Scrappy's Spot

Nifty Neighbor Gifts Project Inspiration Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book

2012-02-07T08:11:00.001-05:00

With just a few crafty products, it's fun and easy to create heartfelt gifts for your neighbors and friends. Find out how simple it is to make these gorgeous gifts filled with delicious delicacies! In this Close To My Heart video, we show you how to create the gift packaging featured on page 82 of our Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book.

The BIG 5-0!

2012-02-05T02:45:00.000-05:00

Yes, today was my birthday and I turned "half a century old" according to one of my friends. LOL! I was not upset or depressed about becoming 50 (it sure beats the alternative) but I think Gabrielle thought I was going to suddenly need a cane or a wheelchair because she kept asking me all day long if I felt any different! Kids...

I can remember when I thought 30 was OLD but as I got closer to that age, I realized that you are not old after all and that it was stupid for women to cry and carry on just because they turned 30. So guess what I did when I turned 30...I cried all day long! I was so MAD at myself for being so upset but at the same time I didn't have any control over my emotions. LOL! Luckily it just lasted on my birthday, I was fine the next day.

Turning 40 was a breeze so I was hoping that at 50 that same old doom and despair would not return and ruin my day.

I am happy to report that not a single tear was shed today! Yay! I spent the day doing next to nothing until it was time to meet up with my Mama and Dad and my oldest daughter Ashley and her family at B&J's Restaurant in Darien by 6 p.m. so maybe we wouldn't have to wait very long. They serve all you can eat crab legs with their seafood buffet and they are the best around. They bring a plate of piping hot crab legs to your table instead of you having to try and beat everyone else to the buffet before they are gone, and when you have finished with that plate, they bring you another, and another and so on until you are so stuffed you have to unbutton your pants to get some relief.

Through no fault of my own ( I was dressed and ready and waiting on everyone else) we got a late start. Then my husband who normally drives like he is racing at the Daytona 500 was poking along. Then we had to make a stop so Cassidy could go to the bathroom even though I told her to go BEFORE we left the house. I could see that we were going to be at least 30 minutes late, if not later. Ashley and Mama and Daddy were already there and waiting on us. Needless to say, my good mood was quickly turning into anger. (How dare they ruin my birthday?) This could have been a time for the waterworks to flow but I held it back just willing time to slow down as we speed down the road.

Once we got there I realized that not only were my Mom, Dad, Ashley, Mark and the boys joining us for dinner but also 2 of my three sisters and spouses even though they told me they couldn't come. And guess what else? We weren't late, we were right on time. Tony, Gabrielle and Cassidy were all doing their part in delaying me until 6;30. I was so surprised...not only that Nadalie and Vicki could come but also in the fact that my husband didn't give it away. He's not the best at keeping secrets like this...

My friend and coworker, Patty gave me this Happy Birthday tiara yesterday when I got to work. I had no problems wearing it while I was working. After all, I don't usually deal with patients face-to-face. Gabrielle insisted that I had to wear it tonight while we were in the restaurant. I got lots of weird glances and smiles with a few people wishing me "Happy Birthday".

Ashley brought me a cake from Holloway's in Brunswick. Just look at this thing,,,isn't it too cute?

The champagne bottle says "Aged to Perfection". Yeah, that describes me perfectly. Thankfully, they didn't make me blow out 50 candles. I just had 1 candle for every decade.

The cake was to die for...so moist and sweet.

I guess my Mother was relying on her past experience of turning 50 because she brought a few essential items I would need now. LOL!

I got some Butt- Aid creme (huh?) and some dirty diaper disposal bags, along with some infant eating utensils and strong reading glasses. Hey, I can use the glasses! I'm surprised she didn't give me Depends also. It was all in fun and I had a blast.

I can save all of these items and give them to my sister Nadalie next year when she turns fifty!

Well, that's all for now. It's late and we have Church in the morning.

Dino-mite Scrapbook Pages: Project Inspiration Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book

2012-02-02T18:54:00.001-05:00

Create a pair of "dino-mite" scrapbook pages for a girl and a boy. Simply by changing up your color palette, you can achieve a masculine or feminine look using the exact same stamp set! In this Close To My Heart video, we show you how to create the scrapbook pages featured on page 89 of the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book.

Five for FREE in February

2012-02-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

Dates: February 1st, 2012 - February 29th, 2012

Double your layouts with our Five For Free promotion! For each Studio J^® 5-pack you purchase this February, you’ll get one free. So....after breaking it down, that means you will get 10 Studio J^® layouts for just $55.00...that's only $2.75 per page...plus you get memory protectors and free shipping.

To order your 5-pack and get one free, go to my website to "Shop Online". You can then choose Studio J Items from the list on the left side column. Choose Studio j 5-Pack and add to your cart. Once you have clicked on "Check Out Now", a summary page will be shown with the item(s) you want to order. Scroll down and it will show you the promotional items you are eligible for. You have to click to "Add" to your order. Clear as mud?

Once you've purchased your Studio J 5-Pack you can start using them by going to my website and clicking on "Studio J Online Scrapbooking" and starting from there.

Additional information about the 5-pack can be found in the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book on page 11. You’ll also find step-by-step instructions for five beautifully crafted Studio J layouts at StudioJ.com starting February 1, 2012 (9:00 am MST).

Get your NEW Spring/ Summer Idea Book!

2012-02-01T22:44:00.000-05:00

The new Idea Book is here and it's Fantastic!

Do you want your own copy?

I can mail you one for just $5.00 shipping fee and will even send you a $5.00 rebate off your first order of $25.00 or more.

February Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2012-02-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

February SOTM - S1202 Thoughtful Tidings

SOTM Blog Hop List -- over 60 Consultants

Kathleen Androlewicz http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/
Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Lisa Sargent http://www.lisasargent.net/
Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Shirley Ross http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com/
Amy McVey http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/
Melinda Everitt http://www.ifyoublingit.blogspot.com/
Wanda Riley http://creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com/
Nikka Geers http://www.nikkageers.blogspot.com/
Mary Eisen http://mestamp2.blogspot.com/
Georgia Hauglid http://inkygeorgia.blogspot.com/
Michelle Loncar http://michelleloncar.blogspot.com/
Teresa Scrivens http://www.creatingwithinkypaw.com/
Gina Brandstetter http://gmbscrapper.blogspot.com/
Sarita Schraeder http://www.blessedscrapper.com/
Jen Patrick http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbee http://www.createwithtraci.com/
Adeline Brill http://www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Traci Pasqualone http://scrapitraci.blogspot.com/
Pamela O'Connor http://cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Doreen Guilfoyle http://whereisyourhappyplace.blogspot.com/
Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth Mindemann http://www.ejoym.blogspot.com/
Nancy Brown http://creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com/
Terrie Dodd http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Judy Burger http://www.makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
LeAnne Dudley http://www.dudleychickdesigns.blogspot.com/
Susan Brooks http://stampingintheopen.blogspot.com/
Beth Naumann http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.com/blog
Wendy Coffman http://www.stampingrules.blogspot.com/
Krista Hershberger http://kristascraftycorner.blogspot.com/
Angela Tutton http://www.tuttonstreasures.blogspot.com/
Shannon Beck http://www.cardsfromthefarm.blogspot.com/
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/
Tamytha Jenkins http://www.paperheartist.com/
Angel Sawyer http://runningwithscissorsdesignco.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Annette Green http://annettescreativejourney.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Krista Ritskes http://simplycreatingtogether.blogspot.com/
Lori Brown http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio http://jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Karen Fullam http://www.enrichingmemories.com/
Judy Faye Garner http://judyfaye.blogspot.com/
Michelle Johns http://www.myflightsoffancy.com/blog
Carol Horton http://www.carol-scrappininparadise.blogspot.com/
Nicole Griggs http://nicolescreativezone.blogspot.com/
Allisa Chilton http://rockymtnpapercrafts.blogspot.com/
Tamra Pope http://www.tamrascraftypapercreations.blogspot.com/
Lalia Harris http://craftylalia.blogspot.com/
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com/
Kristine Ponte http://www.kponte.blogspot.com/
Vicki Price http://priceofpaper.blogspot.com/

Are you inspired now? You can purchase your own stamp set from my website and start creating some of these wonderful ideas.

Last chance for Retired items and Rock The Block promotion!

2012-01-31T01:32:00.000-05:00

Don't miss out! Today's the last day you can order the Rock The Block special promotion!

Just purchase $25.00 worth of products from the Autumn/ Winter Idea Book and you can get this E-size stamp set and the Collage Cubes for only $15.00. To find out more and check out all the exciting ways you can decorate and use this set, click here for the blog hop.

Don't forget about the Retired List. Today's also the last day to purchase some of your favorite stamp sets or paper packs. You can see the entire list here.

If you see something you can't live without, you can call me or email me and I will order it for you or you can purchase it directly from my website.

Retiring List as of January 31st, 2011

2012-01-18T17:13:00.000-05:00

A very considerate consultant named Cassandra put this list together and offered other consultants the chance to use it. I'm sure that took a LOT of time on her part and I appreciate her generosity.

She put a * beside the items that she thought you wouldn't want to miss out on.

Spring/Summer 20ll Idea Book

(All Stamp Sets, in order as they appear)

