Jen's Jewel Box

NEW Product Blog Hop!!

2012-01-29T18:00:00.000-08:00

WELCOME to our CTMH NEW Product Blog Hop...featuring all-new products from our Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book that goes live on February 1st!! If you've joined me from Nicole's Blog then you are on the correct path.

I've created this standard-size card to share with you
featuring some of my favorite NEW products:

Just For You My Acrylix stamp set B1398 (p. 18)

Stella paper packet X 7147B (p. 16)

Neutral Assortment (chocolate) Baker's Twine Z1701 (p. 124)

This card also features the stamp-rolling technique and faux stitching!

Now you can continue on the hop by visiting
Georgia's blog next! Enjoy!!

Monthly Memories Club begins January 27 and 28!

2012-01-24T15:00:00.000-08:00

Let me help you make more progress and complete more of your scrapbooking this year...one page...and one layout at a time! We will meet at 6:30pm and 7:30pm every month on either the 3rd, 4th, or 5th weekend. Join us on Friday night or Saturday night or even both nights if you want/need extra time to create with us! At 6:30pm we will create one 12x12 layout with traditional materials (paper, stamps, and embellishments!) for $10 per layout. Then, at 7:30pm we will create another layout (faster, simpler, and easier!) with Studio J online at no additional charge! Yes, you read that correctly, the Studio J class is FREE! You can join us for both segments of class time, or just come for either the first or second hour, whichever interests you most!

Here are photos of the $10 traditional layout we will create (you will need to choose and let me know when you RSVP to me, which layout...either the pink one OR the blue one...you want to make):

(remember, you can click on any and all of my images to see them larger!)

I will have all of the papers for the layouts pre-cut and ready for you to stamp, assemble, and embellish! All you will need to bring is your adhesive, photos, and favorite basic tools you like to use. Please PLAN AHEAD NOW by finding the 4 photos of the person you want to feature on your pages. You will need two photos that are 4"x6" tall and one photo that is 4"x6" wide, plus one more photo that you can crop into a 4"x4" circle. If you want to be extra prepared you can even start writing down your list of "10 things" you love about them now, then bring it to class with you, so you can completely finish your layout faster!

For those joining us for the Studio J class at 7:30pm, bringing your own laptop computer is recommended, but not required. I do have a few extra computers available for your use when you reserve one with me (first come, first serve)! It is however, very important that you remember to bring your digital photos to use (files that you have saved on a memory card, flash drive, or dvd) to create the Studio J pages! Here is what the Studio J layout for our January Studio J class will look like:

Kit: Sonoma
Pattern: Cherish: Abstract™
Photos: 2 vertical, 1 horizontal,1 circle
Colors: Smokey Plum, Cocoa, Olive, Bamboo
Techniques we will learn:
• Using the stitching guide to frame photos
• Clustering embellishments and My Stickease® across both pages

Here's another example of this same layout made using different photos:

I hope you can join us for these easy, fun, informative, and inspiring classes! Contact me to reserve your spot early (as space is limited to just 9 guests)!!

Chinese New Year Blog Hop (Day 2)!

2012-01-23T06:45:00.000-08:00

Chinese New Year Blog Hop
January 22-23, 2012
Year of the Dragon

Ni hao!...and WELCOME to day 2 of the Chinese New Year Blog Hop! This hop is in honor of Alex, the little boy my friend April's family recently adopted from Taiwan. To celebrate his culture, we want to share some Chinese-inspired projects with you!

If you arrived here from Dena's blog then you are in the right place! If you just joined us, you can also go back to April's blog at www.curlsandgrins.blogspot.com to see everyone's amazing creativity
from the start of the hop!

For my project today I have this little asian-inspired "pocket notes purse" to share...
(remember, you can click on my image to see it up-close!)

This little gift-box with handle was created using instructions I found on splitcoaststampers.com (project is named "Pocket Notes Purse"). The stamp set I used is called "Aspiration" and the papers I used are "Unforgettable", both retired products from Close to my Heart.

We have some great blog candy to offer from April Nourse and PSA Essentials. To be eligible, you must simply comment on each blog on each day's post. We'd love for you to become a follower of each of our blogs too!

THANK YOU for stopping by and
Happy Chinese New Year everyone!
Your next stop is Theresa's blog! Enjoy!!

Chinese New Year Blog Hop (Day 1)!!

2012-01-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

Chinese New Year Blog Hop
January 22-23, 2012
Year of the Dragon

Ni hao!...and WELCOME to the Chinese New Year Blog Hop! This hop is in honor of Alex, the little boy my friend April's family recently adopted from Taiwan. To celebrate his culture, we want to share some Chinese-inspired projects with you (although I didn't fully understand this expectation at first, so this first project that I have to share with you for day one of this two-day hop is more "New Year"-themed than it is Chinese-inspired, so I hope that's okay and that you will enjoy it anyway)! I will be sending this card to April and her family next week to congratulate them on their "brand-new addition"!! :)

For my project today I created this standard-size card...
(remember, you can click on my image to see it up-close!)

My card features products that are all from Close to my Heart! I used the Hooray Bouquet D1491 stamp set with the Roxie papers X7140B. The flowers were cut from our fantastic Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge that allowed me to cut my paper to perfectly fit the images I stamped on them (no scissors needed)! The "dry-embossed and then sanded with sand-paper" leaves and frame were also cut using this "must-have" cartridge! To create the "cracked glass" effect, I applied liquid glass about 1/8" thick to fill in the entire oval shape inside the frame (I did this after I stamped the sentiment; and make sure you use a permanent or pigment based ink for stamping as I didn't do here, water-based inks can bleed under the liquid glass and you may notice that my ink did run just a little bit). You can use a pin to poke any air bubbles that you might get as you are applying the liquid glass also. Then I let it dry over-night. To crack it, I simply put it in the freezer for about 15 minutes to get it nice and cold, then I removed it and bent my cardstock in different directions to create all the various cracks. Then I used a sponge-dauber with a Desert Sand ink pad to swirl the color over the cracks and let the color soak in. Wipe with a clean tissue to remove any extra ink residue and...you're done creating "cracked glass"!

We have some great blog candy to offer from April Nourse and PSA Essentials. To be eligible, you must simply comment on each blog on each day's post. We'd love for you to become a follower of each of our blogs too!
THANK YOU for stopping by and
Happy Chinese New Year everyone!
Your next stop is Theresa's blog! Enjoy!!

January Card Class photos!

2012-01-16T22:16:00.000-08:00

Our new year of Card Classes is off to a great start!! I was so happy to have 10 of you attend our January Card Classes on Friday night (1/13) and 2 of you on Saturday night (1/14)! Here are just a few photos showing what a great time we had creating and socializing together! I already have another plan in mind how to re-arrange my tables for next month, so we can fit 10 of us at one time even more comfortably. THANK YOU to everyone who joined us and I will look forward to creating more cards with you all again next month! :)

January Card Class this Friday 1/13 and Saturday 1/14 (6:30-8:30pm)!

2012-01-09T15:24:00.000-08:00

Join me this coming Friday or Saturday night for our first Monthly Card Class of the New Year!! You can even join us both nights if you want more time to create extra cards! Let me show you how to create a variety of 3 different hand-made greeting cards using the latest NEW stamps, papers, techniques, and embellishments. All of our cards are designed with our Cricut "Art Philosophy" cartridge that cuts paper to perfectly fit the images we will be stamping on them! I will have all of the papers pre-cut and sorted into little "kits" so all you have to do is stamp, assemble, and embellish! Choose any 3 of the following cards for $5 (or make 6 cards for $10) when you bring your own adhesive or purchase it from me (and I always have plenty available for sale). If you would prefer to use my adhesive when you attend, then your cards will be 3 for $6 or 6 for $12. Please RSVP asap (even the day of the class is okay, space permitting)!

Space is limited to ten guests each night!

Standard size card (above) featuring the Sonoma papers
(a variety of sentiment options available)

Standard-size card for a new baby boy (above)

Standard-size card for a new baby girl (above)

The same "baby boy" card shown before, BUT showing that you can choose a different sentiment if you prefer a card you can use for any "celebration" or "birthday"
in blue (above) or pink!

Finally, we made this card (above) at last month's class, but I still have a few kits left-over

and wanted to offer you one more chance to make this one also if you want to!

Get these soon-to-be "retired" products in January only!! (NEW Idea Book begins February 1st!!)

2012-01-03T00:43:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!! As my busiest time of year finally draws to a close, I have to admit that I have been neglecting my blog a little more than normal recently. The good news is that I am always so motivated by the NEW year and I am grateful for the opportunity for a fresh start again this year, so I can make my blog better-than-ever (as well as strive for progress in all areas of my life, of course...wink)! So on that positive note, I am excited to give you all your first glimpse of the NEW Spring/Summer Idea Book that I am so lucky to have in-hand already! As always, every page is full of beautiful NEW products and awe-inspiring artwork!!! If you can't wait to receive your advance "sneak peek" copy, then you will definitely need to be sure to attend any of my upcoming classes this month, so I can give you your own FREE copy in person!

CARD CLASSES this month (3 cards for $5)
will be on Friday 1/13 and/or Saturday 1/14 (6:30-8:30pm),

CREATIVE PLAY-DATES will be
every Thursday morning from 9am to 11am,

and my New MONTHLY MEMORIES CLUB
will be on Friday 1/27 and/or Saturday 1/28 (6:30-8:30pm)
Please contact me to RSVP and reserve your space ASAP whenever you plan to join us (as space is limited!)

If you are unable to join us for any of my events in January, then just let me know that you want me to save you a copy and I would be happy to deliver
an Idea Book to you on February 1st!
***If you don't live near Barstow and would like an Idea Book shipped to you, I can mail it to you for $5 and I will include a coupon for $5 off your first order of $25 or more (I will begin mailing Idea Books out on January 27th)! ***
Then we can all begin ordering the new items from this book on February 1st!

As we prepare ourselves this month to be "out with the old, and in with the new," I thought you might like to see this list of all the great products from Close to my Heart that are still available for just one more month! These items will no longer be available to order when the NEW Spring/Summer Idea Book begins on February 1st, so please join me in bidding these beautiful products a fond farewell now, and feel free to contact me to order any of them now while they are still around for the taking! You can also order these items online from my website at www.StampwithJen.myctmh.com (and don't forget to check out the special "while supplies last" section for some great deals and steals)! Here is a slide show that includes current items that will be retiring
(THANK YOU to fellow consultant Tamytha Jenkins at www.paperheartist.com for creating and allowing me to share this slide show with you!):

From the Spring/Summer 20ll Idea Book
(All stamp sets listed in the 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

From the 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 is quite a BIG list...don't let your favorites get away!! :)

Monthly Memories Club!! (Coming in January!)

2012-01-02T07:26:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about something new that we will start-up in January, that I just couldn't wait to share it with you all here now! Please mark your calendars early, tell your friends,

and plan to join us if you can!!

You’re invited to join my

Monthly Memories Club!

Let me show you how to scrapbook your photos

easily and affordably in 2012!

Join us every month to create two beautiful two-page 12x12 layouts for just $10! We will create one layout with traditional materials (paper, stamps, and embellishments) and another layout (faster, simpler, and easier!) with Studio J online! The $10 a month materials fee will cover the cost of the supplies needed to create the traditional layout, and the Studio J layout we will create together is optional and at no additional charge. Those who want to join us for the Studio J online scrapbooking class only are welcome to attend absolutely free! Bringing your own laptop computer is recommended, but not required, as I do have a few extra computers available for you to use when you reserve one with me. It is very, very important that you do bring your saved digital photos to use (either on a memory card or DVD if you don’t have them saved on the laptop you bring)!

January 2012 traditional layout

(featuring the “Roxie” papers shown on page 22)

(you can click on the image above to see it larger!)

Club members do have the option to choose a more masculine layout option if these papers and colors are more girly than you desire (we will substitute the pink "Roxie" with Pacifica blue “Elemental” papers).

Friday, January 27th

and/or Saturday, January 28th

6:30pm to create the traditional layout shown above ($10)

7:30pm to create the Studio J online layout (FREE)!

I will continue to offer 2-3 dates each month (in addition to Thursday mornings from 9am-11am) so you can attend when it is most convenient for you and also make-up any previous classes you might have had to miss!

Our Monthly Memories Club will meet around the end of each month (3rd or 4th weekend) and I will also continue to offer my $5 Creative Classes (card-making and other paper-crafts) near the beginning of each month (1st or 2nd weekend). More specifics about upcoming dates and times to come!

January Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

2011-12-31T18:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our January SOTM blog hop featuring the January Stamp of the Month - Little Reminder S1201! If you have joined me from Wendy's blog then you are on the right path.

I've created a standard size card featuring the Wonderland papers X7146B (and Chocolate ink distressing) to welcome a new baby boy! In addition to the January Stamp of the Month, I also used the Save the Date stamp set D1386 (page 111) for the little star image that I stamped with 2nd and 3rd generation Twilight ink. Remember, you can click on my photo above to see it in closer detail if you want to! I realize that it is a little late, but I created this specific card to celebrate the birth of my new little nephew, Bradley Brinkerhoff, who was born on July 20th, 2011! You can learn more about Bradley's birth and how he continues to be our precious little miracle on my sister Mary's Blog. Finally, you can see all of the very versatile and useful images included in this stamp set here (below):

Now you can continue on with the hop by visiting
Amy's blog next! Enjoy!!

Snowman Chocolate Bar Wrapper (too cute!)

2011-12-21T22:25:00.000-08:00

I can't take credit for this adorable idea, but it is just so cute that I couldn't resist sharing it here with all my creative friends! This was created by my crafty friend Kathy Hazelbaker. Wrapped inside is a Hershey's chocolate bar, yum!! Here is the link to Laurie Furnell's blog where you can find and print the wrapper (although you know I've already got the wheels a-turnin' in my head as to how I can re-create this with my stamps)!!

"Rock the Block" Blog Hop!!

2011-12-18T18:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog and thanks for joining us for our special "Rock the Block" blog hop! If you've just joined me from Krista's blog then you are on the correct path!

The "Rock the Block" kit is the new special promotion Close to my Heart is offering now through the end of January. You can purchase this kit that includes an E-size stamp set and My Creations Collage Cubes for just $15 with any $25 purchase from our Autumn/Winter Idea Book!

