New Workshop Kits!

 The New Idea Book is in my hot little hands and I adore every single one of the workshop kits. There's 8 of them in this book and we've only got 6 months to do them. So, there will be 2 that I won't be doing.

In order of appearance:
Sweetheart: Baby Pink, Black, Cotton Candy, Tulip

Lucky: Desert Sand, Olive, Outdoor Denim, Sunset

Sophia: Blush, Goldrush, Hollyhock, Pear

Miracle: Bamboo, Crystal Blue, Heavenly Blue, Sweet Leaf
Bliss: Bamboo, Chocolate, Grey Flannel, Vanilla Cream

Fanfare: Cranberry, Pacifica, Sky, Sunny Yellow

Mayberry: Cocoa, Honey, Olive, Smoothie

Wings: Black, Juniper, Sweet Leaf, Vineyard Berry

So, post here and name your top 6 favorites and your 2 least favorites. I think you'll be able to click on the photo to see them larger.

Pioneer Woman-Giveaways Galore

 I don't know if you have heard about The Pioneer Woman (aka PW and/or P-Dub) but I visit her website daily. And I own and ADORE her cookbook. Which, by the way, is not for those on a diet....way too much butter.

This week, she has several giveaways going on. All you have to do is leave a comment and she will draw names randomly. Currently, she's giving away a Red Kitchenaid Stand Mixer, a Set of Knives, and an HP printer. Hurry, because the drawings are are ending soon!

This layout was created using the December Stamp of the  Month, Amore.
I used non-traditional Valentine's colors to create it. The pink paper is one of CTMH's newest colors, Cotton Candy. The purple B&T is from the Hooligans paper pack.

I embossed the large, viney heart in White Embossing Powder on black cardstock. I love the way this looks. Now, to find some photos to put on this!

Gingerbread Houses...how much is too much?

On Wednesday, I went to the Kindergarten class to help Silas and his friends create gingerbread houses. When I say "gingerbread," I mean graham crackers glued to a milk carton with frosting. Each child was asked to bring a bag of candy to share with the class. Here's what his plate of decorations looked like before:

Here's what it looked like after:

What he forgot was that whatever was left on his plate was what he could eat.

He did a great job with it and I had fun with him and Zachary. I'm so blessed to be a stay at home mom. I love being available for things like this. I wouldn't miss it for the world!

On another note, remember the Plenty for $20 on my website. Spend $20 on any CTMH product and you'll get a FREE D-sized stamp set ( $22.95 value). There is also a new discounted section on my website and they will occasionally add new items to this list. So treat yourself to a FREE stocking stuffer this year!

Winter Layout

I love, love, love the Dimensional Element Flurries! I used Magnifique for this layout. I also added Shimmer Brads in the center of the snowflakes. This layout is taken from Magic.

For the title I used Friendship Alphabet-- really a very versatile font. I embossed the title in white embossing powder directly on the colonial white cardstock base. Then I sponged Sky ink right over the top of the letters. I love the look of it.

 Here's a close up of the Dimensional Element Flurries. With Sky Ink, I sponged the edges. Then I used my stipple brush from the Texture Tools and stippled Liquid Applique on to the tops of them. After heating it up with my craft heater, the Liquid Applique puffed up a bit.

Okay, so can you tell what I did backwards on this layout? I was so annoyed with myself!

Sneak Peek

With Close To My Heart's new Idea Book format coming soon, they have prepared a small brochure for us to order from until February 1st. The Spring 2011 (can you believe it?) will go live on that date. Until then, here's a sneak peek of what's to come...

A Little Thanks!

Would you like to receive $45.90 FREE with a $100 order? This month, CTMH is celebrating Thanksgiving by saying THANKS—twice!

In November, anyone who orders $100 in any CTMH products will get the Stamp of the Month free  AND their choice of another A-D sized Stamp Set! The November Stamp of the Month is not to be missed. If you make more “Thank You” cards than anything else, this set is a must have. I can’t wait to get creating with this adorable set.