Trellis – D1451 - $17.95

Backgrounds & Borders – D1463 - $17.95

Dreams Come True – D1470 - $17.95

Summer Days – B1375 - $9.95

Love Ya – D1460 - $17.95

From My Heart – C1443 - $13.95

A Love – A1103 - $6.95

So Lucky – C1390 - $13.95

Circle of Love – D1438 - $17.95

Soul Mates – D1254 - $17.95

Bless This Nest – C1445 - $13.95

A Little Buzz – B1353 - $9.95

Beautiful Butterflies – B1373 - $9.95

Ambiance – C1349 - $13.95

Springtime – D1415 - $17.95

*A Hop – A1112 - $6.95

Take Luck – B1364 - $9.95

Enjoy Every Moment – C1395 - $13.95

Beloved – B1343 - $9.95

Bunny Love – B1324 - $9.95

Carefree – C1447 - $13.95

A Paisley – A1105 - $6.95

Always In My Heart – A1101 - $6.95

Charmed – C1385 - $13.95

Togetherness – D1402 - $17.95

One Of A Kind – D1410 - $17.95

Blooming Layers – C1449 - $13.95

A Posy – A1102 - $6.95

Extreme Happiness – C1356 - $13.95

Friendship Blessings – D1191 - $17.95

Flower Pot – D1409 - $17.95

Smiles – C1397 - $13.95

Happy Moments – C1437 - $13.95

His and Hers – C1460 - $13.95

Tasty Treats – D1427 - $17.95

You’re Sweet – B1351 - $9.95

Recipe Box – D1364 - $17.95

Bon Apetit – D1367 - $17.95

Daydream – D1297 - $17.95

*Makin’ Waves – C1365 - $13.95

Cruisin’ – D1471 - $17.95

Down By The Sea – C1451 - $13.95

True Happiness – D1365 - $17.95

Summer Breeze – C1453 - $13.95

Treetops – C1368 - $13.95

Let’s Go Camping – C1355 - $13.95

Beautiful Things – D1298 - $17.95

Campin’ Fever – D1353 - $17.95

*Beary Best – C1363 - $13.95

*Beary Busy – C1409 - $13.95

Howdy – D1435 - $17.95

You’re Great – D1434 - $17.95

Hot Diggity – C1407 - $13.95

It’s A Zoo – C1360 - $13.95

Fun Times – B1309 - $9.95

Love Birds – C1396 - $13.95

*Over The Rainbow – D1426 - $17.95

Post Card – Travel Series – D1357 - $17.95

Horizon – C1454 - $13.95

Ciao – D1461 - $17.95

Thrill Ride – D1425 - $17.95

Retro Tech – C1446 - $13.95

Around The Block – D1377 - $17.95

Family Ties – C1346 - $13.95

Family Ties – Children – C1345 - $13.95

Family Ties – Pet – B1350 - $9.95

Family – C1305 - $13.95

Play Day (old set) – D1360 - $17.95

Believe In Your Dreams – B1322 - $9.95

Ms. Scrapbook – B1352 - $9.95

Ms. Chillin’ – D1404 - $17.95

You Rock – D1346 - $17.95

Catching Waves – D1466 - $17.95

X-Treme – D1432 - $17.95

Hero – D1474 - $17.95

Star Power – D1403 - $17.95

Tea Time – C1438 - $13.95

*Little Princess – C1414 - $13.95

Birthday Boy – C1411 - $13.95

*Birthday Blast – C1436 - $13.95

Shining Star – D1320 - $17.95

Royal Birth – D1441 - $17.95

Cupcakes Sprinkles – D1336 - $17.95

Piece of Cake – D1407 - $17.95

Paisley Praise – D1414 - $17.95

Sweet Baby – C1359 - $13.95

*Baby Love – B1368 - $9.95

You Did It – C1351 - $13.95

Adoption – A1098 - $6.95

Precious Love – C1444 - $13.95

Love Always – D1337 - $17.95

A Game – A1113 - $6.95

Magic Tabs – C1448 - $13.95

Circle Together – B1372 - $9.95

Just For Boys – C1338 - $13.95

Just For Girls – C1337 - $13.95

Cherished Flourishes – D1413 - $17.95

Unity – C1422 - $13.95

Two-Step Backgrounds – D1473 - $17.95

On The Edge – C1399 - $13.95

Circle Around – D1300 - $17.95

Connections – D1330 - $17.95

Adorning Corners – D1322 - $17.95

Fill In The Blank – D1465 - $17.95

Priceless Love Word Puzzle – D1348 - $17.95

Kanji Phrases – C1339 - $13.95

Boom! – B1354 - $9.95

Just The Ticket – B1323 - $9.95

Salutation Seals – C1461 - $13.95

A Little Everything – D1408 - $17.95

*For Every Occasion – D1187 - $17.95

Thank You – D1361 - $17.95

*TLC – C1364 - $13.95

In The Month Of February – C1403 - $13.95

In The Month Of March – C1404 - $13.95

In The Month Of April – C1405 - $13.95

In The Month Of May – C1415 - $13.95

In The Month Of June – C1416 - $13.95

In The Month Of July – C1417 - $13.95

Notice The Details – D1378 - $17.95

On This Day – D1468 - $17.95

Happy Holidays – D1431 - $17.95

Dream Big – D1399 - $17.95

Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book

Typeset WOTG Kit – G1024 - $29.95

Roxie WOTG Kit – G1025 - $29.95

Elemental WOTG Kit – G1026 - $29.95

Dreamin’ L2 Paper – X7142B - $9.95

Dreamin’ My Stickease – X7142C - $4.95

Dreamin’ WOTG Kit – G1027 - $29.95

Sonoma WOTG Kit – G1028 - $29.95

Mischief L2 Paper – X7144B - $9.95

Mischief My Stickease – X7144C - $4.95

Mischief WOTG Kit – G1029 - $29.95

Believe L2 Paper – X7145B - $9.95

Believe My Stickease – X7145C - $4.95

Believe WOTG Kit – G1030 - $29.95

*Wonderland L2 Paper – X7146B - $9.95

Wonderland My Stickease – X7146C - $4.95

Wonderland WOTG Kit – G1031 - $29.95

Sophia L2 Paper – X7131B - $12.95

Sophia My Stickease – X7131C - $4.95

Mayberry L2 Paper – X7136B - $12.95

Mayberry My Stickease – X7136C - $4.95

Lucky L2 Paper – X7137B - $12.95

Lucky My Stickease – X7137C - $4.95

Fanfare L2 Paper – X7138B - $12.95

Fanfare My Stickease – X7138C - $4.95

pg 124

Colonial White Ribbon collection - Z1126 - $7.95

Cranberry grosgrain ribbon - Z1103 - $6.95

Cocoa grosgrain ribbon - Z1100 - $6.95

Colonial White grosgrain ribbon - Z1102 - $6.95

White Daisy grosgrain ribbon - Z270 - $6.95

Wings Level 2 Assortment - Z1398 - $4.95

pg 125

Embroidery Floss - Red/Pink - Z1092 - $3.25

Embroidery Floss - Green - Z1094 - $3.25

Embroidery Floss - Blue/Purple - Z1093 - $3.25

Waxy Flax - Cranberry - Z1086 - $3.95

Waxy Flax - Sorbet - Z1249 - $3.95

Waxy Flax - Juniper - Z1248 - $3.95

Waxy Flax - Crystal Blue - Z1247 - $3.95

pg 126

Designer Brads - Colonial White - Z1274 - $3.95

Designer Brads - Pewter - Z1146 - $3.95

pg 127

Mini Medley - Antiqued Copper - Z1275 - $4.95

Mini Medley - Colonial White - Z1276 - $4.95

Foundry Metal - Bookplates - Z1147 - $3.50

Soft Set Eyelets - Black and White Daisy - Z1228 - $3.95

Soft Set Eyelets - Chocolate and Colonial White - Z1229 - $3.95

pg 128

Midnight Felt Shapes - Z1462 - $3.95

Harvest Charms - Z1633 - $4.95

Holiday Packets - Z1486 - $4.95

Top Coats Icing Overlays - Z1468 - $4.95

Lucky Level 2 Assortment - Z1356 - $4.95

Lucky Level 2 Journaling Spots - Z1359 - $3.95

Bliss Level 2 Assortment - Z1355 - $5.95

Sweetheart Level 2 Assortment - Z1386 - $4.95

Fanfare Level 2 Assortment - Z1400 - $4.95

Spring Blossom - Z1266 - $7.95

White Daisy Variety Pack - Z1300 - $5.95

pg 129

Cardstock - Black 8-1/2 x 11 - X1412 - $5.50

Cardstock - Colonial White 8-1/2 x 11 - X1411 - $6.75

Cardstock - White Daisy 8-1/2 x 11 - 1320 - $6.75

Color Ready Alphabets - Oxford - X5749 - $3.95

Color Ready Alphabets - Hodge Podge - X1406 - $3.95

pg 130

Dimensional Elements - On Target - Z1226 - $5.95

Dimensional Elements - Flurry - Z1225 - $4.95

pg 131

My Creations - Board Book - Z1310 - $6.95

My Creations - Journal - Z1268 - $7.95

My Creations - Memory Showcase 9x9 - Z1198 - $5.95

pg 132

Rubber Brayer - Z616 - $12.95

pg 133

Soft Set Eyelet Tool - Z1208 - $14.95

Eyelet Tool Replacement Punches - Z1245 - $2.95

It's a huge list. Don't let your favorites get away!

January SOM Blog Hop

2012-01-15T21:57:00.000-05:00

I know this is way late but I still wanted to post it so you can see all the great ideas these consultants have created using the January Stamp of the Month, Little Reminders. It's a great set for making cards or using for scrapbook pages. You can purchase it from my website for just $17.95 or only $5.00 with a $50.00 purchase.

Kathleen Androlewicz http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/
Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Gina Brandstetter http://gmbscrapper.blogspot.com/
Georgia Hauglid http://inkygeorgia.blogspot.com/
LeAnne Dudley http://www.dudleychickdesigns.blogspot.com/
Pamela O’Connor http://cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Traci Pasqualone http://scrapitraci.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Sarita Schraeder http://www.blessedscrapper.com/
Angela Tutton http://www.tuttonstreasures.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.com/blog
Krista Ritskes http://simplycreatingtogether.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbee http://www.createwithtraci.com/
Shannon Beck http://www.cardsfromthefarm.blogspot.com/
Cindy Leek http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/
Wanda Riley http://creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com/
Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Mary Eisen http://mestamp2.blogspot.com/
Tamytha Jenkins http://www.paperheartist.com/
Wendy Coffman http://www.stampingrules.blogspot.com/
Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Beth Naumann http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/
Lori Brown http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Shirley Ross http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com/
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/
Wendy Fording http://papercreationsbywendy.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio http://jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Amy McVey http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/
Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Jen Patrick http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Doreen Guilfoyle http://whereisyourhappyplace.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Susan Brooks http://stampingintheopen.blogspot.com/
Annette Green http://annettescreativejourney.blogspot.com/
Teresa Scrivens http://www.creatingwithinkypaw.com/
Lisa Sargent http://www.lisasargent.net/
Judy Burger http://www.makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Adeline Brill http://www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Michelle Loncar http://michelleloncar.blogspot.com/
Paige Dolecki http://paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Angel Sawyer http://runningwithscissorsdesignco.blogspot.com/
Nicole Griggs http://www.nicolescreativezone.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Vicki Price http://priceofpaper.blogspot.com/
Krista Hershberger http://kristascraftycorner.blogspot.com/
Karen Fullam http://www.enrichingmemories.com/
Casandra Bennett http://casandra-scrappinbliss.blogspot.com/
Heather Jane Schmuckal http://heatherjanedesign.blogspot.com/
Nikka geers http://www.nikkageers.blogspot.com/
Judy Faye Garner http://judyfaye.blogspot.com/
Tamra Pope http://www.tamrascraftypapercreations.blogspot.com/
Jean McNutly http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com/
Lalia Harris http://craftylalia.blogspot.com/

I'm not dead!

2012-01-14T23:20:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone. I just wanted to let you know that I'm still kicking! My computer however has been in "ICU" for a long time but I've finally got it back. Yep, my hard drive crashed but my wonderful son-in-law has installed a new one for me and I'm back in business.

Anyways, a LOT has been going on since my last post so be prepared for a lot of updates.

I made something I pinned on Pinterest!

2011-12-20T22:22:00.001-05:00

It’s no secret…I am addicted to Pinterest! I just love it! But aside from the fact that I can “shopping” for all kinds of expensive things without spending any money, it has also renewed my home decorating “bug”. My house is in need of some home improvement but I have a hard time getting Tony on board with some of my projects I would like to have done. And then there’s the money aspect…we don’t have any extra at this time in our life.

So, I have gotten very excited about some decorating posts I have seen on Pinterest that are very “frugal”. And by frugal, I mean cheap! I saw a beautiful wreath made using shatterproof ornaments bought at the dollar store and I knew this was right up my alley..

Here is what I got from The Dollar Tree. I bought about 5 sleeves of large sized ornaments, 3 sleeves of medium sized ornaments and 2 sleeves of small sized ornaments. I kept them all in the red, green and gold color scheme but varied the finish on them. Some were shine, some were matte and some were glittery.

The next step was to actually hot glue all the tops to the ornaments so they wouldn’t pop off. Gabrielle helped and it didn’t take hardly any time at all once we got in the rhythm of it. Once that was completed, I had Tony undo a wire clothes hanger so I could thread the ornaments onto it. He didn’t get the concept so I ended up having to get another hanger and undo it and form a circle with it. Then Gabrielle started threading different sizes and colors onto the hanger using the smallest ornaments to fill in gaps.

I had to let Gabrielle do that part because I had a little problem with dong it randomly. It would have taken me all night to finish it since I had started over two times before I decided to let her do it.

This is what it will start to look like as you are working on it…

Once you have the hanger full, connect the ends back together. This part was tricky for me because I had mine very full. Hang it with a ribbon or bow and you are done.

Here’s the finished product hanging on the wall above the hurricane globes I made from the dollar store.

I didn’t use all the ornaments (mostly the smallest size was left) so I used them in my globes along with some gold jingle bells I also got from The Dollar Tree. I love how they look!

These were also inspired by a pin on Pinterest and they are so easy to make. Just get a 3 large glass vases from The Dollar Tree and 3 glass candlesticks, some sticker remover and an adhesive that works with glass and dries clear.

If you didn’t understand my precise (lol) directions, you can click here for complete detailed instructions to make the wreath and here to make the hurricane globes.

It’s beginning to look alot like Christmas…

2011-12-19T23:44:00.000-05:00

and it has been since Black Friday at my house but I haven’t stopped long enough to blog about it. Wow! I can’t believe Christmas is less than a week away. I have so much to blog about…I hope you don’t get tired of the posts.

We put on Christmas music to set the mood. Gabrielle and Cassidy was already hyped up as you can see from these photos.

Every year it’s the same thing…they start out with a bang ooohing and aaaahing over their favorite ornaments from the past but then too quickly get tired of doing it. I end up having to keep after them to finish what they started.

Cassidy is always on the lookout for a good photo op… LOL!

They get side-tracked and poor ole Bruiser puts up with them decorating him also. He’s a good sport about it.

Don’t you just feel sorry for him? At least, he acts like it’s no big deal.

Finally, it is completely finished and the angel topper is placed on top. They like to take turns getting to put it on each year.

It’s not a professionally decorated theme tree but it is full of our memories and we think it’s beautiful!

Stay tuned for more Christmas related posts. We have been busy, busy, busy.

Rock The Block Blog Hop

2011-12-19T09:23:00.000-05:00

The Rock the Block campaigns starts on December 19th. Order $25.00 worth of CTMH products from the Autumn/Winter Idea Book and get this GREAT My Creations Collage Cubes (a sneak peek at what’s going to be in the Spring/Summer Idea Book) and an exclusive E-size stamp for only $15.00,

Here’s a special Blog Hop showcasing this special set. I hope it gives you lots of ideas.

Helen Onulak
http://www.hookedonstamping.com

Kathleen Androlewicz
http://BowlOfStamps.blogspot.com

Traci Godbee
http://www.createwithtraci.com

Georgia Hauglid
http://inkygeorgia.blogspot.com

Lori Brown
http://savingmine.blogspot.com/

Sheila Bennett
http://www.sheila-bennett.blogspot.com

Susan Brooks
http://www.stampingintheopen.blogspot.com

Mary Eisen
http://mestamp2.blogspot.com

Gina Brandstetter
http://www.gmbscrapper.blogspot.com

Krista Hershberger
http://kristascraftycorner.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Rubio
http://www.JenRubio.blogspot.com

Jean McNulty
http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth Mindemann
http://www.ejoym.blogspot.com

Teresa Scrivens
http://www.creatingwithinkypaw.com

Diana Soling
http://mystampingspot.blogspot.com

Wendy Kessler
http://www.MyScrapbookingBlog.com

Michelle Loncar
http://www.michelleloncar.blogspot.com

Amy McVey
http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com

Angela Garcia
http://www.angelascraftcloset.blogspot.com/

Wendy Coffman
http://www.stampingrules.com/

Karen Fullam
http://www.enrichingmemories.com

Allisa Chilton
http://rockymtnpapercrafts.blogspot.com/

Katy Taylor
http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com

Heather Schmuckal
http://www.heatherjanedesign.blogspot.com

Nikka geers
http://www.nikkageers.blogspot.com

Kristine Ponte
http://kponte.blogspot.com

Angel Sawyer
http://runningwithscissorsdesignco.blogspot.com

Vicki Price
http://priceofpaper.blogspot.com/

Rachel Ventura
http://thehappyscrappinsquad.blogspot.com

Jen Patrick
http://www.roxybonds.com

Lalia Harris
http://craftylalia.blogspot.com

Cecilia Marsh
http://www.dirttrackwidow.blogspot.com

Shirley Ross
http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com/

Rock the Block Promotion

2011-12-01T18:00:00.001-05:00

Join the craze! When you place a minimum order of $25 from the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book between December 19, 2011 and January 31, 2012, you can get two new products for just $15: the My Creations® Collage Cubes (a Spring/Summer 2012 sneak-peek product!) and the exclusive My Acrylix® Rock the Block E-size stamp set (available only during this promotion). That’s a retail savings of almost $30!

You’re going to love the way the collage cubes and the Rock the Block stamp set work together for interactive, 3-D fun. Watch this video to get more details from Kristine Widtfeldt, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

December SOM Blog Hop

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

I can’t believe it’s December already! Christmas is in 4 weeks! Are you ready? I have only bought 1 gift so far this year. I gotta get hopping!

This month’s Stamp of the month Blog Hop features S1112 Mad About You, a 14 piece stamp set to get you ready for Valentine’s Day. You can use this set on your scrapbook layouts or on your personalized Valentines.

As always, there are plenty of talented CTMH consultants on this blog hop. You can start anywhere during the hop…it’s a complete circle. But if you get lost just come back here to get back on track.

Enjoy!

