The Craft Closet

New Idea Books Coming Soon

2012-01-03T10:00:00.005-07:00

That's right, in another month you'll be able to see the new Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book! It is full of wonderful new papers, stamps, embellishments and ideas. But unfortunately, it also means room has to be made for all these great new products. As so, with sadness we'll be saying good-bye to the following CTMH items.

But do not fret.

You still have until January 31, 2012 to purchase anything you see that you just can't live without! Visit my website to help you cure your retirement blues and as a thank you, I'll send you a copy of the brand new Spring/Summer 2012!
Now, don't you feel better?

The Slideshow was provided by a very generous CTMH Consultant Tammy Jenkins from PaperHeartist

A Great Time To Become A Studio J Member

2012-01-03T09:32:00.003-07:00

Okay, I know you have all heard me before saying how much I love using Studio J to get caught up in my scrapbook albums.

And how easy it is to use...and fun...and quick...and slightly addicting.

That's only because I think it's one of the greatest things to ever come into the scrapping world since, well...since Close To My Heart introduced My Acrylix stamps!

And I always love to share a good thing, so let me share this month's special for Studio J Members:

A free Studio J layout? How great is that! Why not get those holiday photos scrapped while the memories are still fresh in your mind.

It's got to be healthier than sitting around eating all the leftover candy and cookies...right?

If you have a membership already, great! Get started on those pages! If you don't yet have a membership, head over to my website and get started here. It's free to try, but you'll see how fast and fun it is and wonder why it took you so long to do it!

Happy New Year everyone!

Rock The Block with CTMH!

2011-12-18T19:00:00.003-07:00

Well, well, well. Look who has finally made it back to her blog!

Yup, I bet you guys thought I had fallen off the face of the world or something. Well, not quite.

So let's see what's going on today. How about an awesome Blog Hop with some equally awesome CTMH consultants? You got it! And how about we throw in a special sneak peek item from the upcoming Spring/Summer Idea Book into that Blog Hop?
Well let's get started then, shall we?

You've most likely just come from Amy's blog Clearly Stamping. If so, you'll know all about this fantastic special from CTMH that is running from now until the end of January 2012.

If I'm your first stop on the Hop, then let me fill you in quickly on what you can expect from this great campaign. First, you'll get this amazing E-size (that's 8" x 10" ladies!) stamp set, exclusive to this special. You can see it here:

You'll also receive the sneak peek item My Creations Collage Cubes. It is nine 2" x 2" x 2" chipboard cubes in a chipboard display tray.

So just how do you get this awesome deal? Simple. Just place a $25 order anytime between December 19th, 2011 and January 31st, 2012 and you can purchase this special Rock The Block bundle for only $15!

And the offer is good for every $25 you spend in your order!

Would you like to see what I've done with my first set? ('Cause I just know I'll be getting more!)
I've made a seasonal/holiday set for display in my home. Six sides means six decorations in one!

Valentine's Day made with Roxie papers:

St. Patrick's Day made with Sonoma papers:

Independence Day made with Elemental papers:

Halloween made with Mischief papers:

Thanksgiving made with Dreamin' paper:

Christmas made with Believe papers:

Here is a shot of the set in the display tray covered with Typeset paper:

I had so much fun making this! I started by sponging Black ink on every side of each cube and the tray. I also inked each of the base papers for each side as well as each element. That's a lot of inking! To make it safe for hands to touch, I sprayed several layers of sealent on each side. I may go back and Modge Podge the whole thing. (The sealant makes sure none of the ink will run with the MP!) And by the way, I used the Art Philosophy cartridge to make all the font and shape cuts. Such a versitile cartridge!

Ready to get your own set? Head over to my website and start your shopping fun!

Anyway, I must send you on your way to Wendy's blog over at Stamping Rules!. Enjoy the rest of the Hop!

As You Gather Together This Holiday...

2011-11-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving Squash Book

2011-11-21T12:37:00.008-07:00

It is almost Thanksgiving here and I wanted to share a gift I made for my most recent Gathering Hostess.

I love the new Remarkable Wreath stamp set in the Idea Book and how very versitile it is. It has something for every season!

I used it to create a squash book for her to keep pictures and journaling about her family's holiday this year.

Stamps: CTMH Remarkable Wreath, Cricut Bundle exclusive stamp set
Inks: CTMH Olive, Honey, Goldrush, Chocolate, Autumn Terracotta, Pacifica, Bamboo
Papers: CTMH Dreamin' My Reflection Kit
Accessories: Colonial White button, Mocha Opaques, Natural Hemp, Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

Here it is opened up:

She has spots for photos and journaling. Or maybe her family will all leave thoughts on what they are grateful for this year. So many ideas!

If you'd like to make your own, I got the instructions here.

If you'd like to get your own Remarkable Wreath set, please visit me here and get your own! While you're there, be sure to check out the special Close To My Heart is offering this month.

This November only stamp set comes with these images to help you get a quick start on your holiday crafting Just plug in your Art Philosophy cartridge and off you go!

I'll be back after Thanksgiving to show you the super easy, super cute Christmas card we made at her party!

A Night With Roxie

2011-10-14T14:59:00.011-07:00

I have a party later tonight and I wanted to...wait, what? No...you haven't stumbled into the Twilight Zone...

I really am writing another blog post within 10 days of my last one. I don't know what happened...maybe I got sucked into the Twilight Zone. No, I remember. I had a party scheduled so I had to put my foot down and say, "Boys, I have just got to ~~play~~ work with my paper and inks now. Run along." That was it.

So as I was saying...I have this party tonight and the hostess chose to use the Roxie Reflections Kit for the project. I am so glad she did because I absolutely love this paper! Want to see everyting I made with it?
Okay, you twisted my arm...

Stamps: CTMH Love Life, Holiday Magic (October 2011 SOTM)
Inks: CTMH Smoothie, Bamboo, Black
Papers: CTMH Roxie Reflections Kit
Accessories: CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, Sparkles, Rhinestone Designer Brads, Just Blooms Flutter Paper Shapes, Black Satin ribbon

A beautiful bunch of paper goodies if I do say so myself!

This is my thank you gift to my hostess, Amber...

It is one of the boxes from the AP cartridge, cut at 8". The flowers were cut at 3" and 2.5". Inside is a Petite Perks set for her.

This gift is for Carrie, who held the party that Amber attended and booked her party from. I wanted to give her a little something as a thank you as well...and I got to play some more with the AP cartridge!

The Pillow Box was cut at 6.5", I think. And the stocking image was cut at 3.5". It's pretty nice that it fits the SOTM this month, don't you think? I used a Rhinestone Brad to decorate the stocking...then put a set of the brads in the box for Carrie. See, I can't think of her without thinking of bling.

This is the card project we'll make. I love the Love Life stamp set, it's very versatile! I used the Zip-Strip top of the paper to add the scallop to the card. I also touched each of the printed rhinestones with small drop of Liquid Glass to add some shine.

Next, I have these great boxes made with...again, the AP cartridge. I put a piece of chocolate in them as favors for all the guests for the party. It is cut at 6.5" and makes very quick boxes that look great!

And last, but not least...this is the prize for our game tonight. And I must admit I totally copied it from Vicki Wizniuk, a fellow CTMH Consultant from Canada. She created such a cute bag, I could not not make one myself!

Stamps: CTMH Mischief WOTG exclusive set
Inks: CTMH Black
Papers: CTMH Mischief Reflections Kit
Accessories: CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, Silver Glitz Glitter Gel, Sparkles

It has a Bling Assortment and chocolate waiting for the winner!

Okay, that's all the time I have for. I've got to get packed up for the party!!

CTMH Holiday Magic Shadowbox Card

2011-10-06T15:22:00.007-07:00

My friend shared the following cartoon on her facebook page:

And I have to say, she looks like I feel! All three boys have been home from school for 2 weeks during their Fall Break. And there is still one more week to go! I think I may lose it before then.

Only two things saved them today from being permanent residents of their bedrooms:
1. The weather took a turn today. Instead of being hot and miserable outside, we opened the doors and windows to enjoy the suddenly cooler tempuratures.
Okay, so its not exactly scarf weather yet, but I'll take what I can get!

2. They let me have some crafting time today. It was much needed and much appreciated! I went from to over the course of the afternoon.

Would you like to see what I made? This idea is from Dawn a fellow CTMH Consultant over at Stamp Till Dawn. After seeing her video, I created my own shadowbox card using this month's Stamp of the Month, Holiday Magic.

Stamps: Holiday Magic (October 2011 SOTM)
Inks: CTMH Desert Sand, New England Ivy, Tulip
Papers: CTMH Believe Reflection Kit, Kraft Cardstock
Accessories: CTMH Bronze Glitz Glitter Gel, Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

I had fun making this and I'm sure the ladies in my monthly project classes will, too! Thank you Dawn, for such an inpiring project!

If you're in the area and would like to join us, it will be held October 26 at my home. You can attend the 9-11 am class or the 7-9 pm class. The cost is $15 or free with a $25 order. You'll need to RSVP by October 17 to save your spot!

I know it has been forever since I've blogged. We are still working on the house and I find all the boxes and tools and chaos a little distracting for my creativity. The good news is we've made the first step towards working on my own craft room...we took all the boxes out of it and I have decided on colors and furniture. Now, I just have to rob a bank so it can all come true as quickly as I'd like!

A Wicked Cute Halloween Banner

2011-08-22T21:13:00.005-07:00

I know, I know. I have been gone from my blog for over a month! What on earth could keep me away from crafting and blogging for so long?

Life.

And I know everyone of you understand that. At least, I hope you all understand!

We are slowly making our new house our own. We've got some painting done, tiling work finished and starting to replace the baseboards in the house. My Dad was here for a visit at the end of last month and said to me, "You know, 8 out of 10 people would have just left this perfectly good house alone and lived in it the way it was. You are one of the 2 people that has to change everything about it."

And he's right. The house was just fine when we moved in...except it was all white. I cannot live with white walls. I mean, look what I do for a living...color and texture and photos!

So that is what has been taking up my life right now. Hard to craft when all your stuff is still packed up, right? I have a feeling my new craft room will be the last room in the house to get finished.

However...

I did get to play a little bit with the new Mischief papers and the Wicked Stamp of the Month earlier this month. I created this banner for a class that is being held tomorrow. It's simple, but fun to put together.

Here it is:

Stamps: Wicked (August 2011 SOTM)
Inks: CTMH Sunset, Black
Papers: CTMH Mischief Reflection Kit
Accessories: CTMH Licorice Opaques, Black Ribbon (retired), My Creations Banner, Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge

(And I apologize for the condition of the photo...I am really missing my computer and Photoshop right now!)

Take A Peek at What I Won at Convention

2011-07-16T06:34:00.005-07:00

Yesterday during the morning General Session we played a Price is Right game with the new Autumn/Winter Idea Book. (available August 1...let me know if you would like a copy of your own). The group I was in won this fantastic new Cricut bundle when our group leader got her Ring Toss around the Cricut peg!!! We were all so excited!

It comes with an exclusive CTMH cartridge, 3...yes, 3 full size stamp sets with coordinating shapes to the cart, plus 3 full size chipboard die-cuts that also coordinate with the stamps and cartridge.

I'll be receiving mine soon, but you can get your own starting August 1. And the best part? It is only $99!

Just see what you can do with it:

Celebrate This July With CTMH!

2011-07-01T10:20:00.007-07:00

Our moving has been slow but steady these past couple of weeks. Some of the larger rooms are now painted and the furniture can be moved in. We have a truck ready to load tomorrow and I think I'll load up on Tylenol tonight! All of my crafting supplies are still sitting in boxes...feeling very lonely. I feel like a bad Mom because all I want to do is let the boys and Engineer fend for themselves so I could just shut the door on my craft room and play.

But you know what? I'm bringing them all with me to Disneyland in a week for Convention...so I can't be that bad of a Mom...right?

Okay, okay. Back to business.
This month Close to my Heart has lots of ways for you to save, save, save! And who doesn't like to save money these days, right?

You can choose from these 5 items for just $1 with a qualifying order!

And to celebrate this Independance Day, all month long with any Bang for your Buck qualifying order, I'll give you your choice of Red, Blue, or Clear Sparkles for FREE! (website orders will need to contact me for your choice of Sparkles)

New for July is the American Celebration Stamp of the Month.

Just in time for all your Summer fun and celebrations! You can get your own set this month only...don't miss out on it!

One last way to save money big time is CTMH Beginners Bundle. Now through July 8 only, when you sign up and join my Craft Closet Crew, you can purchase 10 new Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Books plus all 6 upcoming Stamp of the Month sets for only $21.
Thats a savings of over $100! An amazing deal for hobbiest and business consultants alike! If you'd like to discuss how being a CTMH Consultant would benefit you, just drop me an email. I'd love to answer any questions you may have!

Have a cool summer and I'll report back after Convention!

A Month Full of Posts...In One

2011-06-17T05:57:00.018-07:00

Well, if there are any of my blog readers still out there I have exciting news...this week we signed the final papers and received the keys to our new house! We're all pretty happy with all the extra space we'll have. In fact, everyone will be able to have their own room!

This means I can finally move out of the office closet and have a room with a door...and a lock!

But while one hurdle is over (waiting for the house), another one is looming in the distance (moving everything into the house). So I have to ask you for a little more patience with this whole blogging thing. I rarely even have time to sit at the computer, much less create anything to share. Besides, all my crafting things are packed away!

I did make one final batch of cards, however, before things got put away. These went into my hostess packets this month. The stamp set is from the still available You & Me scrapbooking kit. You can get your own set for only $15 this month (while supplies last). Part of the proceeds from the sales of these kits will go to the Red Cross to help give relief to those effected by the severe weather in our country.

Here is my card:

Stamps: CTMH You & Me
Inks: CTMH Juniper, Sweet Leaf, Cocoa
Papers: CTMH Wings Creative Basics, Cocoa, Colonial White

I still had the Creative Basics pack out when I did these. I love, love, love that pack and I'll have to remember to get more before the end of this Idea Book's cycle!

This would also make a great Father's Day card. It's just around the corner!