Here is just one side of my blocks completed...and I still have five more sides to go! I tied a ribbon around them to hold them all in place for now, but that ribbon will likely be adhered around the outside edge of the tray when it is all complete. I started by stamping a 6x6 piece of Olive cardstock and adding my photo and embellishing before I cut it up into 2x2 squares. Then I adhered them to the blocks with my tombow adhesive. I will come back and post more photos of the rest of the block sides once I am able to complete them. While this project was quite easy to put together once I got going, it took a lot of time at first deciding what photos I would be using. Once I'm finished, this will be something I can get out each year to display alongside all of my Christmas decorations! My four year-old already can't keep his hands off of it and I can foresee that it will be one of his favorite "puzzles" to play with every December!

Here is a view of the cubes (above) inside the tray before I covered them and the co-ordinating 8.5x11" stamp set (below). The blocks are made of paper and are hollow so they are light-weight. Notice how I started sponging the edges and corners of the block on top using a sponge dauber and Cocoa ink. This way I will be sure not to have any white edges showing once I get all of my 2x2 squares of paper adhered to them.

Well, I hope you like what I have shared with you so far!

You can now continue on the hop
by visiting Jean's blog next! Enjoy!!

December Events (Clearance SALE and Christmas Card Buffet)!!

2011-12-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

Happy December everyone! I am really looking forward to the upcoming holiday season and hope you are too! I have just a few events planned for this month.
Please join me in my craft room for my

Holiday Clearance SALE and Christmas Card Buffet

Saturday, December 3rd from 1pm to 5pm

RSVP's are not required, but appreciated when you can. You can come and create any of the cards you see below for just $1 each (make just a few or as many as you want)!! These are just 4 of the cards I'm offering as I am still working on designing a few more cards for you to choose from using the Wonderland and Believe papers (think snowflakes, glitter, and elegant wintery scenes!) and I hope to get the rest of the card options posted here soon also. For the clearance sale I am offering all of my in-stock discontinued/retired products at 50% off!!...PLUS a bunch of my well-loved/used stamp sets at 50% off to pick from...in addition, there will be no sales tax/shipping on all of my "in stock" items because I need to make room for all of the new Spring/Summer products I'll be ordering in January (customers can start ordering from the NEW Idea Book starting February 1st), so come and get yourself a deal now!! Finally, if you aren't able to stop by this weekend, I am offering a few other dates this month for you to come by to shop and/or create with me:

Thursday, December 8th (9am-11am)

Thursday, December 15th (9am-11am)

Friday, December 16th (6pm-10pm)

Tuesday, December 20th (6pm-10pm) last chance this year!!

I hope to see you all here soon! Have a very Merry Christmas!!

I will also be selling my Scentsy products at the Harvey House holiday sale coming up on Saturday, December 10th from 9am-5pm, so feel free to stop by my booth that day to say hello and I will have a little hand-made Christmas "goodie" for you (as well as a lot of great gift-giving ideas)!

December SOTM Blog Hop!

2011-11-30T18:00:00.000-08:00

WELCOME to my blog and thank you for joining us for our December Stamp of the Month blog hop featuring the December SOTM - "Mad About You" S1112!
If you've just joined me from Paige's Blog,
then you are the right path!

First, I'm sharing a standard size card featuring the Roxie papers X7140B (above) with Cocoa ink distressing and our 1.25" wide Dark Chocolate Striped Grosgrain ribbon Z1617. This sweet and simple card could be given for Valentine's Day or any day that you want to tell someone that you like them!

Next I'm sharing another standard size card featuring the Roxie papers X7140B with New England Ivy cardstock (above). This time I've used the stamp set in an unexpected way to create a Christmas card. I simply cut three 2" hearts and one 1" heart from Colonial White cardstock using my Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge. Then I stamped them with the "heart" stamps in this set and New England Ivy ink and layered them to create my Christmas tree! (remember, you can click on my photos to see them larger!)

Finally, here is a view of all of the stamp images that are included in this stamp set (please notice the 4 images outlined in red are the shapes that can be cut using our Art Philosophy Cricut cartride - so fun!! ):

Now you can continue on with the rest of our Blog Hop to see more creative artwork using the "Mad About You" stamp set by visiting Katy's Blog next! Enjoy!!

November Creative Class Cards!

2011-11-30T12:52:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry I am so late at posting the $5 Creative Class cards we made together this past month. With the holidays approaching and all the things my family has been up to recently I've just been so overwhelmed by my "to do" list this month. Even though November is just about over now, I thought those of you who couldn't join us for class in November might still like to see the cards we made this month (I'll be back soon to share more details about them!) Enjoy!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2011-11-24T11:13:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday!!

November SOTM Blog Hop!

2011-10-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

WELCOME to my blog and thank you for joining us for our November Stamp of the Month blog hop!! If you've just joined me from Michelle's Blog, then you are the right path!

Today I'm sharing a simple standard-size birthday card that uses the Elemental papers X7141B and the Art Philosphy Cricut Cartridge. Colors I've used include Cocoa, Colonial White, Creme Brulee, Desert Sand, and Sorbet. The cupcake images were cut at 4.25" and the scallop-topped tag (tag3) was cut at 2.5." I will be giving this card to my sweet daughter Wendy whose 9th birthday is coming up on January 15th!

Here is a view of all of the images included
in this month's stamp set "Cherish the Day" S1111.
(Remember you can click on this image to see it larger!)

Now you can continue on with the rest of our Blog Hop to see more beautiful artwork using the "Cherish the Day" stamp set by visiting Lori's Blog next! Enjoy!!

Happy Halloween!!

2011-10-31T13:27:00.000-07:00

I just thought you might enjoy seeing my kids in their costumes today!
Wishing you all a very Happy Halloween!!

Juan Steven, age 4 - Thomas the Train
(photo taken at tot-time pre-school last week)

Wendy, age 8 - a Fallen Angel

(all her idea, don't know where it came from, lol).

Isabelle, age 11 - a Hogwart's Student
(yes, we are still obsessed with all-things Harry Potter.
Belle just finished reading all the books recently AGAIN!)

Jose Jr, age 13 - a Nerd
Great face Jose! (such a character, lol)!

Emily, age 14 - Waldo (as in "Where's Waldo?")

Emily will turn 15 in just 3 more days!

"Christmas Card Buffet" cards for October!

2011-10-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

This card (above) features the NEW stamp set Glory to God D1483
shown on page 83 of the current Idea Book!

(the inside of the card above reads "...that puts Christmas in the air.")

These are the Christmas Cards I'm offering for you to create with me during October (on the 20th, 21st, and 27th) while supplies last for just $1 each!! Scroll down to the post just before this one for my full list of October dates and times. You may recognize some of these card designs as ones I've already offered at workshops in the past (and most of the papers and stamp sets used are now retired). I'm offering them up again now because I still have quite a few left-over pre-cut kits that I'd love to use up and keep from going to waste. I am also working on designing 8 more all-NEW Christmas Cards for you to create with me on Saturday, November 12th (4pm-10pm) and a few other play dates that I will be offering in November! I will be posting photos of the NEW cards here soon also! So you can get a head-start now by making a few of these Christmas cards with me in October (shown above) and then plan to join me again in November for even more Christmas cards using all-NEW stamps, papers, and embellishments!

October Events (and $5 Creative Class artwork!!)

2011-10-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

I've had to change my usual class schedule quite a bit this month due to all of the family commitments that I have coming up every Saturday in October (it is such an exceptionally busy month for us)! This coming Saturday 10/8, we will need to start later than usual (7pm) due to having kids involved in the Marching Band/Field Show Tournament at Barstow High that afternoon and evening.

...and for those of you who have been asking, I have been working on designing a brand-new Christmas Card Workshop that will start on November 11th and 12th, so you can mark your calendar for that now too if you're interested (photos and more details to come soon)!!

Thurs. 10/6 (9am-11am) - Morning PLAYDATE

Friday 10/7 (6pm-10pm) - Evening PLAYDATE

Sat. 10/8 (7pm-10pm) - Evening PLAYDATE (notice the 7pm start time!!)

Thurs. 10/13 (9am-11am) - Morning PLAYDATE

Sat. 10/15 (10am-2pm) - Christmas Card Buffet @ LDS church ($1 per card)

Thurs. 10/20 (9am-11am) - Morning PLAYDATE

Friday 10/21 (6pm-10pm) - Evening PLAYDATE

Thurs. 10/27 (9am-11am) - Morning PLAYDATE

You will also notice that I am now using the term "PLAYDATE" to describe my events, so let me explain why. Instead of scheduling certain classes on specific dates, I have decided to be more flexible by offering you more time to come "PLAY" with me in my stamp room and you get to choose what exactly you will be creating and when. Here are all of your options this month:

$5 Creative Class:

Make 3 items - two cards and a pocket-tag treat-holder for Halloween (shown below!) Price does not include adhesive (so bring your own or purchase from me as needed).

$5 Card Buffet:

Choose and make any 3 cards from my stash of left-over pre-cut card kits from previous classes I've offered. Price does not include adhesive (so bring your own or purchase from me as needed).

Event Calendar Workshop:

Finish the Event Calendar(s) you may have already started with me on 9/24 OR it's not too late to begin one or more of them now (I have 9 available kits left to sell)! Click here for photos of the project and details about pricing. Price does not include adhesive (so bring your own or purchase from me as needed).

Workshops on the Go kits (as shown in the Idea Book):
For around $20, you can make two beautiful two-page 12x12 layouts (4 pages), or for $29.95 (plus tax and s/h) you can create these same layouts and get to keep the matching C-size stamp set you've used to make them! Create any of the WOTG layouts with or without the bonus projects shown in the Idea Book when you pre-order your supplies at least a week before you plan to join me at a "playdate". I do have some of the more in demand kits already "in stock" for you to choose from while supplies last on a first come, first serve basis. I currently have ONE Roxie kit (p. 25), ONE Elemental kit (p. 31), TWO Sonoma kits (p. 43), ONE Believe kit (p. 55), and ONE Wonderland kit (p. 61) on hand available for purchase.

FREE Open Crop time:

Bring any supplies you already have to use to come and create to your heart's delight! You are welcome to use any of my stamps, inks, and tools as needed so you can get done whatever projects you want to finish! I also have a variety of cardstock and patterned papers available for you to purchase individually by the sheet to use as you create. You will want plenty of paper to use with my NEW Cricut machine and our AWESOME Art Philosophy cartridge if you you'd like to try it out (I would love to show you how)!!

PLEASE e-mail me, Facebook message me, or call/text my cell phone (760-220-0683) to RSVP at least a day before you plan to join us. Space is limited and I need to know ahead of time how many people to be prepared for on each date! THANKS so much for your rsvp's and I will look forward to seeing you at one or more of my upcoming events soon!!

$5 Creative Class Projects for October:

3.5" x 8" card (above) featuring the October SOTM - Holiday Magic S1110
with the Roxie papers X7140B

Pocket-tag Treat-holder for Halloween featuring the Captured Moments stamp set C1423 and Mischief papers X7114B (shown above and below) inspired by my friend, Nikka Geers. You can click on this link to Nikka's blog for her instructions how to make this using the "pillow box" cut from our Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge (I cut my pillow box at 5.5" and the tag is cut from Olive cardstock at 4.5").

Standard size card (below) inspired by Wishes - Simple Expression (p. 40)
featuring the Remarkable Wreath stamp set C1473, Dreamin' paper pack X7142B,
and Glitz Bronze Glitter Gel Z1483.

Add-on to your New Consultant Kit FREE in October!!

2011-10-02T16:25:00.000-07:00

SIGN UP AS A NEW CONSULTANT BETWEEN OCTOBER 1–31 and receive one New Consultant Kit add-on collection of your choice FREE! Add-on collections are priced at $40 each and have a retail value of up to $130, making this an incredible deal! 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! That's over $400 worth of CTMH products for just $99!! Then you also have the option to buy one or both of the other add-on collections for just $40 each.
It's an incredible deal!!
...and it's so easy to sign-up online
right now from my website:

www.StampwithJen.myctmh.com

(find the link under the "Your Opportunities" tab).

($280 value for only $99!)

New Consultant Kit contents:
Read Me First Letter
Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Books (qty. 10)
Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Books (qty. 5, while supplies last)
"You Are Welcome Here" Recruiting Brochures (W1151, qty. 25)
"The Rewards Come Now" Hostess Brochures (W1150, qty. 25)
Studio J® Brochures (W111, qty. 5)
Hostess Order Forms (W122, qty. 25)
Customer Order Forms (W101, qty. 25)
Studio J® Customer Order Forms (W1102, qty. 25)
Studio J® Membership Cards (W1103, qty. 5)
Studio J® 5-Pack Cards (W1104, qty. 5)
Close To My Heart Color Wheel (W470)
Autumn/Winter 2011 B&T Duos® Sampler (W1109, 48 – 6" Square Samples)
Cello Bags (W1152, qty. 25)
My Acrylix® Lovable Petite Perks Stamp Set (W2021)
My Acrylix® Wonderful You Incentive Stamp Set (W332)
Double Scrubber (Z1163)
My Acrylix® Spritz Cleaner (1778)
Bonding Memories® Glue (1512)
Sponge (Z697)
Liquid Glass (Z679)
Micro-Tip Scissors (Z534)
Black My Legacy® Faux Leather Album (Z1345)
My Creations® Memory Game (Z1614)
Workshops on the Go™ Typeset Kit (G1024)
Typeset Complements Canvas Shapes (X7139C)
Milepost Shapes (Z1464)
Juniper Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2165)
Bamboo Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2103)
Crème Brulee Exclusive Inks® Pad (Z2167)
My Acrylix® Trinity Alphabet Stamp Set (E1021)
My Acrylix® Vintage Type Stamp Set (D1481)
2" x 3 1/2" My Acrylix® Block (Y1009)
3" x 3" My Acrylix® Block (Y1006)

Roxie Add-On Collection

Includes a Workshops on the Go™ Roxie Kit, Rhinestone

Designer Brads, Foundry® Pin Clips, My Acrylix® Instant

Memories Stamp Set, My Acrylix® Unscripted Stamp Set, Tulip

Exclusive Inks® Pad, Cocoa Exclusive Inks® Pad, and a 2" x 6.5"

My Acrylix® Block.

Elemental Add-On Collection

Includes a Workshops on the Go™ Elemental Kit**, Dimensional
Elements Banners, Décor Journaling Spots, My Acrylix® Love
Life Stamp Set, My Acrylix® Happy Clusters Stamp Set, Olive
Exclusive Inks® Pad, and a Desert Sand Exclusive Inks® Pad.
**Cricut® Art Philosophy cartridge required to complete workshop
layouts and bonus project.