Helen Onulak
http://www.hookedonstamping.com

Kathleen Androlewicz

http://BowlOfStamps.blogspot.com

Adeline Brill
http://www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com

Brae Montgomery
http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com

Shannon Beck
http://www.cardsfromthefarm.blogspot.com

Doreen Guilfoyle
http://whereisyourhappyplace.blogspot.com

Wendy Coffman
http://www.stampingrules.blogspot.com/

Paige Dolecki
http://PaigesPaperParadise.blogspot.com

Jen Rubio
http://JenRubio.blogspot.com

Katy Donaldson
http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com

Gina Brandstetter
http://gmbscrapper.blogspot.com/

Susan Brooks
http://stampingintheopen.blogspot.com

Dawn Heuft
http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com

Haley Dyer
http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com

Sarita Schraeder
http://www.blessedscrapper.com

Amy McVey
http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com

Nicole Griggs
http://www.nicolescreativezone.blogspot.com

Dawn Ross
http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com

Krista Ritskes
http://simplycreatingtogether.blogspot.com/

Georgia Hauglid
http://inkygeorgia.blogspot.com/

Wanda Riley
http://Creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com

Mary Eisen
http://mestamp2.blogspot.com

Judy Burger
http://www.makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com

Melinda Everitt
http://www.ifyoublingit.blogspot.com

Kami Welter
http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/

Jill Lucas
http://scrapwench.blogspot.com

Melissa Laverty
http://www.fancymelissa.com/blog

Carla Ironside
http://carlacreates.blogspot.com

Traci Godbee
http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com

Annette Green
http://AnnettesCreativeJourney.blogspot.com

Teresa Scrivens
http://www.creatingwithinkypaw.com

Beth Naumann
http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com

Pamela O’Connor
http://cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com

Michelle Loncar
http://michelleloncar.blogspot.com

Tamytha Jenkins
http://www.paperheartist.com/

Lisa Sargent
http://www.lisasargent.net

Shirley Ross
http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com

Angel Sawyer
http://RunningwithScissorsDesignCo.blogspot.com

Elizabeth Mindemann
http://www.ejoym.blogspot.com

Angela Tutton
http://www.tuttonstreasures.blogspot.com

Debra Van Patten
http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com

LeAnne Dudley
http://www.dudleychickdesigns.blogspot.com

Jen Patrick
http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com

Sheila Bennett
http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com

Lori Brown
http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com

Traci Pasqualone
http://ScrapiTraci.blogspot.com

Karen Fullam
http://www.enrichingmemories.com

Jean McNulty
http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com/

Diana Soling
http://mystampingspot.blogspot.com

Kristine Ponte
http://www.kponte.blogspot.com

Allisa Chilton
http://rockymtnpapercrafts.blogspot.com/

Casandra Bennett
http://casandra-scrappinbliss.blogspot.com/

Heather Schmuckal
http://www.heatherjanedesign.blogspot.com

Nikka geers
http://www.nikkageers.blogspot.com

Vicki Price
http://priceofpaper.blogspot.com/

Krista Hershberger
www.kristascraftycorner.blogspot.com

Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-27T01:46:00.001-05:00

We go to my cousin’s house in Glennville every year to celebrate Thanksgiving. It includes my Daddy’s side of the family and Tyrone’s wife Jane’s side of her family so it’s a big crowd. Everyone brings a side dish and a dessert. You can imagine all the food there is to eat.

This year, I made Pumpkin Trifle and Pumpkin Bread

I found the recipe for the Pumpkin Trifle at Taste of Home.

This has become a family favorite. I wasn’t going to make this but Gabrielle begged me to. The great thing is that this recipe uses sugar-free, fat-free and reduced-fat ingredients but loses nothing in taste. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to make!

I also made pumpkin bread to take with us. I found this recipe on Pinterest. This recipes calls for a box of Duncan Hines Spice Cake and a can of pure pumpkin. That’s it. Mix them together and throw it into a baking pan or muffin pan and bake. It tastes wonderful! I was suppose to top it off with some powdered sugar but was out.

I LOVE Pinterest! I have found so many great ideas and recipes on there. If you want to join in, then let me know and I can sent you an invite.

My girls love to go to Tyrone’s on Thanksgiving. He’s an excellent craftsman and has a shop that he sets up for us to eat in. There is always plenty to eat.

There were four different kinds of meat…

And here is Gabrielle fixing her plate.

I am embarrassed to say, here is my plate. I took a picture of it to send to my oldest daughter, Ashley. She spent Thanksgiving with her husband’s family in Ohio and was so upset that she wouldn’t get any “southern” cooking with dressing and pecan pie. That was so mean of me! Tee hee hee.

After lunch, we hang around socializing for several hours. There is plenty to do…

like riding the kids around on his golf cart. Cassidy was so in her element driving her cousins around.

Or playing ping pong…

Lots of matches took place like Gabrielle and her friend Ivy,

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or Cassidy

Or my nephew Jonathan and his sister, Eleni.

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After you get tired of ping pong, you can play a good game of “Horse”.

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You can always listen to tall tales about hunting from Tony and my sister’s husband Stanley.

By the time you have done or watched all this, you are tired. Here is my great niece Skylar all tuckered out.

So now we get to load up and go to Baxley to Tony’s sister’s house and do it all again.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-26T22:03:00.001-05:00

Well, Happy Thanksgiving weekend! I hope you all are spending time with family and friends. We have been so busy the last two days that I haven’t had time to post until now. Before I get into Thanksgiving, I will show you what we did to get ready for Thanksgiving.

First of all, I got a wild hair and decided to move my dining room table and hutch into the other side of my living room. My living room is a looonnng and narrow bowling alley type box with a brick wall and hearth on one end. It is terrible to try and re-arrange furniture in because it is so narrow. It is dissected in the middle by my front door and the hallway that leads to the kitchen, bathroom and my scrapbook room. On the side with the brick wall, I have my living room furniture and TV set up. I had a hard time decorating the other side but I always had two bookcases flanking the window with a desk in-between. The rest of the room was a hodge-podge of furntiure including a rarely used treadmill.

Our kitchen was remodeled years ago and included a large peninsula where a wall once was. I had them make it with on overhang so I could use barstools with it. I loved it but it made the area for my table smaller. When we had people all around the table it was difficult to maneuver around it. So I decided to move it into my living room.

Gabrielle and I were the only ones home at that time. Tony was off deer hunting of course and Cassidy was at a friend’s house. We managed anyway but I was so sore for the following two days.

Here is the finished results.

This is the view from the other side of the living room. See what I mean about a bowling alley?

Here is the hutch.

I just realized that this picture is crooked. LOL! I will come back later and give a close-up of all the details.

This side chest was on the other side of the living room but I knew I would have to move it to make room for the Christmas tree so I went ahead and moved it to this side.

On the other side of the table I have a dresser that a friend gave me. I had originally had it in the hallway but like it here better. I still need to repaint it and fix the sticking drawers. The large mirror was also a gift from another friend. I love it but it is soooo heavy. It has a gold finish but I think I’m going to paint it also.

And now for the details…

On the table

I have had this pilgrim couple for several years but I just picked up the green tin bucket and the mini pumpkins from Family Dollar this year.The leaf table runner and placemats came from CVS a couple of years ago.

I bought the tin hen from a decorating store here in town. The leaf plate, I got from Family Dollar…they had 3 different designs at $1 apiece so of course I got all of them.I made the 3 glass hurricane globes from a post I saw on Pinterest. I filled 2 of them with min-pumpkins bought from The Dollar Tree and the 3rd with a candle and leaves bought from The Dollar Tree. I have found a new love for dollar stores since finding Pinterest. I will replace the mini pumpkins with ornaments at Christmas

In my hutch on the top row I have a set of 3 rooster plates my mother gave me. She knows I have a thing for roosters. Next, I added a mini pumpkin to a cheese dish I had from when I sold Princess House crystal.

Here’s the second shelf of my hutch with some more roosters and mini-pumpkins I picked up the charger plate from Wal-Mart this year. I wanted to get a complete set of them but was waiting until they marked them down more. I waited too late and was only able to get one..

And here is the bottom row of the hutch. I again used some of my Princess House crystal this time filled with some scented pinecones along with some pumpkins.

And last but not least, here is the dresser.

I have had these candlesticks for ages. I got the pumpkin from a dollar store and painted it off white. I forgot to go back and paint the stem I see. Funny how you don’t catch mistakes until you are blogging about it. The candle on the other candleholder is one of the flameless candles again from The Dollar Tree.

Here’s another rooster filled with mini pumpkins again. I picked up alot of these from Wal-Mart when they marked them down to 50 cents.

Okay so here’s the last picture. I have seen lanterns everywhere on Pinterest including some DIY’s to make from cereal boxes. I found this little jewel at Family Dollar on sale for around $3 and grabbed it quickly. The pumpkin plate also came from there. I bought it along with the 3 leaves plates.

So that was my dining room redo for Thanksgiving. I moved the 2 bookcases and the desk into the kitchen where the table was and love it. I will show pictures of that once I am through with it.

Stay tuned for more Thanksgiving posts.

29 Days of Thanksgiving…

2011-11-03T21:14:00.001-04:00

Today, I am thankful for my parents, Darrell and Weada Joyner.

They definitely had their hands full, raising 4 girls. I am the oldest and have always been a “rebel without a cause”. But they loved me no matter what kind of trouble I got into. Mama made sure we were raised up going to Church every Sunday and on Wednesdays. Although there were days when I resented it, I am so glad she made up go because that laid the foundation for my trust in God today.

Thank you Mama and Daddy for raising me to be a strong, independent person. I love you!

29 Days of Thanksgiving…because I started late; Day 1

2011-11-02T21:09:00.001-04:00

During the month of November, everyone takes the time to think about and put to paper what they are most thankful for. I decided that I needed to do this also since I have so much to be thankful for this year.

It’s no secret that the last few years have played havoc on our financial situation…we’ve gone from being a happy “middle-class family” to becoming a stress-ridden “low-income family”. I’m not really trying to complain because I know that we are not the only family that this has happened to and that in fact, there are other families in much worse shape than we are. Still, it hasn’t been easy.

There are days when all I want to do is pack up and run away trying desperately to believe in the old adage that “the grass is greener on the other side”. But I know it isn’t. You will always have trials and tribulations to go through no matter where you are.

So, on this 2nd day of November, I am most thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He loved me even though I was a sinner (and still am), unworthy. I have done some pretty despicable things in my lifetime and have been so ashamed of my actions to the point that I didn’t like myself so how could anyone else like me much less love me? But in those dark times, Jesus was there to pull me out of the ditches I was wallowing in. He gave me the strength to try and become a better person day by day. And I’m doing just that. I’m not perfect by any stretch of the imagination but I’m definitely not the same girl I once was. Some days are easier than others.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Philippines 4:13 and I find myself quoting it often.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

I saw a translation on Facebook tonight that said; Use the strength in Him when you don’t have enough of your own. You can do anything through Him but little without Him. That pretty much sums it up, doesn’t it?

I thank God today and everyday that he loved me enough to let his son, Jesus die on the cross for my sins. Without Him, who knows where I would have ended up? So tomorrow, when I am wondering how we are going to pay the mortgage…I know that we will survive what lies ahead. Because…..

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I’m sorry this post was so long and dark but I felt like I needed to quit holding things in so much and really speak from my heart. Hopefully the rest of this month’s posts will be more cheerful!

November Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2011-11-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

The November Stamp of the Month is called “Cherish the Day” is will be great for all your cardmaking and scrapbooking layouts.

There are about 60 consultants participating in this month’s blog hop. I’m sure you will be amazed by all the wonderful projects they have created.

Kathleen Androlewicz
http://BowlOfStamps.blogspot.com

Helen Onulak
http://www.hookedonstamping.com

LeAnne Dudley
http://www.dudleychickdesigns.blogspot.com

Wanda Riley
http://Creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com

Angela Tutton
http://www.tuttonstreasures.blogspot.com

Paige Dolecki
http://PaigesPaperParadise.blogspot.com

Beth Naumann
http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com

Tamytha Jenkins
http://www.paperheartist.com/

Krista Ritskes
http://simplycreatingtogether.blogspot.com

Katy Donaldson
http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com

Traci Pasqualone
http://ScrapiTraci.blogspot.com

Mary Eisen
http://mestamp2.blogspot.com

Angel Sawyer
http://RunningwithScissorsDesignCo.blogspot.com

Kami Welter
http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/

Haley Dyer
http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com

Michelle Loncar
http://michelleloncar.blogspot.com

Jen Rubio
http://JenRubio.blogspot.com

Lori Brown
http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com

Doreen Guilfoyle
http://whereisyourhappyplace.blogspot.com

Pamela O’Connor
http://cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com

Traci Godbee
http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com

Gina Brandstetter
http://gmbscrapper.blogspot.com/

Debra Van Patten
http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com

Lisa Sargent
http://www.lisasargent.net

Melinda Everitt
http://www.ifyoublingit.blogspot.com

Nicole Griggs
http://www.nicolescreativezone.blogspot.com

Jill Lucas
http://scrapwench.blogspot.com

Carla Ironside
http://carlacreates.blogspot.com

Sheila Bennett
http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com

Susan Brooks
http://stampingintheopen.blogspot.com

Sarita Schraeder
http://www.blessedscrapper.com

Teresa Scrivens
http://www.creatingwithinkypaw.com

Georgia Hauglid
http://inkygeorgia.blogspot.com

Judy Burger
http://www.makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com

Adeline Brill
http://www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com

Amy McVey
http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com

Nancy Brown
http://creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com/

Shirley Ross
http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com

Brae Montgomery
http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com

Wendy Coffman
http://www.stampingrules.blogspot.com/

Dawn Ross
http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com

Elizabeth Mindemann
http://www.ejoym.blogspot.com

Jen Patrick
http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com

Dawn Heuft
http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com

Shannon Beck
http://www.cardsfromthefarm.blogspot.com

Melissa Laverty
http://www.fancymelissa.com/blog

Annette Green
http://AnnettesCreativeJourney.blogspot.com

Heather Schmuckal
http://www.heatherjanedesign.blogspot.com

Allisa Chilton
http://rockymtnpapercrafts.blogspot.com/

Luisa Morgan
http://www.creativedesignsbyluisa.com/

Casandra Bennett
http://casandra-scrappinbliss.blogspot.com/

Corina Mitchell
http://www.mycreativeink.org/

Karen Fullam
http://www.enrichingmemories.com

Nikka Geers
http://Nikkageers.blogspot.com

Krista Hershberger
http://kristascraftycorner.blogspot.com

Kristine Ponte
http://kponte.blogspot.com

Vicki Price
http://PriceOfPaper.blogspot.com

If you are interested in purchasing this stamp set, you can order it from my website at www.nancyhoover.myctmh.com. Click on shop online and then stamp of the month.