I'm embarrassed to admit I had to...*gulp*...buy my Father's Day cards this year.

It was pretty painful to do, too. You know how many stamp sets I could have gotten for the price of 4 cards?!

I hope to be back to blogging soon, with more Studio J layouts until I get things unpacked. And speaking of Studio J...did you know you can create a layout this month and get a free JPG of it?

Just log on here (or create your account...it's FREE) and get started on your layout. When you've completed it, just choose the free JPG download at check out. Super simple!

Have fun creating!

You & Me Card Set

2011-05-27T05:59:00.005-07:00

Yes, I know I've been missing from my blog for a while. School is now over for the boys and next month will bring about the big family change that's been looming in the back of my mind for the past couple of months. I don't see much paper crafting in the near future (thank goodness for Studio J!!) mostly because all my crafting supplies will be packed up...to move to our new house!

I'm excited about this move (I'll finally have my own space!), I'm just not so thrilled about packing up our house of 11 years and all the stuff that's in it. Going to be a big job.

And that's just MY stuff!

Would you believe I actually did do some crafting this month? It is National Scrapbooking Month after all. Well, I did. I had a party last weekend and I made this card set for the hostess as a thank you. I used the exclusive stamp set that is only found in the You & Me kit available through the end of the month.

Take a look:

Stamps: You & Me (exclusive to the You & Me NSM Kit)
Inks: CTMH Cocoa, Sweet Leaf, Juniper
Papers: CTMH Wings Creative Basics

These cards were made using one of the card workshops found in the Wishes book from CTMH. Makes whipping up a nice set pretty easy!

If you'd like to get your own You & Me Kit before the end of the month, you can hurry over to my website and get one for your very own. But if you want an even better deal...

Consider joining my Craft Closet Crew! Not only is the Consultant Kit 50% off this month...making it only $64.50...but you'll get a You & Me kit absolutely free!

I'm looking for all kinds of crafters to join me and my team. Whether you want to create your own business, want a way to earn some extra money, or just want to get a discount on amazing stamping and scrapbooking products...I Want You!

Studio J: My Fairytale

2011-05-11T13:58:00.003-07:00

So it seems to have been a while since my last post. Darn that whole "life gets in the way" thing!

But I have a special layout to share today. Engineer may not appreciate me sharing it, but today I can do whatever I want. So here it is...

Studio J: Sweetheart Reflections Kit

The quote, in case you can't read it, says,

"Every once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairytale."

I wanted to have a layout of just me and Engineer...and truthfully, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to find enough pictures to fill the layout I chose! I am usually the one behind the camera (like many of you, I'm guessing) and Engineer...well, he's really good natured about having his picture taken, even though I'm sure it's not his favorite thing to do. So I was pleasently surprised to find so many of just us together.

So why can I do anything I want today you ask? Go ahead...ask.
Well, it's my birthday today!

And since it's my day and I can do anything I want...I've opted to not do any of the regular things I do about the house like:

laundry

shopping

cleaning

or cooking

I had a nice visit with some friends that stopped by earlier and later tonight I get to pick someplace to go for dinner. No cooking or cleaning! I may even go to a craft store or two and clean out their scrapping and beading sections!

Now that would truly be a fairytale!

Happy Anniversary To Me...And A Story For You...

2011-04-27T14:32:00.004-07:00

Have you ever had an experience that was just so wonderful you wished you could share it with everyone you knew? I had that happen during one of our family trips to Disneyland. I remember the four of us (it was quite a long time ago) standing in front of the castle watching the most beautiful fireworks show I'd ever seen. The music, the lights, the sheer excitement of the whole thing brought tears to my eyes. Yes, I do cry at silly things...just ask my husband. But what I remember most was wishing my whole family could be there to experience the same feelings I was having at that moment.

Just over a year later, I did get my wish. My brother and his wife got married in San Diego and held their reception at Disneyland. My whole family...new baby, new sister, new family members...all stood there that night and experienced a great show of Disney magic. I quietly watched their faces and heard the ooh's and ahh's from the crowd. I felt so content knowing I was finally able to share that wonderful experience I had from the previous trip.

So why am I sharing this with you today? Four years ago, I made one of the best decisions for myself...I became a Close To My Heart Consultant! Happy Anniversary to Me! And I'm sharing because of a wonderful opportunity available to you in a couple of days.

May is National Scrapbooking Month. To celebrate this, CTMH is offering a wonderful kit called "You and Me" to help you preserve your cherished memories! And if you've ever had any thoughts on joining my team and this fantastic company, May is the month to do it. Not only will you receive a "You and Me" kit in your Consultant kit for free, but you'll also receive your Consultant kit at HALF PRICE! That's only $64.50! Whether you're looking for a way to earn extra money, a discount on your personal crafting supplies, or simply cannot pass up a good deal, May is sure to be the start of your own wonderful experiences you'll want to share with others!

PS: As a side note, I know I've been missing/not posting much for quite some time. We've been anticipating some changes here in our household and unfortunately crafting has taken a backseat to other demands. I don't know how long this will last, but I'm crossing my fingers it will be over shortly!

Studio J: Grand Canyon

2011-04-06T09:18:00.006-07:00

This month, Studio J members will receive free Sparkles and Opaques Pearls for every 10 layouts they create and purchase!

What a quick and easy way to add a little bling to your layouts. I think I'll have to embellish my Grand Canyon layout with some of those Sparkles. Remember the photos I shared of our blizzard the first day of Spring? Here's the layout I created so we'll never forget...though I doubt we ever would:

Studio J: Magnifique Reflections Kit

I think a few Sparkles sprinkled about the pages would give it a nice embellished finished. Interested in becoming a Studio J member and getting caught up on your scrapping? Now is a perfect time to try it!

Studio J: Volcano!

2011-04-04T09:19:00.006-07:00

I know what you're thinking..."Another studio layout?" What happened to the girl who loves ink and paper?! Well...she's been feeling under the weather and this has really been the only way she's been able to have any sort of creative outlet for a while. You know how I'm always letting you know why I love Studio J? Well, it turns out I have another reason...you don't have to leave bed to get a layout done!

I think I picked up something over Spring Break. What about that whole "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" thing? That doesn't cover head colds and tummy troubles? Fine. Just let me stay in bed with the blinds closed.

But before I crawl back to my santuary, I'll share something we did on our last night in Vegas. We had dinner at a great place called KGB in Harrah's...yummy burgers, by the way...before heading out to catch the volcano erupting across the street at The Mirage. The boys weren't sure we were telling the truth when we said Vegas had it's own volcano, but they thought it was totally awesome when the lights and fire started!

Studio J: Moon Doggie Reflections Kit

If you haven't tried Studio J yet, or have only played around a little, this month would be a good one to dive in and get those photos scrapped! CTMH is offering a FREE package of Sparkles and Opaques Pearls to Studio J members for every 10 layouts they purchase this month! What a great way to add some bling to your creations!

Vegas Baby!...And A Studio J Layout: Peek-A-Boo

2011-03-25T08:57:00.002-07:00

Happy Spring everyone! This is the last week of the boys' break then it's back to our regularly scheduled...uh, schedule. Anyway, let me tell you what we've been doing since the last time I posted.

We had a nice little family vacation to Las Vegas. My up-up-upline Karen Morris and CTMH Corp. held a LeaderShare meeting for her team members. I was very excited it was close enough for us to go and equally excited to see the Vegas lights for myself.

During our meetings, we listened to amazing presentations given by some of the VPs from CTMH. I could seriously sit and listen to them all day! I always get motivated and inspired by all of them...can't wait to hear from them again at Convention!

We also created two beautiful projects, a My Creations Cube and a layout using the new Irresistables Eclectic chipboard die-cuts. I didn't get a chance to completely finish either of them...very quick paced creative sessions...so I'll have to share those when I get them done.

There was a very nice surprise for me at the end of the day...Karen gave out awards to her team and I received a lovely layout page created by the Art Department at CTMH. It turns out, of those in attendance, I was the Top Recruiter for the last year's 4th quarter! Really? Yeah Me!

My up-upline Kim got this oh-so-lovely shot of me on the way back to my seat.

I'm so glad to be a part of this great company that really supports and recognizes it's consultants. And I love helping people become a part of that as well.

The day we headed home was the first day of Spring. We planned to stop at the Grand Canyon on the way through and do a bus tour. Well, when we walked out the door of our hotel that morning to go to breakfast, we saw the first snowflakes of the day starting to fall. By the time we got to the entrance of the park, this is what the weather looked like...

Of course we didn't really plan on being in a blizzard...in Arizona...in March.

As you can see by the boys' apparel, this snowstorm completely caught us off guard. I really should check out weather forecasts before packing.

The only reason they even have those jackets is because Engineer insisted they needed them before we had visited Hoover Dam the day before. Thank goodness for Target...and for Engineer!

Our bus tour driver came in shortly afterwards and said she was going to try and talk us out of the tour. We wouldn't be able to see the Canyon anyway, what with all the snow falling. We thanked her, then headed for the van to start the trip home earlier than planned.

This is what it looked like as we left the park...

and pretty much stayed that way for half the trip home!

But we made it home safely and have sort of gotten everything unpacked. The house is a disaster, but that can be fixed when I don't have so much...help...at home during the day.

So how about another Studio J layout? I'm working on the pictures from this trip, so you'll have to wait just a bit longer for those, but I have lots of others to share!

This layout is made with another one of those groups of photos that I took just because the boys were being so funny. We had a big mirror propped up in the hall before hanging it and they just became mesmerized with their reflections.

Studio J: Hooligans Reflections Kit

Have I told you lately how much I love Studio J? Yes? Well, I'll tell you again. I love Studio J! I love that I can take a paper pack like Hooligans...

and use it however I want! Why did I choose Hooligans for these pictures? Two reasons. I knew it had that "Boo" stickease for me to use, and because it had that great "fingerprint" B&T paper! Two little boys can leave a lot of fingerprints on a mirror!

By using Studio J, I could pick the paper pack to use based on the patterns, not just the colors. Since you can change the paper to any of our 60 colors, it adds more versatility to your layouts!

Now, I have a couple hundred more photos to download from Vegas and actually have time set aside today to work on more studio layouts. If you want to know more about how Studio J works, send me an email. Next month is another great Studio J Member special from CTMH and you won't want to miss it!

Another Studio J Layout: The Splash Zone

2011-03-10T18:47:00.006-07:00

Good evening! See...I did make it out of the boys' room after all. And you know what? It's already a mess again!

Sigh, what's a mom to do.

It's after dinner and once again I find myself with a few moments alone. The boys all went for much needed haircuts. Bio-Comp came home looking like he tried to sweep the school sandbox with his head, Knock-Out looks like he's been climbing trees all day, and Loquacious is just plain shaggy!

It made me miss the times when they stayed cleaner for longer...and reminded of this layout I did a while ago of the boys in the tub.

I promise...it's rated G! Of course, this was when we just had the two older boys. Actually, I don't even remember life like that at all anymore. Funny how years of sleep deprivation will play tricks on your mind, right?

Anyway, I wanted to share something else wonderful about Studio J. But first, the layout...and I'm sure I'll get an earful about how embarrassing this is to show to the world.

Studio J: Splash Zone Reflections Kit

Now what I wanted to talk about with this layout are the photos. These are just some silly little photos that have been sitting in our computer for 5 years,bored out of their mind. And if I took them, there must have been a reason I did. Oh, yes...because I thought they were cute and wanted to remember them that way. But I doubt I would have ever printed them and made a classic layout with them, they were just some fun shots of the boys.

Studio J really made this a quick and fun way to get these photos out of the computer and into my albums. Where I can publicly embarrass the boys a right proper way. I've been going through our pictures and finding little snapshots of our lives and preserving them this way...instead of storing them away...and I love seeing how things have changed through the years.

How many photos do you have hidden away in your computer waiting to see the light of day?

Studio J Layout: Fun At The Park

2011-03-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

Listen...do you hear that?

It's not something often heard here in my house, but I thoroughly enjoy it when I do.

Know what it is?

Blessed Silence. Engineer took the three boys out to watch our cousin's soccer team in a championship game...and I got to stay home! The boys asked me what I was going to do by myself. Hmmm. Let me think...

I took an uninterrupted shower, washed the sheets, did the dishes, and picked up the living room.

Sounds fun, right? Well, if I can do all that without someone asking me to fix them something to eat, help them find a missing shoe, or help them get to the next level on their Wii game I'll call it good. And for some reason, housework seems to go much quicker when I'm by myself!

So now that the washer is going, I'll stop and share a layout with you.

Studio J: Mayberry Reflections Kit

This is one of the 30 layouts I completed last month using the Studio J special.
I know! That's a lot of layouts!

So this layout is of the boys at the park...obviously. I told them we could go only if they let me take pictures. After grumbling from Loquacious, we left for the park. They brought kites to fly with their Dad, but while he was getting those ready, I got the boys to pose for me. As with any photo shoot with them, it quickly got silly and I just kept clicking away with the camera.

When I was working on this layout, the Mayberry Kit seemed like the perfect papers to create it with. Especially with the cute My Stickease trees, kites and quotes. I don't have this kit in paper, but after using it in Studio J, I'm sure it will make it's way to my closet sometime soon.

While I still have time to myself, I think I'll brave the boys' room and see what damage I can do. If you don't hear from me in a week, send in the troops...or chocolate...whichever is easiest!

Have a great weekend!

Free, Free, Free!

2011-03-01T12:21:00.002-07:00

Did that get your attention?

Let me tell you about this month's Campaign from CTMH. Throughout the month of March, we'll prove that we have the best clear stamps and blocks in the industry. When you buy $25 in My Acrylix stamps, you'll receive a free My Acrylix block! You'll get to choose from two of our most versatile sizes: 3" x 3" or 2" x 6.5"

Head over to my website or contact me if you want to get the best stamps and blocks around!

CTMH March Stamp of the Month: Sensational Seasons

2011-03-01T11:35:00.005-07:00

Well here we are with the beginning of another month. Spring Break is just a couple of weeks away and hopefully it will warm up a bit before that.