Studio J® Add-On Collection

Includes a 12-month Studio J® membership and five Studio J
layouts (must redeem within first 3 months).

*Shipping/handling and tax may apply. Offer good October 1—31, 2011. Limit of one free add-on collection

per new Consultant. Available only during enrollment. Contents of the New Consultant Kit and Add-On

Collections are subject to change at any time without notice.

If you love Close to my Heart products, there is a place for you within this amazing company!! There is a place for EVERYONE including the "Personal Use" Consultant (those who sign up simply to get their own supplies at a discount) as well the "Business Builder" and everyone in between! As your team leader, I will offer you information, support, and encouragement without being pushy. I also host monthly team training meetings and online help through frequent e-mails and our team Facebook group. I hope you will consider joining me and my team, the Friends Forever Stampers, and enjoy all the fun of being a Close to my Heart consultant with us this month!!

"Sentiment-ally Yours" Heart to Heart Challenge!

2011-10-02T14:27:00.000-07:00

The Heart 2 Heart Challenge Blog issued a fun challenge this week - to create something using only a sentiment stamp!! We can use any papers and embellishments we want to BUT no stamps unless it is a sentiment. So here is my card that fits those requirements:

This standard size card is inspired by Originals - Upper Level Focus (p. 42). It uses the now retired Aspen papers with two different stamp sets to stamp the sentiment, Holiday Jingle C1371 and Peace on Earth D1243 (also both retired). Ink colors I used are Outdoor Denim and Twilight. To achieve the fun pattern on the "Joy" stamp, I used the "dirty kiss and twist" technique. Now, I know what you're thinking, that technique doesn't sound like it should be done in public, but I promise it's not as bad as it sounds, lol. I simply inked a patterned stamp (from Argyle Backgrounds D1325) with Outdoor Denim ink and laid it on my work surface stamp-side up. Then I inked the "Joy" stamp with Twilight ink and stamped it on top of the background stamp "kissing them together and twisting about 1/4 turn" before carefully lifting the stamp straight up and stamping it on my Colonial White cardstock. (Ooops, I just now realized that I did in fact use one additional stamp other than the sentiments, so I guess this challenge was tougher for me than I thought and I hope that doesn't disqualify this card completely, lol).
Remember, you can click on my photo to see it larger if you want to see the fun detail that results when using this technique!

This card is just one of the many different cards I will be offering for you to make with me at my "Christmas Card Buffet" coming up on Saturday, October 15th (10am to 2pm) during our Relief Society Super Saturday Craft Day!! (This event will be held at my church where non-members are always welcome to join us! It will be a purely "fun and social" meeting, so there will be no "religious" pressure to be concerned about!) Those who attend can "snack a little" by creating just a few of the simple Christmas cards I will be offering this day or "feast a lot" and create as many as you want to for just $1 per card! I will share more of the cards I will be offering here on my blog soon, but you can RSVP now if you want to!

Holiday Magic (October SOTM) Blog Hop!!

2011-09-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

WELCOME to my blog and thank you for joining us for our October Stamp of the Month blog hop!! If you've just joined me from Haley's Blog,
then you are the right path!

First up, is a 3.5"x8" card design inspired by Wishes - Right Design (p. 42). This card features the Roxie paper pack X7140B and all it's colors (Black, Colonial White, Desert Sand, Smoothie, and Tulip), plus I added New England Ivy for stamping the tree and sponged all of the card elements with Cocoa ink. The banner is inspired by the banner shown on the Typeset layout on the front of our current Idea book! Each pennant was created by stamping the ribbon tail from the "ribbon award" stamp in the Blue Ribbon C1464 stamp set shown on page 17 with Desert Sand ink and cutting each one out by hand (something I haven't done much of at all since I started using our Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge a few months ago, lol)! The letters are stamped with the A Typeface A1117 stamp set (August 2011 promotion) in black ink. The tree is topped with a Bling Assortment Z1466 button with Black Waxy Flax Z1089 tied through it. The banner hangs from Black Hemp Z282.

By the way, all of our blog hop artwork today features the October SOTM - Holiday Magic. This festive stamp set includes 18 images for $17.95 (OR just $5 with a $50 or more CTMH purchase!) and it is available for a limited time (during October 2011 only)! Here is a view of all of the images included in this set:

Next, I have a another "Tree" card that features the Believe paper pack X7145B. This one is standard size and inspired by the Wishes Greetings Card Workshop - Card 2 (p. 112). To create the tree I used "stamp rolling" technique, by inking the tree in Sweet Leaf ink first, then "rolling" the outside edges with Topiary ink.

Lastly, here's another simple standard size card inspired by the Wishes Greetings Card Workshop - Card 4 (p. 113). I've used the Believe papers again, and the "Star" was super easy to make. I simply stamped the white surface of a Dimensional Elements Star Z1680 with the leaf stamp from this set and Desert Sand ink to make it look like a giant snowflake inside the star. Then I used my piercing tool to poke a hole through the center for my sparkley brad. The "Celebrate the Season" sentiment comes from the Glory to God D1483 stamp set (p. 83).

Now you can continue on with the rest of our Blog Hop to see many more beautiful creations using the "Holiday Magic" stamp set
by visiting Teresa's Blog next! Enjoy!!

Event Calendar Workshop this Saturday 9/24!!

2011-09-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

I do still have a few spots left for my Event Calendar Workshop that is coming up this Saturday, September 24th (4pm to 10pm)!! It's not too late to contact me to reserve your spot now!!

I am SO VERY EXCITED to show you the NEW EVENT CALENDAR WORKSHOP I've designed for you all to create with me in September and October!! My Event Calendar Workshop price is:

Create ONE calendar with me for $22

or Create TWO calendars with me for $40!

This price includes all of the papers you will need (pre-cut and ready to stamp and assemble), the 4"x18" spiral-bound calendar (Z126, shown on page 129, $8.50), and all of the embellishments needed (Z1393 Black mini-medley accents collection $4.95), PLUS you get free use of my stamps, inks, and other tools I will teach you how to use (my expert instruction is free when you purchase from me)!! Now, if you're wondering what exactly an "event calendar" is and what makes it so useful...I will tell you! An event calendar is a place you can write down all of the birthdays and anniversaries you celebrate each and every year. You can hang it on your wall in your home or office to help remind you of important dates you want to remember and you can re-use it again and again year after year!! Why not create one for yourself and create another one to give as a gift?!! Or, if you want to invite a friend to attend and enjoy this fun workshop with you, I am happy to give you the 2 for $40 price deal (meaning your cost will be just $20 each for both of you)! To start, I am offering you THREE DATES to choose from (you can attend any one or all of these dates, come at any time that works best for you) on Saturday, September 24th (4pm to 10pm), Friday, October 7th (6pm to 10pm), and/or Friday, October 21st (6pm to 10pm). Experienced stampers can expect to complete one calendar in about 3 hours. If you are new to stamping and paper-crafting or you just want to take your time, it could take you up to about 6 hours at the most. I will continue to offer additional time in my stamp room to complete this workshop on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays in November also, if you need more time to create additional event calendars or if the earlier dates just don't work out for you.

(calendar "toppers" shown left to right - January through June)

(calendar "toppers" shown left to right - July through December)

January – Wishes, Layered Look (p. 19)
3.5 x 3.5” – Grey Wool cardstock
3 x 3” – Wonderland dots BULK b&t duos
2.25 x 2” – Wonderland square argyle BULK b&t duos
2 x 1.75” – Twilight cardstock
1.5 x 2” – White Daisy cardstock
½ x 3” – White Daisy cardstock
Markers – Crystal Blue, Grey Wool, Spring Iris, Twilight

February – Wishes, Right Away (p. 84)
3.5 x 3.5” – Desert Sand cardstock
3 x 3” – Roxie smoothie floral BULK b&t duos
3.5 x 1” – Roxie plaid BULK b&t duos
1.25 x 2.25” – White Daisy cardstock
Markers – Desert Sand, Olive, Smoothie, Tulip

March – Wishes, A Cut Above (p. 49)
3.5 x 3.5” – Black cardstock
3 x 3” – Dreamin’ pacifica dots BULK b&t duos
3 x 1.75” – Elemental olive diamonds b&t duos (NOT bulk)
2 x 2” – White Daisy cardstock
¾ x ¾“ – White Daisy cardstock
Markers – Crème Brulee, Grey Wool, Olive, Pacifica, Tulip

April – Originals, Squares & Overlay (p. 65)
3.5 x 3.5” – Olive cardstock
3 x 3” – Sonoma stripe BULK b&t duos
½ x 3” – Sonoma BULK zip strip
2-3/8 x 1” – Bamboo cardstock
(3) 1 x 1” – White Daisy cardstock squares
White Daisy cardstock scrap (to stamp heart)
Markers – Crème Brulee, Desert Sand
Smokey Plum ink pad with waterbrush

May – Jen’s own design
3.5 x 3.5” – Desert Sand cardstock
3 x 3” – Dreamin’ pacifica dots BULK b&t duos
½ x 3.5” – Dreamin’ BULK zip strip
2.5 x 1.75” – White Daisy cardstock
White Daisy cardstock scrap (to stamp bicycle)
Markers – Crème Brulee, Crystal Blue, Desert Sand,
Grey Wool, Olive, Pacifica

June – Originals, All in a Row (p. 122)
3.5 x 3.5” – Olive cardstock
3 x 3” – Mischief black damask BULK b&t duos
3 x ¾” – White Daisy cardstock
1.5 x 1.25” – Bamboo cardstock
White Daisy cardstock scrap (to stamp compass)
Markers – Bamboo, Grey Wool

July – Originals, Top It Off (p. 111)
3.5 x 3.5” – Pacifica cardstock
3 x 3” – Elemental pacifica BULK b&t duos
½ x 3” – Believe plaid BULK b&t duos
1.25 x 2.5” – White Daisy cardstock
¾ x ¾“ – White Daisy cardstock
Markers – Grey Wool, Pacifica, Tulip

August – Originals, Side Accent (p. 58)
3.5 x 3.5” – Olive cardstock
3 x 3” – Sonoma bamboo flourish BULK b&t duos
3 x 2” – Bamboo cardstock
1.25 x 1.75” – White Daisy cardstock
1.5 x 1.5” - Sonoma bamboo flourish BULK b&t (owl body)
White Daisy cardstock scrap (to stamp eyes/beak)
Markers – Bamboo, Crème Brulee, Desert Sand, Olive

September – Originals, Center Focus (p. 111)
3.5 x 3.5” – Bamboo cardstock
3 x 3” – Typeset lettering BULK b&t duos
1.5 x 2” – Typeset juniper BULK b&t duos (to stamp ribbon)
3 x 1” – Bamboo cardstock (ribbon layers on top of this piece)
Bamboo cardstock scrap (to stamp tiny “1” for ribbon)

October – Originals, Pieced Panels (p. 12)
3.5 x 3.5” – Black cardstock
3 x 3” – Mischief stripe BULK b&t duos
2 x 1” – Mischief black damask BULK b&t duos
1 x 3” – Sunset cardstock
1.25 x 1.5” – White Daisy cardstock
White Daisy cardstock scrap (to stamp 3 heart “candy corns”)
Markers – Crème Brulee, Grey Wool, Sunset
Use our cutting/craft knife to cut jagged opening

along top edge of stamped bag and adhere candy corn

piece partially inside/behind the bag opening!

November – Originals, Matted Square (p. 47)
3.5 x 3.5” – Bamboo cardstock
2.75 x 2.75” – Dreamin’ floral BULK b&t duos
1.75 x 1.75” – Pacifica cardstock
1.5 x 1.5” – White Daisy cardstock
Marker – Grey Wool

December – Originals, Stage Right (p. 122)
3.5 x 3.5” – Sweet Leaf cardstock
3 x 3” – Believe stripe BULK b&t duos
1 x 3” – Believe plaid BULK b&t duos
1.5 x 1.5” – White Daisy cardstock
¾ x 1.75” – White Daisy cardstock
Markers – Sweet Leaf, Tulip

Thank You Cards (with a favorite color combo)!

2011-09-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

The Heart 2 Heart Blog challenge this week was to create something using our favorite color combination. For me, that is much easier said than done, simply because I have so many different favorite color combos (it's almost impossible to pick just one)!! So I decided to show you one of the latest color schemes that I truly loved using the now retired Veranda papers that I find myself going back to again and again. The colors I used here include Cocoa, Colonial White, Creme Brulee, Juniper, and Olive. The stamp sets I used to create these two cards (above) include Unscripted C1465, Hooray Bouquet D1491 (to stamp the daisy that I cut using my Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge, "flower6" cut on colonial white cardstock at 1" and then stamped with Hooray Bouquet and Creme Brulee ink), and also Thank You D1361 for the sentiments.

Below you will see a few variations on this card that some of my card-making students came up with this week! On Thursday 9/8 I taught my friend Gloria's teen mother class (high-school age girls) to create these thank you cards with me. For most of them, this was the very first time they have ever picked up a stamp, and...just as I expected...these girls definitely have a knack for creativity! I loved how so many of the girls used the pre-cut paper pieces I provided in a completely different way and created their own original works of art! Beautiful work girls!! I really enjoyed my time with you teaching you how to stamp. Your thank you cards all turned out so lovely!

September SOTM Blog Hop!!

2011-08-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

WELCOME to our September Stamp of the Month blog hop featuring this month's new SOTM - "Limited Edition" S1109!
If you've just joined me from Gina's blog,
then you are on the right path!

First, I'm sharing a 4.5" square card that features the Typeset papers X7139B and the lace zip strip from Typeset. I used the the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge to cut four different parts of this card (Butterfly1 and Butterfly 1 layer are cut at 1.5", Rectangle 1 cut at 2", and Rectangle 2 cut at 2.5"). Colors are Cocoa, Colonial White, Creme Brulee, and Juniper. This little card also fits perfectly in the "Petal Box" (below)!

This "Petal Box" is cut from the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge (Bamboo cardstock cut at 11"). This box also features the Typeset papers X7139B and is the perfect size to also fit the five 4.5" square cards that are the "bonus project" for the Typeset WOTG that is shown on page 19 of the Idea Book! Remember, you can
click on any of my photos to see them up close!!