When you place a minimum order of $25 in My Acrylix^® stamp sets in November, you can purchase a new D-size Holiday Wishes stamp set for only $5! That’s significant savings off the full retail value of $17.95 US / $19.95 CAN. And here’s a bonus: many of the images in the set coordinate with our Cricut^® Art Philosophy cartridge for added cutting and stamping fun!

Birthday Weekend and last days of Cricut Shape-A-Day

2011-10-31T23:02:00.001-04:00

Sorry, this is a long post.

We had a busy weekend this past weekend celebrating two birthdays…my youngest daughter, Cassidy’s 12th birthday and my oldest grandson, Chandler’s 8th birthday.

Cassidy’s birthday was Friday, October 28th. We celebrated it with just a small family dinner at Western Sizzlin’.

The girl loves zebra print…from her outfit to her cake!

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Davis managed to get cake all over his face.

Opening presents…

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Chandler wearing beads as earrings.

My nephew Trevor carried this balloon around all night.

I took a picture and told him I was going to post it on facebook…

What? LOL! I love that expression on his face.

On Saturday night, we went to Ashley’s house to celebrate Chandler’s 8th birthday. It doesn’t seem like he should be that old already. We enjoyed chili and crab stew before having cupcakes.

The cupcakes were delicious! They were pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting…Yum, yum.

Then it was time to open presents!

And the last presents were in Chandler’s words…”Heaven in a box”. He got new clear Wii controls.

_____________________________________________________________

And now the final days of Jeanette’s Shape-A-Day projects…

If you are interested in purchasing the Art Philosophy cartridge, you can order here.

Holiday Wishes Stamp Set- Order Today!

2011-10-30T00:18:00.001-04:00

Powder Puff Football

2011-10-27T19:14:00.001-04:00

This is my 3rd post today…just trying to get caught up. Be sure to look down to see all the posts.

Once again, Gabrielle participated in the high school’s annual powder puff football tournament. If was sponsored by the Future Business Leaders of America Club as a fundraiser to offset convention costs for the students. This was their 9th year hosting it. It is always entertaining and this year was no exception.

The games are separated by classes…Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen. Gabrielle is a Junior this year.

Her and her friends all have nicknames…hers is Shrek.

Group shot of some of the Juniors on her team.

Pre game photos

I thought the victory dance was suppose to come after the game?

The Seniors had already won the first game of the night. They defeated the Sophomores with a score of 12-6. The Juniors first game was against the Freshman team. This winner of this game would play the Senior team for the title of champion.

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Juniors won!!! Final score 12-0.

They will now play the Senior team but first a little entertainment from the cheerleaders.

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They are the highlight of the night! It is hilarious to see these boys doing cheers, dances and stunts. Very entertaining!

The Juniors took on the Seniors for the final game of the night. By that time I was freezing and so I stayed in the stands and didn’t get any pictures of the actual game. I know…bad mother! Well, we won that game also.I thought is was going to be another shut out but during the last half of the game the Seniors scored 2 touchdowns. The final score was 28-14, Juniors! I did drag myself from my ward snuggie to take a couple of last shots.

Since some of the girls were late getting to the game, Coach Ben told them they would have to do some push-ups after the game. LOL! They didn’t mind…

Cricut Shape-A-Day; Day 14 and more

2011-10-27T18:55:00.001-04:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah…I know. I have been a bad girl and haven’t posted in a while. All I can say is that “Life” got in the way. I hope you have been able to go to Jeanette’s blog and see them anyway but if not, here they are…

Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

Day 17

Day 18

Day 19

Day 20

Day 21

Day 22

Day 23

Day 24

Day 25

I think that catches me up for now. Look out for more!

Chandler has surgery.

2011-10-27T18:46:00.001-04:00

My oldest grandson, Chandler, had to have surgery last Thursday on his arm. He broke it at school a couple of weeks ago while playing football with another little boy. When Mark left the Emergency Room with him, they had said that he had only broken one bone and referred him to a bone specialist to have the cast put on. After they took more x-rays, they determined that he had in fact broken both of the bones in his right arm but they were clean breaks and should heal with no problem. The put a bright blue cast on him.

He went back for a follow-up visit earlier last week to have some more x=rays and discovered that his bones were moving (just like Cassidy’s) and he would need surgery to put pins in his arm. I was heart-broken. Talk about Déjà Vu… He broke the same arm as Cassidy and now was having to have the same surgery as Cassidy.

He was such a brave little boy the morning of his surgery. He was more concerned over the fact that they had put him in a gown where his backside was showing then the upcoming procedure. The surgery was a success! Dr Sasser was able to put pins in his arm instead of having to insert rods like he had to do with Cassidy. That meant less pain for Chandler.

Poor little fellow looked so pitiful right after surgery although later that day her was back to his usual self. Of course he had to deal with some pain during the middle of the night but Ashley said it was bearable. Today, he’s going around like nothing happened. Isn’t it wonderful how quickly kids bounce back from these things?

Meanwhile, Cassidy went back to see Dr Sasser and we will be scheduling her to have her rods taken out during the Christmas holidays. He has assured me that it will be a walk in the park compared to her last surgery. She was in a LOT of pain because he couldn’t get the rod in one of her bones because the bone was sticking into her muscle so he had to make an incision and manipulate the bone from the muscle. He had warned us that she would be in a lot of pain and she was. That was literally one of the worst nights of my life when we brought her home.seeing her in so much pain and not being able to do anything about it.

Become a Consultant in October and get one add-on collection FREE!

2011-10-13T22:03:00.000-04:00

New Consultants who enroll for $99 with Close To My Heart between October 1-31, 2011, will receive one FREE* New Consultant Kit add-on collection!

Each of our three add-on collections is priced at $40 and has a retail value of $80-$130, so this is an incredible deal!

What’s in the Kit?

For just a $99 enrollment fee, you’ll receive a New Consultant Kit packed with business essentials and new products valued at over $280, plus a FREE add-on collection to enhance your kit!

Roxie Add-On Collection

Elemental Add-On Collection

Studio J Add-On Collection

Want another add-on collection? You can easily purchase one for just $40 each.

Why Be A CTMH Consultant?

The best thing about being a Close To My Heart consultant is that you can set up your business to fit your life. Here are a few examples of the ways consultants have set up their businesses:

Hobbyists – Like getting scrapbooking, stamping and cardmaking products at a discount? Simply submit the minimum $300/quarter to maintain consultant status and receive the consultant discount of 22%.
Club Leader – You organize a monthly get-together to teach a project. Club members agree to purchase at least $150 in product. Each month, you select a hostess who’s eligible to receive hostess rewards and extra product. You rotate the hostess each month so that everyone can take advantage of hostess rewards. You can have as many clubs going per month as you like- a layout club, card club, Cricut club or Studio J club.
Studio J Consultant – Not a paper scrapbooker? Maybe you’d like to set up a Studio J business based on CTMH’s online scrapbooking software. Your customers would be those who are interested in making layouts fast, getting them professionally printed by CTMH, and having the option of sharing their layouts digitally with family and friends.
Business Builder – As a business builder, you will hold workshops or gatherings on a regular basis and recruit others to become a part of your team. If you’re interested in making additional income and leading a team, running a CTMH business is an excellent opportunity for you.

And, beginning in October, CTMH has a new and improved compensation plan that includes even more incentives and rewards for you!

Join My Team

It doesn’t matter how you want to set up your business-do what works for YOU. I started the company as a hobbyist.

Join my team and I will be there to help encourage, train and support you. This business can be all that YOU want it to be!!!!

Cricut Shape-A-Day; Day 13

2011-10-13T20:35:00.001-04:00

Oh yeah! I remembered to post today’s project.

Get the cutting directions at Jeanettelynton.com. If you can’t stand it anymore and have to have this cartridge, you can order it from my website.

See you tomorrow with another great project!

Cricut Shape-A-Day: Day 10, 11 and 12

2011-10-12T21:33:00.000-04:00

Oh no, I did it again! I got behind again. Here they are:

Day 10

I’ve definitely got to try this!

Day 11

Day 12

To get the cutting directions, don’t forget to visit Jeanette's blog. Hopefully, I will remember to post tomorrow.

Cricut Shape-A-Day: 6.7.8 & 9 plus more

2011-10-09T22:33:00.001-04:00

Sorry I got a little behind on posting these. It’s been a busy couple of days. Hopefully, you were able to go to Jeanette Lynton.com to see them for yourself. Here are the projects.

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

As always, you can find the cutting directions on Jeanette’s blog here.

My poor grandson, Chandler broke his arm Friday while he was at school. He and a friend were playing football when he fell on his wrist. I guess now they don’t put a cast on your arm at the emergency room anymore. He will have to go to another doctor on Monday and have them put a cast on it.

It’s a shame it happened in the middle of soccer season. Chandler loves to play soccer and his very good at it.

Yesterday, Gabrielle and I went “antique shopping” with my friend Lisa. We hit a couple of stores in Brunswick and then headed to Jacksonville. We had a blast! In one store, they had several hat rooms and Gabrielle had to try them on. These were my favorite, though. They were made onto a headband. So clever! We had a great time even though we didn’t spend any morey except for lunch.

That’s if for now. See ya tomorrow!

Cricut Shape-A-Day: Day 5

2011-10-05T19:56:00.002-04:00

I love, love, love this layout! I will definitely be doing this.

Jeanette Lynton.com

Cricut Shape-A-Day: Day 4

2011-10-04T17:00:00.002-04:00

Have you been enjoying the projects so far? Have you tried any of them? If so, I would love to see them…

I LOVE the butterflies on this. To get the cutting directions, check out her website here. See ya tomorrow!

Shape-A-Day, day 3

2011-10-03T20:14:00.001-04:00

Here is Day 3’s project. You can get the cutting directions at Jeanette Lynton's blog. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us this month.

Cricut Shape-A-Day with Jeanette Lynton

2011-10-02T23:01:00.000-04:00

For the month of October, Close To My Heart Founder and CEO, Jeanette Lynton will be sharing a new art project using the new Cricut Art Philosophy. That’s right: thirty-one days, thirty-one pieces of artwork, each highlighting a different fabulous shape from the Art Philosophy collection! Here are the first two days projects.

Aren't these fabulous? She also includes the cutting directions for the featured shapes. Be sure and bookmark her website here so you can visit it each day.

October SOM Blog Hop

2011-10-02T21:35:00.000-04:00

Is this the year that you are going to make your own Christmas cards?

Well then, you need to get the October Stamp of the Month, Holiday Magic. This stamp set is ideal for creating your own Christmas cards. Plus to help speed things up, you can use the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge to cut out the stockings, trees and sleigh!

Need some inspiration?

Grab a cup of "joe" and sit back and scroll through the amazing ideas from almost 60 talented Consultants. As always, contact me if you are interested in adding it to your collection or you can order it from here.

Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Kathleen Androlewicz http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/
Beth Naumann http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/
Gina Brandstetter http://gmbscrapper.blogspot.com/
Shannon Beck http://www.cardsfromthefarm.blogspot.com/
Judy Burger http://www.makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Cindy Leek http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/
Michelle Loncar http://michelleloncar.blogspot.com/
Amy McVey http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/
Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Doreen Guilfoyle http://whereisyourhappyplace.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Nancy Brown http://creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com/
Wanda Riley http://creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com/
Georgia Hauglid http://inkygeorgia.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.com/
Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Adeline Brill http://www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Krista Ritskes http://kristaritskes-simplycreating.blogspot.com/
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/
Jen Patrick http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Lori Brown http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
Pamela O’Connor http://cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Mary Eisen http://mestamp2.blogspot.com/
Sarita Schraeder http://www.blessedscrapper.com/
Susan Brooks http://stampingintheopen.blogspot.com/
Melinda Everitt http://ifyoublingittheywillcome.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio http://jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Teresa Scrivens http://www.creatingwithinkypaw.com/
Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Wendy Coffman http://www.stampingrules.blogspot.com/
Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Tamytha Jenkins http://www.paperheartist.com/
Paige Dolecki http://paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Angel Sawyer http://runningwithscissorsdesignco.blogspot.com/
Nicole Griggs http://www.nicolescreativezone.blogspot.com/
Lisa Sargent http://www.lisasargent.net/
Elizabeth Mindemann http://www.ejoym.blogspot.com/
Traci Pasqualone http://scrapitraci.blogspot.com/
Angela Tutton http://www.tuttonstreasures.blogspot.com/
LeAnne Dudley http://www.dudleychickdesigns.blogspot.com/
Shirley Ross http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com/
Deanne Jacobs http://deannestamps.blogspot.com/
Nikka Geers http://nikkageers.blogspot.com/
Casandra Bennett http://casandra-scrappinbliss.blogspot.com/
Heather Schmuckal http://heatherjanedesign.blogspot.com/
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com/
Diana Soling http://mystampingspot.blogspot.com/
Judy Faye Garner http://judyfaye.blogspot.com/
Debbie Little http://www.makinglittlememories.blogspot.com/
Kristine Ponte http://kponte.blogspot.com/

Happy Fall,Ya'll

2011-09-23T00:33:00.000-04:00

Today marks the start of my FAVORITE time of year...FALL!

I absolutely love everything about Fall from the coolness or crispness in the air to the changing leaf colors. I get giddy with excitement and want to start decorating around my house. So I have been surfing the Internet looking for cute (and cheap) ideas. Here are a few of my favorites saved to my Pinterest

Do you pin? If you are interested, let me know and I can send you an invite.

Off to find some candy corn...

Enter to win FREE Cricut Expression Machine

2011-09-15T09:11:00.001-04:00

Have you visited Close To My Heart's Facebook page lately? Well, you need to! Every day this month, they are posting a project made with the Pair-A-Phrase stamp set. Don't forget you can get this double sized stamp set FREE when you place an order of $75.00 or more.

Here are the cards they have posted so far this month.

A lot of the cards CTMH has posted was made using the new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge. To help promote this amazing cartridge, they are having a fantastic giveaway for a FREE Cricut Expression Machine.

Be sure to check out the CTMH Facebook page daily and click here to enter the sweepstakes. Don't delay...the contest ends September 26th.

While Supplies Last Sale....

2011-09-14T21:01:00.000-04:00

CTMH has just added DISCOUNTED supplies on my webpage- SHOP NOW WHILE SUPPLIES LAST… HURRY, prices won’t last long- Visit https://nancyhoover.myctmh.com/Retail/Products.aspx?CatalogID=1702 to begin shopping!