The beginning of the month also means new a Stamp of the Month from Close To My Heart. You'll want to be sure and get your own set this month...it is just too cute to pass up!

Just imagine the Spring cards and projects you'll create with this set!

Here are some art samples from the very talented artists at CTMH:

Now, I know you can't wait to get your own set...I couldn't either! I just haven't made time to create anything with it yet.

(In my defense, I wasn't totally uncreative last month. I did complete 30 Studio J layouts!)

This stamp set is available for the month of March and you can get it at a discount or even FREE! Who doesn't like free stamps?

Purchase $25 and receive a 25% discount
Purchase $50 and receive a 50% discount
Purchase $75 and receive a 75% dicsount
Purchase $100 and get it totally free!

Just visit my website or contact me to get your own set of bunnies!

Miracle Workshop At The Craft Closet

2011-02-21T14:00:00.003-07:00

Next month I'll be hosting the Miracle Workshop on the Go at my home. We'll create 4 layouts and decorate one 6x6 Memory Showcase album.

Stamps: CTMH Miracle WOTG exclusive stamp set, Chocolate Alphabet
Inks: CTMH Twilight, Chocolate
Papers: CTMH Miracle Reflections Kit
Accessories: CTMH Kraft Color-Ready Borders

This is the featured layout from the WOTG. The colors and title "Pure Joy" were perfect for my pictures of the boys playing on their newly built playset last year. The exclusive stamp set in this kit is so fun! It creates the pinwheels you see on the layout. Super easy!

If you'd like to join me for this workshop, the date is Saturday, March 12 from 6-10 at my home. The cost is $46 due to me March 3. You'll get the following supplies:

Miracle WOTG-includes Kraft Color-Ready Borders!
Miracle My Stickease
6x6 Memory Showcase album

You can contact me for location and payment information!

Sweetheart Workshop

2011-02-10T09:54:00.006-07:00

This weekend is the Sweetheart Workshop at The Craft Closet. This is the featured layout in the kit, but we'll also be creating 3 additional layouts and decorating a "10 Things I Love" My Creations 3-Ring Binder.

I thought I might have a hard time with the new Sweetheart paper pack...after all, how often do you think I see the color pink in my house?

Right, not often. So I had to really think about the pictures I was going to use for all these layouts! And you know what? I cheated with the first set and made them all black and white!

Stamps: CTMH Pennant Alphabet, Sweetheart WOTG exclusive set
Inks: CTMH Black, Cotton Candy
Papers: CTMH Sweetheart WOTG
Accessories: CTMH Sweetheart Level 2 Assortment

This is Knock-Out sitting on my dad's back porch last autumn enjoying a popsicle. The full color pictures are beautiful...if I do say so...with deep green grass, blue sky and bright red popsicle. Not exactly right for the pages, but after a little photoshopping, I think they work pretty well! I changed the photos to black and white, obviously, but what you may not be able to see is the now pink popsicle he's enjoying.

And yes, I did stamp out his actual name in the banner title...just covered it up for the blog post!

Those of you registered for the workshop, I'll see you Saturday night, 6-10!

Those of you not able to make this month's workshop, look for next month's announcement for the Miracle WOTG!

Score A Perfect 10 With Studio J

2011-02-01T08:46:00.002-07:00

If you've been waiting for the perfect time to become a Studio J member, this is the month to do it!

Not only will you create beautiful Studio layouts in record time...and at half the cost...but for every 9 layouts you buy, you'll get the 10th for FREE!

Head to Studio J through my website and get started on filling those albums the Faster. Simpler. Easier. way

Free CTMH Consultant Kit In February!

2011-02-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

Oh yes...you read that correctly! Close To My Heart is offering a full rebate on your consultant kit when you sign up this month and reach your 2 Straight To The Top levels for your first month and first three months!

And when you do...you'll not only receive your STTT rewards of $100 in select product, but you'll also receive your rebate of $129 for your New Consultant Kit!

It's FREE products and a FREE kit...FABULOUS!

You can read all about this great offer and
join my Craft Closet Crew here!

CTMH New Spring/Summer Idea Book

2011-02-01T07:48:00.003-07:00

I love the first day of a new CTMH Idea Book! There's nothing better than sharing it with my friends and customers.

This release is even bigger (24 more pages!) and better (8 new Reflection Kits!)

If you're like me, you'll be wanting to get at least one of everything...

Kraft cardstock

self-adhesive kraft borders in lots of designs

stacks of new stamp sets

a new spray pen (in a 3 pack!)

new My Creations Banner

I know! I already have lots of these new scrapping goodies in my Closet...and I'm sure more will follow! Just don't tell Engineer.

If you'd like to see the whole book online, you can visit my website and drool all over your mousepad. Or you can click the PayPal button at the top left and get your very own sent right to you!

CTMH February Blog Hop: Friendship

2011-01-31T19:00:00.002-07:00

That sound means it time to start another Close To My Heart Blog Hop!

And there is no shortage of ideas and inspirations from this month's group of CTMH consultants. If you're following the hop, you should be coming from Nicole's Blog. If I'm your first stop, then welcome and let's get with the art, shall we?

This month, CTMH is featuring this beautiful stamp set, Friendship:

And what a great time to get this set! Celebrate your special friendships all month long!

Look and see a couple of cards I created with it:

Stamps: CTMH Friendship (February 2011 SOTM)
Inks: CTMH Chocolate, Grey Flannel
Papers: CTMH Bliss Reflections Kit
Accessories: CTMH Colonial White Ribbon Collection, Basic Assortments Buttons

This card is going to a wonderful friend who really brightened my weekend.

I love sets that come with great sentiments like this one. It gives me a chance to cut apart my stamps and use them creatively. Here I inked the different fonts in different colors to add interest to the focal point. If you haven't had the courage to cut apart your stamps, I urge you to try it...it's fun!

Stamps: CTMH Friendship (February 2011 SOTM)
Inks: CTMH Smokey Plum, Black
Papers: CTMH White Daisy, Smokey Plum, StazOn Black
Accessories: CTMH Clear Cards

And this card is going to a special purple-loving lady that is soon to be part of our family!

I promise this card is Smokey Plum. I know it looks more like Chocolate or Cocoa, I blame the lighting. Actually, I blame Mother Nature. How was I supposed to know it was going to cloud over and rain and hail today?

If you'd like to get your own set of this month's Friendship, visit my website and see how you can get yours at a great discount or even FREE!

I hope you enjoyed this stop on the hop. Now please visit Tamra's Blog and see all the wonderful things she's created!

Spread Your Wings Layout

2011-01-27T15:34:00.006-07:00

Hi everyone! I'm back at the computer again after a long absence. I just have no idea where the month of January went, but I'm sure I misplaced it around here somewhere.

Although I haven't been blogging a lot lately, I have been creating! With the new CTMH Spring/Summer book going live next week (February 1st!), I've been designing all the Craft Closet workshops up until July.

Last Saturday was the first workshop of 2011 with a sneak peek of brand new papers! We used the Wings Workshop on the Go (WOTG) and had fun with the new spray pen included in the kit!

And now a word from our sponsor:

This month when you purchase the WOTG, you'll be able to purchase other new stamps at great discounts! And you'll also be able to receive huge savings on the SOTM, Find Your Style when you get those sneak peek items!

Now we return you to your regularly scheduled program.

Now, it may not right away seem all too boy friendly. But I was determined! Engineer and I packed up the boys and our kites one Sunday afternoon and headed to the park. I got some great shots of the kids that worked perfectly.

This is just one of the layouts completed for the workshop:

Stamps: *gasp* no stamps were used!
Inks: CTMH Black
Papers: CTMH Wings Reflections Kit
Accessories: CTMH Wings Stickease, Black Mini-Medley Assortment

Using the Stickease made this go together super fast...why have I not used these before?!

If you're local and you'd like to see the new book and lots of wonderful new scrapping products, my unit's Open House is this Saturday, the 29th, from 10-1. You can contact me for location information!

CTMH Wings Workshop At The Craft Closet

2011-01-03T12:49:00.002-07:00

When: Saturday, January 22
6pm-10pm

Where: The Craft Closet

Cost: $60 (due Jan. 13th)

You'll receive the following new sneak peak items:

•Wings Workshop on the Go kit
•My Creations Banner
•Wings Stickease
•Wings Pleated Ribbon Assortment
•Black Mini-Medley Accents
Bonus: You'll also recieve the Stamp of the Month FREE!

We'll be completing four 2-page layouts and
a My Creations Banner project...exclusive for January!

Contact me if you are interested in attending.

Get a good start on this year's scrapping!

January Inspirations From Close To My Heart

2011-01-01T08:35:00.011-07:00

During the month of January, CTMH has some amazing offers on some sneak peek items! Our new Spring/Summer Idea Book won't go live until February 1...

I know, I know...but you can see and purchase a collection of the new items featured in our Inpirations Brochure...right now!

And that's not even the best part of this special promotion. When you choose the Wings Workshop On The Go kit (WOTG), you can get new My Acrylix stamp sets at great discounts.

But wait, there's more!

Your Wings Workshop purchase also gives you an opportunity to get the January SOTM at a discount or even FREE!

How?

Purchase the Wings WOTG

+1 new Inspirations item and get the SOTM 25% off
+2 new Inspirations items and get the SOTM 50% off
+3 new Inspirations items and get the SOTM 75% off
+4 new Inspirations items and get the SOTM 100% off

You can start the New Year off with some great savings!

Can you handle one more Inspirations perk? To celebrate National Papercrafting Month, every Wings WOTG includes How-To instructions for creating a home craft project using the new My Creations Banner and Bohemian Alphabet, exclusively through the month of January.

Now, if after seeing all the new Inspirations items has you wanting more and you can not wait until February to get the new Idea Book, the simple answer would be to become a CTMH Consultant and start getting those new items now! I'm always looking for crafters of all kinds to join me and my Craft Closet Crew!

CTMH January SOTM Blog Hop: Find Your Style

2010-12-31T19:00:00.008-07:00

Happy New Year! 2011 has come a lot faster than I anticipated, but I'm looking forward to the fresh start the new year always brings.

It's once again time for the Close To My Heart Blog Hop featuring the Stamp of the Month. If you're coming from Deanne's Blog, you're right on track.

This month's stamp set is b-e-a-utiful! I've just been creating away and had to think twice about sharing everything...wouldn't want you to be overwhelmed or anything!

Here is the stamp set, all 9 gorgeous images:

I know right?! Just stunning! I love the vintaginess (totally made up that word!) of the images.

Take a look at a couple of things I made with it.

Stamps: CTMH Find Your Style (January 2011 SOTM)
Inks: CTMH Blush, Cocoa
Papers: CTMH Blush, Colonial White
Accessories: CTMH Opaques Pearls, Cocoa Ribbon

I'm not really a fashionista type of girl, couldn't tell a fashion show from a costume contest,

but loved the dress form anyway!

But I do know movies...and when I saw the shoe from the set I could only think of one thing...can you guess?

Stamps: CTMH Find Your Style (January 2011 SOTM)
Inks: CTMH Sunny Yellow, Sky, Versamark
Papers: CTMH Sunkissed Yellow, Black, White Daisy, Magnifique Reflections Kit
Accessories: CTMH Opaques Pearls, Clear Embossing Powder

Cinderella!

Okay, I thought of two movies...can you guess this one?

Stamps: CTMH Find Your Style (January 2011 SOTM)
Inks: CTMH Pear, Honey, Cranberry, Versamark
Papers: CTMH Cranberry, Black, White Daisy, Grace Reflections Kit, Olivia Reflections Kit
Accessories: CTMH Sparkles Red, Clear Embossing Powder

The Wizard of Oz!

This next card is a little more elegant. Not something I usually do, but this one was easy.

Stamps: CTMH Find Your Style (January 2011 SOTM)
Inks: CTMH Bamboo, Barn Red, Cocoa, Versamark
Papers: CTMH Bamboo, Colonial White, Olivia Reflections Kit
Accessories: CTMH Antiqued Copper Mini-Medley Accents, Colonial White Ribbon, Clear Embossing Powder

And finally, this last card. This one took the longest just because of all the cutting. But well worth it I think.

Stamps: CTMH Find Your Style (January 2011 SOTM)
Inks: CTMH Black, Sweet Leaf, Juniper, Vineyard Berry, Versamark
Papers: CTMH Black, Colonial White, Wings Reflections Kit
Accessories: CTMH Black Mini-Medley Accents, Wings Level 2 Assortment

So thank you for stopping at my portion of the Blog Hop! Next up is Tamra's Blog, be sure to check out the rest of the participants' artwork...it's all beautiful!

And remember, you can get this amazing stamp set only this month! I'll tell you how you can get it and some new sneak peek items at incredible savings in tomorrow's post!

I Believe

2010-12-29T19:54:00.005-07:00

The year is almost over and I believe I am done. It was a year of trials and sadness, but also one of joy and excitement. I choose to believe I will be a better person for experiencing each and every moment from this year. And hopefully I can carry that over into the next year.

I also believe Santa needs to rent me a storage unit for all the gifts he left this year! Or at least find me a bigger house...with my own craft room...and a pool.

Then I can forgive him for all the Legos that appeared under the tree. The boys are in heaven. But I have already told them tomorrow is my day with the kitchen table because I'm having crafting withdrawls.

I believe that is fair.

Stamps: CTMH I Believe
Inks: CTMH Cocoa, Versamark
Papers: CTMH Mistletoe Reflections Kit
Accessories: CTMH Mistletoe Assortment, Cranberry Grosgrain ribbon

I made this card but completely ran out of time and energy to post it before Christmas. I'm sure you can relate, but I still wanted to share it because I liked how it turned out so much. I embossed everything with Cocoa embossing powder so it's nice and shiny!

Well, the boys are wanting to watch some of the movies we got this year, so I must say good night.

I believe I smell popcorn.

H2H Challenge: Gift Week

2010-12-12T18:04:00.003-07:00

Hi everyone! Anyone still visit my neck of the blogs? I've been out of commision for about a month with computer issues but they have now been solved it seems with the help of a new computer. And just in time to get an entry into the latest H2H Challenge! So I'll make this quick so I don't miss the deadline.

