to finally share a few details.

Imagine a day to create, shop for treasures at a flea market in quaint, artistic downtown Fullerton, get inspired with great ideas in time for the holiday season!

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS!

Registration deadline is November 15th.

Stay tuned for photos of project samples and other goodies we will offer at the event.

Very Excited About This...

...coming to town on Saturday, December 5th!

It is interesting how things work out...I was planning to do this workshop on my own and when our friends launched PÄS, we knew it would be perfect to join forces and bring some projects to downtown Fullerton.

This workshop also signifies the official "completely" closing the doors of Uniquely Yours Scrapbooks & More blog (I had the door cracked open...) and opening the door to Madabella & Co. as an opportunity for a bit more creative freedom. While I loved doing custom scrapbooks, I had to let it go because of my full time work. Now that I am home, my renewed interest has evolved into things I am more comfortable with, intertwined with aspects of my career that I miss the most: education, events and creating projects.

There is still much planning to do, but it's in the works and I'm excited to see it unfold in the next six months and somehow scoot my way back into the "blogging" community. 

All About Me :: Book Keeper

Here's a preview of the project I am doing with the little kids at my daughter's school. The hallowed out book is an old literature textbook. I almost didn't want to show my daughter's teacher and said, "Oh no! You will be mad at me for cutting up an old textbook!" To which she reassured me that if it was for a good reason, I was in the clear!

I think this is a VERY good reason!

This is a snapshot of the minibook that will be housed inside the "book keeper".

 

Back To DESIGN School

It's that time of the year when we load our kids on the bus and send them off to school! Well they aren't the only ones going back to school! You can join in the fun at my upcoming class at Sweetpeas & Snapshots on Sunday, September 24 at 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. This is the first of a two part series in which we will make a complete 12-page 8x8 mini album about Friends, Family and Good Times.

No matter what your style is or what your level of scrapbooking is - you can use design concepts of the pros to layout the foundation for your pages and give them the perfect finished look. Our first class will explore the basic PRINICPLES of design, such as Balance, Contrast and Unity, as we bring them out of the textbooks and onto your pages.

The second class, held on Sunday, October 22nd from 1 - 3 p.m. will cover the basic ELEMENTS of design, such as color, line, shape, and space.

And in case you are wondering..YES their will be homework! So bring a notebook, your sharpened pencil and come prepared to learn! Those who complete the assignment and "pass the class" with perfect attendance will receive an A+ (and a fun prize!)

Here's the supply list!
- Paper Trimmer
- Glue Dots
- Your Favorite Adhesive
- Scissors
- Bone Folder
- Ruler
- Optional: Scallop Scissors

Please contact Sweetpeas and Snapshots to reserve your spot! Cost is $40 for each session.

Endless Summer

I am teaching a really fun class this Sunday at Sweetpeas. It is a mini album encased in a frame. Hidden inside are lots of treasures - mini books, flaps, and more interactive elements to savor the days of summer. The overall design is beach cottage style, so we will be working with paints and doing some distressing. We'll even be incorporating some broken glass. The project was inspired by Heidi Swapp from a recent issue of Home Companion Magazine. I thought it would be a perfect way to showcase great photos from road trips to sandy beaches. We have a few spots open and would love to have you!

Here is a sneak peek!