Holiday Tags Assortment: Project Inspiration Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book

2011-09-08T21:07:00.000-04:00

You can see this project on page 102 of the Autumn/Winter Idea Book. Contact me if you are interested in ordering the supplies to complete this project.

Gift tags are a must-have year-round in every home and even more so during the holidays. Learn how to turn out classy, custom gift tags in assembly-line style in this Close To My Heart video. It's one more way to tell your gift recipient, "You're worth it!"

September SOM Blog Hop - Limited Edition

2011-09-01T22:51:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it's September already? I can't. Boy, is this year flying by or what? Before we know it, it will be Christmas!

Anyway, since it is a new month, it is time for the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. Every month a large group of talented CTMH Consultants create artwork using the current month's SOM. Then they share it with you! One of the great things about this stamp set is that you can use it with the new Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge. The cutting size is printed right on the carrier sheet.

As always, you can purchase this set on my website here. Enjoy the hop!

Kathleen Androlewicz http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/
Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Jen Patrick http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
LeAnne Dudley http://www.dudleychickdesigns.blogspot.com/
Amy McVey http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/
Tammy Lea Pinchard http://mycreativeclubhouse.blogspot.com/
Sarita Schraeder http://www.blessedscrapper.com/
Dawn Heuft http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Wendy Coffman http://www.stampingrules.blogspot.com/
Nicole Griggs http://www.nicolescreativezone.blogspot.com/
Melinda Everitt http://ifyoublingittheywillcome.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Susan Brooks http://stampingintheopen.blogspot.com/
Cindy Leek http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/
Paige Dolecki http://paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Angela Tutton http://www.tuttonstreasures.blogspot.com/
Doreen Guilfoyle http://whereisyourhappyplace.blogspot.com/
Terrie Dodd http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Tamytha Jenkins http://www.paperheartist.com/
Beth Naumann http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/
Gina Brandstetter http://gmbscrapper.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio http://jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Wanda Riley http://creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Melissa Robinson http://www.mlisrobinson.blogspot.com/
Mary Eisen http://mestamp2.blogspot.com/
Shannon Beck http://www.cardsfromthefarm.blogspot.com/
Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Shirley Ross http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com/
Lisa Sargent http://lisa-sargent.blogspot.com/
Adeline Brill http://www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Georgia Hauglid http://inkygeorgia.blogspot.com/
Pamela O’Connor http://cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Judy Burger http://www.makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Krista Ritskes http://kristaritskes-simplycreating.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.com/
Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/
Traci Pasqualone http://scrapitraci.blogspot.com/
Teresa Scrivens http://www.creatingwithinkypaw.com/
Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Angel Sawyer http://runningwithscissorsdesignco.blogspot.com/
Annette Green http://annettescreativejourney.blogspot.com/
Lori Brown http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com/
Wendy Fording http://papercreationsbywendy.blogspot.com/
Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Michelle Loncar http://michelleloncar.blogspot.com/
Nikka geers http://nikkageers.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth Mindemann http://www.ejoym.blogspot.com/
Karen Fullam http://www.enrichingmemories.com/
Casandra Bennett http://www.casandra-scrappinbliss.blogspot.com/
Angie Highland http://www.ascrapperscrazylife.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kessler http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/
Heather Schmuckal http://heatherjanedesign.blogspot.com/
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com/
Diana Soling http://mystampingspot.blogspot.com/
Judy Faye Garner http://judyfaye.blogspot.com/
Tamra Pope http://tamrascraftypapercreations.blogspot.com/
Debbie Little http://makinglittlememories.blogspot.com/

Happy Holiday Card Set: Project Inspiration Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book

2011-08-30T09:00:00.001-04:00

Here's another project from the Autumn/Winter Idea Book. This is on page 76. Contact me if you are interested in purchasing what you need to complete this card set or you can order it from my website.

When you pair the Close To My Heart Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge with some of our delightful new My Acrylix® stamp sets, you'll find yourself making an armful of holiday cards in just one sitting! Watch this video to discover even more tips for streamlining your holiday card creation session

Thanksgiving Card: Project Inspiration Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book

2011-08-23T08:00:00.001-04:00

I love our new Autumn/Winter Idea book! Did you notice that they posted links to directions to complete a couple of projects? How sweet is that? This is the link to the Thanksgiving Card on page 66. I will be posting the others in a couple of days. I hope you enjoy the video.

Create a multi-layered stamping imaging using the base and shade technique and Close To My Heart's My Acrylix® So Grateful stamp set. As you can see on this video, it's as easy as pumpkin pie—and will look great on your Thanksgiving dinner invitations and cards.

Mayberry WOTG completed with pictures!

2011-08-22T20:19:00.000-04:00

We had Stamp Club today and here is the finished layout after I added the pictures. The scan of the layouts did not turn out very good because of the canvas buttons. I hate that. I may have to take another picture of it tomorrow with my camera during the daylight hours.

These pictures of Gabrielle were taken on Thanksgiving Day last year at my cousin's house. He is such a talented builder and had built his kids a fantastic tree-house years ago complete with a "zip line". Gabrielle was goofing off as she went down it.

CTMH Pair-A-Phrase Blog Hop

2011-08-15T09:00:00.001-04:00

With National Stamping Month starting…a group of CTMH Consultants joined together to bring you a blog hop of wonderful ideas for using this fabulous stamp set that you can get FREE! When you get $75 worth of CTMH products…can be anything on your wish list or from the While Supplies Last section…you get this stamp set free! It’s two D-size stamp sets packaged in one convenient stamp envelope.

Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Kathleen Androlewicz http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.com/
Jamia Bankhead http://papermadnessinc.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth Mindemann http://www.ejoym.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Susan Brooks http://stampingintheopen.blogspot.com/
Michelle Loncar http://michelleloncar.blogspot.com/
Nikka geers http://nikkageers.blogspot.com/
Wendy Coffman http://stampingrules.blogspot.com/
Pamela O’Connor http://reflectionsofmyartandsoul.com/
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com/
Lisa Sargent http://lisa-sargent.blogspot.com/
Mary Eisen http://www.mestamp2.blogspot.com/
Lori Brown http://savingmine.blogspot.com/
Laura Petruso http://starbreezedesigns.blogspot.com/
Nancy Brpwn http://creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com/
Angie Highland http://www.ascrapperscrazylife.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Shannon Beck http://www.cardsfromthefarm.blogspot.com/
Tamytha Jenkins http://www.paperheartist.com/
Teresa Scrivens http://creatingwithinkypaw.com/
Nicole Griggs http://nicolescreativezone.blogspot.com/
Adeline Brill http://www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Cecilia Marsh http://dirttrackwidow.blogspot.com/
Lisa Schaefer http://lisalynn00.blogspot.com/
Angel Sawyer http://runningwithscissorsdesignco.blogspot.com/
Doreen Guilfoyle http://whereisyourhappyplace.blogspot.com/
Georgia Hauglid http://www.inkygeorgia.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Katy Taylor http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Rubio http://jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Shirley Ross http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com/
Gina Brandstetter http://gmbscrapper.blogspot.com/
Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com/
LeAnne Dudley http://dudleychickdesigns.blogspot.com/
Terrie Dodd http://my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Deanne Jacobs http://deannestamps.blogspot.com/
Casandra Bennett http://www.casandra-scrappinbliss.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kessler http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/

Two Special Promotions for the month of August!!!!

2011-08-14T20:10:00.000-04:00

National Stamping Month

August 15- September 30, 2011

TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL STAMPING MONTH IN September, we are offering our first-ever double stamp set! You can get the exclusive My Acrylix® Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set FREE when you place an order of $75 from August 15 through September 30, 2011. You'll love this double set-two D-size sets in one envelope-which includes lots of clever phrases and coordinating images you'll use in your handmade cards all year. And with a retail value of $35.90, this set drastically increases the value of your qualifying purchase! Have double the fun stamping during National Stamping Month with our new Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set!

Plus, since you spent $75.00 to get the Pair-A-Phrase double stamp set FREE, you also qualify to get the August Stamp of the Month stamp set, Wicked for only $5.00.

Plus you'll get this Free Bonus Stamp Set when you spend $50.00 and get the August Stamp of the Month.

Let's do the math.....using our new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge.

1. Beginning August 15th, purchase the new Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge Bundle for $99.00. The cartridge features 700 images and the bundle includes::

Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge
Three exclusive D-size stamp sets (retail value of $17.95 each)
Three Dimensional Element chipboard sets (retail value of $4.95 each)

2. Since you spent over $50, you can now purchase the August Stamp of the Month for $5.00 (a retail value of $17.95)

3. Since you had to have the August Stamp of the Month…you get the A Typeface mini alphabet set free! ($6.95 value).

4. Since you spent over $75, you’ll also get the Pair-a-Phrase double D-size stamp set FREE! ($35.90 value).

Total SAVINGS = $55.80! WOW!

Starting August 15th, you can order all this online on my website. Just make sure you click the "Add Item" button for each of your free items.

1st Day of School

2011-08-13T22:30:00.000-04:00

Where did the summer go?
The girls started back to school on Tuesday, August 9th.
Cassidy was so excited to start back since she was going to "middle school". She had to look perfect on the first day so I had to straighten her hair the night before Maybe this is the year that I won't have to fuss with her about brushing her hair anymore. LOL!

While we were doing back to school shopping, she kept telling me that her style was different this year...she wanted more "flow-y" clothes. So here she is all ready for the first day. I can't believe how grown up she looks.

So where are the pictures of Gabrielle? Apparently, she is too old to have her Mama drop her off at school so instead she she spent the night with Ivey and went to school with her. Not really. A lot of the Juniors were meeting off campus to ride together and form a caravan of sorts. You know, they had to make a grand entrance! I threatened not to let her go since I knew she wouldn't get someone else to take a picture of her. Oh well, maybe next year.

Buttoned Up Card Set: Project Inspiration Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book

2011-08-06T21:00:00.001-04:00

Lovely, chunky, fashion-forward bling turns your cards from charming to oh-so-fantabulous. Learn the WOW techniques in this how-to video from Close To My Heart, and then send holiday cards that people will be talking about into the New Year!

"Enjoy" Scrapbook Page Pops with Flowers: Project Inspiration Autumn/Win...

2011-08-06T20:00:00.001-04:00

Quickly cut, stamp, and curl pretty 3-D flowers using Close To My Heart's new Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge, My Acrylix® Hooray Bouquet stamp set, and your own creativity. Pick up more ideas for embellishing your layouts, cards, and gifts with fun florals in this how-to video

Add Cricut® Flair to Any Workshop

2011-08-03T20:00:00.002-04:00

Many Close To My Heart scrapbook and card patterns are easy to adapt to include shapes cut using the Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge. Find out how to incorporate Art Philosophy shapes into the Dreamin' Workshop on the Go™ project; you'll be inspired by this great way to pump up your projects and use your tools!

August Stamp of the Month Blog Hop- Wicked

2011-08-03T08:00:00.001-04:00

It's once again time for the monthly Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. This month, the Consultants are showcasing the August SOTM, Wicked. It is an adorable set great for all your upcoming Halloween pictures.

Sit back and enjoy the hop. As always, if you would like to purchase this stamp set, you can visit my website here. It is only $17.95 or $5.00 with a $50.00 purchase under the NEW Stamp of the Month program. Enjoy!!!

Kathleen Androlewicz http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/
Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Beth Naumann http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Nicole Griggs http://www.nicolescreativezone.blogspot.com/
Shannon Beck http://www.cardsfromthefarm.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio http://jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Tammy Lea Pinchard http://mycreativeclubhouse.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Tamytha Jenkins http://www.paperheartist.com/
Nancy Brown http://creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
Melissa Robinson http://www.mlisrobinson.blogspot.com/
Doreen Guilfoyle http://whereisyourhappyplace.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Shirley Ross http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com/
Wendy Fording http://papercreationsbywendy.blogspot.com/
Jen Patrick http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Teresa Scrivens http://www.creatingwithinkypaw.com/
Annette Green http://annettescreativejourney.blogspot.com/
Adeline Brill http://www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Sarita Schraeder http://www.blessedscrapper.com/
Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Paige Dolecki http://paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.com/
Michelle Loncar http://michelleloncar.blogspot.com/
Krista Ritskes http://kristaritskes-simplycreating.blogspot.com/
Terrie Dodd http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Angel Sawyer http://runningwithscissorsdesignco.blogspot.com/
Wendy Coffman http://www.stampingrules.blogspot.com/
Susan Brooks http://stampingintheopen.blogspot.com/
Judy Burger http://www.makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Lisa Sargent http://lisa-sargent.blogspot.com/
Amy McVey http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/
Melinda Everitt http://ifyoublingittheywillcome.blogspot.com/
Pamela O’Connor http://cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
LeAnne Dudley http://www.dudleychickdesigns.blogspot.com/
Angela Tutton http://www.tuttonstreasures.blogspot.com/
Lori Brown http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com/
Wanda Riley http://creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com/
Vickie Tagatz http://create-with-me-vickie.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Georgia Hauglid http://inkygeorgia.blogspot.com/
Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/
Mary Eisen http://mestamp2.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth Mindemann http://www.ejoym.blogspot.com/
Karen Fullam http://www.enrichingmemories.com/
Lisa Schaefer http://lisalynn00.blogspot.com/
Nikka geers http://nikkageers.blogspot.com/
Diana Soling http://mystampingspot.blogspot.com/
Deanne Jacobs http://deannestamps.blogspot.com/
Sarah Harrington http://scrapwithsarahm.blogspot.com/
Tamra Pope http://www.tamrascraftypapercreations.blogspot.com/
Judy Faye Garner http://judyfaye.blogspot.com/
Angie Highland http://www.ascrapperscrazylife.blogspot.com/
Gina Brandstetter http://gmbscrapper.blogspot.com/
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com/
Carol Lee http://caroldlee.blogspot.com/

August CTMH News and Specials

2011-08-02T23:44:00.000-04:00

New Idea Book

The brand new Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book is live now and it is FABULOUS! You can view it by clicking on the link below or the catalog image on the right side of my blog.

Here's some highlights of the new idea book:

Acrylic stamp prices have dropped.
Our B&T Paper (patterned paper) is now a heavier weight. Plus it now has a "zip strip" that is a fun border that you can add to your creations.
We now have an EXCLUSIVE Cricut Cartridge with 700 images!

Here is the link to view the brand new Idea Book page by page. If you'd like an Idea Book of your own, there are a few ways to get one:

If you are a member of my Monthly Stamp Club, you get if FREE! I'll give you your copy at out August stamp club meeting.
If you need me to mail one to you, I'll be happy to send one for the price of shipping ($5). The Idea Book is Free, plus I will also give you a coupon for $5.00 off your first purchase.