This week was Gift Week over there...meaning no cards! Perfect for my Mistletoe Stocking Gift Bag:

Inks: CTMH Cocoa, Garden Green
Papers: CTMH Mistletoe Reflections Kit
Accessories: CTMH DE Ornaments, Mistletoe Assortments

I used Lauren Meader's Stocking Stuffer template from PaperTreyink. It came together really quickly, only the handstitching took time.

I'm so glad to be able to commune with the web world again! Have a great week!

Saying Thank You With Close To My Heart

2010-11-10T13:32:00.007-07:00

This month is full of wonderful opportunities to be grateful; the upcoming holidays, the weather finally getting cooler, and the birth of a brand new niece...any day now......soon, right Sis?

Well, Close To My Heart wants to show their gratitude for you as well with a great way to add a lot of value to your purchases while increasing your stamp collection!

This month, when you place a qualifying order of $100 or more, you will not only receive the November Stamp of the Month set, A Little Thanks (valued at $22.95) free, but you can also select another stamp set of your choice (size A through D) for free! This means you can add up to $45.90 worth of stamps to your purchase...almost 50% more in value!

But wait...there's more!

Would you like $100 in free select product from Close To My Heart?
How about a collection of wonderful Close To My Heart products for 50% off?

The first 10 people that contact me with their $100* order will be placed in a drawing to win ONE of the following:

$100 in select product credit**
$60 in select product credit**
$40 in select product credit**
4 individuals will be awarded a half price item or collection**
3 individuals will be sent a FREE stamp set**

*Order total BEFORE shipping and tax is added
**Customer pays shipping and tax of free items.

I need 10 people to play for this to work, but everyone who enters a $100 order will win! Not to mention you will already be getting a great deal on all the products you love!

And...you'll be helping me earn an Hawaiian cruise! (Don't worry, I won't be doing the hula or anything.)

You have until November 23 to get your order together...don't wait or you might miss out!

CTMH November SOTM Blog Hop: A Little Thanks

2010-10-31T18:00:00.023-07:00

It's time once again to share Close To My Heart's wonderful Stamp of the Month! November brings to mind a time for giving thanks and this stamp set will certainly make it easy for you to express that. If you're coming from Jean's blog, congratulations on making it through the whole hop! Did you get lots of wonderful ideas? I'm the last in line this month, but if you've stopped here first, you can keep the hop going by continuing on to Helen's blog for the beginning.

The November SOTM, A Little Thanks, has a lot to offer...16 stamps to be exact!

Makes creating those much needed thank you cards a snap...well, if you can decide on which stamps to use, that is. I couldn't decide on just one card, so I made a couple of things to share.

The first card is very simple, just a little dry embossing and sanding to give interest.

Inks: CTMH Vineyard Berry, Outdoor Denim
Papers: CTMH Vineyard Berry, Outdoor Denim, Brown Bag, Colonial White

This next card uses one of the sentiment stamps to create a subtle background...they aren't just for focal points!

Inks: CTMH Barn Red, Chocolate
Papers: CTMH Olivia Reflections Kit, Chocolate

I used ribbon from the new Sunset Mini-Medley Collection, a couple of edge anchors from the Heritage Collection, and created a scallop with our 1¼ Circle Punch to finish the look.

A couple of weeks ago I hosted my Tricks and Treats workshop. As a thank you to my guests, I created these candy tubes filled with M&M's.
(A big thank you to Angela Tutton for her wonderful tutorial!)

Inks: CTMH Cocoa, Barn Red, Honey
Papers: CTMH Barn Red, Honey, Colonial White

And now for something completely different, take a look at my final card:

Inks: CTMH Olive, New England Ivy, Cocoa, Cranberry
Papers: CTMH New England Ivy, Cocoa, Colonial White

How about a Christmas tree? It's filled with Red Sparkles, though Knock-Out insists I find a star to put on top. The Gratitude sentiment is stamped in Cranberry and cut out. I then flipped the stamp over and stamped the backside in Cocoa and cut it out to create the border piece. I love that we can do that with our My Acrylix stamps!

Well that's all I have for this Blog Hop. If this was your first stop, be sure to continue on to Helen's blog for the beginning of the hop and you'll find inspirations galore with the other participants!

If you're interested in purchasing "A Little Thanks" or even want to earn it for FREE contact me!

P.S. Thank you for all the comments on the Christmas tree card! To answer a question, yes Sheila, it is made with the little "weed" stamp.

CTMH October SOTM: Share The Magic...With Gift Cards

2010-10-30T11:59:00.007-07:00

The end of the month is near and that means you only have a few more days to get your hands on the exclusive Share The Magic stamp set. Before that happened, I wanted to share one last card with you...one that might prove useful in the upcoming months.

How many of you have started your Christmas shopping? If you've raised your hand, go sit in the corner...no one wants to speak to you right now. If you're like the rest of us and are barely getting your Halloween candy...listen up, this might save your sanity one day soon.

The simplest gifts to give are...everyone together now...Gift Cards! But they are kind of plain and not very fun to unwrap. Unless you like to do the whole box in a box in a box thing. Then you just might have too much time on your hands.

But I'm getting off track here.
With a little crafty ingenuity, you can really dress up a gift card. And October's SOTM can help you do just that.

Stamps: Share The Magic (October 2010 SOTM)
Inks: CTMH Garden Green, New England Ivy, Cranberry, Staz-On Jet Black
Papers: CTMH Mistletoe Creative Basics, Garden Green, New England Ivy, Colonial White

I used a waterbrush to color in the presents on the band. Gives it a nice subtle color. You slip off the band to open the card. Inside is the card holder:

You can write or stamp a message behind where the card will be as a little surprise for the recipient.

So what kind of gift cards are you going to give this year? You know what I think would make the best card to give away to a loved one?

How about a Studio J membership or 5-pack? The scrapbooker in your life would certainly thank you...it's like giving them the gift of time! And who would say no to that?

Well now...I'm off to "pre-sort" the trunk or treat candy. You know, get it ready to pass around after I take a couple of choice pieces out.

Have a safe Halloween weekend!

Studio J Birthday Layout

2010-10-27T13:20:00.004-07:00

Today is my Dad's birthday.

Hi Dad!

I have this wonderful tradition of getting his birthday card made/sent late. I think it may have to do with the fact that his birthday is so close to Halloween and by the time the end of the month comes around, the boys have me on candy/costume/decoration/school festival overload and it slips my mind. And I know he knows I don't mean to be late...but why mess with tradition? This way, he gets to celebrate his special day just a little bit longer!

So while I don't have the card ready to share, I can share a Studio J layout I did of a special birthday party we threw him several years ago.

Studio J: Stardust Reflections Kit

You see, my dear father has a slight appreciation for all things Stargate. This particular year, he received a Stargate DVD season set, a soundtrack, a book, a boardgame, and yes, even a Stargate shaped cake...complete with DHD cupcake. My brother put together a Teal'c from spare G.I. Joe parts to finish off the look. We all wore standard Stargate wear: black and olive.

He was quite surprised when he walked in the door and saw us all!

So Dad, even though the card will most likely get to you just before Thanksgiving (just being real here), you know I love you and hope your day is full of wonderful surprises.

PS: I know the journaling looks wonky when you click on the picture to enlarge it...but it doesn't look that way in real life!

H2H Challenge: Embossing

2010-10-22T15:19:00.006-07:00

That has to be the loveliest word I've heard this week. Between Scrap Pack, a workshop and prepping for my Studio J class tonight, I've not had much me time...creatively speaking. And I've not been able to participate in the H2H Challenges for quite a while either! School breaks and traveling will mess with your scheduling I suppose.

But I'm happy to see the challenge this week was embossing because that means I have a card to share!

Here it is:

Stamps: CTMH Share The Magic (October 2010 SOTM)
Inks: CTMH New England Ivy, Cranberry, Versamark
Papers: CTMH New England Ivy, Cranberry, White Daisy, Black, Vellum

I used the same coloring technique as in this card. I haven't used it very often, but I sure love the look it gives.

How about a nice shiny close-up?

In case you missed the technique the first time, emboss your image on vellum, flip it over and color it in with markers and blending pens. It gives it a nice watercolored look. I used several CTMH markers to color the back of the image: Barn Red, Cranberry, New England Ivy, Olive, Grey Wool, Black, Honey, Grey Flannel, Vanilla Cream, Blush.

Well, I still have to get dinner planned and cleaned up before class starts so I'll sign off now. Have a great weekend everyone!

My Close To My Heart Top 10 Under $10

2010-10-10T00:10:00.000-07:00

Today's date is pretty special. 10-10-10.

In this house of Math & Engineering, it brings talk of binary numbers and computers.

You do know that 101010 translates to the number 42...which means nothing, but I thought I'd educate you all a little.

You're welcome.

This date in history only comes around every 100 years. Since I'm reasonably sure none of us will be around for the next one, I wanted to mark the day with a proverbial Top 10 list.

We all know what great products CTMH offers, but I wanted to share my favorite 10 for under $10.

In no particular order they are:

1. Texture tools $9.95

I love to add shading and texture to my paper craft projects. It just completes the look in my opinion. However, I don't really like to go too overboard with the distressing and these tools make it easy to control.

2. Micro-Tip Scissors $9.95

These have become my favorite scissors! They just feel more comfortable in my hand and I can cut longer without getting scissor cramp. You know what I mean, right? Cut so long that your fingers curl into your palms automatically? Only a trip to the acupuncturist would help? Not with these. And I love that you can get into itsybitsyteenytiny places when you're cutting.

3. Piercing Tools $5.95

I use my piercing tool as often as I can. I love the look it gives and how easy it is to add just a little something extra to a project.

4. Create-A-Shade Pearl Paint $2.95 and Glitz Glitter Glue $2.75

Okay, I know technically this is two items, but they go so well together I had to mention them together. And it's my list.

If you really like to make your projects sparkle and shine, these two items are an amazing value!

5. Opaques and Sparkles $2.95 each

I know, another 2 items. But I had to put these two blingy (yes, that's a real word) items together. These accessories (and their variations) add so much to a project for so little! The problem comes when you find yourself looking at other things and imagining them with little pearls and sparkles.
Let me tell you, boys do not appreciate that.

6. Mini-Medley Accents $4.95

These mini collections of embellishments pack a big punch! They come in many colors and of course coordinate with all the papers, inks and other accessories. And they're affordable enough to get one of each!

7. Liquid Glass $6.95

Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without this. I use it all the time! It's wonderful for doing what it's meant to do...plus a lot more. I use it to fix broken toys, seal torn vinyl on play tables, and gluing school projects. If my boys were a little more careful around the house, I could actually use it more on my craft projects!

8. Flip-Flaps $3.95

These new Flip-Flaps are so fun to use! Have you ever had just too many photos for one layout? With these new larger sized Flip-Flaps, you can make your albums more interactive and exciting.

9. My Creations 3-D Elements $3.95-$9.95

This entire collection is full of fun and versatile items to decorate and create! Make something for your home, make something for a friend, make something that shows how much you care. The holidays are coming up and these make great gifts for everyone.

10. A-sized My Acrylix Stamp Sets $7.95

While I love everything about all our My Acrylix stamps; the clearness, the flexibility, the high quality, the thing I love most is the affordability! Now, this set I have pictured, A Timber, is my favorite but there are many, many more sets for all occasions. And at only $7.95 they are such a great value, you can have them all!

So that's my Top 10 for under $10 list for 10-10-10. Do you have a favorite 10 CTMH items that you always reach for? Share it with me!

And if you need some ideas on what to do for the rest of today, visit GeekDad and see what fun (albeit geeky) things you can do with your family.

I'll let you know which ones we did.

Jump For Joy With CTMH In October!

2010-10-08T08:50:00.002-07:00

I hope everyone has had a chance to go through the SOTM Blog Hop!

Are you completely inspired by all the wonderful projects you've seen? Good! Christmas is just around the corner and this exclusive stamp set would make super fun cards for the holidays. Even the kids could make a set of their own to give to friends. How cute would it be for them to color in?

I've got a couple more cards I created with this fun set...and I will post them...but not today!

Wait, wait, wait. Don't go away mad. I've been busy and out of town. When I get unpacked and laundry tackled, I promise to share them with you.

But today I wanted to share another reason for you to...

This month, when you host a Home or Online Gathering and have $450 in total sales, you can jump up to the next Hostess Rewards level!

More fun, more free product, more 50% off items!

So jump over to my Calendar and schedule your own Gathering for this month.

You and your friends will Jump for Joy!

CTMH October SOTM Blog Hop: Sharing The Magic

2010-09-30T18:00:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! It's time for another whirlwind of inspiration from some very talented crafters. If you're coming from Wendy's blog, you're in the right place. If you've come to my Craft Closet by some other means, you can start the whole blog hop from the beginning at Kathleen's blog.

Ready? Grab some cocoa and we'll be off to the North Pole!

The October SOTM, Sharing the Magic, has 12 stamps in the set:

Doesn't it get you in the holiday spirit?

Let's go out in the snow covered fields and meet the local residents, shall we? Here we have Dasher and Dancer.

Hey there boys, gearing up for the big holiday season?

Yes we are! We're doing our early morning workouts with the rest of the team.

Got to keep fit to carry the Big Man around, you know!

Hey, here comes Frosty. You know, he's always such a jolly, happy soul.

Well, I heard he got some shiny new coal buttons down in the village the other day.

Hi there boys! Yup, shiny new coal buttons! The sales girl said they matched my eyes and I just had to have them. You guys should see the shops in the village! All decked out with lights and tinsel! It's a real winter wonderland. I picked up a couple of things for the kids while I was down there. Had them wrap them up for me, too!

I got a scooter for Jimmy and a dolly for Sue, the kind that will even say "How do you do?".

And this little guy, well, I might just have to keep him for myself!

Just make sure you get him water-proofed.

Look, here comes Santa Claus! Here comes Santa Claus!

Ho, ho, ho! Happy Blog Hop everyone! I hope you're enjoying all the crafty Christmas goodness! It's a lot healthier than a plate of Christmas cookies!