Here is another view of the "Petal Box" (above) so you can see that to get to the box to open it, you simply slide the "belly band" off the top/bottom of the box. The measurements for the "belly band" are one strip of b&t cut to 2"x12" and another cut to 1"x12", then layer and adhere the 1" strip of top of the other, and wrap around the box. Use your bone folder tool to crease the belly band where it will need to bend to wrap around the edges of the box. The ends of the belly band should overlap each other by about a half inch and this is where you adhere it together. Allow the seam where you adhered it together to show on the front of the box so you can cover the seam when you add the stamped tag to the front of it.

I hope you've enjoyed seeing my artwork! Now you can continue on with the rest of this blog hop and see more creative ways to use this "Limited Edition" stamp set by visiting Wanda's blog next! Enjoy!!

$5 Creative Class projects for 9/2!!

2011-08-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek at what we're making at my $5 Creative Class coming up this FRIDAY evening September 2nd (starting at 6pm and/or 7pm) in my stamp room here in Barstow! It's only $5 per person to attend and learn how to create one of each of these 3 fun projects with me! I have just 10 spots open for this class and I do expect it to fill quickly now that I have shared what we're creating, so please RSVP ASAP (by phone, e-mail, text, or Facebook message)! You will need to bring your own adhesive (or IF this is your first time attending I will provide adhesive for you). You can also bring a Cocoa ink pad if you have one, since we are doing a lot of sponge daubing with Cocoa ink this time!
Click on my photos if you'd like to see them larger!

Standard size card featuring the September Stamp of the Month - Limited Edition S1109, Elemental papers X7141B, and the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge (Butterfly1 cut at 1.5", Rectangle 1 cut at 2", and Rectangle 2 cut at 2.5"). Colors are inspired by the Heart 2 Heart Blog color challenge this week and include
Cocoa, Colonial White, Pear, and Sorbet.

Next, (and by special request!) is a standard size CLEAR card Z1323 featuring the Dreamin' papers X7142B, Harvest Happiness C1463 stamp set, and even more of the
Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge!

Here is the inside view of the clear card (above)...

...and here is the back-side view of the clear card (above).

Finally, here is a "Petal Box" (above) cut from the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge (Bamboo cardstock cut at 11"). This box features the Typeset papers X7139B and is the perfect size to fit the five 4.5" square cards that are the "bonus project" for the Typeset WOTG that is shown on page 19 of the Idea Book! This project also features the
September Stamp of the Month - Limited Edition S1109.

More Pair-a-Phrase artwork and a reminder (two days left to get 4 stamp sets for $5)!!

2011-08-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

There are just TWO DAYS LEFT to take advantage of both the "Extra Extra" August campaign and the National Stamping Month "Pair-a-Phrase" stamp set special at the same time! With your order of $75 ($5 of which can be for the "Wicked" stamp of the month set and the "extra" A Typeface stamp set that comes with it for free during August), you can also get the double stamp set "Pair-a-Phrase" for FREE also! (That's 4 stamp sets for just $5 during the month of August only)!! If you act quickly, this is the perfect time to order your Art Philosophy Cricut Collection Z1686 (which is a "have to have" item anyway) and end up with four extra stamp sets for just $5 more!! Feel free to contact me now to place your order or simply order online from my website: www.StampwithJen.myctmh.com.

I am also happy to share some more artwork with you that uses the "Pair-a-Phrase" stamp set that will continue to be available for FREE with a $75 order during the month of September! These are the creations that some of my CTMH consultant team members and friends made this month for our monthly "virtual team swap"! Each item uses the "Pair-a-Phrase" stamp set in a different way. Enjoy!!

Didn't my team do an amazing job?!! Such beautiful creativity!
Great job, Friends Forever Stampers team!!

A "Teacher Appreciation" Card with the Typeset papers!

2011-08-28T16:24:00.000-07:00

The Heart 2 Heart Blog challenge this week was to create something to celebrate this time of year when kids of all ages are going back to school! (Remember you can click on my photo to see all the details much larger)! I decided to use our NEW Typeset papers X7139B to create this simple standard size "teacher appreciation" card. The stamps I used included D1361 Thank You for the "thanks" sentiment, B1380 Mayberry (WOTG stamp set) for the apple and leaves, and an "oldie but goodie" wooden stamp I123 Best Teacher for the large sentiment. I haven't kept very many of my old wood stamps from my early days of stampin' with CTMH, but I just couldn't part with this one because it is a stamp I find myself drawn to and have kept on using it again and again! My husband is a teacher, many of my best friends are teachers, and teachers are just...well...Close to my Heart!! (pun intended!)

As my kids have just finished up their first week of school, my plan is to do a much better job this year of making sure that all of our teachers know how much we appreciate them for the very important and sometimes difficult work they do!!

THANKS to all who came to see me at the Harvey House on 8/20!

2011-08-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

First, I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who came by and visited my booth at the Harvey House Market Day (vendor/craft fair) last Saturday 8/20! It was also the 100 year birthday celebration of the historic Harvey House, so I hope you enjoyed some of the other festivities and opportunities that were available there for you to enjoy that day also! You all kept me so busy all day that I really didn't get a chance to leave my booth to see much of anything else that was offered there that day (but you won't hear me complaining about that, lol). I am grateful to have had so much interest in my CTMH and Scentsy businesses that day and enjoyed talking with each and every person that stopped by! For those of you who had to miss it, I just thought you might like to see a few photos of what I was offering that day (and what I still have to continue to offer you right now with both Scentsy and CTMH!)

Here you can see some of my CTMH artwork (above) showing you a few different ways you can be creative with CTMH products. The Sonoma Workshop-on-the-Go kit is shown on the left and artwork created with this kit is shown on my display boards. On the right side of the table you can see our NEW Art Philosophy Cricut Collection (my newest addiction in crafting)!!

Left to Right (above) - the stack of NEW Autumn/Winter CTMH Idea Books that I had to give out, free scent-of-the-month samples, NEW Scentsy catalogs, and testers of the NEW scents for Autumn/Winter!

This display board (above) shows the NEW Event Calendar Workshop I'm offering on September 24th, October 8th, and October 22nd (you choose the date or multiple dates that work best for you to come complete it with me in my stamp room)! I will share more details about this workshop opportunity here on my blog very soon! This table also includes the current Stamp-of-the-Month set and August special ("A Typeface" stamp set), as well as September's National Stamping Month special (The "Pair-a-Phrase" stamp set), along with a few of my baskets of products for sale.

These are my three youngest kids (Wendy, Isabelle, and Juan Steven) with their Grandma Jackie. My wonderful mother-in-law (and father-in-law, Juan) watched our kids all day so I could work my booth while my husband Jose was out of town for my son's youth football scrimmage game that same morning. They stopped by the event to say "hello" and enjoy some of the festivities there that day as well (you can tell by the "stuffed snakes" around their necks that my kids had won a few carnival games, lol)!

Here is a view (above) of some of my Scentsy bars and other inventory for sale!

(Everything is still 10% off during August only, so it's not too late to call me this week if you want to stock up on anything now!) I still have lots of inventory I can sell to you in person if you live in the Barstow area (and yes, I do deliver if you already know what you want!) or you can also order online from my website anytime www.JenRubio.scentsy.us.

Here is another view (above) of the Scentsy warmers I had for sale! The warmer in the middle is called "Maize" and it is the warmer-of-the-month for September. I was warming the September scent-of-the-month "Pumpkin Marshmallow" in it all day, so my booth smelled nice and yummy (and aren't our Scentsy Buddies hangin' around super cute too)?!!

Finally, this is my sweet friend Carolyn and the hand-made jewelry she made to sell alongside me that day. THANK YOU Carolyn for all of your help!! (Carolyn woke up early and worked tirelessly to help me unload, set-up, re-pack, and re-load everything that day and I am so grateful for her - I owe you big time Carolyn!!)

Sonoma Scrapbooking Workshop on Saturday 8/27 (RSVP's needed by 8/20)!

2011-08-16T17:35:00.000-07:00

There's still time to sign up for my Sonoma Scrapbooking Workshop coming up on Saturday 8/27 (4pm to 10pm)! Please contact me no later than this Saturday 8/20 to reserve your spot! (all supplies need to be pre-ordered a week before, which means last-minute reservations won't be available for this one unless you plan to just come and create with any supplies you already have during the free crop time I am also offering that evening). The most basic kit option requires the purchase of just the Sonoma Level 2 paper pack X7143B for $9.95 plus the Mini-Medley Accents Pewter Collection Z1487 for $4.95 (plus tax and s/h) to create the four 12x12 scrapbook pages like mine shown below (which means you will get 4 beautiful pages completed with me, including the use of my stamps, inks, and tools as well as my expert guidance for approximately just $5 per page!):

12x12 layout 1 - left side
(Remember, you can click on any of my photos to see them larger,
then use the back arrow on your web-browser to come back to this page!)

12x12 layout 1 - right side

2-page layout 1 - full view

(The same layout shown on page 43 of the Idea Book requires 3-3x4 photos,

BUT I changed mine up so I could use 4-3.5"x4.5" photos).

12x12 layout 2 - left side

12x12 layout 2 - right side

2-page layout 2 - full view

(The same layout shown on page 43 of the Idea Book requires 1-5x7 photo and 3-5x3 photos, BUT I changed mine up and included the 1-5x7 photo plus a variety of other sized photos).

To see the larger variety of Sonoma workshop kit options I am offering (including the 5-6x6 bonus cards you can make too) please CLICK HERE to see my previous blog posting about this workshop. I'm really looking forward to our Sonoma workshop and free crop time with you all on 8/27!!

Pair-a-Phrase Blog Hop!!

2011-08-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a very special mid-month blog hop featuring the "Pair-a-Phrase" stamp set! If you've just arrived here from Katy's blog,
then you are on the right path!

The standard size card I created (above) features the "Pair-a-Phrase" stamp set with our NEW Sonoma papers X7143B. I stamped all of the images with Black ink and then colored them in with our Exclusive Inks markers (Bamboo, Creme Brulee, Desert Sand, and Olive). All other shading was done with Cocoa ink and a sponge dauber. Parts of the owl are "paper pieced" together using scraps of the Sonoma B&T duos patterned paper. Below you can see a closer view of the paper flower that I created using the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge to cut it from Creme Brulee cardstock using the "Shift+Font+FlurDeLs" keys at 3 inches.

Now here are all the details about this special stamp set you can get for yourself FREE starting on 8/15! To celebrate National Stamping Month in September, we are offering our first-ever double stamp set! You can get this exclusive My Acrylix^® Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set FREE when you place an order of $75 or more 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 long. The double set has a retail value of $35.90, which drastically increases the value of your qualifying purchase! You can place your order with me (in person or by phone/e-mail) to qualify for this FREE stamp set now OR just simply place your qualifying order online from my website www.StampwithJen.myctmh.com. Then have double the fun stamping during National Stamping Month with our new Pair-a-Phrase double stamp set (see all of the stamp set images that are included in this set below)!

I hope you've been inspired by my artwork today! Now you can continue on with the rest of the blog hop to see more creativity with this stamp set by visiting
Shirley's blog next! Enjoy!

A "Sweet" Card for the Heart 2 Heart "Hot" challenge!

2011-08-14T02:47:00.000-07:00

On a "hot, hot, hot" summer day there's nothing more refreshing than an ice-cold beverage! Here in the high desert of California, we've had temperatures up to 110 degrees this past week, so "hot" weather is definitely something I know a little something about. On the hottest days, I like to stay cool inside my air-conditioned craft room and get creative while drinking my favorite drink, an ice-cold cherry coke!

So here is my card submission for the Heart to Heart challenge blog this week! We were challenged to create something associated with the word "hot". This little card measures 4.25" tall by 2.75" wide and I used a lot of retired products I had sitting around to use up. Stamp sets I used include You're Sweet B1351 (still available) and the Bowl of Cherries B1348 stamp set that came with the Cherry-O Workshop-on-the-Go kit that was available a while back (summer of 2010). The soda that fills the glass is "Cocoa" B&T paper from the now retired Veranda pack, and the straw was cut from paper from the Zippidee pack (also now retired). The opaque-looking paper that makes up the "glass" is Vellum stamped with White Daisy ink. I hope you enjoy this simple-to-make card and have a "cool" rest of the summer!

$5 Creative Class projects for 8/6!

2011-08-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

6x6 kraft die-cut card from the Sonoma WOTG kit G1028 (shown on page 43).

Standard size card inspired by page 17 of the Idea Book

featuring the Blue Ribbon C1464 stamp set with the Typeset papers X7139B.

Pillow Box cut out with Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge Z1686 (at 5.5")

featuring the Wicked SOTM S1108 with the Mischief papers X7144B.

(back side view shown below)

THANK YOU to the ladies who attended tonight's creative class: Abby, Carolyn, Denise, Dorothy, Rosann, and Sandra! I had a great time visiting and creating with you all and hope you enjoyed yourselves too! (THANKS for bringing your lemon cookies Denise...they were "delish")!!

For those of you who missed this class, I hope you enjoy seeing what we created (shown above)...3 different projects for just $5. I do have some left-over project kits that will be available for purchase and use during my upcoming SNS (Saturday Night Scrappers) FREE Crops/Playdates on 8/13 and 8/27 (4pm to 10pm)...so there is still time to "make-up" these projects with me during the month of August (while supplies last...first come, first serve)! Please feel free to contact me to RSVP to reserve your space for either of these dates now. Click here for details about the "Sonoma" Workshop that I am also offering on these dates. If you are interested in the "Sonoma" Workshop I need to know ASAP so I can get enough kits pre-ordered to be sure that they arrive in time!

Consultant Team Swap Cards!! (from July 23rd meeting)

2011-08-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

So I've just starting hosting a brand-new monthly swap for members of my consultant team! Our first "virtual" swap card was due to me in July, and I am happy that I am finally ready to post and share all of these beautiful creations! My card for this swap (above) is a standard size card (5.5" x 4.25"). The stamp sets I used include 3 different stamp sets - Happy Clusters C1471 (p. 93), Love Life D1482 (p. 29), and A Typeface (August promotion). Cardstock colors I used are Olive, Smokey Plum, and White Daisy. Ink colors used are Bamboo, Black, Desert Sand sponging, and Smokey Plum. I cut the star out using our NEW Cricut Art Phiilosophy cartridge!!! The catalog doesn't include a red line around this image on p. 93, so I wasn't sure if it would be compatible, but discovered that the "Star" image cut at 2-3/4" size worked perfectly!! I am thinking that A LOT more of our images will work with this cartridge than are shown in the Idea Book - you just have to experiment and try different things until you find the right size to cut them!!!