To order from the new Idea Book, go to my website and click "Shop Online".

EXTRA! EXTRA!
Free Bonus Stamp set

In celebration of our newly updated Stamp of the Month program, CTMH is throwing in a little something extra: a FREE bonus stamp set! In August, when you place an order of $50 or more in products and purchase the August Stamp of the Month set, Wicked, for just $5, you’ll receive the My Acrylix® A Typeface A-size set FREE (a retail value of $6.95). Think of this as two promotions in one—qualify for and purchase the discounted August Stamp of the Month set and we'll throw in a second stamp set FREE!

It's Extra! Extra!

Going, Going, Gone!

2011-07-20T21:57:00.000-04:00

Lots of great products are being retired. Take a peek at the list so you don’t miss out on any of these items. Hurry and place your order today! It is always so hard to say goodbye to some of our favorite papers and products!
Paper KitsBliss Level 1 -- X7132A pg 12
Bliss Level 2 -- X7132B pg 12
Bliss stickease -- X7132C pg 12
Miracle L1 -- X7133A pg 16
Miracle L2 -- X7133B pg 16
Miracle stickease -- X7133C pg 16
Sweetheart L1 -- X7134A pg 20
Sweetheart L2 -- X7134B pg 20
Sweetheart stickease -- X7132C pg 20
Wings L1 -- X7135A pg 24
Wings L2 -- X7135B pg 24
Wings stickease -- X7135C pg 24
Magnifique L1 -- X7127A pg 38
Magnifique L2 -- X7127B pg 38
Magnifique stickease -- X7127C pg 38
Olivia L1 -- X7128A pg 38
Olivia L2 -- X7128B pg 38
Olivia stickease -- X7128C pg 38
Hooligans L1 -- X7129A pg 39
Hooligans L2 -- X7129B pg 39
Hooligans stickease -- X7129C pg 39
Mistletoe L1 -- X7130A pg 39
Mistletoe L2 -- X7130B pg 39
Mistletoe stickease -- X7130C pg 39
Sweetheart WOTG -- G1017 pg 41
Lucky WOTG -- G1018 pg 41
Sophia WOTG -- G1019 pg 41
Bliss WOTG -- G1020 pg 42
Fanfare WOTG -- G1021 pg 42
Mayberry WOTG -- G1022 pg 42
Miracle WOTG -- G1023 pg 43
Wings WOTG -- G1016 pg 43

Block Organizer: (this is one of my favorites- have to have it!) (Z185) For $22.95 (fill it now with these blocks that are being retired):

1” x 1 ½” block -- Y1001 pg 45
1” x 6 ½” block -- Y1005 pg 45
2” x 11” block -- Y1007 pg 45
2 ½” x 2 ½” block -- Y1004 pg 45
4 ½” x 6 ½” block -- Y1011 pg 45
My Acrylix block starter kit -- Y1500 pg 114

We will be adding a *NEW* block of 4 x 5″ for $15.95.. Check your stamps to see if you need these size blocks to use your stamps and BUY IT NOW!

Envelope flats – 2 ½” x 3 ½” -- Z1021 pg 114
Envelope flats – 3” x 3” -- Z1022 pg 114
Envelope flats – 3” x 4 ¾” -- Z1023 pg 114
Envelope flats – 4” x 4” -- Z1024 pg 114
Envelope flats – 4 ½” x 4 ½” -- Z1244 pg 114
Envelope flats – 5” x 5” -- Z1025 pg 114
Envelope flats – 5” x 7” -- Z1026 pg 114
Envelope flats – 5 ½” x 4 3/4 ” -- Z1027 pg 114
Envelope flats – 6” x 6” -- Z1028 pg 114
Envelope flats – 8” x 3 ½” -- Z1029 pg 114
Designer ribbon – cranberry -- Z1209 pg 115
Designer ribbon – buttercup -- Z1154 pg 115
Designer ribbon – sweet leaf -- Z1125 pg 115
Sophia L2 Journaling Spots -- Z1357 pg 116
Mini Medley Accents – Pear -- Z1339 pg 117
Mini Medley Accents – Lagoon -- Z1340 pg 117
Mini Medley Accents – Outdoor Denim -- Z1277 pg 117
Top Coats – Framed In -- Z1211 pg 118
Rub Ons – Across the Board -- Z1231 pg 118
Rub Ons – Primavera -- Z1265 pg 118
Dimensional Elements – Villa -- Z1390 pg 118
Dimensional Elements – Miracle -- Z1354 pg 118
Dimensional Elements – Booksmart -- Z1223 pg 119
Dimensional Elements – Borders -- Z1156 pg 119
Dimensional Elements – Framed Fun -- Z1140 pg 119
Dimensional Elements – Plain Chipboard -- Z1164 pg 119
Dimensional Elements – Stars -- Z1312 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – A -- Z1055 pg 119 (new DE alphabets in fall book – similar but new sizes and shapes)
Dimensional Elements Monograms – B -- Z1056 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – C -- Z1057 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – D -- Z1058 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – E -- Z1059 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – F -- Z1060 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – G -- Z1061 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – H -- Z1062 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – I -- Z1063 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – J -- Z1064 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – K -- Z1065 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – L -- Z1066 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – M -- Z1067 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – N -- Z1068 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – O -- Z1069 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – P -- Z1070 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – Q -- Z1071 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – R -- Z1072 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – S -- Z1073 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – T -- Z1074 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – U -- Z1075 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – V -- Z10576 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – W -- Z1077 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – X -- Z1078 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – Y -- Z1079 pg 119
Dimensional Elements Monograms – Z -- Z1080 pg 119
3” x 3” Mini Album -- Z1166 pg 120
My Creations 3 ring binder -- Z1141 pg 120
Kraft Color Ready Borders -- Z1377 pg 120
Red Eye Pen -- 3501 pg 121
Embossing Powders – Clear -- Z671 pg 121
Embossing Powders – Heavenly Blue -- Z647 pg 121
Embossing Powders – Pansy Purple -- Z664 pg 121
Embossing Powders – Silver Pearl -- Z678 pg 121
Block Buddy Set -- Z1289 pg 121
Pivot Point Stapler -- Z1009 pg 122
Texture Tools – Foam Tools -- Z1090 pg 122
Fun Flock -- Z263
My Accents Organizer -- Z183 pg 123
My Accents Block Organizer -- Z185 pg 123
Euro Personal Paper Trimmer -- Z338 pg 123
Euro Replacement Blades -- Z339 pg 123
Euro Replacement Blade/Scoring -- Z340 pg 123

Cardstock: If you love the 24 packs of one color, most colors are going..going…Gone! Prices will go up to $14.50 per pack. I highly recommend buying your favorites even though some colors (mostly neutrals & fall colors) will still be available in packs of 24. So if you love New England Ivy for Christmas or Outdoor Denim, buy it now. If you love Cranberry or Olive, it will still be available but at the higher price ($14.50)

Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Grey Flannel -- 5573 pg 124
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Grey Wool -- 5571 pg 124
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Brown Bag -- X5644 pg 124
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Parchment -- X5645 pg 124
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Amethyst -- X5631 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Baby Pink -- 1299 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Heavenly Blue -- 1285 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Key Lime -- 1235 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sunkiss Yellow -- 1240 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Taffy -- X5630 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Juniper -- X5752 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Lilac Mist -- 1295 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sorbet -- X5751 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Spring Iris -- 1296 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Tulip -- X5753 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Gypsy -- X5757 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Holiday Red -- 1274 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sunny Yellow -- 1225 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sunset -- X5758 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Topiary -- X5635 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Cotton Candy -- X5760 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Dutch Blue -- 1241 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Lagoon -- X5762 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Pear -- X5764 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sky -- X5761 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Autumn Terracotta -- 1270 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Barn Red -- X5637 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – New England Ivy -- 1282 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Pansy Purple -- 5590 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sunflower -- 1242 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Garden Green -- 1244 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Goldrush -- 1243 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Hollyhock -- 1246 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Indian Corn Blue -- 1284 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Vineyard Berry -- 1248 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Buttercup -- 1271 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Garnet -- X5638 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Moonstruck -- 1293 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Ponderosa Pine -- 1276 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Smokey Plum -- 1291 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Blush -- X5640 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Crystal Blue -- 1292 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Honey -- X5668 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Petal -- X5667 pg 125
Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Twilight -- X5666 pg 125
12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Antique -- X5686 pg 124 (colors are not changing but are being re-grouped so combo packs will change)
12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Timeless -- X5700 pg 124
12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Harmony -- X5682 pg 125
12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Blossom -- X5756 pg 125
12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Carnival -- X5765 pg 125
12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Celebration -- X5766 pg 125
12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Harvest -- X5684 pg 125
12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Garden -- X5698 pg 125
12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Classic -- X5685 pg 125
12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Cozy -- X5800 pg 125
8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Antique -- X5691 pg 124
8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Timeless -- X5705 pg 124
8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Harmony -- X5687 pg 125
8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Blossom -- X5755 pg 125
8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Carnival -- X5767 pg 125
8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Celebration -- X5768 pg 125
8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Harvest -- X5689 pg 125
8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Garden -- X5703 pg 125
8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Classic -- X5690 pg 125
8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Cozy -- X5801 pg 125

How will you be able to buy the colors in the new Catalog?

They will have 12 colors per pack/2 of each color (24 sheets total) for $14.95 and *NEW* 8 1/2 x 11 will be $11.95
They will also have Shade Packs colowhich consist of 3 colors/4sheets per color (12 sheets total) for $7.95
Colonial White & White Daisy as well as Kraft will continue to be sold in 24 sheet packs for only $9.50
Markers and Stamp Pads-

Stamp Pad set – Antique -- Z1564 pg 124
Stamp Pad set – Timeless -- Z1569 pg 124
Stamp Pad set – Harmony -- Z1560 pg 125
Stamp Pad set – Blossom -- Z1570 pg 125
Stamp Pad set – Carnival -- Z1573 pg 125
Stamp Pad set – Celebration -- Z1574 pg 125
Stamp Pad set – Harvest -- Z1562 pg 125
Stamp Pad set – Garden -- Z1567 pg 125
Stamp Pad set – Classic -- Z1563 pg 125
Stamp Pad set – Cozy -- Z1600 pg 125
Marker set – Antique -- Z1554 pg 124
Marker set – Timeless -- Z1559 pg 124
Marker set – Harmony -- Z1550 pg 125
Marker set – Blossom -- Z1571 pg 125
Marker set – Carnival -- Z1572 pg 125
Marker set – Celebration -- Z1575 pg 125
Marker set – Harvest -- Z1552 pg 125
Marker set – Garden -- Z1557 pg 125
Marker set – Classic -- Z1553 pg 125
Marker set – Cozy -- Z1610 pg 125
Textured Cardstock – White Daisy -- X5671 pg 124

If you are interested in ordering one ore more of these items, you can get them from my website. Remember, they won't be available after July 31st.

Celebrate!...July Stamp Club Project.

2011-07-17T19:41:00.000-04:00

This month's Stamp Club project was made using the Fanfare Workshop On The Go Kit. When I first saw this kit back in January, I knew that the colors and papers would be perfect for 4th of July pictures. I wasn't wowed by the sketch provided in the brochure for my pictures though since I knew I would have tooo many pictures to choose from. So instead I looked through my Magic book and found this layout. It met all my requirements...lots of spaces for small pictures along with space for regular 4 x 6 pictures.

I was able to use the Stamp set that came with the kit by stamping the little "star" stamp all over my pages and stamping an ice cream cone and putting it in one of the spaces instead of another picture.

Then I had another problem. I couldn't decide on just 3 photos to go into the 4 x 6 spaces. I had too many that I didn't want to leave out. My problem was solved when I remembered the 4 x 6 Flip Flaps that I had purchased but haven't used yet. I used 2 on the right side page and was able to use 6 photos there. Below is a picture of the top flap open.

And here is a picture of both flaps open. I also added an extra small photo on the page also that was not in the sketch but that's the great thing about our How-To Books, they give you a starting point and you can finish it anyway you like.

For next month, we will be using the Mayberry Workshop On The Go Kit to create a really cute layout.
Contact me if you are interested in joining us. We will be meeting on August 20th at the Crossroads Church of God.

Art Philosophy Cricut® Collection

2011-07-15T20:00:00.000-04:00

We’re happy to announce our exclusive Cricut® Art Philosophy Collection with 700 shapes, 3 My Acrylix® stamp sets, and 3 sheets of Dimensional Elements! You’re going to love it!

Find out why Close To My Heart's Art Philosophy Cricut® Collection is a must-have! With over 700 unique shapes, including rosettes, gift boxes, and lace, you'll learn how to create beautiful artwork with incredible ease.

A Magical Time!!!

2011-07-11T23:43:00.000-04:00

In two short days "Magic" will be happening at Disneyland in California but it won't be because of Mickey Mouse! It will be because of Close To My Heart's 2011 Convention. Every year, thousands of Consultants from all over the country gather to anxiously await the unveiling of the new Fall/Winter Idea Book. And with that get a first hand look at all the brand new, totally awesome products. It is very exciting!

Unfortunately I will not be there...(insert sad face here). But I'll be able to keep up with up-to-the-minute breaking news from Close To My Heart's facebook page. Like them here to get updates.

The release of the new Idea Book also means that some items will be retiring...here is a list of SOME of the items that I know will be retiring. If you want them you will need to order them by July 31st before they are gone.

and ALL LEVEL 1 KITS.

Don't forget about July's special Bang for your Buck!

Look what I got in the mail today!

2011-07-09T20:49:00.000-04:00

I had a special package delivered by my Fed Ex man waiting for me when I got home yesterday. It was from Close To My Heart and I was searching my mind trying to remember if I should have any backordered items coming...but I knew I didn't.

I opened the package hurriedly and was super excited when I saw it was a jewelry box and a letter from Jeanette Lynton, the Founder and CEO of Close To My Heart. Here's what the letter read:

Dear Nancy,

Congratulations on an extraordinary achievement in your Close To My Heart business--your ten-year anniversary! Your creativity and dedication of the past decade are both impressive and appreciated. We celebrate with you and want you to know we are deeply honored to have you as part of the Close To My Heart family.