You better watch out, you better move your tail!
Your Christmas cards will soon need to be in the mail!
The holidays are coming real soon!

Okay, okay. That's why I deliver the toys, not write the Christmas carols.

Stamps: CTMH Share the Magic (October 2010 SOTM)
Inks: Versamark, Memento Tuxedo Black
Papers: CTMH Dutch Blue, White Daisy

Happy Blog Hop to all, and to all a good night!

Just a little taste of the North Pole to get you guys in the mood for Christmas card season! Now if you'll head off to Jean's blog, you'll see more amazing creations from many more talented CTMH consultants.

And don't forget, Share The Magic will only be available until October 31, 2010! Contact me to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

The Present

2010-09-20T08:46:00.005-07:00

Happy Monday everyone! I have just a couple of cards to share this morning. Yesterday and today are birthdays of some special ladies I know. I made them these cards to let them know how great I think they are.

Stamps: CTMH The Present
Inks: CTMH Chocolate, Juniper, Garden Green
Papers: CTMH Veranda Reflections Kit, Veranda Creative Basics

I cut my stamp apart to be able to use different inks with this sentiment...I think it makes the image more interesting! I also used a couple of Mocha Opaques as embellishments.
So Happy Birthday Kim and Cori!

And a big thank you for the Anniversary wishes. Would you like to see what Engineer got me? Can you Imagine what is was? Well, last Monday night...like so many other craftaholics in the country, I was watching the world launch of the new Cricut Imagine machine on HSN. Just to watch it in action...I swear! I casually said to Engineer, "You know, our anniversary is this weekend. That would be an awesome gift!" He watches the tv with me, then tells me to get his wallet.

Seriously?

But I was told this will also count for my Christmas present this year...and maybe my birthday, too.

You know what? Who cares! I'll even through in Mother's Day and Valentine's Day on top of that!

This lovely machine was delivered to my doorstep on Friday!

My family may have to fend for themselves for a couple of days!

H2H CHallenge: Sentimentally Yours

2010-09-18T13:50:00.005-07:00

I made this card the other day after the two older boys left for school and Knock-Out was still asleep. I was sneaking around the house quietly because I didn't know how long he'd still be out.

But I thought I could quickly make this week's H2H Challenge and not wait until the last minute, as I have been doing lately.

Do you ever find yourself wishing kids came with countdown timers? So you knew when they were about to throw a tantrum, or wake from a nap, or spill something?

Or is that just me.

Anyway, back to my card. Since it is still 100°+ outside, I thought a Christmas card was in order. You know, to trick my brain into thinking it was cold outside. Didn't work.

Stamps: CTMH Everlasting Life
Inks: CTMH Cocoa
Papers: CTMH Mistletoe Reflections Kit

I used the new Mistletoe Level 2 Assortment to embellish...I didn't want it too plain and simple. This was so quick and easy to make, I might even create more for the upcoming holidays.

Have a great weekend! I know I will...today is my 11th wedding anniversary with Engineer. Wait until you see what he got me!

Close To My Heart Studio J: Craft Critique Review

2010-09-17T10:50:00.006-07:00

Happy Friday everyone!

As a crafter who wants the best for my money, I use the CraftCritique.com as a guide before I invest in a lot of my major tool purchases. A couple of days ago, they posted a review on Studio J. So if you are still on the fence about using this amazing online program, I suggest you read the review, create a couple of layouts for yourself, then let me know what you think!

I also wanted to share another one of my Studio J layouts with you. This is one I created a couple of months ago to help me remember Convention from this Summer and all the fun and excitement we had there.

Studio J: Veranda Reflections Kit

You can see some of the decor put up at the Gaylord National that matched this year's theme Picture This. We were there several days before Convention started and got to watch the progress of it all. You can see pictures of the entertainers we had: Anita Renfroe, Jon Schmidt & Steven Sharp Nelson, and the fast painting talents of Michael Ostaski as he completes a surprise portrait of Jeanette Lynton. The ladies from the head office preformed a very memorable dance number called "Scrappin Ladies".

These are just some of the fun memories I have of attending my first CTMH Convention. But one of the greatest moments for me happened when I learned my album placed in the Top 10 of the Album Contest! With all the very talented ladies in CTMH, that was a great honor for me. I might even be persuaded to share it here...if you'd like to see it!

Tricks & Treats Workshop

2010-09-15T14:47:00.008-07:00

It's starting to cool down here a little (a very little) and that gets me in the mood for the upcoming holidays and workshops at The Craft Closet!

Next month I will be hosting my Tricks & Treats workshop on Saturday, October 16 from 10am to 2pm. We'll be making one of each of the following projects:

This includes 3 different treat bags you can fill with sweet surprises for others,

2 cards with tricks of their own to surprise everyone,

and decorating 1 wooden gift box for yourself.
I'll let you decided if you want to share that or not.

Here are some close ups of each project:

The cost of the workshop is $20, due by September 24, and you'll need to bring only your favorite adhesive. A light lunch will also be provided. If you are my neck of the...desert and want to attend, contact me to RSVP or for more information.

H2H Challenge: Color Challenge

2010-09-12T18:40:00.003-07:00

Good evening! Another last ditch effort to make the H2H deadline again this week. My family is having dinner on a tiny folding table because I have card material all over our dining table. What a bunch of great guys they are for sacrificing their comfort for my creativity!

So, since I'm short on time again...and pretty hungry for my own dinner...I'll keep this brief.

The H2H Challenge this week was another color challenge using these CTMH colors:

I went straight to my Autumn/Winter Idea Book and found my inspiration on page 37.

Stamps: CTMH Grown With Love
Inks: CTMH Autumn Terracotta, New England Ivy, Honey
Papers: CTMH Colonial White, Autumn Terracotta, New England Ivy, Honey

Well, now that I've shared my card...with minutes to spare I think...I'm off to dinner.

Provided the boys left me any.

Studio J Memberships

2010-09-08T10:10:00.005-07:00

Studio J Memberships are now available for you to purchase!

I know what you're thinking...
"Wait, what? I thought Studio J was free to use?"

You're right! Studio J is still available to use for free online. But now when you want to purchase your custom made prints, there is a more affordable way for you to do it. And it comes with extra benefits!

♥ 50% off retail price on custom-printed layouts. Minimum/maximum quantities apply.
♥ High-res printable JPG files and web-ready low-res files, free with print purchase
♥ Exclusive kits and patterns
♥ Free Memory Protectors®
♥ Free shipping and handling on your monthly order

You may purchase a 1 year membership for $99, or a 3 month membership for $30.

For those of you not quite sure yet if Studio J is for you, you may purchase a 5-pack for $55. This includes:

♥ 5 two-page scrapbook layouts you create online
♥ Custom printing
♥ 5 Memory Protectors
♥ Free shipping and handling

Studio J really is a fantastic way to keep you up to date on your scrapbook!

The Scrap Pack

2010-09-06T16:43:00.004-07:00

This is just a reminder to my friends and customers that Opening Night for The Scrap Pack will be this Friday! If you know someone that would be interested in scrapping with us, bring them along!

H2H Challenge: Fun Folds

2010-09-05T19:08:00.005-07:00

Well, here is another just-barely-made-it submission for this week's H2H Challenge. When did my days get so busy?

Since it's so late, I'll keep this short. This week we were challenged to use some fancy folds in our creations. I remembered a folded quilting technique a fellow CTMH consultant shared on the bulletin boards a while ago and thought I'd give this a try.

Stamps: CTMH Unity
Inks: CTMH Pacifica, Chocolate
Papers: CTMH Magnifique My Reflections Kit

Here is a closer look at the folds.

By the time I finished my card this evening, my natural lighting was gone. I may have to take another shot of it tomorrow.

Have a great Labor Day!

Kit Of The Month: Olivia

2010-09-04T05:28:00.010-07:00

CTMH September SOTM Blog Hop: Thriller

2010-08-31T18:00:00.009-07:00

Welcome to the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! I was so excited to be a part of this group, and equally excited about September's SOTM, Thriller!

If you are coming here from Toni's blog, you're in the right place. If you stumbled upon my Craft Closet and would like to start the blog hop at the beginning, head over to Helen's blog and get ready for an inspiration overload!

The September SOTM, Thriller, has 9 stamps in the set:

Oooooh! Doesn't it just give you goosebumps?!

I love the creepy factor this set has, right down to the delicate cobwebs...even though I really, really hate spiders. But the eye-patch wearing skull just screams pirate to me and that's the direction I went.

Stamps: CTMH Thriller (September 2010 SOTM)
Inks: CTMH Bamboo, Desert Sand, Barn Red, Versamark
Papers: CTMH Bamboo, Desert Sand, Barn Red, Vanilla Cream

The Barn Red cardstock was quilted using a folded tissue as batting and spritzing the top with water. Then I attached the brads and hammered them in as tight as they would go. When the water dried, it left a puckered look around the brads...like the back of some luxurious arm chair. The skull image and sentiment were embossed with clear detail powder, then brayered over with Bamboo ink and the whole piece was edged with Barn Red ink. I also stitched around the two pieces with Chocolate and Colonial White (which I ran across my Bamboo ink pad several times) embroidery floss.

I created a ruffle...

...excuse me, a very manly looking ruffle using Vanilla cardstock. I soaked it in water, then proceeded to create pleats and shape it as I went. I placed it under one of my acrylic blocks until it was dry.

I did take me a couple of days to get it all complete. The boys were demanding things like food and clean clothes. All I wanted to do was make them walk the plank!

Well, now it's time to move on to Jean's blog! There are 68 very talented CTMH Consultants in this month's blog hop...be sure to visit them all to get your fill of crafting ideas and inspiration.

And remember, Thriller will only be available until September 30, 2010! Contact me to see how you can get this stamp set at a discount or even free!

H2H Challenge: Just In The Stitch Of Time!

2010-08-29T20:11:00.002-07:00

Well here it is, late Sunday evening. The boys are just getting to bed and I was ready to retire for the day.

And then I suddenly remembered I hadn't posted my challenge piece for H2H yet this week! Talk about waiting until the last minute...or hours...whatever.

I can't believe I almost let this slip by, especially since I've had it finished since last week. I'm just lucky this week's challenge involved stitching or I probably wouldn't have had anything to show. I created this layout using parts of the new Triple Play kit available through September. I saw another CTMH consultant create the same layout using the pink album pieces, but I knew the blue one would suit my subject better.

This is titled "10 Things I learned from my Mother"

Stamps: Love This (exclusive to Triple Play), Chocolate Alphabet Small
Inks: Bamboo, Indian Corn Blue, Desert Sand
Papers: Triple Play, Indian Corn Blue, Bamboo, Colonial White

I gathered some of my favorite pictures of my Mom to do this.

Notice the ribbon and buckle? It's made from photo hangers and hides a mini album of it's own.

More favorite pictures, and more life lessons from her.

I lost my Mom just a couple of months ago to Ovarian cancer, so making this was both hard and special at the same time. And anyone that knew my Mom would know I couldn't do this without stitching something somewhere on it...even if it is just a simple border.

Well it looks like I still made it before the challenge deadline. Hopefully I'll be able to get an earlier start on next week's!

H2H Challenge: Back To School

2010-08-19T16:45:00.000-07:00

Ah, the three most beautiful words a mother can hear.

Well, besides "Thanks for dinner!" and "You're the greatest!" and "What? You want me to clean my room? Sure Mom. You've worked hard enough today, why don't the other boys and I go out with Dad and give you an evening to yourself."

Okay, that last one may be a bit longer than three words.

This week over at H2H Challenge, the theme is Back To School. And even though we've been back to school for 4 weeks already, I couldn't quite figure out what to create. But with all this newly found freedom during the day, I have ample time to peruse the blogosphere for ideas.

And this morning I hit the jackpot over at The Crafting Chicks! They just did a whole 2 weeks worth of ideas. But you know what really caught my eye? Their banner for their back to school brainstorm.

It was the perfect inspiration for me to whip up a quick card.

Stamps: CTMH Good Work, Tiny Typewriter Alphabet
Inks: CTMH Cranberry, Sweet Leaf, Indian Corn Blue, Brown Bag, White Daisy, Creme Brulee
Papers: CTMH Cranberry, Sweet Leaf, Indian Corn Blue, Brown Bag, White Daisy, Creme Brulee, Black

It's getting late in the day and you know what? I just thought of three more words any mother would love to hear..."Let's eat out!"

A Triple Play

2010-08-15T16:56:00.006-07:00

I hardly know anything about sports. I'll just put that out there right now. I've never been the athletic type, always opting for a good book over any activity that would cause me to look...well, less coordinated than I already was.

But I do understand that a triple play in baseball is a good thing and that happens to be the name of the next great customer campaign from CTMH!

ONE mini-album is good, TWO is great but getting THREE is best of all!

Celebrate your love of stamping by using stamps to embellish the three mini albums in our exclusive National Stamping Month kit, Triple Play. With inks, stamps, albums, and pre-cut accents for stamping, you’ll complete all three albums in a jiffy. Since each album has its own color scheme, all three are unique and ready for many different kinds of photos. Make one for yourself and two to give away—if you can bear to part with them! In honor of National Stamping Month, you can get huge discounts on the Triple Play kit when you purchase My Acrylix® stamps from your wish list, or get it free when you host a qualifying Gathering or become a Close To My Heart Consultant.

Here are five ways to get this outstanding mini album kit: (Note: I’ve saved the best for last, so be sure to read all five!)

1. Buy the Triple Play kit for $29.95.
2. Purchase $25 in My Acrylix® stamps and get the Triple Play kit for just $15.
3. Spend $40 on My Acrylix stamps and get Triple Play for only $5!
4. Host a Gathering with sales of $300 or more and get Triple Play FREE!
5. Join Close To My Heart as a Consultant and get the kit FREE!

National Stamping Month is always fun, but this year you’ll get three times the excitement with Triple Play!

*Qualifying stamp set purchases exclude Stamp of the Month sets, K-size custom stamps, and Workshops on the Go™ stamp sets. Tax and shipping/handling may apply. Offer valid for customers and hostesses August 15–September 30, 2010. Offer valid for new Consultant enrollees September 1–30, 2010. Limit one discount priced Triple Play kit per order per customer. Offer valid while supplies last

What a grad slam of a deal, right? I've already recieved mine and will have some creations posted really soon. But in the meantime, visit my website and get your own kit and make a couple of crafty home runs of your own!