I'm including the swap guidelines that I gave to my team (below) so you can read the specific challenge I gave them for creating this time. I am hopeful that next month a lot more of my team members will be able to participate along with us! Now please ENJOY all of these fun, creative cards made by some of my wonderfully-talented team members and friends (the Friends Forever Stampers Team)!

(visit PaulainPS.blogspot.com for details)

Cardstock: Sunset, cocoa, desert sand, olive; Stamps: You & Me, August SOTM Wicked, Hodgepodge Alphabet; plus: mocha opaques, and chocolate buttons threaded with raffia. (no blog to link to yet).

(visit NikkaGeers.blogspot.com for details)

(visit GracefulCardmakers.blogspot.com for details)

August SOTM Blog Hop (featuring "Wicked" and "A Typeface"!)

2011-07-31T14:30:00.000-07:00

WELCOME to our August Stamp of the Month blog hop featuring this month's new SOTM - "Wicked" S1108! If you've just joined me from Shannon's blog, then you are on the right path!

First, I'm sharing a standard size card (above) that I created using a little bit of Smokey Plum B&T duos paper from our NEW Sonoma X7143B paper pack. Notice how I've used the "witches hat" image as the stem for my pumpkin! To make the stem I first stamped the image with Black ink on my 3"x3.75" piece of colonial white cardstock. Then I used the "paper piecing" technique to add the green stem by stamping the image again with Olive ink on a scrap of Colonial White cardstock, cutting out just part of the "hat" image, and then adhering that part over top of the first image I stamped with Black ink. To create the pumpkin, I cut out three 1.5" ovals from Sunset cardstock using the "Oval3" button with our NEW "Art Philosophy" Cricut Cartridge!! Then I stamped the honey-comb-like image with Sunset ink ("tone-on-tone" stamping) on each oval and sponged the outside edges with Desert Sand ink. Then I layered and adhered them together over the stem to create the pumpkin! I also used "masking" technique to stamp just the word "Halloween" on the 1"x2" piece of Colonial White cardstock. I added the word "Happy" using stamps from the "A Typeface" stamp set that is your FREE gift "this month only" when you purchase the "Wicked" Stamp of the Month for just $5 with any $50 order! (both stamp set images are shown at the bottom of this post and remember, you can click on any of my photos to see them larger).

Next, I'm sharing a "candy bar pocket" (above) that I created using the the "Tag5" plus "Card" buttons with our NEW "Art Philosophy" Cricut Cartridge (I just LOVE our new Cricut Cartridge and have been playing with it a lot this week)!! The card/pocket is cut from Olive cardstock at the 5.75" inch setting (this allows you to cut two from one sheet of 12x12" cardstock). Colors used here again are Black, Colonial White, Olive, Smokey Plum, and Sunset (the cat is stamped with "2nd generation" Black ink). The "Bling Assortment" Pin Z1466 and Pin Clips Z1612 that I've used on both projects are held in place by being stuck through the 3-d mounting tape I used underneath my card elements to give them some lift and dimension.

Finally, here is the card I created with my customers recently at my New Idea Book Reveal Party and Open House (above)! Don't you just LOVE that this stamp set can be used to create a lot more than just items for "Halloween"?!! I am looking forward to using the "honey-comb-like" image and the "flourishy border" stamp as well as some of the other sentiments on a variety of different projects. This card is also made with a few other brand-new products including the Love Life D1482 stamp set, Roxie paper pack X7140B, Just Blooms paper shapes butterflies Z1463, and Bling Assortment buttons Z1466!

I hope you've enjoyed seeing my artwork! Now you can continue on with the rest of this blog hop and see more creative ways to use this "Wicked" stamp set by visiting Haley's blog next! Enjoy!!

Upcoming Classes, Workshops, and Crops in August!!

2011-07-28T16:33:00.000-07:00

Please mark your calendars now and plan to join us for some creative fun in August!

$5 CREATIVE CLASS - Sat 8/6 (6pm/7pm)
SONOMA WORKSHOP - Sat 8/13 (4pm to 10pm)
FREE CROP Playdate - Sat 8/13 (4pm to 10pm)
SONOMA WORKSHOP - Sat 8/27 (4pm to 10pm)
FREE CROP Playdate - Sat 8/27 (4pm to 10pm)

You will notice that I offer two different Saturdays each month for you to come and participate in the "Workshop-on-the-go" with us and you can choose to attend either one or both of these dates when you pre-order your WOTG kit from me! I also offer FREE CROP times simultaneously for anyone who isn't interested in the WOTG kit for this month BUT would still like to come over and use the products and supplies you already have (as well as use my stamps, inks, and blocks while you're here)! Let's get some use and enjoyment out of all those beautiful creative supplies you might already have sitting around collecting dust, lol. I promise it will be lots of fun and I offer you my expertise and guidance free of charge when you attend!

I will post the 3 items we will be making at my $5 Creative Class here on my blog sometime during the week before the class, so be sure to check back here often if you don't want to miss the "sneak peek" at what we'll be creating this month!

Finally, here are all of the SONOMA Workshop-on-the-go projects we can create together if you decide to pre-order this kit from me! The most basic kit allows you to create the two layouts (4-12x12 pages) with just enough paper left over to create one more layout OR a few cards. All of our new WOTG kits have been re-designed to help you "consume it, not collect it" so we will now be using every last scrap of paper in the kit that we can! **Please note that IF you want to create the 5-6x6 cards shown below that are the "bonus" project you will need to also order the "bonus kit" supplies on the Workshop "shopping list" that is shown below after all of the artwork (remember, you can also click on any of these images to see them larger, then use the back arrow on your web-browser to come back to this page!):

If the print above is too small to read easily, remember to click on it so you can see it larger (then use the back arrow on your web-browser to come back to this page!)

Please contact me to RSVP for the August 13th workshop by 8/6 and/or for the August 27th workshop by 8/20 so there is enough time for me to pre-order any kits/supplies you might need! I can't guarantee I will have any extra kits available at the last-minute so please RSVP at least a week in advance to guarantee your spot! Last-minute RSVP's are welcome when you have your own supplies to use as you won't need to pre-order anything for my FREE Crop Playdates unless you want to.

Add Cricut® Flair to Any Workshop

2011-07-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some great ideas for using the Cricut® to add more "flair" to your already beautiful artwork!! This video also features the "Dreamin" Workshop-on-the-Go kit that is shown on page 37 of the NEW Autumn/Winter Idea Book.

The first NEW Workshop-on-the-Go (WOTG) I've chosen for us to use and create with together at my upcoming workshops and crops in August will be the SONOMA kit shown on page 43 of the NEW Autumn/Winter Idea Book! (and I will share more details about this upcoming workshop opportunity here on my blog very soon)!!

Art Philosophy Cricut® Collection!! (available August 1st!)

2011-07-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

So I've been playing with my NEW Cricut® "Art Philosophy" cartridge this week and I am so IN LOVE with it!! It will truly make such a difference in saving me time while I stamp and create (and it's just SO MUCH FUN)!!! For those of you who weren't able to attend my open house last Saturday, I wanted to be sure you didn't miss the exciting news about this new product we're offering. I still have plenty of NEW Idea Books left to give away, so please don't hesitate to contact me now if you're interested in getting your FREE copy from me! And now for your viewing pleasure...Here's a YouTube video that explains exactly what is included and some of the things you can do with this AMAZING exclusive Cricut® collection:

Create handcrafted artwork in a snap with our NEW Cricut® "Art Philosophy" cartridge! Simply plug the cartridge into your Cricut® Personal Electronic Cutter machine (sold at retail stores) and you’re ready to cut any of the 700 shapes, ranging from elegant rosettes and lace to trendy gift boxes and banners! You’ll also receive three My Acrylix® D-size stamp sets as well as three sets of 9" × 12" Dimensional Elements that work in tandem with the cartridge. On top of that, numerous My Acrylix stamp sets in the Idea Book pair wonderfully with images on the Cricut® cartridge! Contact me today to get the entire collection for just $99!

CTMH Convention 2011 Happy Face Video

2011-07-25T00:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a YouTube video that will give you an idea of just HOW MUCH FUN I had at the Close to my Heart Convention recently (turn your volume up because the music will make you smile and feel good too)! It truly was a week full of memories that I will always treasure!

I was so blessed to have 11 of my consultant team members attend with me! Our friendships were strengthened and we had such a blast together!! (imagine it being like one big slumber party with 2,000 of your closest creative friends for 3 days in a row, lol). Next year's Convention will be in Dallas, Texas from July 12-14, 2012...and you are invited to join us next year (all you need to do is be a CTMH consultant)! Feel free to contact me with any questions you might have about this fabulous opportunity - I would so LOVE to have you join my wonderful "Friends Forever Stampers" team so you can join in on all the fun we're gonna have at Convention again next Summer!

(The ladies wearing the pink shirts and pink tiaras at 1:30 seconds in are some of my team members - Denise, Starr, and Desiree...Desiree won a new Cricut Expression 2!)

"Good Work" stamp set Giveaway!!

2011-07-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Nancy is offering a great "GIVEAWAY" on her blog The Apple Basket Teacher to celebrate reaching 200 blog followers! Nancy is a busy wife, mother of three, a fantastic third grade teacher, a creative scrap-booker, stamper, and paper-crafter, and an avid blogger too! The prize she's giving away is a $20 gift card to Dollar Tree as well as this super fun stamp set with a 2x2 acrylic block from me!! This is the "Good Work D1385" stamp set that will be retiring at the end of this month. This stamp set is still available to order from my website www.StampwithJen.myctmh.com, but only until July 31st!! If you'd like a chance to win it for free simply go to Nancy's Blog now and become a follower. You can get extra chances to win by leaving comments, so be sure to scroll down and read her posts fully and follow her directions for the most chances to win!! Her contest ends soon (Tuesday 7/26 at 8pm pacific time zone) so you'll want to act quickly to enter now!! Wishing you all lots of good luck!

Come see me Saturday 7/23 (and create this FREE card)!

2011-07-22T22:30:00.001-07:00

I'm just sending out a quick reminder to come join us tomorrow (Saturday 7/23) starting at 4pm for my NEW Idea Book Reveal Party (and Open House)!! Consultants on my team (the Friends Forever Stampers!) are invited to come for a "consultant only" meeting starting at 2pm. Please call or text me on my cell at (760) 220-0683 if you need directions to my house. I will show you how to create this easy-to-make card using all-NEW stamps (Love Life D1482 and the August 2011 Stamp of the Month - Wicked S1108), NEW papers (Roxie X7140B), and NEW embellishments (Just Blooms paper shapes butterflies Z1463 and Bling assortment buttons Z1466). I will also be giving away the NEW Autumn/Winter Idea Book and Catalog to all of my guests and will have a variety of current products (as well as a selection of my used stamps) available at low, low, clearance sale prices!! I hope you can join us for the creativity, food, friends, and fun!!

The NEW Idea Book is here!! (Join us on 7/23 to get yours!)

2011-07-17T22:24:00.001-07:00

While I was away at the annual Close to my Heart Convention for consultants in Anaheim this past week (Disneyland - truly "the happiest place on earth" for me, aside from my home, lol!) my NEW Autumn/Winter Idea Books arrived here at my house!!! Once again, they are so amazingly beautiful and I can't wait to give you your very own copy to inspire and delight you! There are some big changes and improvements to our catalog this time including:

a thicker/sturdier more durable cover
a new size - 9" wide by 10.5" tall (so it's easier to mail)
144 full-color pages
artwork is shown larger so you can see more of the details
larger print type, so it's much easier to read
stamp are sets shown at 100% (their actual size!)

You are invited to my
NEW Idea Book Reveal Party (Open House)
This Saturday, July 23rd starting at 4pm!!
at my home in Barstow (please RSVP for directions)
Those who attend will receive a FREE Idea Book from me, a brief (approximately 7-8 minutes) tour of the Idea Book so I can tell you more about all the latest and greatest things we have to offer, as well as a FREE Create-and-Take card using all-new stamps, papers, and embellishments! I will also have a large variety of my well-loved (used) stamp sets available for you to purchase (while supplies last, so arrive on-time for my best selection!) at nearly 60% off. D sets will be $10, C sets $8, B sets $6, and A sets $4. I am also offering my current inventory of products for sale at clearance sale prices, so I can clear them out to make room for all the new products! Please feel free to invite as many friends as you can - the more the merrier!! Come enjoy food, friends, and creative fun! Please RSVP if possible so I have an idea how many guests to be prepared for (but I welcome you to come anyway, even if you decide to join us at the last minute without an RSVP)! Then if you want to stick around to create with my "Saturday Night Scrappers" group, you are welcome to bring any projects you may want to work on the rest of the evening (up until 10pm or whenever you decide to finish).

Finally, here's a quick teaser about some of our NEW product offerings:

The NEW "Art Philosophy" Cricut cartridge that boasts 700 shapes, including stars, hearts, tags, banners, flowers, 3-D items, and much, much more!! For just $99, this CTMH-exclusive collection also includes 3 D-size stamp sets as well as 3 sheets of dimensional elements that work with it (a total retail value of $124.69 for just $99!) Plus A LOT of the other new stamp set images in our Idea Book coordinate and can also be used with it as well (no more detailed cutting with scissors required)!
NEW lower stamp set pricing (D sets went from $22.95 to $17.95, C sets from $18.65 to $13.95, B sets from $13.95 to $9.95, and A sets from $7.95 to $6.95)!!
8 NEW re-configured paper packs (12 sheets - 6 B&T duos and 6 sheets colorful cardstock for $9.95) that allow you to use it, consume it, and NOT collect it!!
A large variety of NEW embellishments for adding lots of "bling" and "charm"!
6 NEW and improved Stamps of the Month!! (still D-size sets) that you can now purchase for just $5 with a $50 purchase or purchase alone at their new retail price of just $17.95.
A NEW improved and more affordable WORKSHOP CLUB I'm offering that will allow you to get more creative projects completed while earning free hostess reward products on ALL of your purchases with me!! (spend less, but get more done!!)

Please note that all products from the NEW Idea Book will be available for you to start ordering from me on August 1st, 2011!!
I can't wait to share more and show it all to you so I hope you can plan to join us on Saturday 7/23 for my big Idea Book Reveal Party!! If you can't attend, please give me a call this week anyway, so I can get a copy of the NEW Idea Book to you very soon!