To celebrate this milestone, we'd like to present you with a token of our gratitude: this beautiful pendant. The charm features our signature "heart key" with a diamond added to remind you of your great worth. We hope you wear it with pride in your accomplishments and anticipation for the future.

Thank you for all you do to enrich our community; we look forward to many more years to come!

Sincerely,

Jeanette Lynton, Founder/CEO
Close To My Heart

Here is the pendant/charm.

I can't believe I have been with Close To My Heart for 10 years! I signed up without even knowing how to stamp and frankly just to get the discount for my scrapbook paper. But once I got my kit and started stamping, I was hooked!

In the 10 years since joining, I have developed close friendships with several ladies that I probably wouldn't have gotten to know otherwise. Plus I have learned that I enjoy teaching which is surprising considering that in high school I was too shy and embarrassed to stand up in front of the class (My face would have turned blood red!).

Sweet 16

2011-07-07T22:18:00.000-04:00

Last month (while I was computerless) we celebrated Gabrielle's 16th birthday. She didn't want a party so since she was staying in Brunswick at Ashley's house for the week, I went there and cooked spaghetti for everyone. Then we had cake...I picked this one up from Wal-Mart and it was so goooood.

I can't believe she is 16! Where has the time gone? Well, I guess now it's time to start looking for her a car...

4th of July Celebration

2011-07-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

After a full day of painting, we went to Screven to watch the fireworks. We go every year and sit in the same spot and usually my sisters and their family come also.

Here is our annual family photo.

My sister Nadalie and her daughter, Eleni.

Nadalie acting silly with Gabrielle.

Cassidy's toes...aren't they cute?

Nadalie's family.

Some of the fireworks we saw.

All in all, it was a great day!

Room Makeover

2011-07-06T07:00:00.001-04:00

Cassidy has been after me for months to re-decorate her room with zebra print. The girl is crazy for zebra print. I can't really blame her for wanting to change her room since it was originally painted 16 years ago for Gabrielle when she was a baby.

I had Tony add a shelf (with pegs for hanging things) around the whole perimeter of the room. I stenciled Angels above the shelf and painted pink stripes below. It was just right for a baby girl...

In hindsight, I should have stencilled the angels at the top of the wall instead of right above the shelf.

So we started painting over it to get ready to make it Cassidy's room.

Gabrielle helped her daddy paint the primer on as I had a hard time thinking about all my hard work being covered.

After the walls were primed and the bottom half was painted a fantastic hot pink, I started painting the top half with a zebra stripe. Now, I just freehanded this and although it doesn't look exactly like a zebra, it's close enough. Besides, in my research I found all kinds of zebra print patterns.

Here I am in all my glory...at least I didn't still have my nightgown on. LOL!

While I was starting on the zebra stripes, Gabrielle was outside painting Cassidy's old furniture. I wish I had taken a photo of the "before" furniture so you could see the big difference. It used to be sponged with a yellow and white finish. Big change!

We didn't let Cassidy see her room until it was completely finished. Here is her reaction on seeing her new room! How fun!

The big reveal...

I still have to get some accesories to go in it and Tony needs to take up that old yucky carpet. We already have a wood floor laminate to put in there but he needs some help installing it.

Now, Gabrielle is anxious for me to start in her room...

Bang For Your Buck Constant Campaign

2011-07-05T19:34:00.001-04:00

The July Constant Campaign is going to give you more Bang For Your Buck! During the month of July, make a minimum purchase of $50 (US and CAN) from the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book and add a bonus item for only $1 (US and CAN).

Choose from five items, each valued at $8.95 US or more (limit one bonus item per qualifying order). Order early, before supplies run out!

Featured Product(s):
X5811 Creative Basics® Mistletoe
X5807 Creative Basics® Animal Cookies
X8624 My Originals® Bits & Pieces Card Kit
X8622 My Originals® It’s Your Day Card Kit
X8623 My Originals® Around the Holidays Card Kit

July Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2011-07-05T18:53:00.000-04:00

I'm a little late in posting this...but it is so good!

Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Kathleen Androlewicz http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/
Judy Burger http://www.makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Angela Tutton http://www.tuttonstreasures.blogspot.com/
Jen Patrick http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
LeAnne Dudley http://www.dudleychickdesigns.blogspot.com/
Susan Brooks http://stampingintheopen.blogspot.com/
Cindy Leek http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/
Angel Sawyer http://runningwithscissorsdesignco.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio http://jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Doreen Guilfoyle http://whereisyourhappyplace.blogspot.com/
Paige Dolecki http://paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Sarita Schraeder http://www.blessedscrapper.com/
Teresa Scrivens http://www.creatingwithinkypaw.com/
Wendy Fording http://papercreationsbywendy.blogspot.com/
Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.com/
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Shannon Beck http://www.cardsfromthefarm.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
Tamytha Jenkins http://www.paperheartist.com/
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/
Traci Pasqualone http://scrapitraci.blogspot.com/
Wanda Riley http://creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com/
Adeline Brill http://www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Pamela O’Connor http://cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Terrie Dodd http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Nicole Griggs http://www.nicolescreativezone.blogspot.com/
Mary Eisen http://mestamp2.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Wendy Coffman http://www.stampingrules.blogspot.com/
Lisa Sargent http://lisa-sargent.blogspot.com/
Carol Harris http://www.carol-harris.blogspot.com/
Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Melinda Everitt http://ifyoublingittheywillcome.blogspot.com/
Beth Naumann http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/
Nancy Brown http://creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com/
Georgia Hauglid http://inkygeorgia.blogspot.com/
Melissa Robinson http://www.mlisrobinson.blogspot.com/
Michelle Loncar http://michelleloncar.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Tammy Lea Pinchard http://mycreativeclubhouse.blogspot.com/
Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Annette Green http://annettescreativejourney.blogspot.com/
Vickie Tagatz http://create-with-me-vickie.blogspot.com/
Krista Ritskes http://kristaritskes-simplycreating.blogspot.com/
Shirley Ross http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com/
Lori Brown http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com/
Vicki Wizniuk http://wizardshangout.blogspot.com/
Karen Fullam http://www.enrichingmemories.com/
Sarah Harrington http://scrapwithsarahm.blogspot.com/
Tamra Pope http://www.tamrascraftypapercreations.blogspot.com/
Debbie Little http://www.makinglittlememories.blogspot.com/
Gina Brandstetter http://gmbscrapper.blogspot.com/
Lisa Schaefer http://lisalynn00.blogspot.com/
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com/
Tonya Whitehurst http://heartandsoulscrappers.blogspot.com/
Amy McVey http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/
Diana Soling http://mystampingspot.blogspot.com/
Judy Faye Garner http://judyfaye.blogspot.com/

My Acrylix® Dreams Come True Stamp Set

2011-06-29T22:16:00.001-04:00

Featuring the My Acrylix® Dreams Come True stamp set, this video is packed with inspiring artwork and creative techniques from Close To My Heart. Discover how to create a beautiful banner using the My Creations® Mix & Mingle album, learn how to use the embossed resist technique for gorgeous lettering, clip away part of a stamped sentence for a whole new meaning, build a card sentiment like a puzzle, and more!

Creativity with Trees & Things Stamp Set

2011-06-29T21:24:00.001-04:00

Close To My Heart's My Acrylix® Trees & Things stamp set is perfect for showing off lots of neat stamping techniques, including rock 'n' roll, second generation, masking, and more! In this short video, we take these popular techniques to the next level of creativity on cards, a scrapbook page, and even a journal. Easy and fun for all stamping-crazy folks or for those just learning!

Fanfare Workshop On The Go

2011-06-17T20:39:00.000-04:00

This will be the workshop we will do next month (July) for our stamp club project. It is called Fanfare and the stamp set comes with an ice cream cone and cupcake for birthday celebrations but I will probably use it for my 4th of July pictures this year. The Workshop is $29.95 and comes with an exclusive stamp set, a Level 2 paper packet, Blue collection buttons and a guide with detailed instructions for completing this layout and a set of cards.

Here are the Required Tools needed to complete as is that you may want to get also.

Item # Product Cost

E1015 My Acrylix® Cocktail Alphabet $34.95

Z2116 Cranberry Exclusive Inks® Pad $5.25

Z2192 Pacifica Exclusive Inks® Pad $5.25

Z1392 2" Scallop Circle Punch $14.95

Y1000 1" × 1" My Acrylix® Block $3.95

Y1002 1" × 3 1/2" My Acrylix® Block $5.95

Y1003 2" × 2" My Acrylix® Block

And here is the layout we completed this month. I have not taken a picture of it since I added photos to it but you get the idea. Even though it was the Lucky Workshop On The Go, I decided not to follow their directions and instead copied a layout in the 2011 Spring/Summer Idea Book using the Magic How-To Book.

I don't know why the pictures came out so whomppy, but at least it is posted. LOL!

Studio J FREE-for-All!

2011-06-17T20:02:00.000-04:00

June 2011 Constant Campaign

During our Studio J® Free-for-All in June, we're giving everyone a FREE Studio J® JPG file—no purchase required! Simply log on to Studio J, create a layout, then order one JPG file of your layout during the checkout process. It's as easy as that! We're offering one free JPG file per customer account during June, so customers who already have a Studio J or a MyCTMH® account are ready to log on and start creating. If a customer doesn't have an account, no worries—they can log on and create an account and then order their free JPG file with no strings attached. Make June the month you introduce all of your customers to Studio J with our FREE JPG promotion. They'll love it and return for more!

Visit my CTMH Website to get your free JPG image.

Dates: Offer valid June 1, 12:01 am (MDT) – June 30, 11:59 pm (MDT)

You & Me...can make a difference.

2011-06-17T20:00:00.000-04:00

Severe flooding, tornadoes, and storms have affected the lives of thousands across the United States, but together we can make a difference. Purchase the You & Me scrapbooking kit for only $15.00 US/ $16.50 CAN (a retail value of $34.95/$38.95), and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross Spring 2011 Floods and Tornadoes relief operations. With the You & Me kit, you’ll create two fully embellished two-page layouts using the included instructions, papers, D-size stamp set, and accessories. At only $15/$16.50, this kit is more than 50% off the retail price. You’ll win by getting the kit at a phenomenal price, and those in the weather-devastated regions will benefit from your charitable contribution. Together we can make a difference; together we are stronger! Offer valid June 1–30, 2011, or while supplies last. No qualifying purchase required. Tax and shipping/handling charges apply.

You can order from my website here.

June Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Jubilation

2011-06-03T16:20:00.000-04:00

CTMH’s June Stamp of the Month: D1457 Jubilation is a celebration of all the different holidays of the year.

Here’s the complete list of all the participants in the CTMH June Blog Hop. Sit back with your favorite beverage and enjoy!

Kathleen Androlewicz http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/

Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/

Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/

Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/

Susan Brooks http://stampingintheopen.blogspot.com/

Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/

Melinda Everitt http://ifyoublingittheywillcome.blogspot.com/

Lisa Sargent http://lisa-sargent.blogspot.com/

Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/

Georgia Hauglid http://inkygeorgia.blogspot.com/

Jen Patrick http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/

Nicole Griggs http://www.nicolescreativezone.blogspot.com/

Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/
Wendy Coffman http://www.stampingrules.blogspot.com/

LeAnne Dudley http://www.dudleychickdesigns.blogspot.com/

Cindy Leek http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/

Judy Burger http://www.makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/

Tammy Lea Pinchard http://mycreativeclubhouse.blogspot.com/

Shirley Ross http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com/

Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com/

Beth Naumann http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/

Jen Rubio http://jenrubio.blogspot.com/

Paige Dolecki http://paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/

Melissa Robinson http://www.mlisrobinson.blogspot.com/

Dawn Heuft http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com/

Angela Tutton http://www.tuttonstreasures.blogspot.com/

Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/

Doreen Guilfoyle http://whereisyourhappyplace.blogspot.com/

Pamela O’Connor http://cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/

Tamytha Jenkins http://www.paperheartist.com/

Teresa Scrivens http://www.creatingwithinkypaw.com/

Mary Eisen http://mestamp2.blogspot.com/

Krista Ritskes http://kristaritskes-simplycreating.blogspot.com/

Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/

Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/

Michelle Loncar http://michelleloncar.blogspot.com/

Traci Pasqualone http://scrapitraci.blogspot.com/

Vickie Tagatz http://create-with-me-vickie.blogspot.com/

Sarita Schraeder http://www.blessedscrapper.com/

Wendy Fording http://papercreationsbywendy.blogspot.com/

Angel Sawyer http://runningwithscissorsdesignco.blogspot.com/

Annette Green http://annettescreativejourney.blogspot.com/

Lori Brown http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com/

Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.com/

Shannon Beck http://www.cardsfromthefarm.blogspot.com/

Wanda Riley http://creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com/

Nancy Brown http://creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com/
Sarah Harrington http://scrapwithsarahm.blogspot.com/
Karen Fullam http://enrichingmemories.com/
Lisa Schaefer http://lisalynn00.blogspot.com/
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com/
Gina Brandstetter http://gmbscrapper.blogspot.com/
Debbie Little http://www.makinglittlememories.blogspot.com/

Scallop Borders with Mayberry Workshops on the Go™ Stamp Set

2011-06-03T16:07:00.000-04:00

And here's another video...

Mayberry Workshop secrets revealed! Discover how easy it is to create a scallop border using—what else?—a stamp image of a pear! We'll walk you step-by-step through this fun technique and introduce you to the Workshops on the Go™ program. It's a scrapbooking and cardmaking kit filled with paper, accessories, and an exclusive stamp set!

Newsprint Rub-Ons from Close To My Heart

2011-06-03T16:06:00.000-04:00

I am still having computer problems...I think my hard drive has had it so I am sitting at the County Library trying to update my blog to let you know of new things going on. This is my first post today but it won't be my last. Close To My Heart has released two new videos...here's the first one. Enjoy!

Find out what makes Close To My Heart Newsprint rub-ons so easy to apply and fun to use. Plus, you'll discover why the booklet makes it super-easy to use just the letters you need. Get ready to be inspired by the beautiful artwork! Features a step-by-step tutorial.

Having computer problems...will post soon.

2011-06-01T18:00:00.000-04:00

Cinderella goes to the pageant...

2011-05-11T23:46:00.000-04:00

Ok, so it's finally time for the pageant. This was Cassidy's first pageant and I was nervous. If you know Cassidy, then you know that she is the most tomboyish, ungraceful little girl. To look at her you wouldn't think that she ever brushes her hair so I am hoping that somehow through all this, she will begin to care about the way she looks. And she did...for a couple of days. Oh, well.