H2H Challenge: Time For S'more Sketches

2010-08-10T14:51:00.007-07:00

This week I was more on the ball with the H2H Challenge...it's only Tuesday! They have provided a fun sketch for us to use:

Now I actually had a card in mind yesterday, but wanted to wait until today to share it. Why? Do you know what today is?

No?

Then let me enlighten you with a quote from the great Ham Porter of The Sandlot:

"Alrite now pay attention. First you take the graham, you stick the chocolate on the graham. Then you roast the 'mallow. When the 'mallows flaming...you stick in on the chocolate. Then cover with the other end. Then you scarf. Kind of messy, but good!"

Yes, it is National S'mores Day!

Did you even know that existed?

Me either, until a couple of days ago. But I had wanted to try something in honor of the gooey treat and after I flipped it, this sketch was just right.

Stamps: CTMH Beary Best, Tiny Typewriter Alphabet
Inks: CTMH Brown Bag, Chocolate (of course!), VersaMark, Memento Tuxedo Black
Papers: CTMH Brown Bag, Chocolate (mmmm!), White Daisy

Doesn't it just look good enough to eat?

Oops, got to be careful not to wrinkle the cardstock.

Take a closer look at that chocolate piece:

I got this effect by clear embossing the entire piece then scoring it to look like a chocolate bar.

Then I got out the Liquid Applique. First, I made the 'mallow. And then sponged on some Brown Bag ink.

Then I sponged the Liquid Applique on the edges of the White Daisy cardstock. After heating it, I sponged a little Brown Bag ink, followed by some Chocolate ink just on the edges.

Mmmmm! Looks nice and toasty doesn't it? Okay, now I'm totally hungry for s'mores. Guess what we're having for dessert tonight!

Don't forget to create something of your own and share it over at the H2H blog!

A Grateful Thanks

2010-08-07T18:42:00.006-07:00

So many of you have taken advantage of the amazing sale from CTMH! I'm grateful to you and for your support as your CTMH Consultant...or dealer as Engineer has called me in the past.

As an added thank you (on top of the 50%-60% off prices!), I'm sending everyone that has ordered a little something in the mail...

Stamps: CTMH Unity, For Every Occasion, Just A Reminder (Consultant only set)
Inks: CTMH Cocoa, Juniper
Papers: CTMH Perfect Day Reflections Kit

Yes, it's your very own handmade thank you card from yours truly! And just look what is inside!

I know! You get your own copy of the new Autumn/Winter Idea Book...FREE! I'll be accepting these coupons at an upcoming Open House at the end of the month. If you're in the Tucson area and would like to attend, let me know! I'll be posting more information as it gets nearer.

H2H Challenge: Tag! You're It!

2010-08-04T14:20:00.005-07:00

Since last week was my last H2H Challenge as a DT member, I guess I've gotten a bit lazy!
Here it is, already Wednesday and I'm just getting my piece finished.

The challenge this week is to create a piece of artwork that includes a tag. Well, that sounds easy enough, right? My inspiration didn't come until Monday night, however. That's when, after dinner, Engineer looked at all the peaches ~~we've~~ he's been harvesting from our tree and said,

"These aren't going to last very long. We should can them...tonight." To which I replied, "Do you have any idea how long it will take to can 20 lbs of peaches?" And then I believe I made a face...like this

But we headed to the store to get the one item we didn't have for canning peaches, plus everything else that somehow found it's way into the cart. We finally got started at 8:oo. Engineer said I didn't have to help him, but I don't think I could have lived with that pleading face.

After assuring the boys we were in fact not making dessert and getting them off to bed, we worked quietly in the kitchen...and surprisingly didn't make too much of a mess!

And even though everything was done and put away by 11:00, I was awake enough to wonder how I could use those jars in my tag challenge somehow.

With nothing on the calendar for today (except that awesome sale going on right now), I gathered my supplies and got to work! First thing I did was pull out my Wishes book. And what do you know, a card with a tag...right on the cover!

I just had to pick my papers and stamp set and I was good to go!

Stamps: CTMH Bowl Of Cherries (exclusive to Cherry-O Workshop On The Go)
Inks: CTMH Chocolate, Sweet Leaf, Indian Corn Blue, Creme Brulee, Taffy, Sorbet
Papers: CTMH Magic Moments Reflections Kit, Perfect Day Reflections Kit

And to answer your question, yes I did all the stitching by hand.

Which is why I took so many pictures of it!

The Biggest Paper Sale This Year!

2010-08-04T05:13:00.005-07:00

As a thank you to all you wonderful crafters out there, CTMH is offering a super online clearance sale starting today!
Just how super is this sale?

♥ My Stickease for only $2
♥ Level 1 My Reflections Kits for only $4
♥ Level 2 My Reflections Kits for only $6

These fantastic deals will only be available from August 4, 9am (MDT) to August 11, 2011. They are while supplies last...so don't delay, shop today!

H2H Challenge: Oooh, Pretty Colors

2010-07-26T00:34:00.006-07:00

It's Monday again and that means only one thing around here...another H2H Challenge for you to play along with! This week we have another trio of pretty colors to create with.

See, I told you.

And at the risk of tainting your creative juices, all I could think of when I looked at these colors were big, mouth-watering berries.

My problem came when I searched my stamps for an appropriate set and came up with nothing.
Not a berry in sight. What was I to do? Then I thought about all the great stamp sets we got at Convention a couple of weeks ago. There was one in there that had a quote I really, really liked. I don't think I've made a card with just the sentiment as the focus...ever. But it worked for this one. Here it is:

Stamps: CTMH The Present (available Sept. 1)
Inks: CTMH Grey Wool, Vineyard Berry, Blush, Creme Brulee
Papers: CTMH Veranda Reflections Kit, Emporium Creative Basics, Grey Wool, Blush, Colonial White

I used some Creme Brulee ribbon as a final touch. Pretty simple, but I really liked it. I showed it to my boys to get their opinion. I don't know what I was expecting, but it sure wasn't the giggles they gave me. When I asked if they liked it, they said "Sure we do! It's a Kung Fu Panda card!"

(For those of you that do not have kids under 10 in your home, one of the characters uses this same quote.)

So now that I know my card pleases adults and children, I can call it a day.

Oops, but not before I say a few things. Like don't forget to check out the other DT members' blogs. They've created some pretty amazing things for this week!

♥ Carol-Scramping with Carol
♥ Helen-Hooked on Stamping
♥ Jayma-Playing with Paper
♥ Katy-an inside to my heart....
♥ Mary-on Life and Creating
♥ Tracey-Tracey Mason's Studio

As this is my last week as a DT member, I also wanted to say a big to Mary for the wonderful work she's done creating the H2H Challenge blog! It was so fun being a part of it and sharing my creations with everyone.

I want to congratulate all the new DT members coming aboard. They are another group of inspiring ladies, let me tell you! I can't wait to see what they share with us over the next couple of months.

And to all my fellow DT members...

Today's To Do

2010-07-22T10:34:00.005-07:00

So the first week of school is almost over and I think we're all going to survive it. The boys got the teachers they wanted and I think this will be another great year for them.

I only have one more year to go before I have all my boys in school...I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! Friends have asked what I'm going to do next year when that happens. I tell them...I'm going to do what ever I want! I can't imagine having a couple of uninterrupted hours a day.
I should start making a list of things to do now! You know, on top of all my other To Do lists I have around the house.

But before I do that, I have a new card to show you. I actually made this for our Team's Swap last month, but never got around to sharing it.

Stamps: CTMH Happy Forever (July 2010 SOTM)
Inks: Staz-On Timber Brown, CTMH Chocolate, Brown Bag, Heavenly Blue, Goldrush, Topiary, Crystal Blue
Papers: CTMH Splendor Reflecitons Kit

Now back to my to do list. The laundry is done, the dishes are washed, the beds are made. I even have dinner planned. But even more important than all those things, I got one very exciting item marked off today's list...get our room booked at the Disneyland Hotel for next year's CTMH Convention!

CTMH and Disney together. I think I may actually...wait, here it comes...

H2H Challenge: Crafty Recipes

2010-07-19T00:34:00.010-07:00

Good morning and welcome to another delicious round of H2H Challenges! This week promises to be a very tasty treat for everyone as we share our favorite recipes!

Make sure you stop by all the entries this week and by next Sunday you should have a great new collection of goodies to try in your very own kitchen...I know I will.

And now that your taste buds are nice and warmed up, I'll share my submission for this week's challenge...but it doesn't contain any food at all!

Inks: CTMH Moonstruck, Tulip
Papers: CTMH Stardust Reflections Kit, Jingle Reflections Kit

I really wanted to get these pictures scrapped as soon as we got home from DC. And I think I may have set a personal record between the time pictures were taken and then scrapped! The journaling reads:

A Taste of Freedom

What you will need:

2 tired parents

3 tired boys, grouchy optional

5 pairs walking shoes

Sunscreen 70 SPF

5-10 bottles of water, chilled

Crowd of 500,000 people

Food tents serving snacks

Clear skies

Humidity, high quality

Fireworks

How to Prepare:

Start day early and pack supplies

Walk until exhausted

Before sun sets, choose location

Spread generously on grass

Add water bottles and melons

Bake at 97° for 2.5 hours

Sprinkle with fireworks

So while this isn't terribly delectable, it served a fantastic memory for me and my family. And I took so many pictures of this one little afternoon, I'll have to use some...Magic...to get all the others scrapped with these.

I can hear you all now...

Don't worry, I'm not going crazy. Well, crazy for Magic...but that's it.

What's Magic you ask? Um, let me consult with my adviser first.

Well...that's it then. It will have to wait for another time. Maybe later this week. Today I'm celebrating a different taste of freedom...the first day of school!

Don't forget to check out the other DT members blogs and see what other tasty morsels they've prepared for you this week!

♥ Carol-Scramping with Carol
♥ Helen-Hooked on Stamping
♥ Jayma-Playing with Paper
♥ Katy-an inside to my heart....
♥ Mary-on Life and Creating
♥ Tracey-Tracey Mason's Studio

Now get crafting!

H2H Challenge: ABC

2010-07-12T00:34:00.008-07:00

Okay all you moms out there...who's ready for school to start?

I suppose I'm lucky in that our school goes year round and we have very short Summer vacations...I don't have to deal with a lot of "I'm bored, what can I do" whines from the boys.

Plus, who wants to be outside during Summer in Tucson?
So what does this talk of school have to do with this week's H2H Challenge? Not much. Just the name ABC reminds me of it...and the fact that school starts here in one week!

So what is an ABC Challenge, you ask? Anything But a Card! And here is a little non-card craft I created featuring my three boys:

Stamps: CTMH Love You Forever
Inks: CTMH Buttercup, Sorbet, Sweet Leaf, Crystal Blue, Grey Wool
Papers: CTMH Caboodle Reflections Kit

I used an acrylic photo cube from Target to create this cute way to embarrass my boys with their baby pictures.

It is made up of 6 basic pieces:

four side panels (4 x 5.5 inches, scored at 2.75) which I've attached together on the back to make one long piece
two top/bottom panels (4 x 4 inches)

Embellish them as you like!

This is the top and bottom panel.

Panel 1

Panel 2 with Bio-Comp's baby picture...

Panel 3 with Loquacious's baby picture...

Panel 4 with Knock-Out's baby picture.

When you get them embellished, put the bottom panel in bottom part of the cube first, facing up. Then the longer panels will fit accordian style into the cube piece. Place the top panel on top and close it with the top piece of the cube.

I did add a couple of dabs of Liquid Glass to make sure it held together. The boys were picking it up to look at it and the top and bottom cube pieces kept coming apart. Liquid Glass to the rescue!

Be sure to stop by the other DT members' blogs and see all the great ABC creations they've come up with!

♥ Carol-Scramping with Carol
♥ Helen-Hooked on Stamping
♥ Jayma-Playing with Paper
♥ Katy-an inside to my heart....
♥ Mary-on Life and Creating
♥ Tracey-Tracey Mason's Studio

Now if you'll excuse me, I have some serious school shopping to do!

H2H Challenge: Get Sketchy

2010-07-05T00:34:00.001-07:00

Good morning everyone! Coming to you live from my cushy hotel room, somewhere near our nation's capitol!

Yes, I'm in Washington DC for the National CTMH Convention! I'm so excited to be here and spend a couple of days with my family before I'm surrounded by 1000 other scrap crazy ladies!

But not to worry, I made sure I woundn't leave you hanging for this week's H2H Challenge!

This week is another sketch challenge for you coming straight from the Wishes book, called City Scape.

Now I know after this post you all went out and got your own copy, right.

Right?

Well, don't wait too long...after all Christmas is only 6 month away and now is an excellent time to get started on those holiday cards!

Okay, here's the sketch for this week:

I've had this new Howdy stamp set since the new Summer Idea Book came out and I've been itching to try it.

Stamps: CTMH Howdy
Inks: CTMH Cocoa, Twilight, Garden Green, Honey, Crystal Blue, Bamboo, Barn Red (duh), StazOn Timber Brown
Papers: CTMH Sarsaparilla

As you can see, I rotated the sketch to accomodate my image better. I colored the barn with ink pads and blending pens. I also ran the Twilight cardstock under the faucet to get it nice and wet. Then I crumpled it up and smoothed it out to dry. A little Cocoa ink around the edges adds some rustic charm, along with some hemp knots next to the sentiment.

Well, now. I've got lots to do and lots to see in DC. But be sure you stop by the other DT members' blogs and see all the great things they've done with the sketch!

♥ Carol-Scramping with Carol
♥ Helen-Hooked on Stamping
♥ Jayma-Playing with Paper
♥ Katy-an inside to my heart....
♥ Mary-on Life and Creating
♥ Tracey-Tracey Mason's Studio

H2H Challenge: Stars And Stripes Forever

2010-06-28T00:34:00.001-07:00

Time to show your patriotic pride for this week's H2H Challenge!