$7 Scrapbooking Class this Saturday 7/9 (and Creativity with the Trees & Things Stamp Set!)

2011-07-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

Please join us this Saturday 7/9 for our Saturday Night Scrappers Crop from 4pm-10pm. In addition to this FREE play-time in my stamp room (bring any projects you'd like to work on), I'm also offering an "optional" $7 scrapbooking class. The layout we will create together is inspired by the layout shown below in this YouTube video (using the "Trees and Things" stamp set with the Lucky papers)! Our class layout design is inspired by Magic - Showtime (page 106) and it can be used with 5 photos cropped to 4"x4" and one 4"x6" OR one 5"x7" photo. Please bring your adhesive as well as any photos you have to complete these pages (or you can always add your photos later if you need to). Space is limited, so please RSVP ASAP if you plan to join us (and especially if you want me to save you a class layout kit)! I hope you enjoy the video below too!!

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

Get more "bang for your buck" in July!! (last chance to get our soon-to-be-retired products!)

2011-07-06T11:37:00.001-07:00

We have a great promotion this month and it's such a good deal. Spend $50, add a bonus item for $1! Eligible $1 Bonus Items include:

* Creative Basics® Mistletoe paper kit ($8.95 retail value)
* Creative Basics® Animal Cookies paper kit ($8.95 retail value)
* My Originals® Bits & Pieces Card Kit ($12.95 retail value)
* My Originals® It’s Your Day Card Kit ($12.95 retail value)
* My Originals® Around the Holidays Card Kit ($14.95 retail value)

Eligible purchases must be from current items in the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book.

Furthermore, CTMH has announced some of the products that will be retiring at the end of this month (available now, and only until July 31st!):

* ALL Level 1 My Reflections kits!!
(12 to choose from for just $9.95 each)
* Creative Basics Wings Collection (page 114 of Idea Book)
* Bliss papers and My Stickease (page 12 of Idea Book)
* Miracle papers and My Stickease (page 16 of Idea Book)
* Sweetheart papers and My Stickease (page 20 of Idea Book)
* Wings papers and My Stickease (page 24 of Idea Book)
* Magnifique papers and My Stickease (page 38 of Idea Book)
* Olivia papers and My Stickease (page 38 of Idea Book)
* Hooligans papers and My Stickease (page 39 of Idea Book)
* Mistletoe papers and My Stickease (page 39 of Idea Book)

Now is a great time to purchase any of the items you don't want to miss out on! Your purchase can also help you earn the July Stamp of the Month - American Celebration D1458 for free or at a discount, as well as help you take advantage of getting a bonus item for just $1!

Please feel welcome to contact me now to place your order with me in person, over the phone, or here online from my website: www.StampwithJen.myctmh.com

Finally, here are some pictures of the $1 bonus items to choose from:

July Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

2011-06-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our July Stamp of the Month blog hop featuring this month's new SOTM - American Celebration D1458! If you've just joined me from Angel's blog, then you are on the right path!
Here's a view of all of the images included in this lively patriotic stamp set (below):

All of my artwork today also features the Fanfare paper pack X7138B (colors include Black, Cranberry, Pacifica, Sky, Sunny Yellow, and White Daisy). First, I'm sharing a standard size card inspired by Wishes - Gallery (p. 119).Next, I'm sharing an 8 x 3.5" card inspired by Originals - Pocket Greeting Tag (p. 54). Remember, you can click on any of my photos to see them up close!

Here's another view of the pull-out tag that fits in the pocket on the front of the card (below). This tag could also be used as a bookmark (so fun and EASY to make!):

Now you can continue on with the rest of this SOTM blog hop and see more creative ways to use this stamp set by visiting Doreen's blog next! Enjoy!!

$5 Creative Class for 7/2!

2011-06-30T10:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek at what we're making at my $5 Creative Class coming up this Saturday evening July 2nd (starting at 6pm and/or 7pm - whatever time works best for you)! It's only $5 per person to attend and learn how to create one of each of these 3 projects with me (or make two of each item for $10...either way, it's still a steal-of-a-deal)! I currently have just 8 spots left for this class (4 of 12 spots are taken), and I do expect it to fill quickly now that I have shared what we're creating, so please contact me to RSVP ASAP! Please remember to bring your own adhesive (or IF this is your first time attending I will provide adhesive for you).

I hope you can join us this Saturday evening for some creative learning and fun!

Heartfelt Wishes card for the H2H Bingo Challenge!

2011-06-26T07:33:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! Today I'm sharing the "Heartfelt Wishes" card I created this week for the Heart to Heart Blog Bingo Challenge! This challenge was simple. Choose three items in a row (bingo or tic-tac-toe) from the bingo card (shown above) to use to inspire your creation! Can you guess which three I chose?! If you guessed doily, flowers, and lace (top row straight across), then you are correct! I'm also showing you the packaging for the 4" paper doilies I used in case you want to get some of your own to create with (I got mine from the cake decorating aisle at wal-mart, but you should be able find them at any store
with a cake-decorating section).

The standard size card I created is inspired by Wishes - Sentiment Secured (p. 78). I've used the Wings papers (X7135B) with two different stamp sets; Card Chatter - Sympathy D1476 and the b-size stamp set from the Sophia Workshop-on-the-Go kit G1019. Ink colors are Black, Olive, Vineyard Berry, and 2nd generation Vineyard Berry. I backed the paper doily with Colonial White cardstock and embellished with some lacy Colonial White ribbon and a paper button carnation. The interesting button carnation is a new thing I learned from consultant Connie Macfarlane and her FABULOUS blog "Paper Pleats and Ribbon Roses"!! Click here to visit Connie's blog for an AWESOME video tutorial that shows how to create these fun button carnations from scraps!! Connie, ALL of your paper and ribbon flowers are so beautiful and I am so inspired by you - THANK YOU for sharing your know-how and creativity with us!!

A catch-up post (projects from Spring Stamp Camp)!

2011-06-22T20:04:00.000-07:00

So I am a bit behind on posting all of the artwork from our past Spring Stamp Camp that was held on April 30th and I have been meaning to post ALL of these creations here in one posting for quite a while now. I hope you enjoy seeing them here all together!!
(better late than never, right?!!)

Products used to create the layout (above) include:
Z1395 Irresistibles Eclectic Alphabet ($6.95)
Z1384 Pink Collection Designer Ribbon ($7.95)
Z1327 Blue & Green Sparkles ($2.95)
Pre-cut cardstock from "Wings" and "Bliss" bulk paper packs
D1470 Dreams Come True stamp set

Products used to create the memory cube (above) include:
Z1152 My Creations Cube - 5”x 5” assembled ($4.95)
Z1395 Irresistibles Eclectic Alphabet ($6.95)
Z1390 Irresistibles Villa ($4.95)
Z726 Sponge Daubers – 3 pack ($3.95)
Pre-cut cardstock and “Mayberry” bulk patterned papers
Stitched Together C1459

16 standard-size cards (bel0w):

Paper Lantern C1458 stamps with the Lucky papers (above).

X-treme D1432, A Little Everything D1408, and Happy Birthday C1257 stamps with the Lucky papers (above).

Delight C1452 stamps with Mayberry papers (above).

Salutation Seals C1461 stamps with Mayberry papers (above).

Baby Love B1368 stamps with Sophia and Miracle papers (above).

Bliss WOTG (G1020) stamps with Sophia and Miracle papers (above).

Card Chatter - Birthday D1475 and Fanfare WOTG (G1021) stamps with Miracle papers (above).

Card Chatter - Birthday D1475 and Fanfare WOTG (G1021) stamps with Sophia papers (above).

Happy Father's Day!!

2011-06-17T22:47:00.001-07:00

Well, we finally finished our last week of school here and the kids were thrilled to wake up to their very first day of Summer vacation this morning (6/17)! Because of all the crazy busy-ness we've had the past couple weeks, I haven't had much time for creating recently. I thought it would be fun to share with you a bunch of my "older" things I've created for Father's Day over the past few years. Some of this artwork I created way before I started blogging, so this may be the first time you've seen it online. Please enjoy and have a very Happy Father's Day everyone!

First, I'm sharing the "circle" album, I created for my husband Jose in June 2007 (remember the Expedition papers and Typewriter Alphabet stamps?!) This was a fun little album to make and one we still cherish to this day! It just goes to show you that scrapbooking doesn't always have to be a super "big" and time-consuming project - one very little album can mean a whole lot!

OUR DAD IS THE BEST...
...whether he's coaching...

...teaching...
(District Teacher of the Year award 2002-03)
...showing us his sweet smile...

...loving us...
...reading to us...

...looking fabulous with a beard...
...taking naps with our babies (his favorite past-time!)...

...loving Mom (notice he gave me flowers)...
...or just having fun!...

WE ARE SO BLESSED
that he is our Dad!!

Next, here are a few cards (below) that I made last year using the Passages papers and Wonderful Friend (June 2010 Stamp of the Month)

Here are a few more standard size cards (below) that I created with the "It's a Guy Thing" papers in June 2008

Finally, here is a real "OLDie" but goodie (below)!
I made this one back in June 2004 after attending my first CTMH Convention, when I hadn't even been a consultant for a full year yet (joined in October 2003). This was one of the very first cards I created with our fabulous My Acrylix stamps (before that Convention we still sold wood-mounted rubber stamps). It just goes to show that I've "come a long way" creatively since then, lol. This card uses the Wild Adventure papers with the "In the Wild" stamp set (too fun)!

$5 Creative Class for 6/11!

2011-06-06T14:39:00.000-07:00

(remember, you can click on my photos to see them up close!)

These last two cards were inspired by fellow consultant Amy Kaminski (a participant in my monthly SOTM swap). THANK YOU Amy for your fun "good luck" card that was so inspiring to me!!

Here's a sneak peek at what we're making at my $5 Creative Class coming up this Saturday evening June 11th (starting at 6pm and/or 7pm)! It's only $5 per person to attend and learn how to create one of each of these 4 projects with me (or make two of each item for $10 - still quite a deal)! I have 12 spots open for this class but I do expect it to fill quickly now that I have shared what we're creating, so please RSVP ASAP! You will need to bring your own adhesive (or IF this is your first time attending I will provide adhesive for you). For further details you can click here to visit my myctmh website calendar for more information!

Last chance to get your "You and Me" scrapbooking kit (and support a good cause)!!

2011-06-06T12:19:00.000-07:00

If you missed out on this kit in May, it's not too late to get one now (and help out a great cause too)! Many have asked us if there is something we could do to support those affected by recent severe weather in the US, and we’ve also had requests to extend the availability of the You & Me scrapbooking kit offered during the month of May. We’ve combined those two aims into a single campaign called
"You & Me: Stronger Together."

Severe flooding, Tornadoes, and storms have affected the lives of thousands across the United States, but together we can make a difference. During the month of June, purchase the You & Me scrapbooking kit for only $15 (a retail value of $34.95), and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American 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, this kit is more than 50% off the retail price, but please act fast because it is available only while supplies last! 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!

Order this kit from me now!
(in person, by phone/e-mail, or order online at www.StampwithJen.myctmh.com)
and you can then look forward to joining me
in my stamp room on
Saturday, June 25th (anytime between 4pm and 10pm) for a FREE "You and Me" workshop.
You will get free use of my inks, blocks, and stamps, as well as my guidance and expertise to help you complete these beautiful scrapbook pages!

"Dream Big" Hanging Treat Pouch!

2011-06-03T18:44:00.001-07:00

Here's an easy way to dress up a water bottle for your upcoming Summer celebrations! It also makes for an affordable and unique little gift you can give anytime. I've added a granola bar and packet of lemonade drink mix, but you can fill this hanging treat pouch with any little goodies you want to. To create this I used the Fanfare Level 2 paper packet X7138B, Fill in the Blank stamp set D1465, and Dream Big stamp set D1399. I embellished with blue grosgrain ribbon and itty bitty Licorice (black) Opaques adhesive gems z1335. I also used 3d mounting tape on the star, "dream big" image, and butterfly to help them pop-up a little bit. I'll be teaching my consultant team members how to create this with me at our upcoming team meeting on June 11th! I hope the instructions are helpful to you also (you can click on all images to see them larger) - enjoy!

Get your Studio J Free-for-All deal now!

2011-06-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

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—you can log on and create an account and then order your free JPG file with no strings attached. Make June the month you introduce yourself (and all your friends!) to Studio J with our FREE JPG promotion!

* Dates: Offer valid June 1 – June 30, 11:oo pm (pacific time)

We are all very busy, right? If you are in need of catching up on your scrapbooking or maybe completing a book as a gift (you can get multiple prints of the same layout!), Studio J might be just what you are looking for! Studio J is a FREE to use (nothing to download on your computer!) online design software that allows you to create digital custom layouts for your 12x12 album.

How does Studio J work?

Just create an account, then log in to Studio J and start designing layouts! Studio J is intuitive and easy to use.

There are just 5 easy steps to creating a beautiful layout:

1. Upload photos.
2. Choose the desired themed kit.
3. Select an exclusive layout pattern.
4. Add photos, embellishments, title, and journaling.
5. Purchase custom-printed layouts ready for a cherished album.

For the best pricing, become a Studio J member to save and enjoy great perks, including:

* 50% off retail price
* Free hi-res JPG files with each purchased layout
* Free Memory Protectors® with every order
* Exclusive membership kits and patterns
* Free shipping (monthly order of 4 to 20 layouts)
* Special deals and promotions

Membership pricing is just $6.50 per custom printed 2-page layout. If you prefer to print your layout out yourself, you can purchase the hi-res JPG files for just $3.00.

Membership Options:

* 12-month membership - $99
* 3-month membership - $30 (this is a great way to get your feet wet and give it a whirl!)
* 5 Pack (5 two-page layouts, 5 memory protectors, and free shipping and handling) - $55.00

Finally, you also have the option to purchase a two-page layout as a stand alone without the membership for $13.00 each.

Stamp with "Jubilation" in June!!

2011-05-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our June Stamp of the Month blog hop featuring this month's new SOTM - Jubilation D1457! If you've just joined me from Beth's blog, then you are on the right path!
All of my artwork today also features the Mayberry paper pack X7136B (colors include Cocoa, Colonial White, Honey, Olive, and Smoothie). First, I'm sharing a 4.5" circle card inspired by Wishes - Side Note (p. 127). The Christmas tree image was done with the "paper-piecing" technique. To do this, I stamped the image with Olive ink on Olive cardstock (tone-on-tone stamping), then cut out around the outside edge of the tree with my micro-tipped scissors, then adhered the Olive tree to the center of the same image already stamped with Honey ink on Colonial White cardstock. The "holiday cheer" image is stamped with 1st and 2nd generation Cocoa ink. Another great tip for you: Our 1.25" circle punch Z1311 is the perfect size to punch out all of the images included in this stamp set - love that!!

