The Craft Closet Is Now Done!!!

So its been three months since I was last on my blog.

Holy Cow is right! What have I been doing all that time? Let me show you.


When we moved into the new house, we each got to choose a room. Since Engineer's office furniture wouldn't fit into this room, it was then set aside for my craft space/office.



The previous owner had left all this wonderful exercise equipment for us. You can see Knock-Out here doing some miles on the treadmill. The boys thought it was awesome and said I could stamp and do power lifts at the same time.


Now this is a photo of when the room was relatively clean...meaning no boxes. The months after the move found this room quickly getting filled with box upon box. And it spilled out into the front room, too! We called California Closets and had a wonderful design consultant come out and help me create my dream craft space. Well, as much of my dream space as we could fit into the room!

After new paint, new floors, new lights, new window shutters, and new cabinets...my room is ready to play in.


Take a look at it now!







That big space on the wall is for my computer monitor. Engineer has already picked out a computer for me...I think he's tired of us sharing the same one! And yes, that's Knock-Out again, peeking around the corner at me.



The boys and I found this nifty hourglass at a craft store and they insisted I buy it. They said I was only allowed to play in my room until the sand ran out...then I had to come out into the real world.



Engineer picked out the lights for me. They give off great light and it makes me feel like I'm in a design studio!



I asked for some shelves to showcase a couple of special things. I have photos of the boys, a framed layout, and some other stuff. The bear was my mom's...so it has a special place in my room.



And here is my little helper again. He just really loves my chair...and to be in pictures.

So that's a quick go around of my new room. I know some of you have been patiently waiting to see pictures of it. And some of you, not so patiently!


Now you know what's been keeping me busy for the past couple of months. And now that I have a space to create again, let the crafting begin!

New Idea Books Coming Soon

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

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!

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...

Thanksgiving Squash Book

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!