Create something with stars and stripes, or for those of you outside the States, get creative with your own national pride and share with us all.

Stamps: CTMH Cupcake Sprinkles, Shining Star
Inks: CTMH Tulip, Moonstruck, Desert Sand
Papers: CTMH Jingle Creative Basics, Stardust Reflections Kit

Stop by the other DT members' blogs to see their creations celebrating the red, white, and blue!

♥ Carol-Scramping with Carol
♥ Helen-Hooked on Stamping
♥ Jayma-Playing with Paper
♥ Katy-an inside to my heart....
♥ Mary-on Life and Creating
♥ Tracey-Tracey Mason's Studio

H2H Challenge: Color My World

2010-06-21T00:34:00.003-07:00

Welcome to another H2H Challenge! This week we have another color challenge for you to create with.

When I first saw the color swatches Mary chose, I couldn't help but think of that song by the Foundations Build Me Up Buttercup. And if you get it stuck in your head for the rest of the day...I'm sorry.

So, on with the challenge. This week, create anything you like with these three CTMH colors:

I don't know if it was because that song put me in a good mood, but this card went together pretty quickly.

Stamps: CTMH Priceless Love Word Puzzle
Inks: CTMH Black, Tulip, Buttercup
Papers: CTMH White Daisy, Black, Tulip, Buttercup

Be sure to check out the other DT member's creations, they're fantastic!

♥ Carol-Scramping with Carol
♥ Helen-Hooked on Stamping
♥ Jayma-Playing with Paper
♥ Katy-an inside to my heart....
♥ Mary-on Life and Creating
♥ Tracey-Tracey Mason's Studio

H2H Challenge: Scrappy Father's Day

2010-06-14T00:34:00.004-07:00

Next Sunday is the day we all celebrate our #1 guy...DAD!

And in honor of that great and glorious day, when dads get breakfast lovingly prepared by eager little hands and another round of beautiful ties to unwrap, those of us at Heart 2 Heart bring you this week's challenge:

Using your scraps and/or recycled items, create a card or project for Dad.

The hardest part of creating anything for Engineer is coming up with something he would truely love from the boys. All of his hobbies seem to center around electronicthingamajigs. I wouldn't have a clue what to surprise him with...except an outrageous bill from some gadget store.

So this year we went the homemade gift route and made him a tin of Daddy Coupons.

Stamps: CTMH Headline Alpabet Large
Inks: CTMH Desert Sand
Papers: CTMH It's A Guy Thing Reflections Kit

I had several of these hinged tins left over from past workshops that were perfect for this project. I stamped the DADDY with the Headline alphabet stamps onto some scrap chipboard sheets then cut them out. I covered them with paper from the It's A Guy Thing pack. I also made my own coordinating buttons by gluing Clear Craft Buttons to some more scraps from the paper pack and finishing them off with some Natural Hemp.

I cut a couple of quotes from a sheet in the paper pack to decorate the inside lid...

then we printed off some coupons using the Hippo font from the Expressives Vol. II.

The boys each filled out two coupons for their dad and signed them. I think we'll finish off the tin with a bag of Engineers favorite candy.

Stop by the other DT members blogs to see all the wonderful projects they've created for their special guys!

♥ Carol-Scramping with Carol
♥ Helen-Hooked on Stamping
♥ Jayma-Playing with Paper
♥ Katy-an inside to my heart....
♥ Mary-on Life and Creating
♥ Tracey-Tracey Mason's Studio

Get crafting!

H2H Challenge: Scrapbook Layouts

2010-06-07T00:34:00.004-07:00

Good Morning and welcome to another week of H2H Challenge! This week should be an easy one: create a scrapbook layout! This can be any size and must include photos. Or if by some strange reason you don't scrapbook , make a card that features a photo on it.

These pictures of the boys were taken a couple of years ago when we visited Engineer's mom for 4th of July weekend. There is a huge park near her house the boys loved to play in. I took lots of pictures...enough to fill three different layouts!

So this is one I finished up this week for this challenge:

Stamps: CTMH Boys At Play, Headline Alphabet Large
Inks: CTMH Crystal Blue, Sweet Leaf, Sorbet
Papers: CTMH Caboodle Reflections Kit

I love this Caboodle paper pack and have almost used up the entire thing. The colors in the pictures were just perfect for it and I'm glad I had enough to get one more layout out of it. Time to order some more I guess!

I used just about every stamp in the Boys At Play stamp set! I was so happy when this came out this Spring, every one of them describe my boys at some time during the day. I accented a photo and matte using our Tiny Tabs.

Now head over to the H2H Challenge blog and see all the other wonderful layouts the DT members created!

♥ Carol-Scramping with Carol
♥ Helen-Hooked on Stamping
♥ Jayma-Playing with Paper
♥ Katy-an inside to my heart....
♥ Mary-on Life and Creating
♥ Tracey-Tracey Mason's Studio

And visit our wonderful Guest DT member for this month...Dawn!

You'll want to enter this week's challenge because we have another spectacular sponsor this week! Stop by and say hi to Heather at her Creative Coconut and see what she has in store for this week's winner!

So now...get scrapping!

You're The Beary Best

2010-06-05T07:05:00.001-07:00

I liked Mary's sketch for this week's H2H Challenge so much I had to use it again!

This card was made to mail to another Copic Crafters member so in order to not pay an arm and a leg at the post office, I kept the embellishments to a bare minimum.

Get it?

Bear?

Ahh, well maybe it's too early for silly humor.

Stamps: CTMH Beary Best
Inks: CTMH Outdoor Denim, New England Ivy, Barn Red, Memento Tuxedo Black
Papers: CTMH Back Country Reflections Kit

Hope you all enjoy your weekend! We're off to the Farmer's Market soon to browse all the veggie goodness.

Just Taking A Break

2010-06-04T16:34:00.004-07:00

Afternoon everyone! Just popping in to say hi on this very hot afternoon. We reached 100° sometime today...when does winter start again?

When it's this hot outside I like to close all the curtains, turn down the air and sit at my table and craft. Oh, who am I kidding...it doesn't have to be hot outside for me to want to craft.

Today I'm sharing a card I sent to one of the Copic Crafters members last month. With all the end of school bedlam I forgot to share it with all of you. This Silly Sally stamp is one I've had for a long time, back when CTMH was D.O.T.S., just something about her makes her fun to color.

Stamps: CTMH Silly Sally (long time retired), Bowl Of Cherries
Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, CTMH Chocolate
Papers: CTMH Cherry-O Reflections Kit

Sorry this is short, but I'm working on more of the upcoming H2H Challenges for this month. Stop by and see who this week's Friday Five are and don't forget to enter the current challenge!

Okay, back to work!

H2H Challenge: Sketch Time

2010-05-31T00:34:00.001-07:00

First of all, I'd like to thank those that serve this country: past, present, or future. Thank you on this Memorial Day, and everyday, for your sacrifice.

And now, because it is Monday again, it's also time for a new H2H Challenge. This week we have another sketch for you:

All the DT members did an excellent job with this and I'm sure they had fun with it like I did. I turned the sketch on its side to accomidate my card a little more, but other than that, I followed it pretty precisely.

Stamps: CTMH Extreme Happiness
Inks: CTMH Desert Sand, Cranberry, Pansy Purple, Sunflower
Papers: CTMH Moon Doggie Reflections Kit

I don't know, maybe it's because school is out now and the boys are always asking about when we can go swimming, but I couldn't get the Moon Doggie paper out of my head when I saw the sketch. It just reminded me a boardwalk somehow. So even though I will probably never actually be at a beach, much less get in the water...I have an irrational fear of open water...

it was relaxing just to make the card and pretend I was somewhere tropical.

I inked up the larger flower from the Extreme Happiness set with Cranberry ink, the after stamping off once, I sponged on some Pansy Purple ink to give it more definition. To create the matte under the flower, I turned over the flower stamp and lightly stamped the back of it onto Colonial White cardstock. Then I cut it out and flipped it over. I sponged the edges of that and adheared the flower to the perfectly shaped matte. Just another reason why I love these My Acrylix stamps so much!

So get creating and join the challenge this week! If you need more inspiration, be sure to check out the rest of the team members' pieces:

♥ Carol-Scramping with Carol
♥ Helen-Hooked on Stamping
♥ Jayma-Playing with Paper
♥ Katy-an inside to my heart....
♥ Mary-on Life and Creating
♥ Tracey-Tracey Mason's Studio

A Long Time Ago In A Craft Closet Far, Far Away...

2010-05-27T11:10:00.007-07:00

Last night Engineer and I took the boys to see Star Wars In Concert.

Awesome, it was!

There was an exhibition room full of movie memorabilia, posters, costumes, backdrops, and even a couple of the galactic residents themselves. We stood in line for pictures with Clone Troopers, Vader and Leia, but the boys quickly got tired of that...said it reminded them of Disneyland.

So after checking the time we got some snacks, took our seats, and waited for the show to begin. Lights, lasers, movies and music...what a performance! And I don't mind my geekness showing for a moment when I tell you I teared up a bit when the whole thing started. Maybe you have to be fan to understand that...Engineer sure gave me a weird look when I told him.

With everything else I needed to be working on today, I just couldn't get that theme music out of my head and I figured the only way to do that would be to make a card. Yeah, that doesn't really make sense to me either, but I got to have some fun before the boys got home from school. I found some perfect clip art pages and looked for one that would fit the card I had in mind. I colored it with my Copics, but since I was going for the actual cartoon look, I didn't do any shading...which was really weird to do.

And now, I give you Master Yoda:

Stamps: CTMH Weathered Backgrounds (retired)
Inks: CTMH Desert Sand
Papers: CTMH Desert Sand, Bamboo, Colonial White, Garden Green

And I decided to give this to my brother-in-law who is turning 40 this year. Problem is, his birthday is not until December! So I better not lose it, right?

Here's what it says on the inside:

So DeAnna, you can't let your hubby see this! Got it?

And on that note, I've got to fly.

It's the last day of school (!) and I'm sure the boys will want to start their summer vacation right away.

A Day Full Of Sparkle

2010-05-25T15:55:00.007-07:00

Today is my cousin-in-law's birthday.
Happy Birthday, Vero!

Last year she heard me discussing Twilight with some fellow scrappers and became curious. After watching the two movies, she quickly read the series. Now, she suffers from full blown Twilight-itis and has passed it on to her daughter.

It is in honor of that...common ~~obsession~~ interest I made her this card for today. I used this week's sketch from Mojo Monday, something I've always wanted to do, but never done. Don't know why.

Stamps: Artful Inkables Fictionally Inspired, Into the Moonlight
Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black
Papers: CTMH Black, Tulip, That's Amore Reflections Kit

I realize that even though I wished her a sparkle-filled day, nothing on the card actually sparkles. But any true Twi-hard like her would know what I meant.

H2H Challenge: Background Basics

2010-05-24T00:34:00.003-07:00

Welcome to another week of the H2H Challenge Blog! I really enjoyed last week's color challenge, but I think doing three different cards using the same colors has effected me somehow. All I can think of is blues, greens and browns! You'll see...

This week, the challenge is to stamp your own background. I love using our My Acrylix stamps to make background papers like this, being able to see through the stamps sure makes it easy to get everything lined up! As you can see, I was still stuck on the same basic color combo as last week, maybe that will pass soon. I'd sure hate to be making Christmas cards in these colors. Well, no I take that back. Seems like a good challenge for myself, but that's a card for another time.

Stamps: CTMH Wonderful Friend (June 2010 SOTM), Noted Backgrounds
Inks: CTMH Brown Bag, Olive, Garden Green, Indian Corn Blue, Outdoor Denim
Papers: CTMH Brown Bag, Outdoor Denim, Garden Green, Colonial White

I did an emboss resist technique, but not until after I stamped out my herringbone background using the Noted Backgrounds set. Then I brayered on some Outdoor Denim, Brown Bag, and Olive ink over the two stamped images. The argyle pattern adds another stamped background layer to the card. I cut one of the pieces from the DE Booksmart in half and inked them up with Brown Bag ink to create the two clasps on the side. Two antiqued copper brads from the Metal Assortment set complete the look.

And now that I seem to have my dad's Father's Day card done early, I only need to remember to put it in the mail!

And how hard can that be.

Don't forget to check out the other Design Team members' blogs and see all their great contributions this week!

♥ Carol-Scramping with Carol
♥ Helen-Hooked on Stamping
♥ Jayma-Playing with Paper
♥ Katy-an inside to my heart....
♥ Mary-on Life and Creating
♥ Tracey-Tracey Mason's Studio

You have until Sunday night to enter your stamped background piece on the H2H Challenge blog, and you want to make sure you do because we have another awesome prize sponsor this week. You can visit Ruth and see her prize package at her blog: The Scrap Chic

And Just One More Color Challenge Card

2010-05-22T07:46:00.003-07:00

I have just about 4 hours until my card class begins so I thought I'd take the time to share my last H2H color challenge card.

It's not really the kind of card I usually make, no sketch to follow, nothing but the colors to inspire me. So I pulled out a couple of new stamp sets, Birthday Boy, and Over The Rainbow and got busy. I wasn't sure I liked the final card at first, but it's grown on me.

And now it's full of graduation congratulations for my little brother-in-law.

Stamps: CTMH Birthday Boy, Over The Rainbow
Inks: CTMH Topiary, Ocean, Desert Sand
Papers: CTMH Splendor Reflections Kit, Ocean, White Daisy

Engineer has taken the three boys and gone to his step-brother's high school graduation...yes, HIGH SCHOOL. I have the house to myself for the weekend. I think I'll do a little bit of , a little bit of , and a lot of . Maybe even throw in some in the boys' room...while they're not here to "help" me.

Have a great weekend...I know I will!

Another H2H Color Challenge Card

2010-05-21T12:40:00.006-07:00

This week I was getting card kits ready for Saturday's Life is Sweet class. But because I still had the H2H color challenge supplies out...I couldn't help myself and after all the kits were done, (work first, play second) I made a couple of more cards using Ocean, Topiary, and Desert Sand.