Next I have a 3.5"x8" card (above). My design is inspired by Originals - Bound Together (p. 33). I've stamped and cut out a few of the cute "daisy" flower images to embellish my card and notice that the "daisy" stamped with Honey ink and cut out makes a good center for the folded paper flower focal point. To create the largest petals of the flower I used the 2" scallop circle punch to punch out four circles of B&T paper that are then folded to create my dimensional petals. Here's a closer view of the flowers (below):

and finally, here is a view of all of the images included in this stamp set (below). There's such a big variety of holiday images and sentiments here that I can totally see myself using this wonderfully versatile stamp set over and over again throughout the year!!

Now you can continue on with the rest of the SOTM blog hop and see more creative ideas for using this stamp set by visiting Paige's blog next! Enjoy!!

Last day to get your half-price CTMH consultant kit!!

2011-05-31T11:01:00.001-07:00

Today is the last day to get your CTMH consultant kit at half-price, so I just had to get just one more reminder out about this great opportunity!

Have you ever thought: “I really need to catch up on my scrapbooking”? or "I sure do love stamping and card-making and can never have enough stamps?" Well, IF you ACT FAST it's not yet too late to get a 1 year Studio J membership (worth $99), a Free National Scrapbooking Month kit (worth $34.95), plus 2 additional scrapbooking and stamping kits of your choice for only $64.50. That’s over $300 worth of CTMH for just $64.50!!!! Then, receive a 22% discount on all your Close to my heart purchases including your Studio J layouts for the next 4 months! I told you it was an amazing deal!

So, what’s the catch??? Are you afraid of selling stuff??? Guess what? You don’t HAVE TO sell anything. If you like scrapbooking, you can be your own best customer and ordering anything (including your own Studio J layouts) count!!! Sound good? Then click here to get started, or contact me right away and I’ll be happy to help answer any questions you have! Seriously, this deal rocks!...and if you have an extra $89.03 hanging around (that is with California sales tax and shipping - could be less in other areas/states!), you will not want to miss this offer!!!! Contact me TODAY only to find out more!!! Or just go to my website and sign up!! It's definitely a win-win steal-of-a-deal!!

Hurry!! - just 5 days left to get your half-price consultant kit and National Scrapbooking Month special "You and Me" kit!!!

2011-05-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

There are only a few more days left this month to get in on the May special! The beautiful You and Me kit is still available! If you hurry, you can still get this kit now any one of three ways:

Order it at retail price for $34.95
Place a $50 order and get the whole kit for just $15. (The stamp set alone is worth $22.95!)
(and here is the very best way!) Sign up to be a consultant with me this month and receive the kit FREE! Plus, to sweeten the deal even more, the Consultant kit is also half-price this month only - such an AMAZING deal (over $300 worth of product for $64.50)!! CLICK HERE for more details and to sign up online now or contact me now with any questions you might have (this is a no-risk, no-pressure opportunity - THE BEST DEAL EVER from CTMH)! I would love to help you get started now!

Newsprint Rub-Ons from Close To My Heart

2011-05-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

Find out what makes Newsprint rub-ons so easy to apply and fun to use, and then watch as we show you how to create stunning artwork using these rub-ons!

More "Chairs to You" (May Stamp of the Month) artwork!

2011-05-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

"Chairs to You" stamp set images (shown above)

All of these beautiful creations were made by my consultant Stamp of the Month swap group members recently. They feature the May 2011 SOTM - Chairs to You D1456 and the Lucky papers X7137B. Thanks to all of our swap participants!

Your artwork is truly inspiring!!

My Acrylix® Dreams Come True Stamp Set

2011-05-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

Featuring the My Acrylix® Dreams Come True stamp set, this video is packed with inspiring artwork and creative techniques. 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!

$5 Creative Class postponed to Saturday 5/14 - It's a card buffet!!

2011-05-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek at what we're making at my $5 Creative Class that is coming up Saturday evening May 14th
(starting at 6pm and/or 7pm)!

This time I'm offering a "CARD BUFFET"!!
What this means is that you get to pick and choose any 4 items you'd like to make for just $5! You get to choose from any of the cards (and the post-it note holder!) that I've posted above and you can even make multiple items (8 for $10 or 12 for $15) if you want to (while supplies last). You may recognize some of these cards as items we've made before at previous classes (as I'm offering you the chance to help me use up all of the extra materials I have left-over from last autumn and winter). So this is one more opportunity to help yourself stock up on extra cards to use or to make-up any of my past creative classes you might have missed out on! I already have 4 spots taken, so I just have 8 of 12 spots left available for this class and I do expect them to fill quickly now that I have shared what we're creating, so please RSVP ASAP! Please remember that you will need to bring your own adhesive (or IF this is your very first time attending I will provide adhesive for you)! For further details you can click here to visit my myctmh website calendar to read more about what you can expect!

Happy National Scrapbooking Month!!

2011-05-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

Please watch this short informative video that explains this special kit available for National Scrapbooking Month starting May 1st!!

When you place a minimum order of $50 in Close to my Heart products in May, you can get the exclusive You & Me scrapbooking kit for the discount price of just $15—that’s more than half off the retail value! You’ll create two fully embellished two-page layouts using the new cardstock-weight B&T Duos® papers, D-size stamp set, accessories, and instructions. You can also purchase the kit at full retail price for $34.95 with no minimum purchase required...or even better...
Become a Close To My Heart Consultant for half price ($64.50!) during May and we’ll include a "You & Me" kit for FREE as part of your New Consultant Kit! There's never been a better time to try being a CTMH consultant with me! Contact me today for more details (no pressure ever, just helpful information)!

Furthermore, I will be offering a FREE "You and Me" workshop in June to help all of us who get this kit this month use it to complete all of the layouts (plus a few cards I've designed) with me here in my stamp room...it's gonna be so fun and I am really looking forward to it...so be expecting more details about this "don't-wanna-miss" workshop to come!

"Chairs to You" Blog Hop!

2011-04-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

Hello! If you're stopping by for the Scrappy Birthday Blog Hop, please scroll down to the next post (because I'm participating in two different hops today)!
Welcome to our May Stamp of the Month blog hop featuring this month's new SOTM - Chairs to You D1456! If you've just joined me from Haley's blog then you are on the right path!

8 x 3.5 card (above) - a card for Father's Day!

Standard size card (above)

4.5" circle card with stamped cd-sleeve envelope (above)

More details about my projects are coming soon!
Now you can continue on the SOTM blog hop and see more creative ideas for using this stamp set by visiting Pamela's blog next! Enjoy!!

Hoppy Scrappy Birthday Blog Hop!

2011-04-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

I’m so happy (or should I say "hoppy"?!!) that you are joining us for the very first Scrappy Birthday Blog Hop celebrating my friend April’s favorite color - GREEN!

If you are coming from Cherie's blog you’re on the right track. If you just joined us, you can go back to the beginning (April's blog HERE) to enjoy the entire hop along with us. We’ve had so much fun doing this hop, and we have a wonderful line up with some oh-so-talented creators. You will see some lovely projects and have a chance to win some blog candy along the way, including a fun grand prize for this hop from April.

This hop runs all day on April 30th, so you have plenty of time today to check out each project!

1. April Nourse http://curlsngrins.blogspot.com/
2. Mandie Wade http://mandiesscrappin.blogspot.com/
3. Jennifer Blue Hawkins http://scrapaholicjen.blogspot.com/
4. Emily Lahham http://www.createserendipity.net/
5. Deborah Foti http://www.scrappingmamma.net/
6. Corrine Paul http://celebratingordinarymoments.blogspot.com/
7. Lisa Tehonica Pontious http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/
8. Stephanie Jones http://missprissygraceann.blogspot.com/
9. Lucy Kelleher http://love2createitall.blogspot.com/
10. Theresa White http://treasures4lifeby-t.blogspot.com/
11. Martha Galvez http://pattisscrapingtime.blogspot.com/
12. Lisa Norris http://prettypaperprettyribbons.blogspot.com/
13. Cherie Pemberton http://www.gracefulcardmakers.blogspot.com/
14. Jen Rubio http://www.jenrubio.blogspot.com/
15. Lisa Peters http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/

What would a birthday be without gifts? This gift could be yours because there is also an overall grand prize just for hopping with us! The grand prize is sponsored by April from Curls & Grins Creations (the first blog on the hop). In order to be eligible for the grand prize you must leave a comment on every blog in the hop and become a follower of April’s blog.

Your next blog to visit on the hop is Lisa's blog at
http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/.
Happy hopping!

Finally, before you go, here are some details about my hand-stamped card (shown above): It's a 6x6 card that uses b&t paper from both the Sophia X7131 and Bliss X7132B paper packs. The stamp sets I used include A Little Everything D1408, Fun Times B1309, and Soul Mates D1254. As I came up with my design for this card, I was careful to also meet the requirements listed below so that I could also use this same card design for the "Humble Artists Swap" that I am a participant in. So I ended up duplicating this card 4 more times to mail them out to my HAS friends in February as well (I hope you enjoyed them ladies)! The challenge for the HAS this time was to create a card that meets all of these requirements:
Must be square and at least 5x5"
Must depict an animal
Must be LOVE themed
Must use only neutral colors with only one other color
(excluding all shades of red!)
Must have 7 layers of paper, stacked and countable, all in one place
Use at least 3 embellishments
And...just for the fun of it...let's add some liquid glass!

Two more Birthday Cards for 4/30 Spring Stamp Camp!

2011-04-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Standard size card (above) features

Fanfare WOTG stamp set B1377 and Sophia papers X7131B.
Remember, you can click on these photos to see them larger!

Standard size card (above) features
Fanfare WOTG stamp set B1377 and Miracle papers X7133B.
We will make two of each of these cards
(plus more for a total of 16 cards).

For more details about what else we're creating at Spring Stamp
Camp, scroll down to see more (and more posts are to come)!

Please visit my blog this Saturday 4/30!!

2011-04-27T12:05:00.001-07:00

As you may have noticed, I am a bit behind on my blogging this month. I do have tons of artwork and updates to share, however once again that will have to wait until next week. Right now I am still busy preparing for my Spring Stamp Camp coming up this Saturday and have been cutting paper, cleaning house, and getting all of my final food preparations in order for my 12 lovely guests! I just wanted to quickly remind you all to Please come back to visit my blog this Saturday 4/30 for the "Scrappy Birthday Blog Hop" I am participating in with my friend, fellow blogger, and consultant team member, April Nourse! Visit my blog this coming Saturday to see some NEW artwork I've created and join us in the blog hop that includes an opportunity for you to receive a special "blog candy" birthday gift from April, our hop organizer! I'll look forward to having you join us for the blog hop in just 3 more days!!

Spring STAMP CAMP on 4/30 (please reserve your spot by 4/16)!!

2011-04-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

Standard size card (above) featuring the Lucky papers X7137B and Paper Lantern stamps C1458. This is just one of 8 different card designs we'll be making at Stamp Camp
(we'll make 2 of each of the 8 designs for a total of 16 cards)!
I'll be posting more of the cards soon!!

Standard size cards (above) featuring the Lucky papers X7137B and X-treme stamps D1432. This is another one of the 8 different card designs we'll be making at Stamp Camp
(we'll make 2 of each of the 8 designs for a total of 16 cards).
I'll be posting more of the cards soon!!

One of the 12x12 layouts we'll be creating (above).
You can click on the layout to see all of the details up close!!

The cube (above) shown open before it is assembled with liquid glass. You can click on it also to see all the details up close!

The cube (above) shown assembled to be used as a tissue box cover
(so cute! - created by fellow consultant, Bren Yule)

You are invited to attend my first ever,
Spring Stamp Camp on Saturday, April 30th, 2011!

Create any ONE project for $25 each,
CUBE and 16 CARDS only for $50,
CUBE and LAYOUTS only for $43,
LAYOUTS and 16 CARDS only for $38,
OR create ALL THREE projects for $55 (best value!)

Pre-paid reservations are needed by April 16th to reserve your spot!

Please feel free to invite your friends! I will allow you to split/share your kits with a friend/child/teen when you attend together! You can expect to have a small variety of embellishments (lots of irresistible chipboard letters and pieces) left over for you to keep and use on other projects. You will need to bring your own adhesive (or purchase some from me to use when you attend - tape runners with dispenser are $5, refills are $3). I will also be providing a good variety of healthy foods, snacks, as well as desserts and beverages for you to enjoy!

My Creations CUBE (1pm to 2:30pm)
Kit supplies you will receive include:
Z1152 My Creations Cube - 5”x 5” assembled ($4.95)
Z1395 Irresistibles Eclectic Alphabet ($6.95)
Z1390 Irresistibles Villa ($4.95)
Z726 Sponge Daubers – 3 pack ($3.95)
Pre-cut cardstock and “Mayberry” patterned papers ($2.00)
($25 supply fee includes taxes & s/h on all products)
One of the attached photos shows what the cube looks like flat before it is assembled and another photo shows what it can look like assembled (turned into a tissue box cover...so cute!...OR you can use your cube as a "very special" gift box...think Mother's Day gift!...or just as a fun way to display a few treasured photos).

Scrapbook LAYOUTS (3pm to 4:30pm)
Kit supplies you will receive include:
Z1395 Irresistibles Eclectic Alphabet ($6.95)
Z1384 Pink Collection Designer Ribbon ($7.95)
Z1327 Blue & Green Sparkles ($2.95)
Z726 Sponge Dauber - 1 ($1.32)
Pre-cut cardstock and “Wings” and “Bliss” papers ($3.00)
($25 supply fee includes taxes & s/h on all products)
We will create the 12x12 layout shown in the photo,
PLUS an additional layout I am still working on designing (for a total of 4-12x12 pages)!