The November Stamp of the Month is only available during the month of November. Here’s how this set can be yours:

 * earn it FREE when you spend $100 or more
* earn it for 75% off ($5.74) when you spend $75 or more

*earn it for 50% off ($11.74) when you spend $50 or more
* earn it for 25% off ($17.21) when you spend $25 or more
* purchase it for full retail price ($22.95)

November Stamp of the Month

Ms. Holiday Cheer

I believe my good friend, Amy M., created this card. I love everything about it. I love the sparkles, the Mistletoe Level 2 Assortment embellishment. It's on a clear card, too! Who wouldn't want to get this card this holiday season?

The stamping is from Ms. Holiday Cheer, which is an adorable "Bella-esque" stamp set.

Clear Card--Scalloped Circle

I love the clear cards, but I was super intimidated by them at first. I didn't know what adhesive to use, how to layer precisely, etc.

Then I started creating with them. It has been so much fun and not as intimidating as I thought. Because CTMH's B&T paper is double-sided, it's not that big of deal to cover the back sides. I use regular bonding memories glue to adhere everything. TIP: remove the clear film from both sides of the card before adhering anything to it.

This card was made by one of the swap members. It's so cute. It used the Mistletoe Level 2 Assortment with the flower and snowflake brad.

Just For The Holidays

This is one of my absolute favorite cards from the swap. Kayla made it. I adore the colors on it-- very non-traditional. Plus, I love the Dimensional Element Flurry.

This card is the perfect example of how you CAN make Christmas cards that don't contain red and green color combinations. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

Products used: Magnifique Paper, Dimensional Element Flurries, Blue Sparkles, Chocolate Ribbon (retired), Just For the Holidays stamp set, Round cards.

Gloria

Donna W. created this card for the swap. The papers used are now retired. The stamp set used is called Gloria. This stamp set has several "stained-glass" images. She used the Blending Pen or the Waterbrush to color in the image.

The neat thing about this card is the pocket on the front. The card could also double as a bookmark.



Here's a photo of the stamp set and a card where the stamp set is used:

Captured Moments

Tina S. made this beautiful card. The stamp set used is called Captured Moments. This stamp set consists of 3 fall and winter scenes and 6 sentiments. I love the simplicity of the sentiments.

What makes this card unique is the use of non-traditional  colors for the card. I love the Magnifique paper. It's gorgeous! The prisma glitter on the card is icing on the cake. It "makes" the card.

Blog Candy Winners!

The winners of the blog candy are.......

Anita H.---Free Ink Pad of Your Choice
Angela H.--Free Mini-Medley's of Your Choice

Thanks so much for posting/following!

Heartfelt Christmas

This card was made by Pam C. The stamp set used is called Heartfelt Christmas. She also used a bit of paper from the Mistletoe Level 2 paper pack. I love the distressing with cocoa along the edges. And she actually stitched on her card! How could you NOT love this?

The cranberry grosgrain featured on this card is on sale right now on my website!

Father Christmas

This card was made by Jackie R. She used the Mistletoe Creative Basics and Father Christmas stamp set. She embossed "Postcard," and added some red Sparkles to it.

I love the simplicity of this card. I think the red sparkles give it that extra pop. I also love the Merry Christmas font.

Thanks, Jackie!

Christmas Cards

They're here! And I love them! My upline, Donna, organized a Christmas Card Swap with our team, the Scrappy Stampers @ Heart. There were 10 of us so we each made 10 identical cards and then swapped them with each other. I'll post details for each card in the next few days. In the meantime, you can click on this photo to see it larger.

I Feel Naughty...

My friends own Paper Dreams, a scrapbooking store in Abilene. This is also where we have our monthly workshops there. Every time I go, I find something I have to buy. I haven't used non-CTMH for several years, so I feel a little naughty doing it! But I fell in love with this line by Crate Paper. I love how they sell all sorts of things in that particular kit: Rub-Ons, Paper, Stickers, Chipboard (LOVE THEM), and brads. Plus, I had CTMH cardstock that matched perfectly-- Lagoon, White Daisy, Sunset, Desert Sand and Sweet Leaf.
So, If you live in the Abilene area, go visit their store. It's so much fine. I think their prices are great, too. Plus, they stay on top of trends are always switching out the old for the new.

Blog Candy

Have you thumbed through your copy of the Newest Close To My Heart Idea Book? Have you fallen in love with the new paper packs and ink colors?

Post a comment here regarding your favorite new product and you'll automatically be entered into a drawing for a FREE Ink pad (your choice)!