What do you think? It was heavily inspired by this card from the Poppy Paperie blog. The colors were so close...it had to be done!

Stamps: CTMH A Twinkle
Inks: CTMH White Daisy, Ocean
Papers: CTMH White Daisy, Ocean, Topiary, Desert Sand

It is 3x4 and just the right size for a gift card...and my father-in-law's birthday is this weekend...how perfect!

On second thought, it doesn't exactly scream "motorcycle-loving-retired-Naval Officer"...does it.

Eh, I'm sure he'll like it anyway. Tomorrow I'll share the other card I made with this now thought consuming color combo. And there is still time to join in this week's challenge! Go to the H2H Challenge blog, get inspired and get crafting!

H2H Challenge: Colorific

2010-05-17T00:34:00.003-07:00

Good Monday Morning! Hope your weekend was restful and/or productive...whichever you intended it to be. We had friends over for dinner and games Saturday night which meant all my recent crafting had to be put away. But that was fine with me because I finished up my secret project and got it in the mail a whole day before the postmark deadline!
Now just to wait around for July for the results. I know you other CTMH consultants that did the same secret project are feeling the same thing!

So to pass the time, let's get to this week's H2H Challenge!

What images come to mind when I say the word Ocean?

Okay, what about Topiary?

And if I say Desert Sand?

Yeah, me too! That's what made this week's color challenge so...challenging! But I sat myself down, found some inspiration and got to work.

But first, for those of you not familiar with those three CTMH colors, here they are:

And here is my card using them:

Stamps: CTMH Cherish The Moment (May 2010 SOTM), Argyle Backgrounds (retired)
Inks: CTMH Ocean, Topiary, Desert Sand
Papers: CTMH Colonial White, Ocean, Topiary

What's that? CTMH doesn't have Ocean ribbon? Yes, I know but I also know how to remedy that. I took some of my favorite Colonial White ribbon and ran it a couple of times over an Ocean ink pad until I was happy with the color. Voila, instant color coordination!

So find some inspiration by looking at all the great DT artwork and get started on your own!

♥ Carol-Scramping with Carol
♥ Helen-Hooked on Stamping
♥ Jayma-Playing with Paper
♥ Katy-an inside to my heart....
♥ Mary-on Life and Creating
♥ Tracey-Tracey Mason's Studio

Happy Birthday To Me

2010-05-11T19:07:00.001-07:00

Another year has come again, today is my birthday! I received lots of wishes on Facebook and cards from my CopicCrafters group which I will open later tonight. We had a nice dinner at Claim Jumper (thanks for the recommendation Cori!), but opted to stay away from the Chocolate Motherlode cake. I didn't want to slip into any kind of sugar coma.
Seriously, can any one person eat a slice of that thing?

So Engineer is in the kitchen right now making some yummy, healthy oatmeal muffins for my birthday dessert. How great is he?!

Did I do anything crafty today? You bet I did! I have a top secret project I'm working on that has a deadline in a couple of days. All I have left to do is stitch six silly little buttons onto it and I'm done. How long do you think it took me to finish those six silly buttons?

All. Day.

Hard to not prick yourself when someone needs attention until his brothers get home.

To make sure I had something to show you today, I'm going to share another Studio J layout:

Studio J: Route 66 Reflections Kit

This is a couple of shots I took this past Spring Break while we were at my parents' house. We were lucky to have my sister and her kids there with us. My brother works in the same town and brought my niece to come play with us.

I asked them if it was alright to share this with their kids pictures on it...some people can be a little picky about that sort of thing. My sister said sure. My brother also agreed, but said it counted as my birthday wish.

Silly brother, already got my birthday wish. Engineer and the boys got me 20 new Copics, 5 from each of them!

H2H Challenge: Neat Techniques

2010-05-10T00:34:00.001-07:00

Who's ready for another weekly H2H Challenge?

Okay class, settle down. This week's challenge is to include a technique, any technique, in your art piece. If you'll all turn to your Wishes book and look at the card on page 92...wait, some of you don't have your own books?

I'm speechless.

What are you waiting for? If you're a card maker, this book is a life saver! Run to the nearest CTMH consultant (that would be me) and get your own...don't worry, I'll wait. Here, I'll make it easy for you: Wishes

Okay, now we can continue. As I was saying, Wishes is not only full of card templates and ideas, it also features tips and techniques on almost every page. The one I used here is from page 92 and is called ghosting.

I've never used this particular technique though it is quite similar to emboss resisting. It just adds an extra step.

First, here is my card:

Stamps: CTMH Wonderful Friend (June 2010 SOTM)
Inks: CTMH Olive, Brown Bag, VersaMark
Papers: CTMH Colonial White, Garden Green, Brown Bag

You see what I did there? The sentiment says 'the greatest treasure is invisible'...and I've made my watch invisible...because I have no time right now...thus making it very treasurable to me.

It's a very meaningful card I tell ya.

Right, back to the technique class.

When you choose your image, you'll emboss it with clear embossing powder onto a light colored cardstock. Then sponge around the image with a darker ink. Right here would be the end of an emboss resist technique. To do the ghosting technique, you'll need to get out your iron. Yes, I said iron. I have one we got as a wedding present years ago and I think I've actually used it on clothes a total of 5 times in 10 years. So it has since become my craft iron. After you've embossed and inked your image, take a scrap piece of cardstock and place it over the image. Using a hot iron, run it over the scrap cardstock. Now don't leave it on too long...I don't want to be responsible for any fires!

The heat from the iron will melt the embossing powder to the scrap cardstock. When you remove it, all that's left is the ghosting of the image.

Pretty neat, huh class?

Okay now, you've all got your assignments. Head over to the H2H Challenge Blog and see the other techniques featured by the DT members. Be sure to get your pieces posted by the Sunday deadline...there is another Prize Sponser this week!

Okay, class dismissed!

Thank You Mothers!

2010-05-09T09:42:00.003-07:00

On this day to celebrate Mothers, I want to thank every mom I know! We have the hardest job, sometimes with the least recognition. But I doubt any of us would change anything about it.

So to say thank you, I'll share this card with all of you...because the postage alone would kill me, much less all that envelope licking.

Stamps: CTMH Flower Pot (April 2010 SOTM)
Inks: CTMH Brown Bag, Crystal Blue, Sorbet, Sweet Leaf, Creme Brulee, Stazon Timber Brown
Papers: CTMH Caboodle Reflections Kit

The flowers and window were watercolored with reinkers, a waterbrush and watercolor paper. This is one of my favorite ways to color...very hard to mess up!

Hope your day is filled with love!

H2H Challenge: The Mother Of All Challenges...Sort Of

2010-05-03T00:34:00.002-07:00

If it's Monday, it's H2H Challenge day!

Yes, I know you are all excited for another installment of challenges, but I have to say this first:

Mom, if you're reading this...stop. This week's challenge is to make a Mother's Day card...which will be in the mail shortly...really.

Are you still reading?

Okay, if you're still reading...just close your eyes for this next part.

Everyone else ready for the card? Here it is!

Stamps: CTMH Cherish The Moment (May SOTM), Say It In Style, Moments In Time, Celebrate Relationships (a counsultant only set)
Inks: CTMH Chocolate, Juniper
Papers: CTMH Veranda Creative Basics

Yes, to those of you wondering, I hand stitched this...I have the sore fingers to prove it, too! I love the look of stitching on cards and layouts, but my sewing machine is...well, it died in the service of stocking making one year and hasn't been the same since. Someday I'll figure out how to fix it!

Be sure stop by the H2H Challenge blog and see what the rest of the DT created for you this week. And this challenge would be a good one to enter...there will be another prize sponser drawing from Adeline Brill over at SweetAline when we're done!

Okay Mom, you can open your eyes now.

National Scrapbooking Day

2010-05-01T06:11:00.005-07:00

Did I say I'd be back Wednesday with more Studio J info? No, I meant...this...weekend...

Sorry, had lots of cleaning and prepping to do for a party last night. And today I'm kicking the boys out of the house for the day so I can have so uninterrupted scrapping time for myself.

But before I get to begin my big scrapbook day (did you know today was National Scrapbooking Day? How nice it worked out that way.), I'll share another Studio J layout with you.

Studio J: Boo Reflections Kit

One of my favorite things Engineer and I did in NYC was go see Wicked. It was amazing and even though we didn't get many pictures of the experience, I was able to complete this layout and still capture the feelings of the evening. The Boo Reflections Kit is only available digitally through Studio J and it actually has many more paper selections than just Topiary, Black and White Daisy...I just happened to want a very clean, simple layout for this.

Have you had a chance to play around with Studio J yet? Have any questions I can answer for you? Have any chocolate you can send me? Sorry...just checking!

Happy Scrapbooking Day...go create something!

PS: It's also the first day of the new Summer Idea Book. It's full of sweet summery goodies!

The Studio Doors Are Now Open

2010-04-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

Today marks the customer release of Studio J! I have had so much fun with this online service (yes, online-meaning free to use, no downloading, no upgrading, no sidestepping) and I'm positve you will, too.

Yes, even those of you saying, "Nay, nay! Scrapbooks must be paper and ink and doo-dads and texture and blood and sweat and tears!"

Let me tell you a little secret: Even if you prefer to scrapbook the classic way, Studio J will still be an invaluable tool to you. And let me explain why. When you pull out your paper and pictures and inks and tools and doo-dads, do you know how you're going to start? Do you know how your finished layouts will look like? Have you ever started a project, cut the paper, laid it all out, then realized those two patterns side-by-side make you want to...well and you shouldn't have put those brads where you did? But it's too late. You don't have enough of that pattern paper left and you can't move the brads because it will leave the holes showing in your paper, you printed your pictures the wrong size and now you've cut off the top of Uncle Henry's head.

Sorry, got carried away for a moment there. But I'm sure more than one of you have had some experience like the one I just described...right?

So how can Studio J come to the aid of the classic scrapbooker? By using it, you can totally plan your layout before you cut even one sheet of paper, plan where you want those brads and other doo-dads to go, make sure your patterns aren't at war with one another.

Now what will studio scrapbooking offer the everyday crafter who is not sure about all this digital hocus pocus? Let me show you...

Imagine if you will, a house full of kids needing your constant attention. Wanting to "help" you with all your inking and stamping and cutting. Oops, it's getting close to dinner time. You just got out all your papers and inks and stamps and tools. Now you have to put it all away again so you can get the food started. You're yelling at everyone because they're moving too slow, you just want to get dinner over with so you can get back to some ~~therapy~~ creating time.

Did I just share too much?

Okay, honestly now. I created 10 layouts in one evening. That is unheard of in my house! I didn't have to get all my supplies out, shoo the kids away, and work for 14 hours on them.

One. Evening.

You upload your pictures, choose your paper kit (which automatically loads all the coordinating embellishments), choose your layout design and that's it!

You can switch papers around to your heart's delight, distress them if you desire, rotate them if you want the pattern to go a different direction, rotate the entire layout if you want an entirely different look, put some brads or buttons where ever you want, ugh not there, put them over there instead, wait I wanted a different color-click-different color...need I go on?

Here is one of those 10 layouts I did in one night. This is from our trip to NYC (obviously) last September. Let me tell you, none of the other pictures are even close to being scrapped...with this exception.

Studio J: Blue Ribbon Reflections Kit

Now I can take pictures and do a layout immediately.

Tomorrow I'll be back with more information on Studio J, but for now you can check it out for yourself!

H2H Challenge: Ribbon, Ribbon Everywhere

2010-04-26T00:34:00.003-07:00

Did that wake you up? Good!

Another Monday means another challenge from the Heart 2 Heart blog and this week you'll need to get out your stash of ribbons. Come on now, I know you all have them. Long strands of ribbon still on the spool, short pieces of your favorite ribbon you just can't make yourself get rid of, ribbon you have no idea where you got it from, ribbon that is so ugly you don't know why you keep it but you do because the second you toss it in the trash you find the perfect project to use it on.

What do you mean I'm the only one like that. Really?

Okay, well let me just show you what I did for this week's challenge and then I'll get started on clearing out my ribbon supply. The challenge for this week is to use 2 different kinds of ribbon...easy, right? Especially if you have a hoard of ribbon to choose from.

Stamps: CTMH Bowl of Cherries
Inks: CTMH Tulip, Chocolate, Sweet Leaf, Parchment
Papers: CTMH Cherry-O Reflections Kit (coming May 1st to a consultant near you...ME!)

I just really, really love this new paper! That's a warning...you're likely to find lots of pieces made with it in the future.

Here's a close up of the bowl and cherries:

And one of the ribbon treatment. I felt so lucky with the last bow I made, I thought I'd step it up a bit and add a double bow to this card:

The ribbon is once again from the Colonial White collection. I added the thin ribbon from the Chocolate collection to adhere to the challenge requirements. The Tulip button is from the new Tulip Mini-Medley collection (once again, coming May 1st).

Hope you all can join in the challenge fun this week. Go get crafty now...I have some purging to do!

Life Is Sweet Card Class

2010-04-25T06:43:00.005-07:00

What goes with cherries better than cheesecake?

How about these cute card set and card box!

If you're in the Tucson area and are interested in coming to this class, please contact me!

Have Your Cake...

2010-04-24T07:37:00.007-07:00

You know the saying, "You can't have your cake and eat it, too."? Well, there is one way around that...have two cakes!

This month there were two birthdays in the Copic Crafters birthday club. I waited until I was sure the birthday girls had recieved them...especially since one of them follows this blog!
(Hi Vicki! Didn't want to spoil the surprise and all.)

It wasn't until after the cards were made and I was looking up the addresses I noticed their favorite colors listed...purple!

Stamps: MFT You Take The Cake
Inks: CTMH Chocolate
Papers: CTMH Veranda Reflections Kit, Veranda Creative Basics
Ummm. Not a shade of purple in sight. Sorry about that ladies, hope you enjoyed the cards anyway!

Earth Day

2010-04-22T16:58:00.004-07:00

I'm busy working on some upcoming workshop projects, so in the meantime take a peak at this card CTMH created using some soon-to-be released items.

It's beautiful, is it not?

As a reminder, you have until Sunday to get your H2H challenge pieces entered!