Thursday, January 29, 2009

Verve Project Parade - Caught Being Kind

Today is my turn to post in the Verve Stamps "Kid At Heart" Project Parade. If you haven't tuned in yet to the parade so far, be sure to visit the Verve Stamps blog. There are some really darling project ideas!

I've created a little project inspired by my son's elementary school. I love his school's Caught Being Kind program, where teachers can award children who go above and beyond normal good manners and kindness, and the children who are caught have their names read on the next morning's announcements.

I know you'll be shocked {wink}, but my 8- and 5-year-olds (one boy, one girl) sometimes have "issues" getting along. Sound familiar? I'm thinking Caught Being Kind would be a great program to try at home as well. The idea is pretty much the same as the school's. Mom and Dad issue the awards, but instead of having their name read during announcements, the child will get a Caught Being Kind ticket at dinnertime and the family will make a big fuss over both the child and the act of kindness. To make the whole ticket thing a little more exciting, I created a special book to store the tickets. I love that they'll be able to keep track of how many they've earned, but even more, that they'll be able to read back through them as a reminder of what they did to get each ticket. Right now, I'm thinking we'll let them cash in their tickets for special rewards, like a movie date or a special breakfast out with Mom or Dad.

The cover and inside pages are cut using Stampin' Up's Top Note die. The title is done with JustRite Stamper products. I embellished with two brown-embossed hearts from Hundred Hearts. The inside pages are Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, and Baja Breeze, accented with scraps of Sassafrass Lass dp and stamped with the background pattern from Hundred Hearts.

I didn't want to set myself up for having to make a whole new page for every ticket, so I designed the inside pages to hold removable tickets. As they redeem their tickets, we can take them out and keep re-using the pages of the book.

The book I'm showing today is for the 8-year-old boy. I'll make something more girly for the 5-year-old next. (Had to get the harder one done first!)

Want to play along and be "A Kid At Heart?" To play, just link your project to THIS POST and you'll be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to Verve Stamps. Please be sure that your entries are linked there no later than 8PM (Mountain) on February 5th. The winner will be announced on the Verve blog on February 6th. Have fun and good luck!



Stamps: Hundred Hearts (Verve Stamps); JustRite Stampers
Paper: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze (Stampin' Up); dp (Sassafrass Lass)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU); Old Paper and Walnut Stain Distress Ink (Tim Holtz/Ranger)
Accessories: 7Gypsies book ring; SU ribbon, ticket punch, slit punch, jumbo eyelet, Top Note die, paper piercer, 1/4" circle punch, crystal effects, dimensionals; BossKut die; Spellbinders die; brown embossing powder; Pink Hedgehog Paper Crafts burlap string

30 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love your book so much Amy!!! It's a really great idea to use it in your family - a great way to encourage the kids. Love it!

June Houck said...

I love this idea and I love your book!

You are so inspiring. I need that die :)

Jacqueline said...

What a great program!

This book is amazing! The colors are perfect! gorgeous!

Andrea said...

Such a cute idea! I am definitely saving this one! Thanks for the inspiration!

Sparkle and Flourish said...

What a wonderful idea....love your ticket idea to be redeemed at a later date. Lovely papers and I bet your son will love it.

Jackie Pedro said...

This is just awesome, Amy! LOVE the DP!!

Gretchen said...

Great idea! I think mine would have to say something like "caught not arguing with your brother!" I swear I am constantly reminding them to "agree to disagree"!
How was CHA? Have any pictures to share?!

Denise Marzec said...

Oh I totally NEED some of that Sassafrass paper...gorgeous! Your book is beautifully done, as always. :)

Jeannie said...

What an awesome project!!

Jeannie

Anonymous said...

What an amazing project! Love all the beautiful pages, and love the whole concept!!! My kids old school used to do this, and I was amazed at the difference it made!

Joy said...

WOW Amy! That is a GORGEOUS projects. Love the colors.

Judy Rozema said...

Gorgeous paper, Amy. I love your little book! We do this at our elem. school where I teach - except the recognition comes at an assembly. We have one tomorrow!

I love the papers you used and look forward to seeing your daughter's!
Did the kids like their presents? Probably liked having Mom home more!

Christina Hill said...

It's fantastic. I love the idea behind it too. Every school can use a program like that.

Danisha said...

It is beautiful. Thanks for a chance to win!!! Would love to have some of these.

SentimentsbyDenise said...

This is a really sweet project and the idea behind is great, too! Nice job with the color comb0 - it's perfect!

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Unknown said...

This was wonderful, Amy! So creative and great to use with your children! I love that DP, too!

Jane Wetzel said...

LOVE this cutie book Amy!! Looking forward to seeing that little girl of yours in the pink mickey ears!! :)

Angel said...

what a great idea! so darling!

Jessie/knightrone said...

Amy, this is beyond awesome!! What a great idea!!

Kathy Jones said...

I don't know which I like more - the gorgeous book, or the idea that inspired it!!! As a Mum of 3 I know all about 'getting along issues' and might have to try this idea out myself!!! Thanks so much for the inspiration!!

Desire Fourie said...

Amy, this is such an excellent idea and am sure will encourage many Moms out there to implement this within their own families. The little booklet ticket holder is just gorgeous and itself will motivate millions of kind acts. Hugs from Desire

Norine said...

love the book its so creative and love the idea of kindness with your boys my boys never fought they were just perfect together NOT LOL
Hugs
Norine

America said...

Oh, I LOVE THIS!!!! Youre super creative and very talented. ADMIRE your work greatly.

Christina Fischer said...

This is SO great!! It's brilliant and beautiful! :)

Debra said...

I love this book and it's a fabulous idea! I have two little ones that never get along. This might work! Thanks for the inspiration.

Teresa Kline said...

Amy, the top die is my favorite invention...lol...so I luv this little book idea. I do not have kids, but I am thinking I could make a "love" coupon book for dh. same similiar idea...tfs! hugs Teresa*~*

Kelly Lunceford said...

what a fun project! I love the details, paper and overall design!Great job!

Julee (Vervegirl) said...

Absolutely fantabulous! This project just blew me away when I peeked in earlier this week. You KNOW I love the colors (so Vervey!), but you've made an absolutely stunning masterpiece here, Amy!

Anonymous said...

Love, love, love this top note mini book! Love the papers, designs, detail, etc.! What a great idea also. I'm betting the benefits from this project will be something they will remember for years to come!!