To sweeten the deal, become a follower of my blog, and you'll be entered in another drawing for a FREE pack of mini-medley's (your choice)!

The New Autumn/Winter Idea Book Goes Live!

September 1st marks the day the Autumn/Winter Close To My Heart Idea Book goes live! It's full of great embellishments, stamp sets, and 4 new paper packs!

This one is called Hooligans. It's got some of the new ink colors in it: Pear, Sunset, and Gypsy. The little felt monsters are new too. I just love those guys!

Today, at 9am Central Time, you should be able to click on the Idea Book on the left side of my blog to browse it page by page. And if  you want one of your own, contact me and I'll get it mailed to you.

Progression of a Piercing

Yesterday my daughter turned 10. She decided this year to get her ears pierced for her big birthday. It was a whole family event. Grandparents, aunts, cousins come to see the big day. I almost cried along with her! 

My Si-Guy

Cleaning up After He spray-painted the van.

Today my third child turns 6. He woke up and got to open one present-- a zhu-zhu pet. What kids see in these, I have no idea.... Anyway, he was pretty excited (except he wanted the red ninja pet and I couldn't find that particular one, so he got a black & blue one-- non-ninja).

His favorite socks

He at first wanted me to make cinnamon muffins for him to have as birthday treats at school. Then he asked about cherry tarts, which I told him I wouldn't make 20 cherry tarts for his treats. (Am I mean?) Then he chose chocolate cupcakes, white frosting with red, yellow, orange, and blue sprinkles. Not green because we were almost out and definitely NOT purple because only K-State likes purple...

So Lincoln and I will head over to his school this afternoon and take the treats. Can't wait to see how he behaves when he is in this type of social situation. I'm always curious.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY SUGAR!!!!!!!!!

So You May Be Wondering and....Am I Married to a Hillbilly?

I've not posted in a few weeks because we've been on vacation. We spent 1 week in Texas with my step-grandparents. It was great. The kids had a blast. We went to Dallas and took Addie to the American Girl Store. She spent enough to cover a week's worth of groceries for our family! She got some really cute things for her doll though.

Then we took them to the Lego Store in Dallas. It was a little disappointing there. I was under the impression that the kids could just hang out and build stuff there with their legos. The legos that you could build with were in a 18" x18" tub and Silas couldn't even reach it, it was up so high. But, the kids LOVED the store anyway and we spent a lot of time there.

Then we stopped at the highlight of Joel's vacation-- Barnes & Noble. He said he would rather be there than go to our next destination. Really, all of us had fun there. Our vacation could be a lot cheaper if we'd just plan to spend the day at a Barnes & Noble. But really, I'm just glad that my kids are readers.

That night, we went to Medieval Times. Addie and Silas thought it was AWESOME. It was so fun to watch them watch the entertainment. I was surprised how good the food was. I couldn't eat it all and neither could Steven. We got out of there pretty late and I thought they'd fall asleep on the way home, but they didn't.


The other big thing we did was go to Splash Kingdom waterpark in Canton, TX. I'm not much for water parks, but I slathered on the sunscreen and bucked up. Even after applying sunscreen 3 times to the kiddos, they still got a little burned on their cheeks. Joel and Silas were dare-devils and went down all the major slides. Addie didn't go down any of them. Silas and Addie mostly played in the wave pool. When the siren went off, the waves started and they had a ball. Lincoln liked it when the waves crashed up against his chest. He would get a big smile on his face.


Spending time with my Meemaw and Boompa was great. They were awesome hosts.


And on to "Am I  Married to a Hillbilly......"

It appears that I am. The story behind this photo-- Steven and a few friends went on a Hog Hunt in Oklahoma a few days ago. Steven shot 2 hogs. And I'm sure there's more to this story, but I just won't be able to do it justice. To me, it's him shooting a pig and to him, it's so much more.


(And, no, I don't really think I'm married to a hillbilly...though some of you may wonder now...)

Summertime Artwork

This first layout is of Addie and Gracie when they were 4 I think. I just love this photo! It spells out "Summertime" to me. Nothing says summertime to me more than sweaty kids and cool treats! I believe this was Memorial Day at Deron and Sandy's house.

My favorite technique in this layout is covering the title and the vines with liquid glass. If you click on the photo, you may be able to see it better.