16 hand-stamped CARDS (5:30pm to 8:30pm)
Kit supplies you will receive include:
Z1384 Pink Collection Designer Ribbon ($7.95)
Z1327 Blue & Green Sparkles ($2.95)
Z726 Sponge Dauber - 1 ($1.32)
Pre-cut cardstock, patterned papers, assortment of brads, and envelopes ($12.00)
($25 supply fee includes taxes & s/h on all products)
The variety of cards we will make will include 2 each of 8 different card designs:
4 cards with “Lucky” papers,
4 with “Mayberry” papers,
4 with “Miracle” papers, and
4 with “Sophia” papers.
Some of the cards will be customizable so that you can choose from a variety of themes and sentiments for each card including: Celebrate, Congratulations (graduation/wedding), Happy Birthday, Happy Mother/Father’s Day, Thank You, Thinking of You, and Welcome Baby.

NEW stamp sets we will be using may include: Baby Love (p. 87), Blessed (April SOTM p. 131), Card Chatter-Birthday (p.100), Delight (p. 17), Fanfare workshop stamp set (p. 42), Paper Lantern (p. 37), Polka Dot Alphabet (p. 9), Salutation Seals (p. 98), Splendid Day (p. 29), X-treme (p. 80), and very possibly a few others!

I don't have photos of the all of the cards to show you yet, as I will be sharing the card designs on my blog as I design them (a few each week leading up to the event), so please come back to visit my blog each week if you want a sneak peek of all of the cards we'll be creating!

I can accept cash, checks, and debit/credit cards (by phone, e-mail, or in person) to reserve your spot now!

I hope you can join us for the fun!

"Blessed" Stamp of the Month blog hop!

2011-03-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our April Stamp of the Month blog hop featuring this month's new SOTM - Blessed D1455! If you've just joined me from Haley's blog then you are on the right path!

One of the most fun things about this stamp set is that you get solid image stamps that you can stamp inside the outline images to add a pop of color inside the outlines (and save some time coloring in with markers). With our clear stamps it's easy to see exactly where to line them up so you can stamp one image perfectly inside another image each and every time (you can't do that so easily with wood stamps)! I used 2nd generation stamp-rolling technique with the solid images to achieve the shaded look I have on my flower, bird, and butterflies below. Then I colored the stems and leaves with a Sweet Leaf marker and even added a little bit of green to the swirl inside the butterfly wings as well.

The 8x3.5 card design (above) is inspired by Wishes - Right Design (p. 42) and features the Miracle papers (X7133B). I absolutely LOVE our new 1" wide Sweet Leaf Stitched Grosgrain ribbon (Z1383), so I just couldn't resist adding that wide bow (wide ribbon is very in-trend right now)! Finally, this 4.5" circle card (above) is inspired by Wishes - Simple Statement (p. 11) and it also features our Miracle papers (X7133B). Peeking out from behind the card is a white cd sleeve envelope that I stamped to match and put the card in when I give it away. When the card is inside the envelope, the center of it will peek through the clear window in front - too fun! I also used our paper edge distresser (Z1297) to scrape and rough up the edges of the colonial white cardstock that is then sponged with bamboo ink and a sponge dauber. For just $2.50, our little edge distresser tool is an easy and affordable way to add even more interesting details to our creations! You can click on my photos for a more close-up view of this distressing if you'd like. Now you can continue on the SOTM blog hop and see many other creative ideas for using this stamp set by visiting Kristie's blog next! Enjoy!!

$5 Creative Class projects for 4/2!

2011-03-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek at what we're making at my $5 Creative Class coming up this Saturday evening April 2nd (starting at 6pm and/or 7pm)! It's only $5 per person to attend and learn how to create one of each of these 3 projects with me (or make two of each item for $10 - still such a deal)! I have 12 spots open for this class but I expect it to fill quickly now that I have shared what we're creating, so please RSVP ASAP! You will need to bring your own adhesive (or IF this is your first time attending I will provide adhesive for you). For further details you can click here to visit my myctmh website calendar for more information!

This nugget box (filled with hershey's chocolate nuggets) features the Mayberry papers (X7136B) and Tag the Occasion stamp set (B1362). This stamp set includes a variety of sentiments to choose from so you can make this box for Mother's Day as shown here or for any other occasion you may wish to use it for! An instructional tutorial including the cutting/scoring measurements to create this nugget box can be found online here at Splitcoast Stampers. This standard size card features the Bliss papers (X7132B) and Miracle papers (X7133B). The stamped sentiment comes from the March Stamp of the Month - Sensational Season (D1454) and the heart stamp comes from the Miracle WOTG stamp set (exclusive b-size set only available with the G1023 Miracle WOTG kit). I will teach you at our 4/2 Creative Class how to make this fun dimensional paper carnation with leaves using our new 2" scallop circle punch and spray pen! This 4.5" circle card with coordinating stamped cd sleeve envelope uses the Miracle papers (X7133B) and features our April Stamp of the Month - Blessed (D1455). As we create this card together you will learn the stamp-rolling technique, coloring with markers, as well as how to use our paper edge distresser tool (Z1297).

Easy online scrapbooking with Studio J!!

2011-03-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

Hello creative Friends! Today I am excited to share this totally AWESOME YouTube video made by one of my fellow CTMH consultant friends - Tresa Black, the fabulously artsy "Stamp Goddess!" Her story just touched my heart so much that I couldn't wait to share it with you all here on my blog (and be sure to have some tissues on hand when you watch this, lol). I feel so inspired by the sweet story Tresa shares in her video and it reminds me once again why I LOVE CTMH so very much!

Studio J really can help you get more of your scrapbooking done faster, simpler, and easier! Studio J is not meant to be a replacement for the classic scrapbooking we so enjoy (you all know I could never give that up!), but rather it is just one more easy and fun way to help us get even more scrapbooking done. By the way, this video came about because Close To My Heart is currently having a video contest for consultants. We have been challenged to create a video sharing the reasons "why" we love Studio J. The YouTube submissions with the most views will receive up to $300 in new product from CTMH. So, not only do you just HAVE to see this wonderful video clip, when you watch this video you are also supporting Tresa in her endeavor to win - go Tresa - yaaaaay! Watching this clip will only take 2.5 minutes of your time, and I know you will enjoy its heartwarming message and want to give Studio J a try. Enjoy the show (and if you're as inspired by it as I am, you may want to watch it more than once)!!

Hope for Japan (available now)!

2011-03-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

The earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused untold devastation and heartache. Like so many of you, we’re eager to help. Help us raise money for the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami fund by purchasing the "Hope for Japan" stamp set. From now until April 30th, you can purchase the exclusive, non-commissionable “Hope for Japan” A-size stamp set for the special price of only $5 (retail value $7.95), and Close To My Heart will donate 100% of the profits to the American Red Cross efforts in Japan. This beautifully designed stamp set reminds us of how our hearts are hopeful for those who are in need. My next order is going in late Saturday night (3/26) so if you'd like me to add on one of these stamp sets for you, just let me know right away OR add it on to your next order (online or in person) anytime before April 30th. Thank you for supporting this important cause with me!

Scrapbooking with Bliss!

2011-03-14T22:20:00.000-07:00

I haven't mentioned my Scrapbooking Challenge for 2011 very much on my blog recently, so I just wanted to remind you all that the challenge is still on and many of us are still reaching for this goal and still going strong! If you haven't been able get "one done every seven in 2011" (one two-page layout done every week), then maybe this post will inspire you to start over again or get going now (it's never too late to join us!!). In case you missed it or need to refresh your memory, here is a link to the first post I shared about this challenge that will serve as a reminder about what exactly it is we're doing. If you are one of the many who tried to take on this challenge in January but your enthusiasm has slowed or you just couldn't find the time, please don't waste any more precious time feeling bad about what you haven't been able to accomplish yet this year, but rather let's put that energy into getting some scrapbooking done now! In January, one of the things I taught and encouraged at our "new year" scrapbooking class, was the importance of learning how to scrapbook simply and quickly! Not every page you make has to be a "masterpiece" work of art that requires hours of your time. A simple yet beautiful page layout can be made in just 15-20 minutes or less! Yes, it is so much fun to take our time and get especially creative with our stamping and embellishing sometimes, but sometimes we also just want to get it done

more quickly and simply and that is okay too!

***

I am so excited to finally show off the progress I've made for our challenge recently by completing 20 pages (10 layouts) - and yes, I think it did take me about 10 weeks to get them all done even though the pages were so fast and simple to make, lol. All of the page layouts I'm sharing with you today were made with just 3 products

from Close to my Heart:

1). Bliss level 1 kit X7132A ($9.95)

2). Bliss level 2 paper packet X7132B ($12.95)

3). Bliss level 2 My Stickease X7132C ($4.95)

As you can see from the pricing above, simple scrapbooking can be very affordable also! For just $27.85 (plus the cost of adhesive) I was able to complete 20 pages and I still have lots of paper and a few stickers left-over to create even more with! As you can see, I did scrapbook a few wedding photos that work well with this particular kit, but I also LOVE the versatility of the Bliss kit!! The Bliss papers and My Stickease work well with a variety of different kinds of photos that were taken over a long span of time. I chose Bliss because I felt that the neutral colors would compliment the older and more special "heirloom" family photos without over-whelming them, as well as co-ordinate with the newer more recent photos. I wanted the album to have an elegant and timeless feel to it and I think that "Bliss" really helped to accomplish that. Because all the supplies I used co-ordinate so well with each other, it helped unify the whole album

while still allowing each page to be different.

***

Finally, if you're wondering about the adorable girl you're seeing in these photos, it is not me or anyone related to me. These layouts are pages that I completed for a new friend! I took on my first ever "scrapbooking for hire" job recently. I normally wouldn't take on such a project due to my limited creative time and the tons and tons of photos I already have of my own to work with, but this project was very special because it is a gift from a God-mother to her God-daughter and because the customer who hired me wanted clean, simple pages, with no lumpy embellishing, I felt like it was do-able for me to take on the job. The God-mother had been saving photos and correspondence she had received from her God-daughter and her family over the past 36 years and wanted to have everything together in one album

to give to her - what a special gift!

***

Pages 2-3 (below)

Pages 4-5 (below) Pages 6-7 (below)
Pages 8-9 (below)
Pages 10-11 (below)
Pages 12-13 (below)

Pages 14-15 (below)

The page on the right includes a paper pocket I added to the page. Three tall Christmas Card photos are slipped behind the pocket (so that's why you only see half of the photos on the top half of the page).

Pages 16-17 (below)

The page on the right is one of our photo storage pages that includes

six horizontal pockets to hold 4x6" photos (item# 4113).

Pages 18-19 (below)

The page on the right is another page with lots of pockets so I could include more Christmas cards and Christmas card photos. Instead of mounting these items directly on a page, pockets provide a great option to allow "easy access" so they can

still be pulled out and opened to be read.

Page 20 (below)

(includes a blank journaling square for the God-mother to use to

write a short but sweet message of love to her God-daugher!)

Finally, I want to wish Margie and Kellie much joy as they and enjoy their album together! Thank you for allowing me to share these pages here and for the opportunity to have a glimpse into your special relationship and many years of happy memories.

I feel so lucky to get to know you in this way!

Ambiance card for H2H "Times 3" scene challenge!

2011-03-08T17:15:00.001-08:00

This standard size card is inspired by Originals - Center Charms (p. 59). I created it using 3 different stamp sets to create a scene for the Heart 2 Heart "Times 3" challenge. Stamp sets used include Ambiance C1349 (Idea Book p. 50), Connections D1330 (Idea Book p. 95), and Intrinsic Backgrounds D1335 (recently retired). Colors used include Bamboo, Chocolate, Colonial White, Desert Sand, Sweet Leaf, and just a touch of Cranberry (including Red sparkles from Z1326).
This scene really puts me in the mood for Spring
(aren't you glad it's coming soon?)!!

$5 Creative Class moved to 3/12 at 1pm or 2pm!

2011-03-03T22:44:00.000-08:00

This month we will be making:
1). A standard size masculine birthday card featuring the Lucky papers and our NEW Kraft Color-ready Borders (Z1377 shown on page 120).
2). An 8x3.5" card for Spring/Easter featuring the March Stamp of the Month - Sensational Season D1454 with the Sophia and Bliss papers. I will teach you some tips and techniques for coloring with markers and how to create a flower with pom-pom ribbon from our Pink Collection Designer Ribbon (Z1384 shown on page 115).

3). A pretty triangle-shaped gift box using the Sophia papers - embellished with a 3-D flower we will make with the Heartfelt Treasures stamp set (C1456 shown on page 9).

My kids and I have been sick this past week (just prior to 3/5), so I'm needing to post-pone this class to a week later than usual (3/12) and start at an earlier time in the day (1pm and/or 2pm). You choose the start time that works best for you and plan to join us then! I will also allow you time in my stamp room to "make-up" this class with me when you attend my SNS (Saturday Night Scrappers) Club Crop later in the day on 3/12 and/or on 3/26 (from 4pm to 10pm)! If 3/12 doesn't work out for you, please know that you don't have to miss out completely! I can still show you how to create these projects with me for just $5 anytime from 4pm to 10pm on 3/26 also! (please RSVP with me ahead of time though so I can have all your supplies ready for you!)

Sensational Season SOTM blog hop!

2011-02-28T18:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our March Stamp of the Month blog hop featuring this month's new SOTM - Sensational Season D1454! If you've just joined me from Dawn's blog then you are on the right path!

To create the 8x3.5" card above, I used Wishes - Top Band (p. 100) as inspiration for my design. I used background and texture papers from two different paper packs - Sophia X7131B and Bliss X7132B. My images are stamped with black ink (using just a little bit of the masking technique to make the bunny look like it is standing behind the lettuce in the garden). The flower is made by adhering cotton candy pom-pom ribbon from our new Pink Collection Designer Ribbon Z1384 into a spiral shape onto a cardstock circle base (punched out of cotton candy cardstock with our 1.25" circle punch). The leaf was made with our new 2" scallop circle punch and pear cardstock. All images (on cards above and below) are colored in with markers in the following colors: Bamboo, Blush, Creme Brulee, Desert Sand, and Pear. I also added a lot of sponge distressing with Desert Sand ink and sponge daubers. Remember, you can click on any of my photos to see the images larger and up close.

My 4.5" circle card design above is inspired by Wishes - Attention Getter (p. 46). I hope these creations have inspired you! Now you can continue on the SOTM blog hop and see many other creative ideas for using this stamp set by visiting Tamytha's blog next! Enjoy!!

Simply Scallops (YouTube video tutorial!)

2011-02-16T07:47:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest YouTube video from Close to my Heart. I sure do LOVE using our new 2" scallop circle punch! (and doesn't this banner look fun and so easy to make?!!) Enjoy!