There were only 4 other girls in her age group. Here they all are at the beginning of the pageant.

Of course, the judges had to see the back of their dresses.

She looked beautiful out there although she looked older. She's a tall girl anyway but we had to buy 3" heels so she wouldn't trip over her dress. I told her she looked like Cinderella with that blue dress on.

Guess what? She was 1st runner-up! For a minute there, my heart stopped beating as I thought she might win it but we were thrilled with what she placed. I was very happy for the little girl that won. She looked so sweet and innocent.

Here are all the girls and their title from left to right ( I won't post their names). The winner, second runner-up, fourth runner-up, Cassidy (1st runner-up) and third runner-up.

She was so excited that night, I had a hard time getting her to go to sleep. She even wanted to sleep with her trophy but I convinced her that she might break it while asleep.

I was so glad for it to be over. I am not a "Pageant Mom". I can't handle the stress. I think that took 10 years off my life. LOL!

So now I am caught up through March...still need to post Easter pictures. Stay tuned.

Makeover using Sophia Workshop on the Go.

2011-05-11T23:35:00.000-04:00

Our last stop before the pageant was to our local Merle Norman store to have her makeup done. Since I really don't wear that much makeup, I wanted a "professional" to do it. The clerk did a wonderful job...my only request was that she remember that she was only 11 years old and not to put it on too heavy. Cassidy was super excited to finally be able to wear some makeup.

Here she is...all made up. Doesn't she look beautiful? And how do you like her hairstyle? I'll tell you a little secret...I fixed her hair. No...really! I wanted something super simple (for me) but a little dressy. I used a bump-it. I was very proud of it. I have thought about going to Cosmetology School just to learn how to fix my daughters hair but never committed to it. Anyhoo...I'm proud.

And this is last month's Stamp Club layout I made using the Sophia Workshop On The Go kit and these photos

I was wrong in my last post...I still have one more post about the pageant. I got so far behind in my posting when my computer tore up. Sorry for all the posts on top on one another.

Pedicure Time!

2011-05-11T22:45:00.000-04:00

The day before the pageant, Cassidy and I went to Rosalee's to be pampered with a pedicure. She tried over and over to talk me into getting her fake nails but failed. I had to remind her that she was only "11" and I didn't think that was appropriate for young girls plus it damages your nails so much. I did let her pick out an electric blue nail polish with glitter. I wouldn't have been caught dead in that shade but I am an old fogey I guess. Anyway, she loved it and her toes were beautiful!

That feels wonderful!

Purdy!!!

Drying time!

I still have one more post about her first (and hopefully last) pageant.

You have to go through a little pain...

2011-05-11T22:30:00.000-04:00

to look beautiful!

Cassidy found out the hard way when she was getting ready for her School Pageant. I took her to have her eyebrows waxed to get rid of her very bushy (almost) unibrow. This was her first time getting her eyebrows waxed. I'm not sure I will be able to convince her to have it done again.

Look how inflamed and red they are!

Miracle WOTG

2011-05-11T20:02:00.000-04:00

This is the layout we will be doing this Saturday during my monthly Stamp Club meeting. It was done using the Miracle Workshop On The Go kit. These kits are great because not only do you get plenty of matching paper (24 shees) to work with, they also come with an exclusive stamp set plus some sort of embelishments.. The stamp set in this kit let you make those adorable pinwheels. The embelishment is a package of our Kraft color-ready adhesive borders which you can easily color to match your layout. Did I mention that it also comes with a full color brochure with cutting diagrams and directions? All for the great price of $29.95

I don't know why the picture quality isn't good. I haven't done anything different.

Love Your Layout: May 2011 Studio J

2011-05-10T21:44:00.000-04:00

In this episode of Love Your Layout, learn how to create a beautiful layout featuring you and someone you love in just minutes! It's easy with Studio J®, Close To My Heart's online design software.

National Scrapbooking Month - You & Me Kit & HALF PRICE Consultant Kit!

2011-05-04T23:37:00.000-04:00

Close To My Heart is celebrating National Scrapbooking Month in May with a fabulous promotion! During May, when you…

Place a minimum order of $50, you can grab an exclusive You & Me scrapbooking kit for just $15! Good Golly Ms. Molly—that’s more than half off the retail value of the kit! You can also purchase the kit outright for $34.95 with or without a minimum purchase. It’s a charming kit that you are sure to love. It features two fully embellished layouts, each with their own unique personality, a D-size stamp set, and an instruction guide to step you through the creation process.

As part of our promotion, we’re also offering new Consultants who join Close To My Heart in May 50% off the base price of the New Consultant Kit PLUS a free You & Me scrapbooking kit valued at $34.95! WOOOHOOOO!

Join my team today! Click here for the application!

Watch the video below to see what you can do with this kit.

CTMH May Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

2011-05-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Wow, it's another month! I am so behind in posting because my computer had that stupid Windows Security virus (malware, spyware, whatever it's called). I couldn't use it for 2 weeks. I was literally having withdrawals. LOL!

I have lots to tell you about so keep checking back. I promise to post some pictures of Cassidy from her 1st Beauty Pageant also. She came in 1st runner-up. We were so proud.

But now it's time to talk about this month's SOTM D1456 Chairs. I knew I would have to have this set from the first time I saw it back in January. There are almost 60 consultants participating in this month's blog hop so you should be able to get plenty of inspiration for this stamp set.

Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Kathleen Androlewicz http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/
Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Susan Brooks http://stampingintheopen.blogspot.com/
Beth Naumann http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/
Doreen Guilfoyle http://whereisyourhappyplace.blogspot.com/
Chris Shouse http://houseostamps.wordpress.com/
Tammy Lea Pinchard http://mycreativeclubhouse.blogspot.com/
Lori Brown http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Angel Sawyer http://runningwithscissorsdesignco.blogspot.com/
Vickie Tagatz http://create-with-me-vickie.blogspot.com/
Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/
Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Teresa Scrivens http://www.creatingwithinkypaw.com/
Michelle Loncar http://michelleloncar.blogspot.com/
Sarita Schraeder http://www.blessedscrapper.com/
Tamytha Jenkins http://www.paperheartist.com/
Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
Mary Eisen http://mestamp2.blogspot.com/
Georgia Hauglid http://inkygeorgia.blogspot.com/
Krista Ritskes http://kristaritskes-simplycreating.blogspot.com/
Angela Tutton http://www.tuttonstreasures.blogspot.com/
Jen Patrick http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Terrie Dodd http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Shirley Ross http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com/
Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.com/
Shannon Beck http://www.cardsfromthefarm.blogspot.com/
Teri Baxter http://www.themidnightartist.blogspot.com/
Annette Green http://annettescreativejourney.blogspot.com/
Judy Burger http://www.makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio http://jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Pamela O’Connor http://cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Wanda Riley http://creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com/
Nicole Griggs http://nicolescreativezone.blogspot.com/
Cindy Leek http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Adeline Brill http://www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Melissa Robinson http://www.mlisrobinson.blogspot.com/
Wendy Fording http://papercreationsbywendy.blogspot.com/
LeAnne Dudley http://www.dudleychickdesigns.blogspot.com/
Nancy Brown http://creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com/
Wendy Coffman http://www.stampingrules.blogspot.com/
Lisa Sargent http://lisa-sargent.blogspot.com/
Traci Pasqualone http://scrapitraci.com/
Karen Fullam http://www.enrichingmemories.com/
Paige Dolecki http://paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com/
Gina Brandstetter http://www.gmbscrapper@blogspot.com

Debbie Little http://www.makinglittlememories.blogspot.com

Studio J®: Personalize Your Layouts

2011-04-30T22:40:00.000-04:00

Here's another couple of videos for using Studio J most effectively. I admit I haven't played with it that much but I am working on some layouts since they have posted these videos. I will post them when I am finished.

Studio J has options galore for personalizing your scrapbook layouts! Change the color of your photos; swap the cardstock and patterned B&T paper in your layout; embellish with buttons, ribbons, and metals; and distress the surface or edges of your paper using a range of tools and colors. You'll love the way Studio J offers you incredible artistic freedom with the click of a mouse!

Studio J®: Photo Editing Tool

2011-04-30T22:39:00.001-04:00

Edit your photos right in Studio J, including adjusting brightness; changing color balance and saturation; removing red-eye, blemishes, and wrinkles; and whitening teeth. Find out how easy it is in Studio J, Close To My Heart's online scrapbook design software!

National Scrapbooking Month Promotion

2011-04-12T08:00:00.005-04:00

Explore Close To My Heart's new You & Me scrapbooking kit, designed exclusively for National Scrapbooking Month in May 2011. You'll create two unique, fully embellished two-page layouts using the cardstock, B&T Duos® papers, ribbon, D-size stamp set, accessories, and step-by-step instruction guide that are included in the kit. Grab the kit at a great discount with a qualifying purchase, for free when you join Close To My Heart, or at full retail—the choice is yours! Take a look and you'll be hooked!

Contact me to order!

My Acrylix® On This Day Inspiration & Tutorial

2011-04-12T07:30:00.001-04:00

Here's another great video from CTMH! I really love their ideas.

Get inspired by artwork featuring the My Acrylix® On This Day stamp set in this short, fun video from Close To My Heart. You'll love the paper piecing technique that really makes the stamped images stand out. We've created a scrapbook layout and two cards that will give you lots of great ideas for your next crafting session!

Springin' Up Flowers

2011-04-06T08:30:00.002-04:00

Create enchanting 3-D flowers using our new My Acrylix® Spring Up stamp set.

Perfect Paper Pinwheels

2011-04-06T08:00:00.002-04:00

Close To My Heart makes accenting your artwork fast and easy! Take a peek inside the Miracle Workshops on the Go™ projects with this video. Find out just how easy it is to create the adorable pinwheels on the cards and layouts!

April Constant Campaigns

2011-04-05T08:00:00.002-04:00

Lovin' Level 1!

During April,when you place an order of $100.00 or more on my MyCTMH website, you'll receive one My Reflections Level 1 kit of your choice FREE during our Lovin' Level 1 campaign. Choose from several popular Level 1 kits. You'll also qualify for a FREE April Stamp of the Month set!

What are the Level 1 kits from which customers can choose?

Sparkle with Studio J!

Also this month, it's time to let your Studio J layouts shine with this exclusive, members-only campaign! Studio J members will receive FREE bling when you buy 10 layouts this month. Bling it up and bling it on with free self-adhesive Sparkles and Opaques Pearl gems. Interested? Visit Studio J on my website to get started. Click here!

Be sure to check out the NEW Studio J Video that walks you step by step through the process.

Studio J®: Step-by-Step Basics

2011-04-05T07:30:00.002-04:00

Here are some great instructions for Studio J. Remember it's free to play, you only pay once you decide to order the layouts and Close To My Heart will print them for you.

Hope for Japan

2011-04-04T22:41:00.001-04:00

Our hearts go out to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and like so many of you, we’re eager to help. From now until April 30, when you purchase the exclusive “Hope for Japan” A-size stamp set (A1118) for only $5, Close To My Heart will donate 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross’ efforts in Japan

This set has a retail value of $7.95 but is only $5! You can place your order on-line at https://nancyhoover.myctmh.com/ or email me at nancyhoover@hotmail.com.

April Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - Blessed

2011-04-04T21:47:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it is April 4th! What happened to March? It is a blur...I think everyone in my family had the stomach virus... Cassidy was in her school pageant and won 1st runner-up and then tragically,an old friend's husband died suddenly. I hope April has happier days in store for us.

I have lots of things to post but will have to do it a little at a time so check back soon.

Here is the blog hop for April's Stamp of the Month, Blessed. The outline images have coordinating shade stamps to fill in open areas. Or…color in the images using Watercolor Pencils, markers, or the quick coloring technique (using a stencil & sponge dauber).

Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy the hop! If you are inspired by all the great ideas and want your own stamp set, you can order it here on my website. Remember, you can get this stamp set FREE with a qualifying order but only in the month of April.

Kathleen Androlewicz http://bowlofstamps.blogspot.com/
Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Tammy Lea Pinchard http://mycreativeclubhouse.blogspot.com/
Jen Patrick http://roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Wanda Riley http://creatingwithwanda.blogspot.com/
Angel Sawyer http://runningwithscissorsdesignco.blogspot.com/
LeAnne Dudley http://www.dudleychickdesigns.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.com/
Melinda Everitt http://ifyoublingittheywillcome.blogspot.com/
Susan Brooks http://stampingintheopen.blogspot.com/
Vickie Tagatz http://create-with-me-vickie.blogspot.com/
Pamela O’Connor http://cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Teresa Scrivens http://www.creatingwithinkypaw.com/
Doreen Guilfoyle http://whereisyourhappyplace.blogspot.com/
Sheila Bennett http://sheila-bennett.blogspot.com/
Angela Tutton http://www.tuttonstreasures.blogspot.com/
Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Wendy Coffman http://www.stampingrules.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside http://carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Michelle Loncar http://michelleloncar.blogspot.com/
Chris Shouse http://houseostamps.wordpress.com/
Annette Green http://annettescreativejourney.blogspot.com/
Sarita Schraeder http://www.blessedscrapper.com/
Nicole Griggs http://www.nicolescreativezone.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer http://inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio http://jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Kristie Herdener http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross http://iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Laurie Newton http://www.scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/
Nancy Brown http://creativelyartsygallery.blogspot.com/
Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Carol Harris http://www.carol-harris.blogspot.com/
Lori Brown http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com/
Georgia Hauglid http://inkygeorgia.blogspot.com/
Judy Burger http://www.makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Tamytha Jenkins http://www.paperheartist.com/
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Mary Eisen http://mestamp2.blogspot.com/
Beth Naumann http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/
Adeline Brill http://www.adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
Melissa Robinson http://www.mlisrobinson.blogspot.com/
Lisa Sargent http://lisa-sargent.blogspot.com/
Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft http://stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Shirley Ross http://www.momnmescrap.blogspot.com/
Traci Pasqualone http://scrapitraci.blogspot.com/
Tonya Whitehurst http://heartandsoulscrappers.blogspot.com/
Gina Brandstetter http://www.gmbscrapper.blogspot.com/
Shannon Beck http://cardsfromthefarm.blogspot.com/
Paige Dolecki http://www.paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Jean McNulty http://stampinmaui.blogspot.com/