CTMH products used: Liquid Glass, Building Block Alphabet, Magic Moments Level 2, Unforgettable Level 2, Fancy Cuts Botanicals.

This Play Day layout was taken when Joel was 4. We had one last play day at the Shawnee North Pool before school started. He looks so young!

This layout design and color scheme was totally scrap-lifted from Jeanette Lynton's blog. Every Monday, she posts "Color Me Monday" color challenges. The colors in this challenge one were Ocean, Crystal Blue, Black, and Heavenly Blue. I am so pleased with how the colors came together for this layout.

CTMH products used: Notebook Level 2, Heavenly Blue Cardstock, Ocean Cardstock, Heavenly Blue Ribbon Rounds (on sale right now!), Misc Craft Buttons, All-Out Adventure Rub Ons, Dimensional Elements Borders.

Fresh Blueberry Muffins

My actual photo!

Hy-vee is having a sale on blueberries-- $0.88/container. I love the rich bluish-purple color of blueberries, but don't really care for the taste. There's just not much there. Unless you bake with them! Mmmmmm! So I searched Allrecipes.com for a highly-rated blueberry muffin recipe. The highest one involved a crumb topping, which I don't care for. The next highest one is Called Blueberry Cream Muffins. I made them almost just the like the recipe called for. First, I cut the recipe in half. Then, instead of sour cream in the recipe, I used 2 oz. softened cream cheese and about 1/2 cup of milk. I just didn't have the sour cream.

Since Steven's on the South Beach Diet, I considered making it with whole wheat flour and Wal-Mart's version of Splenda, but I just didn't have the heart to ruin this recipe!

They turned out AMAZING. I love the tart, yet sweet taste of baked blueberries. Plus, they look absolutely perfect if I do say so myself! This recipe is a keeper!

My Piggy Bank

I made this after deciding that I am going to Convention next year. I figure I'll have to save about $1000 for everything (including the bundles I'm sure I'll want). For a stay-at-home mom who spend all her commission on CTMH stuff, it'll be tough, but I'm going to do it!

I adhered the paper to my box with double-sided tape. I'm sure Bonding Memories Glue could be used but I figured my kids would be messing with it, so I wanted to MAKE sure it stuck.

Supplies used: Zippidee Level 2, Fancy Fuzz, Black Hemp, Dimensional Element Stars, Clear buttons.

Remember that you can click on each image to see it bigger.

Garage Sale Items

Just wanted to post about my garage sale items I've listed. Click on the green tab above that says "Garage Sale" or click here. To order these items, you will need to email me directly.

July 4th

This is pretty much the only good photo I got from our July 4th festivities. It rained all day on the 3rd and the 4th. We barely squeezed in enough time to shoot fireworks. Joel had $30 to spend and Addie and Silas had $10 each. They asked every half hour until Dad finally said yes, we'll shoot. Amazingly, we had a few leftovers to save for next year.

I just don't get in to the whole fireworks thing. I don't really like the typical July 4th heat and  being outside all day, with kids that stress me out... You get the picture. So this year's was a GREAT holiday for me! The kids got to shoot their fireworks and hang out with their cousins, but we didn't get to go to the parade. Still, Wamego, KS has the BEST fireworks display I've ever seen and we did get to enjoy that. 

Hopefully, next year will be better for everyone else (and more than likely, worse for me).

$40 Goodie Box-- a SUPER affordable one!

Today is a Goodie Box day! Get a box filled with popular products at 50% or more off of retail value. Plus you'll get a deal on shipping/handling. Purchase this Goodie Box (retail value $80) for only $40!

Buy now! This offer is while supplies last and will be snatched up quickly!

Today is a Goodie Box day! Get a box filled with popular products at 50% or more off of retail value. Plus you'll get a deal on shipping/handling. Purchase this Goodie Box (retail value $120) for only $60. 

Buy now! This offer is while supplies last and will be snatched up quickly.

3 Packs of Rub-Ons FREE today!

One of the products listed below is the mystery Jackpot item for today. If you order the mystery Jackpot item, we'll send you the Love Letters Rub-Ons (retail value of $6.95), the Nature's Ambiance Rub-Ons (retail value of $6.95), and the Love Story Rub-Ons (retail value of $6.95) all for FREE! Order one of each of the items below to guarantee that you will hit the Jackpot! That’s $20.85 FREE! 

