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

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!

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!

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!!

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)!

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!

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!

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!

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!)