BUY IT NOW!

 

STICKSTOCK LINEN    $7.00     X1401J

BITS & PIECES CARD KIT    $7.00     X8624J

HELLO BIRDIE CARD KIT    $7.00     X8621J 

IT'S YOUR DAY CARD KIT    $7.00     X8622J 

WHITE DAISY TEXTURED CARDSTOCK    $7.00     X5671J

Today's Deal-- Goodie Box!

Today is a Goodie Box day! Get a box filled with popular products at 50% or more off of retail value. Plus you'll get a deal on shipping/handling. Purchase this Goodie Box (retail value $80) for only $40!

Buy now! This offer is while supplies last and will be snatched up quickly!

Thursday, June 17th's Deal

One of the products listed below is the mystery Jackpot item for today. If you order the mystery Jackpot item, we'll send you a My Acrylix® Sensational Seals Stamp Set (retail value of $13.95) for FREE! Order one of each of the items below to guarantee that you will hit the Jackpot!

1. DESIGNER RIBBON SORBET 

2. CLEAR CRAFT BUTTONS

3. HEARTFELT WHIMSY DIE-CUTS

4. MINI MEDLEY WINTER COZY

5. ALL OUT ADVENTURE RUB ONS

See the discounted prices of these 5 items!

Wednesday, June 16th-- GOODIE BOX!

Today is a Goodie Box day! Get a box filled with popular products at 50% or more off of retail value. Plus you'll get a deal on shipping/handling. Purchase this Goodie Box (retail value $250 for only $100. Buy now! This offer is while supplies last and will be snatched up quickly.

Saturday, June 12th--Goodie Box!!!

Today is a Goodie Box day! Get a box filled with popular products at 50% or more off of retail value. Plus you'll get a deal on shipping/handling. Purchase this Goodie Box (retail value $120) for only $60 CAN. Buy now! This offer is while supplies last and will be snatched up quickly.

Check out my Facebook post that shows what all I got in my $40 Goodie Box. It was WELL WORTH IT!

Thursday, June 10th

One of the stamp sets listed below is the mystery Jackpot item for today. If you order the mystery Jackpot item, we'll send you the Ribbon Rounds™ Organizer (retail value of $16.95) for FREE! Order one of each of the items below to guarantee that you will hit the Jackpot!

 

MADE BY ME

BELIEVE CAPS

HE SAID, SHE SAID

FESTIVITIES

LOVELY BUCKLES

Wednesday, June 9th--

One of the products listed below is the mystery Jackpot item for today. If you order the mystery Jackpot item, we'll send you the Flower Metal-Rimmed Tags (retail value of $2.95) for FREE! Order one of each of the items below to guarantee that you will hit the Jackpot!

12" x 12" LAID BACK LEVEL 1 KIT

12" x 12" BEST FRIENDS FOREVER LEVEL 1 KIT

12" x 12" ABUNDANCE LEVEL 1 KIT

12" x 12" SONATA LEVEL 1 KIT

12" x 12" SCHOOL ZONE LEVEL 1 KIT

June 8th-- Another Goodie Box!

Today is a Goodie Box day! Get a box filled with popular products at 50% or more off of retail value.Plus you'll get a deal on shipping/handling. 


Purchase this Goodie Box (retail value $120) for only $60. 


Buy now! This offer is while supplies last and will be snatched up quickly.

Jackpot June Item for Today

Sorry for the delay today posting the special. Blogger was down I guess. As for the weekend posts not being there, I just got lazy.

Anyway, here's today's deal--

One of the products listed below is the mystery jackpot item for today. If you order the mystery jackpot item, we'll send you a My Acrylix® Make a Wish Stamp Set (retail value of $13.95) for FREE! Order one of each of the items below to guarantee that you will hit the jackpot!

1. DIMENSIONAL ELEMENTS SIMPLE NUMBERS

2. DIMENSIONAL ELEMENTS PERENNIALS

3. DIMENSIONAL ELEMENTS FRAMED FUN

4. DIMENSIONAL ELEMENTS BOOKSMART

5. DIMENSIONAL ELEMENTS FRESH SHAPES